The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is book 1 of dark Chinese romantasy duology. This is a beautifully written story that squeezed and punctured my heart. I was hooked from the beginning and on the edge of my seat for the second half. And the ending? I need book two ASAP.

🗡️Chinese Mythology
🗡️Strong FMC
🗡️Demons, Mortals and Immortals
🗡️Trials
🗡️Enemies to lovers
🗡️He falls first
🗡️Slow burn
🗡️Banter


Grab your copy March 4, 2025! Highly recommend for fans of Chinese mythology and Throne of Glass.

This one took me a little bit to get into. But once you hit a certain point, it becomes a page turner. I loved the magic, the world building, the dragonhorse cause come on she just sounded cute, and I felt like I was part of the fight at the end. The ending was so heartwarming and everything I was praying for. I can’t wait for the next book so I can see where this goes.

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Rating: 3.75/5

Thank you to Netgally & Random House Kids | Delacorte Press & Amélie Wen Zhao for the review copy.

I really enjoyed The Scorpion and the Night Blossom. Although I have not read much Chinese fantasy or the author’s other work, I enjoyed the story and the characters, and I will definitely go back and read her other books. I really enjoyed the writing style and storytelling.

The book had a quick start and you jump right into the calm before the storm of the trials. I am a sucker for magical trials and for me that is my favorite part of these types of books. I do wish we had gotten more trials out of the story and it felt like the author was trying to do too many things at once, so nothing was completely fleshed out. That being said, the main character development was done well and I really enjoyed the romance, and some of the closer relationships. It did feel like a lot happened at the very end that I wish had happened sooner, but I’m looking forward to where the next book is going to take us.

If you’re a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, magical trials, dark fantasy, found family stories, and emotionally challenging content I would definitely recommend this book.

This book is insanely good. I was hooked from start to finish. The world is beautiful and complex but not in a way that takes all your brain power. I was so invested in the story. You find out what's going on alongside the female main character because there is a lot she doesn't know but it makes sense to the plot and isn't annoying. If you want to read a beautiful fantasy that will take you on a wild ride, pick this up ASAP.

Many thanks to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

Sometimes I think Amelie Wen Zhao wants to see how many times she can make me cry while reading. Because once again, she’s done an amazing job. This book gripped me from the very first, and never let go. If you loved her previous duology or Daughter of the Moon Goddess, I think you’ll absolutely love this story.

This is a quick paced, high stakes, action-packed story with gorgeous world building and riveting characters. An’ying is a great protagonist; you both cheer for her and want to yell at her in turns. Yu’chen is utterly fascinating; can he be trusted, what are his secrets, why do I love him so much despite everything? Hao’yang is also compelling. He’s literally a knight in shining armor, and he’s so good.

The angst level is at an all time high in this book. My heart ACHED, was ripped out, stomped on, healed, and broken again. I’ve still never recovered from Zhao’s last book, and I feel like I’ll be sobbing all over again by the time this duology concludes. But I CANNOT WAIT.

Highly recommend (and you should also pick up her completed duo if you haven’t already).

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

Set in a world where mortals are left to survive on their own in what's left of the Kingdom of Rivers, after the fall of night, Mo - demons from the Kingdom of Night roam the land killing humans, and drinking their souls.
Nine years since the death of her father, and the loss of part of her mother's soul- An'ying has kept learning about being a practitioner, holding the Mo from her village. Trained by her father before his death, she's always armed with her six crescent blades. She can use spiritual power to activate the powers in them each one having a different attribute, to kill the Mo.
What's left of her small village since the fall- is still there, her blood wards keeping the demons back, and doing her best to feed her little sister, and keep their mother alive long enough for her to participate in the Trials in the Kingdom of Sky and win a pill of immortality to save her mother's life and restore her fractured soul.

Her father had won the trials before she was born, but refused the pill of immortality, choosing to return to the mortal world. And while her father told her much, An'ying finds out that not everything in the Kingdom of Sky is as it seems.
She gets there with the help of a mysterious young man, who she attacks on first sight because she mistakes him for another beautiful demon.

It's got a little enemies to in love, big twists, big reveals, that following your heart sometimes goes against what is expected of you- but the future of mortals hangs in the balance. The threads of fate are a big ole web in this one, they're gonna pull hard on your heart!

I really enjoyed this one, it deserves its rating. It's a beautifully constructed world and mythology. I know this one is a duology, but I can't wait to get my hands on what is sure to be a glorious ending.

Not to be dramatic but this might be one of the best romantasy books I’ve read! As a Chinese American, I absolutely loved the incorporation of Chinese culture and mythology. I feel like it’s not often that you get to see that in these types of books and it made me feel so seen.

I was enthralled from the very first page. This book is a page turner!! I loved the plot, the chemistry and the twist at the end?!? SO GOOD. The next book cannot come soon enough.

