Source: we received an
e-ARC of the book through NetGalley for review purposes.
I’ve been meaning to read this author ever
since hearing great things about her previous book, Butterfly Swords, so when I saw this book on Netgalley I jumped to
the opportunity to read it. I wasn’t aware that The Dragon and the Pearl was a sequel to Butterfly Swords but I was able to enjoy the book and I think it
stands alone quite well.
Lady Ling Suyin is in deep trouble. As the late
Emperor’s consort she finds herself kidnaped from her home by Governor Li Tao.
Without the protection of the new Emperor and with the country in a political
upheaval and on the verge of a civil war, she doesn’t know what to make of this
latest development so she ends up going with him as his prisoner.
Li Tao has
some decisions to make. Loyal to the last Emperor he needs to figure out if he should pledge allegiance to
the new Emperor, a man who doesn’t really trusts him, and risk going to war
against some powerful warlords, or align himself with the warlords and declare
war to the Empire. In the middle of all this he gets saddled with the beautiful
Suyin because he believes she may have a secret that could give him the upper
hand in the impending war, but he doesn’t really know what to do with her or
with the smoldering attraction between them.
If I had to describe this book using just one
word I would say exotic. I have never read a historical romance set in China,
nor have I ever read a historical romance set in the 8th century. So
I had no idea what I was getting into. What I encounter was a rich and complex
world quite different from what I’m used to. Sometimes I felt like I was
reading a fantasy because it had an almost magical feel to it.
There are a lot of things going on in the book
because the story takes place during a very politically unstable period, but we
never see any action, instead, we are left exploring the developing
relationship between these two individuals who are brought together by a series
of events that were set in motions years ago. This is a love story first and
foremost, and even though there’s a feel of impending doom, the romance is
sweet, engaging and very emotional.
Suyin was a great heroine. Shrewd is a very
good way to describe her. Life as an imperial courtesan is not an easy one,
especially if you are favored by the Emperor. She knew politics and how to
manipulate and use the effect she had on men to her advantage. But she was also
lonely and resigned to live the rest of her life without love. She is afraid of
Tao but also fascinated by him, she can see beyond the stoic façade and is very
attracted to what she discovers. Once she realizes she loves him she will do
anything for him.
Tao is one of those silent and brooding heroes,
but taken to the extreme. These were his personality traits, this is not
someone harboring a secret pain unable to express his feelings waiting for the
right woman to finally open up, so don’t expect him to change much. He was
strong and bad with words, direct and passionate. I found him to be quite
complex and very lonely, just like Suyin. This was a pairing that made perfect
sense and you could feel the desire between them which is why the sex scenes
were scorching hot but not graphic.
My favorite parts of the book were the
flashbacks. I’m glad they were there because the leads were never going to
share their painful past with each other. So we get little snippets into their lives
through flashbacks that give us an inside look into the characters and a better
understanding of the person they became.
My problem with the book was the ending. I feel
like the book ended on an uncertain note. Things were never really resolved and
the final confrontation was anticlimactic. I just don’t buy it, maybe there
will be a sequel but I don’t think so. There is a happy ending to the love
story, but to their lives? I don’t think so. It goes well with the overall tone
of the book, but it left me hanging and when I finish a book I don’t want to
worry about the characters’ well-being.
I think that romance fans would love this book.
The setting is beautiful and the love story engaging. I want to read Butterfly Swords to see Tao under a
different perspective since he is the villain in that story and I wish I had
read that one first, so if you decide to read this one consider getting the
first book as well.
Review by Brie
Grade: 4
Sensuality: McSteamy
Synopsis:
Former Emperor's consort Ling Suyin is renowned for her beauty; the ultimate seductress. Now she lives quietly alone—until the most ruthless warlord in the region comes and steals her away....Li Tao lives life by the sword, and is trapped in the treacherous, lethal world of politics. The alluring Ling Suyin is at the center of the web. He must uncover her mystery without falling under her spell—yet her innocence calls out to him. How cruel if she, of all women, can entrance the man behind the legend....
Harlequin. September 20, 2011.
I'm not feeling this one too much. I think the ending is likely to make me bad. Even more than that, historical romance in 8th century? For some reason it just doesn't jump at me.
ReplyDeleteThe ending was a bit off-putting but I loved the setting and the characters. The female lead was very likeable, but I can see that it might not be for everyone…
ReplyDeleteHow unique is a historical Chinese romance. I actually think I might like to try these books. The setting of the books seems very charming from your description. Very different, I'll have to look into this author.
ReplyDeleteVery unique right? I have read romances set in China but never a historical, I really liked it and it was a quick, light read. I’m definitely reading the first book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I read and thoroughly enjoyed Butterfly Swords, so I'm really looking forward to getting around to this one. Especially to see Tao as the hero and not the villain.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine!
ReplyDeleteI need to read Butterfly Swords ASAP. I want to see him as a villain instead of a hero LOL!