I loved the relationship between Zilan and Hong. It was beautiful and well-written. I enjoyed how Hong went from a spoiled prince to a mature and reasonable person. This book does not end happily, but it ends with hope for the future, which I like as it is a unique ending to a love story.
I enjoyed the development of the plot points as we travelled along the story. Eating jewels to turn into monsters did end up having a purpose, as Zilan turns into one to kill the Empress. In the end, the Empress' overconfidence was her downfall.
I liked how the author did not hold back on the gory aspects of the book. Hong's ducks were killed and eaten, the majority of the alchemists were killed, Hong's sisters died, and Zilan's siblings were killed and revived (in other people's skins). Hong does not get revived, although it is implied that her siblings will be restored to their former bodies later, and Hong brought back into his body.
I enjoyed the development of the plot points as we travelled along the story. Eating jewels to turn into monsters did end up having a purpose, as Zilan turns into one to kill the Empress. In the end, the Empress' overconfidence was her downfall.
I liked how the author did not hold back on the gory aspects of the book. Hong's ducks were killed and eaten, the majority of the alchemists were killed, Hong's sisters died, and Zilan's siblings were killed and revived (in other people's skins). Hong does not get revived, although it is implied that her siblings will be restored to their former bodies later, and Hong brought back into his body.