4.5/5 Stars
Author: Julie C. Dao
Publisher/Imprint: Philomel
Edition: Paperback ARC, 273 Pages
Hardcover Publication Date: November 05, 2019
A Spine that Shines? Definitely!
*This review is based on a paperback ARC edition received from the publisher. All quotes used in this review come from the uncorrected proof. These are my honest opinions. Thank you.*
‘Love is a magic all its own.’
-Huong, Song of the Crimson Flower
Initial Thoughts:
Wow. I finished reading Song of the Crimson Flower yesterday, and I really enjoyed the story! This was my first experience reading a Julie C. Dao book, but I am now eager to read her previous books, which are set in the same world as that of Crimson Flower. This is such a beautiful, tender story, elegantly told.
Here are some other things to love about it:
It reads like an Asian fairy tale. Bao, a young man, is rejected by Lan, the woman he loves. Then he is cursed by a witch and transformed into a bamboo flute!
The spell evolves in interesting ways!
I appreciated that the river witch is more than she seems. She is not your typical wicked old hag.
The author does a wonderful job of infusing Asian culture into the novel. The settings, descriptions, food, and clothing all drew me into the story.
If you’ve read the author’s previous novels, you’ll recognize some of the characters.
A mysterious disease called “bloodpox” is terrorizing the people of Feng Lu.
There is a group of female mountain warriors called the Crimson Army! They paint their lips crimson when they go into battle.
The women in this novel are not afraid to go against traditional customs.
There are secret tunnels!
The novel is not particularly fast-paced, but I think that the romance and lovely writing make up for the pace.
‘Do not be so quick to assume that you’re unworthy of love.’
-Chu Minh, Song of the Crimson Flower
Characters & Romance:
Here is a brief overview of the characters and the romance.
Bao is a sweet, awkward boy who pines for a beautiful young woman. He is an orphan, and he is often treated as if he matters less than the rich people of society. He longs for a family and a place he can truly call home. However, I was not shocked by Bao’s true heritage when it was revealed. The clues are there early on. Nevertheless, his character’s journey is still an enjoyable one to read. He is a physician’s apprentice and truly cares about helping people. And, hey, he’s great with kids!
Lan is the daughter of a former royal official. She has been raised in luxury and bliss. Lan tries to treat people kindly no matter their social status. At first, she thinks Bao is quiet and boring. I felt so bad for Bao when his affections initially go unnoticed. But things change when Lan is finally offered the opportunity to find adventure, for which she desperately longs.
The unlikely romance that develops is so sweet and tender! It takes a while for both Lan and Bao to understand the meaning of true love, but in the end, it seems they are able to overcome the obstacles created by their different backgrounds.
There is another romance between two side characters that is adorable!
‘Hearts get broken, but somehow we forget the pain. Or choose the chance of happiness in spite of the pain.’
-Bao, Song of the Crimson Flower
World-Building & Final Thoughts:
While Crimson Flower can be read on its own as a standalone, I think I probably would have benefited from reading the original duology first, as the world-building in Crimson Flower feels as if it is building upon something established in previous books. However, the author does provide enough information for the reader to understand the story. Just something to consider before you read Crimson Flower.
Why didn’t I rate Crimson Flower a full 5 stars? I found the villain’s goal to be a bit far-fetched. She is attempting to create the ultimate cure for bloodpox AND every other disease in existence. If it had been limited to a cure for bloodpox alone, I think that might have worked better. A cure for everything doesn’t seem completely realistic – even for a world that has magic.
Furthermore, there is a big battle at the end of the novel, and I think it would have been exciting to actually witness the villain go down. There is not much of a struggle; that is, the reader is not really shown the physical battle itself, but rather the aftermath. The two main characters are engaged in an emotional battle during the off-page events of the physical one. I understand that the author certainly has the power to choose which type of battle she wants to portray. I suppose I was just seeking a bit more action.
Song of the Crimson Flower is a fairly short novel, and perhaps some events progress rather quickly because of its length. I suppose it could have been longer, but I truly enjoyed reading Ms. Dao’s novel, and I look forward to reading more of her works. I loved the fairy tale aspect of this one, and the ending is satisfying and heartwarming. I’d highly recommend if you’re in the mood for an Asian-inspired fairy tale! Happy reading :)
*Content Warnings: Some kissing, battle wounds, bloody sickness resulting from a disease.*
Author: Julie C. Dao
Publisher/Imprint: Philomel
Edition: Paperback ARC, 273 Pages
Hardcover Publication Date: November 05, 2019
A Spine that Shines? Definitely!
