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shadesofdivine's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.75
celestialray's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book when I started it, I was so excited to read it. And then it felt like it began to drag in the middle, and then the ending had me groaning in frustration. I mean, it was okay- but it left me disappointed at the end.
Full review on www.chaoticopinionsofacelestialbeing.com
Full review on www.chaoticopinionsofacelestialbeing.com
cait_readsxox's review against another edition
5.0
If I could give this book 6 stars, I would! I absolutely loved this book so much that it only took me 2 days to read! This was such a unique book, the plot, the technology, the society customs, and the characters were all just so interesting to read about. This book doesn't shy away from showing morally grey characters who will do anything to protect themselves and those they love. Absolutely love the way the poly relationship was depicted in this. I love all 3 of the main characters. Zetian is a bad*ss main character who will not take any disrespect from the misogynistic society that she lives in. Shimin seems dark but actually is shy and sweet, he has his monsters but his character is just so compelling you just can't help but root for him. Yihzi is sweet, caring, kind, and definitely the voice of reason in the relationship but he also has a dark side that he is willing to show to protect Zetian and Shimin. This book was such a wild ride! That ending had me shocked and craving more. Can't wait for the sequel to come out!
danibear175's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
smallphoenix13's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-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
5.0
postcards_and_books's review against another edition
fast-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
5.0
Super fast paced. Plot driven. Good for her. Real love triangle.
aliendaydreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
2.5
About as subtle and clunky as a frying pan to the face. While I agree with the themes and love the setting, there are things that needed to be edited down. Also why is everyone a bitch except Zetian?
a_ndr_in_a's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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? No
5.0
densorcell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Memorable premise with some missteps in execution, but most gripes with the books are explainable or excusable. And it successfully sidesteps a lot of common tropes and pitfalls, especially regarding relationships. Plot-wise and thematically, it reminded me a lot of Hunger Games and Ender’s Game.
mweir710's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely stunning - the anger and passion that ripples through this book held me tightly throughout. Relationships were built and empires were toppled. This book has gripped me from page one and was one I couldn’t put down. Kudos to Xiran Jay Zhao in creating this entirely unique world with a powerful empress I will continue to look up to!