bellabells977's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
amyb88's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for approving me to review this book.
I listened to this story as an audio book and it was a very easy listen and also great for pronunciation of names and places.
This book started super fast and had some pacing issues for me with wow were right in to slow into rapid fire and a gentle ending. There were a couple points where modern language also stood out quite abruptly compared to the rest of the narrative however overall I really enjoyed this book.
One trope that does irritate me a little is the oh I'm so plain heroine and this did have that and frankly it wasn't needed at all and the story could have flowed absolutely fine without any mention of her internalised plainess. I do get that this for the oh I am beautiful revelation to occur but it is my own personal opinion pet hate. That being said a lot of books I absolute love have this and I do overlook it when the story is good.
I hate a time loop so I was so happy we only went back the once and when it was made clear it won't be happening again I rejoiced a bit. I really liked the aspect of her seeing people's actions in a different light. Hindsight afterall is a wonderful thing.
It clearly is setting up for book 2 and I would definitely listen to the second installment.
I listened to this story as an audio book and it was a very easy listen and also great for pronunciation of names and places.
This book started super fast and had some pacing issues for me with wow were right in to slow into rapid fire and a gentle ending. There were a couple points where modern language also stood out quite abruptly compared to the rest of the narrative however overall I really enjoyed this book.
One trope that does irritate me a little is the oh I'm so plain heroine and this did have that and frankly it wasn't needed at all and the story could have flowed absolutely fine without any mention of her internalised plainess. I do get that this for the oh I am beautiful revelation to occur but it is my own personal opinion pet hate. That being said a lot of books I absolute love have this and I do overlook it when the story is good.
I hate a time loop so I was so happy we only went back the once and when it was made clear it won't be happening again I rejoiced a bit. I really liked the aspect of her seeing people's actions in a different light. Hindsight afterall is a wonderful thing.
It clearly is setting up for book 2 and I would definitely listen to the second installment.
jayishino's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A Bright Heart is the story of Mingshin, who gets a second chance at life when she begs the gods for it as she's dying. When she next wakes up, she's been transported back to the past, two years before, and she now has a chance to make certain the evil man who killed her, Ren, never becomes king,
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I liked it. I didn't really care so much for the love subplot because the revenge was just way more interesting. Mingshin is a great character, a strong female who doesn't fit into any mold. It was mostly because of her that I liked this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. Natalie Naudus was a great narrator and extra special thanks to her for the Chinese pronunciations.
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I liked it. I didn't really care so much for the love subplot because the revenge was just way more interesting. Mingshin is a great character, a strong female who doesn't fit into any mold. It was mostly because of her that I liked this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. Natalie Naudus was a great narrator and extra special thanks to her for the Chinese pronunciations.
girlreading's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
From its first page, A Bright Heart throws you right into the heart of the action and instantly sets its fast pace which doesn’t let up throughout. This made for an action packed read but without a moment to breathe, I did find myself a little lost at times. I can’t say I found the plot to be anything strikingly new to the fantasy genre but it was nevertheless a fun read with an interesting cast of characters and an exciting start to a new series.
fadingapple's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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? No
4.5
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
4.5/5 stars
This was wholly and truly wonderful - I really really enjoyed it! The storytelling is beautiful and the concept grips you from the very beginning. My only complaint - I didn’t know this would be a series and I want more!
Mingshin is a fantastic main character - you understand her motivations clearly from the start and she never deviates from her goals. She is intelligent, clever, and adaptable but she is also struggling internally with what happened to her and getting to see her work through that turmoil is really satisfying because it feels earned.
The story and concept itself is so cool - a woman is scorned and murdered, until her final pleas to live awaken a latent magic, making her worthy of another chance? It’s so interesting how it all weaves together and it’s done in such a wonderful way that it didn’t feel cheap or hokey, it felt really satisfying.
Chenli is a fantastic storyteller and her writing was just beautifully done. I really loved this story and I was hooked from the very beginning, complete immersed and dedicated to knowing what happened next. I can’t wait for more in this series and anything else Chenli puts out!
4.5/5 stars
This was wholly and truly wonderful - I really really enjoyed it! The storytelling is beautiful and the concept grips you from the very beginning. My only complaint - I didn’t know this would be a series and I want more!
Mingshin is a fantastic main character - you understand her motivations clearly from the start and she never deviates from her goals. She is intelligent, clever, and adaptable but she is also struggling internally with what happened to her and getting to see her work through that turmoil is really satisfying because it feels earned.
The story and concept itself is so cool - a woman is scorned and murdered, until her final pleas to live awaken a latent magic, making her worthy of another chance? It’s so interesting how it all weaves together and it’s done in such a wonderful way that it didn’t feel cheap or hokey, it felt really satisfying.
Chenli is a fantastic storyteller and her writing was just beautifully done. I really loved this story and I was hooked from the very beginning, complete immersed and dedicated to knowing what happened next. I can’t wait for more in this series and anything else Chenli puts out!
salatanita's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The audiobook, narrated by Natalie Naudus, was an absolute joy to listen to. The cover is a beauty but this novel would have deserved a better title.
The story is fast-paced and entertaining, and if you like Asian inspired fantasy books, you won't be disappointed with all the intrigues, scheming and fights. The ending was a bit cheesy to my taste but I look forward to reading the sequel.
Thanks NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an Advance Review Copy.
The story is fast-paced and entertaining, and if you like Asian inspired fantasy books, you won't be disappointed with all the intrigues, scheming and fights. The ending was a bit cheesy to my taste but I look forward to reading the sequel.
Thanks NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an Advance Review Copy.
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