I pre-ordered the book when I learned it was a retelling of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms last summer and definitely, because of the remarkabNice.
I pre-ordered the book when I learned it was a retelling of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms last summer and definitely, because of the remarkable cover.
I've recently come to realise that I'm very interested in politics and war in a fantasy setting, and this book provided. I also found the main protagonist intriguing and her strategical choices captivating. However, till the half of the book, most of the other characters seem very unsuspecting and gullible of our hero's schemes. The story felt to flow pretty easily without much hindrance.
(view spoiler)[ When Zephyr died and we found out she was a goddess (which was hinted by Ku's reaction "you are not my sister" and by Zephyr's own acting like she was above everyone else and seeing other people as lowly peasants, her love for white ethereal clothes etc.) I didn't like it. I was expected to be astonished by some plot twist that was so profoundly commented by other writers in the back cover of the book. A plot twist that had some strategical meaning. I generally don't like my protagonists op (overpowered), because when we learn that she cannot actually die, then not much is at stake. Besides for the rest of the world of course, but the protagonist has to have something to lose too, apart from her human friends (which she previously pointed out she didn't believe as such). When elevating this story to xianxia (gods, cultivation and stuff), the story changes completely. She might be punished from the Devine Masked goddess, but the threat is not imminent, we don't know when and how, or whether she will actually be punished, so we hardly worry since we learn of her godhood. We have to care for the rest of the characters as much as we cared for the protagonist, and that, is by definition, impossible. That being said, I liked the idea of Zephyr "reincarnated" in the body of someone so opposite to her character, and the consequences of that decision. It somehow feels like she's Xie Lian, being foolishly (from the point of view of the gods) determined to protect the humans, even though the decisions being made might result in the opposite effect. Anyway, to sum up, I believe I would have liked it better if gods weren't part of the story and we focused more on the strategy, war and politics. Maybe if gods existed, I'd like them to at least not be a protagonist, so we could care more about whether they would live or die, but yea. It doesn't stop me from wanting to find out what comes next, so, overall, good job and good story. (hide spoiler)]
I adored the illustrations of the characters in the first pages, they helped me make the image of the three sworn sisters more solid. I also appreciate the end note very much, where the author describes the inspirations for the characters and events from the original story of the Three Kingdoms. The carryover of words from the end of a chapter into the beginning of the next propelled me to read chapter after chapter without pause, and finally reading the whole book relatively quickly. I like that this book does not unpack patriarchy and that societal roles are open to anyone regardless of the gender assigned at birth.
I would also like to comment on the lack of equally interesting strategists from the enemy sides. The strategy games and by extension the story itself would be more engaging if the rivals were indeed equal or better than our hero. (view spoiler)[ Crow wasn't as good of a strategist in the end, since apart from the suspicions he might have had, he never caught or sabotaged his enemy's strategical attacks. Even the ambush that resulted in Zephyr's death was not his doing. In the next book I would like to see a real real strategical fight. I hope I will get to see it at least from Ku who seems to be the best strategist around. We'll see. (hide spoiler)]
I have a nostalgic love for the Three Kingdom's story, having been playing Dynasty Warriors since my childhood. I could see the similarities in character design of the book with the game, and loved it even more for it. If I identified this book with a musical sound, I would suggest literally anything from Dynasty Warriors 5, or maybe the ethereal soundtrack of metin 2 "enter the east"....more
Been wanting to read circus-related books for a while, and I can say I'm satisfied with this one. This was the Atmospheric and aesthetically pleasing.
Been wanting to read circus-related books for a while, and I can say I'm satisfied with this one. This was the most circus book I could have hoped for, I presume.
I miscalculated how long it would take me to finish the story. The way it was written, with short sentences that painted a picture better than they described an event, was at first very fun and easy to follow. The images were easy to come to mind, like I was watching a movie.
