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wildfaeriecaps's review
4.0
This was really interesting! It reminded me of several different stories but all rolled into one. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and seeing where the story goes!
queenterribletimy's review
4.0
This review was originally posted on RockStarlit BookAsylum!
This is going to be a mini review, as we are talking about a novella, so I don't want to spoil it much. I went into Thorn of the Night Blossoms without any knowledge of the series. Thorn of the Night Blossoms is the prequel story to the Dragon Songs Saga, featuring a readers' favorite, Jie.
Jie and Lilian are both living in the Floating World and belong to the same house. While Lilian is already a Blossom - she is allowed to entertain men and earn money for the House -, Jie is only a Floret, waiting for her deflowering to be a Blossom. But they are much more than feeble courtesans. They are also honed assassins, who serve the Empire by trying to unravel treason and complete other missions the clan gives them.
One day Jie finds herself and the clan threatened by unknown forces and decides to take matters into her hands, trying to figure out who is behind the attacks on her - is it a personal grudge or someone discovered the clan? What she doesn't expects is that the person behind it all plays on her biggest weakness.
With its 93 pages, Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a perfect afternoon read which you can blow through in one sitting. Kang's writing is solid and engaging. He is obviously well versed in Asian culture - which is not much of a surprise taking his background. The Floating World reminded me of the Japanese pleasuring quarters, the Houses and the society inside the quarter of the Geishas. Jie and Lilian are like Ninja Geishas practically, and we witness Jie using her skills quite a few times in this action packed tale about love, revenge and treason.
I found it a bit hard to connect with the characters personally, and that affected my enjoyment of reading Thorn of the Night Blossoms. The focus was more on the action and the plot rather than the characters - which doesn't mean it was bad. Especially if you like fast paced reads with a mystery to solve and a twist you didn't see coming.
I would have liked to learn more about Jie's fae heritage, about why does it make her so different - it keeps being mentioned that she is exotic, but I don't know, there was something missing for me. Maybe because this is the first time I've read about her and I don't know much about her past. What I found interesting however was the relationship between Jie and Lilian. I've been reading some Asian inspired historical fiction in my time and while love between males weren't such unusual occurences, similar relationships between females are hardly discussed. This might be thanks to my limited reading experiences in said culture, though. When it comes to Asian inspired fantasy and/or historical fiction, the focus is most of the time on the samurais and warriors. Maybe the only exception is Mulan's story which got widely known even in the Western world - partly thanks to Disney. But I went off topic here. Anyway, it's refreshing to read Asian inspired fiction with a focus on female characters.
Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a good entry point into JC Kang's world. Whether you only just get to know the Dragon Songs Saga series or you already read one the books and you are interested to learn more about Jie's past, you won't be disappointed.
"The Floating World, named because it was where a man's dreams took flight, provided all kinds of entertainment at any budget."
This is going to be a mini review, as we are talking about a novella, so I don't want to spoil it much. I went into Thorn of the Night Blossoms without any knowledge of the series. Thorn of the Night Blossoms is the prequel story to the Dragon Songs Saga, featuring a readers' favorite, Jie.
Jie and Lilian are both living in the Floating World and belong to the same house. While Lilian is already a Blossom - she is allowed to entertain men and earn money for the House -, Jie is only a Floret, waiting for her deflowering to be a Blossom. But they are much more than feeble courtesans. They are also honed assassins, who serve the Empire by trying to unravel treason and complete other missions the clan gives them.
One day Jie finds herself and the clan threatened by unknown forces and decides to take matters into her hands, trying to figure out who is behind the attacks on her - is it a personal grudge or someone discovered the clan? What she doesn't expects is that the person behind it all plays on her biggest weakness.
With its 93 pages, Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a perfect afternoon read which you can blow through in one sitting. Kang's writing is solid and engaging. He is obviously well versed in Asian culture - which is not much of a surprise taking his background. The Floating World reminded me of the Japanese pleasuring quarters, the Houses and the society inside the quarter of the Geishas. Jie and Lilian are like Ninja Geishas practically, and we witness Jie using her skills quite a few times in this action packed tale about love, revenge and treason.
I found it a bit hard to connect with the characters personally, and that affected my enjoyment of reading Thorn of the Night Blossoms. The focus was more on the action and the plot rather than the characters - which doesn't mean it was bad. Especially if you like fast paced reads with a mystery to solve and a twist you didn't see coming.
