Scan barcode
A review by gwenolabarr
Strike the Zither by Joan He
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Prelim review: struggled with the half point tone shift. Ascension doesn't make this book strong in my opinion, continuing with the struggle to earn power rather than it to just be freely given is better.
The Cicada epilogue did a lot of heavy lifting to pique my interest for the second book in the duology. I will contemplate reading it if it's part of my local library's catalogue.
On page 303 I had the realisation that this is a Three Kingdoms retelling, and that slotted some perceptions into place. I am fascinated by Three Kingdoms retellings (e.g., Durarara), particularly as the source material is a fictional account of an authoritarian dynasty. However, I could have done with a few more curve balls to keep the hype high.
The Cicada epilogue did a lot of heavy lifting to pique my interest for the second book in the duology. I will contemplate reading it if it's part of my local library's catalogue.
On page 303 I had the realisation that this is a Three Kingdoms retelling, and that slotted some perceptions into place. I am fascinated by Three Kingdoms retellings (e.g., Durarara), particularly as the source material is a fictional account of an authoritarian dynasty. However, I could have done with a few more curve balls to keep the hype high.