4/5! This was my first romantasy XianXia novel and I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. Definitely a good introduction to Chinese mythology but names can get confusing if you’re not familiar with pronunciation system. I initially added the book to my TBR because of a few snippets the author posted. I recommend checking those out if you haven't already to get a better idea of the vibe. Tropes I love that got me into this book:
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers (they're rivals)
- "touch her and die"
- mmc is soft/vulnerable when with fmc

I loveee the tension between the fmc and mmc when they're not supposed to be together, and An Ying and Yu Chen are just that. Then there were a few scenes where I just had to pause and attempt to hide my squeal because I was reading it on public transit... Spoiler alert !!!!!


I NEED THE SECOND BOOK ASAP PLS CUZ WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. I hate love triangles. While it’s clear who’s end game (pleaseeee), why does Hao Yang carry so much weight!! Like ughhh, I want more Yu Chen. I feel like it’s going to go the cliche route of An Ying being with Hao Yang and denying Yu Chen, only for her to suddenly realize she can’t fake it anymore and runs away. Anyway, one of my favorite bookstores is partnering with her so I already preordered the signed & personalized special edition. Can't wait!!

A lush, dark fantasy full of demons, blood, love and betrayal. The Kingdom of Night is no longer content to stay within its boundaries and overruns the human Kingdom of Rivers. The demons feed off the flesh and blood of the mortals. Àn’yīng must travel to the Kingdom of the Sky to fight for a pill of immortality to save her mother, who is only half alive after an encounter with a demon, the same encounter in which she lost her father. But the journey is dangerous. Yù’chén is also on his way to the Kingdom of the Sky to enter the trials to win the pill of immortality and after a chance meeting, decides that he and Àn’yīng should travel together. Yù’chén is devastatingly handsome, but also seems to be hiding something. Can Àn’yīng trust him? Should she? This gripping story will keep you in it's grasp until the final shocking end. I can't wait for book 2!

I am completely enchanted! This book is a breathtaking blend of fantasy, romance, and rich cultural elements that swept me off my feet. Zhao’s storytelling is absolutely mesmerizing. The world-building is intricate and immersive, pulling you into a realm filled with magic, danger, and unforgettable characters. I was particularly captivated by the dynamic between the protagonists—their chemistry is electric, and their journey is filled with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat!

What I loved most was how the themes of identity and resilience are woven throughout the narrative. The characters face incredible challenges, and their growth is both inspiring and relatable. Zhao’s writing is lyrical, painting vivid images that made me feel like I was right there alongside them, experiencing every moment.

If you’re looking for a book that combines adventure, romance, and a touch of magic, "The Scorpion and the Night Blossom" is an absolute must-read! It’s the kind of story that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the last page.

*The Scorpion and the Night Blossom* by Amélie Wen Zhao is a breathtaking journey through a dark, demon-filled world, brimming with danger, heart, and stunning twists. Àn’yīng’s fierce determination to save her mother in the deadly Immortality Trials is as gripping as it is emotional, and the chemistry with the enigmatic Yù’chén adds a layer of irresistible intrigue. With rich world-building, intense action, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is a must-read for fantasy lovers craving high stakes and heartfelt connections!

This would make such a good c-drama! I love these kinds of historical fantasy dramas, so this was right up my alley. The action and trials were exciting, and so was the banter between An’ying and Yu'chen! The imagery was also wonderful, from the descriptions of sceneries, food, and body horror.
I was definitely rooting for An'ying and Yu'chen and was yelling at them through the screen whenever one of them said something that ruined the moment! I'm also looking forward to seeing more of An'ying's friend group in the next book.
The only issue I had was that two of the reveals were pretty obvious to me, and there was one trope that I (personally) didn't really like. Otherwise, I had a great time with this!

As someone who devours Asian fantasy, lore and mythology, this was a spell-binding read for me. I came for the action, the creatures, the demons - this did not disappoint!!!!
This is my first read by Amelie Wen Zhao, and it certainly will NOT be my last!
This story follows An Yīng, a young girl who is desperately seeking a cure for her mother’s dangerously damaged soul. The solution? The Immortality Trials.
This book was filled with epic fight scenes, soul-sucking demons and mythological creatures of all kinds. The plot twists and hidden clues were very well done, causing me to be somewhat surprised each time.
Set against a richly woven tapestry of Chinese folklore, the world-building is one of the book’s strongest points. Readers are drawn into a realm where spirits, demons, and divine beings lurk in every corner, each carrying their own set of rules and dangers. The novel brings to life well-known elements of Chinese mythology—immense mountains, celestial beings, and the delicate balance between good and evil—with a fresh and immersive twist.
Ultimately, this is a thrilling, emotionally charged fantasy novel that blends mythological richness with a relatable, underdog story of resilience. It’s a must-read for fans of epic fantasy, particularly those with an interest in Chinese mythology and folklore. An Yīng’s journey is one of perseverance, and readers will find themselves eagerly turning pages to see if she can overcome the overwhelming forces arrayed against her.

