Scan barcode
daumari's review against another edition
4.0
4.5, but keeping it at 4. A solid start to a trilogy, taking place in what I'm assuming is probably ~1950s given some technology (cassette tapes, phones) and in the aftermath of a world war equivalent alternative southeast Asian island of Kekon (the insular island nature makes me think Taiwan or Singapore), but with jade magic which allows a small country to become a power on the international stage, a lucrative opportunity in the Mountain clan's eyes. Meanwhile, most of our points of view are with No Peak clan characters, young adults trying to live up to the legacy of their patriarch and keep the clan together.
The first part felt slow doing a lot of setup, then about halfway through an event happens that accelerates plot action. There's several pieces that got mention but haven't borne fruit yet- curious to see where they go (Ami's letter, whatever Barrow plans to do, etc.) Listened on audio, so not entirely sure of spellings but I fear googling will lead to spoilers, ha.
With the mafia organization overtones + fight sequences, this could make for a really juicy adaptation!
The first part felt slow doing a lot of setup, then about halfway through an event happens that accelerates plot action. There's several pieces that got mention but haven't borne fruit yet- curious to see where they go (Ami's letter, whatever Barrow plans to do, etc.) Listened on audio, so not entirely sure of spellings but I fear googling will lead to spoilers, ha.
With the mafia organization overtones + fight sequences, this could make for a really juicy adaptation!
shoppykins's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
kistireads's review against another edition
5.0
Well Deserved 5 ⭐️ Highly Recommend
This book has me SO invested! I go through every emotion while reading this, I love the characters, the world, the culture (the food!! sounds amazing). Fonda Lee has an amazing and compelling writing style, it’s accessible and it pulls me right in.
This book has me SO invested! I go through every emotion while reading this, I love the characters, the world, the culture (the food!! sounds amazing). Fonda Lee has an amazing and compelling writing style, it’s accessible and it pulls me right in.
the_lyon_reads_tonight's review against another edition
I’m hoping to come back to this but I just couldn’t get into it when I started it
steffsteff's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-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
christinamcguire's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emmajs15's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jjvaldezbooks's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
vibes weren't for me. objectively good political storytelling I think but it just felt too long. loved Andy though. he's just doin his best
michellewalsh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0