I really enjoyed this one and the commentary on different facets of the book publishing and reviewing industry. 

It does read a little bit more subtle in its criticisms than expected from the advertisment as a "scathing review" of the industry. This is likely due to the choice of narrator, so I think it's important to go into this book knowing it's a satire and that the thoughts portrayed by the narrator aren't reflective of the author. Though most in online book spaces would know this from the large amount of advertisment, it does come through quite subtle until the end so hopefully the message gets across to all readers. The relative subtly of the criticisms, particulalry on the first half of the book, wasn't bad, it just was different to the expectations I had developed based upon how it was pitched.

Aside from this, I think it made some really good points about book spheres on social media, the short-term memory of cancel culture and performative activism and diversity in publishing.

June was absolutely insufferable, as she was supposed to be, and made me cringe many times. The ending was also absolutely wild and gripped me, as well as tying together the whole story and reinforcing those more subtle threads through the rest of the story in a strong way.

Another great book by RF Kuang, in my opinion, but I can definitely see how it has been and will continue to be a divisive book in terms of content and execution. I'd still recommend it, though, particularly for fans of unlikeable narrators and satire.