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To Sway A Soul
A passionate painter's apprentice. An art thief without a soul. The bargain that brings them together.
When Zhi Lan turned down the opportunity to become a nobleman’s concubine, she vowed to make her own fortune—not marry into it. But as a lowly farm girl, becoming a self-sustaining artist like her master Dan Li Chen is a lofty goal. Her meager fortune finally takes a turn when Master Dan’s recent masterpiece catches the attention of the city magistrate, who offers them both his esteemed patronage.
But when the prized painting is stolen, the magistrate issues an impossible paint a replica in three short days, or hang with the criminal who stole from him. Zhi Lan knows her only choice is to recover the masterpiece—even if it means joining forces with the uncommonly handsome thief who stole it.
It has been six years since Shao Qing made a foolish bargain with a lesser demon. The price? His soul. Since then, he has been traveling with a raucous band of art thieves, numb to everything but the thrill of their heists. But when an impassioned painter’s apprentice blackmails him into helping her retrieve her master's painting, his long dormant emotions begin to awaken. Compelled and unexpectedly intrigued, he accepts her bargain.
However, retrieving the stolen artwork proves more difficult than either of them anticipated. When the two are forced to conduct a heist of their own, Zhi Lan and Shao Qing must rely on one another despite their conflicting beliefs. Suddenly Zhi Lan is questioning the principles she’s always lived by, while Shao Qing begins to suspect he might have something left to lose.
As three days come to an end, the secrets they uncover will either bring them closer—or tear them apart.
Half a Soul meets your favorite historical C-drama in this Chinese folktale-inspired New Adult romantasy.
Tempting Thieves is a multi-author romantasy collection featuring cunning thieves who outsmart relentless hunters, steal forbidden treasures, and find love along the way. With enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn longing, forced proximity, secret identities, only one bed, and grumpy/sunshine dynamics, every story delivers an irresistible fantasy escape. Perfect for fans of forbidden romance, morally gray heroes, daring rogues, and clean yet sizzling chemistry. Each book in the collection is a standalone. Read in any order.
When Zhi Lan turned down the opportunity to become a nobleman’s concubine, she vowed to make her own fortune—not marry into it. But as a lowly farm girl, becoming a self-sustaining artist like her master Dan Li Chen is a lofty goal. Her meager fortune finally takes a turn when Master Dan’s recent masterpiece catches the attention of the city magistrate, who offers them both his esteemed patronage.
But when the prized painting is stolen, the magistrate issues an impossible paint a replica in three short days, or hang with the criminal who stole from him. Zhi Lan knows her only choice is to recover the masterpiece—even if it means joining forces with the uncommonly handsome thief who stole it.
It has been six years since Shao Qing made a foolish bargain with a lesser demon. The price? His soul. Since then, he has been traveling with a raucous band of art thieves, numb to everything but the thrill of their heists. But when an impassioned painter’s apprentice blackmails him into helping her retrieve her master's painting, his long dormant emotions begin to awaken. Compelled and unexpectedly intrigued, he accepts her bargain.
However, retrieving the stolen artwork proves more difficult than either of them anticipated. When the two are forced to conduct a heist of their own, Zhi Lan and Shao Qing must rely on one another despite their conflicting beliefs. Suddenly Zhi Lan is questioning the principles she’s always lived by, while Shao Qing begins to suspect he might have something left to lose.
As three days come to an end, the secrets they uncover will either bring them closer—or tear them apart.
Half a Soul meets your favorite historical C-drama in this Chinese folktale-inspired New Adult romantasy.
Tempting Thieves is a multi-author romantasy collection featuring cunning thieves who outsmart relentless hunters, steal forbidden treasures, and find love along the way. With enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn longing, forced proximity, secret identities, only one bed, and grumpy/sunshine dynamics, every story delivers an irresistible fantasy escape. Perfect for fans of forbidden romance, morally gray heroes, daring rogues, and clean yet sizzling chemistry. Each book in the collection is a standalone. Read in any order.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2025
43 people are currently reading
2273 people want to read
About the author
Ireen Chau
5 books549 followersIreen Chau is a long time artist, writer, and above all, a lover of stories located in the Bay Area. When not reading, writing, or drawing, Ireen can be found browsing Pinterest for inspiration or watching YouTube commentary videos.
Visit her Instagram @theherbwitchsapprentice for news about future projects!
Visit her Instagram @theherbwitchsapprentice for news about future projects!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
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May 11, 2025The silly/angsty C-Drama inspired fantasy romance of my heart :)
Just a heads up that this book is classified as NEW ADULT and targets an older age group (17+), so it will not be suitable for younger teens like my Witches of Olderea books (however, what you read is up to your own discretion). I listed content warnings below for those who wish to know.
Just a heads up that this book is classified as NEW ADULT and targets an older age group (17+), so it will not be suitable for younger teens like my Witches of Olderea books (however, what you read is up to your own discretion). I listed content warnings below for those who wish to know.
April 4, 2025
A charming, easy read, with a lot of cozy, sweet elements. I really enjoyed the FMC and her sensible yet principled approach to life, as well as the thoughtful portrayal of her as an artist. Chau is really honing her skills in prose, and the Asian Fantasy setting is lush and delicate.
There was more sexual innuendo in this book than I’d feel comfortable with in a YA book, so I really appreciate Chau’s communication about this being New Adult and not Young Adult.
If you are someone who is very matter of fact about sex you will likely find this book quite innocent!
CONTENT: It’s a difficult thing to communicate, because if you say “this book is 18+” people immediately think smut! No sex scenes, not even closed-door interactions, but people have strong sexual feelings and there is a sleazy villain who wants to make the FMC his concubine (it’s not a villain romance, but a very transactional and unappealing thing) and he collects explicit paintings which embarrasses the FMC. The MMC was abandoned as a baby outside of a brothel and there is mention of him going to the brothel previously but not enjoying it. The MMC gets his soul back which leads to an overwhelming experience of emotional, sensual, and sexual feelings.
Violence: an unexpectedly heart-rending description of a little girl’s violent death in the past.
This is one of those cozy adjacent books that manages to be cozy and light despite some heavy content 😅
There was more sexual innuendo in this book than I’d feel comfortable with in a YA book, so I really appreciate Chau’s communication about this being New Adult and not Young Adult.
If you are someone who is very matter of fact about sex you will likely find this book quite innocent!
CONTENT: It’s a difficult thing to communicate, because if you say “this book is 18+” people immediately think smut! No sex scenes, not even closed-door interactions, but people have strong sexual feelings and there is a sleazy villain who wants to make the FMC his concubine (it’s not a villain romance, but a very transactional and unappealing thing) and he collects explicit paintings which embarrasses the FMC. The MMC was abandoned as a baby outside of a brothel and there is mention of him going to the brothel previously but not enjoying it. The MMC gets his soul back which leads to an overwhelming experience of emotional, sensual, and sexual feelings.
Violence: an unexpectedly heart-rending description of a little girl’s violent death in the past.
This is one of those cozy adjacent books that manages to be cozy and light despite some heavy content 😅
March 29, 2025
This book was a love letter to art and freedom and the human soul. As an NA romantasy, it was light-hearted and fun with no-spice (just some references like in Apothecary Diaries). Several beautiful quotes scattered throughout. I tend to like books with a little more depth/immersive prose but this story excelled at being a delightful light read with a lot of soul! It was a well-rounded novella.
