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Journey to Wudang #2
Hell to Heaven
The gods and demons of ancient China are alive and kicking in this popular, bestselling series...
Emma teeters on the edge of becoming fully demon, and must make a journey to the Kunlun Moutains in the West, home of the reclusive ancient goddess Nu Wa, in an attempt to regain her humanity.
Travelling with Emma is Xuan Wu’s daughter, Simone, who is struggling with her growing powers and trying to defend herself from the demons who want to destroy her.
And Michael is trying to come to terms with the shock of finding out he might be half demon … and a danger to them all.
[back cover text]
--
The second book in an addictive new urban fantasy series of gods and demons, martial arts and mythology, from the author of White Tiger. Dragons and martial arts, science and magic … the second fabulous book in this sequel series to the Dark Heavens trilogy that began with White Tiger
Emma teeters on the edge of becoming fully demon, and must make a journey to the Kunlun Moutains in the West, home of the reclusive ancient goddess Nu Wa, in an attempt to regain her humanity.
Travelling with Emma is Xuan Wu’s daughter, Simone, who is struggling with her growing powers and trying to defend herself from the demons who want to destroy her.
And Michael is trying to come to terms with the shock of finding out he might be half demon … and a danger to them all.
[back cover text]
--
The second book in an addictive new urban fantasy series of gods and demons, martial arts and mythology, from the author of White Tiger. Dragons and martial arts, science and magic … the second fabulous book in this sequel series to the Dark Heavens trilogy that began with White Tiger
576 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2010
51 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Chan
26 books593 followersKylie doesn't participate in the Goodreads network. You can find her fanpage on Facebook or visit her website at www.kyliechan.com.
Kylie Chan married a Hong Kong national in a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony in Eastern China, lived in Australia for ten years, then moved to Hong Kong for ten years and during that time learnt a great deal about Chinese culture and came to appreciate the customs and way of life.
In 2003 she closed down her successful IT consultancy company in Hong Kong and moved back to Australia. She decided to use her knowledge of Chinese mythology, culture, and martial arts to weave a story that would appeal to a wide audience.
Since returning to Australia, Kylie has studied Kung Fu (Wing Chun and Southern Chow Clan styles) as well as Tai Chi and is now a senior belt in both forms. She has also made an intensive study of Buddhist and Taoist philosophy and has brought all of these together into her storytelling.
Kylie is a mother of two who lives in Queensland's Gold Coast. She is the best-selling author of the Dark Heavens and Journey to Wudang trilogies, which tell the story of Emma, an ordinary Australian woman thrown into the world of Chinese Gods, martial arts, and magic. Emma must deal with a bewildering variety of Chinese mythological creatures from dragons to the Monkey King as she learns martial arts from her employer John Chen, who is really the God of Martial Arts, Xuan Wu.
Kylie Chan married a Hong Kong national in a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony in Eastern China, lived in Australia for ten years, then moved to Hong Kong for ten years and during that time learnt a great deal about Chinese culture and came to appreciate the customs and way of life.
In 2003 she closed down her successful IT consultancy company in Hong Kong and moved back to Australia. She decided to use her knowledge of Chinese mythology, culture, and martial arts to weave a story that would appeal to a wide audience.
Since returning to Australia, Kylie has studied Kung Fu (Wing Chun and Southern Chow Clan styles) as well as Tai Chi and is now a senior belt in both forms. She has also made an intensive study of Buddhist and Taoist philosophy and has brought all of these together into her storytelling.
Kylie is a mother of two who lives in Queensland's Gold Coast. She is the best-selling author of the Dark Heavens and Journey to Wudang trilogies, which tell the story of Emma, an ordinary Australian woman thrown into the world of Chinese Gods, martial arts, and magic. Emma must deal with a bewildering variety of Chinese mythological creatures from dragons to the Monkey King as she learns martial arts from her employer John Chen, who is really the God of Martial Arts, Xuan Wu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 6, 2013
This review is pasted for all of the following:
4 1/2 STARS
Reasons I bloody LOVE! Kylie Chan's "Dark Heavens" & "Journey to Wudang" (& soon to be "Celestial Battle") trilogies. . .
