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A review by prisoner_of_books
A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli
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