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A Midflight Vampire's Tale
“And so at last, you reveal what it is you want from me. My story. The answer is no.”
“I’ve saved your life twice by now. You owe me, and you can’t run from me here.”
There are some things you can't escape.
In a first-class aircraft cabin, on a red-eye flight from Singapore to Europe, sit two extraordinary passengers. They’re on the run. And they’re both vampires.
Cheng’s origins reach back to ancient China, while Henry is a vampire who can thrive in the day. For all intents and purposes, they are enemies.
Despite the chasm that separates them, they share a tragic connection rooted in the past, a connection which resulted in her becoming his people’s most dreaded adversary.
A chain of events has thrown them together and in return for saving her life, Henry wants her story.
What did Cheng do to make his people hate her so much?
How far will she go to redeem herself?
How many people will she entangle in the process?
And who is hunting them both?
The is the tale of her origins, told in midflight, vampire to vampire.
“I’ve saved your life twice by now. You owe me, and you can’t run from me here.”
There are some things you can't escape.
In a first-class aircraft cabin, on a red-eye flight from Singapore to Europe, sit two extraordinary passengers. They’re on the run. And they’re both vampires.
Cheng’s origins reach back to ancient China, while Henry is a vampire who can thrive in the day. For all intents and purposes, they are enemies.
Despite the chasm that separates them, they share a tragic connection rooted in the past, a connection which resulted in her becoming his people’s most dreaded adversary.
A chain of events has thrown them together and in return for saving her life, Henry wants her story.
What did Cheng do to make his people hate her so much?
How far will she go to redeem herself?
How many people will she entangle in the process?
And who is hunting them both?
The is the tale of her origins, told in midflight, vampire to vampire.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2024
14 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ling
9 books75 followersLinda is a self-published author with a passion for reading and creative writing. Her favorite genres are fantasy and paranormal. She juggles a full time job as a doctor, being a mom, a wife, and the editor of a local newsletter. Linda is a pen name.
She's published a epic fantasy trilogy, a standalone prequel novel, and a children's book.
Linda is currently working on her urban fantasy vampire series. The first two books, A Midflight Vampire's Tale and A Chimeric Vampire's Tale have been released.
in December 2025, Linda will be releasing the first book in her upcoming epic fantasy series, The Hall of Doors.
All her books are available on Amazon and KU.
For more updates, follow her on Instagram and Threads @lindalingwrites
She's published a epic fantasy trilogy, a standalone prequel novel, and a children's book.
Linda is currently working on her urban fantasy vampire series. The first two books, A Midflight Vampire's Tale and A Chimeric Vampire's Tale have been released.
in December 2025, Linda will be releasing the first book in her upcoming epic fantasy series, The Hall of Doors.
All her books are available on Amazon and KU.
For more updates, follow her on Instagram and Threads @lindalingwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 4, 2024
Set against the backdrop of a red-eye flight from Singapore to Europe, the story unfolds in the first-class cabin, where two vampire passengers, Cheng and Henry, find themselves together despite being adversaries. These two vampires are on the run from an unknown (to the reader) danger and despite their animosity, they share a deep-seated connection. While traveling, Henry requests that Cheng explain a little of her past to him.
It is a story in three parts; recent past, even more recent past, and long ago past. The structure of the novel, presented as a tale told in midflight from vampire to vampire, adds a unique touch to the storytelling. It is a fascinating manner of telling a story and I freaking loved it! This is a tale of ancient rivalries, the struggle for redemption, and a deeply intricate world of vampires living among humans. It is a heavily character-driven story and Cheng has an amazing character backstory and arc. Ling's exploration of the characters' relationships and the complexities therein yields a rich and immersive reading experience.
Cheng's origins, which reach back to ancient China, make her story incredibly unique. I LOVE the exploration of the tedium of time and what it must be like to live through history time and again on vampires. I also love the two different types of vampires - True Bloods and the classic vampires that we know and love. The incorporation of scientific elements into the evolution of vampires adds a fresh and captivating dimension to the lore. The promise of unveiling Cheng's story, the enmity between the respective vampire groups, and the stakes involved create an enticing narrative. I could NOT put it down.
This is a must-read for fans of vampire lore, offering a blend of history, age-old conflict, and a character's attempt at redemption. I am so eager for the next book!
Thanks to booksirens and the author for the copy. This is an honest review.
It is a story in three parts; recent past, even more recent past, and long ago past. The structure of the novel, presented as a tale told in midflight from vampire to vampire, adds a unique touch to the storytelling. It is a fascinating manner of telling a story and I freaking loved it! This is a tale of ancient rivalries, the struggle for redemption, and a deeply intricate world of vampires living among humans. It is a heavily character-driven story and Cheng has an amazing character backstory and arc. Ling's exploration of the characters' relationships and the complexities therein yields a rich and immersive reading experience.
Cheng's origins, which reach back to ancient China, make her story incredibly unique. I LOVE the exploration of the tedium of time and what it must be like to live through history time and again on vampires. I also love the two different types of vampires - True Bloods and the classic vampires that we know and love. The incorporation of scientific elements into the evolution of vampires adds a fresh and captivating dimension to the lore. The promise of unveiling Cheng's story, the enmity between the respective vampire groups, and the stakes involved create an enticing narrative. I could NOT put it down.
This is a must-read for fans of vampire lore, offering a blend of history, age-old conflict, and a character's attempt at redemption. I am so eager for the next book!
Thanks to booksirens and the author for the copy. This is an honest review.
October 9, 2024
I'm a big vampire fan. So this was a book I have been wanting to read for a while. I have to say it was worth the wait. I loved it. The main character Cheng was brillant and such an interesting history that is revealed through the book. I loved the history of the vampire lore and the way it was connected to our world and history. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
June 24, 2024
4.5 stars
A really fresh and interesting take on vampires that I thoroughly enjoyed. Prefect for fans of Interview with a Vampire, Underworld and Daybreakers.
It takes us from modern day USA to ancient China to Singapore and introduces us to a host of interesting (and hot) characters and a few villains.
