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gauntlet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
I love this book— one of my favorite examples of dynasty court politics. The characters are very realistic, despite the fantasy aspects of this novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
weiiiiwl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved loved loved nearly everything about this story. I loved the political scheming; the plot was fantastic. I loved Jing Beiyuan and his ragtag team of young nobles fighting for the throne. I loved his complicated relationship with Helian Yi and friendship with Zhou Zishu. I wasn't the biggest fan of Wu Xi for most of the novel, but it wasn't a turn off. I just think his romance with Jing Beiyuan wasn't super my vibe (he felt a bit too... boyish? idk). The plot going on with Zhou Zishu devastates me every single time. Loved the question being asked: What would you sacrifice for your beliefs? How many immoral acts would you commit for what you think is the greater good? A constant reread for me. I wish I had a physical copy to hold and put on my shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and War
phoenixghost13077's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child death, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide
The rape, sexual abuse, and adult/minor relationships stem primarily from one side character and does not directly impact the main characters. We don’t see the rape as it happens but do see the aftermath. Though the main characters aren’t therefreyacat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Murder, and War
Minor: Sexual violence
j_isconfused's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Child death, Death, Rape, Sexual content, Xenophobia, and Sexual harassment