The first book in an epic and romantic YA series following the fictionalized descendants of the only officially recognized empress regent of China
Gemma Huang is a recent transplant to Los Angeles from Illinois, having abandoned plans for college to pursue a career in acting, much to the dismay of her parents. Now she’s living with three roommates in a two-bedroom hovel, auditioning for bit roles that hardly cover rent. Gemma’s big break comes when she’s asked to play a lead role in an update of M. Butterfly filming for the summer in Beijing. When she arrives, she’s stopped by paparazzi at the airport. She quickly realizes she may as well be the twin of one of the most notorious young socialites in Beijing. Thus kicks off a summer of revelations, in which Gemma uncovers a legacy her parents have spent their lives protecting her from—one her mother would conceal from her daughter at any cost.
I loved this. The characters were perfection. I also really liked getting to experience the Chinese American perspective from Gemma, and learning about Chinese culture and families. I ended up adding a category to my journal for general ya fic - while there's a little romance here, it's not the focus of the story. I love that it's Gemma's story and her empowerment that's the focus.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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3 March, 2021:
Finished reading
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3 March, 2021:
Reviewed