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Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon
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When a powerful viceroy arrives with a fleet of mechanical dragons and stops an attack on Anlei’s village, the villagers see him as a godsend. They agree to give him their sacred, enchanted River Pearl in exchange for permanent protection—if he’ll marry one of the village girls to solidify the alliance. Anlei is appalled when the viceroy selects her as a bride, but with th
...more
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Start your review of Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon
May 27, 2019
may ➹
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arc,
rep-bipoc-asian,
buddy-reads,
ownvoices,
rep-bipoc,
pov-female,
young-adult,
3-and-a-half-star,
read-2019,
diverse
3.5 stars
Stronger than a Bronze Dragon features an acrobat warrior girl named Anlei. Her village has been mercilessly attacked by the Ligui, evil spirits, for years, while the emperor refuses to acknowledge their suffering or send aid. All this changes when Viceroy Kang save the village from another Ligui attack with his advanced mechanical dragons.
But in exchange for the viceroy’s further protection, he wants the village’s magical River Pearl and one of the village girls as his bride—Anlei. But ...more
Stronger than a Bronze Dragon features an acrobat warrior girl named Anlei. Her village has been mercilessly attacked by the Ligui, evil spirits, for years, while the emperor refuses to acknowledge their suffering or send aid. All this changes when Viceroy Kang save the village from another Ligui attack with his advanced mechanical dragons.
But in exchange for the viceroy’s further protection, he wants the village’s magical River Pearl and one of the village girls as his bride—Anlei. But ...more
Apr 19, 2019
Shealea
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arc-review,
recommended
If you're a reader of diverse books and want to know what representations this book offers, find the diversity tags here.
CHINESE-INSPIRED FANTASY WITH A REFRESHING TAKE ON WELL-LOVED TROPES
For the first few chapters, I found the characters to be a little too trope-y, namely, “tough cookie” female and arrogant love interest. However, as I continued reading, I began to see them in a new, more positive light. The little complexities in their characters, particularly their individual motivations ...more
CHINESE-INSPIRED FANTASY WITH A REFRESHING TAKE ON WELL-LOVED TROPES
For the first few chapters, I found the characters to be a little too trope-y, namely, “tough cookie” female and arrogant love interest. However, as I continued reading, I began to see them in a new, more positive light. The little complexities in their characters, particularly their individual motivations ...more
i love Tai more than kanye loves kanye
blog review to come :')
>> trigger & content warnings for an unwanted arranged marriage, decapitation, familial death, stabbing, various descriptions of blood, very brief displays of afterlife torture (stone pressing, acid)
>> specific representation includes an almost-all Chinese cast, a south Asian side character
-
HOLD THE HECK UP. WHEN DID THIS COVER REVEAL AND WHY DID MY ASIAN SIXTH SENSE NOT KICK IN ...more
blog review to come :')
>> trigger & content warnings for an unwanted arranged marriage, decapitation, familial death, stabbing, various descriptions of blood, very brief displays of afterlife torture (stone pressing, acid)
>> specific representation includes an almost-all Chinese cast, a south Asian side character
-
HOLD THE HECK UP. WHEN DID THIS COVER REVEAL AND WHY DID MY ASIAN SIXTH SENSE NOT KICK IN ...more
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
The Buzz
DRAGONS!! Plus its set in an Asian world. And Mary Fan seems like a popular author. So when my favorite topics came up I knew I had to give it a go...
And I have to say that it annoys me when a title and cover don't really relate to the story. The bronze dragons are incidental world building in the story, which was quite disappointing to me. And a bronze dragon didn't even figure into the story enough for anything or any one to be stron ...more
Jan 11, 2019
Ashlee » Library In The Country
marked it as temporarily-set-aside
·
review of another edition
Woot woot! Just got an ARC of this and I am thrilled! This cover is beautiful and the synopsis is SO GOOD.
