Reviewed by Renee on
Rating 2019: 4 stars
I heard a lot of hype around this book, but I had avoided what it was actually about. Starting in this book, I just knew that it has a stunning cover and that I couldn’t wait to read it.
I think it is important for people to realize that this is not a great fantasy novel, the world building is only a small part of this story, the magic exists, but that is all. This book may be set in a fantasy world, but it is about so much more. Surviving sexual assault, friendships, self empowerment, and growing up. That is what the main character is doing. I won’t praise her for standing up for herself, because I that her decisions could have made everything worse for the others. She did want to make a change, and I applaud her for that. Besides that, she was not the greatest example, and she should really think more before she acts. However, she is growing up and this is part of it.
The other characters were better developed than Lei was. I found myself missing Aoki and Wren as soon as they were not present for a couple of pages. Even Blue, the basic evil person with a redeeming backstory, was more interesting than Lei. I’m sorry Lei, maybe it would have been better if you showed your emotions longer about losing your father and Tien.
I do not believe that this novel indeed deserves the hype that surrounds it. I enjoyed it a lot, the writing was nice, the concept and story were good, but it could have been developed a lot better.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 27 March, 2019: Finished reading
- 27 March, 2019: Reviewed
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 27 March, 2019: Reviewed