Cannibalism is my biggest phobia, so I almost dropped this book at that part and was so scared while reading those parts. But I am glad I continued on to see how Shen Jin grows.

Shen Jin is a good good boy, just a bit ignorant at the beginning, the character that has the best development emotionally and moraly.

His mother, while not a good person and of questionable character, is a good mother. She had her little redemption arc and though it doesn't have much impact on other things, she at least redeemed herself as a mother. While she was greedy, she wasn't greedy for herself, but for her family.

Shen Jin's father... beast.

Little sister Tian Ya. Her arc is the most sad and the lowest point in the novel. RIP sweet girl.

From the beginning very decent characters, so not much character development, but is it really needed if you are already at the peak of being the best version of yourself? Really liked Shen Lie's attitude towards Sang Luo. Never questioned her, always supportive and doing his best to be on the same standing position as her. His thought process: I will become better so that I am worthy of being with you (no inferiority complex, but there is pressure being Sang Luo's husband) and so that I can protect you better because I know you are meant for great things.

And Sang Luo when he was trying for state school: If you succeedI will be your great wife snd we will do great things together. And if you don't, I will be your little pheasant wife farming together. No pressure.

So sweet.

All I can say is like wife like husband. The children are good though, because they received good influence from outside.

cannibalism, as part of the war tragedies.

There was an instance where a matriarch from one of the fleeing families chose to exile her own son and grandchildren because the daughter-in-law posed too much of a risk to the collective. She did give them all chances, but she can clearly see the bigger picture and can’t allow herself to constantly protect her own and put the rest of the community at risk.

despite how eagerly they author portrayed the emperor to bring Sang Lou and Shen Lei to the capital, the story just ends at them departing to the capital. That’s it! No meet and greet. No scenes of the others (especially the nephews and the Chens) visiting the capital. Just, “oh we’re off to a brighter future!’ Ugh!

Just wanted to say this into the ether before I go—Shen Jin, you silly kid. I have learned to love you as much as I have initially hated you. You are loved. In the highs and lows of life, you are loved.

brutally realistic and heart breaking depiction of war and siege including things like starvation, disease, cannibalism,