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marissaneitzel's review against another edition
4.0
Everything I want. Historic Asian fantasy with humor and romance. Heck ya
alessimcbookie's review against another edition
5.0
This is perhaps one of the best books I’ve read in the last two years!
From the first page till the last I was sucked into this story and teleported into an alternate fictional timeline 1000 years ago.
Marvelous, really!
Each character felt so vivid and the twists and turns made me never suspect anything that would happen!
Amazing read! Should be known and read by thousands!!
From the first page till the last I was sucked into this story and teleported into an alternate fictional timeline 1000 years ago.
Marvelous, really!
Each character felt so vivid and the twists and turns made me never suspect anything that would happen!
Amazing read! Should be known and read by thousands!!
kkiacz's review against another edition
5.0
Phenomenal story featuring commentary on poverty, inequality, abuse by aristocracy, social mobility, greed, life and death. Full review later.
sbowlin's review against another edition
dark
medium-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
3.5
I have conflicting emotions about this book. One on hand, I loved the writing style, themes, and exploration of alchemy. The writing was full of vivid imagery and hoghly immersive. On the other hand, the romantic development was lacking and the ending was a let down. The decisions Zilan made leading up to the climax felt very uncharacteristic. I do, however, like that KLB is willing to take her stories down a path that not many YA authors are willing to go. Overall, a decent read that is worth checking out.
literallytabz's review against another edition
4.0
Enticed by its captivating cover, this new historical fantasy series follows the journey of a young woman who rises from humble beginnings to become a prodigious alchemist, catching the royal family's attention. However, it doesn't take long for our main protagonist to discover something even more sinister lurks beyond the palace walls.
Although it took some time for me to become thoroughly engrossed, once Zilan and her cousins embarked on their adventure, I couldn't put the book down. It offers a compelling blend of action, romance, and a profound exploration of family bonds. The author's thorough exposition and the loose connection of Zilan to a historical Chinese cultural figure added an intriguing depth to the narrative.
While I enjoyed the book, an elusive element keeps me from rating it higher, though I can't quite pinpoint it. Nevertheless, I would unquestionably delve into more works by this author.
The initial half of the story may have felt somewhat sluggish due to the extensive world-building, but the latter half was a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns, making it an enthralling read. The conclusion masterfully sets the stage for a sequel I eagerly anticipate. I relished the fusion of adventure and Eastern lore, and the intricate family dynamics added layers of depth to the narrative. With its rich details and well-developed characters, this book possesses great potential for adaptation into an engaging TV series. I wholeheartedly recommend persevering through the initial slower chapters; the payoff is well worth it.
Although it took some time for me to become thoroughly engrossed, once Zilan and her cousins embarked on their adventure, I couldn't put the book down. It offers a compelling blend of action, romance, and a profound exploration of family bonds. The author's thorough exposition and the loose connection of Zilan to a historical Chinese cultural figure added an intriguing depth to the narrative.
While I enjoyed the book, an elusive element keeps me from rating it higher, though I can't quite pinpoint it. Nevertheless, I would unquestionably delve into more works by this author.
The initial half of the story may have felt somewhat sluggish due to the extensive world-building, but the latter half was a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns, making it an enthralling read. The conclusion masterfully sets the stage for a sequel I eagerly anticipate. I relished the fusion of adventure and Eastern lore, and the intricate family dynamics added layers of depth to the narrative. With its rich details and well-developed characters, this book possesses great potential for adaptation into an engaging TV series. I wholeheartedly recommend persevering through the initial slower chapters; the payoff is well worth it.
anyamc7's review against another edition
4.0
World building was effortless and did not drag - thank you - with the light and beautifully woven pieces of history inter-mixed. Each character was rich and nuanced, all voices distinct and whole. Because of all these things and more the story of Zilan had me in its grip from the first page all the way to the end. I’m officially a KLB fan.
avalikebook's review against another edition
5.0
Full metal alchemist meets poppy war.
Small town alchemist in ancient China who has to do forbidden necromancy to pay the bills? She has to face a series of tests to become a royal alchemist? Getting pulled into royal intrigue and plots?
So. God. Damn. Good. I’m obsessed.
I literally blasted through this book disregarding all real life responsibilities. And I want the same for you. Go read it right now. I mean right now.
anniekslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
This book sat on my tbr for a long time as one of those books I wanted to read "at some point". I'm glad I finally gave it a chance, because this surpassed every expectation I had for it!
From the start I was sucked into the story, and it wouldn't lose its grip on me, because it was absolutely brutal and it was one unexpected twist after another, making for a really inventive, interesting story. I could truly never tell where the story was going to go next. I spent half my time going "Zilan NO" at all the wild stuff she got up to without a care for her wellbeing, and the other half going "what the fuck!!" at all the twists and turns.
