Natasha Ngan’s tremendously empowering and breathtakingly explosive finale to The Girls of Paper and Fire Trilogy was simply spectacular! It’s heart wrenchingly action-packed but, ultimately it’s the themes of love, sacrifice and strength in the face of injustice that truly make this an unforgettable masterpiece.
Following on from those jaw dropping events at the end Girls of Storm and Shadow, Lei and Wren’s future now hangs in the balance.
The only thing Lei knows is that she can never return to the hidden palace, not after the trauma she faced behind those opulently decorated walls. She cannot be trapped there with the sadistic king—not without Wren. The last time also saw the girl she loved, Wren was fighting an army of the king’s soldiers to the death.
With both girls torn apart and facing unimaginable peril can they finally reunite to take down the monster that seeks to destroy everything they hold dear or will they be forever torn asunder?
I just have to say how much I loved this and how absolutely incredible this series has been. Ngan expertly tackles real world issues and even champions self-empowerment through well written and endearing characters. Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever been so emotionally invested in a character as I was in Lei, cheering her on through all those heart-stoppingly nail biting action scenes.
I love the writing style with is very detailed and emotionally evocative, the characters (particularly the female characters) are portrayed with soo much depth (having endured soo much pain.) but the strength shown,inspite of such tragedy is utterly spectacular— and really highlights negative experiences in life don’t define us and neither should the opinions of others, which I think is a pretty powerful message.
I loved exploring more of this world and getting to see more of the supporting characters such as Mistress Azami and Nitta as well as finally meeting the Demon Queen. Getting to explore the lore surrounding the shamans and Wren’s birth clan was also really interesting—especially given Wren’s POV is one of several we get to explore.
I can’t mention Lei or Wren without talking about how beautifully written and tender their relationship is, it’s virtually impossible to not ship them together or want them to get their HEA (which they so obviously deserve.)
The ending was absolutely satisfying, if a little bittersweet but overall this tale of love, sacrifice and endurance is definitely one that I thoroughly recommend you check out. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to Hodder&Stoughton and Netgalley for the e-arc.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Girls of Fate and Fury is Out Now