Reviews

I have to say it’s an interesting listen and this is a major props to the audiobook voice and the writing. The main character was infuriating to listen to and I just couldn’t enjoy the book. I kind of got the point by halfway through and ended up reading what happens to save myself

ladygodivas's review against another edition

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3.0

this book started out really strong. i was so into it and was so looking forward to what will happen. but after the halfway point, the book started to lag and it ran around in circles and was so tiring to read. i didn’t like the main character at all, i was purely reading this just for the plot.
the ending fell flat which is why i rated this 3 stars.
this is my first R. F. Kuang book and i’ll definitely read more of her works. maybe this one just didn’t hit the spot for me.

ktd26's review

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dark emotional informative reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ogma's review against another edition

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dark

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mskidelsky's review against another edition

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4.0

I know that this book is apparently controversial because of how the author interspersed her personal story into the novel, but I’m going to do this crazy thing where I separate the art from the artist and just evaluate this as a book. It was good, the premise was very unique and it was an interesting look into the world of publishing. The audacity of June’s character was really staggering but I was never sure (sorry here I am bringing the author back in) just how satirical this was supposed to be. The ending was obvious to me, it clearly wasn’t Athena and it did feel a little out of character for June to think it was given how calculating she had been throughout the rest of the novel. Maybe it’s like a guilt ate her up kind of thing but the ending fell a little flat. Nonetheless the first two acts were amazing, well written and well paced.

autumnchildv_'s review

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funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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