Fireheart Tiger

It's really nice to see an abusive relationship in fiction in which the abuser is a woman! That sort of thing is seriously underrepresented.

I would have strongly preferred, however, if the other relationship hadn't also turned out romantic - it kind of undercuts the "choosing oneself" thing when it can just as easily be framed as "choosing this other romantic option". Personal preference, maybe, but there it is.

Warning: imperialism, abuse, domestic violence, an authoritarian parent

Fine intrigue and negotiation and feint, finding yourself.

Vietnamese themed, fire elemental love novellas are the future of romantic princess fantasy liberals want. Or at least this liberal does.

yeah babey

Impressed how vivid the setting is given the limited number of pages that are available; Bình Hải, and it's neighbors, and their politics all feel real and understandable, even though the narrative never leaves one place.

Some of the dialog seemed to skip a beat, at least for me, which I don't think was unintended (forced me to stop at points and think about the dynamics in the conversation), and the theme of finding and appreciating yourself (for yourself) is carried really well throughout.