I was really curious about the silk painting and almost wanted more of that as there are so many types. I know nothing about Chinese silks but the various ways to paint kimono in Japan is fascinating. I have serious admiration for anyone who paints silk!
And as an expat, I appreciated the author note at the end. The world of TCKs, diaspora, expats truly creates a beautiful canvas for these authors to express their own culture. I'm glad Chau took a chance and penned this story.
*I received an eARC, this review is voluntary and my honest opinion
I was really curious about the silk painting and almost wanted more of that as there are so many types. I know nothing about Chinese silks but the various ways to paint kimono in Japan is fascinating. I have serious admiration for anyone who paints silk!
And as an expat, I appreciated the author note at the end. The world of TCKs, diaspora, expats truly creates a beautiful canvas for these authors to express their own culture. I'm glad Chau took a chance and penned this story.
*I received an eARC, this review is voluntary and my honest opinion
May 9, 2025
To no one's surprise, I loved this. 🥰 I will read anything Ireen writes, that's about where I've landed. She just has such a lovely, soft way of telling a story, and it works for me. I loved Zhi Lan and Shao Quing from the beginning, and the shenanigans they get up to were so much fun. The love of art and artists is so palpable throughout the story. It's just fun, at the end of the day, and that's what I wanted from it, so 10/10, I recommend.
*content warning for innuendo (but nothing explicit), and mentions of violence
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
*content warning for innuendo (but nothing explicit), and mentions of violence
**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
September 1, 2025
Big themes, no depth; it tried to tackle everything and ended up giving nothing.
January 1, 2026
This was incredible. Ireen's gorgeous prose paired with her illustrations made for a premium reading experience.
May 6, 2025
4.5₊˚⊹♡
This story is so wimsical. I love Ireen's writing style so much, and it really shines in this book.
The relationship between Zhi Lan and Shao Qing is so sweet. The characters not only grow within the story but also toward each other. The background characters gave the story so much life as well.
⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄
I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait for more from Ireen.
"I'll follow you anywhere you want to go," he continued, echoing his sentiment from all those months ago.
Thank you Ireen for the eARC.
This story is so wimsical. I love Ireen's writing style so much, and it really shines in this book.
The relationship between Zhi Lan and Shao Qing is so sweet. The characters not only grow within the story but also toward each other. The background characters gave the story so much life as well.
⋆.ೃ࿔.𖥔 ݁ ˖*:･༄
I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait for more from Ireen.
"I'll follow you anywhere you want to go," he continued, echoing his sentiment from all those months ago.
Thank you Ireen for the eARC.
April 2, 2025
*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
*5 Stars*
This might be my favorite of Ireen Chau’s works so far — it’s cozy, it’s inspired by Ancient Chinese folklore, it’s got two great main characters, and just a dash of the supernatural.
I had such a fun time reading this one. It’s a novella so it’s relatively short, told in dual third-person POV with chapters that aren’t too long. More about what I did/didn’t like below!
Things I Liked:
- The Premise/Execution: I love the idea of the literally soulless art thief. I thought Shao Qing as a character was very well written —— from his apathetic moments to his little awakenings with Zhi Lan. His backstory kills me every time, but I’m so happy with where he ends up. And I also appreciated the depiction of artists and their patrons with Zhi Lan and her master. As an artist who gets annoyed when authors try to write “artists,” reading this felt so natural that it never once drew me out of the story (pun unintended).
- Humor: I loved the humor in this, it’s dry and sarcastic but also a bit silly and even risqué — the blend worked really well in my opinion!
- The World: We only get to see a single city for the duration of the plot, bUT I thought it was so lively and filled with culture/history that didn’t necessarily have to be spelled out on the page, it just felt like the city was real. I loved the descriptions and the flashbacks to Zhi Lan’s time on her farm as well.
Things I Didn’t Like:
- Is there anything? Haha
- Maybe my only complaint is that I wish it were longer, I could easily live in this book for another hundred pages.
I’m so glad this book exists! I’m learning to really love cozy fantasy and this is just another reason why :)
*5 Stars*
This might be my favorite of Ireen Chau’s works so far — it’s cozy, it’s inspired by Ancient Chinese folklore, it’s got two great main characters, and just a dash of the supernatural.
I had such a fun time reading this one. It’s a novella so it’s relatively short, told in dual third-person POV with chapters that aren’t too long. More about what I did/didn’t like below!
Things I Liked:
- The Premise/Execution: I love the idea of the literally soulless art thief. I thought Shao Qing as a character was very well written —— from his apathetic moments to his little awakenings with Zhi Lan. His backstory kills me every time, but I’m so happy with where he ends up. And I also appreciated the depiction of artists and their patrons with Zhi Lan and her master. As an artist who gets annoyed when authors try to write “artists,” reading this felt so natural that it never once drew me out of the story (pun unintended).
- Humor: I loved the humor in this, it’s dry and sarcastic but also a bit silly and even risqué — the blend worked really well in my opinion!
- The World: We only get to see a single city for the duration of the plot, bUT I thought it was so lively and filled with culture/history that didn’t necessarily have to be spelled out on the page, it just felt like the city was real. I loved the descriptions and the flashbacks to Zhi Lan’s time on her farm as well.
Things I Didn’t Like:
- Is there anything? Haha
- Maybe my only complaint is that I wish it were longer, I could easily live in this book for another hundred pages.
I’m so glad this book exists! I’m learning to really love cozy fantasy and this is just another reason why :)
Read
May 11, 2025I enjoyed the story, the nod to C-dramas, and the art focus!
This was my first time reading an Ireen Chau story, even though her books have been on my TBR for ages—and this story definitely made me even more excited to read them!
My main qualm came with some of the sexual content included. More on that below, but the main thing was the mention of the MMC was “warm and his body stiff with wanting, coaxing himself to climax with the memory of their kiss” when he’s alone at night because he missed the FMC, didn’t sit right with me.
That stuff aside, it’s a sweet, thieving story by a clearly talented writer!
Content:
•mention of a painting with a woman’s breasts displayed and a man unclothed with a “rude protrusion” between his legs
•brief mention of MMC having spent a night at a pleasure house with a woman and found it not to his enjoyment
•innuendo about a man’s anatomy
•a man tries to pressure a woman to become his concubine
•mention of MMC “being warm and his body stiff with wanting, coaxing himself to climax with the memory of their kiss” when he’s alone at night
This was my first time reading an Ireen Chau story, even though her books have been on my TBR for ages—and this story definitely made me even more excited to read them!
My main qualm came with some of the sexual content included. More on that below, but the main thing was the mention of the MMC was “warm and his body stiff with wanting, coaxing himself to climax with the memory of their kiss” when he’s alone at night because he missed the FMC, didn’t sit right with me.
That stuff aside, it’s a sweet, thieving story by a clearly talented writer!
Content:
•mention of a painting with a woman’s breasts displayed and a man unclothed with a “rude protrusion” between his legs
•brief mention of MMC having spent a night at a pleasure house with a woman and found it not to his enjoyment
•innuendo about a man’s anatomy
•a man tries to pressure a woman to become his concubine
•mention of MMC “being warm and his body stiff with wanting, coaxing himself to climax with the memory of their kiss” when he’s alone at night
July 7, 2025
To Sway A Soul is one of those perfectly bite-sized novellas that wraps you in its charm and refuses to let go. Inspired by Chinese folklore and filled with the swoony drama of your favorite historical C-dramas, it made my little reader heart absolutely sing.
