I have never been more anxious or excited to write a review for a book before... Not until I read one of the oldest books sitting on my physical TBR, Descendant of the Crane. Joan He, you are the QUEEN of unpredictable, earth shattering plot twists. I knew it when I read The Ones We're Meant to Find and I especially know it now that I have read this mind fuck of a book. This is a story I will never forget and can easily see myself revisiting in the future to spot clues I might've missed!

However, I am so freaking pissed off that this will be (as of now and probably remains) a standalone. The story and its several loose ends feels so unfinished, I'm just aching at the things I need to know.

I mean, what was that epilogue?! Caiyan ripped my heart out just to hastily put it back together in the nick of time! What becomes of Rou and Consort Fei? Is she possibly one of the eleven? And what did she mean when she said yes and no to Rou being the King's son?? WHAT on God's green earth happens when Mei and Sanjing reunite to do what for Caiyan? Can the kingdom of Yan be saved from the Tenet's curse so sooth's may know a life of peace, finally?

Ugh, I have so many questions! It's going to bother the fuck out of me to never truly know what happens. 

Despite the fact that the story is (in my opinion, at least) unfinished, I would still recommend this book. It's beautifully written with equally wonderful characters. In fact, the relationships that Hesina and her siblings have is my favorite part. I loved that Joan He took crucial time on exposition and development so that it hurts especially hard when shit hits the roof, LOL!