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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!!
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.
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.
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
kaitbeth's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
foraging_pages's review
4.0
I thought this was a stand-alone but apparently it’s not! Nevertheless, now I have a series to look forward to with Chinese mythology, court politics, loath-to-love romance, and a revenge plot.
What if you could go back in time and prevent your loved one’s deaths as well as your own? Prevent your own heartache and the injustices done to you?
Would you be able to keep it together in order to succeed or would your emotions and fear of the future you’ve already lived once get the better of you?
Mingshin is given the ability to do just that when she is about to be put to death but instead wakes up two years earlier with all the knowledge of the past and a plan for revenge.
Some thoughts….
- The exposition of how Mingshin ended up where she did didn’t occur. The first chapter is very short (actually they all are) and very quickly describes how she is in prison for treason, about to be executed, etc and then she is thrown back in time. Granted, as the story goes on, the before plot is filled in but the opening chapter still felt rushed.
- The plot turned a corner around the twenty-five percent mark. The story felt like it was taking place now and the readers weren’t stuck in a before-Mingshin-died and after-Mingshin-died gray area.
- The dialogue felt forced at times and especially in the beginning. It could use more editing.
- I feel that maybe I’m a little too old to enjoy the story fully. It would be enchanting to true young adults.
- Sometimes the author used modern phrases that pulled me out of the fantastical Imperial China setting such as “man child” or “beet red.”
Chenli’s play on hindsight was interesting. The idea that experiences or people change with hindsight played a large role in Mingshin’s plan. She was able to detect threats and gain the upper hand in schemes she was once completely blind to. Things are almost too easy for her this time around.
The romance is loath-to-love but not a slow burn like promised yet I enjoyed it. Jieh is a gorgeous and fit prince who Mingshin automatically dislikes and mistrusts due to her limited knowledge of him in her “first life.” He turns out to be extremely loyal and respectful towards Mingshin and even takes her advice without question. However, their love isn’t simple and is a bittersweet rollercoaster throughout the book. I appreciate this though because it adds depth to their relationship. Jieh has a metamorphosis of sorts going from an arrogant prince to a caring man (he could still use some work though).
What if you could go back in time and prevent your loved one’s deaths as well as your own? Prevent your own heartache and the injustices done to you?
Would you be able to keep it together in order to succeed or would your emotions and fear of the future you’ve already lived once get the better of you?
Mingshin is given the ability to do just that when she is about to be put to death but instead wakes up two years earlier with all the knowledge of the past and a plan for revenge.
Some thoughts….
- The exposition of how Mingshin ended up where she did didn’t occur. The first chapter is very short (actually they all are) and very quickly describes how she is in prison for treason, about to be executed, etc and then she is thrown back in time. Granted, as the story goes on, the before plot is filled in but the opening chapter still felt rushed.
- The plot turned a corner around the twenty-five percent mark. The story felt like it was taking place now and the readers weren’t stuck in a before-Mingshin-died and after-Mingshin-died gray area.
- The dialogue felt forced at times and especially in the beginning. It could use more editing.
- I feel that maybe I’m a little too old to enjoy the story fully. It would be enchanting to true young adults.
- Sometimes the author used modern phrases that pulled me out of the fantastical Imperial China setting such as “man child” or “beet red.”
Chenli’s play on hindsight was interesting. The idea that experiences or people change with hindsight played a large role in Mingshin’s plan. She was able to detect threats and gain the upper hand in schemes she was once completely blind to. Things are almost too easy for her this time around.
The romance is loath-to-love but not a slow burn like promised yet I enjoyed it. Jieh is a gorgeous and fit prince who Mingshin automatically dislikes and mistrusts due to her limited knowledge of him in her “first life.” He turns out to be extremely loyal and respectful towards Mingshin and even takes her advice without question. However, their love isn’t simple and is a bittersweet rollercoaster throughout the book. I appreciate this though because it adds depth to their relationship. Jieh has a metamorphosis of sorts going from an arrogant prince to a caring man (he could still use some work though).
whatkireads's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This was fun to read because I love reincarnation stories, but it felt more like the book telling me A, B, C happened and it felt slightly choppy in terms of sequence of events. It still holds promise in its premise, but I'm not too big a fan of the ending, Luke are we getting a second book or something? And the plot twist when the real villain was revealed was a bit out of nowhere like who tf is this guy?? Literally never heard of him but we get a big info dump like oh okay
It's kinda like junk food for my brain the plot isn't so complicated and I enjoyed the story enough to finish it
It's kinda like junk food for my brain the plot isn't so complicated and I enjoyed the story enough to finish it
tthomas97's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
stephsfeelinbookish's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
I can’t believe she has magic now in a way!? LIKE HUH HER FAMILY KEEPING SECRETS TOO? And the romance? I thought it was adorable.