The story is as enchanting as it is emotional. Shao Qing is a soulful, morally gray art thief haunted by a literal deal with a demon, while Zhi Lan is a headstrong painter’s apprentice with no time for nonsense or romance. She just wants to pursue her art in peace, but fate has other plans. When a priceless painting disappears and her life is suddenly on the line, Zhi Lan is forced to team up with the one person she should never trust: the thief who stole it.
What follows is a beautifully written tale of forbidden love, reluctant alliances, and stolen moments, all wrapped in a lush, folkloric world. Their chemistry? Absolutely delightful. Their banter? Chef's kiss. The slow-burn tension builds with every page, as both characters struggle against their growing feelings and the secrets that keep them apart.
While short in length, the novella never feels rushed. Every scene is purposeful, every emotional beat lands, and by the end, I was fully invested in their journey. There’s something deeply satisfying about a story that delivers high stakes, soft romance, and a dash of magic, all in under 200 pages.
If you're a fan of Half a Soul, morally gray love interests, and slow-burn C-drama-style longing, To Sway A Soul deserves a spot on your TBR. It’s a gem of a romantasy novella that proves sometimes, the best stories come in the smallest packages
The story is as enchanting as it is emotional. Shao Qing is a soulful, morally gray art thief haunted by a literal deal with a demon, while Zhi Lan is a headstrong painter’s apprentice with no time for nonsense or romance. She just wants to pursue her art in peace, but fate has other plans. When a priceless painting disappears and her life is suddenly on the line, Zhi Lan is forced to team up with the one person she should never trust: the thief who stole it.
What follows is a beautifully written tale of forbidden love, reluctant alliances, and stolen moments, all wrapped in a lush, folkloric world. Their chemistry? Absolutely delightful. Their banter? Chef's kiss. The slow-burn tension builds with every page, as both characters struggle against their growing feelings and the secrets that keep them apart.
While short in length, the novella never feels rushed. Every scene is purposeful, every emotional beat lands, and by the end, I was fully invested in their journey. There’s something deeply satisfying about a story that delivers high stakes, soft romance, and a dash of magic, all in under 200 pages.
If you're a fan of Half a Soul, morally gray love interests, and slow-burn C-drama-style longing, To Sway A Soul deserves a spot on your TBR. It’s a gem of a romantasy novella that proves sometimes, the best stories come in the smallest packages
December 2, 2025
This was so stinkin cute and delightful!!!
April 16, 2025
Current rating: 4.25 stars!
This was my first read by Ireen Chau, and it definitely won't be the last! I loved the fairytale-esque writing style and cozy vibes. The descriptions were absolute perfection and the setting depicted was so lush and full of life. Only downside to this was that I ended up craving ALL the food that was mentioned 🤤 On a different note, I was glad to see that I remembered the Chinese idiom this story was loosely inspired by 😅
This is a novella, so it's not very long, but I found the pacing to be really well done and was able to enjoy it over a few days, therefore stretching out my enjoyment (my preferred way of reading cozy fiction)!
I loved Zhi Lan's character: her passion for art, how she views life/the world around her, and her humorous inner monologue. The discussions about art and freedom were great and her teacher-student relationship with Master Dan was sweet as well.
I really felt for Shao Qing with his tragic backstory even if he did annoy me sometimes (stinky thief!). But of course, he literally didn't have a soul, so his actions and perspective made sense. His character growth was nice and the relationship that developed between him and Zhi Lan was very cute. They're so silly together (positive) and their antics at the beginning made me smile! <3 The final chapters and the epilogue were so 🥹🥹
Overall, I had a great time with To Sway A Soul! Literally felt like the exact book I've been looking for, from the premise to the writing style. Thank you so much to the author for the eARC <3
This was my first read by Ireen Chau, and it definitely won't be the last! I loved the fairytale-esque writing style and cozy vibes. The descriptions were absolute perfection and the setting depicted was so lush and full of life. Only downside to this was that I ended up craving ALL the food that was mentioned 🤤 On a different note, I was glad to see that I remembered the Chinese idiom this story was loosely inspired by 😅
This is a novella, so it's not very long, but I found the pacing to be really well done and was able to enjoy it over a few days, therefore stretching out my enjoyment (my preferred way of reading cozy fiction)!
I loved Zhi Lan's character: her passion for art, how she views life/the world around her, and her humorous inner monologue. The discussions about art and freedom were great and her teacher-student relationship with Master Dan was sweet as well.
I really felt for Shao Qing with his tragic backstory even if he did annoy me sometimes (stinky thief!). But of course, he literally didn't have a soul, so his actions and perspective made sense. His character growth was nice and the relationship that developed between him and Zhi Lan was very cute. They're so silly together (positive) and their antics at the beginning made me smile! <3 The final chapters and the epilogue were so 🥹🥹
Overall, I had a great time with To Sway A Soul! Literally felt like the exact book I've been looking for, from the premise to the writing style. Thank you so much to the author for the eARC <3
July 30, 2025
A moving, cozy Asian-inspired fantasy! This book balances low stakes with a sense of adventure, and the two lead characters are impressively composite. Every YA romance needs some form of banter, and it certainly wasn’t lacking here. Shao Xing is humorous and good-hearted without meaning to be (difficult to accomplish without a soul, but he does just fine), and Zhi Lan is both a complete disaster and one of the most emotionally mature characters in this book. Their relationship was a sweet and welcome comfort.
SPOILERS AHEAD: My only issue was with the climax, where a somewhat secondary character solves a major plot thread behind the scene, and the protagonists are magically saved. It didn’t seem very realistic and left some explanation wanting, but this may just be my preference for violent and dramatic finales talking, though.
I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a marshmallow hug of bright colours, scenic art, and the heartwarming triumph of courage over fear.
Thank you to Ireen Chau for the eARC; this book was a pleasure to read.
SPOILERS AHEAD: My only issue was with the climax, where a somewhat secondary character solves a major plot thread behind the scene, and the protagonists are magically saved. It didn’t seem very realistic and left some explanation wanting, but this may just be my preference for violent and dramatic finales talking, though.
I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a marshmallow hug of bright colours, scenic art, and the heartwarming triumph of courage over fear.
Thank you to Ireen Chau for the eARC; this book was a pleasure to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
This was, in a word, adorable. Ireen Chau’s trademark sweetness and charm blended beautifully with Chinese folklore-inspired fantasy, minimal but vivid worldbuilding, and daring art heists to create an engaging novella, and one i know i’ll turn back as a comfort read.
As this is a novella, and under 200 pages, the romance does take a small step back to make way for the plot, but that no way makes it less compelling. There were several points where i was giggling and smiling without even realising it, and so many of the characters were so endearing i couldn’t help but love them.
Our female POV character, Zhi Lan, a painter’s apprentice with spades of determination was my favourite. I loved her annoyance towards and begrudging care for her scoundrel thief, and the shyer, quieter parts of her personality. Art is such a large part of To Sway A Soul, and Ireen laced together such beautiful words to describe Zhi Lan’s vibrant perspective on the world around her.