#1. You do not need to read the "Dark Heavens" trilogy before reading the "Journey to Wudang" trilogy. It wouldn't hurt, because you'll want to know what happened, but essentially, you can just jump right in at book 4 of the complete series or book 1 of "Journey to Wudang".
#2. These books are written with a lot of humor. The characters always have a light and funny tone, especially with everything that happens in the books.
#3. I love the little asides for those who are like myself. Examples being the mention of Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura & other animes (mainly in the "Dark Heavens" trilogy) & the STAR WARS, Inspector Gadget, Doctor Who & I think I even read a STAR TREK reference. I also enjoy the jokes the characters play on each other, keeping it all in the family.
#4. CH/Celestial High. I admit it, I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. When they introduced CH officially in Hell to Heaven, I *squeed* like a fan girl. I want to write a letter to Kylie Chan and beg her to do an offshoot book featured at CH. Could you imagine all the fun and hijinks the characters would get into at a place like that? I mean, a principal who starts classes at 11am because he thinks it's too early to get up after staying up all night playing video games! I laughed so hard. I also loved how he banned all the Anne McCaffrey books from the library because he is a dragon. OMBG, still laughing over here. I cannot say enough about it.
#5. The mythology. This might just be for people like myself, so if you're not as interested in this part, skip over this. The book itself is an interesting read BESIDES the mythology, but I do love how the mythology is woven throughout the books & series. Basically, I am obsessed with Asian Literature and Culture (of course my fields of study were Japanese and Korean, but . . .), so I highly enjoy these books. Kylie Chan is kind enough to put not only a glossary at the back of the books, but also adds a list of books for further reading, while in the books themselves, she give you a small cliffs note version.
Now that I mentioned the pluses, I will tell you my two biggest cons:
#1. It takes too bloody long for the next one to be available!. Please note I said that in a whinny tone and with a sigh of exasperation. I truly love this series, and having to wait for the next one is so difficult, because I need to know what is going to happen - NOW.
#2. A little similar to above, Kylie Chan is from Australia. So, of course when they are released, they are first released over in Australia/NZ (say hello fishpond.com). Then, a while after that, they are released for the UK (say hello Amazon.uk). Then, after that, they are released here in the States & I can re-buy it on my Nook. - YEP, I buy them from fishpond.com so I can have them quicker.
So, you can take my opinion or not, it's up to you. My suggestion is try reading White Tiger or Earth to Hell. If you like it, feel free to drop a line at the bottom of my review here & say what you think. And if you didn't like it, same thing. I'd love to hear other peoples thoughts.
PS: When I read it in Paperback, I always use a BSSM bookmark. ;D Anyone who reads it will understand.
4 1/2 STARS
Reasons I bloody LOVE! Kylie Chan's "Dark Heavens" & "Journey to Wudang" (& soon to be "Celestial Battle") trilogies. . .
#1. You do not need to read the "Dark Heavens" trilogy before reading the "Journey to Wudang" trilogy. It wouldn't hurt, because you'll want to know what happened, but essentially, you can just jump right in at book 4 of the complete series or book 1 of "Journey to Wudang".
#2. These books are written with a lot of humor. The characters always have a light and funny tone, especially with everything that happens in the books.
#3. I love the little asides for those who are like myself. Examples being the mention of Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura & other animes (mainly in the "Dark Heavens" trilogy) & the STAR WARS, Inspector Gadget, Doctor Who & I think I even read a STAR TREK reference. I also enjoy the jokes the characters play on each other, keeping it all in the family.
#4. CH/Celestial High. I admit it, I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. When they introduced CH officially in Hell to Heaven, I *squeed* like a fan girl. I want to write a letter to Kylie Chan and beg her to do an offshoot book featured at CH. Could you imagine all the fun and hijinks the characters would get into at a place like that? I mean, a principal who starts classes at 11am because he thinks it's too early to get up after staying up all night playing video games! I laughed so hard. I also loved how he banned all the Anne McCaffrey books from the library because he is a dragon. OMBG, still laughing over here. I cannot say enough about it.
