This story completely took over my life while I was reading it, and I’m still thinking about it! From the very first page, I was hooked by Àn’yīng’s determination and courage. Her journey through the Immortality Trials to save her mother had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved how grounded and real she felt—she’s fierce and driven, but also vulnerable in a way that makes her so easy to root for.

The relationship between Àn’yīng and Yù’chén? WOW. 'Rivals to lovers' doesn’t even begin to cover it. The tension, the layers of mistrust and mutual respect, and the slow build of their connection were all so well done. I’m so glad there wasn’t any insta-love here—it made their relationship feel so much deeper and more rewarding. Every scene they shared had me holding my breath!

The world-building is absolutely stunning. The mix of beauty and danger, with the mó demons and the eerie eternal night, made everything feel so vivid and alive. The pacing was perfect—fast enough to keep me hooked but detailed enough to make me feel completely immersed.

This book is everything I love about dark fantasy: intense stakes, rich characters, and a world that feels so real it’s hard to leave. I devoured every page and didn’t want it to end. If you love stories with heart, action, and a bit of darkness, this is a must-read. I cannot wait for the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is action packed! And the world building was awesome. I usually don’t like love triangles but in this book I tolerated it well, as long as we get an Anying and Yu Chen HEA? (Please). This is the first book, but closes well and at the same time I can’t wait happens next. Overall I love this book.

The Scorpion and The Night Blossom was an intense, action packed story. There wasn't graphic spice, there were vague descriptions (our characters are over 18) and a few curse words sprinkled in. There were also references to SA but none occurred within the story. This is a book set in a besieged land and our character takes part in deadly trials so there is violence, death and tragedy. There were a variety of popular tropes interwoven into the narrative. I spent a good portion of the book as conflicted as our main character. There were so many twists and turns, some that twisted in one direction then in the opposite direction a few pages later. I suspected several of the twists but for every one I guessed there was another I was surprised by. I currently have mixed feeling about so many characters! One of my least favorite tropes came into play (not a generally disliked trope, just one I am not a big fan of) and I have SO MANY QUESTIONS about where the story will go in the next book. Inspiration was drawn from Chinese stories and legends, and I loved how that played out.

Book Review: The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao

In The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, Amélie Wen Zhao delivers a spellbinding tale of revenge, redemption, and forbidden alliances set against a lush, atmospheric world teeming with danger and desire. Known for her vibrant storytelling and intricately crafted characters, Zhao once again enchants readers with a narrative that is as darkly captivating as it is emotionally resonant.

The story follows two unlikely protagonists: a deadly assassin known as The Scorpion, who thrives in the shadows, and a noble outcast referred to as The Night Blossom, whose past is steeped in secrets. Thrown together by fate and vengeance, their fragile partnership unfolds amidst a rich tapestry of political intrigue, betrayals, and an undercurrent of slow-burning tension. Zhao masterfully weaves in themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between hero and villain, creating a morally gray world where every choice has consequences.

What stands out most is Zhao’s worldbuilding. The setting comes alive with vivid descriptions of opulent palaces, treacherous alleyways, and shimmering night markets, immersing readers in a world that feels both magical and perilous. Equally enthralling is the dynamic between the two leads—their sharp banter, guarded emotions, and slow unraveling of trust keep readers on edge, rooting for their survival and connection.

Fans of morally complex characters and immersive fantasy will find The Scorpion and the Night Blossom to be an unputdownable read. Zhao’s talent for balancing high-stakes action with tender emotional depth shines through, delivering a story that lingers long after the final page.

Rating: 4.5/5
Perfect for fans of: The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller and An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir.

This reads like a c-drama. Be that a good thing or a bad thing, it can take some time to get into this story. First, it is written in present tense. While this is a semi-regular occurrence in translations of light novels and other cultivation stories, it is not something that I expected going into this book. As many other books of this nature, there are many names, lore drops, and descriptions that need to be kept track of to understand what is going on. It got to the point where it felt like I needed to start taking notes on the definitions of some of the words in the novel. A glossary or a pronunciation guide would make this a much easier read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this eARC.

And wow! I'm just going to get it out there. This is a fantastic start to a promising duology. It's very fast paced, our characters have layers and are very enjoyable. The trials are high stakes that kept me on the edge of my seat! Really enjoyed our romance here. It's very emotional and just spot on for my tastes.

This is very high stakes and extremely thrilling. This was very fresh and exciting. I can't wait to see what's coming up next!

