Lan's life changed drastically after the Elantians colonized her land, killed her mother, and banned magic. As a songgirl, she has been trying to unravel the secrets of her past, but the mysterious mark on her arm remains a puzzle.

As someone who loves mythology books, I was thrilled to receive the February Illumicrates box. It featured a book that combined Chinese mythology, wuxia, and xianxia, which had all the makings of a five-star read.

The book boasts of a highly intricate magic system and world-building, with thought-provoking and poetic writing that imparts a sense of mystery to the narrative. Additionally, it highlights essential themes of Chinese culture, such as oppression and colonialism, and blends them seamlessly with the story's magical elements.

Despite these positive aspects, the book was not without its shortcomings. The writing was dense, overly descriptive, and at times, felt like info dumping. The plot was stretched too thin and lacked enough dialogue, making it less engaging. However, the book's strong points make it worth reading, and I look forward to the sequel.