Shao Qing, art thief extraordinaire, truly comes into himself at the second half of the book. His backstory gives him such depth, and though the idea of a man losing his soul is not entirely new, Ireen handles his resulting character traits such as cynicism and weary detachment with expertise. How he comes back to himself little by little with the unsuspecting help of Zhi Lan’s presence was beautiful to see, and i loved how their mutual attraction and connection was truly the heart of the story.
Considering how much i enjoyed To Sway A Soul, I’ll definitely be picking up some of the other novellas in this collection, especially since they all have such beautiful covers and artwork!
(many thanks to Ireen Chau for this digital ARC. all opinions and thoughts are my own.)
As this is a novella, and under 200 pages, the romance does take a small step back to make way for the plot, but that no way makes it less compelling. There were several points where i was giggling and smiling without even realising it, and so many of the characters were so endearing i couldn’t help but love them.
Our female POV character, Zhi Lan, a painter’s apprentice with spades of determination was my favourite. I loved her annoyance towards and begrudging care for her scoundrel thief, and the shyer, quieter parts of her personality. Art is such a large part of To Sway A Soul, and Ireen laced together such beautiful words to describe Zhi Lan’s vibrant perspective on the world around her.
Shao Qing, art thief extraordinaire, truly comes into himself at the second half of the book. His backstory gives him such depth, and though the idea of a man losing his soul is not entirely new, Ireen handles his resulting character traits such as cynicism and weary detachment with expertise. How he comes back to himself little by little with the unsuspecting help of Zhi Lan’s presence was beautiful to see, and i loved how their mutual attraction and connection was truly the heart of the story.
Considering how much i enjoyed To Sway A Soul, I’ll definitely be picking up some of the other novellas in this collection, especially since they all have such beautiful covers and artwork!
(many thanks to Ireen Chau for this digital ARC. all opinions and thoughts are my own.)
September 15, 2025
this felt like such a fairytale omg
This was such a cute and quick read and it genuinely felt so magical. I almost gave it 5 stars but I found some parts of the book somewhat bland. Besides that though this lives up to the rest of the authors work and definitely plan on reading more
This was such a cute and quick read and it genuinely felt so magical. I almost gave it 5 stars but I found some parts of the book somewhat bland. Besides that though this lives up to the rest of the authors work and definitely plan on reading more
Want to read
May 9, 2025ੈ✩‧₊˚ pre-read ੈ✩‧₊˚
i wanna read this book so badly ughhh it looks so cute and i follow the author on insta <333
i wanna read this book so badly ughhh it looks so cute and i follow the author on insta <333
September 6, 2025
A sweet and satisfying novella reminiscent of C-dramas, this was a perfect little snack of a cozy fantasy with just the right amount of stakes and adorable banter ✨️
May 7, 2025
TO SWAY A SOUL by Ireen Chau
Apprentice painter Zhi Lan has three days to recover her master’s stolen artwork—or be executed for the crime. Her only hope lies in the rogue who took it: a charming art thief bound by a demonic pact. But as the heist deepens, so do their entanglements—and not just with the law.
As someone hooked to Ireen Chau’s Witches of Olderea series, diving into To Sway a Soul felt both familiar and refreshingly new. While her trademark charm and attention to emotional detail are still very much present, this novella stands apart as a delicate, self-contained tale steeped in Chinese folklore, whimsical mischief, and slow-burning tenderness. It’s as if a C-drama and a fairytale heist decided to elope, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story unfolds around two mismatched but entirely endearing leads: Shao Qing, our soul-less (literally!) art thief, and Zhi Lan, the sweet yet strong-willed painter determined to carve a place for herself in a world that hasn’t always been kind. From the very first pages, their dynamic sparkles with chemistry—not the instant, fiery sort, but the kind that simmers slowly, unfolding in stolen glances, reluctant banter, and mutual growth. Their relationship is the beating heart of this novella, and it’s handled with tender nuance.
On Shao Qing: the idea of a man who’s lost his soul could easily veer into cliché or melodrama, but Ireen handles it with subtlety. His detachment, his weary cynicism, and the push-pull between wanting and not knowing how to want; it all feels painfully real. There’s something inherently moving about watching him come alive again, little by little, under Zhi Lan’s gaze. And Zhi Lan herself is such a quietly fierce presence. She’s not the kind of heroine who stomps into rooms demanding attention. Her strength is softer, found in how she dares to hope, to trust, and to fight in her own gentle way.
I also adored some of the side characters, especially Zhi Lan’s master, who brought wisdom and humour without ever overshadowing the main duo. These secondary threads (especially the discussion of what it means to create art, and how it can be twisted, traded, or uplifted) gave the novella a layer of thematic richness. There's a lovely moment when art is spoken of as something shaped as much by the viewer as the creator, and that really stayed with me.
The worldbuilding here is compact, but vivid. The story never leaves the bounds of one city, and yet that city feels alive: bustling with implied history, layered customs, and understated magic. Chau doesn’t over-explain; instead, she trusts the reader to absorb the details through context, which gives the setting a lovely, lived-in texture. The flashbacks to Zhi Lan’s rural past, too, were beautifully written and added an emotional depth to her motivations.
Despite touching on themes like grief, identity, and even the trauma of harassment (for which Ireen includes a thoughtful content warning), the novella maintains a gentle, cosy tone throughout, and that’s no small feat. It never shies away from the more serious elements, but it doesn’t let them weigh the story down either. Instead, they act as grounding forces that make the moments of joy, humour, and softness shine all the brighter.
Tonally, To Sway a Soul is the perfect read for when you’re craving something heartfelt but not heavy, romantic but not saccharine, whimsical yet emotionally grounded. It reminded me of classic Chinese period dramas with all their robes, secrets, and stolen glances, blended with the playful storytelling of early 2000s fairytale films. Yes, there are some tropes here, but they’re used knowingly, lovingly. This is a novella that knows what it’s doing. And perhaps that’s what makes it so satisfying: it’s short, yes, but it’s also complete. Every beat lands. Every arc is wrapped. There’s a sense of real narrative and emotional movement, which is often rare in novellas. By the end, I was both content and already missing the world I’d just left behind.
Highly recommended for fans of romantic historical fantasy, lovers of C-dramas, and anyone in need of a story that feels like warm tea on a rainy day. Ireen Chau has delivered something both whimsical and wise here, and I know I’ll be revisiting it whenever I need to be reminded that souls, once swayed, can still find their way home.
**Thank you to Ireen Chau for the eARC and the chance to be a beta reader.**
@librisinetenebris
Apprentice painter Zhi Lan has three days to recover her master’s stolen artwork—or be executed for the crime. Her only hope lies in the rogue who took it: a charming art thief bound by a demonic pact. But as the heist deepens, so do their entanglements—and not just with the law.
As someone hooked to Ireen Chau’s Witches of Olderea series, diving into To Sway a Soul felt both familiar and refreshingly new. While her trademark charm and attention to emotional detail are still very much present, this novella stands apart as a delicate, self-contained tale steeped in Chinese folklore, whimsical mischief, and slow-burning tenderness. It’s as if a C-drama and a fairytale heist decided to elope, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story unfolds around two mismatched but entirely endearing leads: Shao Qing, our soul-less (literally!) art thief, and Zhi Lan, the sweet yet strong-willed painter determined to carve a place for herself in a world that hasn’t always been kind. From the very first pages, their dynamic sparkles with chemistry—not the instant, fiery sort, but the kind that simmers slowly, unfolding in stolen glances, reluctant banter, and mutual growth. Their relationship is the beating heart of this novella, and it’s handled with tender nuance.