#5. The mythology. This might just be for people like myself, so if you're not as interested in this part, skip over this. The book itself is an interesting read BESIDES the mythology, but I do love how the mythology is woven throughout the books & series. Basically, I am obsessed with Asian Literature and Culture (of course my fields of study were Japanese and Korean, but . . .), so I highly enjoy these books. Kylie Chan is kind enough to put not only a glossary at the back of the books, but also adds a list of books for further reading, while in the books themselves, she give you a small cliffs note version.
Now that I mentioned the pluses, I will tell you my two biggest cons:
#1. It takes too bloody long for the next one to be available!. Please note I said that in a whinny tone and with a sigh of exasperation. I truly love this series, and having to wait for the next one is so difficult, because I need to know what is going to happen - NOW.
#2. A little similar to above, Kylie Chan is from Australia. So, of course when they are released, they are first released over in Australia/NZ (say hello fishpond.com). Then, a while after that, they are released for the UK (say hello Amazon.uk). Then, after that, they are released here in the States & I can re-buy it on my Nook. - YEP, I buy them from fishpond.com so I can have them quicker.
So, you can take my opinion or not, it's up to you. My suggestion is try reading White Tiger or Earth to Hell. If you like it, feel free to drop a line at the bottom of my review here & say what you think. And if you didn't like it, same thing. I'd love to hear other peoples thoughts.
PS: When I read it in Paperback, I always use a BSSM bookmark. ;D Anyone who reads it will understand.
April 18, 2012
Kylie Chan's confidence in her work shows in her fifth book, second in the current trilogy.
With Leo thankfully back among the living, Emma must try to deal with her and Simone's personal issues while maintaining an ever weakening grasp on the Regency of the North. With foes both without Wudang and within, Emma undertakes a dangerous mission to try and cleanse herself. Meanwhile, the renegade demons continue to plot and Emma's oldest foe emerges as, potentially, the ultimate threat.
It's odd. Like last volume, there is an extra scene, a lesser final confrontation after the climax, but this one flows more naturally than the one from last volume. I won't get into details, spoilers, but whereas the last one felt like the movie needed something more, this made a logical sense. The consequences of this one will be felt in the next volume.
Chan has relaxed her writing style and it becomes more accessible, if more referential. Characters are now willing expound on topics outside of the narrow region in which the series is based. While most of these references are arguably timeless, some (e.g. Inspector Gadget) date the work slightly. While it makes sense for the characters to know them, after all, they are immortal, not all readers will. Still, this is a minor complaint in a series that I've come to really love.
With Leo thankfully back among the living, Emma must try to deal with her and Simone's personal issues while maintaining an ever weakening grasp on the Regency of the North. With foes both without Wudang and within, Emma undertakes a dangerous mission to try and cleanse herself. Meanwhile, the renegade demons continue to plot and Emma's oldest foe emerges as, potentially, the ultimate threat.
It's odd. Like last volume, there is an extra scene, a lesser final confrontation after the climax, but this one flows more naturally than the one from last volume. I won't get into details, spoilers, but whereas the last one felt like the movie needed something more, this made a logical sense. The consequences of this one will be felt in the next volume.
Chan has relaxed her writing style and it becomes more accessible, if more referential. Characters are now willing expound on topics outside of the narrow region in which the series is based. While most of these references are arguably timeless, some (e.g. Inspector Gadget) date the work slightly. While it makes sense for the characters to know them, after all, they are immortal, not all readers will. Still, this is a minor complaint in a series that I've come to really love.
August 16, 2010
There is good reason the first question Kylie Chan is asked at public appearances is ‘When is the next book coming out?’
Do you want to be the last one to know why everyone is putting this woman on the top of the best sellers lists?
Kylie has continued her remarkable narrative in Heaven to Hell, the second book of the Journey to Wudang series.
There are moments that may bring a tear to your eye and a few places that may get the book banned from the bedroom if you tend to be reading late at night.
If you’ve read the other 4 books Kylie has written, you’ll be pleased at the continuation of the adventure. If not, some of the references to past happenings may confuse you, so do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with White Tiger.
Best bit for me was Emma asking what the Rods were for. Yep, you’ll have to read the book to find out what the heck I’m talking about.
Have fun!!!
Do you want to be the last one to know why everyone is putting this woman on the top of the best sellers lists?
Kylie has continued her remarkable narrative in Heaven to Hell, the second book of the Journey to Wudang series.