I really loved Cheng as a character and how she develops throughout the story. Learning about her past when you know what's she's like in the present was fascinating and heartbreaking. Her relationship with Li Han is *chef's kiss*
Ling's writing style is very enjoyable, with great world-building, cool action scenes and she always manages to make the biting and blood drinking sound so HOT!
My only "problem" with this book are Sarah's chapters. Not that they're bad or boring or anything like that, because they're not. It's just that with the way the story is told (Cheng is retelling her life's story), Sarah's chapters, which are in Sarah's POV, don't actually work. Cheng remarks on it when she's telling the SynGen-part of the story, but it isn't a believable explanation for the change in POV and took me out of the story a little.
But apart from that this is a great book and I look forward to reading the sequel!
A really fresh and interesting take on vampires that I thoroughly enjoyed. Prefect for fans of Interview with a Vampire, Underworld and Daybreakers.
It takes us from modern day USA to ancient China to Singapore and introduces us to a host of interesting (and hot) characters and a few villains.
I really loved Cheng as a character and how she develops throughout the story. Learning about her past when you know what's she's like in the present was fascinating and heartbreaking. Her relationship with Li Han is *chef's kiss*
Ling's writing style is very enjoyable, with great world-building, cool action scenes and she always manages to make the biting and blood drinking sound so HOT!
My only "problem" with this book are Sarah's chapters. Not that they're bad or boring or anything like that, because they're not. It's just that with the way the story is told (Cheng is retelling her life's story), Sarah's chapters, which are in Sarah's POV, don't actually work. Cheng remarks on it when she's telling the SynGen-part of the story, but it isn't a believable explanation for the change in POV and took me out of the story a little.
But apart from that this is a great book and I look forward to reading the sequel!
February 1, 2024
This book is everything a vampire story should be. The characters truly possess the age and complexity a being with a longer lifespan should have, and the author interweaves Chinese history and modern medicine through the character backgrounds in an intriguing and incredibly compelling way. The narrative is transporting, the relationships fascinating, and the backdrop a rich blend of contemporary issues and age-old strife. The author portrays all of this while managing that most difficult of storytelling techniques — telling multiple stories in one book. And all of those stories must be read.
In the dedication, the author mentions wanting to show that Chinese vampires can be interesting. But, truly, she’s done more than that — she’s shown the power of diversity in crafting truly singular and profound works of art. A must-read.
In the dedication, the author mentions wanting to show that Chinese vampires can be interesting. But, truly, she’s done more than that — she’s shown the power of diversity in crafting truly singular and profound works of art. A must-read.
March 2, 2024
“You cannot return to the past, no matter how much you wish for it.”
What an interesting book. This was a book about Vampires (in particular Asian Vampires) but with history weaved throughout.
It is told in a similar way to Empire of the Vampire in that the main character is telling her story to another vampire but on a flight.
The fact there were 2 types of vampire: true bloods and hybrids and their differences really interested me. I was hooked and wanted to learn more about the past.
Overall, I enjoyed this and I will pick up book 2 to carry on with the story.
What an interesting book. This was a book about Vampires (in particular Asian Vampires) but with history weaved throughout.
It is told in a similar way to Empire of the Vampire in that the main character is telling her story to another vampire but on a flight.
The fact there were 2 types of vampire: true bloods and hybrids and their differences really interested me. I was hooked and wanted to learn more about the past.
Overall, I enjoyed this and I will pick up book 2 to carry on with the story.
February 8, 2024
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
What intrigued me about this book was the idea of vampires on an airplane, and the fact that it was going to be a vampire story told from the POV of an Asian vampire.
In this world there are two different types of vampires, the True Bloods and the Hybrids. The world building around these two species of vampires is quite interesting and I think really makes the story much more unique. What I also really enjoyed about the story was the fact that the history of the vampires was told primarily from the lens of Cheng, who is a Chinese vampire. Since vampires tend to live longer, it was interesting to read more about how this vampire lived her centuries predominantly in Asia, so there was a lot of history we might not "usually" read about.
The book was really easy to follow along with, and put yourself in the shoes of the various characters, and I found myself encapsulated by the various scenes. Although, there was a lot of jumping around in the points of views at the beginning that made it a bit confusing at times. The order jumps around in order to set us up for the reason that they are on the plane in the first place, which I can appreciate, however I do wish the 2nd half linked back to that beginning portion, or had a POV switch again, because the switches kind of stop abruptly.
I personally loved the last 3rd of the book, where we learn of Cheng's past. That was really where we as readers get to see her motivations, and growth as a character. It was very intriguing to read her history. However, the ending did feel a bit abrupt. It felt like there was a lot of build-up through the book but it fell a little flat. Although we as readers tend to hate cliff-hangers, I do wish it had a bit of a cliff-hanger! I wanted the book to really leave us craving the rest of this story, but with such a strong backstory for Cheng and Li Han, I personally would love to read more of that story.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book. It was a bit different from what I usually read and was really refreshing in terms of the writing style, and world building. There are so many questions left unanswered that I'm excited to read in the rest of the planned trilogy.
Thank you again BookSirens for the ARC!
What intrigued me about this book was the idea of vampires on an airplane, and the fact that it was going to be a vampire story told from the POV of an Asian vampire.
In this world there are two different types of vampires, the True Bloods and the Hybrids. The world building around these two species of vampires is quite interesting and I think really makes the story much more unique. What I also really enjoyed about the story was the fact that the history of the vampires was told primarily from the lens of Cheng, who is a Chinese vampire. Since vampires tend to live longer, it was interesting to read more about how this vampire lived her centuries predominantly in Asia, so there was a lot of history we might not "usually" read about.
The book was really easy to follow along with, and put yourself in the shoes of the various characters, and I found myself encapsulated by the various scenes. Although, there was a lot of jumping around in the points of views at the beginning that made it a bit confusing at times. The order jumps around in order to set us up for the reason that they are on the plane in the first place, which I can appreciate, however I do wish the 2nd half linked back to that beginning portion, or had a POV switch again, because the switches kind of stop abruptly.