On Shao Qing: the idea of a man who’s lost his soul could easily veer into cliché or melodrama, but Ireen handles it with subtlety. His detachment, his weary cynicism, and the push-pull between wanting and not knowing how to want; it all feels painfully real. There’s something inherently moving about watching him come alive again, little by little, under Zhi Lan’s gaze. And Zhi Lan herself is such a quietly fierce presence. She’s not the kind of heroine who stomps into rooms demanding attention. Her strength is softer, found in how she dares to hope, to trust, and to fight in her own gentle way.
I also adored some of the side characters, especially Zhi Lan’s master, who brought wisdom and humour without ever overshadowing the main duo. These secondary threads (especially the discussion of what it means to create art, and how it can be twisted, traded, or uplifted) gave the novella a layer of thematic richness. There's a lovely moment when art is spoken of as something shaped as much by the viewer as the creator, and that really stayed with me.
The worldbuilding here is compact, but vivid. The story never leaves the bounds of one city, and yet that city feels alive: bustling with implied history, layered customs, and understated magic. Chau doesn’t over-explain; instead, she trusts the reader to absorb the details through context, which gives the setting a lovely, lived-in texture. The flashbacks to Zhi Lan’s rural past, too, were beautifully written and added an emotional depth to her motivations.
Despite touching on themes like grief, identity, and even the trauma of harassment (for which Ireen includes a thoughtful content warning), the novella maintains a gentle, cosy tone throughout, and that’s no small feat. It never shies away from the more serious elements, but it doesn’t let them weigh the story down either. Instead, they act as grounding forces that make the moments of joy, humour, and softness shine all the brighter.
Tonally, To Sway a Soul is the perfect read for when you’re craving something heartfelt but not heavy, romantic but not saccharine, whimsical yet emotionally grounded. It reminded me of classic Chinese period dramas with all their robes, secrets, and stolen glances, blended with the playful storytelling of early 2000s fairytale films. Yes, there are some tropes here, but they’re used knowingly, lovingly. This is a novella that knows what it’s doing. And perhaps that’s what makes it so satisfying: it’s short, yes, but it’s also complete. Every beat lands. Every arc is wrapped. There’s a sense of real narrative and emotional movement, which is often rare in novellas. By the end, I was both content and already missing the world I’d just left behind.
Highly recommended for fans of romantic historical fantasy, lovers of C-dramas, and anyone in need of a story that feels like warm tea on a rainy day. Ireen Chau has delivered something both whimsical and wise here, and I know I’ll be revisiting it whenever I need to be reminded that souls, once swayed, can still find their way home.
**Thank you to Ireen Chau for the eARC and the chance to be a beta reader.**
@librisinetenebris
June 17, 2025
3.5⭐
book recommendation from Olivia!!
book recommendation from Olivia!!
June 14, 2025
It's a short novela with c-drama vibes, magic and art!
I really felt with the theme of this book, the discussion on art as a career, living with it and the discourse in you between trying to make a living from art and creating art that you want to crete, it seems very relatable. As an artist, I also found really captivating all the details about chinese painting and their perception of art.
It did read a bit of like a YA, but I haven't read the authors other books yet, so I can't tell how much different it is from her other works.
I feel like the story may have felt a little bit too simple thanks to being so shot, though it was evidently the intention – I felt like although I liked the general ideas, everything could use just a bit more nuance and time to develop.
I really liked the gentle but unyielding personality of Zhi Lan, she felt really complex and layered. On the other side, I could't quite make myslef like Shao Quing for the most part. Like, I understand that him not having feelings is quite the point of the story, but still I couldn't bring myself to care about such apathetic and flegmatic character. He just felt a little too bland. Maybe there could have been another way to express some of his thoughts or inner conflicts or appear to care about something at all.
I have read about different characters who were very stoic or didn't show emotions for large part of the story, so I know there are deffinitly sentiments where it could be done right, but I felt like this personality could have been just described better in To Sway a soul.
The third part of the book was probably the best and kind of redeemed the story for me – it flowed more naturally and everything kind of connecter togehter and started to make sense.
I must say I really liked the whole trial scene, it felt like the poetic ending that all characters deserved. Lady Bu was a badass character and I adore her.
I also must say I appreciate the author talking about their heritage and their mixed feelings while writing this book, it really gave me an interesting outlook on the story itself and on the themes she's working to portray and speak on. The accowkledmenst tend to be usually just shortened to basically a list of names with vague phrases of thanks and while I understand that, and don't deny that all these people definitely do deserve to be given thanks to, it doesn't really tell me much as a reader. So I was really tuched to read a bit about the authors intention with the book.
Thank you for sending me the ARC in exchange for a honest rewiew!
I really felt with the theme of this book, the discussion on art as a career, living with it and the discourse in you between trying to make a living from art and creating art that you want to crete, it seems very relatable. As an artist, I also found really captivating all the details about chinese painting and their perception of art.
It did read a bit of like a YA, but I haven't read the authors other books yet, so I can't tell how much different it is from her other works.
I feel like the story may have felt a little bit too simple thanks to being so shot, though it was evidently the intention – I felt like although I liked the general ideas, everything could use just a bit more nuance and time to develop.
I really liked the gentle but unyielding personality of Zhi Lan, she felt really complex and layered. On the other side, I could't quite make myslef like Shao Quing for the most part. Like, I understand that him not having feelings is quite the point of the story, but still I couldn't bring myself to care about such apathetic and flegmatic character. He just felt a little too bland. Maybe there could have been another way to express some of his thoughts or inner conflicts or appear to care about something at all.
I have read about different characters who were very stoic or didn't show emotions for large part of the story, so I know there are deffinitly sentiments where it could be done right, but I felt like this personality could have been just described better in To Sway a soul.
The third part of the book was probably the best and kind of redeemed the story for me – it flowed more naturally and everything kind of connecter togehter and started to make sense.
I must say I really liked the whole trial scene, it felt like the poetic ending that all characters deserved. Lady Bu was a badass character and I adore her.
I also must say I appreciate the author talking about their heritage and their mixed feelings while writing this book, it really gave me an interesting outlook on the story itself and on the themes she's working to portray and speak on. The accowkledmenst tend to be usually just shortened to basically a list of names with vague phrases of thanks and while I understand that, and don't deny that all these people definitely do deserve to be given thanks to, it doesn't really tell me much as a reader. So I was really tuched to read a bit about the authors intention with the book.
Thank you for sending me the ARC in exchange for a honest rewiew!
May 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this story! As a big fan of C-novels, this book is really up my alley. 🩷
Basic Premise:
- Forced proximity
- Art heist!
- Emotionless MMC x passionate FMC
Background:
This is a lighthearted romance about two lovely individuals, brought together by circumstance. The male lead is Shao Qing, a young reckless man who has lost his soul and is now struggling to find the meaning of life. His counterpart is Nong Zhi Lan, a lovely passionate young lady who strives to build a future for herself. The story is based in a fictionalized ancient China with elements of magic and fantasy. I’d say that the fantasy aspects of the novel does drive the story forward but isn’t a main focus.
