maralaene's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I’ve held on to a copy of this book for a very long time, and I think that is somewhat reflected in my view of it.
I enjoyed the blend of Chinese/Japanese elements in the story, but the world building and spirit-magic just felt a little off to me. In addition, I’m normally not one to guess the twist or ending of a book, but this was so obvious that even I figured it out. And that just made me so infuriated with our MC because of how long it took her to even consider the possibility. That classic MC brooding alone over her failures and inabilities really just kind of lessened my interest in the story.
I would say I enjoyed the story overall, and I will read the second one. Just maybe not right away!
I enjoyed the blend of Chinese/Japanese elements in the story, but the world building and spirit-magic just felt a little off to me. In addition, I’m normally not one to guess the twist or ending of a book, but this was so obvious that even I figured it out. And that just made me so infuriated with our MC because of how long it took her to even consider the possibility. That classic MC brooding alone over her failures and inabilities really just kind of lessened my interest in the story.
I would say I enjoyed the story overall, and I will read the second one. Just maybe not right away!
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Child death and Rape
nassuada's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Transphobia, Ableism, Domestic abuse, Outing, War, Violence, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Racism
comopanini's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Oof. I have a lot of things I want to talk about. Let me chew it over for a while.
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Misogyny, and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Slavery
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Rape, and War
obviousthings's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have complicated feelings about this book, especially about the trans representation. On the one hand, Lady Dela is an amazing character. On the other hand, the physical descriptions of her compare her to a man far too often. The book meant a lot to me as a young trans teen, though, and I have to commend it for having a relatively well-written trans woman (even as a side character) in a "girl pretends to be a boy for plot reasons" story - especially since it was written back in 2008. Overall, I'm glad I reread it, but I'm not sure if I would recommend it.
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Slavery, Transphobia, Violence, and Vomit
Minor: Fatphobia, Gore, and Self harm
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