I am a huge fan of Mingyei Yip after reading 2 of her novels now. I’m going to have to pick up her other ones that I haven’t gotten the chance yet to read. The first book I reviewed for her was Song of the Silk Road. This time I got to review Skeleton Woman. It’s a completely different book then the first, but once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down.
I adore Mingmei’s writing style. It’s very unique and makes the story flow so nicely.
Synopsis of Skeleton Woman:
Once upon a time in China, the most beautiful and gifted women were known as “skeleton women” – the ultimate femme fatales who could bring a man to his knees, or to his doom…When Camilla, a young orphan girl in Shanghai, is adopted and brought to live in luxury, it seems like a stroke of luck. But as Camilla grows to womanhood, she realizes that her “rescue” was part of gang leader Big Brother Wang’s scheme. Camilla is trained in singing, dancing, knife-throwing and contortion – all to attract the attention of Wang’s enemy, the ruthless Master Lung. Forced to become Master Lung’s mistress, Camilla meets two other intriguing women. Shadow is a magician and rival for Master Lung’s affections, while Rainbow Chang dresses like a man and wields power through her incendiary gossip column. Both pose risks to Camilla’s safety and status. But an even greater danger comes in the form of Master Lung’s eldest son, Jinying, who despises his father’s violent lifestyle – but loves Camilla. Only by plotting to eliminate Lung can she make her escape, but at what cost?
I want to point out that this takes place in Shanghai in the 1930′s. It’s a different world than we are used too but you will be drawn in. You fall in love with pretty much all of the characters. They have their own quirks and reasons for things but it all meshes together. It’s nice to see the struggle with Camilla too between not having feelings and actually finding out she does.
There will be a sequel to this book, and I for one can not wait to read it. To see what happens to the characters and just meet them all again. I love books that are apart of a series because I never want to say good bye to them.
I recommend anyone that enjoys reading to pick up Skeleton Woman and go for an adventure!
Disclaimer: Mingmei sent me a copy of the book. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.
Interesting, I’ve never heard of this author or the books before – will put on my to read list!
Sounds unique and like something I’d love to read…as long as there’s a happy ending!
Love hearing about new books! I have one I’m listening to in my car and one I read when I take a bath at night.
Ooh, sounds interesting, those are fascinating women!