I personally loved the last 3rd of the book, where we learn of Cheng's past. That was really where we as readers get to see her motivations, and growth as a character. It was very intriguing to read her history. However, the ending did feel a bit abrupt. It felt like there was a lot of build-up through the book but it fell a little flat. Although we as readers tend to hate cliff-hangers, I do wish it had a bit of a cliff-hanger! I wanted the book to really leave us craving the rest of this story, but with such a strong backstory for Cheng and Li Han, I personally would love to read more of that story.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book. It was a bit different from what I usually read and was really refreshing in terms of the writing style, and world building. There are so many questions left unanswered that I'm excited to read in the rest of the planned trilogy.
Thank you again BookSirens for the ARC!
November 29, 2024
No, I am not “okay”. I’ve had a very bad night spent in sub-zero temperatures with two broken limbs, and now I have to run for my life like some fugitive when I have done absolutely nothing wrong except tell off some ancient psycho to his face, and then you show up like the ghost of Christmas past when I least expect it.
A Midflight Vampire’s Tale by Linda Ling is a refreshingly innovative take on the vampire genre, weaving together ancient Chinese history, modern lore, and a deeply personal tale of redemption. The story unfolds mid-flight, where two vampires reluctantly find themselves sharing a cabin. The setting of an overnight flight serves as the perfect backdrop for a tale that alternates between historical flashbacks and the present, building suspense and intimacy in equal measure. Hands down, this is probably my favorite read of 2024. Genuinely, it was that good.
Cheng’s character is the novel’s emotional core. Her backstory is as rich as it is heartbreaking, and her voice balances the wisdom of centuries with the rawness of unresolved guilt. And if you're wondering about her past in ancient China, rest assured that Cheng will take us through everything you want to know:
"Never ask a woman her age. Especially someone like me. But since we’re talking about that, I might as well date myself. I was born in the year 247 B.C."
While I love Cheng's storytelling and sass, Henry, her reluctant confidant and adversary, absolutely adds another layer of tension and intrigue. The interplay between them is electric, revealing more about their shared history with every chapter. The juxtaposition of two types of vampires — True Bloods and Hybrids — brings a new twist to traditional vampire mythology. Ling’s seamless integration of historical research enhances the story's authenticity and makes Cheng’s journey both poignant and unique.
A Midflight Vampire’s Tale doesn’t shy away from exploring the burden of immortality, the weight of past mistakes, and the complexities of connection… A deeply human story despite being told by vampires. With its lyrical prose, unforgettable characters, and masterful world-building, this novel is a must-read for fans of Anne Rice, vampire lore, and historical fiction. I can't recommend it enough!
A Midflight Vampire’s Tale by Linda Ling is a refreshingly innovative take on the vampire genre, weaving together ancient Chinese history, modern lore, and a deeply personal tale of redemption. The story unfolds mid-flight, where two vampires reluctantly find themselves sharing a cabin. The setting of an overnight flight serves as the perfect backdrop for a tale that alternates between historical flashbacks and the present, building suspense and intimacy in equal measure. Hands down, this is probably my favorite read of 2024. Genuinely, it was that good.
Cheng’s character is the novel’s emotional core. Her backstory is as rich as it is heartbreaking, and her voice balances the wisdom of centuries with the rawness of unresolved guilt. And if you're wondering about her past in ancient China, rest assured that Cheng will take us through everything you want to know:
"Never ask a woman her age. Especially someone like me. But since we’re talking about that, I might as well date myself. I was born in the year 247 B.C."
While I love Cheng's storytelling and sass, Henry, her reluctant confidant and adversary, absolutely adds another layer of tension and intrigue. The interplay between them is electric, revealing more about their shared history with every chapter. The juxtaposition of two types of vampires — True Bloods and Hybrids — brings a new twist to traditional vampire mythology. Ling’s seamless integration of historical research enhances the story's authenticity and makes Cheng’s journey both poignant and unique.
A Midflight Vampire’s Tale doesn’t shy away from exploring the burden of immortality, the weight of past mistakes, and the complexities of connection… A deeply human story despite being told by vampires. With its lyrical prose, unforgettable characters, and masterful world-building, this novel is a must-read for fans of Anne Rice, vampire lore, and historical fiction. I can't recommend it enough!
July 18, 2025
A Midflight Vampire's Tale was an impulse pick up based on a review. I don't normally really do vampires, but it intrigued me. And oh boy, was it a good impulse pick up. This is everything Interview With a Vampire should have been if Interview with a Vampire had been done well. Told from the perpective of a vampire on a red eye flight, this combines a fascinating contemporary narrative with excellent lore and world building with a historical tale that spans centuries and has ramifications to the modern day. It's unusual and absolutely fascinating.
Split into three, the tale starts with the recent history as Cheng relates her discovery and rescue of a boy with True Blood abilities in captivity under scientists seeking answers to his unusual make up. It then moves almost into the present time as Cheng's interference in the events that culminate from that act draws the attention of someone even more powerful than herself and finishes by taking us into ancient Chinese history, explaining the enmity between Cheng and the Truebloods even as she worked on their side. This is one of those books that has action and drama, a very personal redemption arc, and still builds on the characters and the world at the same time.
Cheng is a relatable character, despite being thousands of years old and I really liked the maturity and character development on display here as you could well believe she's got generations of lifespans behind her. The way the story was split means you get a real sense of her character in her actions in the modern day before finding out more about her origins going back to ancient China and that really worked. Her relationships with the True Bloods was also really well done and the author managed to capture the unease and age-old enmity whilst building relationships and alliances which was cleverly done.
But where this really excelled was the world building and the lore. The two different types of vampires and how they have clashed over the centuries, the use of evolution and scientific rationale to make a believable case for the Hybrids existing, the use of ancient Chinese history tied in with contemporary vampire lore and science, it all came together to make one heck of a world and one heck of a story.
Honestly, I was not expecting this to be one of my top reads of 2025. Without a doubt it has shot to the podium though and I'll be interested to read more of the authors works.
