Scan barcode
pudor's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
ramen_4477's review
2.0
There's a good chance Xiran reads their Goodreads reviews so I'm gonna actually write something serious for this one. I am the exact target demographic for this book and set expectations that were perhaps a bit too high. The main issue I had with it was that the way it discussed its big issues - particularly systemic violence/discrimination against women - was not nuanced.
What exactly makes Zetian more liberated than other women? Women (like those in Zetian's family) don't just accept sexism and gender-based violence because they are "weak" - they endure it because it may be the only way for them to survive (and perhaps protect other women and/or their children) in an unfair system.
Problems aside, I thought the last tenth or so was really good. I think Xiran has excellent ideas and great potential as a writer, so I will definitely be reading their future books.
Footnote: Judging other women for having kids because you think they've been brainwashed by the patriarchy is cringe and 100% a You Problem.
What exactly makes Zetian more liberated than other women? Women (like those in Zetian's family) don't just accept sexism and gender-based violence because they are "weak" - they endure it because it may be the only way for them to survive (and perhaps protect other women and/or their children) in an unfair system.
Problems aside, I thought the last tenth or so was really good. I think Xiran has excellent ideas and great potential as a writer, so I will definitely be reading their future books.
Footnote: Judging other women for having kids because you think they've been brainwashed by the patriarchy is cringe and 100% a You Problem.
l_opal_h96's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
mthomsen14's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
breatulu's review
Man I just got bored like I simply dgaf. Also the chapters were so short?
myatcha18's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
potatochips_'s review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
cement99's review
5.0
Let's get the common stuff out of the way first. Yes, this is your classical Fantasy / YA. It is, however, one of the better ones I've read, so I'd encourage prospective readers to give it a shot even if they aren't a fan of the genre. The writing is fast-paced and immersive, never overly descriptive. It makes for a lightweight, immersive novel. Loved the plot, good characters and character development, very appreciated parallels to ancient Chinese tradition - I consider the basics done right. Overall, this book is going down as one of my all-time personal favourites.
The only hint of criticism I would give: without going much into detail in order to avoid spoilers, I don't know how I feel about the ending. A lot of major plot points were resolved pretty abruptly in the very last section of the book and other important themes were merely touched on so quickly it really left me wishing these events were decompressed a little better.
Now, on to the things that I think stand out about this book.
I loved the social commentary. It's pervasive, unapologetic and integral to the plot. It's unapologetically feminist all the way through and it also touches on a variety of social issues related to the theme of breaking social norms - the deconstruction of gender roles, a stark and very good criticism of the gender binary, some good bisexual representation, a working love triangle with a very good explanation of polyamory, as well as anti-capitalist undertones. The message never felt forced and it always felt integral to the story in a way that makes sense and just clicks.
I also liked that the main character is also not idealized. Wu Zetian does several morally questionable things. She's not a pure hero without sin.
If I could give this novel an adjective, it would be daring. It does not feel like reading a template YA novel. It does not adhere to a "pure good vs. evil" rhetoric. It does not try to sugar coat the message, it takes risks. This is a book you will either love or hate, it's very subjective. Personally, I loved it and I wish I could wipe my brain of this story clean and read it again.
The only hint of criticism I would give: without going much into detail in order to avoid spoilers, I don't know how I feel about the ending. A lot of major plot points were resolved pretty abruptly in the very last section of the book and other important themes were merely touched on so quickly it really left me wishing these events were decompressed a little better.
Now, on to the things that I think stand out about this book.
I loved the social commentary. It's pervasive, unapologetic and integral to the plot. It's unapologetically feminist all the way through and it also touches on a variety of social issues related to the theme of breaking social norms - the deconstruction of gender roles, a stark and very good criticism of the gender binary, some good bisexual representation, a working love triangle with a very good explanation of polyamory, as well as anti-capitalist undertones. The message never felt forced and it always felt integral to the story in a way that makes sense and just clicks.
I also liked that the main character is also not idealized. Wu Zetian does several morally questionable things. She's not a pure hero without sin.
If I could give this novel an adjective, it would be daring. It does not feel like reading a template YA novel. It does not adhere to a "pure good vs. evil" rhetoric. It does not try to sugar coat the message, it takes risks. This is a book you will either love or hate, it's very subjective. Personally, I loved it and I wish I could wipe my brain of this story clean and read it again.
datarez's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0