This book had a lot of potential but was ultimately hurt by its length. There is a really solid story here as the reader follows Xishi through being dThis book had a lot of potential but was ultimately hurt by its length. There is a really solid story here as the reader follows Xishi through being discovered, trained, and set out on her task, but, in order to fit it into a 330 page book the story was so condensed that I found it quite hard to connect to the characters and really care about what was happening. Additionally, there was sooo much wasted potential (which I am chalking up to the shortness of the story). The story itself was fine, in theory, reminiscent of mythology, comforting in its familiarity, yet unique enough to set itself apart. It is also pretty well written and the audio narration, done by Natalie Naudus is well done. However, I cannot personally look past what was lacking. I really loved following Xishi in the first 60% of the book, and found the training to be my favorite parts (albeit, it was still really short), but at around the 60% mark Xishi starts making some extremely stupid decision and having no situational awareness for no reason other than to further the plot, and, after watching her be a pretty smart main character for the majority of the book, I started hating her really quick. I really do think that this is due to how short the book is though, because the readers just have no time to see her start to fall apart until that falling apart has drastic consequences. A lot of stuff that was supposed to be romantic or sweet made me roll my eyes because of this and I found that Liang was heavily relying on tropes in order to evoke emotions instead of fleshing out her characters and their relationships. I also found there to be a lot of pacing issues and so many things were either mentioned once before they became relevant or were mentioned once and never touched on again even though they would have enhanced the story a lot and fleshed out the characters (who really, really needed to have any type of growth or development). Even the discussions about war fell flat for me because, while these issues should have carried a lot of weight, they felt like they were just thrown in without allowing anything to actually sink in. Overall, this is still an easy, not super fleshed out romantasy (even though the romance is so small and it’s more mythological adjacent instead of fantasy especially because there isn’t any magic, but it fits the vibe) that was “fun” to read and would’ve probably been three stars if Xishi didn’t start being incredibly stupid for the sake of the plot. I'll still continue reading Ann Liang because I have had a lot of fun with her contemporary stuff, I just think there was way too much crammed in here for anything to be properly fleshed out.
“I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more it surprises me, and saddens me, how wise the young must become to live in this world.” I “I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more it surprises me, and saddens me, how wise the young must become to live in this world.” In a theatre between worlds, you are shown the tale of the destruction of the Moon Throne - a powerful family dynasty who caused extreme pain to pretty much everyone. You follow Jun, beloved son of the First Terror, the heir to the Moon Throne, and Keema, a one armed man who has spent many days working at a gate outside of the city as they work to fulfill the Moon Goddesses last request - that they help her destroy her sons (The Three Terrors) and then lay her to rest in the East so that a new Moon may rise. We see this journey unfold in 3 points of view. First person - during the play, actors stop and tell the thoughts of the civilians, many of whom are suffering the most during this brutal rule. Second person - You are the one who has come to the theatre with the family spear, and you are here to watch the performance with the other shades. During this time you also have flashbacks with your family in your present day, allowing readers to gain knowledge on who you are and how this myth has survived for thousands of years. Third person - this is how we see the story of Keema and Jun unfold. I was pleasantly surprised to see sections with second person pov as it is by far my favorite perspective, even though I very rarely come across it. The way this story weaves in the povs is so unique and wonderfully done, the writing is really such a big part of the plot in this way. “This is a love story to its blade-dented bone.” The relationship between Jun and Keema is such a beautiful and human thing to witness. We see as this mistrustful pair eventually ends up having a true love story, even if it is in the background of the myth. “Why is this my story?” This book is an experience more than anything else as we’re dropped into a story stumbled upon in a theatre in a dream of a man who was told stories by his lola years ago. It’s magical in an all consuming way, reminiscent of a story that belongs to a ghibli movie. It feels like you are reading a myth. I won't say more than that because this is a book you truly have to experience (which is why I’m being so vague with everything in general). It is one of the most immersive books I have ever read and was by far the most beautiful fantasy book I have ever read. This book is truly a masterpiece of this generation and I am so glad I took my sweet time reading it. 4.5/5...more
4.5 stars I wish that John Gwynne knew that contrary to popular belief he actually absolutely did NOT have to end the book like that! This story conti4.5 stars I wish that John Gwynne knew that contrary to popular belief he actually absolutely did NOT have to end the book like that! This story continues to be incredible. I love how we got expanded characters and cannot wait for the last book...more
We follow 3 main characters - a warrior mother, an escaped thrall (slave), and a member of a m4.5 stars
This book was such a solid start to a trilogy!
We follow 3 main characters - a warrior mother, an escaped thrall (slave), and a member of a mercenary group on her search for battle glory in this Norse inspired world. The main characters were so enjoyable to read about - I especially loved Varg and Orka. The book had great pacing so there was always some action within at least one of the povs at all times. The way the world was altered because of the battle of the Gods was so well thought out and so cinematic as well. And, while this was a dark book, there was a good level of humor - especially with the Bloodsworn - that made me happy. If you love Vikings, Gods, badass women, magic, cool creatures, mercenaries, morally grey main characters, or found family you’ll enjoy this.
I cannot wait to dive into the second book and continue with these characters as soon as possible. ...more
DNF at 40% - one of my most highly anticipated reads as well as one of my most disappointing reads. Interesting concept but didnt feel cohesive. The gDNF at 40% - one of my most highly anticipated reads as well as one of my most disappointing reads. Interesting concept but didnt feel cohesive. The gods telling the story has added virtually nothing, feels like it tries to hard to be deep, the black storyline felt incredibly out of place and like the author was just going for diversity points without any depth, but the whole book lacked depth...more
This book is GORGEOUS. Madeline Miller genuinely did such a fantastic job, and you can tell how much care she put into these words. I very much enjoyeThis book is GORGEOUS. Madeline Miller genuinely did such a fantastic job, and you can tell how much care she put into these words. I very much enjoyed how she was made out to be - as an exile of the Gods and Titans who grew to be wary of men and have good reason for what she did - even though I do believe these tales contradict the myths (I think Miller's version of Circe was much better though). The pain Circe felt throughout this book was shared with the readers because of how vivid and detailed the writing was, and she was truly a relatable narrator - even though she was a God and a Witch. ...more
2023 review: I’m going to be honest, the style of humor in this book is just a little too immature for my current day tastes. This is a middle grade b2023 review: I’m going to be honest, the style of humor in this book is just a little too immature for my current day tastes. This is a middle grade book and I’m not the target audience, so that is to be expected to some extent. Otherwise, I really did love the story, I felt as though things picked up at the halfway mark, and I cannot see what the future holds for Meg & Apollo. I will be reading all of these so I can read the Will & Nico book. Original review is below.
2016 review: HOLY CRAP THIS BOOK BROKE MY HEART. Meg and Apollo are the cutest friends ever and I am currently dying because of them, I loved seeing what half of the 7 were up to and I cannot wait to see the Roman side later in the series. I'm glad (most) of them aren't going to be main characters in these books though. THE ENDING!!!! Wow. I love who is going on this little adventure and I love the oracle...more
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