Split into three, the tale starts with the recent history as Cheng relates her discovery and rescue of a boy with True Blood abilities in captivity under scientists seeking answers to his unusual make up. It then moves almost into the present time as Cheng's interference in the events that culminate from that act draws the attention of someone even more powerful than herself and finishes by taking us into ancient Chinese history, explaining the enmity between Cheng and the Truebloods even as she worked on their side. This is one of those books that has action and drama, a very personal redemption arc, and still builds on the characters and the world at the same time.
Cheng is a relatable character, despite being thousands of years old and I really liked the maturity and character development on display here as you could well believe she's got generations of lifespans behind her. The way the story was split means you get a real sense of her character in her actions in the modern day before finding out more about her origins going back to ancient China and that really worked. Her relationships with the True Bloods was also really well done and the author managed to capture the unease and age-old enmity whilst building relationships and alliances which was cleverly done.
But where this really excelled was the world building and the lore. The two different types of vampires and how they have clashed over the centuries, the use of evolution and scientific rationale to make a believable case for the Hybrids existing, the use of ancient Chinese history tied in with contemporary vampire lore and science, it all came together to make one heck of a world and one heck of a story.
Honestly, I was not expecting this to be one of my top reads of 2025. Without a doubt it has shot to the podium though and I'll be interested to read more of the authors works.
March 17, 2024
I haven't loved a vampire book this much in years! I absolutely adore everything about this novel. The non-linear timeline works brilliantly for this book and I adore how it's framed from the perspective of two vampires having a conversation as they fly from Singapore to Rome. The small interruptions of this frame setting added so much to the overall story because you get to know the characters before any of the action happens.
Cheng is a fantastic character and she really does come across believably. Considering she's supposed to be two thousand years old, I felt the author gives her a brilliant blend of youthfulness and age to the voice of this character. She came alive for me and her heartaches and fears truly came to life for me.
Henry offers a great foil for the conversation and provides a nice anchor to the story. Additionally, his presence in the conversation raises many questions that are only answered at the end, which made the story wonderfully intriguing.
I really love Ling's new take on vampires. The way the lore from folktales and myth have been incorporated into this version made it a treat to read. I love the politics and cultural tensions added by having both "True Bloods" (those born as vampires) and "Hybrids" (humans turned into vampires). I also felt the author's historical research felt accurate and added so much because of the unusual Chinese setting.
Lastly, I loved that this is a story about Asian vampires. I've never seen that before and totally love that the author is bringing new ideas from another part of the world into vampire lore.
This novel has strong Interview with the Vampire feels and will definitely appeal to readers who love urban fantasy and stories about vampires that have great worldbuilding and brilliant characters.
Cheng is a fantastic character and she really does come across believably. Considering she's supposed to be two thousand years old, I felt the author gives her a brilliant blend of youthfulness and age to the voice of this character. She came alive for me and her heartaches and fears truly came to life for me.
Henry offers a great foil for the conversation and provides a nice anchor to the story. Additionally, his presence in the conversation raises many questions that are only answered at the end, which made the story wonderfully intriguing.
I really love Ling's new take on vampires. The way the lore from folktales and myth have been incorporated into this version made it a treat to read. I love the politics and cultural tensions added by having both "True Bloods" (those born as vampires) and "Hybrids" (humans turned into vampires). I also felt the author's historical research felt accurate and added so much because of the unusual Chinese setting.
Lastly, I loved that this is a story about Asian vampires. I've never seen that before and totally love that the author is bringing new ideas from another part of the world into vampire lore.
This novel has strong Interview with the Vampire feels and will definitely appeal to readers who love urban fantasy and stories about vampires that have great worldbuilding and brilliant characters.
January 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
A Midflight Vampire’s Tale is an interesting and enjoyable new entry into the world of vampires. The book is split into what really felt like two separate books with an overarching story to tie them together. The first half of the book focuses on a human girl named Sarah and a little boy named Julian, with our FMC, Cheng, recounting their story to a mysterious man during an overnight flight to Europe.
While I definitely enjoyed the first half of the book, I think it really shines when we get to the second half, where we get to learn more about Cheng’s past and how she became the hybrid she is in present day. This is where Linda Ling’s signature (in my opinion) heart wrenching writing really takes center stage. The way Cheng is written is so real, and her emotions are extremely potent through the page. I even found myself choking up a bit during some parts of her story.
I loved that this wasn’t really your typical vampire mythology. Linda has taken the familiar vampire tropes we all know and made them anew. She introduces different types of vampires, hunters, and humans with unique gifts. I also really enjoyed the Chinese history that is core to Cheng’s backstory in the second half of the book.
This was my second read by Linda Ling, and I have loved both books! I hope this story reaches a wider audience once it officially releases because it certainly deserves to! I look forward to the continuation of Cheng and Henry’s story as well as the story of Li Han.
Thank you so much to Linda Ling for the ARC of A Midflight Vampire’s Tale. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Midflight Vampire’s Tale is an interesting and enjoyable new entry into the world of vampires. The book is split into what really felt like two separate books with an overarching story to tie them together. The first half of the book focuses on a human girl named Sarah and a little boy named Julian, with our FMC, Cheng, recounting their story to a mysterious man during an overnight flight to Europe.
While I definitely enjoyed the first half of the book, I think it really shines when we get to the second half, where we get to learn more about Cheng’s past and how she became the hybrid she is in present day. This is where Linda Ling’s signature (in my opinion) heart wrenching writing really takes center stage. The way Cheng is written is so real, and her emotions are extremely potent through the page. I even found myself choking up a bit during some parts of her story.
I loved that this wasn’t really your typical vampire mythology. Linda has taken the familiar vampire tropes we all know and made them anew. She introduces different types of vampires, hunters, and humans with unique gifts. I also really enjoyed the Chinese history that is core to Cheng’s backstory in the second half of the book.
This was my second read by Linda Ling, and I have loved both books! I hope this story reaches a wider audience once it officially releases because it certainly deserves to! I look forward to the continuation of Cheng and Henry’s story as well as the story of Li Han.
