I have always loved new or interesting spins on fables and this book seemed like it would be a good match for me. However, that changed once I got into it.
Now I know this is a romance book but honestly, Lan's first few chapters made me sad for the girl. There was nothing to her but finding validation in the arms of a man. Maybe if there was more world building at the beginning of this story it would have made me feel more connected to Lan and Bao but how it is presented it left me wanting more.
To me the characters felt flat and dull, they really didn't have much when it came right down to it; beautiful girl who plays into the respectable role society wants her to fill but yearns for ADVENTURE based on what her grandmother had voiced to her, the stuck up but handsome young noble, and the poor boy with a heart of gold.
Considering the book is only 270 pages I have a sneaking suspicion that the editor(s) might have left too much on the cutting room floor and turned what could have been an amazing story and introduction to Asian folklore into something as sterile as a Disney film.
Now I know this is a romance book but honestly, Lan's first few chapters made me sad for the girl. There was nothing to her but finding validation in the arms of a man. Maybe if there was more world building at the beginning of this story it would have made me feel more connected to Lan and Bao but how it is presented it left me wanting more.
To me the characters felt flat and dull, they really didn't have much when it came right down to it; beautiful girl who plays into the respectable role society wants her to fill but yearns for ADVENTURE based on what her grandmother had voiced to her, the stuck up but handsome young noble, and the poor boy with a heart of gold.
Considering the book is only 270 pages I have a sneaking suspicion that the editor(s) might have left too much on the cutting room floor and turned what could have been an amazing story and introduction to Asian folklore into something as sterile as a Disney film.