Reviews

A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli

dcnarvaez's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

gs_stars's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

lyssadsmith's review

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is so exciting! Court intrigue and drama? Check. Murderous magic? Check. Found family? Check. True love? Check. Fulfilling your destiny after dying and receiving a second chance at life? MAYBE.  I need everything Kate Chenli writes from here on out!!

notmindy's review

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bamboneo's review against another edition

hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

library_rift's review

adventurous 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

4.25

heavenlyrealms's review

4.0

A transmigration story! I love it a lot especially the theme is taking from Classic Chinese tropes. Mingshin as the protagonist, is given a second chance in life to rectify her past mistakes. I really love how Mingshin’s character development as she strives to manage her emotions, building walls to shield herself from heartbreak. She resists to fall in love again because love made her died in her past life. I know she has been holding herself so much towards Jieh… And Jieh is the standard. The best, kind, responsible, and devoted to the one he loved. Anyway, it’s a slowburn story and could successfully makes you kicking your feet (I do).

This book isn’t about a love life but also betrayals for power, with Aylin, Mingshin’s cousin, vying for the throne, and Ren, Jieh’s brother, seeking kingship. Magic and the Dragon legend weave into the plot. A typical Chinese novel. If you’re a fan of Chinese novel then you should try to read this one!!

kit_moonstar's review

3.0

I freely admit that I picked this book up because of the cover, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.  Revenge plots aren't typically one of my favorite storylines, but it really worked well in this one.  It's a solid title, and I like that it does a few things I haven't seen before.  Mingshin can be a frustrating character, and I can see why she might rub some readers the wrong why.  I really enjoyed seeing her grow and change, but it is slow progress, and she's not the most self aware at times.  But I think that if someone enjoys the book or not may come down to if they enjoy Mingshin as a character.

I really appreciated the fact that I did not find the story predictable.  I've read a lot of YA over the years, and I'm always excited by a story that keeps me on my toes.  I also really liked the setting.  There are a number of plot threads that still need to be tied up, and the end of the book does set up a sequel, so I'm excited to see where things go and what path Mingshin might choose next.  Three out of five stars.

jengipson's review

 Could not connect to these characters 

elf_0203's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing fast-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