Plot:
Without spoiling the novel, let me just say that it’s a character-driven story, fueled by the misadventures of Shao Qing and Zhi Lan. The romance amidst their heist adventure is the highlight of the novel with the fantasy elements driving it forward. I love the subtleties of the romance. It is not an outright “love at first sight”, and more of a gradual fall in love. They��re just right for each other. I love their banter— Shao Qing’s indifference and Zhi Lan’s fiery passion is just the right mix of tension. Several scenes made me squeal and kick my legs up in joy. You’ll have to read the story to find out which! As another reviewer mentioned, it’s a mix of Tangled and Chinese folklore.
Despite it not having a very deep plot, I did really enjoy reading this story. The angst and sorrow in the story was not too overwhelming. It was more of a light, casual read for me. One that would work great as a palate cleanser after reading a tragic novel or a difficult one.
Highly recommend it!
Some minor nitpicky thoughts:
The one thing that I found strange in the novel would the use of “Skies” as an exclamation. It is almost a direct translation of “tian ah!” which I get. It doesn’t distract me from the novel lol. I just found it amusing!
I also wished it was longer!!! A slice-of-life novel about their life together would be so great hehe.
Basic Premise:
- Forced proximity
- Art heist!
- Emotionless MMC x passionate FMC
Background:
This is a lighthearted romance about two lovely individuals, brought together by circumstance. The male lead is Shao Qing, a young reckless man who has lost his soul and is now struggling to find the meaning of life. His counterpart is Nong Zhi Lan, a lovely passionate young lady who strives to build a future for herself. The story is based in a fictionalized ancient China with elements of magic and fantasy. I’d say that the fantasy aspects of the novel does drive the story forward but isn’t a main focus.
Plot:
Without spoiling the novel, let me just say that it’s a character-driven story, fueled by the misadventures of Shao Qing and Zhi Lan. The romance amidst their heist adventure is the highlight of the novel with the fantasy elements driving it forward. I love the subtleties of the romance. It is not an outright “love at first sight”, and more of a gradual fall in love. They��re just right for each other. I love their banter— Shao Qing’s indifference and Zhi Lan’s fiery passion is just the right mix of tension. Several scenes made me squeal and kick my legs up in joy. You’ll have to read the story to find out which! As another reviewer mentioned, it’s a mix of Tangled and Chinese folklore.
Despite it not having a very deep plot, I did really enjoy reading this story. The angst and sorrow in the story was not too overwhelming. It was more of a light, casual read for me. One that would work great as a palate cleanser after reading a tragic novel or a difficult one.
Highly recommend it!
Some minor nitpicky thoughts:
The one thing that I found strange in the novel would the use of “Skies” as an exclamation. It is almost a direct translation of “tian ah!” which I get. It doesn’t distract me from the novel lol. I just found it amusing!
I also wished it was longer!!! A slice-of-life novel about their life together would be so great hehe.
March 26, 2025
"To paint is to communicate. If one has nothing to say, there is no purpose in picking up a brush."
A BIG thank you to the author for letting me read the eARC of this precious story!
The art lover in me loved this. It was such a sweet story that felt like a true fairytale. It had an extremely cosy atmosphere to it with inviting and immersive settings. Our two main characters had depth, clear motivators and responded logically to the situations they were in.
I loved the tropes though, sunshine and grump, and the one bed trope never gets old. Zhi Lan was such a cutie, we love an independent, determined woman. And the art related to this story is gorgeous, I have the strongest need to collect a copy of this book with the original art.
Also, the comedy element of Shao Qing having a nervous breakdown and replying to "you're burning up" with "for you" after 17 years of emotional repression had me cackling.
My only qualm is with the quite simplistic writing style and shortness of the story. There were definitely areas it could have been bulked out and been elevated with more varied linguistic devices. It's best marketed to mid-teen readers on account of the easy readability and very low-level spice.
A BIG thank you to the author for letting me read the eARC of this precious story!
The art lover in me loved this. It was such a sweet story that felt like a true fairytale. It had an extremely cosy atmosphere to it with inviting and immersive settings. Our two main characters had depth, clear motivators and responded logically to the situations they were in.
I loved the tropes though, sunshine and grump, and the one bed trope never gets old. Zhi Lan was such a cutie, we love an independent, determined woman. And the art related to this story is gorgeous, I have the strongest need to collect a copy of this book with the original art.
Also, the comedy element of Shao Qing having a nervous breakdown and replying to "you're burning up" with "for you" after 17 years of emotional repression had me cackling.
My only qualm is with the quite simplistic writing style and shortness of the story. There were definitely areas it could have been bulked out and been elevated with more varied linguistic devices. It's best marketed to mid-teen readers on account of the easy readability and very low-level spice.
April 21, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
The perfect bingeable, feel good book for any fan desiring a ghibli-esq story.
I adore this author’s work. They’re always so cute and cozy. This one was especially fun, taking on more a fairytale vibe. Our two main characters are cute and feel like they came out of a classic folktale. Like this could’ve been something I could’ve heard on the Myths & Legends podcast. I absolutely adored them and their romance and journey.
So I don’t want to say critique, cause it’s not really, but I’m not entirely sure who I would market this towards. Cause for the most part the tone and style of story telling felt more along the lines of middle grade or younger ya. Even some of the heavier topics like unwanted advances was tackled in a way I wouldn’t be surprised to see in those two categories. But then there were like 2 moments that aged it up slightly. However, there is a style here where the author tells us things but it isn’t annoying hand holding like a lot of other books, but it’s still telling in a very ghibli manner. Like I was reminded of Spirited Away and even Howl’s Moving Castle. So it’s not negative, I really enjoyed it, I just don’t know how to market this. Maybe to mid to older ya and adults who want something lighter and cozier like a ghibli film?
Overall, I highly recommend it. It’s a cute read you can finish in a day. And it has some great messaging about being a creative and capitalism.
Thank you to the author for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
My slightly spoilery thoughts while reading:
To sway a soul
A love letter to artist
Feels probably what ya was intended to be. A bridge. Young but tackling heavy topics in a digestible manner
There’s slightly the authors hand moving things. It’s faint though. Much better than other stories but it’s like seeing a stage hand moving a piece but they’re wearing black so you almost miss it
The author doesn’t hold our hand however things are laid out more in the style of middle grade/younger ya. Still better than some adult books I’ve read lately
Asian Robin Hood
Certain passing details make it older than middle grade
Shao Qing slightly ace coded
Studio ghibli esq is style & the story is told
The perfect bingeable, feel good book for any fan desiring a ghibli-esq story.
I adore this author’s work. They’re always so cute and cozy. This one was especially fun, taking on more a fairytale vibe. Our two main characters are cute and feel like they came out of a classic folktale. Like this could’ve been something I could’ve heard on the Myths & Legends podcast. I absolutely adored them and their romance and journey.
So I don’t want to say critique, cause it’s not really, but I’m not entirely sure who I would market this towards. Cause for the most part the tone and style of story telling felt more along the lines of middle grade or younger ya. Even some of the heavier topics like unwanted advances was tackled in a way I wouldn’t be surprised to see in those two categories. But then there were like 2 moments that aged it up slightly. However, there is a style here where the author tells us things but it isn’t annoying hand holding like a lot of other books, but it’s still telling in a very ghibli manner. Like I was reminded of Spirited Away and even Howl’s Moving Castle. So it’s not negative, I really enjoyed it, I just don’t know how to market this. Maybe to mid to older ya and adults who want something lighter and cozier like a ghibli film?
Overall, I highly recommend it. It’s a cute read you can finish in a day. And it has some great messaging about being a creative and capitalism.
