I was really drown to this book because of the cover and the illustrations of the main characters in the beginning was awesome. I like when that happens so that I can picture the characters better. It gave me high hopes for the story which sounded interesting too.
I was really into the first half of the book with Zephyr the strategist working brilliantly to try and help her Lordess Ren to defeat Miasma and her army. The way she thought several steps ahead of what was obvious was cool and the zither playing (a mark of a good strategist, one that is connected with their qi and better able to understand the world) kept me interested, especially as she plotted to get the South to join up with Ren. Then the twist happened and it totally changed to story. It was harder to get through the back half and since nothing was resolved, I am not sure how I feel about it. I wish there had been more of the logical strategist and war strategy and less of the fantastical god elements. I do like the bit at the very end which tells all about how this was based on the "Romance of Three Kingdoms" book.
So, I may search out the second book when it comes out, if only to get some closure but it won't be at the top of my tbr list.
I was really into the first half of the book with Zephyr the strategist working brilliantly to try and help her Lordess Ren to defeat Miasma and her army. The way she thought several steps ahead of what was obvious was cool and the zither playing (a mark of a good strategist, one that is connected with their qi and better able to understand the world) kept me interested, especially as she plotted to get the South to join up with Ren. Then the twist happened and it totally changed to story. It was harder to get through the back half and since nothing was resolved, I am not sure how I feel about it. I wish there had been more of the logical strategist and war strategy and less of the fantastical god elements. I do like the bit at the very end which tells all about how this was based on the "Romance of Three Kingdoms" book.
So, I may search out the second book when it comes out, if only to get some closure but it won't be at the top of my tbr list.