Thank you so much to Linda Ling for the ARC of A Midflight Vampire’s Tale. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2024
I really enjoyed the layout of how this was written, the way Henry and Cheng were exchanging stories on their flight. It was different than the usual going through the story as its happening, it also allowed for comments from eachother on the stories and middle bits of the present day, as well as all of the knowledge of what happens after and the personal opinions Cheng has had time to reflect on since it happened. I like the way there was multiple stories. I think the Syngen story is interesting; with it being closer in time and how everything is coming back around into Chengs life and Sarah's and Julians paths. I also liked the story from Chengs early life; it expands the story and explains alot about her; it has some important details also it is fascinating learning some of the history and places from back then. I am looking forward to reading more about Li Han and her time with him as I feel like his family is more important but there was some context into his family in this book. I also liked Henry and I am interested to hear his stories and what he keeps holding back, I like the way Henry and Cheng are together and am intrigued for them to spend more time together and her to really know him and some of his thoughts. *spoiler*
As nice as I think they are together, Cheng might be right at the end where she considers that maybe they would have a really good friendship from then on, I do like that she has found someone to help her and to confide in, I feel like she needed that, maybe Henry does too.
As nice as I think they are together, Cheng might be right at the end where she considers that maybe they would have a really good friendship from then on, I do like that she has found someone to help her and to confide in, I feel like she needed that, maybe Henry does too.
February 16, 2024
I enjoy reading unique takes on supernatural creatures (especially vampires) so reading about East Asian vampires for once, was intriguing. Linda Ling’s excellent writing flows smoothly and is enjoyable to read. I immediately had the sense of another culture, just being on the plane with Cheng and her descriptive dialogue (which I enjoyed.)
Cheng, the protagonist, who has lived most of her centuries in ancient China, and Henry who is a more modern vampire, are both on the run from hunters. On an overnight flight from Singapore to Europe, Cheng is disclosing her story to Henry. We learn how it brought her to this point in time. Ancient Chinese history and culture unfolds in her story, along with the author’s medicinal knowledge as a doctor, which adds interest and depth. It added to the world-building, along with the trueblood and hybrid vampire clans. Cheng felt real to me through her character POV which made this story immersive and compelling.
The style of the story is quite complex, however, as the present and past intertwine. Honestly, I was lost a few times. Because of this it took me a while to get into the groove of this story. I’m glad I persisted as it grows more insightful, as well as the characters. Even so, it was a little ponderous at times and a slow read for me. That said, I do enjoy Linda’s writing very much. Simply, the style was very different from anything I’ve ever read and took some getting use to. If you want a unique vampire story I recommend this series.
Cheng, the protagonist, who has lived most of her centuries in ancient China, and Henry who is a more modern vampire, are both on the run from hunters. On an overnight flight from Singapore to Europe, Cheng is disclosing her story to Henry. We learn how it brought her to this point in time. Ancient Chinese history and culture unfolds in her story, along with the author’s medicinal knowledge as a doctor, which adds interest and depth. It added to the world-building, along with the trueblood and hybrid vampire clans. Cheng felt real to me through her character POV which made this story immersive and compelling.
The style of the story is quite complex, however, as the present and past intertwine. Honestly, I was lost a few times. Because of this it took me a while to get into the groove of this story. I’m glad I persisted as it grows more insightful, as well as the characters. Even so, it was a little ponderous at times and a slow read for me. That said, I do enjoy Linda’s writing very much. Simply, the style was very different from anything I’ve ever read and took some getting use to. If you want a unique vampire story I recommend this series.
January 19, 2024
I came across the author's eARC reading campaign on Instagram and was instantly drawn to the book by the premise. I quite enjoy reading about the supernatural and this book teased at something different in the genre. Vampire's sharing their story during a flight! I was intrigued to say the least and joined the team to read and review this book!
I am grateful to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book blew me away from the start. The narrative is smooth and flows so well that the reader doesn't pause even when it shifts from person to person, past and present but almost always told in first person. This is a story of origins, friends and enemies, love and honor among other things. Though slow to start, the story picks up pace towards the middle and gets more and more interesting as it unfolds with layers of Chinese history interspersed with the narrative.
There are multiple plot lines in this story and the author weaves them together seamlessly, without giving away anything very easily. It is a slow burn novel that takes time to unravel, drawing the reader in and ensuring that the attention of the reader is on the characters at all times. I was wholly invested in Cheng and curious to know her story. This is also a book that deals with a identity crisis, addressing the questions of 'Who am I?'; 'Who do I want to be?' Cheng goes through so much in her life with friends, love, and makes a whole lot of enemies up until a point where when she does good, it is not always seen in the same light.
Henry was an interesting character to pit against Cheng, striking wits right from the very beginning. His angle and interest were not always clear but as the story progresses, it is easy to see how important he is to this entire story. This story is told as a conversation between Cheng and Henry in the present with narrations of the past from Cheng's point of view. There are some 3rd person POVs (very limited) to add some more perspective to the story telling.
I truly fell in love with each of the characters as well as their journeys. If this is how the origins are presented, I am truly looking forward to reading more about the characters and the events that unfold.
I am grateful to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book blew me away from the start. The narrative is smooth and flows so well that the reader doesn't pause even when it shifts from person to person, past and present but almost always told in first person. This is a story of origins, friends and enemies, love and honor among other things. Though slow to start, the story picks up pace towards the middle and gets more and more interesting as it unfolds with layers of Chinese history interspersed with the narrative.
There are multiple plot lines in this story and the author weaves them together seamlessly, without giving away anything very easily. It is a slow burn novel that takes time to unravel, drawing the reader in and ensuring that the attention of the reader is on the characters at all times. I was wholly invested in Cheng and curious to know her story. This is also a book that deals with a identity crisis, addressing the questions of 'Who am I?'; 'Who do I want to be?' Cheng goes through so much in her life with friends, love, and makes a whole lot of enemies up until a point where when she does good, it is not always seen in the same light.