I flew through this book, I was absolutely captivated by the world, the tension 😮‍💨 between the two main characters and I was NOT expecting that twist at the end! I’m so sad we need to wait another year plus for the next one! 4.5 stars

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is incredible and is definitely one of my favorite reads this year! The compelling world building and entertaining cast of characters compliments each other well, which helps to elevate the story.

The strongest aspect of the book is the dynamic between Àn’yīng & Yù’chén, which kept me emotionally invested from the beginning to end. The back-and-forth between them is as fun as it is frustrating, and as much as they try to deny their attraction, it’s impossible not to root for them to finally give in. As their relationship develops, their interactions also become more layered and complex. Without spoiling too much, the author did a wonderful job in conveying the characters’ own internal conflicts and motivations.

While the entire book is filled with tension and suspense, it’s the last act that truly left me reeling. From the moment the final act begins, the tension ramps up in a way that has me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The cliffhanger has me desperate for the last book in the duology! I am eager to see how it all wraps up.

Thank you NetGalley & Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amélie Wen Zhao’s The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is a darkly enchanting tale set in a vividly crafted world where betrayal, intrigue, and forbidden magic intertwine. Zhao’s storytelling grips you from the start, weaving complex characters with morally gray motivations that keep you second-guessing each of their moves. The protagonist's journey, both literal and emotional, is compelling, drawing readers into her layered conflicts and choices.

While the pacing occasionally lags and a few plot twists feel predictable, the author’s skillful prose and atmospheric world-building more than make up for these minor flaws. The Scorpion and the Night Blossom delivers a satisfying mix of action, romance, and political intrigue that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and anyone who appreciates morally complex characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite forgetting that it was the first in a series until near the end (when it became clear that not every conflict would be resolved). The author paints a vivid and beautiful world full of diverse characters and a complex mythology. Although I would probably put it in the romantasy genre (and maybe new adult v. young adult), the author didn't rest on romance alone to tell her story. There are interesting twists and turns, even some that I didn't see coming, that draw the reader in. Although the book is first in a series, I thought the author did an excellent job answering many of the "mysteries" in the book. I will eagerly watch for book 2 in the series.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-arc!

This book was amazing. It felt like I was reading a Chinese drama from start to finish and the book had been enthralled and wanting more. AWZ has managed to in all the books I’ve read by her create an amazing atmosphere and word building experience. It never felt boring at all, and I loved the details we got about the two kingdoms as well as the mortal realm.
The main character Àn’yīng I found myself falling in love with her as a person. She was strong, and determined to save her mother and I respect the character so much for that. Watching her go through the trials and deal with Yù’chén and the romance that was slowly brewing throughout the book was interesting. I liked the dynamic of both characters and trying to decide who I could and couldn’t trust in this book was hard.
The ending has me wanting more, and I can’t wait for the second book to find out what happens next! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Childrens’s Delacorte Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for an advance reader copy of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom. Spoilers may follow.

I've always enjoyed Amélie Wen Zhao's books, and this one is no exception. In a world ravaged by demons, the main character, Àn’yīng, decides she must enter the Immortality Trials in order to save her dying mother. Obviously, along the way to the trials she meets a mysterious fellow contender, Yù'chén, and allies with him in order to survive the journey to the trials, as well as the trials themselves. I'm sure one can guess what eventually happens between the two, lol. In general, I'm always a fan of quests and magical competitions/schools and enjoyed the ones in this book. The pacing was appropriate; some books jump into the action a little too quickly for me, without getting to know characters or place, and I thought this one did a good job of balancing world building, characterization, and action. Overall, while somewhat predictable, I still enjoyed reading it and will pick up the sequel in the future. Four stars.

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom
by: Amélie Wen Zhao

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An action packed xianxia adventure filled with magic, mystery, and delicious tension, this YA Romantasy was fantastic! Wen Zhao never fails to amaze me with her impressive world building (the magic blades!!) and character development. I especially loved romance in this one, it was her best yet! I cannot wait to read the sequel and see how Àn’yīng’s story ends!

A must read if you like:
🔥 Chinese Mythology
🗡️ Rivals to Lovers
🔥 Magic Trials
🗡️ Touch Her and Die
🔥 Forbidden love
🗡️ Unique magic system

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was so good! There were times when the FMC really got on my nerves lol, but this was still so enjoyable.

I love the forbidden love aspect of the story, An’ying’s unwavering loyalty to her family, the all the twists at the end.

