[Book Review] The Girl King by Mimi Yu

Synopsis (from Goodreads) : 

All hail the Girl King. 

Sisters Lu and Min have always understood their places as princesses of the Empire. Lu knows she is destined to become the dynasty's first female ruler, while Min is resigned to a life in her shadow. Then their father declares their male cousin Set the heir instead—a betrayal that sends the sisters down two very different paths.

Determined to reclaim her birthright, Lu goes on the run. She needs an ally—and an army—if she is to succeed. Her quest leads her to Nokhai, the last surviving wolf shapeshifter. Nok wants to keep his identity secret, but finds himself forced into an uneasy alliance with the girl whose family killed everyone he ever loved…

Alone in the volatile court, Min's hidden power awakens—a forbidden, deadly magic that could secure Set's reign…or allow Min to claim the throne herself. But there can only be one Emperor, and the sisters' greatest enemy could turn out to be each other.

My rating : 4.5/5 stars

My review : 

The Girl King showered us a story of claiming the rightful place of throne, to strive the ongoing empire. It all started when Lu, the main character, did not get her rightful place as an emperor, absently betrayed by her father. Her cousin called Set, mischievously earned the title, the name, the status. And so, the whole journey of claiming back her title, began.

The story was beyond my whole list of expectations. I thought I would not like this, but oh boy, was I wrong.

One word for the plot: intriguing. The story was generally complex with its wonderful world buildings, histories, bloodbath, etc. I learned their culture, their divisions, what they hated, what they favored, the impacts of the past imperials’ wrongdoings towards the citizens, and oh, definitely a lot more. The plot twist was not that predictable, which is good. As to make things simply clearer, there were so many things to indulge in. I was highly intrigued to know more of the world. So, high points for that. I love to be a curious reader who is desperate to know more.

The characters were all interesting; each of them had their own personalities. I personally loved Lu when I was reading the book. She was the older version of any superwomen out there. Well, not quite there but still, she attracted my attention. There were characters who went through developments in a great, wonderful measure, and I acknowledge that. I would not say who – keeping the spoilers – but there was a character who being from someone who I loathed most, to someone who blown my mind away. I was not expecting that. So, points for that one, too. I am always in for surprises.

There were things that I found myself saying, not agreeable. Perhaps thinking other ways as a backup to reclaim the throne would be more reasonable, rather than going on with the first plan, that might as well face failure. I heard myself saying, “I would prefer it if the bloodbath was more complex than this one,” as I did not really fancy how fast someone that I hated died, with no satisfaction planted in my heart. Once again, I will not tell you who that was. It could be anyone, could not it?

Overall, this story was an achievement. I loved how it began, and how it ended. I believe there will be a second book, and I am really looking forward to reading that!

My final rating will be 4.5/5 stars. Highly recommended!