Overall, the plot and worldbuilding was good, I found it rich and steeped in beautiful descriptions of the different elements and the qi system. However, the writing was a little poor, which left the plot being too rushed towards the end, some parts being a bit repetitive and many of the side characters feeling flat. I personally enjoyed Zetian's growth, her ability to accept other people's view, but also not softening and losing her razor sharp edge and thirst for bloody justice. Hopefully the next book would be a bit better.