Some things I was able to figure out throughout the book (no big deal) Every time I finished a chapter I couldn’t stop reading, I just had to know what happened next!

Overall I enjoyed and can’t wait to read more of Amélie Wen Zhao’s books :)

3.0 / 5.0

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amelia Wen Zhao is a dark fantasy drama for anyone who is a fan of Chinese folklore. Like previous books by this author, the writing is good and the resolution will depend on the second book. Unlike previous books, the characters and world building in this one are not as developed or immersive. It is a perfectly average book in writing and content, it has some missing elements to the characters that will need refinement, and there is not as much background to the world which would make it more engaging. I have hopes for the second book but if I did not have knowledge of this author’s style, I would be supremely apathetic of the whole thing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this ARC.

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amelie Wen Zhao was a fantastic read! The story pulled me in, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment. If you’ve enjoyed any of Zhao’s previous works, you won’t be disappointed—this book has all the intrigue and depth fans will appreciate. The prose is beautiful, and the fighting scenes are incredibly vivid; I could envision some great wuxia moments unfolding on the page!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Honestly guys, do you even need to see a good review to want to read another one of Amélie’s books? I mean this one boasts forbidden romance, Chinese mythology, rivals to lovers, magic trials… what more can you even ask for.

As with her previous series, Amélie is a brilliant writer who weaves mythology and stunning visualizations into her writing, and this book is a masterpiece. I loved the characters, the tropes, the dangerous trials, and the forbidden pull the love interest has. Okay and then the ending? Shit! What a twist (not unpredictable but a crazy one nonetheless that had me feeling all the feels) and now I’ve no idea how I am supposed to wait for the next book! What a treat of a read that I will certainly re-read once I get my preorder.

5/5- go preorder it!!!!!!!!!!

When I started reading this book, I thought it would have the same stunning sceneries as Song of Silver, Flame like Night (one of the author’s other book wich I loved). My expectations were not met on this point.

However, this book was still good with a lot of elements that I love to find in asian fantasy. Such as the magic in the universe, legends and histories wich build a lot of lore to the story. The world-building is also really promising for a dark fantasy and I really hope to see more in the second book!

I also much enjoyed the dynamic between Àn’yīng and Yù’chén, it’s really giving enemies-to-lovers but also right person wrong time kinda romance and I love love love that! I can’t tell you how much I wish to see more of Yù’chén’s back story in book 2!

There’s also, as said in the book description, a trial wich is a big part of the books, and let me tell you if you enjoy combat scene you will love The Scorpion and the Night Blossom! Boy how good there were, I was amazed!

This is almost a perfect but it is missing a few things to me, like more whimsical descriptions of this universe, a more developped building of the relationships between the characters, and I also wish the resistance had been more developed. Hopefully this last point might get better in book 2.

Asian fantasy is often a hit or miss for most readers, and this one didn’t disappoint (much)! I highly recommand it if you generaly like asian fantasy, enemies-to-lovers or forbiden love tropes and if you liked the author’s previous duology

Thank you so much NetGalley, Random House Children’s and Delacorte press foir this ARC in exchange of my honest review

I have read another series by Amélie Wen Zhao so I was thrilled to get this ARC.

Asian-inspired enemies to lovers with trials and some crazy twists. Potential love triangle maybe?

“Disarm me.” #iykyk

Dragon horses… yes. So cool.

The world building through imagery was beautiful.

I didn’t like that the FMC had to be saved in every conflict she encountered.

I did not predict that ending and any time an author can make my jaw drop, bravo.

I haven’t teared up from a book in a while - heart wrenching at times but beautifully so.

Ya know, I thought I had grown out of YA but this was honestly really good. YA authors… TAKE NOTE.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this eARC in exchange for a review.

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is the book that every fantasy fan needs - I loved every moment of this dark, heart-pounding fantasy. Amelie Wen Zhao's writing is utterly gorgeous and transports the reader directly into the lush world of gods and monsters. The worldbuilding is intricate, rich, and develops throughout the book, and the characters are complex and human.
I loved reading about An-ying's development, and her fierce protectiveness over her family made her a really admirable and realistic character. I liked that she wasn't perfect - she can be cold, she can be cruel, and she's not perfect, but she develops beautifully over the course of the story. The chemistry with Yu-chen was excellent and leapt off of the page.
Readers will be happy to know that this is a true enemies-to-lovers story, with shifting loyalties and a constant push and pull between An-ying and Yu-chen as they are forced to confront their loyalties and preconceptions. I also really liked Hao-yang's character and I cannot wait to learn more about him in the sequel. All fans of epic fantasy, wuxia films/novels, and enemies-to-lovers romance will love this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC!