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abby_ace_of_books 's review for:
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods
by Molly X. Chang
This book might have some of the most morally gray characters I have ever seen, and I may or may not be rethinking my taste in book characters...
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods is a YA fantasy novel reminiscent of R.F. Kuang's Poppy War series in that it deals with themes of oppression and loss of a cultural identity. I've seen a lot of people arguing over whether or not this is classified as a "colonizer romance," which I'm not sure about yet. The story has the potential to go that way (and it really is set up for that), but the title of the next book suggests that maybe situations will change.
Ruying is a girl who has power over Death and who catches the attention of Antony, a prince of the invading country (Rome). He demands that she work for him if she wishes to survive, and so Ruying becomes embroiled in politics and a war she never wanted to be involved in. Most of the story revolves around Ruying's struggles with her morality as part of her wants to protect her country, and the other part has fallen victim to Antony's manipulation. The pacing wasn't incredibly fast, but I read the book fairly quickly, and the ending sets up for an intriguing book two.
I think the thing about this book that turns people away is that none of the characters are really "likable," and I'm not sure that they're supposed to be. Ruying makes questionable decisions to ensure the survival of herself and her family, and while the reader may not agree with her, I saw it as a fairly realistic portrayal of a girl that isn't a "hero," she's just a girl. Antony is kind to Ruying, but mostly because he wants to manipulate her. His actions regarding characters besides Ruying are despicable (which is why this book has so much controversy with the perceived "romance" between the two of them). Baihu and Meiya also have flaws that seem to dominate their personalities, and while this makes the story interesting, it also makes it difficult to find someone to root for.
Filled with questionable morals, rich magic, and beautiful writing, To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods promises an intriguing YA fantasy series about the costs of oppression.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.75/5
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods is a YA fantasy novel reminiscent of R.F. Kuang's Poppy War series in that it deals with themes of oppression and loss of a cultural identity. I've seen a lot of people arguing over whether or not this is classified as a "colonizer romance," which I'm not sure about yet. The story has the potential to go that way (and it really is set up for that), but the title of the next book suggests that maybe situations will change.
Ruying is a girl who has power over Death and who catches the attention of Antony, a prince of the invading country (Rome). He demands that she work for him if she wishes to survive, and so Ruying becomes embroiled in politics and a war she never wanted to be involved in. Most of the story revolves around Ruying's struggles with her morality as part of her wants to protect her country, and the other part has fallen victim to Antony's manipulation. The pacing wasn't incredibly fast, but I read the book fairly quickly, and the ending sets up for an intriguing book two.
I think the thing about this book that turns people away is that none of the characters are really "likable," and I'm not sure that they're supposed to be. Ruying makes questionable decisions to ensure the survival of herself and her family, and while the reader may not agree with her, I saw it as a fairly realistic portrayal of a girl that isn't a "hero," she's just a girl. Antony is kind to Ruying, but mostly because he wants to manipulate her. His actions regarding characters besides Ruying are despicable (which is why this book has so much controversy with the perceived "romance" between the two of them). Baihu and Meiya also have flaws that seem to dominate their personalities, and while this makes the story interesting, it also makes it difficult to find someone to root for.
Filled with questionable morals, rich magic, and beautiful writing, To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods promises an intriguing YA fantasy series about the costs of oppression.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.75/5