Review: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Noteworthy experiences while reading this book: When I really got into this one I was really torn on whether I should love or hate Xifeng. After realizing that she was to become a villain it made more sense. This is one that made me think of Snow White but starting out with the queen before she turned evil.

Check out author's other books or related books? I think that I will check out the next book in this series. Although it was slower than what I generally read it was very intriguing.

Recommend this book? Yes, if you don't mind a vain main character that you realize will become evil. With a slightly slower story then check this one out.

Notes and Opinions: When this came in my October Fairyloot I wasn't too sure about it. I know I wanted to read it just because of the cover which I would like to add matches the story of beauty and evil perfectly! The story started out with me trying to learn these people's names and I ended up calling Xifeng just Feng though the entire story and I know that as soon as I am done with this review that I will probably not remember their names after about a week if even that. At first, I kinda hated Xifeng but then I felt sorry for her and her situation and then after going through most of the story, I was torn on if I should like her, hate her, or admire her.

This is one story that will leave you wondering these things for the main character. The side characters were pretty much in the background other than one other character which you can check out below if you don't mind spoilers.

(view spoiler)[The snake god was another character that was in this full on. I really hope we get some kind of novella for him as his backstory would have to be amazing! (hide spoiler)]

But for the most part, all the other characters really took to the background of the story. Everyone did feel well formed though so no one felt out of place etc.

The world that the author has created was beautiful I loved all the lush descriptions and the creatures that she created. I cant wait to see more of this world. The journey that the characters took early on was great. It flowed well and gave you a little history of this world. I really enjoyed how it was hashed out in a way to make it flow and not feel like the author was just dumping a lot of information on us.

At one point in this book, I really wondered if I just wanted to DNF it but chose not to and I have to say that I am glad that I didn't because I would have been missing out on a wonderful story.



(view spoiler)[The one thing that I did have an issue with is the fact that Xifeng went for the Emporer I kept hoping that she would go for the prince. And when that didn't happen I was slightly disappointed. I know that the Emporer wasn't that much older than Xifeng but still it was a little off-putting. I hope to see more of the Prince in book two (hide spoiler)]

The ending was beautiful and that is where I really started seeing the retelling thing. The ending was almost perfect and I really can't wait for the next one.



Go Into This One Knowing: Slower story, Good vs. Evil, No cliffhanger, No real love triangle


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