There are moments that may bring a tear to your eye and a few places that may get the book banned from the bedroom if you tend to be reading late at night.
If you’ve read the other 4 books Kylie has written, you’ll be pleased at the continuation of the adventure. If not, some of the references to past happenings may confuse you, so do yourself a favor and start at the beginning with White Tiger.
Best bit for me was Emma asking what the Rods were for. Yep, you’ll have to read the book to find out what the heck I’m talking about.
Have fun!!!
January 15, 2015
Rating 4 1/2 stars
Awesome read! Could have had a bit more action in the book...it was more full on towards the end but overall still a fantastic book. I loved how Xuan Wu(John)was included more in this book compared to 'Earth to Hell' which is why I gave an extra half star ;)
Awesome read! Could have had a bit more action in the book...it was more full on towards the end but overall still a fantastic book. I loved how Xuan Wu(John)was included more in this book compared to 'Earth to Hell' which is why I gave an extra half star ;)
September 11, 2015
oh wow.. what a ride!!! especially towards the end where it left my mind boggled with many unanswered questions making me jump to Wudang III straight away!!! A great read!!!
August 24, 2020
Emma is not a normal executive. Her she works between the Celestial and the Earthly, filling her husband's role while he finds himself. What is his role? Emperor of the North? Defender of the Earthly from the Demon King and his hordes. What does this mean for Emma? She must navigate the politics of the Celestials and secure the agenda of the Jade Emperor, all while raising her adoptive daughter (who might be the strongest mortal on the planet) all while managing the fact that she may be turning into a demon herself.
Does this make any sense to you? Yeah, that's how I felt when I started reading. This is really not the second book in a trilogy. This is the second trilogy in a long running story about Emma, a down to earth lady who happens to be critical to the whims of all the mythical factions. To be honest, I didn't understand most of what they were talking about in the beginning. But near the middle I felt I had a grip of things. Simone and Emma are a small family waiting for Xuan (John) to become corporeal all while dealing with two main demons (the Geek, and The Death Mother) all while managing Emma's impending demonhood. What matters is that Emma needs to maintain control to protect Simone and give some kind of support to this teenage daughter who is growing up with a lot of expectation.
There is a great cast of colorful characters, including Micheal (a man who is the generic go to), Leo (a goofy new Immortal who doesn't really know what he's doing), Tiger (a bombastic good-natured god who's goals loosely align with John's). These characters are well written, allowing every grouping to have it's own in-jokes and flair. This is probably the books greatest strength. To further embellish these characters they are all drawn from Chinese Mythology. I don't know Chinese Mythology, so that's all I will say about that.
The other thing this book really has going for it is pacing. There's always something going on, as new problem pop up and old problems are resolved. This is very much a set piece book, where exotic locations (and the challenges that come with them) come and go. Things happen is cool places, and then we turn the page.
The combination of these two ensure that once you're in the series, there's always something to look forward to. The issue is that it doesn't need to make sense. To say there's some kind of magic system, and characters can break normal rules of engagement is an understatement. I don't think there's a single problem resolved without the use of extraordinary tools. So... you just kind of have to role with it.
I don't think this is a "good book." It's enjoyable, it's fun and kind of goofy. It has a lot of style, and a fast moving plot that doesn't make sense, but feels engaging. It's a great summer read, and coming in at over 500 pages a book you can take on vacation. Just don't hope for more than a good time.
Does this make any sense to you? Yeah, that's how I felt when I started reading. This is really not the second book in a trilogy. This is the second trilogy in a long running story about Emma, a down to earth lady who happens to be critical to the whims of all the mythical factions. To be honest, I didn't understand most of what they were talking about in the beginning. But near the middle I felt I had a grip of things. Simone and Emma are a small family waiting for Xuan (John) to become corporeal all while dealing with two main demons (the Geek, and The Death Mother) all while managing Emma's impending demonhood. What matters is that Emma needs to maintain control to protect Simone and give some kind of support to this teenage daughter who is growing up with a lot of expectation.
There is a great cast of colorful characters, including Micheal (a man who is the generic go to), Leo (a goofy new Immortal who doesn't really know what he's doing), Tiger (a bombastic good-natured god who's goals loosely align with John's). These characters are well written, allowing every grouping to have it's own in-jokes and flair. This is probably the books greatest strength. To further embellish these characters they are all drawn from Chinese Mythology. I don't know Chinese Mythology, so that's all I will say about that.
