I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about this one and I meant that in a good wsy. It's like having two books that come together with an unexpected plot twist to bridge the two. The only off part is that the middle of each book is just....well... minor in comparison to the start and finish.
You have an epic beginning with an onslaught of deeply crafted characters. The war, culture and strategy is utterly captivating. Than things taper and slowly pull you through a methodic narrative. Cue the plot twist that had me riveted and adoring the second half even more (all thanks to a little 🐝). Then it tapers again. Slight hints at romance, character connection and politics, but still... slow. I think I'm used to the heavy pace of He's other novels in comparison but I can't deny that I enjoyed this one too.
This was beautifully done and wonderfully narrated by Nancy Wu. Wu narrates effortlessly and made the slower sections move smoother for me. I'm glad I had the ability to request the audio through Tantor. It made the novel stick with me more.
I'd recommend this to all readers who've come to love Joan He and her wonderful story telling.
You have an epic beginning with an onslaught of deeply crafted characters. The war, culture and strategy is utterly captivating. Than things taper and slowly pull you through a methodic narrative. Cue the plot twist that had me riveted and adoring the second half even more (all thanks to a little 🐝). Then it tapers again. Slight hints at romance, character connection and politics, but still... slow. I think I'm used to the heavy pace of He's other novels in comparison but I can't deny that I enjoyed this one too.
This was beautifully done and wonderfully narrated by Nancy Wu. Wu narrates effortlessly and made the slower sections move smoother for me. I'm glad I had the ability to request the audio through Tantor. It made the novel stick with me more.
I'd recommend this to all readers who've come to love Joan He and her wonderful story telling.