*This review is based on a paperback ARC edition received from the publisher. All quotes used in this review come from the uncorrected proof. These are my honest opinions. Thank you.*
‘Love is a magic all its own.’
-Huong, Song of the Crimson Flower
Initial Thoughts:
Wow. I finished reading Song of the Crimson Flower yesterday, and I really enjoyed the story! This was my first experience reading a Julie C. Dao book, but I am now eager to read her previous books, which are set in the same world as that of Crimson Flower. This is such a beautiful, tender story, elegantly told.
Here are some other things to love about it:
It reads like an Asian fairy tale. Bao, a young man, is rejected by Lan, the woman he loves. Then he is cursed by a witch and transformed into a bamboo flute!
The spell evolves in interesting ways!
I appreciated that the river witch is more than she seems. She is not your typical wicked old hag.
The author does a wonderful job of infusing Asian culture into the novel. The settings, descriptions, food, and clothing all drew me into the story.
If you’ve read the author’s previous novels, you’ll recognize some of the characters.
A mysterious disease called “bloodpox” is terrorizing the people of Feng Lu.
There is a group of female mountain warriors called the Crimson Army! They paint their lips crimson when they go into battle.
The women in this novel are not afraid to go against traditional customs.
There are secret tunnels!
The novel is not particularly fast-paced, but I think that the romance and lovely writing make up for the pace.
‘Do not be so quick to assume that you’re unworthy of love.’
-Chu Minh, Song of the Crimson Flower
Characters & Romance:
Here is a brief overview of the characters and the romance.
Bao is a sweet, awkward boy who pines for a beautiful young woman. He is an orphan, and he is often treated as if he matters less than the rich people of society. He longs for a family and a place he can truly call home. However, I was not shocked by Bao’s true heritage when it was revealed. The clues are there early on. Nevertheless, his character’s journey is still an enjoyable one to read. He is a physician’s apprentice and truly cares about helping people. And, hey, he’s great with kids!
Lan is the daughter of a former royal official. She has been raised in luxury and bliss. Lan tries to treat people kindly no matter their social status. At first, she thinks Bao is quiet and boring. I felt so bad for Bao when his affections initially go unnoticed. But things change when Lan is finally offered the opportunity to find adventure, for which she desperately longs.
The unlikely romance that develops is so sweet and tender! It takes a while for both Lan and Bao to understand the meaning of true love, but in the end, it seems they are able to overcome the obstacles created by their different backgrounds.
There is another romance between two side characters that is adorable!
‘Hearts get broken, but somehow we forget the pain. Or choose the chance of happiness in spite of the pain.’
-Bao, Song of the Crimson Flower
World-Building & Final Thoughts:
While Crimson Flower can be read on its own as a standalone, I think I probably would have benefited from reading the original duology first, as the world-building in Crimson Flower feels as if it is building upon something established in previous books. However, the author does provide enough information for the reader to understand the story. Just something to consider before you read Crimson Flower.
Why didn’t I rate Crimson Flower a full 5 stars? I found the villain’s goal to be a bit far-fetched. She is attempting to create the ultimate cure for bloodpox AND every other disease in existence. If it had been limited to a cure for bloodpox alone, I think that might have worked better. A cure for everything doesn’t seem completely realistic – even for a world that has magic.
Furthermore, there is a big battle at the end of the novel, and I think it would have been exciting to actually witness the villain go down. There is not much of a struggle; that is, the reader is not really shown the physical battle itself, but rather the aftermath. The two main characters are engaged in an emotional battle during the off-page events of the physical one. I understand that the author certainly has the power to choose which type of battle she wants to portray. I suppose I was just seeking a bit more action.
Song of the Crimson Flower is a fairly short novel, and perhaps some events progress rather quickly because of its length. I suppose it could have been longer, but I truly enjoyed reading Ms. Dao’s novel, and I look forward to reading more of her works. I loved the fairy tale aspect of this one, and the ending is satisfying and heartwarming. I’d highly recommend if you’re in the mood for an Asian-inspired fairy tale! Happy reading :)
*Content Warnings: Some kissing, battle wounds, bloody sickness resulting from a disease.*