Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

"No night was perfect for treason, but this one came close."




In the Kingdom of Yan, people who can predict the future and wield magic are considered monsters, brutally hunted down and executed - as are their sympathizers - in the name of peace and justice. After her father’s suspicious death, Queen Hesina, with the help of a mysterious convict and her step-siblings, will try to find the culprit, taking the case to the Investigation Bureau for trial and placing her trust in the justice system (Spoiler Alert: Big Mistake). 
Welcome to a world where everyone is wearing big, elaborate masks and hiding behind their “good intentions”. The ‘Descendant of the Crane’ is full of political intrigue and self-righteous back-stabbers, with a twisty finish, which, considering how slowly the plot developed, escalated rather quickly and made for a riveting conclusion.  
This isn’t a stand-alone novel; the ending lays the groundwork for a sequel. If I'm being honest though, this first novel hasn't hooked me quite as I expected. I wasn't able to get to really know or relate to any of the characters, who were all a tad dour and in desperate need of a Spa Day, and I am not certain I even liked any of them. The atmosphere is quite gloomy and the pace really slow.



My ratings:
Plot: 3/5
Conclusion: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Movie Potential: 2/5




 'Who should play them in the movie' :

  


Jay-talking | Week In China
Jay Chou as Akira the convict




Lynn Hung - 18th Shanghai International Film Festival - Opening Ceremony & Red Carpet
Lynn Hung as Princess Hesina

 





Do you agree with my casting? 
Please leave your own suggestions below in the comments.





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