First, thank you bookish first for the opportunity to read an early copy of such an amazing book! I read Forest of a thousand lanterns not that long ago. And loved the characters even Xifeng...villian or not she made it interesting. I wanted Wei, sexy Wei...to have his happy ending. So i was ecstatic that Wei made an appearance in The Crimson flower. As did Koichi. The new Characters, Bao and Lan did not let me down. I love the books I’ve read by Julie so far. Her characters are human and flawed. But all just want some sort of belonging and love. I think we all can relate. The ending for Bao really messed with my emotions. Maybe it’s just me, but I tears up during the last few chapters and that’ usually does not happen for me. The tenderness from Bao to Lan is so touching. Anyway, I loved it. I loved the cover as well!