The other thing this book really has going for it is pacing. There's always something going on, as new problem pop up and old problems are resolved. This is very much a set piece book, where exotic locations (and the challenges that come with them) come and go. Things happen is cool places, and then we turn the page.
The combination of these two ensure that once you're in the series, there's always something to look forward to. The issue is that it doesn't need to make sense. To say there's some kind of magic system, and characters can break normal rules of engagement is an understatement. I don't think there's a single problem resolved without the use of extraordinary tools. So... you just kind of have to role with it.
I don't think this is a "good book." It's enjoyable, it's fun and kind of goofy. It has a lot of style, and a fast moving plot that doesn't make sense, but feels engaging. It's a great summer read, and coming in at over 500 pages a book you can take on vacation. Just don't hope for more than a good time.
May 30, 2017
I have to start rating these five stars. Alone, I would not do that, but together the story is so engrossing, compelling and surprising, that it has kept my interest into this fifth book of the series. The characters grow on you and the world of the Eastern theology is amazing. Here Emma continues to battle her artificial demon nature, to the point that she is being destroyed by it. John is still making odd appearances, but his memories are gone much of the time. Simone has grown into a force and Tiger (being Tiger) still shows continuing loyalty to help. Some great characters. Worth the effort.
March 30, 2018
The beautiful thing about Kylie Chan is that she has a unique gift for story telling, and it has the ability to take your breath away with every new story.
Hell to Heaven is an improvement upon Earth to Hell. It contains so much more than just “filler” that sets up for upcoming events in the series. It resolves some issues, establishes events, develops character, and introduces us to a lot more of the beautiful culture o Chinese mythology.
I forgot how heartbreaking the ending was.
Now it’s time to read and finish Heaven to Wudang, and then I’ll move on to new territory with the third volume.
Bring. It. On.
Hell to Heaven is an improvement upon Earth to Hell. It contains so much more than just “filler” that sets up for upcoming events in the series. It resolves some issues, establishes events, develops character, and introduces us to a lot more of the beautiful culture o Chinese mythology.
I forgot how heartbreaking the ending was.
Now it’s time to read and finish Heaven to Wudang, and then I’ll move on to new territory with the third volume.
Bring. It. On.
December 28, 2019
I absolutely LOVED this series. As soon as I finished reading the first and second trilogies, I re-read it, and I've re-read it several times since, as well as reading the last trilogy.
For me, this is the most accurate way to know how much do I like a book: do I feel like reading it again? How soon?
All nine of these books were definitely the most I re-read - and thoroughly enjoyed each time anew - during the past year.
And that places them at the top, for me.
For me, this is the most accurate way to know how much do I like a book: do I feel like reading it again? How soon?
All nine of these books were definitely the most I re-read - and thoroughly enjoyed each time anew - during the past year.
And that places them at the top, for me.
May 21, 2018
Celestial Martial Arts.
Well thought out story telling. The trials and tribulations of a woman becoming partner to a celestial Chinese God of martial arts is well written. Recommended as a good read if you like this genre. Not for anyone looking for intellectual enjoyment, just straight forward escapism.
Well thought out story telling. The trials and tribulations of a woman becoming partner to a celestial Chinese God of martial arts is well written. Recommended as a good read if you like this genre. Not for anyone looking for intellectual enjoyment, just straight forward escapism.
August 30, 2018
This series has really taken off and made sticking through all the "we don't need words" bs worthwhile. All the characters have grown up and the action is really driven. Still can't give 5 stars, while I enjoy these books the writing is sometimes choppy and leaves you with unanswered questions.
January 9, 2019
The storylines, character depth and readability improves book to book and they flow much better. I'm enjoying this second trilogy more than the first, mostly for the changes in writing style/skill. I look forward to reading the rest.
January 23, 2020
Another brilliant installment from Kylie Chan
This series has it all! I have been hooked right from the first book (White Tiger, if you haven't already read it... Go ahead... I'll wait.).
Now, if you'll excuse me, I HAVE to find out what happens next!
