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Song of the Spring Moon Waning
Upon waking up one morning, Wen Yu is surprised to find a note asking him to return the song thrush given into his care while the owner was sick. The only problem is that Wen Yu was never given a song thrush.
Though he has no time for distractions from his studies for the palace examination, Wen Yu goes in search of the unknown Liu Yi who left him the note. What he finds is a beautiful imperial eunuch, a talking tortoise, and a collection of mysterious moon poems that force Wen Yu to question what path in life he is truly meant to be walking …
Though he has no time for distractions from his studies for the palace examination, Wen Yu goes in search of the unknown Liu Yi who left him the note. What he finds is a beautiful imperial eunuch, a talking tortoise, and a collection of mysterious moon poems that force Wen Yu to question what path in life he is truly meant to be walking …
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
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E.E. Ottoman
29 books346 followerswrites romance novels, wears pretty clothes, does history stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 22, 2019
Quiet, magical romance set in historic China between a trans man scholar and a eunuch who lives in the Imperial palace, brought together by fate. Scholar Wen Yu receives a note asking him to return a bird that he was never given, setting off a chain of events that ends up with him translating a set of poems only visible by moonlight and in an unknown language... and, of course, falling in love. Liu Yi wants the poems translated because he believes they might hold a cure for his mysterious illness. He didn't realize the translator would be such a fox! These two get so adorably smitten with each other, it's just a delight to watch them. It starts with a fairy tale and ends with the beginning of an adventure, and everything in between is great.
E.E. Ottoman is a disabled, queer, trans man whose pronouns are: he/him/his.
E.E. Ottoman is a disabled, queer, trans man whose pronouns are: he/him/his.
April 9, 2014
I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story. It had the feeling of a legend or a fairy tale, but I like how the more magical aspects were balanced with the more mundane. It made the story feel a bit more real to me. The characters were well drawn, and developed. They felt like real people rather than shallow stereotypes or tropes. I liked that, even though I guessed Yu's secret fairly quickly, it wasn't nearly as simple as I first expected it to be. I liked the added diversity this story had. It was more than just a simple m/m romance, and I appreciated that the characters were treated with the respect, and dignity that they deserved. It was short, but it felt like a complete thought. I'm really hoping that there is more to this story though. I'd love to know where things go from here.
I really liked this story. It had the feeling of a legend or a fairy tale, but I like how the more magical aspects were balanced with the more mundane. It made the story feel a bit more real to me. The characters were well drawn, and developed. They felt like real people rather than shallow stereotypes or tropes. I liked that, even though I guessed Yu's secret fairly quickly, it wasn't nearly as simple as I first expected it to be. I liked the added diversity this story had. It was more than just a simple m/m romance, and I appreciated that the characters were treated with the respect, and dignity that they deserved. It was short, but it felt like a complete thought. I'm really hoping that there is more to this story though. I'd love to know where things go from here.
June 12, 2016
”I am asking you to be with me and go on a journey with a dragon to a place that isn’t supposed to exist.”
The thing I loved most about this story is the smart and lovely use of a Chinese fairytale, and the way EE builds a magical love story around it.
‘Song of the Spring Moon Waning’ combines magic and fairytale with romance and, in a way, a coming-of-age story. For me, this was a really nice combination and I loved the magical and ancient vibe of the book.
By now, I’ve read at least 8 books by EE, and while setting and characters vary, they all have a very unique and special feel to them. Something that I want to believe is EE’s character and life being mirrored in their books.
There are some themes and character traits that are inherent to EE’s books. For example, their characters's life is strongly ruled by or connected with their profession, which is often an academical or scholarly one. Their characters have a passion for what they do, and I think it is most important that this is not thrown over board to make way for love. To have a fulfilling life is just as important as finding love.
Now, one could argue that this is not the case in this book,
Another important feature is that EE’s characters always are true to themselves or find the way to be this way. They have limitations and hopes, and limitations are a part of them and always will be. These are not magically overcome by love, but respected.
You can see this, for example, in the way EE writes the sex scenes. Often the characters have physical limitations or sexual preferences. They still want and know exactly how to feel pleasure, and the protagonists talk about this, and their wants and needs are respected unconditionally and never judged.
I’d love for EE to be more specific sometimes. Depictions of body parts are too vague for me to really get it, unfortunately. I know it is not really neccessary to know how exactly someone looks underneath their clothes, but when you write a graphic sex scene you kinda are confused or try to figure it out how things look and work. What does being a eunuch mean exactly? Does it mean they have no balls? What about the penis? How do they pee? These are questions that I have when I read about them being naked and having sex.