Henry was an interesting character to pit against Cheng, striking wits right from the very beginning. His angle and interest were not always clear but as the story progresses, it is easy to see how important he is to this entire story. This story is told as a conversation between Cheng and Henry in the present with narrations of the past from Cheng's point of view. There are some 3rd person POVs (very limited) to add some more perspective to the story telling.
I truly fell in love with each of the characters as well as their journeys. If this is how the origins are presented, I am truly looking forward to reading more about the characters and the events that unfold.
February 6, 2024
In A Midflight Vampire’s Tale, Ling masterfully weaves together Chinese representation (something rarely seen in vampire novels), rich character development, and a unique story-within-a-story narrative style. Central to the book's allure are its captivating characters, each imbued with depth, complexity, and relatability. From the resilient heroine, Cheng, grappling with her past, to the young Julian finding his way through adolescence as a vampire, every character is meticulously crafted and thoughtfully developed. I continuously found myself deeply invested in their journeys, rooting for their triumphs and empathizing with their struggles.
The story-within-a-story narrative style adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the book. I enjoyed the elements of love, betrayal, and redemption that unfold in parallel to the main narrative. This dual storyline enhances the sense of suspense and will keep readers eagerly turning pages as they unravel the interconnected fates of the characters on the airplane.
With its evocative prose, compelling characters, and innovative narrative structure, this book is sure to captivate readers of all backgrounds and leave a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. I highly recommended this text for any vampire lover seeking a riveting tale that celebrates the beauty of Chinese culture and the power of storytelling.
The story-within-a-story narrative style adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the book. I enjoyed the elements of love, betrayal, and redemption that unfold in parallel to the main narrative. This dual storyline enhances the sense of suspense and will keep readers eagerly turning pages as they unravel the interconnected fates of the characters on the airplane.
With its evocative prose, compelling characters, and innovative narrative structure, this book is sure to captivate readers of all backgrounds and leave a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. I highly recommended this text for any vampire lover seeking a riveting tale that celebrates the beauty of Chinese culture and the power of storytelling.
February 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. This is not a standard vampire story. It was intriguing and the plot is a blend of several stories connected to one.
It took me a while to warm up to Cheng, and the initial story that she told was interesting. But what gripped me was when we started to discover Cheng's current situation, and how she ended up on a night flight with Henry (another vampire). And, especially, when Cheng started reminiscing and reciting the story of her younger life. It was through this part (second half) that I really felt connected to Cheng. I absolutely loved her by the end, and oh, the heartache.
The book was really well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of modern day and the ancient world. I appreciated how much research the author put in regarding the Chinese history - I found this part of the story fascinating.
The world building was excellent and the characters were fully fleshed, compelling me to read on.
This book isn't a standalone, and it looks to be set up for a trilogy. So, if you are looking for a unique take on vampires, vampire hunters, and a heart-wrenching backstory, make sure you check this out.
Thanks for the ARC, Linda. I really enjoyed this.
It took me a while to warm up to Cheng, and the initial story that she told was interesting. But what gripped me was when we started to discover Cheng's current situation, and how she ended up on a night flight with Henry (another vampire). And, especially, when Cheng started reminiscing and reciting the story of her younger life. It was through this part (second half) that I really felt connected to Cheng. I absolutely loved her by the end, and oh, the heartache.
The book was really well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of modern day and the ancient world. I appreciated how much research the author put in regarding the Chinese history - I found this part of the story fascinating.
The world building was excellent and the characters were fully fleshed, compelling me to read on.
This book isn't a standalone, and it looks to be set up for a trilogy. So, if you are looking for a unique take on vampires, vampire hunters, and a heart-wrenching backstory, make sure you check this out.
Thanks for the ARC, Linda. I really enjoyed this.
March 4, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is not the typical vampire book, and I mean that in the best way. In this story we have vampires and hybrids who are being hunted. We get multiple stories that are connected together through an intriguing plot. The stories were woven together in a way that immersed me within the world. The world building is a fascinating mix between modern and historical. The story is infused with Chinese history I found so interesting and it helps you connect with Cheng. While all the characters were written well, Cheng was my favorite. By the end, I loved her character and felt heartbroken for her as well.
Blurb: “And so at last, you reveal what it is you want from me. My story. The answer is no.” “I’ve saved your life twice by now. You owe me, and you can’t run from me here.” There are some things you can’t escape. In a first-class aircraft cabin, on a red-eye flight from Singapore to Europe, sit two extraordinary passengers. They’re on the run. And they’re both vampires. Cheng’s origins reach back to ancient China, while Henry is a vampire who can thrive in the day. For all intents and purposes, they are enemies. Despite the chasm that separates them, they share a tragic connection rooted in the past, a connection which resulted in her becoming his people’s most dreaded adversary. A chain of events has thrown them together and in return for saving her life, Henry wants her story. What did Cheng do to make his people hate her so much? How far will she go to redeem herself? How many people will she entangle in the process? And who is hunting them both? The is the tale of her origins, told in midflight, vampire to vampire.
This is the first book in a trilogy. If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the blend of Chinese history, and Vampires vs Vampire hunters, then I highly recommend this! It publishes March 5th!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is not the typical vampire book, and I mean that in the best way. In this story we have vampires and hybrids who are being hunted. We get multiple stories that are connected together through an intriguing plot. The stories were woven together in a way that immersed me within the world. The world building is a fascinating mix between modern and historical. The story is infused with Chinese history I found so interesting and it helps you connect with Cheng. While all the characters were written well, Cheng was my favorite. By the end, I loved her character and felt heartbroken for her as well.
Blurb: “And so at last, you reveal what it is you want from me. My story. The answer is no.” “I’ve saved your life twice by now. You owe me, and you can’t run from me here.” There are some things you can’t escape. In a first-class aircraft cabin, on a red-eye flight from Singapore to Europe, sit two extraordinary passengers. They’re on the run. And they’re both vampires. Cheng’s origins reach back to ancient China, while Henry is a vampire who can thrive in the day. For all intents and purposes, they are enemies. Despite the chasm that separates them, they share a tragic connection rooted in the past, a connection which resulted in her becoming his people’s most dreaded adversary. A chain of events has thrown them together and in return for saving her life, Henry wants her story. What did Cheng do to make his people hate her so much? How far will she go to redeem herself? How many people will she entangle in the process? And who is hunting them both? The is the tale of her origins, told in midflight, vampire to vampire.
