The setting of an alt-history China with alchemy stood out to me. It was interesting to see how the author adapted real historical figures to fit this universe and story.
The characters were enjoyable to read about as well. Zilan was easy to root for and she had some steady character growth, while still leaving room for more in the sequel.
For the most part, the pacing and the twists were handled well. Some aspects of the ending did feel too easy or convenient, but I’m still interested to see where it goes from here.
It’s always the romance where YA fantasy/sci-fi lose me. This time I thought Zilan and the Prince were compelling characters and I even liked the beginnings of their relationship, but it got ahead of itself. Zilan’s narration starts talking about how the Prince understands her more deeply and completely than anyone has at a point in the story when she’s just finished spending a good chunk of time thinking their lives are too different and he doesn’t understand her at all. She can and should change her mind as their relationship develops, of course, but I couldn’t see why she made such a complete 180 when she did.
The characters were enjoyable to read about as well. Zilan was easy to root for and she had some steady character growth, while still leaving room for more in the sequel.
For the most part, the pacing and the twists were handled well. Some aspects of the ending did feel too easy or convenient, but I’m still interested to see where it goes from here.
It’s always the romance where YA fantasy/sci-fi lose me. This time I thought Zilan and the Prince were compelling characters and I even liked the beginnings of their relationship, but it got ahead of itself. Zilan’s narration starts talking about how the Prince understands her more deeply and completely than anyone has at a point in the story when she’s just finished spending a good chunk of time thinking their lives are too different and he doesn’t understand her at all. She can and should change her mind as their relationship develops, of course, but I couldn’t see why she made such a complete 180 when she did.