This series has it all! I have been hooked right from the first book (White Tiger, if you haven't already read it... Go ahead... I'll wait.).
Now, if you'll excuse me, I HAVE to find out what happens next!
June 14, 2020
This is not a standalone series. I believe the story starts in the Dark Heavens series and these Journey to Wudang books are a continuation. Book 2 is good, now that I'm caught up with reading Book 1.
October 16, 2020
4 and a half stars. This was a amazing read and a amazing continuation of the story. The characters have grown and developed so much and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Was under a reading slump for this one, but still enjoy reading this book.
June 9, 2017
Wow.
August 4, 2018
Have read before, excellent read, highly recommend.
October 3, 2018
3.5 stars. I can't say I enjoyed this one as much as the first one, but it was still very good. I especially loved the twist at the end. Once again, Kylie Chan impresses me.
August 22, 2025
I enjoyed the story again, but did feel that this book was bit of a 'filler' in the series. Nevertheless, onto the next one.
June 13, 2013
As always, an entertaining escape from the normal world...
But more questions in the end than answers..
Why does no-one understand what Emma is? Not even the most holy of all the beings in the Celestial plane.. We have just accepted that she is more than human but no-one knows what... then there is a hint... there is nothing about Australia or English gods or myths or legends..
Yet more demons are trying to kill Emma and Kitty is ALWAYS inthe background - orchestrating demon copies and fake elements. It seems that their mission is to turn Emma.. WHY?
Ironically, it is the Jade Emperor's man Er lang who forces her chnage into a full demon and she loses her awareness and is tamed by John in one of his brief visits.
The Demon King agrees to burn out the demon esssence from her if they agree to give him Kitty in a jade cell (but a jade cell will also hold the Dark Lord JOhn) Tiger thinks it is all a trap.
Leo finally has his ceremony and receives his new sword... and he and Martin shared a moment together...
Another question .. who is Peter Tong - someone who kept Emma's name out of the paper in the exploding boat incident? no-one does anything for nothing
But more questions in the end than answers..
Why does no-one understand what Emma is? Not even the most holy of all the beings in the Celestial plane.. We have just accepted that she is more than human but no-one knows what... then there is a hint... there is nothing about Australia or English gods or myths or legends..
Yet more demons are trying to kill Emma and Kitty is ALWAYS inthe background - orchestrating demon copies and fake elements. It seems that their mission is to turn Emma.. WHY?
Ironically, it is the Jade Emperor's man Er lang who forces her chnage into a full demon and she loses her awareness and is tamed by John in one of his brief visits.
The Demon King agrees to burn out the demon esssence from her if they agree to give him Kitty in a jade cell (but a jade cell will also hold the Dark Lord JOhn) Tiger thinks it is all a trap.
Leo finally has his ceremony and receives his new sword... and he and Martin shared a moment together...
Another question .. who is Peter Tong - someone who kept Emma's name out of the paper in the exploding boat incident? no-one does anything for nothing
September 28, 2016
Wow!
What a page turner, the story continues to twist and turn!
Can't wait to start next one.
A fantastic read....
What a page turner, the story continues to twist and turn!
Can't wait to start next one.
A fantastic read....
December 5, 2013
Hell to Heaven: Journey to Wudang: Book Two by Kylie Chan (Oct 30, 2012)
I am most likely going to be the only dissenting reader that did not adore this book once more reviews are posted. Don’t get me wrong though…while I don’t LOVE these books, they do keep me curious and fascinated enough to keep reading and to slog through the long passages that can be repetitious or rambling or unnecessary to the progression of the plot.
As others have said, do not try reading this novel without reading the first four books in this series. You will find yourself lost if you do not. For fans, I may even suggest a skim through, at the least, the last two books to refresh your memory. I wish I had done this for at least the third book before attempting these next 3!
In this book, we get a very, very slow start, which is somewhat typical of this series and then the last 50% really picks up with the last chapters being the most emotional. So emotional that ad I was reading them I was sobbing my heart out. This is somewhat silly since fans will; know that none of these main characters can really die!
We find in this addition to the series, Emma still battling her Demon nature, John still missing but showing up when really needed and the ‘Devil’ still being a pain in the butt,
In a clever twist of the plot (and a true surprise to me), someone who had a fairly major role in the first book “White Tiger”, shows up to make Emma’s life even more difficult. You can actually hear the evil cackling laugh when you read these passages.