Thank you to the author for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
My slightly spoilery thoughts while reading:
To sway a soul
A love letter to artist
Feels probably what ya was intended to be. A bridge. Young but tackling heavy topics in a digestible manner
There’s slightly the authors hand moving things. It’s faint though. Much better than other stories but it’s like seeing a stage hand moving a piece but they’re wearing black so you almost miss it
The author doesn’t hold our hand however things are laid out more in the style of middle grade/younger ya. Still better than some adult books I’ve read lately
Asian Robin Hood
Certain passing details make it older than middle grade
Shao Qing slightly ace coded
Studio ghibli esq is style & the story is told
June 6, 2025
Zhi Lan and Shao Qing have officially earned their place in the "favorite characters" hall of fame (at least in my heart)
I absolutely adored this, and I wish it was more than a novella. I could read about their lives beyond what these pages contained forevermore. I wish I got to see them falling deeper in love and how Zhi Lan's family reacted to Shao Qing.
Ireen paints (haha) a vivid picture with her words, but the lush illustrations are the icing on the cake. She is talented in all aspects of creativity and I truly hope she keeps writing and illustrating well into her 100s (because great authors and artists deserve an eternity to practice their craft 😜)
One thing I really loved was how the reader, to a certain extent, was almost expected to already know certain things about ancient Chinese culture. My kryptonite is East Asian mythology, and I've consumed that media in just about every form available to me, so it was nice to not feel like things I already knew were repeated. Some books seem to over explain things to cater to an audience that is unfamiliar with the subject matter, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, however I found the way To Sway a Soul was written in that regard to flow very smoothly and refreshingly.
That being said, if this is someone's first dip into East Asian-inspired literature, I feel everything that needs to be there is there.
✨ Spoilers below ✨
Again, the whole book was beautifully written. I had the pleasure of reading most of it outside. That coupled with Ireen's way of describing environments made for a very atmospheric experience. I was *there* with the thief and the painter as they dove into the pond and boy did my heart break when that painting was smudged 😭 The relief I felt when Zhi Lan got back and saw Master Dan had created a copy---
I read the ebook, so it's off to annotate my paperback, while keeping my hardback pristine 🤣😅
I absolutely adored this, and I wish it was more than a novella. I could read about their lives beyond what these pages contained forevermore. I wish I got to see them falling deeper in love and how Zhi Lan's family reacted to Shao Qing.
Ireen paints (haha) a vivid picture with her words, but the lush illustrations are the icing on the cake. She is talented in all aspects of creativity and I truly hope she keeps writing and illustrating well into her 100s (because great authors and artists deserve an eternity to practice their craft 😜)
One thing I really loved was how the reader, to a certain extent, was almost expected to already know certain things about ancient Chinese culture. My kryptonite is East Asian mythology, and I've consumed that media in just about every form available to me, so it was nice to not feel like things I already knew were repeated. Some books seem to over explain things to cater to an audience that is unfamiliar with the subject matter, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, however I found the way To Sway a Soul was written in that regard to flow very smoothly and refreshingly.
That being said, if this is someone's first dip into East Asian-inspired literature, I feel everything that needs to be there is there.
✨ Spoilers below ✨
Again, the whole book was beautifully written. I had the pleasure of reading most of it outside. That coupled with Ireen's way of describing environments made for a very atmospheric experience. I was *there* with the thief and the painter as they dove into the pond and boy did my heart break when that painting was smudged 😭 The relief I felt when Zhi Lan got back and saw Master Dan had created a copy---
I read the ebook, so it's off to annotate my paperback, while keeping my hardback pristine 🤣😅
April 2, 2025
To Sway A Soul is a light-hearted, quick read about a scholarly painter and an art thief with no soul. Zhi Lan is immensely relieved when Magistrate Bu decides to become her and Master Dan's patron. However, when her master's prized painting is stolen, threatening their lives under the patronage of the Magistrate, Zhi Lan is determined to get it back, with help from none other than the thief who stole it.
I enjoyed this novella, which is a part of the upcoming Tempting Thieves series (all with GORGEOUS dust jackets/hardcovers). I loved how the author's real-life appreciation for her heritage played into the role of the setting of the story, and I absolutely adored the idiom 'paint the dragon, dot the eyes'. In terms of characters, I loved both Zhi Lan and Shao Qing, and even though we didn't see much of Su Su, well, let's just say heartstrings were tugged. And I have to include, I didn't think Magistrate Bu was going to be a big issue, but he is absolutely sick.
One thing I wasn't a total fan of was that everything just seemed so fast (again, this was a novella, so it does make sense) and Zhi Lan and Shao Qing's shenanigans worked out almost too well. However, these were small issues I personally had with the book, and do not do much to take away from the beautiful prose and whimsical storytelling.
I wanted to say thank you to the Ireen Chau here because of her advocation for the book's content. While it wasn't anything problematic, lots of authors get away with age ratings like 12+ for books that have not so 12 year old friendly content in them. So a big thank you to the author for that.
Overall, To Sway A Soul was a sweet read, and I will definitely be checking out the others in the series!
One final thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I was so excited when I saw that I had been accepted for it!
I enjoyed this novella, which is a part of the upcoming Tempting Thieves series (all with GORGEOUS dust jackets/hardcovers). I loved how the author's real-life appreciation for her heritage played into the role of the setting of the story, and I absolutely adored the idiom 'paint the dragon, dot the eyes'. In terms of characters, I loved both Zhi Lan and Shao Qing, and even though we didn't see much of Su Su, well, let's just say heartstrings were tugged. And I have to include, I didn't think Magistrate Bu was going to be a big issue, but he is absolutely sick.
One thing I wasn't a total fan of was that everything just seemed so fast (again, this was a novella, so it does make sense) and Zhi Lan and Shao Qing's shenanigans worked out almost too well. However, these were small issues I personally had with the book, and do not do much to take away from the beautiful prose and whimsical storytelling.
I wanted to say thank you to the Ireen Chau here because of her advocation for the book's content. While it wasn't anything problematic, lots of authors get away with age ratings like 12+ for books that have not so 12 year old friendly content in them. So a big thank you to the author for that.
Overall, To Sway A Soul was a sweet read, and I will definitely be checking out the others in the series!
One final thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I was so excited when I saw that I had been accepted for it!
May 12, 2025
Zhi Lan is a naive painter's apprentice. Shao Qing is an art thief who made a pact with the demon. When Zhi Lan's master painting is stolen, Zhi Lan might have to join force with the thief to recover the painting.
Written with lovely prose - from the passionate Zhi Lan to the broken Shao Qing haunted by regret - Chau draws captivating characters whom are easy to root for. With her own principles, I love that Zhi Lan defies gender role while Shao Qing translates a more vulnerable side. The story is unique by highlighting the symbolism of painting, a deeper meaning of art that I always desire to dig into. Part heist, part fairytale vibes, the book is loosely inspired by the story behind the idiom 'paint the dragon, dot the eyes' ( hua long dian jing ), incorporated by a dash of magic that I wished to read more about.
The story is enriched by the author's own brush painting, the often synesthesia making it effortless to get immersed into this fictionalized ancient China. The rivalry and abuse of power that fill the pages are balanced by the wholesomeness touch and banter, and I devoured this 200-page novella.
In short, I found it whimsical and TO SWAY A SOUL will please any lover of c-drama and romantasy.