Look, I won’t call myself a hardcore romantasy person, but if you present me with hot demons I am IN. I am so in. In the world of Amélie Wen Zhao’s lush, action-packed new duology, the world is plagued by mó, demons who take on the appearance of beautiful humans in order to lure in their pray. And I’m gonna level with you here—I would be fucking dead in this world. I wouldn’t last a minute. But thankfully Àn’yīng is smarter than me, and has trained to hunt the mó after one killed her father and left her mother permanently damaged. Her only real chance to save her mother and protect her little sister is to attend the prestigious practitioning school in the Immortal Realm where her father trained. Only problem is, there’s a deadly competition to get in. Luckily, Àn’yīng has her training and the mysterious guardian trapped in her jade pendant to help her (my notes say: “I BET HE’S HOT”). There’s no one to trust but herself—she just has to hope her heart’s desire doesn’t get in the way of her goal. With a truly badass heroine and intricate lore, The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is the (THEE) romantic fantasy of the season.

I loved this book so much! It was just a mesmerizing read and I thoroughly devoured it.

The writing is engaging. The story develops as the characters and action develop. It's so nice not to have all the information at once but seamlessly woven throughout. The pacing is fast-paced but not lacking depth.

I loved the mix of Chinese Mythology and fantasy. It made for such an interesting story. I think the characters are interesting but I would've liked more development from secondary characters that way the main characters didn't have all the pressure. I liked Àn’yīng and felt her strength and resiliency. I wished she would've pushed for more answers but there is another book coming, so I expect her to be even stronger! She also has many prejudices which she has to face and work through. She is not always successful but as with many people who learn, it is a process.
I really enjoyed Yù’chén. He made it for me. A very strong character with a lot to hide but with good reason. He wants to be different than his past but isn't ready to face up to it. He provides the layers and nuances to the story.

The ending is fantastic and makes me so ready for the next book! I can't wait to read it!

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!!

So this book started off slow for me
But I did end up liking it it started to give strong Daughter of the moon goddess vibes and once again im really pulling for. Our demon prince. The mythology and background was interesting but I found our main heroine to be annoying and borderline racist at times. While he op does end being lying she just hates on principal
And happens to be right that be said she does she to overcome her racism and thus the betray but that is what makes me hopeful for the next book. 3.5 stars technically but im excited to see what happens next

Amélie Wen Zhao’s “The Scorpion and the Night Blossom” is a dazzling, atmospheric tale that combines intrigue, danger, and a fierce exploration of loyalty and identity. With lush prose and a gripping narrative, Zhao has created a story that is both hauntingly beautiful and impossible to put down.

Set in a richly imagined world brimming with tension and secrets, the book introduces us to a morally complex heroine who is as cunning as she is vulnerable. Her journey is one of survival and self-discovery, navigating a deadly web of alliances and betrayals. Zhao masterfully crafts a protagonist who isn’t afraid to embrace her darkness, yet still yearns for something brighter—a balance that makes her incredibly compelling.

The world-building in “The Scorpion and the Night Blossom” is breathtaking, full of intricate details that transport readers into a realm of shadows, power struggles, and deadly elegance. Every corner of this world feels alive, from its treacherous politics to its moments of quiet beauty. The pacing is razor-sharp, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end.

The romance in the story is just as enthralling, brimming with tension and unspoken yearning. It’s a slow burn that simmers beneath the surface, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the broader narrative. The relationships—whether built on trust, rivalry, or desperation—are as complex and layered as the characters themselves.

Amélie Wen Zhao’s writing is nothing short of mesmerizing, with vivid descriptions and a lyrical quality that brings every scene to life. She tackles themes of power, vengeance, and the cost of ambition with remarkable skill, delivering a story that feels both timeless and deeply relevant.

“The Scorpion and the Night Blossom” is a triumph—a dark and glittering tale that will linger in your mind long after the final page. It’s perfect for readers who crave morally gray characters, rich world-building, and stories that challenge and enchant in equal measure. Highly, highly recommended!

Soo good! I admit, I was hesitant about this one because of how the author's other series ended, but the premise sounded interesting so I took a chance. And I'm glad I did. The fantasy, action, characters, and romance were wonderful. Exactly what I've been missing and searching for in other fantasy romance books. I don't watch C-dramas or K-dramas (because I don't want my heart broken), but I can definitely see why the author dedicated this book to the C-drama girlies. It definitely delivers the vibes of a sweeping, epic fantasy drama. Now I can't wait for the sequel and pray that the author doesn't break my heart like she did in her last duology.

DNF 65%
If this was someone’s first xianxia/ chinese inspired fantasy they might enjoy it. However, for me this feels like a plot I’ve read many times already. The premise is pretty simplistic, Anying enters trials to win immortality pill for her ailing mother. We see and told how strong she is as she wields her weapons that she as learned from a young age, but it was so frustrating to read how others had constantly saved her or she needed from them (it’s possible that everyone is simply even more stronger but still frustrating for me to read). I’m not huge on instalove and this was definitely one of the case. The feelings were basically there from first interaction but they do still sorta tiptoe around one and another. I do really enjoy the way the Amélie Wen Zhao writes action scenes those were really enjoyable to read.