There is not much character development in this book. The only thing different is we know that 10 years have gone by and Emma has a lot of responsibility, but the other major characters like Simone and Leo seem to have stuck in a rut. Simone is still exhibiting her rebellious streak, but then again she was doing that in “Earth to Hell” Neither feels to me that they’ve grown of matured at all. They seem very stagnant. The plot to this book seems to have the feel of the plot in the first novel. They are still fighting demons, this time there is something a little different about these (then again when are there normal demons l?)
It is an interesting read but most especially if you are interested in Chinese Mythology since this series leans heavily on the mythology and teachings to keep things moving. Actually, the mythology and the world Ms Chan has created make it very easy for the author to get her protagonists out of hot water when things look dire.
This was an interesting, if a tad tedious at times, read. A necessity for fans and collectors of this series.
I am most likely going to be the only dissenting reader that did not adore this book once more reviews are posted. Don’t get me wrong though…while I don’t LOVE these books, they do keep me curious and fascinated enough to keep reading and to slog through the long passages that can be repetitious or rambling or unnecessary to the progression of the plot.
As others have said, do not try reading this novel without reading the first four books in this series. You will find yourself lost if you do not. For fans, I may even suggest a skim through, at the least, the last two books to refresh your memory. I wish I had done this for at least the third book before attempting these next 3!
In this book, we get a very, very slow start, which is somewhat typical of this series and then the last 50% really picks up with the last chapters being the most emotional. So emotional that ad I was reading them I was sobbing my heart out. This is somewhat silly since fans will; know that none of these main characters can really die!
We find in this addition to the series, Emma still battling her Demon nature, John still missing but showing up when really needed and the ‘Devil’ still being a pain in the butt,
In a clever twist of the plot (and a true surprise to me), someone who had a fairly major role in the first book “White Tiger”, shows up to make Emma’s life even more difficult. You can actually hear the evil cackling laugh when you read these passages.
There is not much character development in this book. The only thing different is we know that 10 years have gone by and Emma has a lot of responsibility, but the other major characters like Simone and Leo seem to have stuck in a rut. Simone is still exhibiting her rebellious streak, but then again she was doing that in “Earth to Hell” Neither feels to me that they’ve grown of matured at all. They seem very stagnant. The plot to this book seems to have the feel of the plot in the first novel. They are still fighting demons, this time there is something a little different about these (then again when are there normal demons l?)
It is an interesting read but most especially if you are interested in Chinese Mythology since this series leans heavily on the mythology and teachings to keep things moving. Actually, the mythology and the world Ms Chan has created make it very easy for the author to get her protagonists out of hot water when things look dire.
This was an interesting, if a tad tedious at times, read. A necessity for fans and collectors of this series.
October 20, 2025
fiiiinally emma is no longer a demon !
October 23, 2012
Hell to Heaven is the 5th novel by Australian author Kylie Chan and is the 2nd in the Journey to Wudang series. While her fiancé, Xuan Wu, the Dark Lord of the Northern Heavens, aka Hong Kong businessman John Chen, is absent, his Dark Lady, Emma Donahoe is Acting First Heavenly General, Regent of the Northern Heavens and Administrator of Wudangshan and taking care of affairs in his place. This includes looking after his daughter, the half-human, half-divine Simone, who, at the rebellious age of sixteen, is neglecting her training and refusing to go to Celestial High school. Meanwhile, Emma, having been filled with Demon essence by the Demon King, is confined to the Earthly plane except in her serpent form i.e. snake with tiara. John has told Emma to see Nu Wa on the Third Celestial Plane to help ascertain her true nature: human, demon or something else. It is quite some time since I read the previous four novels so it took a while to get back into this fascinating world that Chan has created. Chan’s extensive research into Eastern mythology is apparent throughout the books and the strength of these novels is in the interweaving of the mythical world with everyday life in Hong Kong. The dialogue is witty and funny and readers will, by now, be familiar with many of the characters. It really is essential to have read the previous novels as there is no recap of earlier events, so readers who start with this novel will be at a disadvantage. The practicalities of getting Emma through the low oxygen atmosphere to the Third Plane were interesting, as was the perspective of the tamed Demon. There was, thankfully, not quite as much of the martial arts in this novel as in previous novels. The fleeting appearances of Xuan Wu were tantalising enough to have the reader eager for the final volume in this series, Heaven to Wudang. Addictive.
