The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is a book that pulls you in and keeps you on edge throughout the entirety of it.

The story follows Àn’yīng, a character who isn’t afraid to admit when something is difficult while also still trying to push through, to show her courage. The story is one that keeps you in and yet still manages to surprise you the longer it goes on.

What a great read this was!

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK frontage ARC!

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is the first Book in a new duology by Amélie Wen Zao.

This book was so amazing! The world building was easy to understand and beautifully done!
It’s filled with Chinese mythology underlined with a romantic aspect.

The Story follows An‘yīng whis is trying to get an immortality pill after her mom‘s soul was halfway sucked out by a demon.
Along the way to the immortal realm, where she will have to face some trials to be deemed worthy of the pill, she encounters Yù‘chén who becomes her travel companion. This happens because he is also traveling to the immortal realm.

Both of these characters undergo an amazing character development and you just can’t get enough of these two!

The book was fast paced and kept you on your toes.
It is also first person pov which I really liked.

If you are looking for a book with the following tropes you have to read The Scorpion and the Night Blossom:

- Deadly trials
- Dark romantasy
- Chinese mythology
- Rivals to lovers
- Love Triangle
- Demons, mythical creatures, immortals and mortals

Based on Chinese mythology this captivating fantasy is impossible to put down. With amazing world building and a unique magic tournament making this unbelievably action packed. It is bursting with plot twists and characters that will live in your head for a long while. Absolutely top tier romantasy that is simply beautiful to read.

Thankyou to HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is the first in a new duology by Amelie Wen Zhao. It targets a slightly older audience compared to Song Like Silver, Flames Like Night, but there are many similarities in the world building and magic system. The Scorpion and the Night Blossom also introduces the concept of the Immortal Kingdoms and beings, as our heroine journeys there to compete in trials to win immortality for her cursed and dying mother.

I loved the world that was built, with the demons from the Night Kingdom who are infiltrating the weakening mortal kingdoms, and the Immortals in the Sky Kingdom. Àn’yīng, our heroine was fierce and weilded magical daggers which offered her an edge in battle against the demons and other rivals.

She finds herself competing in the immortality trials, a series of high stakes deadly trials, in which 44 mortal competitors are narrowed down to 8 to be sponsored by an immortal of the Sky Kingdom and have a chance at earning immortality themselves. However, Àn’yīng finds herself in trouble almost immediately and forms an alliance with the dark and alluring Yù’chén who is not all he seems.

The more that Àn’yīng progresses in the trials, the more she realises that all is not what it seems in the Immortal Kingdom and there are lots of secrets and politics at play.

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom was fast paced and alluring. I enjoyed the chemistry between Àn’yīng and Yù’chén as they worked together to survive the trials and help Àn’yīng's family. There were a lot of similarities between this and Song Like Silver and the Daughter of the Moon Goddess which I have also previously enjoyed.

Some things that stopped me from rating it 5 stars: Àn’yīng's character was a times frustrating and contradictory. She was at the same time fierce and independent as she was naïve and close-minded. She required saving or rescuing more times than I would have liked which painted her as a bit helpless, but I quite enjoyed the image of her wielding daggers and fighting in a fury.

There was a twist of all plot twists at the end, and the last 100 pages or so will have you on the edge of your seat. Some you may see coming, but I was not prepared for all the reveals.

Narration:Single Character, first person POV

Tropes:
- Deadly trials
- Secrets
- Political intrigue
- Demons, mortals & immortals
- Tenuous alliance
- Forbidden romance
- Secret identity
- Love triangle

I loved the Song of the Last Kingdom duology, and this book had been on my NetGalley list for a while—but why did I let it sit there for so long?

I was this close to a five-star read with this rather dark Asian fantasy, where immortal kingdoms, magical tournaments, sorcery, and romance intertwine.

An’ying is a mortal girl determined to save her mother, whose soul has been partially drained by a demon. To do so, she plans to enter a tournament organized by the Immortals, hoping to win the pill of immortality that could heal her mother. Along the way, she meets Yu’Chen, a dark and mysterious rival.

First of all, I absolutely loved the unique worldbuilding typical of Asian fantasy, where vivid landscapes, mythology, and magic blend beautifully. The story unfolds across multiple realms—the human realm, the demon realm, and the immortal realm, with most of the action taking place in the latter. The magical trials are fantastic, featuring immersive and richly detailed battle scenes.

