A review by shoni
Sound the Gong by Joan He

challenging dark hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

It's been over an hour since I finished and I'm still sitting here in awe. I loved this book. Joan He truly never disappoints. I seriously could not put it down once I actually managed to start. I wanted to keep reading to find out, to know how Zephyr was going to over come this issue. How she would change what has already been predetermined. 

It was a great way to not only bring people's interest to the original inspiration story but to remind people of fate vs free will. To know that humans are at the end of the day unpredictable. Which I loved.

All the moments we have Zephyr and the others refer to people as chess pieces really does put it into perspective as well. They are nothing more than pawns to them, and it wasn't until the end that Zephyr realized that even if you play a perfect game, something will always surprise you.

 

I also love how we saw more of Zephyr's relationship with everyone, but mostly herself. We saw how much she struggles and how much she kept trying to figure out her place. Trying to know where she belongs versus where the world tells her she belongs. 

I honestly have so many thoughts about this book and honestly, imma need time to just sit with it and have cohesive thoughts again. 

ESPECIALLY WITH THAT EPILOGUE IN CROW'S POV AND HIM SEEING HER AGAIN IN THE TAVERN AFTER NADIR BEGGED FOR ZEPHYR TO BE REINCARNATED