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abby_can_read's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
📖
I had a wonderful time reading this. I'm very excited for the sequel. The characters were good and the relationships were solid. The plot was good though predictable and the writing style kept me interested.
I had a wonderful time reading this. I'm very excited for the sequel. The characters were good and the relationships were solid. The plot was good though predictable and the writing style kept me interested.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Torture, Death of parent, and Confinement
Minor: Ableism, Blood, and Suicide
daniellestarredpages's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
While I didn't outright dislike this book, I was disappointed reading it. In fact, I almost DNFed it after the first few chapters. The writing style was this book's biggest downfall; the writing was amateurish and sometimes felt very awkward to read. I liked Mingshin for the most part, she made smart decisions and didn't annoy me. Eventually, I started rooting for the romance between Mingshin and Jieh and I liked all the friendships.
The pacing of the story was fine but the world-building could have used a little more work.
Thank you to Netgalley and Union & Co. for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The pacing of the story was fine but the world-building could have used a little more work.
Thank you to Netgalley and Union & Co. for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Death of parent
tatyana_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media and Kate Chenli for an advanced copy of the book! All opinions are my own. Audiobook available as of November 14, 2023.
"Grant me another chance and I'll do anything to make it right."
Mingshin used her cleverness to help her ex-fiancé secure the position of crown prince over his three other brothers in her past life. However, it is too late when she figures out she is being used. While dying she promises to correct her wrongs if given a second chance. So when she wakes up two years in the past, she makes sure to make good on her promise.
"When a kind heart is directed at the right people, it's strength, not weakness."
I loved that Mingshin started acting towards revenge immediately, and made sure she protected herself and her family early on. I also liked that her desire to make those who harmed her and her family pay did not erase her personality or what she stood for. The narration probably really enhanced my reading experience, so I am glad I was able to listen to the audiobook. I wonder if there will be a second book based on the ending, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for confirmation.
"When a kind heart is directed at the right people, it's strength, not weakness."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Violence
Minor: Death of parent
prisoner_of_books's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Bright Heart was a beautifully written debut novel full of themes of vengeance and redemption. In this story our brilliant FMC, Mingshin, is granted a second chance at life to correct her mistakes, avenge her death, save her family and avoid the betrayal from a certain prince.
I was drawn in by the stunning cover and instantly requested the book after reading the blurb. But this book really just blew my expectations out of the park! Sure there are some things that definitely could be improved upon but everything else was just so amazing that I couldn't help but add the book to my favourites shelf!
A Bright Heart is written for a YA audience, and not the upper YA Sarah J Maas kind of YA, but the normal kind. It is perfect for this audience!!
The plot was so interesting and kept me captivated the whole time! I don't see this trope much, or haven't seen it be very popular but I LOVED it! I mean a strong, smart, brilliant woman goes back in time to get revenge on a slimy prince that betrayed her? And then there's the magic! I loved the authors inclusion of magic and the different kinds, also the role it ended up playing in the story, I cannot wait to learn more about the magic in the next book!
But anyway, as well as being very interesting, the plot was really easy to read and the author is a talented writer because the descriptions and imagery were beautiful! I thought that the world building was great and loved the Chinese aspects and tropes weaved into the story.
I actually could not put this book down! I loved Mingshin's attitude and smart thinking, how she was always one step ahead and using her knowledge of the future to her own advantage. I love reading about a strong female MC who is so strategically smart! Also, I loved reading about her friendships with her maid, female guard and the princess. Not to mention the sneaky side romance blossoming between two of those characters!
I love the trope where the FMC was betrayed and doesn't want to open her heart to another man, and this one was done really well. It wasn't that much of a slowburn I will admit, but I still really loved it. Her romance with Jieh was sweet and they just supported each other so much!
I am very excited for the next book and for a debut novel I thought the author did a terrific job! It was entertaining, fast-paced and perfect for a YA audience. If you love books inspired by classic Chinese tropes, revenge plots, second chance at life trope, court intrigue and a sweet romance I highly recommend you pick this one up!
𝐓𝐖: Death, attempted murder, mentions of blood, drowning, violence, loss of limbs
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the copy. All thoughts were my own, this did not influence my review.
I was drawn in by the stunning cover and instantly requested the book after reading the blurb. But this book really just blew my expectations out of the park! Sure there are some things that definitely could be improved upon but everything else was just so amazing that I couldn't help but add the book to my favourites shelf!
A Bright Heart is written for a YA audience, and not the upper YA Sarah J Maas kind of YA, but the normal kind. It is perfect for this audience!!
The plot was so interesting and kept me captivated the whole time! I don't see this trope much, or haven't seen it be very popular but I LOVED it! I mean a strong, smart, brilliant woman goes back in time to get revenge on a slimy prince that betrayed her? And then there's the magic! I loved the authors inclusion of magic and the different kinds, also the role it ended up playing in the story, I cannot wait to learn more about the magic in the next book!
