This book is like a dark Disney princess story. Girl sets out to help someone, finds some trouble and falls in love with a guy she just met.

Jia is on a mission to help her sick grandmother, when she inadvertently gets killed and discovers her secret power. The power of resurrection. Jia is able to move between the living world and the many levels of the ghost world. This makes for in interesting world building experience. The worlds are lacking a little bit in the depth and description area though. I enjoy a book that sets up scenes so that I can picture even the smallest blades of grass. I was having a hard time with this one.

I also thought the characters were underdeveloped and I didn't connect with any of them. Their relationships were bland and I didn't really cared what happened to them.

Overall it's an interesting story with some ghosts and adventure. The end is a little bit of a cliffhanger and it could easily be a standalone book or the first of many.

Thanks to NetGalley for this "Read Now" book!

This wasn’t quite like anything I’ve ever read. The closest I could think of was The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg, just because it’s the only other time I’ve seen a multi-layered supernatural realm like this that a character could travel through, full of peril.

The main character Jia, the only member of her family ostensibly without magic, is desperate to save her grandmother, and won’t even let death stop her. She’s thwarted at the start by her family’s enemies, and ends up on a quest through the underworld, which is also full of people she doesn’t get along with. That bit felt very fresh: no bland, agreeable heroines here. There were twists that I didn’t see coming, rich worldbuilding, and a love triangle that I wasn’t sure was going to play out a particular way.

Tonally and voice-wise, it reminded me of the author’s debut The Girl With No Reflection, but I can see why Wuthering Heights is a comp title – imagine a high gothic romance adapted into a fantasy C-drama via Dante’s Inferno. There were also parts that almost felt like a computer game, where getting to the next level becomes paramount in a quest to find the magical object, and then the rules needed to be worked out.

A real adventure.

Thank you to Delacorte Press for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. At first, I thought this book was adult, but I quickly realized when I read Jia's point of view that it wasn't. That's not a jab at this book at all, but I can see this book doing well in the adult sphere as well, just with the premise alone. I think this book had... promise. I believe by the way it ended that it was a standalone, which honestly gives it a star on its own because you really do not have enough standalones in the world these days. As for how it ended... Well, I've never lost a love triangle, so! This book could have used a little bit more fleshing out as far as Jia went. I wish I could have been more connected to her. Maybe that's why I didn't feel too strongly about whoever she chose at the end LOL.

I am stunned at this enthralling adventure through the afterlife. I love the mechanics of the magic and the afterlife. The world building is magnificent. Keshe Chow compares the novel to Wuthering Heights, and one truly does feel that with the relationship between Jia and Lin, but the story is so much more. The story reads as such a nice mix of genres making it compelling to read. The ending left me wanting to know more, but at the same time extremely happy and satisfied.

Hmm. This was super unique when it came to the plot and world building. I think that going from past to present was an interesting narrative choice, but I’m not sure how much it actually added to the story. When it came to the characters, I was left wanting more in general. Jia didn’t feel very fleshed out. She had her family loyalty and her anger/revenge, but I didn’t feel connected to either of those. The relationships she had with the people around her felt lackluster too. Jia and Lin’s situationship felt meh, and her anger at his betrayal felt unfounded for like 75% of the book. Also I hate when the non-white female main character has a white love interest that seems set up to be end game, so I didn’t like Jia’s relationship with Essian either. Both “romances” felt very lackluster and superficial. If character relationships are going to be driving plot points, I need more from those relationships because a plot driven by relationships does nothing if those relationships aren’t substantial, and unique plot points and worldbuilding cannot save a relationship driven book.

I had the immense pleasure of reading Keshe Chow’s debut novel, and I’m so happy to have received this ARC and to have witnessed how much she has grown as a writer. I am incredibly grateful to have been given the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, honestly, even more than The Girl with No Reflection, which I already adored. The beginning was immediately striking and pulled me in right away. I found the dual time periods (past and present) and the layered dream realms intriguing, though at times a bit confusing. The Inception comparison wasn’t an exaggeration! That said, I did notice a couple of minor inconsistencies. However, the world building was great and the plot reserved a couple of unexpected plot twists!

What I loved most were the characters and the writing style. As I mentioned, her craft has matured incredibly in just a year. Her prose is delicate and poetic, but it enhances the story rather than distracting from it. The character development and worldbuilding were both stronger than ever. I also thought the love triangle was well-developed, though I can’t speak to the Wuthering Heights comparison, as I haven’t read it myself.

I took a few points off despite thoroughly enjoying the novel, mainly because of how it wrapped up. A few inconsistencies and loose ends left me wondering, could this be a setup for another book? I’m not sure, but as it stands, it’s not quite perfect. Still, I’m genuinely impressed and excited to see what Chow writes next.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and think the author did a great job.

