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scrubsandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a reread but was just as impactful the second time around. This was also the first book I had read (when this book first came out) that had a list of triggers at the very beginning of the book and honestly, we stan an author who wants to protect their readers. Please be mindful of those triggers when reading the book.
Considering the story of the FMC being taken away from her family to be one of my concubines to a vicious leader, it was a dark read and often difficult to get through but the love story was searing and gut-wrenching. The world-building was immense and the plot was engaging. I cannot wait to see this story continue and eagerly hoping the patriarchy falls apart.
Considering the story of the FMC being taken away from her family to be one of my concubines to a vicious leader, it was a dark read and often difficult to get through but the love story was searing and gut-wrenching. The world-building was immense and the plot was engaging. I cannot wait to see this story continue and eagerly hoping the patriarchy falls apart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexism, Violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Rape
Moderate: Homophobia, War, and Death of parent
cody8801's review against another edition
4.0
Here’s my review finally (the first part is non spoilers, but I say when I go into spoilers stuff)
This book was amazing, it was probably one of my favourites of the year. It tells the story of Lei who gets taken from her family to become one of the kings concubines. She has to lead this new life at the palace as one of 9 paper girls, named after the caste she is-a Paper Caste. The caste system was really interesting, I loved the portrayal that demons were not inherently evil (at least thats what I thought when I read it). The romance was incredible, I loved it so much -listen to cliffs edge by Hayley Kiyoko when you’re reading this book, you won’t regret it.
There was a lot of sexual assault so tw for that, but what I thought was incredible was the section at the beginning of the book giving out helplines for rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and LGBT+. I’ve never seen a book have that before.
It was slightly reminiscent of Labyrinth lost, particularly the bird people and I really loved that. The world was really interesting and i would have loved a full map of the world instead of just a map of the palace place.
That’s all I’ve got for the non spoilers. read this book it’s amazing, I gave it 4/5 stars.
Let’s start with the court. I loved the layout, it’s different than any court in any book I’ve read. The king is a first class twat, obviously, he doesn’t have a single redeeming quality and I’m glad he didn’t die because he deserves to be skinned alive by every person he’s ever hurt. I hated what he did to Aoki. She’s so sweet and adorable and he just completely uses her in a way she can’t see, I felt so sorry for Lei when she was trying to tell Aoki what the king was really like.
The other paper girls consist of; zhin, zhen, Marioki?, Lei, Blue, That one girl who got kicked out before they even started and Wren. I don’t have much to say about any of them except Blue, Lei and Wren.
Let’s start with Blue, raging bitch but is actually just going through some shit. Honestly the girl deserves a break, she could have been a little nicer but whatever. Also that line where she was like “omg you don’t like girls do you” and being all nasty to Lei, I didn’t like her then. But when a lei found her in the bathing courtyard crying, I felt a little sorry for her then.
Lei is everything I wanted in a protagonist, I never once had to yell “no you idiot don’t do that” which I usually do. The way she constantly defied the king in every way she possibly could was so refreshing. And she managed to get through all this shitty shitty stuff without turning into a heartless bitch. She reminds me a little of Inej from six of crows. Her friendship with Aoki was so heartwarming, I love reading about strong female friendships. And her relationship with wren, well I’ll talk about her later I love them together so much.
Wren. Oh my god, Wren is so amazing. Her secret mission of being a paper girl was so amazing, it was like getting a mix of a spy story and a fantasy story. The way she tried to close herself off from everyone but couldn’t help falling for Lei, so cute. There was one quote I really loved about them two being in love but I can’t remember it, anyway, their relationship was so wholesome and adorable, god I would die for them.
I think that’s all, if I remember anything else I loved I’ll add it.
sarsarsarsarsar's review against another edition
2.0
So much. Nearly no character development. Completely random ending.
Lots of interesting layers - non of them explored properly.
I didn’t hate reading this but it was a bit meh.
Such cool concepts and potential for commentary on classism but failed to hit the mark
Lots of interesting layers - non of them explored properly.
I didn’t hate reading this but it was a bit meh.
Such cool concepts and potential for commentary on classism but failed to hit the mark
cconant265's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully told tale of strength, betrayal, love, and assassination plots. This text should come with a trigger warning for sexual assault. Ngan fully immerses the reader, making us feel the emotions of the characters as we pass plot points.
pumpkinreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rainbow1005's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
steamsuccubus's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
punkystarshine's review against another edition
4.75
This was darker than I was expecting for YA, but once I adjusted to it, I really loved the worldbuilding. By the time I got halfway through the book, I knew I was going to be reading the rest of the series ASAP. I love a fantasy story with queer girls as the heroes! And I love that even though she had never seen or considered that two women could be in a relationship, Lei got over it real quick when she realized she had feelings for another girl. There were plenty of other things to worry about! Love to see it.
Could have used one more pass by an editor, but it was just things like (seemingly unintentionally) repeated phrases or giving information we already knew as if it was the first time, things I probably only noticed because it's my day job. And maybe was purposeful because this is meant for younger audiences. Didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
Could have used one more pass by an editor, but it was just things like (seemingly unintentionally) repeated phrases or giving information we already knew as if it was the first time, things I probably only noticed because it's my day job. And maybe was purposeful because this is meant for younger audiences. Didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
karrama's review against another edition
3.0
From a writing and style standpoint, a good read. However, because of the triggering content, it's hard to say this is a book for everyone. If you've seen Raise the Red Lantern, make it a coming of age story and add genetically hybrid humanoids. The story starts fast, taking us from a remote village to the king's palace, from what starts as a Cinderella story to the edges of courtly intrigue where our ingenue is schooled in many different aspects of life at the king's call, all while falling in love with a warrior housed under the same roof. Not to spoil it: she overcomes the system, but pays a high personal price.