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caitlinxgibson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
chaoticbookishmomma's review against another edition
5.0
I may or may not have sent an unsolicited message to the author practically begging for an advanced reader copy of book 2. I think I was pretty adorable about it, letting her know that she used my birthday as her release date therefore I’m owed a copy. Seriously, super cute.
this_ween_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I definitely enjoyed this book. From the story, to the alchemy, to the characters, this was fun to read; although it’s not a light hearted read lol. It is very easy to digest and moves at a decent pace. Things happened that I truly didn’t seem coming which is always entertaining if not jarring lol. But I really liked it all. I felt like the overall world building wasn’t super detailed, but it’s still very interesting! I got this as a NetGalley arc in return for my honest review. This book is out, and has been for a bit since I got to it so late lol, but I’d definitely recommend it!
pocketeditionlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Reread March 2024 for Book Club: Listened to it this time and I enjoyed the audiobooks. Still 5 stars.
I am in love with this book.
I was a fan of the The Keeper of Night Duology - both were excellent in my opinion, but this book is everything. I love the world so much, I love Zilan, I love that I didn't know what was going to happen and I was suprised at multiple points. Kylie also has the ability to jump in just the right way to me so the story moves along, but you don't feel like you are missing important things.
In short, I will recommend this book to everyone.
I am in love with this book.
I was a fan of the The Keeper of Night Duology - both were excellent in my opinion, but this book is everything. I love the world so much, I love Zilan, I love that I didn't know what was going to happen and I was suprised at multiple points. Kylie also has the ability to jump in just the right way to me so the story moves along, but you don't feel like you are missing important things.
In short, I will recommend this book to everyone.
chaimasg93's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This felt like the ya fantasies of the good old days (literally 2018 stfu) and I adored it. The main character's determination to prove herself put me to shame fr </3
jggbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this one. Set in 775 China this is a historical fantasy with a main character who dreams of being a royal alchemist. Magic, monsters, and assassination attempts all set in Imperial China. The only bummer is the second book doesn't come out until the end of the year.
katiemack's review against another edition
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This distinguishes itself remarkably from other YA historical fantasy books. I loved the alternative history nested within the Tang dynasty (coupled with the fact that Zilan is loosely based on a Chinese cultural figure); it gives some context for Kylie Lee Baker's worldbuilding. Zilan is oddly relatable, and I admired her stubbornness and courage in the face of bloody violence and death. (I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is much more visceral and gory than I was expecting.) The alchemical system, though not unfamiliar, is also fascinating and fleshed out well. The romance, on the other hand, is not--it was tough for me to see the trajectory of Zilan's feelings for the prince--but that's understandable given the ending.
While I think this could have ended as a standalone, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
This distinguishes itself remarkably from other YA historical fantasy books. I loved the alternative history nested within the Tang dynasty (coupled with the fact that Zilan is loosely based on a Chinese cultural figure); it gives some context for Kylie Lee Baker's worldbuilding. Zilan is oddly relatable, and I admired her stubbornness and courage in the face of bloody violence and death. (I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is much more visceral and gory than I was expecting.) The alchemical system, though not unfamiliar, is also fascinating and fleshed out well. The romance, on the other hand, is not--it was tough for me to see the trajectory of Zilan's feelings for the prince--but that's understandable given the ending.
While I think this could have ended as a standalone, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
isabeltavares's review against another edition
dark
sad
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? No
4.0
ariver_ofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this YA history fiction/fantasy. I like the elements of alchemy and necromancy-being able to revive fallen family or friends, but with a catch (they suck your life force from you when you’re near).
This sat on my shelf for a while, but I’m glad I finally picked it up. I’d like to see how the next book plays out!
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this YA history fiction/fantasy. I like the elements of alchemy and necromancy-being able to revive fallen family or friends, but with a catch (they suck your life force from you when you’re near).
This sat on my shelf for a while, but I’m glad I finally picked it up. I’d like to see how the next book plays out!
ayalima3's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0