I love that the author notates at the start of each chapter where in the timeline and realms they are when many authors leave it up to context clues only which can make the reading experience less enjoyable.

It’s also a unique story, but still has familiar and enjoyable tropes.

*spoilers ahead*

There are some minor typos which are common in ARCs that’ll probably be resolved by the time the book officially comes out, but there is one world building issue that doesn’t make sense and needs revisiting… In chapter 16 it’s explained that you can only see beings in the realm below if you’ve been to or come close enough to that realm. This is why Lin (in the first death realm) can’t see the second realm ghosts believed to be haunting him. However, in chapter 39 the FMC sees Lin who is in the realm lower despite not having been to/close to that realm herself.

I also do not understand a lot of chapter 45.

For example, there at least two soldiers in the cave before the ice explosion (the ones holding Jai and Lin). Then they just disappear after the explosion. Where did they go? Why are they just letting Jia and the gang talk while their general is impaled on the cave wall?

It also seems like Jai and the general are on the entrance side of the cave after the ice explosion, but then she throws herself and General Hong into the abyss which is on the opposite side of the cave? How did she jump them both over an entire lake?

Also, if Wai Po had giving Jia all of the magic in the cave, that means that Dai Yu no longer had her power at the time Jia reincarnated to the living realm. So she would not have been able to flood the cave. So either they are still ghosts and have to fight the soldiers and remain in that realm, die a permanent death by the soldiers, or go into the lake and be reincarnated.

I know the end is designed to leave you with a lot of questions that will hopefully be answered in a sequel, but I’m not entirely sure it was *intentional* to leave some of the unanswered questions.

Gorgeously written, complete with an entirely unique storyline, all perfectly crafted in a meticulously designed world where death is just the beginning. I loved every last piece of this sensational book by Keshe Chow. It’s got everything a romantasy fan yearns for, in a medium that is distinctly its own. If I don’t see FOR NO MORTAL CREATURE all over the big literary world’s TBR lists once it releases later this year, I will revolt.

For No Mortal Creature started with so much promise. The opening chapter was gripping, and drew me in with its prose and imagery. The levels of death, and Jia's power to traverse them, were so intriguing to me, but as soon as the prophecy was introduced, my interest in this book rapidly deteriorated.

All of the relationships in this book felt disappointingly hollow. While I could see echos of Wuthering Heights with Lin and Jia paralleling Heathcliff and Cathy, any affection between them felt manufactured. Similarly, Jia's hatred toward Lin and Essien never felt truly earned or organic. Despite the supposed enemies-to-lovers relationship between Jia and Essien, their relationship lacked real tension and conflict beyond their ancestors' mutual dislike for each other.

I also found myself increasing exasperated by the plot, especially the reveal that Dai Yu, Jia's eldest sister who had seemed to support the antagonist, was actually a double agent all along. The secrecy surrounding Wai Po and Lin's true intentions, coupled with their desires to "keep Jia safe" became very old very quickly. Additionally, the broader plot involving a very vague group of other enemies seeking to steal Jia's resurrection magic felt incredibly underdeveloped.

By the end, the story veered into the absurd. I honestly felt annoyed that Jia inherits powers from her Wai Po, Dai Yu, the Spyrre, and the Abyss, all in addition to her own resurrection magic. It felt as though there was no real payoff to the journey that Jia undertook, and now in the ending, she is free to be powerful and spend her life evading true death with her prince.

While this book stared as an emotionally charged narrative about love, sacrifice, and duty, it unfortunately lost its footing with its shallow relationships and deeply unsatisfying resolution.

i get it. and while i didn't like the ending exactly, i get it. i normally don't read novels with two romantic love interests, because it's just so agonizing, and this novel really had me going, well there's a reason i don't! i wish i believed the one romantic relationship over the other, but i don't really. the ending to the story itself was okay. it didn't feel wrapped up nicely. and the one she chooses to be with is so boring. i had higher hopes of really liking this one but it was a bit of a disappointment.

thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press for the eARC!

I can confidently say it's one of the best books inspired by Chinese mythology and folklore I've ever read! Without giving too much way, the concept of layered hells and ghosts haunted by their own ghosts was not only incredibly creative but also one of my absolute favourite aspects of the book. I can't help but wish I'd come up with such brilliant ideas myself!

Every character was captivating-whether loved them or loved to hate them, they were all whip-smart and multidimensional. The vivid descriptions, witty dialogue, and phenomenal worldbuilding gripped me from beginning to end. And the ending! THE ENDING!

The little easter eggs for fans of The Girl With No Reflection were a nice touch, but you don't need to have read Keshe's debut to appreciate this masterpiece. She truly outdid herself with her second book-I adore it even more than her first! Thank you for letting me read it! :)

For No Mortal Creature follows Jia, a girl with resurrection magic who must venture into the afterlife to survive the death realm. To accomplish this dangerous journey, she'll need the help of two mortal enemies - both of whom she finds herself inexplicably drawn to in this gothic fantasy inspired by Wuthering Heights.

