An enjoyable read on the whole although I don't think it has quite lived up to the hype. It was pleasing to read a fantasy novel that isn't set in a faux medieval European setting. However, I felt the setting was toned down a little too much for Western tastes, especially when compared to the Inspector Chen series by [a:Liz Williams|34828|Liz Williams|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1287950679p2/34828.jpg] or the Chronicles of Master Li by [a:Barry Hughart|9465|Barry Hughart|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-e89fc14c32a41c0eb4298dfafe929b65.png].

The beginning was a little clunky. The main character was meant to be a gently reared young woman who was, in many ways, ignorant even by the standards of her class. However, the story begins with her explaining carefully to the Western reader all the things they would not understand, which was rather jarring. Once she leaves Malacca the story telling improves with more showing and less telling.

One thing I did like right from the start was that Li Lan always did something in response to events. It was not always a sensible, well thought out something but she took action, rather than just weeping and wailing. A likeable heroine.

The ending was in character, if a little bittersweet.