However, as the story kept progressing (as the pages kept turning- because I couldn't grasp if the story itself was progressing, or it was a series of eerie short stories glued together in a way that I myself should find out how they worked together as a whole), I found it harder and harder to concentrate on what I was reading. I'm not sure if it's the language barrier (of English not being my mother tongue), if the writing style confused me after such repetitions (at first I had hoped that the style would change in a more active form, so that the way the story was narrated would make me care more, and the atmospheric writing was simply there at the beginning so it would help me immerse easier in the story), or finally if the story itself wasn't fleshed out by the author (if the author doesn't know what story they want to tell, the reader can be easily confused; the known saying "if you can't persuade them, then confuse them").
Till the middle of the book I had wanted to give it 5 stars. It was beautiful, in a way that I didn't believe a book could be. After the half I struggled to finish the book, some days even founding excuses to avoid reading at all. When I say that I don't prefer big books, it is precisely because some stories can be told with fewer words and will have the same, if not more of a positive reaction. Too much of a very good thing, might result in less than favourable results. Especially if there isn't an event to disrupt the currents and make the reader wake up and keep reading with renewed interest.
I ordered the Phantomwise Tarot created by the author (*‿*✿) I'd like to learn a couple of things about what the cards mean now that I have a story as a background for it....more
A Sunday paper gave this book as a special offer. I'm glad to have bought it.
A fight with the devil itself. Or the devil each one has inside us, if yoA Sunday paper gave this book as a special offer. I'm glad to have bought it.
A fight with the devil itself. Or the devil each one has inside us, if you prefer. I enjoy fantasy, and this book had many many stories of paranormal, of fantasy and adventure that I felt like a kid again and, at the same time, didn't. Some of the fairytales we were told when we were younger, but with a darker twist, some other tales that are more haunting than I imagined.
I was happy to accompany our characters in their adventures and enjoyed reading about our protagonist's companions, their lives and stories. I was enthralled by the narration, in a way that I found myself not caring about how the story would end. And when it ended, I cried, because it is one of these stories that tours you around life from its beginnings to its ends. Makes you wonder about your own life and your own aggressive feelings as well.
I came across Jayessart's amazing art in the story Bailin and Li Yun, and then subscribed to all the stories made by them. This one had some dark elemI came across Jayessart's amazing art in the story Bailin and Li Yun, and then subscribed to all the stories made by them. This one had some dark elements, but was wholesome and adorable (◍•ᴗ•◍)
I will read everything this author/artist creates....more
The first 50 pages I was considering dropping it. However when the Darkling appeared, the story suddenly became more interesting. The story was writtenThe first 50 pages I was considering dropping it. However when the Darkling appeared, the story suddenly became more interesting. The story was written in a way that made me always wonder what would happen next. At first I thought that the childhood friends to lovers trope would annoy me, but ended up being one of my favourite executions of the trope.
Spoiler ahead
I knew this is the first book of the trilogy and expected for it to end on a cliffhanger with Mal having died and Alina having become a tool of the Darkling, forever prisoned to his wishes. I was really glad it didn't end so.
Although I didn't expect it, this book made me think that the previous fantasy I read recently was just child's play; some with problems easily resolved, some with lacking character arcs.
My first impression of the first book of this trilogy is a 5 star read. Let's see what the next ones will bring us.
(θ‿θ)
Edit: After a while, I figured this book didn't leave me the lingering feeling of a five star and none of the characters sticked to me. So it's gonna be 4 stars till some future reread or reading of the sequels....more
This is the most wonderful art I've seen on a comic my 23 years of existence. Maybe I'm overhyping over this, but I currently fTill Save file 07, p370
This is the most wonderful art I've seen on a comic my 23 years of existence. Maybe I'm overhyping over this, but I currently feel that way. The story is suspenseful and keeps me thrilled in each page. The characters are all wonderfully written and illustrated and coloured. Can't wait for all this series to be published so that I can collect them all in printed form.
I first came across @velinxi on twitter after witnessing some of her awe inspiring au ctc art on my feed. Later I purchased mxtx's seven seas books without realising that the beautiful cover art and illustrations inside the books were also her creation. I was also watching Xiran Jay Zhao's videos and I was commenting on how wonderful the new book's cover is (Zachary Ying). I hadn't realised all these illustrations were made by Xiao Tong Kong till last week •́ ‿ ,•̀
Concluding, the art is amazing, the story is captivating, the characters likeable (or infuriating when they need to be aka Madam), and I recommend it to anyone who loves themselves a good tale....more
This is the first ya chinese fantasy book I'm reading and I was enchanted by the xianxia elements, the description of the musiWhat a beautiful story!
