I agree completely! The world building felt a bit rushed and confusing at the end, but the righteous rage, character development, and overall themes made it an amazing & refreshing read overall. Apparently the author had to put their foot down to keep the poly relationship in the story. And originally it was going to be Adult sci-fi, but the publishers wanted it marketed as YA. Imagine the possibilities if Xiran was able to do all they wanted unapologetically and without pushback. So much irony given our MC.
And that's perfectly fine! Some people like books that are original and have good writing and worldbuilding. And some like uhhh other things. You do you.
so I feel a little more mixed about it. I loved all the ingredients but for me it all just went by so fast. I wanted to see more of her relationship with her family and especially her sister sincee her death triggered the entire story. I still feel very confused as to how the chrysalises and their levels and powers work, so I felt a little "training montage" would have helped (and given the characters more time to interact). And the same with the romances: Li Shimin changes so much (and we never get an explanation for that crazy/bloodlust thing that appears at plot-convenient moments?) and it's almost too easy how quickly the three fall together. I did love seeing how growing up in such a patriachal and gendered society made soe of Zetian's action just as toxic as of those of the people around her. Her anger and resentment stop her from befriending women and unable to realize that some women react differently to the same trauma. I found her radical nature refreshing and wanted more of that.
I loved this book and I love hearing how much you enjoyed it too. I haven’t heard anyone really talk about this book and it really does deserve more love. I think I’ve only heard one other person talk about this book and they tore it apart and I was so saddened that the only one talking about it hated it. So thank you for talking this book up. 💚💚
I am so glad to see books show us poly love after we have read so many times that you can love multiple people at the same time but are only allowed to date one in the end in all these love triangles. I am very excited for this series.
So many women are saying they liked this book, I’m beginning to feel I need to give it a second chance. On 1st read, I was SO disappointed! Maybe my expectations were too high, idk, I WAS very hyped. I liked the worldbuilding, and I don’t really care about how high or low the SFF system is, what really bothered me were the characterization(s) and some instances of the plot :/ But I really wanted to like it 😭. Idk, maybe I’ll wait a while and read it again.
I read this book last week. I binged it in 2 days and loved it for the female rage and the three main characters. For me, some of the aspects of the world made sense in light of one one of the ending revelations, but I would not mind more world building in the sequel. I gave it 5 stars and can't wait to reread. One thing: I really hope they can do something about Zetian's feet in the 2nd book. 🙏🏾 The foot binding and its consequences broke my heart.
Idk, “disabled character gets heald” is a very harmful trope. In fact (SPOILER/SPECULATION) that scene in the end, with the tank? I think she’s going to subvert that ableist thing George Lucas did with Vader not being as strong in the Force as he used to be because he lost body parts. That would be great!
@@brunaguidinisantos8777 I don't like miraculously disappearing disabilities. However, her disability continues because of cultural practices she has been forced into. Besides the pain and limited mobility Zetian experiences, there is also the infection she is constantly combating and the risk of additional loss of toes and bone infections. So, I just hope that she unbinds her feet and can let them heal as much as they can, rather than perpetuating the violence committed against her in childhood.
I was torn on this one as I really liked the characters but like you said the world building was really vague and normally world building is really important to me. I also found it weird how the setting was almost medieval feeling (aside from the robots) but the way they spoke was really modern. I gave it a low 4*.
I agree completely! The world building felt a bit rushed and confusing at the end, but the righteous rage, character development, and overall themes made it an amazing & refreshing read overall. Apparently the author had to put their foot down to keep the poly relationship in the story. And originally it was going to be Adult sci-fi, but the publishers wanted it marketed as YA. Imagine the possibilities if Xiran was able to do all they wanted unapologetically and without pushback. So much irony given our MC.
I freaking ADORED this book! The RAGE, the passion, the determination….it was everything. I gave it 5 stars because it hit me that hard.
And that's perfectly fine! Some people like books that are original and have good writing and worldbuilding. And some like uhhh other things. You do you.
i adorrrred this book, the ending had me completely shook
so I feel a little more mixed about it. I loved all the ingredients but for me it all just went by so fast. I wanted to see more of her relationship with her family and especially her sister sincee her death triggered the entire story. I still feel very confused as to how the chrysalises and their levels and powers work, so I felt a little "training montage" would have helped (and given the characters more time to interact). And the same with the romances: Li Shimin changes so much (and we never get an explanation for that crazy/bloodlust thing that appears at plot-convenient moments?) and it's almost too easy how quickly the three fall together.
