Alina
DNF at 17%. The first nearly 90 minutes of this audiobook were dominated by a diatribe against online dating that was repetitive and did nothing for the plot or characters, save to establish Olivia as annoying and unwilling to change or reconsider her positions. She also spends a lot of time talking about how certain animal signs are compatible or not compatible, but doesn't go into any detail as to why. I was hoping to get a glimpse into the Chinese zodiac, given that it's the whole point of both in-universe dating services, but it could have been replaced with any generic personality test and had the exact same meaning to the reader.
DNF at 17%. The first nearly 90 minutes of this audiobook were dominated by a diatribe against online dating that was repetitive and did nothing for the plot or characters, save to establish Olivia as annoying and unwilling to change or reconsider her positions. She also spends a lot of time talking about how certain animal signs are compatible or not compatible, but doesn't go into any detail as to why. I was hoping to get a glimpse into the Chinese zodiac, given that it's the whole point of both in-universe dating services, but it could have been replaced with any generic personality test and had the exact same meaning to the reader.
I really enjoyed this retelling of the myth. Psyche is unquestionably the main character here - the story focuses on her life and challenges, she is the one who most grows and changes, and she is the one who must perform labors to save her lover. I appreciated the focus on other aspects of her life, from training to her family politics and the side story of the Trojan War kicking off. It's always fun to see how authors interpret the various Greek gods' personalities and interpersonal squabbles as well. The audiobook is dual-narrated.
I really enjoyed this retelling of the myth. Psyche is unquestionably the main character here - the story focuses on her life and challenges, she is the one who most grows and changes, and she is the one who must perform labors to save her lover. I appreciated the focus on other aspects of her life, from training to her family politics and the side story of the Trojan War kicking off. It's always fun to see how authors interpret the various Greek gods' personalities and interpersonal squabbles as well. The audiobook is dual-narrated.
What a ride. I am so glad I listened to this book rather than reading it myself because of the pronunciation of all the names!
I love a flawed heroine, and Zetian certainly is that. Her solution to every problem is to kill the problem, literally, and not once does she learn from this despite it almost never working the way she planned. I found myself cheering for her in a way I didn't expect, and gasping along with her at each reveal. This book sets up a saga that I'm sure will be as epic and sweeping as the legacy of Chinese literature that it follows.
The world building here is also fascinating - the blend of historical reality, modern day sex-based discrimination, patriarchy, and futurism is complex and intriguing. Parts of this world are familiar, while others feel out of reach and foreign. I'm looking forward to learning more about the universe outside Huaxia in future books.
What a ride. I am so glad I listened to this book rather than reading it myself because of the pronunciation of all the names!
I love a flawed heroine, and Zetian certainly is that. Her solution to every problem is to kill the problem, literally, and not once does she learn from this despite it almost never working the way she planned. I found myself cheering for her in a way I didn't expect, and gasping along with her at each reveal. This book sets up a saga that I'm sure will be as epic and sweeping as the legacy of Chinese literature that it follows.
The world building here is also fascinating - the blend of historical reality, modern day sex-based discrimination, patriarchy, and futurism is complex and intriguing. Parts of this world are familiar, while others feel out of reach and foreign. I'm looking forward to learning more about the universe outside Huaxia in future books.
