Alejandra
Considering how much I enjoyed the first book, I gotta say the first half of this one was a slog to get through. I consider myself a pretty staunch leftist myself so I'm not condemning the politics themselves but it just felt like I was getting hit over the head with a hammer, pun intended. This book made me realized how much I prefer the politics in books to be more artfully metaphorical rather than rather than feeling like I'm being hit in the face by the Communist Manifesto.
Also it felt so disappointing that the cute polycule that was built up in the first book literally barely interacted, let alone anything romantic!!! There was barely even a sort of forbidden romance/palpable romantic tension because Qin Zheng could literally mind meld with her and would freak out if they did anymore than have 100% professional conversations. No hands brushing, no looking longingly at each other, she literally refused to even let him give her a cloak.
Now I will say I found the second half of the book MUCH more enjoyable, especially the last 20% when they go to the “Heavenly Court.” The action scenes are definitely the highlight of this book. Also I really liked the character of Qin Zheng, I think he's an solid morally complex character and a good critique of the “dark, broody, psycho boyfriend but he treats you differently because he loves you” trope.
But man that first half... nearly DNF this book a few times during that first half and I'm pretty easily entertained
Considering how much I enjoyed the first book, I gotta say the first half of this one was a slog to get through. I consider myself a pretty staunch leftist myself so I'm not condemning the politics themselves but it just felt like I was getting hit over the head with a hammer, pun intended. This book made me realized how much I prefer the politics in books to be more artfully metaphorical rather than rather than feeling like I'm being hit in the face by the Communist Manifesto.
Also it felt so disappointing that the cute polycule that was built up in the first book literally barely interacted, let alone anything romantic!!! There was barely even a sort of forbidden romance/palpable romantic tension because Qin Zheng could literally mind meld with her and would freak out if they did anymore than have 100% professional conversations. No hands brushing, no looking longingly at each other, she literally refused to even let him give her a cloak.
Now I will say I found the second half of the book MUCH more enjoyable, especially the last 20% when they go to the “Heavenly Court.” The action scenes are definitely the highlight of this book. Also I really liked the character of Qin Zheng, I think he's an solid morally complex character and a good critique of the “dark, broody, psycho boyfriend but he treats you differently because he loves you” trope.
But man that first half... nearly DNF this book a few times during that first half and I'm pretty easily entertained
Perhaps it's because I listened to these books almost back to back, but I got tired that all of them, literally all four couples, built romantic tension with “it's totally inappropriate to think of them sexually right at this moment.” I think it's because all of the characters/main love interests are paladins so it's part of their religious guilt or whatever but I'm really, REALLY hoping that changes with the next book, because I adore the world building of this series and I'd hate to drop it because that one aspect kept annoying me.
I really do like each of the couple's individually (although this one is the weakest so far, but I still liked the dynamic) I just really wish there was literally any other way to build the romance.
Perhaps it's because I listened to these books almost back to back, but I got tired that all of them, literally all four couples, built romantic tension with “it's totally inappropriate to think of them sexually right at this moment.” I think it's because all of the characters/main love interests are paladins so it's part of their religious guilt or whatever but I'm really, REALLY hoping that changes with the next book, because I adore the world building of this series and I'd hate to drop it because that one aspect kept annoying me.
I really do like each of the couple's individually (although this one is the weakest so far, but I still liked the dynamic) I just really wish there was literally any other way to build the romance.