But anyway, as well as being very interesting, the plot was really easy to read and the author is a talented writer because the descriptions and imagery were beautiful! I thought that the world building was great and loved the Chinese aspects and tropes weaved into the story.
I actually could not put this book down! I loved Mingshin's attitude and smart thinking, how she was always one step ahead and using her knowledge of the future to her own advantage. I love reading about a strong female MC who is so strategically smart! Also, I loved reading about her friendships with her maid, female guard and the princess. Not to mention the sneaky side romance blossoming between two of those characters!
I love the trope where the FMC was betrayed and doesn't want to open her heart to another man, and this one was done really well. It wasn't that much of a slowburn I will admit, but I still really loved it. Her romance with Jieh was sweet and they just supported each other so much!
I am very excited for the next book and for a debut novel I thought the author did a terrific job! It was entertaining, fast-paced and perfect for a YA audience. If you love books inspired by classic Chinese tropes, revenge plots, second chance at life trope, court intrigue and a sweet romance I highly recommend you pick this one up!
𝐓𝐖: Death, attempted murder, mentions of blood, drowning, violence, loss of limbs
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the copy. All thoughts were my own, this did not influence my review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Blood
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Love may not last forever, but it’s worth taking the risk. Because it is the light, the most promising hope.”
Read this YA Fantasy if you like;
• Second Chance at Life
• Sweet Romance
• Court Intrigue
• Revenge
• Banned Magic
I was intrigued upon reading the blurb, Mingshin (FMC) was given a second chance at life to make things right - avenge her death, save her family and avoid the betrayal from a certain prince.
The plot was interesting with easy to read writing style and beautiful descriptions of the world building throughout the story. It was so easy to get hooked into this revenge story following Mingshin as she started doing things differently in order to avoid some events from happening from her previous life.
I really like the twist in Mingshin's current life with elements of magic. It adds a mystery and magical vibe to the plot. I wish we’ll get to explore the origin of the magic and also come face to face with the real villain in the next book.
I love Mingshin’s smart thinking from solving the quests and her determination to save her family and loved ones. I also like the friendship she form with the princess which is something she didn’t have in her previous life.
As for the romance, after the betrayal she felt from her previous life it was hard for Mingshin to trust another man but I like the sweet romance grows throughout the story as she get to know Jieh (MMC) and learn to trust him that he’s nothing like the other prince.
Overall, for a debut novel this was a well-written book. It’s enjoyable, entertaining and recommended if you’re looking for a fast-paced story inspired by classic Chinese tropes!
I thought this one was a standalone, but judging by the ending things are far from over and I will definitely continue reading this series!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: attempted murder, mentions of drowning and loss of limbs
Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour, Netgalley, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Minor: Blood
lisashelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
lastblossom's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
tl;dr
Court drama and romance with a touch of magic in a tasty revenge plot.
Thoughts
I love a good "I was wronged and murdered and have been sent back in time to get my revenge before I'm wronged again" plot. A prevenge plot? Sure! I love a good prevenge plot. And this certainly is a fun one. The story wastes no time dropping us into the plot, and Mingshin wastes no time making different choices. She also stays pretty firmly locked into her goal, even with the distractions of romance and a sudden alteration in the timeline. That's not to say she ignores romance entirely. Jieh is a pretty big part of the storyline, and he checks all the boxes as far as love interests go: hot, strong, totally arrogant, and eventually incredibly soft. I confess, I prefer his sister, though. She's probably my favorite character in the whole thing, and would make a great lead character in her own drama. The political maneuvering is top notch, with the MC and her opponents all cleverly matched against each other. Anyone looking for machinations and plot twists will find lots of tasty moments here. The ending ties up several threads in a satisfying manner, but revenge is a long process, and there are definitely more questions that need answers. I hope we get future installments!
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Court drama and romance with a touch of magic in a tasty revenge plot.
Thoughts
I love a good "I was wronged and murdered and have been sent back in time to get my revenge before I'm wronged again" plot. A prevenge plot? Sure! I love a good prevenge plot. And this certainly is a fun one. The story wastes no time dropping us into the plot, and Mingshin wastes no time making different choices. She also stays pretty firmly locked into her goal, even with the distractions of romance and a sudden alteration in the timeline. That's not to say she ignores romance entirely. Jieh is a pretty big part of the storyline, and he checks all the boxes as far as love interests go: hot, strong, totally arrogant, and eventually incredibly soft. I confess, I prefer his sister, though. She's probably my favorite character in the whole thing, and would make a great lead character in her own drama. The political maneuvering is top notch, with the MC and her opponents all cleverly matched against each other. Anyone looking for machinations and plot twists will find lots of tasty moments here. The ending ties up several threads in a satisfying manner, but revenge is a long process, and there are definitely more questions that need answers. I hope we get future installments!
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Classism, Murder, Torture, Death of parent, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Suicide and Infidelity
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