Sooooo I knew this book would wreck me, but the ending still hit me so hard. Let's get into it because I need people to talk to about it (no spoilers).

First of all, Xishi's story was written so perfectly. The character arc? The emotional arc? She has a different strength to the type often seen in popular novels, and this was exactly what I needed. Her strength initially lies in the power she doesn't know how to wield, but as she trains her mind and her body, she as a character grows as well.

One of my favourite parts of this book was the complex nature of Xishi's relationships with others. Liang expertly weaved relationship arcs into the story without resorting to tropes or cliches, then used them to reflect on human nature as a whole.

The romance (s? I don't think I can accurately describe them in a review), were explained so well without info dumping. My heart broke, and by the end, I could barely remember this is supposed to be 'just a book'.

Like I said, the ending (Ann Liang, you know what you did) broke my heart. It was beautifully tragic, just as promised. It read like a c-drama, and I would melt if it were to be adapted into film or TV (Ann Liang already came up with the perfect cast and I'm so on board!)

I really wish everyone would read this book if they're looking for something sad but well-written. It was perfection, and I can't stop thinking about it!!