Received two reviews for the excerpt (first 5000 words) of Daughter of the Bamboo Forest:

First ABNA Expert Reviewer
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
I was thoroughly immersed into the life of Little Jade. My heart goes out to her and I felt her emotional turmoil. The author does an amazing job making sure her characters are unique, authentic and realistic.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
I loved every line! This story is amazing and I would like very much to find out how this story unfolds. The author has a talent that needs to be shared with the world. Bravo!

Second ABNA Expert Reviewer
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?
The setting. The time period as well as the place the story occurs in are extremely interesting.
The writing. The author has done an excellent job in bringing the countryside alive as well as introducing each character and showing the reader just a little about each of the adults. The story of Little Jade's mother and where her father was for the first six years of her life catch the reader's interest quickly. The figure of the father and grandmother are well drawn with the love of the grandmother for the little child coming through without being overtly communicated. The sadness of the father and the oblivious nature of Little Jade to the turmoil is well depicted.
When Silver Pearl is introduced it takes only a few skillfully placed hints for the reader to have some idea of the personality of the woman.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?
Fascinating excerpt. I enjoyed the historical period chosen as well as the author's handling of it. The author has a good ability to make characters and their motivations come alive without being too obvious.