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and Random House Children's for this advanced copy! You can pick up The Scorpion and the Night Blossom on March 4, 2025.

In Amélie Wen Zhao we trust. She can craft a romance with the most impeccable yearning and tension I've ever read. I was immediately all in on Àn’yīng and Yu'chén, from the moment she attacked him in a clearing. THIS was a proper enemies to lovers, with secrets and betrayals and vulnerabilities and intimacy. It built up fairly slowly, and by the end, you understand why both of them made the choices they did (for themselves and each other).

Zhao also set up a beautiful world with a fascinating conflict between the three realms. The magic was straightforward but intriguing, especially since mortal practitioners, immortals, and demons could use it in various ways. I did feel that the third part of the love triangle was added in for more plot reasons than romance (there really is no romance between them until MAYBE the very end), and that's honestly the only reason this isn't 5 stars. I needed more Yu'chén on the page because his and Àn’yīng's dynamic was EVERYTHING.

I will be gnawing at the bars of my enclosure until book 2 comes out. Y'all better have this in your carts FIRST THING come March!!

I was a fan of Amélie before (Song of Silver and Dark Star Burning both got a solid 4 stars from me) but this book just solidifies her as an automatic-buy for me. The world and characters were both complex. The foreshadowing was there, and the crumbs dropped, but you didn't want to be right about the assumptions. The mythology lends itself to the story, and it's not confusing. The banter between characters is spot on. The deceit, lies, emotions... all so relatable. I laughed and cried while reading this story, and I just cannot wait for the second book to see how exactly the story ends. I had this one pre-ordered for a while, and I can't wait for my pretty shelf trophy, but those beautiful edges have nothing on the beauty of this story.

Follow the mortal FMC on her journey to the Immortal Realm in hopes of winning a trial in order to save her Mother. On her way to the trials, she meets the MMC, and the two quickly become hesitant allies. The story that unfolds is one filled with magic, corruption, deceit, self-discovery, and love in various forms.

This book showcases the author's growth. The world building in previous books of hers was a bit confusing (in my opinion of course). This world is both complex, but easy to understand and imagine. The characters are all well developed, complex, and relatable. I thought the book, as a whole, was more well-written, than her previous books, which is one of the reasons it got my full five stars. I was drawn into the story, and didn't want it to end. A well-written story is never long enough.

Thank you, Netgalley and Amelie Wen Zhao, for early access to this book!
This is my first book from this author and I loved it. So descriptive and inviting with the lore and environment I was hooked from page one. The trials An Ying goes thru are so intense and violent, and when she finds her spirit from the jade pendant she wears, I had tears in my eyes. Our library will definitely pick this book up. Can't wait to see what you write next!

Nine years after a war that shattered her family, Àn’yīng is no longer the frightened child from before. Armed with crescent blades and steeped in the ancient art of practitioning, she embarks on a perilous journey to the Immortality Trials, driven by the desperate need to heal her ailing mother. This quest forms the crux of the narrative.
At its heart, the book delves into the complexities of trust. Àn’yīng’s unexpected alliance with the enigmatic Yù’chén adds a rich layer of tension and intrigue. His protective instincts and mysterious motives create an engaging dynamic that keeps readers questioning his true intentions. Is he a savior or a threat? Zhao expertly weaves this uncertainty into their relationship, transforming the classic rivals-to-lovers trope into a suspenseful narrative thread.
Zhao's exploration of mortality and the human experience resonates deeply. Àn’yīng’s determination, not just for herself but to save her family, is a driving force that elevates the narrative from merely an adventure story to a profound exploration of sacrifice and self-discovery.
Overall, this book is a must read for fans of fantasy. It contains a strong, multifaceted heroine at its helm, a hauntingly beautiful world, and a narrative that masterfully balances suspense and romance.

This novel was an enjoyable read, filled with action and adventure, discovering oneself and what the implications for discovering the truth. Àn’yīng's life has been upended since her father was killed by a powerful demon, taking care of her mother with half a soul and her younger sister. She uses her crescent blades to keep her family safe. Upon learning of the Immortality Trials, she knows this is the way to safe her mother's life. However, the trials are dangerous and everyone is an enemy. Àn’yīng meets a competitor along the way who wants an alliance, but Àn’yīng is not certain of his motives, but the risks he takes for her make him appear genuine. Àn’yīng also meets a guard, who is more than he seems and he wants to help her as well. Secrets are abundant among the competitors and someone is taking out the competition, a grave violation for those competing in the trials. Àn’yīng needs to survive and be chosen, so she can save her mother and keep her family safe. I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's been 9 years since Àn’yīng's father died during a demon attack. Now, only surviving the immortal trials can save her mother. Àn’yīng must travel to the Kingdom of Sky to compete with other mortals for the pill of immortality. Armed with only her crescent blades and jade necklace, can Àn’yīng survive?