November 10, 2012
The synopsis interested me so I decided to start this series. When I agreed to read this novel, I did not pay attention to the fact that there was already a first volume that had been published. Result: I waded!
Often, the author makes a summary of what previously happenedand the reader can catch the train. Here, the complexity of the magic clans did not permit me to access to all the information I needed to fully appreciate this book.
Surprisingly, progressively my frustration has given way to interest and I began to guess a lot of previous events and began to put the pieces in place. So I could see a serie that could be worth starting at the beginning.
There's action, martial arts fighting and engaging characters. A demonic world and the author's own magic that interested me. Special mention to the demonic foal that I would have enjoyed crossover as well as Leo. A charming young man who keeps his good humor despite the hardships.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
Often, the author makes a summary of what previously happenedand the reader can catch the train. Here, the complexity of the magic clans did not permit me to access to all the information I needed to fully appreciate this book.
Surprisingly, progressively my frustration has given way to interest and I began to guess a lot of previous events and began to put the pieces in place. So I could see a serie that could be worth starting at the beginning.
There's action, martial arts fighting and engaging characters. A demonic world and the author's own magic that interested me. Special mention to the demonic foal that I would have enjoyed crossover as well as Leo. A charming young man who keeps his good humor despite the hardships.
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
November 2, 2012
Once again,Kylie Chan does not fail to keep her readers dazzled. In this second book of the “Journey to Wudang” trilogy, the main characters continue to search for answers that are not easily available to them. Emma confronts her darkest fears and continues her search to understand who she is. Simone discovers the importance of family and to accept who she is. Xuan Wu tries to piece himself together. Leo learns more about his abilities.
There is not as much fighting throughout the book as were in the others. Instead, there is much more searching and adventures. Emma does take several journeys seeking information from several celestial beings that are almost impossible to reach.These journeys are a big factor in this book. However, Emma obtains more questions than answers.
To read more visit: http://sarahsrecentreads.wordpress.com
There is not as much fighting throughout the book as were in the others. Instead, there is much more searching and adventures. Emma does take several journeys seeking information from several celestial beings that are almost impossible to reach.These journeys are a big factor in this book. However, Emma obtains more questions than answers.
To read more visit: http://sarahsrecentreads.wordpress.com
March 8, 2013
2nd book of the 2nd trilogy. I still love the mythos of the chinese gods and martial arts but... the book suffers from a slight problem.
It could have been a bit shorter. There is a lot of little things that didn't really add much. I appreciate little things, but as long as they make you appreciate them. Also as the end of the Dark Heavens trilogy they put the main character through absolute hell, and this is only the SECOND book. It just makes you wonder how Mrs. Chan is going to throw her through the fire now.
Still going to read the final book in the Journey to Wudang(misleading since they visit it all the damn time) because it's a bit of a guilty pleasure and the last book is already in my room borrowed.
It could have been a bit shorter. There is a lot of little things that didn't really add much. I appreciate little things, but as long as they make you appreciate them. Also as the end of the Dark Heavens trilogy they put the main character through absolute hell, and this is only the SECOND book. It just makes you wonder how Mrs. Chan is going to throw her through the fire now.
Still going to read the final book in the Journey to Wudang(misleading since they visit it all the damn time) because it's a bit of a guilty pleasure and the last book is already in my room borrowed.
May 2, 2012
This series is really gripping. It's written like one book, with very little intro or retrospective from previous books. If you aren't familiar with the previous books, it may be a bit confusing, though still a good story. I'd recommend starting with White Tiger. And beware...the books are addictive!
August 6, 2025
hell to Heaven by Kylie Chan. Emma is very strong but this one she is trying to do everything and it seems like there is light at the end of the tunnel. I loved how much they still look at her as a human she always comes back and kicks their butts like hold my beer lol. Honestly, I know he is the bad guy but I love George's character
March 30, 2024
Continuing the story. Still well written and entertaining.
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