After reading the book, a masturbation scene and two sex scenes, I have still no clue how Wen Hu (he is not the eunuch I was just talking about) looks like completely naked. And I actually can’t picture it. All I know is that he is different, but not how, and that frustrates me. I want to emphasise that it does not frustrate me because I’m such a nosy girl—which I am, to be honest—but because reading these graphic scenes is confusing if you don’t get what and how and where and what not…
But, EE sure knows how to get me all hot and bothered, too ;-)
Wen Yu…
All in all, this was lovely and I enjoyed reading this story very much! 3.5 stars
The thing I loved most about this story is the smart and lovely use of a Chinese fairytale, and the way EE builds a magical love story around it.
‘Song of the Spring Moon Waning’ combines magic and fairytale with romance and, in a way, a coming-of-age story. For me, this was a really nice combination and I loved the magical and ancient vibe of the book.
By now, I’ve read at least 8 books by EE, and while setting and characters vary, they all have a very unique and special feel to them. Something that I want to believe is EE’s character and life being mirrored in their books.
There are some themes and character traits that are inherent to EE’s books. For example, their characters's life is strongly ruled by or connected with their profession, which is often an academical or scholarly one. Their characters have a passion for what they do, and I think it is most important that this is not thrown over board to make way for love. To have a fulfilling life is just as important as finding love.
Now, one could argue that this is not the case in this book,
Another important feature is that EE’s characters always are true to themselves or find the way to be this way. They have limitations and hopes, and limitations are a part of them and always will be. These are not magically overcome by love, but respected.
You can see this, for example, in the way EE writes the sex scenes. Often the characters have physical limitations or sexual preferences. They still want and know exactly how to feel pleasure, and the protagonists talk about this, and their wants and needs are respected unconditionally and never judged.
I’d love for EE to be more specific sometimes. Depictions of body parts are too vague for me to really get it, unfortunately. I know it is not really neccessary to know how exactly someone looks underneath their clothes, but when you write a graphic sex scene you kinda are confused or try to figure it out how things look and work. What does being a eunuch mean exactly? Does it mean they have no balls? What about the penis? How do they pee? These are questions that I have when I read about them being naked and having sex.
After reading the book, a masturbation scene and two sex scenes, I have still no clue how Wen Hu (he is not the eunuch I was just talking about) looks like completely naked. And I actually can’t picture it. All I know is that he is different, but not how, and that frustrates me. I want to emphasise that it does not frustrate me because I’m such a nosy girl—which I am, to be honest—but because reading these graphic scenes is confusing if you don’t get what and how and where and what not…
But, EE sure knows how to get me all hot and bothered, too ;-)
Wen Yu…
All in all, this was lovely and I enjoyed reading this story very much! 3.5 stars
March 17, 2014
Beautifully realised world with a lovely interweaving of magic and reality. Intriguing central characters, one intersex, one a eunuch. I'd have liked this to be longer, I think the author has a lot more to do with the world, and I'll definitely be reading the sequel.
March 29, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
Not my favorite from EEO. Historical and semi fantasy setting. Studying and academia. A jade rabbit and dragon lore. There was another glass dildo which was interesting, but this felt like 'a book that I read' for me.
Not my favorite from EEO. Historical and semi fantasy setting. Studying and academia. A jade rabbit and dragon lore. There was another glass dildo which was interesting, but this felt like 'a book that I read' for me.
May 28, 2020
Delightful Fantasy
So sweet and lush and lyrical. It’s a deceptively simple story that ends joyfully but without wrapping everything up in a neat little bow.
So sweet and lush and lyrical. It’s a deceptively simple story that ends joyfully but without wrapping everything up in a neat little bow.
August 6, 2016
Oh my gosh, I’m not sure I can express how wonderful & beautiful I found this book! It’s a whimsically magical sort of Chinese fairytale-within-fairytale, & in keeping with that, there is something so delicately crafted in the writing style; it’s like the literary equivalent of a porcelain teacup.
The two main characters, Wen Yu & Liu Yi, are completely delightful; shy & sweet & so endearingly polite as they fall slowly in love, I had to control myself not to squee out loud over their adorableness several times as I was reading this in semi-public places.
