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jessread_s 's review for:
Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White
by Amélie Wen Zhao
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Review: The conclusion to Lan and Zen’s story will overwhelm your tear ducts.
Following the events of the first installment, “Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White” revolves around Lan and Zen as they seek out a way save their kingdom from the Elantian colonizers. At the center of both of their journeys are the Demon Gods and the immense power they have. Only, they are no longer fighting together. Now on opposite sides, Lan and Zen will have to face each other and the choices they made to free their people.
Inspired by ancient Chinese history and mythology “Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White” is just as lyrical and atmospheric as its predecessor.
Having done all the heavy lifting in terms of world-building in the previous novel, Zhao focuses mainly on Lan and Zen’s relationship. Their star-crossed love was captivating, making it difficult to put this book down even as my heart was breaking.
The internal struggle Zen faces throughout the book - losing himself completely to the Demon God devouring his soul, yet wanting to give Lan his heart - absolutely wrecked me. Seriously. Reading from Zen’s perspective was almost painful because I grew so attached to his character and understood the cause he sacrificed everything for, which is a testament to Zhao’s ability to heighten emotions in her readers.
Much like “Song of Silver, Flame Like Night,” this book’s ending is equally beautiful and devastating. While bittersweet, wrapping it up any other way would have been unsatisfying. Make sure you have tissues on hand!
Following the events of the first installment, “Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White” revolves around Lan and Zen as they seek out a way save their kingdom from the Elantian colonizers. At the center of both of their journeys are the Demon Gods and the immense power they have. Only, they are no longer fighting together. Now on opposite sides, Lan and Zen will have to face each other and the choices they made to free their people.
Inspired by ancient Chinese history and mythology “Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White” is just as lyrical and atmospheric as its predecessor.
Having done all the heavy lifting in terms of world-building in the previous novel, Zhao focuses mainly on Lan and Zen’s relationship. Their star-crossed love was captivating, making it difficult to put this book down even as my heart was breaking.
The internal struggle Zen faces throughout the book - losing himself completely to the Demon God devouring his soul, yet wanting to give Lan his heart - absolutely wrecked me. Seriously. Reading from Zen’s perspective was almost painful because I grew so attached to his character and understood the cause he sacrificed everything for, which is a testament to Zhao’s ability to heighten emotions in her readers.
Much like “Song of Silver, Flame Like Night,” this book’s ending is equally beautiful and devastating. While bittersweet, wrapping it up any other way would have been unsatisfying. Make sure you have tissues on hand!