Keshe Chow's prose is simply stunning - lyrical and atmospheric without being overwrought. The writing perfectly captures the eerie, haunting mood of the death realm while remaining completely accessible. I found myself highlighting beautiful passages throughout, especially the descriptions of the ghostly landscapes and the tension-filled scenes between Jia and Lin.

But what impressed me most was the character development. Jia's journey from someone obsessed with her past relationship to finding her own strength felt authentic and earned. Her relationship with Prince Essien was beautifully developed - he's definitely the "too wholesome for this dark world" love interest done right. Even Lin's character arc, despite his ghostly state, had real depth and complexity.

This gothic fantasy hit all the right notes for me - the dark atmosphere, the impossible choices, the emotional intensity. It's rare to find a book that excels in writing craft, plotting, AND character work, but For No Mortal Creature delivers on all fronts.

Keshe Chow crafts a spellbinding tale steeped in shadow and longing, where the veil between the living and the dead is thin, and love is as dangerous as it is undeniable. From the moment Jia Yi rises from death with the terrifying gift of resurrection, I was enraptured in this story. Her journey into the afterlife is as chilling and beautiful as a ghost story whispered at midnight, full of windswept ruins, cursed powers, and aching betrayals.
The atmosphere is pure gothic gold: eerie landscapes, haunted memories, stormy emotions, and characters whose pain feels etched into their very bones. Jia’s entanglement with Lin, her former love turned ghost, and Essien, the cold and enigmatic prince, simmers with emotional intensity and impossible choices. The tension between them is not just romantic, it’s existential, laced with grief, anger, yearning, and the sharp sting of regret.
For No Mortal Creature reads like a fever dream in the best possible way: lush prose, lyrical darkness, and a story that blurs the line between passion and peril. It’s a perfect homage to Wuthering Heights while standing entirely on its own as a fierce, unforgettable YA fantasy.

This book is absolute catnip for all the Gothic-loving, Wuthering-Heights stans -- a girl with resurrection magic who kisses a ghost -- and also explores the complexities of love and death and the afterlife in such a beautiful, poignant way and packed with Chinese folklore. Jia is a heroine that readers will adore and not soon forget. Another gorgeous book from Keshe Chow!

so that was something.

I am writing this on my phone late at night because my thoughts work. my grammar, no, but thoughts, yes. my sarcasm is off the charts and my humor is dead (just like Lin) 🤭

I went into this book completely blind after clicking the cute little "read now" button in all it's glory. oh how I wish I could go back. sue me but I did think this book was going to cook.

however this book cooked me. honestly who is to say I'm not writing this from the underworld right now? it would explain the lack of punctuation, capitalization and proper spelling. I never said I was perfect 🤚

to start off this book is one pov, first person (which imo is a great way for ya fantasy and I love being immersed with it) it's combined with a past and present day timeline which is--how do I say? fricken confusing.

at first I thought I was confused because I first read it at night so I went back and read it during the day and...nope still confused. okay maybes it's just me.

no, I was STILL confused. not just me, cool. wow we unite in confusion 😃

second of all, our main character started off extremely likeable. I thought she was strong and had a good sense of humor about her. the only downside she kind of had was she was obsessed

I mean obsessed with the fact that her former "love" it was basically a situationshop (sorry not sorry) Lin had left her and guess what, now he's dead and he's just a ghosty little angry (that was supposed to be angsty autocorrect but angry works too) Boi 💛 yeah so we have rhat for however many pages.

we start off the plot. chugging along, with Jia going through hell (....kinda literally) and coming back (also...literally) and now she's in thr princes mansion? house? castle? whatever the heck it is.

yeah, prince essien Lancaster. honestly this man was too wholesome for this book. he tried so hard to he 💀🗡🐈‍⬛️⬛️⚫️ but just ended up being 🎀🌸. I kid you not. he was sweet and at first I was very apprehensive about him but did grow to like him. he took care of Jia (even later we find out he healed her. okay mans lessgo).

so prince dude and Jia? they make a deal. he needs the sword and she needs it. they agreed tho she doesn't tell him her whole story and guess what

baby girl needs to go back to the underworld and die a bunch of times 🤭🤭🤭 wow so fun. while he's up on normal world keeping her body from decaying (true love wow)

she dies, meets Lin who is a bish the whole time (we later find out hid secret and her Wai Po's secret as well)

I do have to say I loved her loyalty to her family and her grandmother, that plot was done incredibly well 🤌

but back to Lin. so this man is obsessed, I literally and I quote because my life isn't mine! it's yours"

oh. um not sure how I feel about that buddy PRETTY SURE YOU ARE DEAD WITH A CAPITAL D

anyways.

she kisses a ghost.

or rhe ghost kisses her? yeah the ghost is Lin obvi but imagine walking by and you just see a girl hard-core making out with

air 💀

no thanks!!!!!