But at the same time there is more to this than just a cute romance, because neither Wen Yu nor Liu Yi are “ordinary” men. Liu Yi is a eunuch, and Wen Yu lives with a deep, dark secret & in the grip of fear, isolating himself to hide what he’s been taught to believe is a “shameful” truth about his own body. So, this is a love story about two people who are “different”, whom society devalues, finding acceptance & value & love in each other. And it’s also a story of the wonderful things that can happen when we have the courage to set aside the script & step outside the roles that society has written & assigned for us, and follow our hearts instead.
It’s poignant, poetic, sexually frank & beautifully erotic, & funny & sweet. And just wonderful.
The two main characters, Wen Yu & Liu Yi, are completely delightful; shy & sweet & so endearingly polite as they fall slowly in love, I had to control myself not to squee out loud over their adorableness several times as I was reading this in semi-public places.
But at the same time there is more to this than just a cute romance, because neither Wen Yu nor Liu Yi are “ordinary” men. Liu Yi is a eunuch, and Wen Yu lives with a deep, dark secret & in the grip of fear, isolating himself to hide what he’s been taught to believe is a “shameful” truth about his own body. So, this is a love story about two people who are “different”, whom society devalues, finding acceptance & value & love in each other. And it’s also a story of the wonderful things that can happen when we have the courage to set aside the script & step outside the roles that society has written & assigned for us, and follow our hearts instead.
It’s poignant, poetic, sexually frank & beautifully erotic, & funny & sweet. And just wonderful.
July 1, 2018
A sweet, slow-burn read with gentle rep that neatly avoids the usual gender-role based pitfalls of historical-type fantasies. - Matt
While the writing was beautiful and lyrical, skilful and gorgeous in the way it says so much with few words, it just didn’t quite ‘click‘ with me in the beginning. - Maria
You can read our full review here
While the writing was beautiful and lyrical, skilful and gorgeous in the way it says so much with few words, it just didn’t quite ‘click‘ with me in the beginning. - Maria
You can read our full review here
March 18, 2022
For the love of god PLEASE GIVE ME MORE 🥺🥺🥺🥺 Suuuuuch a beautifully written historical romance (tinted with fantasy) about a Chinese trans masc scholar and an Imperial Palace eunuch falling in love while trying to translate a tome of mysterious Moon Poems ✨✨✨
I desperately need more from these two, I want to see the rest of the Dragon and Jade Rabbit’s story!
I desperately need more from these two, I want to see the rest of the Dragon and Jade Rabbit’s story!
February 26, 2021
It was okay. Too short overall to really explore anything, and the romance was definitely too quick.
May 11, 2025
4.5 stars
Such a sweet story!
There's a dragon, family duty vs true happiness, and of course love
Such a sweet story!
There's a dragon, family duty vs true happiness, and of course love
January 22, 2014
3.75
This gentle, delicate tale set in ancient China is about a young student who must choose whether to let his family obligations or his own chance for happiness to determine his future. It starts with a fairytale type of prolog to show the supernatural forces at work underneath the story.
The rest of the story is told third-person by Wen Yu, who is renting a room in the poor section of the Imperial Capital while studying for examinations that will allow him to become a scholar-bureaucrat within the palace, which is the destiny that his family has planned for him since he was six years old. Not only is Wen Yu worried about his future, but he has a secret that prevents him from seeking intimacy with anybody.
However, he is soon recruited by the beautiful eunuch Liu Yi to translate some poems that might offer some insights into a mysterious health condition that affects Liu Yi with the phases of the moon. Soon the two men are attracted to each other.
My problems center on the plot, which introduces elements that never get resolved such as Wen Yu’s examination results, any repercussions from his decision, the resolution of Liu Yi’s health problems, and anything further from the big adventure that seems to be starting at the story’s end. At only 32,000 words, the story seems to want to confine itself to Wen Yu’s decision about his future, but this creates very little suspense because what other choice is he going to make? The real story would lie in what happens next.
The things I like include the smooth writing, the beautiful descriptions and details of ancient China, the courtliness of the Chinese culture, and the supernatural touches involving the talking animals. Readers should be aware that this is not exactly your usual M/M romance, but one that contains transgender and intersex elements.
This gentle, delicate tale set in ancient China is about a young student who must choose whether to let his family obligations or his own chance for happiness to determine his future. It starts with a fairytale type of prolog to show the supernatural forces at work underneath the story.
The rest of the story is told third-person by Wen Yu, who is renting a room in the poor section of the Imperial Capital while studying for examinations that will allow him to become a scholar-bureaucrat within the palace, which is the destiny that his family has planned for him since he was six years old. Not only is Wen Yu worried about his future, but he has a secret that prevents him from seeking intimacy with anybody.