But my absolute favorite part of this novel was the relationship between An’ying and Yu’Chen. If you love banter, tension, and declarations that will make you scream, then you’re in for a treat. We get enemies-to-lovers, knife-to-throat, touch her and die—and honestly, their dynamic was one of the most intense I’ve read in an Asian fantasy. I need more!

The only two things that kept this from being a five-star read for me: I wish the relationships between An’ying and her friends had been explored more (they felt underdeveloped), and a certain trope I don’t particularly enjoy makes an appearance towards the end. I’ll have to see how the author handles it in the sequel.

Overall, a fantastic read if you’re a fan of Asian fantasy, magical tournaments, and high-tension romance!

Thank you, #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK, for this e-ARC!

Post to be published on Instagram Tuesday 11th Feb

I have pretty mixed feelings about this book. The beginning? Totally hooked. I loved the worldbuilding, the magic system, and the whole immortals-mortals-demons setup. An’ying’s weapons and how they gave her unique combat abilities were especially cool.

The story kicks off with some high stakes—An’ying enters a trial run by the immortals to win an immortality pill, hoping to save her mother, who’s slowly dying after a demon attack. The premise had me really invested, and I flew through the first part of the book. The monster fights and action scenes were definitely a highlight.

But as much as I enjoyed the start, the book lost some of its grip on me. My biggest issue? An’ying herself. She starts off as a strong, capable fighter, but once Yù’chén shows up, she kind of loses that spark. He’s always the one stepping in to save her, which felt like a letdown given how much potential she had. I also struggled with her attitude toward demons. It makes sense given her backstory, but it was so relentless at times that it overshadowed other parts of the story.

Now, Yù’chén? Easily the highlight for me. He’s charming, full of charisma, and just the right amount of dramatic. His lines had me smiling so many times (and honestly hit me right in the feels!), and he definitely had the strongest presence in the book (especially given my reservations about An’ying and how flat the secondary characters felt). I just know the sequel is going to be rough for him.

And then there’s the ending—definitely an emotional ride with some unexpected twists. It flipped a lot of things around, and despite my mixed feelings about the heroine, I need to see how it all wraps up in the sequel.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I didn't enjoy this book as much as Song of Silver, Flame like Night, mostly because I feel the book was too short for a) the main characters 'strength' to be demonstrated or b) for any of the relationships to fully develop. I did like the reveals in the second half, but I do wish we had more build up and more focus on the trial elements.

Thank you, Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager, for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The first in The Three Realms duology by Amélie Wen Zhao. The story follows Àn’yīng while the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers, the mortal realm, tears it apart. The story features themes of trust, friendship, rivalry and sacrifice.

Àn’yīng has lost her father and nearly her mother to the dangerous demons roaming the mortal realm. To heal her dying mother, she must participate in the Immortality Trails. However, for this, she must risk the journey to the immortal realm and leave behind her mother and little sister. But when a rival contestant, both powerful and handsome, promises protection and a chance of survival for both Àn’yīng and her mother, she will need to find out quickly whether she can truly trust the stranger she’s falling for or if he’s the most dangerous player of all … for herself and all the realms.

The story was fast-paced and intriguing very quickly. It includes a murder mystery, romance, and many interesting "what is a monster, or what defines a monster" moments. The mythology elements combined with fantasy are always a win for me. I cannot wait for the second book!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A sweeping and emotional epic that reads like a historical Chinese drama, The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is full of magic, drama and yearning. I felt completely immersed in this world, along for the ride with our sometimes abrasive and rash An'ying as she journeyed to the realm of immortals to seek a cure for her mother. While I managed to predict a lot of the elements and twists of the story, I still thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting there!

I thought I was going to love this, but I only ended up liking this. This is for a few reasons: the side characters had no depth, as such any deaths had no effect, Yunchen should have his own POV, and she was too much of a damsel in distress. I liked the plot, I liked the conflict, and the characters that had more depth. I am hoping the sequel will be able to fix some of the issues I mentioned above.