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom
By Amelié Wen Zhao

5⭐ YA 🌶️

Tropes:
Immortal realms
Only one hot spring
Dragonhorse companion
Forbidden love
Rivals to Lovers
"touch her and you die"
Magic trials
Chinese mythology

Main Characters:
Àn’yīng & Yù’chén

Stand out lines/quotes:
“You have poisoned me, little scorpion, and I would gladly let you do it over and over and over again.”

My Thoughts:
This was my first time reading anything by Amelié and I officially need to go back and read anything by her. The world building and the overall storyline are so beautifully written. I could almost see everything that I was reading. This was really such a beautiful story and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next one.

I love a book with trials (Hunger Games got me), and I have loved everything so far from Amelie Wen Zhao. The world building in her novels is unrivaled, and this novel is no different. An ying is such a wonderful protagonist that you are immediately drawn to and Yu chen is a great foil for her personality. I am already anticipating the next novel!!

This is such a difficult review for me to write because I’m incredibly conflicted. This author is and has always been marvelous in her ability to create and describe some of the most beautiful scenes and invoke stunning imagery, but the dialogue of the book fell flat for me in almost every aspect. It was painfully disjointed and at times almost read like it could be a simple script. Additionally, the revelation at the conclusion felt rushed, elements seemed forced, and appeared to have minimal if any buildup in the rest of the book. A majority of the world building and plot seemed to have been rushed together in the last 15 to 20%. Not to mention certain significant parts of the plot were incredibly predictable.

The main character defies all odds by surviving nine years on her own in a demon infested world, while taking care of her sister and comatose mother. Despite all of this, and despite her training and background as a literal demon slayer, she’s portrayed as incredibly weak throughout the entire entirety of the book, relying on others to save her at almost every junction.

This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it overall. The writing was beautiful, and the world-building was equally stunning.

I liked the characters in this book, but I found myself enjoying them more as individuals rather than together. Àn’yīng has very strong, almost hateful feelings toward the Mo, which often come across as ugly. The way she treats Yù’chén is pretty awful, and I really struggled with their relationship. Honestly, I felt he deserved so much better than her. I’m kind of hoping for a love triangle since there are hints of one. It would be great if they each found their own love story and developed a friendship instead.

Yù’chén was a standout for me an interesting character with a lot of depth. I hope he learns to stand up for himself and find self-love in the next book.

I also loved the voice in the Jade aspect. I found myself more engrossed in that storyline and hope it continues to progress in future installments.

Overall, this book was really well done, and I’m planning to check out more of this authors work.

This book follows Àn’yīng, a young woman in the mortal realm whose father was killed by a powerful demon from the demon realm 9 years before the start of the book when the demon realm broke the "Heavenly Order" to infiltrate and take over the mortal realm. Her mother is also in a comatose like state from the same demon who consumed half of her soul. Àn’yīng is left to fend for her mother and younger sister as a practitioner - a human who is able to use spirit energy to create magic. She learns about the Immortality Trials, held by the immortal realm which has closed itself off to protect itself from the demons. Every year mortals enter the competition to try to win the gift of immortality. The trials are deadly, but Àn’yīng wants the immortality gift to cure her mother.

The plot sounded super cool, right? Well, Àn’yīng's character, although tough and always armed to the teeth, was constantly being saved by others around her. She was portrayed as much weaker than everyone else in the competition, and would not have moved on in any of the trials without anyone else. She also demonstrates significant prejudice against "halflings," half-mortal, half something else (usually some other mythical creature) until of course they decide to help her and then suddenly she's less prejudiced!

She also meets a mysterious rival, Yù’chén, who helps her in the trials but is keeping some pretty big secrets of his own. I did love Yù’chén I must say, of course the rival/enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine. The problem is that there was little to no development of any other characters. I'm supposed to be emotionally invested in anyone aside from Yù’chén and Àn’yīng but I really wasn't. The ending had some interesting twists, though, which is tempting me for the next book. Overall, however, this is another Amelie Wen Zhao book that I have given only a 3-star rating to. There's something about these books that holds me back from being fully immersed in it, I'm not sure if it's the pacing or the plot or the world-building or the characters, but we will see if after the next one I continue picking up this author's books.

I love Amelie Wen Zhao's other works and was so excited to read The Scorpion and the Night Blossom! This is a beautifully written story, I enjoyed the world-building, mythology, and characters. I wished the romance was more developed, but I enjoyed it overall. Can't wait to read more of Àn’yīng's story!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC!

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom was a fun read and a great start to the duology.

Years ago, the Kingdom of Night invaded the Kingdom of Rivers leaving the land overrun by demons who feed on human souls. Àn’yīng is left to care for her younger sister after a demon killed her father and drained part of her mother’s soul. To save her mother, Àn’yīng joins the Immortality Trials. The reward for completing the trials is a pill of immortality, which will heal her mother’s soul.

Overall I enjoyed the story. Àn’yīng’s hatred for Yù’chén, who has done nothing but look out for her makes it a bit tedious to read at points, but bear with it.

I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in a fast paced YA story with deadly trials and romance.