From the start I was sucked into the story, and it wouldn't lose its grip on me, because it was absolutely brutal and it was one unexpected twist after another, making for a really inventive, interesting story. I could truly never tell where the story was going to go next. I spent half my time going "Zilan NO" at all the wild stuff she got up to without a care for her wellbeing, and the other half going "what the fuck!!" at all the twists and turns.
notyourdaddy's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Fan Zilan is a poor merchant girl with a special gift: she has the power of alchemy. Together with her two cousins, she plans on becoming a royal alchemist for the Empress in order to send money back to her ailing aunt and uncle. Much to her surprise, palace life and the royal family are not what they seem, and soon Zilan will have to choose between saving her family and doing what is right.
Right away the plot of this book sucked me in. Children raising the dead with alchemy, and then competing against other alchemists to become part of the royal alchemists? Heck yeah! And that was just the beginning! There was so much to this book, I could honestly talk about it for hours.
The characters in this book were absolutely fantastic. Fan Zilan is my favorite kind of female main character: isn't afraid of anyone or anything. Li Hong is so sweet, I just wanted to hug him. The villain? Downright terrifying. There were multiple times throughout this book where I had to put it down to just process the evil things that happened.
I adored this book. It was so beautifully written. I devoured it in a day and a half, and I would have finished it sooner if I didn't have to work. This is definitely a series that I will keep my eye out for, and even though this book isn't even technically out yet, I am anxiously awaiting the next one.
Merged review:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Fan Zilan is a poor merchant girl with a special gift: she has the power of alchemy. Together with her two cousins, she plans on becoming a royal alchemist for the Empress in order to send money back to her ailing aunt and uncle. Much to her surprise, palace life and the royal family are not what they seem, and soon Zilan will have to choose between saving her family and doing what is right.
Right away the plot of this book sucked me in. Children raising the dead with alchemy, and then competing against other alchemists to become part of the royal alchemists? Heck yeah! And that was just the beginning! There was so much to this book, I could honestly talk about it for hours.
The characters in this book were absolutely fantastic. Fan Zilan is my favorite kind of female main character: isn't afraid of anyone or anything. Li Hong is so sweet, I just wanted to hug him. The villain? Downright terrifying. There were multiple times throughout this book where I had to put it down to just process the evil things that happened.
I adored this book. It was so beautifully written. I devoured it in a day and a half, and I would have finished it sooner if I didn't have to work. This is definitely a series that I will keep my eye out for, and even though this book isn't even technically out yet, I am anxiously awaiting the next one.
Fan Zilan is a poor merchant girl with a special gift: she has the power of alchemy. Together with her two cousins, she plans on becoming a royal alchemist for the Empress in order to send money back to her ailing aunt and uncle. Much to her surprise, palace life and the royal family are not what they seem, and soon Zilan will have to choose between saving her family and doing what is right.
Right away the plot of this book sucked me in. Children raising the dead with alchemy, and then competing against other alchemists to become part of the royal alchemists? Heck yeah! And that was just the beginning! There was so much to this book, I could honestly talk about it for hours.
The characters in this book were absolutely fantastic. Fan Zilan is my favorite kind of female main character: isn't afraid of anyone or anything. Li Hong is so sweet, I just wanted to hug him. The villain? Downright terrifying. There were multiple times throughout this book where I had to put it down to just process the evil things that happened.
I adored this book. It was so beautifully written. I devoured it in a day and a half, and I would have finished it sooner if I didn't have to work. This is definitely a series that I will keep my eye out for, and even though this book isn't even technically out yet, I am anxiously awaiting the next one.
Merged review:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Fan Zilan is a poor merchant girl with a special gift: she has the power of alchemy. Together with her two cousins, she plans on becoming a royal alchemist for the Empress in order to send money back to her ailing aunt and uncle. Much to her surprise, palace life and the royal family are not what they seem, and soon Zilan will have to choose between saving her family and doing what is right.
Right away the plot of this book sucked me in. Children raising the dead with alchemy, and then competing against other alchemists to become part of the royal alchemists? Heck yeah! And that was just the beginning! There was so much to this book, I could honestly talk about it for hours.
The characters in this book were absolutely fantastic. Fan Zilan is my favorite kind of female main character: isn't afraid of anyone or anything. Li Hong is so sweet, I just wanted to hug him. The villain? Downright terrifying. There were multiple times throughout this book where I had to put it down to just process the evil things that happened.
I adored this book. It was so beautifully written. I devoured it in a day and a half, and I would have finished it sooner if I didn't have to work. This is definitely a series that I will keep my eye out for, and even though this book isn't even technically out yet, I am anxiously awaiting the next one.
taywade23's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this book! I love that alchemy in this world is used in stones that represents the elements. This book is all about how fate, much like metal, is malleable. Plus an almost insurmountable villain. The ending came as surprise to me and left me hungry for the next book