I didn’t expect to fall this hard for a historical fantasy, but here we are—completely obsessed. This book pulled me in from the first chapter and refused to let go. The worldbuilding? Impeccable. The unraveling of long-buried secrets and ancestral threads? Absolutely addictive.

Ling was such a standout protagonist—complex, determined, and achingly real. Her transformation over the course of the story gave me chills, and by the time I reached the epilogue, I was an emotional mess (in the best way). That final reflection on her strength? Perfection.

This story was transportive, moving, and full of heart. I’ll be shouting about it to anyone who’ll listen—and yes, a reread is definitely in my future. Can’t wait to see what this author does next.

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

it seems i am in the minority because i am not rating this five stars. i will say i liked the world that was set up, 1920s Hong Kong filled with magic and vampires that blends well with the themes of oppression from conquerors and the labour strikes. i thought those themes were done wonderfully and i fully enjoyed it.

my gripe is that it took too long for the story to get going. i slogged through at least 50% of it to really get into it. it was a lot of Ling running around getting information. personally i found that information came to our protagonist Ling a little to easily via conveniently found medical texts or literal knowledge transferrence from another vampire.

however i did like the familial bonds between Ling, her brothers, her uncle, Ahma (as someone who does know chinese, why does she call her mother that? it could a different dialect but it means grandmother to me and is so jarring) and even her long lost father. the length she does to save her uncle from being falsely accused of murder, rescue her brothers from Wupo and finding her father again is really what kept me flipping the pages throughout.

i thought the ending was the best part. it was realistic. because when faced with immense power? most cannot resist the call, and Ling is an excellent representation of someone who has needed this power all her life, not just some pure hearted protagonist. her turning down Enlai's proposal (ngl i did like his character a lot, i just wish he was fleshed out a lot more than just being a childhood friend who betrayed her and joined the Red Society but loves her) and leaving her family was the only path she could have gone down.

the epilogue was fantastic, with Xie's letter to her and her reply that she would come back sometime.

might read this again some other time to see if i would like it more.

I LOVED this book! I was hooked from the beginning and read it in 3 days. I just started getting into historical fantasy, and this really set a high bar! I loved the secrets and mysteries that were held within this story. I love some good Family Lore! I was completely transported into this world. I love Ling, the main character of this book. The epilogue made me tear up, "I am in my own power" Ling writes, and I think that captures her journey throughout quite perfectly. I would definitely recommend this book and would absolutely return to it to reread. I look forward to more books from this author.