However, he is soon recruited by the beautiful eunuch Liu Yi to translate some poems that might offer some insights into a mysterious health condition that affects Liu Yi with the phases of the moon. Soon the two men are attracted to each other.
My problems center on the plot, which introduces elements that never get resolved such as Wen Yu’s examination results, any repercussions from his decision, the resolution of Liu Yi’s health problems, and anything further from the big adventure that seems to be starting at the story’s end. At only 32,000 words, the story seems to want to confine itself to Wen Yu’s decision about his future, but this creates very little suspense because what other choice is he going to make? The real story would lie in what happens next.
The things I like include the smooth writing, the beautiful descriptions and details of ancient China, the courtliness of the Chinese culture, and the supernatural touches involving the talking animals. Readers should be aware that this is not exactly your usual M/M romance, but one that contains transgender and intersex elements.
February 3, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised with this book! A tale set in historical China, the story focuses on Wen Yu and Liu Yi. Both characters are not what you find very often in fiction, which is disappointing, so the author did a wonderful job. I was curious as to what Wen Yu's secret was, and when it's finally revealed, I was surprised, but in a good way.
The story follows Wen Yu trying to pass the Palace Examinations, which would enable him to become a palace scholar. He's worked his entire life for it, and seems to be destined to do it, but a few things get in the way, notably Liu Yi - a palace eunuch -, a talking thrush, and a talking tortoise.
Fascinating book and very vivid in the storytelling. I could clearly see the world in which Wen Yu lives and found myself rooting for him. I will read more of E.E. Ottoman's books after this, because zie is an author to watch out for. (gender neutral pronoun used as per author's preference in bio).
The story follows Wen Yu trying to pass the Palace Examinations, which would enable him to become a palace scholar. He's worked his entire life for it, and seems to be destined to do it, but a few things get in the way, notably Liu Yi - a palace eunuch -, a talking thrush, and a talking tortoise.
Fascinating book and very vivid in the storytelling. I could clearly see the world in which Wen Yu lives and found myself rooting for him. I will read more of E.E. Ottoman's books after this, because zie is an author to watch out for. (gender neutral pronoun used as per author's preference in bio).
March 6, 2014
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5 (rounded up)
E.E. Ottoman has written a memorable story of love and enchantment. It contains surprising twists to the narrative but the timeless feel of the story is never lost in the startling developments. The characters are unforgettable as is the setting. One of the Best of 2014~and the first in a series.
For my full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-23F
For all my reviews and thoughts on writing, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
August 19, 2014
A really well written historical book set in ancient China. The descriptions give the feel of the time and they are aptly mixed with some legendary bits. Only the ending was a bit abrupt and left a few things unfinished. There is a sweet love story which is not exactly what it appears to be, so this is not your standard m/m. In fact it is better! ;-) Wonderful cover.
October 29, 2015
3.75 stars. Such a beautiful story. Could have been closer to 5 stars but I felt the end a bit to abrupt. After such a lovely prologue, I'd hoped for a lyrical epilogue telling us what happened. But what was there was truly wonderful.
August 12, 2017
Interesting story, but the ending was very abrupt and reads as if there should be more. But I do not see any indication that this is part of a series aside from some mentions in a few reviews?? I am rating it on this being the full story... if there is more, I would rate it higher.
April 2, 2022
I normally don’t read romance because I usually find them awkward and a bit cringe, but I didn’t know this one was romance until I was already in and it was cute enough so I continued. Story is about a Mountain Dragon and a Moon Rabbit that write love notes to each other and one day plan to meet, but their magic transportation thingy gets away from them and into some boy. But I don’t wanna say too much~. I did like it in the beginning, I thought the romance was cute. LGBTQ+ relationship. It’s a short book, under 100 pages. And then the sex happened and it’s just not want I wanted. I wanted this to be a cute innocent romance that just held hands and kissed and it wasn’t anymore and then it wasn’t again and again. If that doesn’t bother you than sure give it a shot but for me it took off a star from the rating because it wasn’t what I wanted from it. The ending also took off another star. Will I recommend? Sure, it’s cute. Will I buy? No. Also can’t really buy because for some reason there is no physical copy of this book, just digital. Also Also, author is a trans queer man if that interest you and you want to support LGBTQ+ artist/authors.
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December 30, 2024I'm not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, the aesthetic was lovely - the poetry, the moon, the talking animals, the dragon from the fairytale - and I really enjoyed the romance and the sex scenes. On the other hand... maybe it's not my place to complain about this as a white person. But I've read enough stuff by Chinese authors to get a sense of the kind of values that were held in this kind of Ancient Fantasy China setting, and I was uncomfortable with how little the characters seemed to care about or even consider filial piety. The scene where Liu Yi snaps at Wen Yu that his father has nothing to do with his future career plans because he doesn't get to design his son's life and Wen Yu says "You're right, I needed to hear that" threw me right out of the story. They wouldn't say that. Those are the author's values, not the values these characters would have.
June 25, 2024
I ended up really enjoying this one. The prologue drew me in and by the 50% mark I didn't want to put it down...but I will admit that it took me a while to get invested in these characters which is why it's only 4 stars and not 5. It's a quick read and I really appreciate that this author is writing Trans love stories. This one has been on my TBR for a while and I'm glad I finally got to it. Would reconnend...especially if you enjoy stories with a but of fantasy/mythology mixed in.
April 1, 2025
This was historical mixed with a little fantastical. I love how sweet and tender this book was. I loved watching Wen Yu and Liu Yu’s relationship build. The setting and the lore was interesting. My only complaint is that I wish there was more for me to read of these two. Anther banger from EE Ottoman!
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August 25, 2019For some reason I did not post my review here back when I wrote it? Sorry about that! Here it is:
http://www.bogireadstheworld.com/song...
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Source of the book: Gift from Jane E Patterson from my Amazon wishlist. Thank you!!
http://www.bogireadstheworld.com/song...
________
Source of the book: Gift from Jane E Patterson from my Amazon wishlist. Thank you!!
May 9, 2022
This writing was lovely and the setting/characters interesting, but too short. I could have used some expansion of the world (talking animals are normal or no?) and the ending felt unresolved. It seems like there should be a sequel but it's been 8 years so I assume that's not happening.
October 20, 2025
Was a fascinating historic setting, managed pretty hot sensuality despite the voicing. But ended really abruptly and without much struggle.
March 26, 2014
I really enjoy this gentle and enchanting fairy tale set in ancient China. Being quite familiar with Chinese classics I am pleased with the writer's effort in his beautiful and accurate description of ancient China legend and the courtly culture.
Oh yes I am so aware of the imperial examinations which placed so much burden on impoverished young male scholars because it is the only way to have better lives. Wen Yu is one of these poor young scholars and his day-to-day struggle in his studies which do not match his aspirations is realistic even in a fantasy setting. Even if the story is told from Wen Yu's viewpoint, it is so easy to love Liu Yi the young eunuch. I am so pleased with the writer's depiction of Liu Yi's background. A child born to impoverished and uneducated parents who thought the only way to give their child a better life was to do the unthinkable. Cruel but that was common in ancient imperial China. Both Wen Yun and Liu Yi are such complex and beautiful characters. Theirs is too soon to be called love but their feelings are true and it is so easy to root for this couple. Theirs is definitely not a simple MM love because of Wen Yu's secret which put a twist to this couple's relationship.
The writing is seamless with a delicate tone, the fantastical elements weaved smoothly into the setting. The prologue telling us an ancient love is so poetic and such a fitting reason for the story itself. The story ended as it is because it is a series. There is so much more to the plot to look forward to and yet I can also appreciate the story as it is because it feels complete in a way. Looking forward to more of this series as these three characters begin their adventures. One little niggle are some typos which is irritating because for me it spoils the purity of the writing. Highly recommended for those of us who love a beautiful and original fairy tale.
Oh yes I am so aware of the imperial examinations which placed so much burden on impoverished young male scholars because it is the only way to have better lives. Wen Yu is one of these poor young scholars and his day-to-day struggle in his studies which do not match his aspirations is realistic even in a fantasy setting. Even if the story is told from Wen Yu's viewpoint, it is so easy to love Liu Yi the young eunuch. I am so pleased with the writer's depiction of Liu Yi's background. A child born to impoverished and uneducated parents who thought the only way to give their child a better life was to do the unthinkable. Cruel but that was common in ancient imperial China. Both Wen Yun and Liu Yi are such complex and beautiful characters. Theirs is too soon to be called love but their feelings are true and it is so easy to root for this couple. Theirs is definitely not a simple MM love because of Wen Yu's secret which put a twist to this couple's relationship.