This is the first ya chinese fantasy book I'm reading and I was enchanted by the xianxia elements, the description of the music sounds and the battle scenes glorified by the combination of physical and magical abilities.
The protagonist is very likeable from the start and one can easily identify themselves with her need to prove herself and to protect her loved ones.
I'm always very selective and very hard to please on the romance side of these stories, so, I wasn't thrilled with any of the love interests (until the big SPOILER
-revelation of the second love interest, which picked my interest. I like morally grey characters and believe that our protagonist overreacted. She had one purpose from the beginning, to free her mother, and she never sided with the celestial kingdom. I understand that she didn't want to betray her friends (two, including her first love interest) but still, her decision appeared to my eyes as full of vanity. Maybe it's because I feel less righteous than her, and would slytherin my way through the story, that I would probably chose to join the demon realm to fight for my purposes. Her mother would however not approve of this, and maybe that was her No1 motive to reject the idea of 'joining the dark side' completely. I would have loved a story about joining the dark side. But maybe that's a story for the sequel.)
Despite all that, I loved the arc of the love-interest characters, bouncing back to realise their mistakes and try to make them right. What I felt was hypothetical of our protagonist, is that she blamed the second love interest of something she had done before to Liwei. Karma's a bit** I say.
I adored the dragons' scenes.
At some parts I felt like the story was progressing too quickly, however it's always better than to drag on without saying anything of great importance. It feels like the journey was shortened to fit the number of the pages, but without skipping any important parts.
I also hoped SPOILER
that the father would still live. Maybe in the sequel we'll have a plot twist? We shall see.
I can't wait to read the continuation of this story. When I finished it I thought that nothing can be added to the story to make it better and feared that a sequel would ruin it. But then I read many positive reviews of how the second one is even better than the first book and it makes me wonder if it's going to get a five star next time (◠‿◕)
I want to see more of the second love interest, I think he deserves good things and I patiently await for a redemption arc. (Although from his pov, he did what was right to secure his place in the kingdom. Even imprisoning his love was a good precaution for him to advance to his plans. He just shouldn't be surprised that the girl would be shocked and reject him after this ...more
During my read of this book, I fluctuated between giving it 3 stars to 5 stars and I wasn't quite surWhat..? WHAT?!!?! Where's the rest of the book???
During my read of this book, I fluctuated between giving it 3 stars to 5 stars and I wasn't quite sure, because it was longer than I was hoping for. But. When the ending arrived, I was stunned it was only that long.
Around Ch.27 I got bored and wasn't sure why the story was dragging at that point. But the author has based the story on its twists and turns, the mystery and revelation mattering more than the adventurous fantasy. I admit, while reading it, I got some Harry Potter and Lotr vibes, due to the chosen-one trope, the dark shadows which I imagined like the Dementors, the magic, the dark power... however things are not how they appear and not how I predicted them to be.
I had formed two ships (as in relationships) that I thought would sail, and was dumbfounded when- certain kissing scene happened. I hadn't read anything else Pacat, however, I knew this book was queer and was utterly disappointed by some of the developments. HOWEVER! It was not as I thought it was. You can see I'm trying not to spoil anything here.
What I'm trying to say, is that I'm excited about how things turned out to be. I love me some good dark plot twist. And James. Every time he appeared in a scene, he immediately caught my interest. Some of the characters were likeable, most of them were interesting, but none of them were put out there in vain; the author had a purpose for all of them and I can see it clearly now.
I'm glad I finished this book and didn't drop it. There were times I was questioning whether it was weirdly written or if I was tired and couldn't read it. But it was simply building up to a point and the structure relied on the idea of revelation.
I liked this book. I thought it was a standalone. I was hoping it was, at first. Now I'm glad it isn't.
I'm afraid that if I talk more about the characters and the story, I'm gonna spoil something. And I don't want to, because the enjoyment of this book is based on you not knowing anything. So let's keep it that way.
Read this book if you like mystery, dark magic, chosen-one tropes and plot twists!...more
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