I would have liked to learn more about Jie's fae heritage, about why does it make her so different - it keeps being mentioned that she is exotic, but I don't know, there was something missing for me. Maybe because this is the first time I've read about her and I don't know much about her past. What I found interesting however was the relationship between Jie and Lilian. I've been reading some Asian inspired historical fiction in my time and while love between males weren't such unusual occurences, similar relationships between females are hardly discussed. This might be thanks to my limited reading experiences in said culture, though. When it comes to Asian inspired fantasy and/or historical fiction, the focus is most of the time on the samurais and warriors. Maybe the only exception is Mulan's story which got widely known even in the Western world - partly thanks to Disney. But I went off topic here. Anyway, it's refreshing to read Asian inspired fiction with a focus on female characters.
Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a good entry point into JC Kang's world. Whether you only just get to know the Dragon Songs Saga series or you already read one the books and you are interested to learn more about Jie's past, you won't be disappointed.
littletsundoku's review
2.0
I didn't like this book - though I still finished it. It wasn't as epic, badass, or as exciting as I thought it could be.
I was just expecting more. The main character is half-elf and I hoped there would've been some magic but there wasn't except some heightened senses and pointed ears. I was confused if she was into Lilian and I just got bored with the plot.
I was just expecting more. The main character is half-elf and I hoped there would've been some magic but there wasn't except some heightened senses and pointed ears. I was confused if she was into Lilian and I just got bored with the plot.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first of a bunch of novellas all in the same world. I somehow seem to have forgotten to review this when I read it, I've now read all but the last story in this series!
The first 4 books are short and quick bites, full of action and with a fast pace. They feel like they could almost be read as stand alones, with a new mystery in every book. Beware, they all connect and are relevant in books 5 & 6 though, which get way longer and epic!
I really enjoyed the Asian setting. The characters quickly grew on me, and I enjoyed my time exploring their world. There are mysteries, cool fights, banter, friendships, betrayal and plenty of things like potions or hidden signs to make the secrecy of the whole clan feel more real and fascinating.
Despite me usually avoiding sex, and especially romance in my fantasy, this was a good read. There's non of the whining and pining romance usually has, which annoys me. While there's sex, obviously in a series that has its characters working as spies in the pleasure district, it's not gratuitous or overly much, and didn't hinder my enjoyment at all.
A really fun and adventurous series I can highly recommend!
The first 4 books are short and quick bites, full of action and with a fast pace. They feel like they could almost be read as stand alones, with a new mystery in every book. Beware, they all connect and are relevant in books 5 & 6 though, which get way longer and epic!
I really enjoyed the Asian setting. The characters quickly grew on me, and I enjoyed my time exploring their world. There are mysteries, cool fights, banter, friendships, betrayal and plenty of things like potions or hidden signs to make the secrecy of the whole clan feel more real and fascinating.
Despite me usually avoiding sex, and especially romance in my fantasy, this was a good read. There's non of the whining and pining romance usually has, which annoys me. While there's sex, obviously in a series that has its characters working as spies in the pleasure district, it's not gratuitous or overly much, and didn't hinder my enjoyment at all.
A really fun and adventurous series I can highly recommend!
ladystarlight's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
greyforest's review against another edition
4.0
A short easy read, only the size of a novella, this is an action packed Asian fantasy with courtesans and assassins.
The strong point of this story is not the characters, but in the action and description. This world is rich in flavor and detail, and following the main character's movements and fights through various locales is great. If you're a fan of thieves/assassins in media and want to read some very well written sneaky segments with great combat, then pick this up.
This is not to say the story is bad, the characters are a little flat but nothing horrible or cliche, it is a very short read so I cannot expect a lot of character development. The story and mystery are good enough backdrops to the action, and the characters fit it well.
If the setting, story, or assassins interest you, pick this up, it's really cheap and a good quick read.
The strong point of this story is not the characters, but in the action and description. This world is rich in flavor and detail, and following the main character's movements and fights through various locales is great. If you're a fan of thieves/assassins in media and want to read some very well written sneaky segments with great combat, then pick this up.
This is not to say the story is bad, the characters are a little flat but nothing horrible or cliche, it is a very short read so I cannot expect a lot of character development. The story and mystery are good enough backdrops to the action, and the characters fit it well.
If the setting, story, or assassins interest you, pick this up, it's really cheap and a good quick read.
danyalvy's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating 3.5/5
Thank you to @jc.kang and @bookofmatchesmedia for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This novella is action packed from beginning to end and it gave me anxiety
Thank you to @jc.kang and @bookofmatchesmedia for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This novella is action packed from beginning to end and it gave me anxiety
queenterribletimy's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on RockStarlit BookAsylum!
This is going to be a mini review, as we are talking about a novella, so I don't want to spoil it much. I went into Thorn of the Night Blossoms without any knowledge of the series. Thorn of the Night Blossoms is the prequel story to the Dragon Songs Saga, featuring a readers' favorite, Jie.
Jie and Lilian are both living in the Floating World and belong to the same house. While Lilian is already a Blossom - she is allowed to entertain men and earn money for the House -, Jie is only a Floret, waiting for her deflowering to be a Blossom. But they are much more than feeble courtesans. They are also honed assassins, who serve the Empire by trying to unravel treason and complete other missions the clan gives them.
One day Jie finds herself and the clan threatened by unknown forces and decides to take matters into her hands, trying to figure out who is behind the attacks on her - is it a personal grudge or someone discovered the clan? What she doesn't expects is that the person behind it all plays on her biggest weakness.
With its 93 pages, Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a perfect afternoon read which you can blow through in one sitting. Kang's writing is solid and engaging. He is obviously well versed in Asian culture - which is not much of a surprise taking his background. The Floating World reminded me of the Japanese pleasuring quarters, the Houses and the society inside the quarter of the Geishas. Jie and Lilian are like Ninja Geishas practically, and we witness Jie using her skills quite a few times in this action packed tale about love, revenge and treason.
I found it a bit hard to connect with the characters personally, and that affected my enjoyment of reading Thorn of the Night Blossoms. The focus was more on the action and the plot rather than the characters - which doesn't mean it was bad. Especially if you like fast paced reads with a mystery to solve and a twist you didn't see coming.
I would have liked to learn more about Jie's fae heritage, about why does it make her so different - it keeps being mentioned that she is exotic, but I don't know, there was something missing for me. Maybe because this is the first time I've read about her and I don't know much about her past. What I found interesting however was the relationship between Jie and Lilian. I've been reading some Asian inspired historical fiction in my time and while love between males weren't such unusual occurences, similar relationships between females are hardly discussed. This might be thanks to my limited reading experiences in said culture, though. When it comes to Asian inspired fantasy and/or historical fiction, the focus is most of the time on the samurais and warriors. Maybe the only exception is Mulan's story which got widely known even in the Western world - partly thanks to Disney. But I went off topic here. Anyway, it's refreshing to read Asian inspired fiction with a focus on female characters.
Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a good entry point into JC Kang's world. Whether you only just get to know the Dragon Songs Saga series or you already read one the books and you are interested to learn more about Jie's past, you won't be disappointed.
"The Floating World, named because it was where a man's dreams took flight, provided all kinds of entertainment at any budget."
This is going to be a mini review, as we are talking about a novella, so I don't want to spoil it much. I went into Thorn of the Night Blossoms without any knowledge of the series. Thorn of the Night Blossoms is the prequel story to the Dragon Songs Saga, featuring a readers' favorite, Jie.
Jie and Lilian are both living in the Floating World and belong to the same house. While Lilian is already a Blossom - she is allowed to entertain men and earn money for the House -, Jie is only a Floret, waiting for her deflowering to be a Blossom. But they are much more than feeble courtesans. They are also honed assassins, who serve the Empire by trying to unravel treason and complete other missions the clan gives them.
One day Jie finds herself and the clan threatened by unknown forces and decides to take matters into her hands, trying to figure out who is behind the attacks on her - is it a personal grudge or someone discovered the clan? What she doesn't expects is that the person behind it all plays on her biggest weakness.
With its 93 pages, Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a perfect afternoon read which you can blow through in one sitting. Kang's writing is solid and engaging. He is obviously well versed in Asian culture - which is not much of a surprise taking his background. The Floating World reminded me of the Japanese pleasuring quarters, the Houses and the society inside the quarter of the Geishas. Jie and Lilian are like Ninja Geishas practically, and we witness Jie using her skills quite a few times in this action packed tale about love, revenge and treason.
I found it a bit hard to connect with the characters personally, and that affected my enjoyment of reading Thorn of the Night Blossoms. The focus was more on the action and the plot rather than the characters - which doesn't mean it was bad. Especially if you like fast paced reads with a mystery to solve and a twist you didn't see coming.
I would have liked to learn more about Jie's fae heritage, about why does it make her so different - it keeps being mentioned that she is exotic, but I don't know, there was something missing for me. Maybe because this is the first time I've read about her and I don't know much about her past. What I found interesting however was the relationship between Jie and Lilian. I've been reading some Asian inspired historical fiction in my time and while love between males weren't such unusual occurences, similar relationships between females are hardly discussed. This might be thanks to my limited reading experiences in said culture, though. When it comes to Asian inspired fantasy and/or historical fiction, the focus is most of the time on the samurais and warriors. Maybe the only exception is Mulan's story which got widely known even in the Western world - partly thanks to Disney. But I went off topic here. Anyway, it's refreshing to read Asian inspired fiction with a focus on female characters.
Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a good entry point into JC Kang's world. Whether you only just get to know the Dragon Songs Saga series or you already read one the books and you are interested to learn more about Jie's past, you won't be disappointed.
constant2m's review against another edition
5.0
This is not the genre I usually enjoy, however I have read other books by the author and wanted to give it a shot. Girls are trained as courtesans and assassins. The cover of being a courtesan allows the girls to learn deadly secrets. Set in a courtesan house, there are a lot of scenes and settings that should be uncomfortable and yet are written well for the type of story this is.
Jie is different than the rest of the girls in the story. She is half-elf. She is twenty and still a virgin. She is also confident in her own abilities and generally to impatient and mistrusting to ask for help. Her closest confidante is her courtesan sister Lilian who she might also be in love with. When Jie is caught in an ambush, it is Lilian who comes to her aid. Lilian has always been there for her.
Not knowing who the target of the ambush was, Jie begins spying on different factions in the Floating World, trying to determine the culprit and the intended victim. Is she the target? Is it Lilian? Is it the whole house that is at risk?
With lots of action and suspense, betrayals and surprises, this was a great story. I look forward to the rest of the series. Also, the narrator was fantastic. I haven't heard Natalie read before and hope I will again soon.
Content warning: violence, sexual situations, rape. None of these are explicit, but there is some detail and if you're sensitive to them, this isn't the book for you.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
Jie is different than the rest of the girls in the story. She is half-elf. She is twenty and still a virgin. She is also confident in her own abilities and generally to impatient and mistrusting to ask for help. Her closest confidante is her courtesan sister Lilian who she might also be in love with. When Jie is caught in an ambush, it is Lilian who comes to her aid. Lilian has always been there for her.
Not knowing who the target of the ambush was, Jie begins spying on different factions in the Floating World, trying to determine the culprit and the intended victim. Is she the target? Is it Lilian? Is it the whole house that is at risk?
With lots of action and suspense, betrayals and surprises, this was a great story. I look forward to the rest of the series. Also, the narrator was fantastic. I haven't heard Natalie read before and hope I will again soon.
Content warning: violence, sexual situations, rape. None of these are explicit, but there is some detail and if you're sensitive to them, this isn't the book for you.
I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
thehamsterreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great story! It’s a quick read, following Jie, a half-elf in training to be a courtesan at the Chrysanthemum Pavilion. But she’s also a member of the Black Lotus Clan, a group of spies with highly specialized skills. So while her virginity is being auctioned off for a record price due to her exotic looks, she’s also trying to expose a plot to murder a high ranking lord, and trying to find out who is trying to kill her!
I really enjoyed the world-building in this story. You can easily visualize the various locations in the Floating World that Jie visits. I really liked Jie as a character. She’s strong and willing to do anything for her clan members. It was interesting to read about the ways the spies pass messages to each other and communicate by hand gestures and mirror signals. There was never a dull moment, lots of action, and some unexpected twists and turns along the way! I highly recommend this book!
I’ve also listened to the audiobook version and I very much enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed the world-building in this story. You can easily visualize the various locations in the Floating World that Jie visits. I really liked Jie as a character. She’s strong and willing to do anything for her clan members. It was interesting to read about the ways the spies pass messages to each other and communicate by hand gestures and mirror signals. There was never a dull moment, lots of action, and some unexpected twists and turns along the way! I highly recommend this book!
I’ve also listened to the audiobook version and I very much enjoyed it!