This is the first book in a trilogy. If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the blend of Chinese history, and Vampires vs Vampire hunters, then I highly recommend this! It publishes March 5th!
May 26, 2024
“Hate and love are but facets of passion. And passion drives us to do many things that seem out of place, out of character.”
A note on the storytelling in this book: The "main" storyline, or the "present," all takes place within the span of an airplane flight. (Hence the title.) There are two vampires conversing with each other: Cheng, the 2000-year-old female vampire who grew up in ancient China, and Henry, another Chinese vampire much younger. Henry has implored Cheng to tell him her story, and how she got to this point in her life. The "present" is in first-person, from Cheng's POV. Most of the book is in the past, Cheng telling Henry first about something that happened two years previously, and then her life in ancient China and how she ended up meeting the vampire who Changed her and her Change itself.
As a non-consumer of vampire stories, I really enjoyed this book!! The storytelling elements of this book were fascinating to me. The idea of a Chinese vampire is really cool! I'm excited to read the two sequels in this book!! There's spice in it, maybe a 2 / 5 spice levels? Not too much but enough to have a level in my opinion. There's also the vampires' version of sexual assault (at least, this is what I'd call it), so be wary of that.
A note on the storytelling in this book: The "main" storyline, or the "present," all takes place within the span of an airplane flight. (Hence the title.) There are two vampires conversing with each other: Cheng, the 2000-year-old female vampire who grew up in ancient China, and Henry, another Chinese vampire much younger. Henry has implored Cheng to tell him her story, and how she got to this point in her life. The "present" is in first-person, from Cheng's POV. Most of the book is in the past, Cheng telling Henry first about something that happened two years previously, and then her life in ancient China and how she ended up meeting the vampire who Changed her and her Change itself.
As a non-consumer of vampire stories, I really enjoyed this book!! The storytelling elements of this book were fascinating to me. The idea of a Chinese vampire is really cool! I'm excited to read the two sequels in this book!! There's spice in it, maybe a 2 / 5 spice levels? Not too much but enough to have a level in my opinion. There's also the vampires' version of sexual assault (at least, this is what I'd call it), so be wary of that.
February 6, 2024
This was a really good read, if it weren’t for the fact of a major reading slump and restlessness, I could have read this book in a day. While curled up with a blanket and my favorite drink.
Let’s get into it,
I was surprised when I found out that True Bloods and Hybrids are enemies. You don’t see that in a lot of vampire books. I loved that whole aspect of the book.
I also was satisfied with the character redemption Cheng showed.
Favorite characters (other than main)
*Sarah
*Tony
*Julien
Favorite Quote
“Like the tiger, I would hunt my prey. Like the tiger, I would stalk my victims. Like the tiger, I would pounce and I would kill.”
Overall I really enjoyed reading about Cheng. I recommend this book highly, with Chinese vampires, seekers, and sensors. Who wouldn’t want to read it?
Let’s get into it,
I was surprised when I found out that True Bloods and Hybrids are enemies. You don’t see that in a lot of vampire books. I loved that whole aspect of the book.
I also was satisfied with the character redemption Cheng showed.
Favorite characters (other than main)
*Sarah
*Tony
*Julien
Favorite Quote
“Like the tiger, I would hunt my prey. Like the tiger, I would stalk my victims. Like the tiger, I would pounce and I would kill.”
Overall I really enjoyed reading about Cheng. I recommend this book highly, with Chinese vampires, seekers, and sensors. Who wouldn’t want to read it?
April 15, 2024
What a fascinating take on the origins of vampires and the difference and hatred between two kinds. This story takes us between the present, the near past, and the very distant past as Cheng reveals her story to a very persistent listener. This story weaves the pieces and players together in a way that was surprising and, at times, beautifully poignant. As the entire book takes place on a flight, the pacing of it felt strange at times. However, with patience, it was all leading with wonderful storytelling. It will be interesting to see how Cheng moves forward in the next book and if she is forced to choose a side, how she will deal with that choice.
There is a sneaky little thing that tends to follow the life of violence that one such as myself walks. It is called guilt. It is called redemption, or rather, the need for it.
There is a sneaky little thing that tends to follow the life of violence that one such as myself walks. It is called guilt. It is called redemption, or rather, the need for it.
March 14, 2024
A vampire book plus ancient history! What more could a Buffy loving generation ask for?
I absolutely love this book and am emotionally attached to all of the characters, even the small side ones. The story follows more than one time line but Linda married them together so well(which if I'm being honest is a very hard thing to do). You end up fully immersed in Cheng's world and want to know every secret that she is hiding from Henry. Who arguably has his own amount of secrets you want in on! The entire book is a wild ride, start to finish, and I can't wait for the sequel! Cheng and Henry are on the run unwilling to share their back stories with each other but as the night goes on Cheng begins to open up more as does Henry. As they learn more about each other and the danger/threat that they face, they find themselves asking more questions. And learning more about each others pasts. There's revenge, redemption, heartbreak, and love.
Not only is the story binge worthy, but it is well written, executed, clearly edited, and waiting for you to pick it up :)
Inside you will find Buffy the vampire slayer, Anne Rice, Twilight, The Originals, and Blade(the films) vibes. Complete with a leather clad bad ass Vampire, True Bloods, vampire hunters and more! I would consider this more closed door than fade to black, but some might consider fade to black. There is some profanity and implied sex and nudity, but nothing is shown on page.
I absolutely love this book and am emotionally attached to all of the characters, even the small side ones. The story follows more than one time line but Linda married them together so well(which if I'm being honest is a very hard thing to do). You end up fully immersed in Cheng's world and want to know every secret that she is hiding from Henry. Who arguably has his own amount of secrets you want in on! The entire book is a wild ride, start to finish, and I can't wait for the sequel! Cheng and Henry are on the run unwilling to share their back stories with each other but as the night goes on Cheng begins to open up more as does Henry. As they learn more about each other and the danger/threat that they face, they find themselves asking more questions. And learning more about each others pasts. There's revenge, redemption, heartbreak, and love.