I did love seeing how growing up in such a patriachal and gendered society made soe of Zetian's action just as toxic as of those of the people around her. Her anger and resentment stop her from befriending women and unable to realize that some women react differently to the same trauma. I found her radical nature refreshing and wanted more of that.
Yes to training montage!! You can never go wrong with a good training montage.
Nothing but respect for MY Polyamorous Power Ranger First Female President
I just borrowed this book from library. As a Chinese native speaker, really curious about this story. Thank you for your review..
How did you find it?
Unfortunately I didn't like it...
I love this book! I love the morally grey MC. I love that she’s allowed to go to really dark places.
This book was incredible, and yes, very rushed at the end. I am so excited for the next book!!
I loved this book and I love hearing how much you enjoyed it too. I haven’t heard anyone really talk about this book and it really does deserve more love. I think I’ve only heard one other person talk about this book and they tore it apart and I was so saddened that the only one talking about it hated it. So thank you for talking this book up. 💚💚
I am so glad to see books show us poly love after we have read so many times that you can love multiple people at the same time but are only allowed to date one in the end in all these love triangles. I am very excited for this series.
Bestow The Darkness by Amanda Hocking and The Dark Artifices trilogy by Cassandra Clare both have MMF poly throuples if you're interested in more!
So many women are saying they liked this book, I’m beginning to feel I need to give it a second chance. On 1st read, I was SO disappointed! Maybe my expectations were too high, idk, I WAS very hyped.
I liked the worldbuilding, and I don’t really care about how high or low the SFF system is, what really bothered me were the characterization(s) and some instances of the plot :/
But I really wanted to like it 😭. Idk, maybe I’ll wait a while and read it again.
I read this book last week. I binged it in 2 days and loved it for the female rage and the three main characters. For me, some of the aspects of the world made sense in light of one one of the ending revelations, but I would not mind more world building in the sequel. I gave it 5 stars and can't wait to reread.
One thing: I really hope they can do something about Zetian's feet in the 2nd book. 🙏🏾 The foot binding and its consequences broke my heart.
Idk, “disabled character gets heald” is a very harmful trope. In fact (SPOILER/SPECULATION) that scene in the end, with the tank? I think she’s going to subvert that ableist thing George Lucas did with Vader not being as strong in the Force as he used to be because he lost body parts. That would be great!
@@brunaguidinisantos8777 I don't like miraculously disappearing disabilities. However, her disability continues because of cultural practices she has been forced into. Besides the pain and limited mobility Zetian experiences, there is also the infection she is constantly combating and the risk of additional loss of toes and bone infections. So, I just hope that she unbinds her feet and can let them heal as much as they can, rather than perpetuating the violence committed against her in childhood.
I adored this book for its characters! Cant wait for the sequel because that ending was heart stopping
❤ Female Rage! Sounds like a fun read.
I REALLY want to pick this up because it sounds wonderful
I LOVED so many parts of this book. It was absolutely phenomenal
Love to hear a book i bought solely for the cover (lol) is getting a good review :)
You convinved me to buy this, great review!
I kind of thought all the emotions and feelings went from nothing to hot and heavy from nowhere, it was just ok for me
I'm soo excited to read it!! Can't wait to read about a female protagonist like that🤗
I’m on page 100. 5 ⭐️ so far!!!
Bought this earlier this year, excited to get to it! ❤️
I've been so on the fence about this book, now I'm definitely getting it 😊
I can't wait to read it!
"very hand wavy and just happens" ya that checks out for mythology XD
as interested as i am in it i dont have the time for it now.
Heyyy I just started reading this! I am in this era of reading anti hero’s, especially when they are women
She definitely fits!
Love this book! ❤️
I was torn on this one as I really liked the characters but like you said the world building was really vague and normally world building is really important to me. I also found it weird how the setting was almost medieval feeling (aside from the robots) but the way they spoke was really modern. I gave it a low 4*.
Yeah on enjoyment and characters alone it wouldn’t be 5 for me but the other flaws make it a 4