I could not put this down! This was the perfect fast-paced rivals to lovers I've been looking for! The political intrigue with the
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom has all the political intrigue, mythology, forbidden love, high-stakes trials, mixed with the perfect twist. I cannot wait to read the next book in this duology!

Thank you netgalley and Random House Children's for the ebook arc!

★★★★★

"You have poisoned me, little scorpion, and I would gladly let you do it over and over and over again."

This book blew my mind—it hit all the marks I wasn’t expecting. The plot twists were insane, the slow-burn build-up kept me hooked, and the world-building? Absolutely stunning. Packed with demons, dark magic, and a touch of desire, it’s action from start to finish. And that ending? What just happened!?

Àn’yĩng lives with her family in Xī’lín, part of the Kingdom of Rivers in the mortal realm. Their small cottage used to feel whole, but after losing her father and part of her mother, everything changed. Now, Àn’yĩng is preparing for the battles ahead. She’s determined to save her mother, but the price of doing so means leaving her mom and sister behind. With demons—known as Mó—lurking around every corner, she can only hope her protective wards will keep her family safe while she’s gone.

Her journey to the Temple of Dawn, where immortals hold trials for those seeking eternal life, is no easy feat. The road is treacherous, filled with stronger practitioners and deadly rivals who’ll do anything to get ahead. Oh, and let’s not forget the Mó, who are always ready to devour anything in their path. Along the way, a mysterious stranger crosses her path. Is he a friend or an enemy? Even though he lends her a hand, she’s not sure if she can trust him.

Àn’yĩng’s story is one of epic battles, mind-blowing twists, and moments that will both break your heart and fill it with warmth. The Temple of Dawn is just the start of her challenges. What she’ll face inside might change everything.

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom didn't quite hit the mark for me. The main character's inconsistent portrayal and the slow pacing detracted from the story. While the writing is decent, the worldbuilding and magic system lack depth. Ultimately, the book's flaws overshadowed its potential.

The dedication is for "the C-drama girlies" and I felt that. If you ever watched any of those, parts of this book felt very nostalgic and almost comforting. We have martial arts mixed with fantasy, an epic brewing-war plotline, and (of course) a love triangle with two very handsome men.

So why am I not rating this higher? One main reason really: Àn’yīng's behavior towards Yù’chén and her initial reaction to other "halflings." Her obsession with what basically amounts to racial purity made me very uncomfortable and I really disliked her for it. Yù’chén is the superior character in the developing love triangle (if you disagree you're objectively wrong, I'm sorry, I don't make the rules), but to Àn’yīng he's half-human half-monster, and that means he should be the prime suspect in all violence committed. Àn’yīng at first prefers Hào’yáng...why? Because he helped her a lot? So did Yù’chén. Hào’yáng's handsomeness is good because he's, idk, pure? whereas Yù’chén's handsomeness is exotic and evil because he's not. One gets to be romanticized because he's fully human, the other is untrustworthy and subhuman. Maybe I'm too sensitive of a reader, but it's hard to read a book with a racist MC. (But don't worry! she gets better as the book progresses! new acquaintances teach her that halflings are people too! she's no longer racist! some of her best friends are halflings! even though they're extremely minor characters that we only see a handful of times)

(...except not really, JK! because then we get that ending! Àn’yīng should have trusted her racist instincts all along! vindication!!!)

The ending had some heavy evil monologuing and info dumping/dramatic reveal after dramatic reveal. Suddenly there's a war, a new realm to visit, and a marriage plot. Definitely a set-up for a sequel, but maybe too many moving parts for the final couple of chapters. I don't know how this is all going to be wrapped up satisfactorily in one more book. It could happen! I just feel like it'd have to be a long book.