The writing is seamless with a delicate tone, the fantastical elements weaved smoothly into the setting. The prologue telling us an ancient love is so poetic and such a fitting reason for the story itself. The story ended as it is because it is a series. There is so much more to the plot to look forward to and yet I can also appreciate the story as it is because it feels complete in a way. Looking forward to more of this series as these three characters begin their adventures. One little niggle are some typos which is irritating because for me it spoils the purity of the writing. Highly recommended for those of us who love a beautiful and original fairy tale.
February 24, 2014
A lovely short story that left me wanting more. 4 stars.
First, I adore the cover of this book. It's so well matched to the contents and that leaves me so excited. Second, this is a sweet love story between a eunuch and an intersex person that unfolded so beautifully, I want to know more!
Without giving away any spoilers, I wish there had been more exploration of intimacy between the two main characters. It came up briefly and I don't believe an intense scene like that would fit in the story's current format, but there was much emphasis put on Wen Yu's intersex nature and I wasn't satisfied with what little screen time that received.
However, the main reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is due to the resolution of the story. The ending is not derived from the character's actions, but would have occurred regardless of the events that unfold from the main character's POV. There wouldn't be a love story, but the major conflict was rendered irrelevant when Mei Hua arrived.
But regardless, the craft of this story is so strong otherwise, and the characters so completely complex, that I would pick up a sequel without hesitation. Also, I just want to sit here and pet the cover.
TL;DR: 4stars. Deus Ex Machnia ending that's almost forgiven by such strong characters.
First, I adore the cover of this book. It's so well matched to the contents and that leaves me so excited. Second, this is a sweet love story between a eunuch and an intersex person that unfolded so beautifully, I want to know more!
Without giving away any spoilers, I wish there had been more exploration of intimacy between the two main characters. It came up briefly and I don't believe an intense scene like that would fit in the story's current format, but there was much emphasis put on Wen Yu's intersex nature and I wasn't satisfied with what little screen time that received.
However, the main reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is due to the resolution of the story. The ending is not derived from the character's actions, but would have occurred regardless of the events that unfold from the main character's POV. There wouldn't be a love story, but the major conflict was rendered irrelevant when Mei Hua arrived.
But regardless, the craft of this story is so strong otherwise, and the characters so completely complex, that I would pick up a sequel without hesitation. Also, I just want to sit here and pet the cover.
TL;DR: 4stars. Deus Ex Machnia ending that's almost forgiven by such strong characters.
May 5, 2015
After doing what felt like an unnecessary amount of googling to determine that E.E. Ottoman is indeed white, I read this story cautiously. Nonetheless, I was quite pleased with the result. The story was as far as I could tell well-researched and respectful, and I did like how an obvious effort had been made to portray a society that has different gender roles from the typical Western expectations. That being said, the underlying theme of "follow your dreams instead of doing what your parents want you to do" strikes me as a very Western ideal, and made me a little uncomfortable in the context; it was the only instance that came off as "Look at how backwards and oppressive Chinese culture is." However, it is a very common and important theme in Western stories, so I will let it slide just this once. And anyway, the queerest sex scenes I've ever read kind of make up for it. The relationship was very sweet and had a good rhythm to it, not hurried or forced. And it's been so long since I've read a queer story that had a good balance between an external, supernatural plot and a romantic/sexual relationship that I'd almost forgotten such a thing was possible until reading Spring Moon. Overall I was very pleased.
February 2, 2015
This was really close to being a 5-star read for most of the book. I loved the slow-burn, tender, intellectual romance, adored the ancient Chinese setting, and thought the trans* issues were handled with grace and subtlety. Sadly the story fell apart a little for me at the end. Maybe I just like my romances to end neatly with a little bow on top, but I was hoping that
Other than that, there were a few stray typos that slipped through editing, especially later in the book, which made me read a couple of sentences twice to discern their meaning. Regardless, this didn't detract from a very enjoyable read which I recommend to everyone.
Other than that, there were a few stray typos that slipped through editing, especially later in the book, which made me read a couple of sentences twice to discern their meaning. Regardless, this didn't detract from a very enjoyable read which I recommend to everyone.
March 2, 2015
E.E Ottoman has this way of writing lovely little pieces that make me feel like I'm holding my breath for the whole time I'm reading. This was beautiful, lovingly crafted, and sweet. It isn't very long or complicated, but the world building and setting is clear and well crafted. I'm glad I stayed up too late to read this novella, it is one of my favorite titles they've written
August 13, 2016
It could have been a good book. I finished it so the writing was ok but I feel like the story never really begun. Too much time was put on the love making (I love a lot of love making don't get me wrong) But the developing of the characters, setting up the atmosphere and actually telling a story didn't get enough time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews