I absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t help but binge it, the world and story was just so addictive! I loved the concept and the world created was so unique and compelling.

Zetian was an excellent morally grey character who I adored. I understand her rage and loved that she disagreed and hated the rules and confines she’d been forced to live within. Seeing her break the rules again and again was amazing. She really stood out as a character I won’t forget any time soon, her unending determination for vengeance and her outrage for all the other women that were sacrificed and that suffered because they been crushed by the rules of society, was so great to see. I haven’t read any book that handles the topics of patriarchy and feminism quite as dramatically or as powerfully. The author really made the disparity obvious and she integrated this so well in a sci-fi/ fantasy/ dystopian world.

The chrysalis concept was so interesting, all the more so as it was so wonderfully mixed with Chinese cultural inspiration with historical figures and myths woven into the story.

This story was just so unique and I loved every minute of it, all the characters were captivating and the ending was excellent though I’m certainly hoping there will be a sequel! And I will definitely be following the author and reading any and all new books she releases :)