I know in this economy being single is hard but we can do better babes. it's okay, well get through it together.

kissing ensues, heartbreak, nadayada, we get the plot, we get action and then we get the details (which I pegged early on but won't share bc of spoilers, look I'm nice like that) so Jia survives and transports herself back to the normal world where she I'd not decaying thanks to prince Boi and he heals her they have a tender moment and bam, his absolute piece of crap older princey brother shows up.

okay pause. this got me the whole book.( might have been because it was 12am and I was craving ramen and a chicken sandwich with bubble tea but we'll never know) they didn't eat. aside from breakfast BUT THEY GOT FRICKEN INTERUPTED TWICE so
yeah random rant

back to older bro. anyways older bro wants younger bro to kill Jia and ofc essien refuses because we can all tell he loves Jia and Yada Yada even tho Jia was full on making out with....a sorta ghost in the underworld

chaos ensues and Jia starts screaming and she unleashes her full...power. yeah girliepop basically wiped out a bunch of people beacuse her power manifested 💀 yeah, cool! anyways she saves essien and they are having a happy near death reunion when it happens


yeah

it ends on the stupidest fricken cliffhanger known to all of freaking mankind and that's where I am

that was long and ranty and made no sense but that was my review. I'm giving it three stars because it's technically a 2.75 for me but yeah. ghost bois, and death traveling girls with softboi princes, this book has it all.

I wouldn't say I enjoyed it nesscarily, just that I might not be the target audience for it.so if u too are like me, we can relate together and let others enjoy.

I may be hater but I do have an ounce of kindness left in me (tho rude drivers really do take it out I'm so sorry.

anyways, happy reading loves
xx
jo

🗡

full review to come after my thoughts simmer like a nice cooked stew (also does no one eat in this book???)

thank you to the publisher and net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC.

This book had potential. It wasn’t my favorite, but some people may end up loving it. It fell flat to me and the plot honestly started to feel like something just thrown in to sort of give our characters something to do. The plot seemed to take a backseat to the false “enemies-to-lovers”. The settings in which the story took place could’ve been expanded and explored more, but it was very shallow and fast paced just to get to characters to the “climax” of the story. I love the YA genre, so this isn’t just a dislike for a teen mc with strong feelings. She annoyed me to no end and not in a way that I wanted to support lol. I’m disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I thought I would.

All of the relationships in this book were shallow. I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters and honestly, I didn’t care about what would happen to them during this book. Unfortunately for me, they didn’t have any real depth; even the main villain was insignificant to me. The whole “we were trying to protect you” theme running rampant in this story was getting repetitive and it didn’t help my feelings towards the characters and the story. The romance felt forced and Jia’s obsession with hating her ex best friend was the worst. Every time she mentioned him being a traitor and the worst human or how she wanted to kill him had me wondering what he did that made her feel that way. For the most part, she was just being dramatic. I literally got the ick anytime Jia mentioned Lin’s “betrayal” and whenever Lin said he was trying to protect Jia. She didn’t have mortal enemies, it was never that serious. The prince was more of an “enemy” compared to Lin due to the history between their countries and even that relationship changed in a blink of an eye like it was never that serious.

This review is my opinion!

This was my first book by Keshe Chow. This was more fantasy than I was used to so it my mind it did lack some romance but it is a YA book. This book was intense but also a little too wordy. I really like how the FMC was smart and not just the typical girl that’s just there and looking for love. I got violet sorrengail vibes from her!

I wasn't intending on requesting this, but when I saw it was on Read Now on NetGalley, I immediately clicked it... and devoured it in two sittings. I loved how Keshe Chow blended fantasy, horror, and atmosphere. I also loved how smart and headstrong our FMC was - her narration was super fun to read. I think where I struggled a bit was the motivation (though honestly I always have trouble with save-a-family-member (ESPECIALLY a grandparent) stories, so that's definitely on me. I also struggled a bit with the romance, but honestly the pacing and the world were both so good that I didn't realize my issues with the romance till I was done. All in all, I'd definitely recommend... and when Keshe Chow writes her next book, I'll be first in line to read it.

This book surprised me in the best way. Very creative and adventurous, just wish it was a bit longer. Will definitely recommend to other fantasy lovers.

Thank you to Netalley and Publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Keshe Chow's sophomore novel is an undeniable triumph, marrying fantasy with horror effortlessly! I loved the writing as well the voice, so rich and layered, and Chow's control over tension is gorgeous.