Reviewed by pamela on
Graudin's plot is fast paced and involving. The characters are well thought out and believable, but clearly targeted to a Western audience. I could have been reading a dystopian western future rather than an Asian past. It didn't make the book bad, because it was full of twists and I was carried along with the story, but it certainly didn't feel very true to the culture or time from which it came. I got the impression that the setting was more an inspiration to the story rather than being a work of historical fiction. And that is ok. It never claimed to be more than that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It has a complex plot, is fast paced, well written and just a really great read. It has equal elements of dark and light, it's more grim and visceral moments were described in sensations rather than gore, which was masterful in getting the reader to identify with the characters. If you're after an enjoyable and tense read you can't do better than this book no matter what your age.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 29 September, 2014: Finished reading
- 29 September, 2014: Reviewed