First of all, the fact that itʼs set in Malacca in the 1890s Malaya excites me because I love Malacca and my family visits Malacca once a year because we have families up there so diving into Malacca before independence is something that intrigues me a lot.

I read this book together with my friend, Leesya, in anticipation of the series release on Netflix today (Jan 23). The amazing Malaysian and Taiwanese cast combo looks so good I am excited to watch it once I reviewed this.

I am not a very superstitious person, but living in Malaysia, the diversity of our culture has made me believe in some myths we were told about. Stories of ghosts, mysterious land of bunian, etc.

Speaking of Malaysia and the diversity of our culture, I love how in this book, the author mentions our tradisional cultures. Especially cultures in Malacca. Like the wearing of kebaya. Like baju kurung, kebaya was a formal piece of clothing back then. I love kebaya! (Note: if anyone ever come to Malacca today, thereʼs a really great shop that sells beautiful handmade kebaya for reasonable price near the Stadhuys!)

I love how independent and strong-minded Li Lanʼs character is. Sheʼs not afraid, sheʼs brave, sheʼs kind of rebellious. I honestly picture Li Lan as Mulan of her time. She cares for Amah and her mourning father. And she is the embodiment of a balanced character in my opinion. She is strong-minded but she is also indecisive. She is brave but she is also scared. Itʼs balanced. Yin and Yang.

I would love to know more of Er Lang story. And whatʼs going on with their “relationship” I suppose because I am confused by the ending. But I truly enjoyed their story and how Er Lang helped Li Lan to cross the Plains of the Dead to find Lim Tian Ching.

Speaking of Lim Tian Ching, I wonder what happens to him after Li Lan is back in her body. Is he taken to Court? Did he find out that Yan Hong was the one who killed him? (Which I think is intended instead of accidental)

Anyway, amazing story. Love it. 5-stars definitely!