"How you view a person depends on how you view the world."
[ I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own ]
Written with lovely prose - from the passionate Zhi Lan to the broken Shao Qing haunted by regret - Chau draws captivating characters whom are easy to root for. With her own principles, I love that Zhi Lan defies gender role while Shao Qing translates a more vulnerable side. The story is unique by highlighting the symbolism of painting, a deeper meaning of art that I always desire to dig into. Part heist, part fairytale vibes, the book is loosely inspired by the story behind the idiom 'paint the dragon, dot the eyes' ( hua long dian jing ), incorporated by a dash of magic that I wished to read more about.
The story is enriched by the author's own brush painting, the often synesthesia making it effortless to get immersed into this fictionalized ancient China. The rivalry and abuse of power that fill the pages are balanced by the wholesomeness touch and banter, and I devoured this 200-page novella.
In short, I found it whimsical and TO SWAY A SOUL will please any lover of c-drama and romantasy.
"How you view a person depends on how you view the world."
[ I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own ]
May 12, 2025
"He was a scoundrel, a gentleman, and a criminal rolled into one. Polite yet impolite. Honorable yet dishonorable. He was wholly unpredictable, and that was dangerous." (Ch 5)
What?! Omgee, when the prologue throws you a blow so quick, you tear up!!! The author is wicked for evoking the heart feels so early! Made me fear (only in the best way, insofar as reading, of course) that the book would leave me shredded... While it didn't quite leave me shredded, it was very touching!
I love c-dramas, especially costume and historical fantasy/romantasies. This new adult romantasy purported to be inspired by a mix of historical c-drama and Chinese Folktales. I was a little saddened that the illustrations that are in the physical books aren't also in the digital version. But it was a very good read! It was delivered as a fairytale with a HEA. Cute and endearing quick story with likable characters!
"“I’ll follow you anywhere.” He felt that they were the truest words he had ever spoken. Zhi Lan was like a rock in the middle of his ocean. He had never felt more awake than in her presence." (Ch 15)
It's a standalone alone in the Tempting Thieves Collection, each romantasy book by a different author. This is the first I've read of them, but may have to go and read more! Similarly, this was the first I've read of Ireen Chau, will have to check out more of her work.
eARC review.
What?! Omgee, when the prologue throws you a blow so quick, you tear up!!! The author is wicked for evoking the heart feels so early! Made me fear (only in the best way, insofar as reading, of course) that the book would leave me shredded... While it didn't quite leave me shredded, it was very touching!
I love c-dramas, especially costume and historical fantasy/romantasies. This new adult romantasy purported to be inspired by a mix of historical c-drama and Chinese Folktales. I was a little saddened that the illustrations that are in the physical books aren't also in the digital version. But it was a very good read! It was delivered as a fairytale with a HEA. Cute and endearing quick story with likable characters!
"“I’ll follow you anywhere.” He felt that they were the truest words he had ever spoken. Zhi Lan was like a rock in the middle of his ocean. He had never felt more awake than in her presence." (Ch 15)
It's a standalone alone in the Tempting Thieves Collection, each romantasy book by a different author. This is the first I've read of them, but may have to go and read more! Similarly, this was the first I've read of Ireen Chau, will have to check out more of her work.
eARC review.
June 17, 2025
This didn’t fully work for me. I enjoyed the characters and the premise, but something about this was too simple. Yes, it is a cozy fantasy, so I wasn’t expecting anything too crazy, but still. I think the plot was a little basic and everything felt a bit too convenient and easy for the characters. You reeeally have to suspend your disbelief, and even then, nothing was that compelling, for me. This book is fairly short, and yet took me 2 WEEKS to finish!!! Idk why 😭
The characters were nice, but I didn’t fully understand their connection. They were both willing to help the other despite being basically strangers. I kind of get it in Shao Qing’s case (he was intrigued by the feelings he suddenly felt with Zhi Lan), but I feel like Zhi Lan wasn’t close enough to Shao Qing yet to be so intent on finding his soul. Perhaps if the story spanned a longer time period I’d feel more of their bond. Then, after only knowing each other for 3 days, they were in love (????), and then
Despite that, I still think this book was enjoyable, and I’m excited for Ireen Chau’s next book!
The characters were nice, but I didn’t fully understand their connection. They were both willing to help the other despite being basically strangers. I kind of get it in Shao Qing’s case (he was intrigued by the feelings he suddenly felt with Zhi Lan), but I feel like Zhi Lan wasn’t close enough to Shao Qing yet to be so intent on finding his soul. Perhaps if the story spanned a longer time period I’d feel more of their bond. Then, after only knowing each other for 3 days, they were in love (????), and then
Despite that, I still think this book was enjoyable, and I’m excited for Ireen Chau’s next book!
May 9, 2025
[ARC Review]
To Sway a Soul is a light-hearted NA fantasy novella full of art heists, folklore, and slow-burn romance. Zhi Lan, a sharp and witty artist, crosses paths with Shao Qing, a stoic art thief with a heartbreaking past. Their banter is top-tier, and while their relationship starts with friction, it gradually deepens into something tender and surprisingly emotional.
Zhi Lan’s awareness of the constraints placed on her as a woman adds weight to the story, and I really appreciated how aspects like these were woven into the storyline. The romance somewhat flirts with the “she fixes him” trope, it worked for me, but be aware if that's not your cup of tea. As an art major, I absolutely loved how art was at the centre of the story in both theme and plot.
The book was fast paced; I've grown accustomed to medium paced stories a little more and would’ve liked a few more quiet moments, but it was still such a fun, immersive read. 4.5 stars!
[Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.]
To Sway a Soul is a light-hearted NA fantasy novella full of art heists, folklore, and slow-burn romance. Zhi Lan, a sharp and witty artist, crosses paths with Shao Qing, a stoic art thief with a heartbreaking past. Their banter is top-tier, and while their relationship starts with friction, it gradually deepens into something tender and surprisingly emotional.
Zhi Lan’s awareness of the constraints placed on her as a woman adds weight to the story, and I really appreciated how aspects like these were woven into the storyline. The romance somewhat flirts with the “she fixes him” trope, it worked for me, but be aware if that's not your cup of tea. As an art major, I absolutely loved how art was at the centre of the story in both theme and plot.
The book was fast paced; I've grown accustomed to medium paced stories a little more and would’ve liked a few more quiet moments, but it was still such a fun, immersive read. 4.5 stars!
[Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.]
May 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
One of the sweetest books I’ve read in a while! I know the author wanted it to be more NA, but other than one very short scene this would be a very good YA romantasy novel. Short, well paced, with good chemistry between the lovers and a rot-your-teeth sweet ending. I definitely suggest it for anyone needing a short standalone to lift their spirits. I need also mention the art is all made by the author as well and gosh is it just a perfect fit for the story! I’m always weak for a story with art pieces/plates and these are very well integrated into the story. Please please check this one out!
One of the sweetest books I’ve read in a while! I know the author wanted it to be more NA, but other than one very short scene this would be a very good YA romantasy novel. Short, well paced, with good chemistry between the lovers and a rot-your-teeth sweet ending. I definitely suggest it for anyone needing a short standalone to lift their spirits. I need also mention the art is all made by the author as well and gosh is it just a perfect fit for the story! I’m always weak for a story with art pieces/plates and these are very well integrated into the story. Please please check this one out!
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