This is certainly a very fun experience, and much better than the last book, I'd say.

I really enjoyed this book. The mystery in this book is a lot more intriguing than the last one, so I found it a lot better + I felt like the stakes were higher, which I enjoyed.

The quality is great, as always. Johnson's writing never fails to disappoint. It's so easy to get immersed in the writing, as soon as you start reading.

The characters were really well-developed and diverse. Stevie here is complicated (in a good way ofc) and relatable to me, as always. She's always attracting a murder with her friends during the weirdest times honestly.

The plot was MUCH better compared to the last book. The pacing was smoother and much more engaging, which I suspect because of the higher stakes maybe.

Overall, really good. Can't wait to read The Velvet Knife this year!

My word Chloe Gong! This was a damn good book. The plot, the politics, and the progression of Shanghai since “Our Violent Ends” were all impeccable! I did not expect the twists in this book to hit me the way those in “Immortal Longings” did, but my god was I wrong. You basically handed me the information and I didn’t put all the pieces together until the last few chapters.

Rosalind’s growth from the TVD duology was so good! Her doubts and insecurities from her previous experiences were present and yet she was so cool being a literal assassin in her own Rosalind way.

I say this about every Chloe MMC, but my goodness Orion is my new favourite! He is so tortured book-boyfriend- ACTUALLY he’s book-HUSBAND! He (and Oliver) drop confessions of love like an atomic bomb. He’s so perfect - mostly.

I am going to pick up the novella IMMEDIATELY!!

Can I just immediately reread this so I never have to leave this world? This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. Don’t want to give much away but OMG.