I had high hopes going into this read but I was felt a little disappointed. There are some serious triggers in this one, mostly rape. The rape is really graphic at times.
This one was a bit of a slow read for me. I understand that this is about the girls but I was 1/4 of the way through, I was wondering when they would meet the king. The writing is very descriptive and beautiful. I think because she goes into so much detail about everything, it slowed down my pace.
I had a hard time connecting with the main protagonist, Lei. I loved her will to fight for her freedom but there was something about her that I just couldn’t “love.” I can’t really pinpoint it but I felt like she wasn’t strong enough. She was content to just go with the motions. I wanted more from her, more fire. I think the thing I liked most about Lei was her romance with Wren.
On the other hand, I think that’s why I loved Wren so much. She was my favorite character in this book, by far. She was just that character with the strength and fight that I wished from Lei. It’s such a shame that we didn’t get Wren’s POV. I would love to know what was going on with her!
I think this book has a lot of great qualities and it was an enjoyable read. It just didn’t wow me like I was hoping it would. I loved some of the friendships that formed, the culture and the unique take on this fantasy world. I am a little surprised that this is YA. Literally, these girls are being groomed to be raped by the King, for an entire year. Very hard to read.
Side note: The Asian influence was really great and I rather enjoyed that about this book. That being said, I kept getting Memoirs of a Geisha vibes.
I want to thank Jimmy Patterson books/ Hachette Book Group and Edelweiss + for an e-ARC of this book. All thoughts and my opinions are my own 🙂
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This does sound like a pretty intense and hard book to read. I didn’t realize the scenes would be so graphic. I’ll definitely be sure to remember that when I pick this up. Great review, I’m glad that you mentioned those pointers.
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Thank you! Yeah, I wish I would have had an idea going in. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up at this time! lol.
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Another book that I was rejected for, but I am happy to know that I should lower my expectations now! Great review as always
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Thank you! Aw, I’m sorry you didn’t get it. Don’t be too sad though. I might not be in the best head space but it was quite depressing.
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Thanks for the honesty in your review, I think I might skip this one. Do you have any books you absolutely loved that I should add to my fall reading list?
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I know that I’ve recommended some books not too long ago. So, I’m not sure if I’m just telling you the same books… but… Emergency Contact by Choi, Eliza and Her Monsters by Zappia, Circe by Madeline Miller, The Poppy War by Kuang, any Schwab books. Those are some on the top of my head.
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A part of me wants to read this book, but I’m worried about the trigger. That’s way too much for a YA.
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