I think I'm an easily-satisfied reader. If I'm entertained, a book is usually 4 stars. This one had the set-up for another 4 star minimum for me: C-drama/wuxia vibes, a complex MMC, a stabby heroine, trials (yes I know there are a TON of trial plotlines in fantasy now but I still eat that up). But Àn’yīng, y'all...I hated her. I could overlook other parts that didn't slap for me, but not her. I'd prefer a book with Yù’chén as the protagonist, though obviously without her as his love interest. Otherwise it'd have to be titled "How to Convince Your Racist Gf to Treat You Like a Human Being and to Not Look at You with Disgust."

Starts off slow but picks up and hooks you by the end!

Thank you Random House Children's and Delacorte Press for granting me an ARC!

5/5! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸

Um, I'm sorry? This book? What? Hello?! Easily one of my top 5 favorite reads of the year. It didn't take much for me to see this cover and know I had to immediately read it. War, demons, deadly trials, romance. What does take much though, is for a book to make me cry. I had all the feels with this. 100% exceeded my expectations and then some.

🐉 What Ya Get:
🪭Deadly trials.
🪭Enemies/rivals to lovers.
🪭Demons/Immortals/Mortals.
🪭Ethereal, dream-like world.
🪭Chinese inspired worlds/mythology.
🪭Forbidden love.
🪭Found family.

🐉 Synopsis/Plot:

After a raging war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers that took her father, Àn’yīng now takes care of her dying mother and little sister. With the promise of being granted a pill of eternal life-the one thing that can heal her mother - she enters a deadly competition called the Immortality Trials. In order to compete, she must survive the threatening journey to immoral realm. On her way, she meets Yù’chén, a handsome, secretive man who allies with her for reasons unknown to Àn’yīng. As she begins to realize things aren't what they seem in the immortal realm, she must decide who to trust and how to survive.

🐉 The Characters:

Àn’yīng and Yù’chén were both really amazing characters, and I fell in love with them easily. Àn’yīng is selfless, dedicated and definitely gives off badass FMC vibes. Yù’chén is witty, secretive and sly, and they were both perfect for each other. I loved all the people Àn’yīng gets to meet during the trials, and there's so much character growth throughout the book. Lì’líng, my little white fox, was definitely a favorite.

🐉 The World-Building/Setting:

My favorite part of the entire book! I have yet to read some of Amélie Wen Zhao's other works, but if this is how perfectly descriptive they are, sign me uppppp. What a magical world we've been thrown into. I was literally getting lost in how beautiful everything sounded. The stunning, vibrant wisteria and cherry blossoms, the in mist and filled with lurking demons. So, so good. This was like being in a dream. One you don't want to ever end.

🐉 The Plot/Romance:

I don't even have words for the plot, and the twists that came along with it. I thought I had an idea of where it was going, but I most certainly did not guess the greater bit of things. The last 75% of this book was intenseeee. The whole thing just keeps you wanting more. It never slows down, and is super fast-paced. There's romance, but it isn't the main focus of the book, and definitely doesn't need to be. There's really good tension and banter between Àn’yīng and Yù’chén, and enemies to lovers is definitely present here.

🐉 Final Thoughts:

This book gave so much. It was such a stunning, well-rounded, screw-with-your-emotions kind of book. Everything from the characters to the plot twists, the gorgeous world we're thrown into, the magic, the monsters....it was such a great read. 100% one of my top favorite books of all time. I need the next one to come out ASAP. I definitely look forward to reading more from Amélie Wen Zhao!

💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amélie Wen Zhao, and the publisher for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved the darker tone, trials, and monster halflings. Àn’yīng is a fiercely protective FMC. I would have liked to see her fight alone without the help of the two men who helped her over and over again. I was confused a bit in the beginning with the world-building and understanding of the cast of characters. I would have loved more world-building and interactions with the friends that Àn’yīng made before the trials. I was not expecting that ending. I look forward to reading book 2.

I highly recommend it!

I love a good c-drama and boy did this feel like one! It was so compelling from the very start. The opening chapter hooked me right away! Honestly I was expecting this book to be a love for me because it’s got all the things I love; deadly trails, a mysterious MMC, demons and a FMC I can relate too. However, I feel like the vibrancy of the writing is what really sold this book for me. The author just did such a good job of describing everything that you really feel like you’re standing there in the world experiencing it all..

A great fantasy for cdrama fans. There is a lot here that echoes the epic fantasies found in Asia and I can definitely see where inspiration comes from.

This story specifically I would recommend for fans angsty twisty melodrama. The sort that ups the stakes every chapter in an increasingly dramatic take, but that really puts you through it emotionally. I think if you're looking for a fantasy soap opera in book form you'll find it here.