i totally forgot every single dynasty i studied in chinese history class, but hello chinese warrior girls ♥♥♥
3.5 stars
The Characters: Anlei is undoubtedly one of the most badass heroine I’ve ever encountered. She’s strong not just physically, she’s also strong-willed. She’s focus and really want to achieve what she’s trying to achieve not only for herself, but for her town and family. And by family, it includes avenging her father’s death because of the Ligui (the ghost monsters that antagonize them). I even forgive Anlei for her wishes for the Ligui to attack just so she can have her revenge. The girl ...more
The Characters: Anlei is undoubtedly one of the most badass heroine I’ve ever encountered. She’s strong not just physically, she’s also strong-willed. She’s focus and really want to achieve what she’s trying to achieve not only for herself, but for her town and family. And by family, it includes avenging her father’s death because of the Ligui (the ghost monsters that antagonize them). I even forgive Anlei for her wishes for the Ligui to attack just so she can have her revenge. The girl ...more
![laurel [the suspected bibliophile]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1546974316p2/7494844.jpg)
Jun 12, 2019
laurel [the suspected bibliophile]
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
3.5 stars, rounded to four because dragons
Anlei's village is under attack from strange ghost monsters—and all seems well when the viceroy swoops in and saves them with his fleet of mechanical dragons. Until he demands the village's famed (and worthless) River Pearl as tribute—and one of the villagers to take as his bride. No one is more surprised than Anlei when he chooses her, and she's dragged to the province's capital to be wed. All bets are off, however, when a mysterious thief steals the Ri ...more
Anlei's village is under attack from strange ghost monsters—and all seems well when the viceroy swoops in and saves them with his fleet of mechanical dragons. Until he demands the village's famed (and worthless) River Pearl as tribute—and one of the villagers to take as his bride. No one is more surprised than Anlei when he chooses her, and she's dragged to the province's capital to be wed. All bets are off, however, when a mysterious thief steals the Ri ...more
Mini audiobook review
3,5 stars
OK guys I don’t really know why I give this one only a 3,5 stars instead of a 4 or 4,5 .
I just had a hard time getting into the story despite Emily Woo Zeller’s stellar narration.
I think my main problem was Anlei as she was rash, reckless, acting before thinking and she wanted glory. If all heroes in fantasy usually end up with some glory the fact that Anlei was so focused on becoming a legend seemed childish to me.
Yet I am aware that others will find it very ...more
3,5 stars
OK guys I don’t really know why I give this one only a 3,5 stars instead of a 4 or 4,5 .
I just had a hard time getting into the story despite Emily Woo Zeller’s stellar narration.
I think my main problem was Anlei as she was rash, reckless, acting before thinking and she wanted glory. If all heroes in fantasy usually end up with some glory the fact that Anlei was so focused on becoming a legend seemed childish to me.
Yet I am aware that others will find it very ...more
I don't remember how far I got, it's been awhile, but I'm clearing out my shelves on here by going through my 'pick back up eventually' shelf and seeing which ones I feel as if I will get back to someday and others that I won't.
Unfortunately, this is one that I don't think I'll get back to someday so I'm calling it a DNF. It wasn't bad, it's just not something I'm in the mood to read and don't think I will be anytime soon. ...more
Unfortunately, this is one that I don't think I'll get back to someday so I'm calling it a DNF. It wasn't bad, it's just not something I'm in the mood to read and don't think I will be anytime soon. ...more
I think I will forever be in love with Asian fantasy okay
Maybe it's because there is just SO MUCH complicated history to pull inspiration from. Maybe it's because katanas always gave me heart-eyes as a wee child. Maybe it's because I first saw Mulan and thought "finally a girl I really connect with". Either way, pretty much anything Asian-centric or inspired usually has my entire heart and soul . And while this book didn't get the entirety of that from me like I had hoped, it got pretty close ...more
Maybe it's because there is just SO MUCH complicated history to pull inspiration from. Maybe it's because katanas always gave me heart-eyes as a wee child. Maybe it's because I first saw Mulan and thought "finally a girl I really connect with". Either way, pretty much anything Asian-centric or inspired usually has my entire heart and soul . And while this book didn't get the entirety of that from me like I had hoped, it got pretty close ...more
WHAT I ENJOYED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
• It's an Asian-inspired steampunk fantasy
I haven't read many steampunk books but I really enjoyed this reading experience. Inspired from Qin-dynasty China, the world written by Mary Fan sits in between the modern and traditional era where mechanical dragons and arrange marriages coexist. The Asian-inspired setting really made my heart take flight because THIS IS THE CONTENT I SIGNED UP FOR. Stronger than a Bronze Dragon pays homage to Asian culture and I loved it ...more
• It's an Asian-inspired steampunk fantasy
I haven't read many steampunk books but I really enjoyed this reading experience. Inspired from Qin-dynasty China, the world written by Mary Fan sits in between the modern and traditional era where mechanical dragons and arrange marriages coexist. The Asian-inspired setting really made my heart take flight because THIS IS THE CONTENT I SIGNED UP FOR. Stronger than a Bronze Dragon pays homage to Asian culture and I loved it ...more
Disclaimer: I received this ARC courtesy of Page Street Kids through NetGalley. I am grateful for the opportunity to review an ARC for my readers, but this will not influence my final rating. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and based solely on the book.
Stronger than a Bronze Dragon hooked me on two keywords. “Dragon” and “thief.” I’m a sucker for books with either of those. The fact that the book is based on Chinese culture was an added bonus. I know nothing and I mean nothing ...more
Stronger than a Bronze Dragon hooked me on two keywords. “Dragon” and “thief.” I’m a sucker for books with either of those. The fact that the book is based on Chinese culture was an added bonus. I know nothing and I mean nothing ...more
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon, which is maybe the best book title ever, is another powerhouse from Mary Fan, one of the best YA authors out there today. This book's got romance, vivid descriptions, an amazing heroine, and some totally badass action sequences you won't soon forget. A great book from a great writer. Loved it.
...more
"This is what I was born to do: fight evil."
Things I Liked:
✑ Haters-to-Lovers trope with lots of snarky banter (snarky banter always gets me)
✑ Dyslexia Representation!!!
✑ Action, action, and more action! There are a lot of great action sequences + an epic quest to the Courts of Hell
✑ China-inspired fantasy + steampunk elements + robot dragons = the coolest concept ever
Things I Liked... Less:
✑ Clunky conversations and awkward pacing
✑ THE INFODUMPING IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE
✑ The fantasy/ ...more
Things I Liked:
✑ Haters-to-Lovers trope with lots of snarky banter (snarky banter always gets me)
✑ Dyslexia Representation!!!
✑ Action, action, and more action! There are a lot of great action sequences + an epic quest to the Courts of Hell
✑ China-inspired fantasy + steampunk elements + robot dragons = the coolest concept ever
Things I Liked... Less:
✑ Clunky conversations and awkward pacing
✑ THE INFODUMPING IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE
✑ The fantasy/ ...more
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is a story that will leave you shouting from the rooftops. It's a story with a heroine you will fall in love with. She has a noble heart and a passionate sense of determination, even when it lands her squarely in trouble. There's a fire in her soul to do what's right, even when it's not acceptable. While, her journey imparts the importance of support, ...more
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is a story that will leave you shouting from the rooftops. It's a story with a heroine you will fall in love with. She has a noble heart and a passionate sense of determination, even when it lands her squarely in trouble. There's a fire in her soul to do what's right, even when it's not acceptable. While, her journey imparts the importance of support, ...more
I'm a history buff. I'm Chinese. I love both of these separately and together. I'm down.
...more
4.5 stars
This is a story about Anlei, an acrobat warrior who refused to follow the usual path of girls in her time, but is forced to marry a powerful viceroy in order to save her village.
This book has a slow start but I appreciated it because it provided the backstory which made me understand Anlei more. She's still grieving the loss of her father and she wants to seek revenge. I admire Anlei's character because of the love and dedication that she has for her family and her village. She'll do an ...more
This is a story about Anlei, an acrobat warrior who refused to follow the usual path of girls in her time, but is forced to marry a powerful viceroy in order to save her village.
This book has a slow start but I appreciated it because it provided the backstory which made me understand Anlei more. She's still grieving the loss of her father and she wants to seek revenge. I admire Anlei's character because of the love and dedication that she has for her family and her village. She'll do an ...more
When I came across this book on Netgalley the cover immediately drew my attention. A Dragon and the typography of the yellow title. I like. Of course the title mentioning a dragon helped. There are dragons in here, just not quite the way you’d think. That didn’t stop me from enjoying this splendid standalone novel.
This book has everything. It is a strange mixture of steampunk, paranormal, magic, and do I dare say, a touch of mythology. There are air ships, steampunk dragons, pearls gifted by a ...more
This book has everything. It is a strange mixture of steampunk, paranormal, magic, and do I dare say, a touch of mythology. There are air ships, steampunk dragons, pearls gifted by a ...more
have to say it was very refreshing to read this book. I love fantasy and I quite enjoy reading Europe/Western inspired fantasy but reading one that is Asian inspired, it gives you so many new things and this book did just that. I adored the vibes this Asian inspired, steampunk mixed with magic story gave me. It kept me on turning the pages and it kept on my toes to see what is going to happen. There were a couple of elements that were predictable but I was ultimately fine with it, it served a p
...more
May 28, 2019
Amanda (MetalPhantasmReads)
marked it as dnf
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
not-for-me
DNF @ 30%
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
This really didn't work for me. The story telling felt very clunky. It just seemed several scenes pasted together that seemed like the "highlights" of a book without much time in between scenes to get immersed into the world more or connect with the protagonist. It's frustrating that the protagonist doesn't plan anything on her quest and that she doesn't r ...more
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
This really didn't work for me. The story telling felt very clunky. It just seemed several scenes pasted together that seemed like the "highlights" of a book without much time in between scenes to get immersed into the world more or connect with the protagonist. It's frustrating that the protagonist doesn't plan anything on her quest and that she doesn't r ...more
3.5 stars.
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon follows Anlei, whose village was just saved by a powerful viceroy with a fleet of mechanical dragons, and the villagers see him as a godsend. They agree to give him their sacred, enchanted River Pearl in exchange for permanent protection—if he’ll marry one of the village girls to solidify the alliance. Anlei is horr ...more
“My new title might be Lady, but even after they scrub me clean, paint my face, and clothe me in silk, I’ll still be little more than a slave.”
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon follows Anlei, whose village was just saved by a powerful viceroy with a fleet of mechanical dragons, and the villagers see him as a godsend. They agree to give him their sacred, enchanted River Pearl in exchange for permanent protection—if he’ll marry one of the village girls to solidify the alliance. Anlei is horr ...more
Jun 14, 2019
Nora Eliana | Papertea & Bookflowers
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
“A flying ship, stolen from the viceroy's fleet. A young thief on a fantastical quest. And a decision so wild, I can hardly believe I made it.
“
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Source: Huge thanks to The Royal Polar Bear Reads for hosting an International Blog Tour and Page Street Kids for kindly providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stronger than a Bronze Dragon and me ... well, we had a rough start. I had trouble connecting to the world and to Anlei (our MC) at the very beginning. But f ...more
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Source: Huge thanks to The Royal Polar Bear Reads for hosting an International Blog Tour and Page Street Kids for kindly providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stronger than a Bronze Dragon and me ... well, we had a rough start. I had trouble connecting to the world and to Anlei (our MC) at the very beginning. But f ...more
3.5 stars
Pros:
- steampunk GOODNESS
- amazing Chinese-inspired world (I'm actually quite proud of myself because I understood some of the Chinese words used)
- if you're looking for a fun quest story, this is for you!
- though I wouldn't say that the characters are ground-breaking or that we haven't seen them in other adventure/fantasy stories before, they are well-developed and likable
Cons:
- i felt like the main characters declared their love for each other too quickly, and I think the circumstance
...more
So this is the first Mary Fan book I've read. I've come across some reviews of her other books. I now know she is an author to look out for though. This was just, WOW!
The book synopsis and cover sucked me in right away, I just I knew I just had to read it and that I would love it.
This book has everything from steampunk, magic and badass heroine plot twists and amazing world building. Its seriously everything. You have to read this book, like today!! NOW!
You will fall for Anlei and this story in ...more
The book synopsis and cover sucked me in right away, I just I knew I just had to read it and that I would love it.
This book has everything from steampunk, magic and badass heroine plot twists and amazing world building. Its seriously everything. You have to read this book, like today!! NOW!
You will fall for Anlei and this story in ...more
I'm a massive fan of Mary Fan, who wrote one of my favorite YA SF books of all time, Starswept (see my review!). So when I saw the announcement for this book, I knew I just had to read it. A hero's journey through a fantastical Qing dynasty China, where we have steampunk technology mixed with magic, a lady warrior who wields a dangerous blade... this is the exact book I needed in my life, and it was perfect in every way.
Anlei is one of those fierce Warioress characters who jump out of the page.
...more
Full review on: Flipping Through the Pages
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is a story about Anlei who wants to be a warrior like her dead father. She is with guards whose job is to protect the village from the evil spirits called Ligui, who had been mercilessly attacking her village for years. The Emperor refuses to acknowledge their suffering or send aid so it was the guards’ duty to protect the village as best as they can. But one day Viceroy Kang arrives with his mechanical dragons and fleet and ...more
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is a story about Anlei who wants to be a warrior like her dead father. She is with guards whose job is to protect the village from the evil spirits called Ligui, who had been mercilessly attacking her village for years. The Emperor refuses to acknowledge their suffering or send aid so it was the guards’ duty to protect the village as best as they can. But one day Viceroy Kang arrives with his mechanical dragons and fleet and ...more
I had the privilege to receive an ARC (advance review copy) from Mary Fan for her new book, Stronger than a Bronze Dragon. The book has not yet hit shelves, but it may be pre-ordered (although the cover has not yet been released on Amazon). Pre-order this book. Do it.
First, this is not genre fiction. It is, but it isn’t. I know genre fiction, and I’ve read it all my life. Such work focuses on established tropes, arranged in hopefully meaningful and original ways, and tells the expected story. Is ...more
First, this is not genre fiction. It is, but it isn’t. I know genre fiction, and I’ve read it all my life. Such work focuses on established tropes, arranged in hopefully meaningful and original ways, and tells the expected story. Is ...more
As soon as I saw the word "dragon" in the title of this book, I added it to my tbr. Luckily, it still looked interesting after I actually read the summary. Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon turned out to be a refreshing and unique fantasy story with some steampunk elements.
I loved the world-building. Fan created a fantastic world and I loved finding out new tidbits about it throughout the story. I was left with a few remaining questions but for a YA novel, the world-building was pretty good. The ch ...more
I loved the world-building. Fan created a fantastic world and I loved finding out new tidbits about it throughout the story. I was left with a few remaining questions but for a YA novel, the world-building was pretty good. The ch ...more
Anlei’s village is constantly under threat of attack and death. When Viceroy Kang arrives with mechanical dragons in tow and offers to lend his protection in exchange for the River Pearl and a bride, Anlei is chosen to marry him. When a thief steals the River Pearl, Anlei resolves to go after him to recover the one thing that may help keep her people safe.
Stronger Than A Bronze Dragon had a lot of potential with its fascinating premise, its strong-willed (and dyslexic!) heroine, and fluid writin ...more
Stronger Than A Bronze Dragon had a lot of potential with its fascinating premise, its strong-willed (and dyslexic!) heroine, and fluid writin ...more
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Readers also enjoyed
Mary Fan is a YA and SFF author hailing from Jersey City. Her books include STRONGER THAN A BRONZE DRAGON (YA steampunk fantasy, Page Street Publishing), the STARSWEPT series (YA sci-fi, Snowy Wings Publishing), the FATED STARS series (YA fantasy, Snowy Wings Publishing), the FLYNN NIGHTSIDER series (YA dark fantasy, Crazy 8 Press), and the JANE COLT trilogy (space adventure, Red Adept Publishing)
...more
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