This was such a good book! I knew from the stunning cover art that I was going to love it, and I wasn't wrong. The writing was gorgeous and painted such lovely pictures, bringing the mythology to life. I'm fairly certain it was Chinese mythology and culture, though I don't have the background to say for sure.
I love how Ning carries this sharpness inside her. She is sometimes overwhelmed with the glitz and plush life in the imperial city and the competition, but she always finds this core of steel and honed edge when she needs it. I also love how everything she does is for her sister.
This quote in particular really spoke to me and summed up Ning:
'I am selfish, and I know now that I will no longer apologize for it. Let the world burn, if Shu can live.'
The political games and scheming were great, as were the details of the competition. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I'm really glad the next book is being released this fall because I don't think I could wait a whole year after that ending.
The characters were all so great. It wasn't clear whose side anyone was on or who Ning could trust. Except Lian. She was Ning's friend and ally from the start and their friendship was really beautiful. I hope we get to see more of it in the next book. Kang is still very mysterious and I'm still not sure whose side he's on, but I definitely look forward to seeing more of him and Ning together because they definitely had some chemistry.
The magic was so cool! It was tea-based which is something I haven't really seen before. I was swept away by the gorgeous rituals and ceremony surrounding it.
Thanks to Bookishfirst and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends for providing an early copy for review.
I love how Ning carries this sharpness inside her. She is sometimes overwhelmed with the glitz and plush life in the imperial city and the competition, but she always finds this core of steel and honed edge when she needs it. I also love how everything she does is for her sister.
This quote in particular really spoke to me and summed up Ning:
'I am selfish, and I know now that I will no longer apologize for it. Let the world burn, if Shu can live.'
The political games and scheming were great, as were the details of the competition. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I'm really glad the next book is being released this fall because I don't think I could wait a whole year after that ending.
The characters were all so great. It wasn't clear whose side anyone was on or who Ning could trust. Except Lian. She was Ning's friend and ally from the start and their friendship was really beautiful. I hope we get to see more of it in the next book. Kang is still very mysterious and I'm still not sure whose side he's on, but I definitely look forward to seeing more of him and Ning together because they definitely had some chemistry.
The magic was so cool! It was tea-based which is something I haven't really seen before. I was swept away by the gorgeous rituals and ceremony surrounding it.
Thanks to Bookishfirst and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends for providing an early copy for review.