Not only is the story binge worthy, but it is well written, executed, clearly edited, and waiting for you to pick it up :)
Inside you will find Buffy the vampire slayer, Anne Rice, Twilight, The Originals, and Blade(the films) vibes. Complete with a leather clad bad ass Vampire, True Bloods, vampire hunters and more! I would consider this more closed door than fade to black, but some might consider fade to black. There is some profanity and implied sex and nudity, but nothing is shown on page.
October 9, 2025
I have always loved reading about vampires and Linda’s twist of vampire lore was such a great read. Written in flashback form while Cheng tells Henry her origin story on a flight from Singapore to Europe. As they flee from an ancient evil, Cheng opens up bit by bit reliving her past. From her first encounter with a vampire as a human child in ancient China to her current state of a centuries old vampire in present day.
I really enjoyed the unique rivalry between factions of born (true blood) vampires and the vampires that were made. Some can walk in daylight and some can’t. Adding in the Sensors who are humans that can feel when a vampire is near making perfect recruits for a society of vampire hunters and Chinese culture weaved through the novel made the story a fascinating and original read.
For those vampire lovers out there, this one needs to be on your TBR!
I really enjoyed the unique rivalry between factions of born (true blood) vampires and the vampires that were made. Some can walk in daylight and some can’t. Adding in the Sensors who are humans that can feel when a vampire is near making perfect recruits for a society of vampire hunters and Chinese culture weaved through the novel made the story a fascinating and original read.
For those vampire lovers out there, this one needs to be on your TBR!
March 6, 2024
In many ways this book reminded me of another very good series of vampire tales. Suddenly though it became very much it's own story. Set in both the present and the distant Orient we come to see how these travelers end up together. It was not jarring to go back and forth in time it was needed to step back from what was happening in each time frame. The world building was more important then the characters who were there to report history as it happened. I really enjoyed the writing style as well as the ,at least to me, take on the vampire myth.
I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review.
I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review.
June 25, 2024
This is an excellent, intriguing tale about a war between vampires (true bloods and hybrids). But what makes the story so interesting is main character Cheng, an ancient hybrid vampire whose strength and reputation see her revered and reviled by those around her. In this first part of the series, we learn about Cheng’s past and present and come to understand how she became a vampire, and what caused her to move from true blood hunter to saviour. Ling does a fantastic job of making us care for Cheng, and gives us a rich supporting cast too. Her character writing is top notch. I can’t wait for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
Oh, Henry. You are the vampire hot sauce. 😍
What an thrilling, suspenseful vampire tale filled with wonderful characters and incredibly well written. I wanted to find out more with every page. This was definitely more steamy than spicy (🌶.5) but the plot was chef's kiss and kept me intrigued the entire time. Cheng was everything! Such a great FMC.
I'm going to need book 2! I have so many questions! And I pray, I PRAY Henry and Cheng are end game. 🙏 It's would be the most unique second chance romance. ❤️
What an thrilling, suspenseful vampire tale filled with wonderful characters and incredibly well written. I wanted to find out more with every page. This was definitely more steamy than spicy (🌶.5) but the plot was chef's kiss and kept me intrigued the entire time. Cheng was everything! Such a great FMC.
I'm going to need book 2! I have so many questions! And I pray, I PRAY Henry and Cheng are end game. 🙏 It's would be the most unique second chance romance. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
✨Arc Review✨
This book will suck you right in! I immediately feel for Julian! I couldn’t imagine the things he’s been through but also Sarah all she wants is to feel productive and loved and the poor girls lied to and sucked into this massive mess.
A lot of Chinese history in this story but it walks you through the life of Cheng the main character in this story and all the things that have happened in her life that made her into the hybrid she is today.
This book will suck you right in! I immediately feel for Julian! I couldn’t imagine the things he’s been through but also Sarah all she wants is to feel productive and loved and the poor girls lied to and sucked into this massive mess.
A lot of Chinese history in this story but it walks you through the life of Cheng the main character in this story and all the things that have happened in her life that made her into the hybrid she is today.
January 28, 2024
I don't know what to say other than to say it only took two chapters for me to be hooked. I will admit, I was skeptical at first when I saw that this book bounced back and forth between the present and the past, but the way it is done actually adds to the story.
10/10 would recommend to anyone who loves vampire stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
10/10 would recommend to anyone who loves vampire stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I feel Ling's take on vampires and the way they're a part of our society is both interesting and believable. The narration is engaging and the characters are easy to picture. I appreciate reading good dialogue along with a good plot! I also took a personal interest in the topic of mental health, which is a part of the story. I recommend this book to people who like action, mystery, vampires (of course), and adventure!
January 6, 2024
Oh wow, this is epic, when I started the book I did think”oh no” it’s flashbacks which I don’t usually enjoy, but I persevered and I am so glad I did, this is the most enthralling original story I have read in years, just can’t wait for the next ones. Cannot recommend highly enough, absolutely brilliant.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2024
I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
I'm not really into vampire stories but I thought I would give it a try.
I found it to be well written. Well thought out.
Some what short. I finished it in an hour.
The characters reached out and grabbed you and the plot was unique.
I'm giving it 4 stars for the writing. It deserves it.
I'm not really into vampire stories but I thought I would give it a try.
I found it to be well written. Well thought out.
Some what short. I finished it in an hour.
The characters reached out and grabbed you and the plot was unique.
I'm giving it 4 stars for the writing. It deserves it.
June 18, 2024
I have to say I might be biased, I have read Ling before, and I hav rito say she never disappoints, the characters in this fab novel show that confinement can be just as risky as chasing a bad guy in the central city! With twists and turns this epic novel keeps you on your toes and feeds you graciously into the next chapter.
Don’t miss out!!
Don’t miss out!!
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