A Bright Heart

In this debut YA tale of vengeance, court intrigue, and romance, inspired by classic Chinese tropes, Mingshin outsmarts three princes to help the man she loves become king. But she doesn't see Rens betrayal coming until she's lying in a pool of her own blood on the palace steps. She makes a desperate plea to the gods to turn back time and give her a chance to make things right. Mingshin wakes up two years earlier, swears to never fall in love again, and allies with Jieh, another contender for the throne. Can she avert the catastrophe of her past by learning to trust and love again?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Union Square & Co.

In this captivating debut YA novel, a young woman embarks on a quest for vengeance, court intrigue, and romance, drawing inspiration from classic Chinese tropes. Mingshin, a brilliant and determined young woman, outsmarts three princes to help the man she loves ascend to the throne. However, her world is turned upside down when she discovers Rens betrayal, leaving her lying in a pool of her own blood on the palace steps. As she draws her last breath, Mingshin pleads with the gods to grant her a second chance, hoping to rectify the wrongs of her past.

To her surprise, Mingshin wakes up two years earlier, with her prayer granted. Determined to prevent Rens rise to power and protect her kingdom from the threat of dark magic, she swears two things: Ren will never become king, and she will never fall in love again. However, the timeline in this new life has altered, and Mingshin finds herself facing a different set of challenges. A dignitary with dark magic poses a threat to the peace of her kingdom, and Rens thirst for power runs deeper than she could have imagined.

In this new world, Mingshin allies herself with Jieh, another contender for the throne. She knows better than to trust a prince, but in the treacherous world of the royal court, Mingshin and Jieh form an incredible team. Together, they navigate the vipers nest of politics and power struggles, working to avert the catastrophe that awaits them. As Mingshin learns to trust again and opens her heart to the possibility of love, she realizes that her journey is not just about revenge but about redemption and finding her place in the world.

Kate Chenli, a master storyteller, introduces a singular YA heroine in this vividly rendered and utterly original fantasy series. Mingshin is a fierce and relatable character, whose determination and resilience will captivate readers from the first page to the last. The novel blends elements of romance, adventure, and political intrigue, creating a captivating and immersive world that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781454955504
Edition number: UK Edition