Just like in the first book, this is so beautifully written. Its so lush and fairytale-like, and the world building is fantastic. Also, just like the first book, this story is BUSY. At no point did it feel rushed, but events were also not overly drawn out, so a lot happens. I was about 80% through and the main conflict hadn't been resolved yet so I was STRESSED.

This one does focus much more on the love triangle and personal relationship conflicts than the first, but you still get quite a lot of action and politics.

I personally took issue with the ending only because in the love triangle

I was on team Liwei the whole time for a lot of reasons, even though I do understand the appeal of Wenzhi.  Xingyin never really fought for any of the men who love her, while the men fought and would sacrifice everything for her. I truly think that if Liwei had been the one who died for her, then she would have chosen him.

Personal vibes aside, the ending is really touching and more true to the character than what I wanted. 

After I was a bit miffed by the end choices, I did read the #2.5 novella, Tales of the Celestial Kingdom, and found that the extra context of Liwei's POV and the epilogue did make my heart WAY more satisfied than just the ending of the duology without the additional context.