This book was incredible and I can't wait for the second book!! Àn’yīng decides to enter the Immortality Trials to try and win a pill to grant eternal life as her mum was left for dead by a demon after the attack on their home 9 years ago and has never recovered after losing part of her soul. Àn’yīng has been training hard to get the opportunity to compete, even though she knows not many survive. When she enters the trials she meets Yù’chén, who for some reason is doing everything he can to try and keep her alive, but she has no idea why and doesn't understand why an enemy would be helping her and why she is so distracted everytime she sees him (swoon). I loved the building connection and chemistry between the two of them as they go from rivals to lovers, and the book was packed with so much action that my anxiety was through the roof as she was competing. I loved the description of their world and their magic which is so multidimensional. I was never sure which side Yù’chén was on and the book kept me guessing the whole way through, and loved how he was teaching her how to face challenges in a 'controlled' situation under his guise. I felt as though although Àn’yīng was portrayed as this fierce warrior, this was because this was what she HAD to become and not necessarily what she WANTED to become, as she had to grow up so quickly the night the demons invaded her home and nearly killed her mum and sister, so when she meets Yù’chén she falters as she is torn between continuing the strong, fierce guise she has been masking herself behind, and allowing herself to trust enough to be saved by someone else for a change (rather having to be the one to save everyone else), which I felt was so poetic.
Thoughly enjoyed this so much!!

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is the first in a new duology by Amelie Wen Zhao. It follows An'Ying, a mortal, as she travels to take part in an immortal trial in order to win a pill of immortality to save her unwell mother. I really enjoyed this Chinese mythology inspired book. It is a light fantasy that I found easy to follow. It has lots of adventure and intrigue as our characters compete in the trials and try to resolve mysterious deaths occurring. There is also a sub plot of romance that I really enjoyed.
Overall a really good start to this duology and I look forward to reading the next book.

The first volume of an Asian dark romantasy duology, perfect for cdrama fans !

“I want you to look at me and see me.”

The story was entertaining and easy to picture in my mind, I always wanted to come back to the book to find out what was going to happen next. There are quite a few foreshadowing elements, but I didn't mind as I found the revelations well executed and was surprised by a particular plot twist.
It is not such a dark story but many elements reminded me of The Poppy War in a certain way.
The main character was interesting: at the same time generous and pragmatic. She is prejudiced by the society in which she lives in, but you can sense that she has half-opened her eyes to the stupidity of senseless hatred. What still anchors her in her prejudices is directly linked to the traumas of her past, so I rather liked the message conveyed by the story of accepting differences in others and seing them for who they are and not how society sees them.

The romance is not in the backseat but it doesn't submerge the story at all. Indeed, the banter is satisfying, and while the attraction is there, romance isn't at the heart of the protagonist' concerns.
In terms of the story's pace, it starts off strong and ends strong! The middle of the story is less dynamic but not boring. I ticked at a few clumsy sentences, but I understood the idea of denouncing ethnic and gender discrimination.
Unfortunately, I didn't get particularly attached to the characters, so I don't feel very invested in their fate, even though it was a very good read. I have a theory about what kind of ending the duology might have, it would make sense since a lot of sentences were not innocuous from my point of view.

I recommend this book to people who love asian fantasy and impossible love’s trope. Thank you NetGalley for this satisfying ARC !

4.5 stars - Upper YA fantasy romance.

Set within a fantasy world of mortals, immortals and demons, An Ying, a mortal, travels to the kingdom of light ruled by immortals, to compete in a deadly trial. If she succeeds, she can obtain a pill, made from the blood of the immortal, that will save her mothers soul that has been partially eaten by a demon from the kingdom of night. The two kingdoms are currently in a long war with each other that has ravaged An Yings mortal realm. Along the way An Ying meets several of her competitors - some of which are "halflings" / half demons but who can she trust?

I flew through this story, I couldn't put it down! The world was beautifully described and the action was intense. Quite fast paced with the journey to the trials and the trials themselves. There is a slight love triangle that also keeps you on your toes throughout with a forbidden romance and a future marriage of convenience teased. Twists and turns throughout.

I rated it down slightly as I thought An Ying acted too harshly towards the halflings (at first) but especially to Yu Chen but maybe I'm too forgiving!

I found it had similar vibes to the scarlett alchemist and darker by four both set within in fantasy Chinese world with mythology and folk tales.

I believe this will be a duology and I will most definitely read the sequel. I have seen it described as both Adult and Young adult fantasy so I'm not 100% which it falls into officially, but I would personally rate it upper YA . The characters are late teens - mid 20s with a non physical spicy scene, but also has some darker gory scenes and a more descriptive world building for younger YA readers.

