Heaven's Warrior

by Ken Baker

True dreams never lie. But believing them might cost Meilin everything!

When Meilin defies the emperor’s dictates to save her sister, she unleashes a storm that shakes the empire. Beaten, branded, and left to die, she rises with the power of the gods burning in her veins. But that power makes her a target. Her family abandons her. Assassins hunt her. The visions of her nightmares haunt her as her sister’s life hangs in the balance. The fate of the kingdom rests on this one defiant girl who refuses to bow.

“HEAVEN’S WARRIOR is an expansive fantasy with a rich historical backdrop and suspenseful pacing.”
- Christy Ottaviano, VP Publisher of Christy Ottaviano Books

Set in a world with Tang Dynasty influences, HEAVEN’S WARRIOR blends vivid worldbuilding, breathtaking adventure, forbidden power, and a heroine you’ll never forget.

Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson and Margaret Rogerson.

Genres: Fantasy

535 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2025

About the author

I live in Utah, but I grew up in the California Bay Area. When I'm not reading and writing books, I spend my time with my family boating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, swimming, camping, and watching my children play sports. I also enjoy playing basketball, windsurfing, scuba diving, exercising at the gym, and coaching my children in the different sports they play.

Reviews

[Maria Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

True dreams never lie. But believing them might cost Meilin everything!

When Meilin defies the emperor’s dictates to save her sister, she unleashes a storm that shakes the empire. Beaten, branded, and left to die, she rises with the power of the gods burning in her veins. But that power makes her a target. Her family abandons her. Assassins hunt her. The visions of her nightmares haunt her as her sister’s life hangs in the balance. The fate of the kingdom rests on this one defiant girl who refuses to bow.

“Heaven’s Warrior is an expansive fantasy with a rich historical backdrop and suspenseful pacing.”
Christy Ottaviano, VP Publisher of Christy Ottaviano Books

Set in a world with Tang Dynasty influences, Heaven’s Warrior blends vivid worldbuilding, breathtaking adventure, forbidden power, and a heroine you’ll never forget.

Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson and Margaret Rogerson.

[Jacob and Sara Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I could not put this book down! very captivating story with awesome world building and great morals.

I loved the underlying messages of positivity and determination from the characters.

I don't think there is anything inappropriate for a younger audience (no bad language or lewdness). there is some combat and some PG to maybe PG-13 violence, but also it is not too childish or immature for an adult audience.

It captivated my attention from the beginning and I couldn't put it down, or when I had to (because life), I found myself wanting to pick it back up and keep reading it.

I have never read or seen anything like it before. Definitely worth a read for anyone.

[Tesseract · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read! It wasn't what I was expecting at first, and it took me a minute to get used to the writing and some cultural aspects (I had to look it up to understand that some cultures use the family name first and given name second), but once I got into the rhythm of it all, I got really into the story and kept thinking about it even after I put it down. Plays on themes of gender, partnership, and bravery in a unique setting, and has that romance element that I enjoy, but not in a way that it took over the story. It's long, but I got so into it that I stayed engaged to the end.

[Waylon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining adventure with compelling characters and great action. All the characters felt real to me, and each came with their own hopes, fears, doubts, and unique characteristics. Plus, I love how the worldbuilding uses a Far East setting, with a unique mythology, weapons, magic, and belief system we normally don't encounter in most fantasy series that are built upon medieval Europe.

Highly recommended read.

[Barbara Behning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meilin is out to save her sister even if it makes her defy the emperor. Her family abandons her. Assassins hunt her. The visions haunt her as her sister’s life hangs in the balance. The fate of the kingdom is in her defiant hands. The girl who refuses to bow and fights for what is right for her people.

[Ariana Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I received this book for free as an ARC. It is entertaining, compelling, and full of wonder. The depth of the characters emotions and personalities, the world that you are immersed into, and the wonderful magic system gave me a book that I was unable to put down unless I had to for work. If this becomes a part of a series I would love to continue reading about this world!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the plot and the magic system . It was well written and professional. Enjoyable and entertaining. Worth the read. Would read a sequel.

[Spencer Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the characters and the world-building, such a cool magic system!