Ultimately this is a 4 star review because I really loved the language. The metaphors, though used in borderline excess, were unique and beautiful. The main characters (though not exactly likeable) were very realistic and easy to get interested in.
Minus a star for the fact that Zhu ultimately only has her interests at heart (which we already knew but I was kind of hoping for some greater character development here) and the fact that I was very unsatisfied with the ending of Ouyang’s story line.