I had insanely high expectations going into this book, and somehow it still surpassed all of them. I've been hyped for this book for months, and it definitely deserves it! I'm already anxiously waiting for the next one.

Normally there's an aspect of a book that sticks out most for me, whether it be the characters, plot, or world building, but that wasn't the case here. I don't think I can fairly claim any as my favorite, when I'm absolutely obsessed with every aspect of this story in the way that I am. There is so much strength in each aspect of this story, that it never had to rely on a reader's love of the characters or interest in the plot to make up shortcomings. It just excelled on every level.

Zetian was the star of this book, and she absolutely knew it. I loved seeing her power, her ruthlessness, without letting this ever blind her. She learned to hone her rage and to use it to get what she wanted. I also absolutely loved how present this rage was throughout the entire book, and it made the story extra powerful for me. I also loved how her relationships with those around her developed, especially Shimin and Yizhi. She was able to soften her rage for them, while still holding them to the same standards as everyone else. She also wasn't softened by her relationships with them, which can sometimes happen with female main characters.

I also really liked the different perspectives that Shimin and Yizhi brought to the story, and how this seemed to round off the overall picture of the world we got. I also just loved how the relationship between the three of them developed, how much admiration they all had for each other.

The fight scenes were also thrilling to read, and I could see these massive mechs battling giant monsters in my head. I love how complex this battle system got, as well, without ever getting too in depth that it was distracting or confusing. I honestly just loved seeing the sheer power these characters had in these mechs, and the absolute destruction they could wreak with them. It was especially cathartic after some of the tougher scenes we had to read, and Zetian's exhilaration and release while battling only furthered that.

The plot and world also kept me captivated the entire time, and I loved getting more and more pieces to the puzzle that was Huaxia. There were just so many layers upon layers of lore here, and it was woven into the entire plot really well. I can't wait to see what more we find out in book 2, and I'll have to leave off reviewing more here lest I spoil something.

Overall, I was, and am still, blown away by this book, and can't wait for the next one!