Simply spellbinding!
When I heard this was a dark Chinese romantany I thought, sure why not? I am so glad I picked this book up. I really enjoyed this authors writing. She is so descriptive in her world building is impeccable. I love the characters the action, and while the romance was a little insta-love, I didn’t mind it. I did find the story, very creative and original, even while having all of our favorite tropes
- Rivals the lovers
-forbidden romance
-trial
And my favorite with a twist
- only one bed.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody and I cannot wait for the sequel

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager UK for the ARC!

I love Song of Last Kingdom so I was super excited to get an arc of this book! Amelie did not disappoint. The world building is simple but solid, and not to mention I love all the characters.

The words painted such a beautiful world and how beautiful or details of each character. The story is fast paced too with no slow parts I had to push through which felt good. Not to mention the yearning the two characters felt is just.

The plot twists are predictable but I enjoyed the story overall so I didn’t mind it.

Highly recommend if you love a Chinese romantasy.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

Five Stars—No Notes—More, Please!

This book hit every mark for me! It’s a breathtaking start to what promises to be a new favorite duology, set in a richly immersive world filled with heart-wrenching twists and unforgettable characters.

Àn’Yīng has spent the last nine years protecting her family and village from the demons that stole her mother’s soul and killed her father. Armed only with her crescent blades and a tenuous grasp of the magical art of ‘practitioning’, she embarks on a perilous journey to the Kingdom of Heaven, determined to survive the Immortality Trials and win a cure for her mother.

Yù’chén… my beloved. She meets him very early on, saving his life and allying with him so they can both reach the trials.
He shattered my heart in almost every scene, and I am such a sucker for a bad boy who’s completely down bad.
As for the sequel, I’d love about 50% more Hào’yáng—his scenes were some of my favourites. His stoic mask, his quiet depth, and the raw grief in the latter part of the book nearly broke me.

This was absolutely phenomenal. While I’ve enjoyed the author’s other works, I have to say—this is her best yet. If you love C-dramas, emotionally devastating pretty boys, and a fierce heroine who won’t hesitate to kick their asses, this book is for you!

This book is a c-drama in book form and I loved every second of it!!
In this we follow Anying as she travels to partecipate in the Immortality trials, to try and win a pill that could save her mother. After losing her parents and demons reigning free in the empire, this might be the only way for Anying to save her family and her village. Travelling there she meets Yuchen a handsome, but very mysterious fellow partecipant who she allies with. Will they be able to win the trials and save the humans?

Personally I loved the plot so much, it was super action packed and extremely fun to follow. Anying was a super charismatic main character, and although sometimes she annoyed me, the reason behind her actions made sense. Yuchen was absolute perfection, I’ll never accept criticism about him. The love story was really good to follow, with some scenes that were drama worthy. And although the MCs could not catch a break I’m really excited to see where we go from here.

The world building was also super fun to read about, I’m interested to know more about the magic system since some aspects stayed unsolved. Overall if you love enemies to lovers, dagger to throat scenes and trials you can’t not love this book. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved the writing and how from the very first page the lush and vivid world building is so easy to visualise and though it feels like it is a little complex you soon get a clear understanding of the world that The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is set in.

I will say the plot is very fast paced and while at some points this is a good thing in some aspects I really would have liked to see some moments slowed down to get the full impact of that scene or revelation as it felt very rushed and not expanded on fully.

This is a reverse grumpy x sunshine and it really worked, I loved the MMC Yù’chén and every scene he was in. The angst and pining he feels for the FMC is at times bittersweet and other times heartbreaking considering his story, the tension between them was so good. Though at times Àn’yīng’s persistent hatred for Yù'chén became rather tedious to keep reading especially when he's done nothing but go out of his way to look out for her and for me it made it a little hard to fully get behind the romance between them, even more so when the author took the story in a completely different direction to what I was expecting towards the end.

While I enjoyed the overall story and the vibes as well as the slow burn tension I felt like some parts dragged and it was a little too predictable in some plot points but the ending with the emotional turmoil has set up the next book perfectly.

This was an incredible book, and an amazing start to a series. The writing was absolutely beautiful, and the world building expertly crafted. The world described felt rich and beautiful and I felt the depth of the characters so keenly.

Not only did this book have a beautiful setting and incredible characters that you can’t help but love, the plot itself was immense. I was immediately drawn in from the first page and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions while reading. The ending of this book has set up for the next book beautifully, and I cannot wait to see where this story will go next. So thankful to have received a copy early and been given the chance to read this prior to publication. Already looking forward to book number two!