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Song of the River's Heart
352 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 4, 2025
Sometimes, you read a book and the main character is simply too relatable. Feng Yan is that character.
I was honored to receive an advance copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review Our book begins in the way all transmigration novels begins. Feng Yan, a 20 year old who works as a cook in his uncle's restaurant, is killed in a freak accident and wakes in the gacha game he has been playing.
Thus begins his new life as Feng Mingyuan, a healer.
The transmigration related humor in this story is on point.
Poor Feng Mingyaun is trying to figure out how to live in a world that he does not remember, while everyone looks on in confusion, and he fights with everyone's favorite side character- The System TM. However, he is good at one thing- cooking- and quickly learning how to be good at the healing and cultivation he should already know.
Feng Mingyuan disobeys his sect leader and runs off on a mission with fellow elder Song Liu, a martial arts master who teaches disciples now within the sect. He is very aloof and cold, but Feng Mingyuan persists in trying to befriend him. They are accompanied by Song Lou's three disciples.
This mission is accompanied by a lot of delightful chaos reminiscent of DnD and an encounter with demons who create a situation similar to The Thing, which is my favorite horror movie, so I was a huge fan. Feng Mingyuan proves more useful than anyone (himself included) expected, but two of the disciples are gravely injured.
So naturally, the two adults leave the teenagers in the city and go off to find the special healing flowers to heal the demonic injuries. There, we have a delightful spicy scene that is absolutely dubcon, but somehow in the most wholesome way possible. This is dubcon in the sex pollen/ heat sort of way, as Song Liu is in a fever and out of his mind, but he also initiates it while Feng Mingyaun is fully on board but giving the most ridiculous excuses possible.
The rest of the book is largely building towards future volumes, and I am excited about several of the plot points, as well as the romance, which already has the best dynamic.
Besides, he has to figure out that the sect leader is a lesbian eventually.
I was honored to receive an advance copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review Our book begins in the way all transmigration novels begins. Feng Yan, a 20 year old who works as a cook in his uncle's restaurant, is killed in a freak accident and wakes in the gacha game he has been playing.
Thus begins his new life as Feng Mingyuan, a healer.
The transmigration related humor in this story is on point.
Poor Feng Mingyaun is trying to figure out how to live in a world that he does not remember, while everyone looks on in confusion, and he fights with everyone's favorite side character- The System TM. However, he is good at one thing- cooking- and quickly learning how to be good at the healing and cultivation he should already know.
Feng Mingyuan disobeys his sect leader and runs off on a mission with fellow elder Song Liu, a martial arts master who teaches disciples now within the sect. He is very aloof and cold, but Feng Mingyuan persists in trying to befriend him. They are accompanied by Song Lou's three disciples.
This mission is accompanied by a lot of delightful chaos reminiscent of DnD and an encounter with demons who create a situation similar to The Thing, which is my favorite horror movie, so I was a huge fan. Feng Mingyuan proves more useful than anyone (himself included) expected, but two of the disciples are gravely injured.
So naturally, the two adults leave the teenagers in the city and go off to find the special healing flowers to heal the demonic injuries. There, we have a delightful spicy scene that is absolutely dubcon, but somehow in the most wholesome way possible. This is dubcon in the sex pollen/ heat sort of way, as Song Liu is in a fever and out of his mind, but he also initiates it while Feng Mingyaun is fully on board but giving the most ridiculous excuses possible.
The rest of the book is largely building towards future volumes, and I am excited about several of the plot points, as well as the romance, which already has the best dynamic.
Besides, he has to figure out that the sect leader is a lesbian eventually.
November 6, 2025
If you like The Scum Villian's Self-Saving System you'll love this. It has all the thing's you're looking for in Danmei
December 24, 2025
Thank you to Yue Lijing for gifting me an ARC of Song of the River’s Heart in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, can we talk about that cover? It is stunning. The illustration is genuinely masterful and easily on par with danmei covers published by 7Seas. If you are someone who judges a book by its cover (no shame here) this one already starts strong.
That said, the content absolutely lives up to the visuals. This is an indie danmei by a debut author, but I can confidently say the writing does not feel amateur in the slightest. In fact, the overall quality, from storytelling to pacing and character dynamics, feels comparable to officially licensed 7Seas danmei titles.
Danmei is **my genre**, and as someone who is obsessed with SVSSS and deeply familiar with gacha games, this book knows exactly what it is doing. The lore and worldbuilding, especially surrounding dragons and demons, are richly detailed and clearly well thought out. You can feel the care and intention behind every layer of the setting.
-- possibly spoilery --
As a gacha game enjoyer, I have to say Feng Mingyuan is painfully accurate. You know those low rated side characters you never expect to use but who somehow still linger in your mind. That exact energy, in the best way. He's like, SO GORGEOUS, so how did he become a side piece is mystery to me.
Song Liu is also a fantastic love interest. This shidi is HOT, and absolutely falling hard for his shixiong. The romantic and sexual tension between the main character and the love interest is immaculate. Truly chef’s kiss.
interesting is how the transmigrator has no special connection to the game’s original protagonist. This is quite unusual for transmigration stories, where the transmigrator often ends up as either the protagonist’s closest ally, destined enemy, or main love interest. Curious about how this will affect the plot going forward, whether that relationship will shift over time, and whether it will be affected by his “main character halo”.
And now the real question. Is this going to be a harem? Are we heading into shixiong/shidi versus shizun/disciple love rivalry? Because if so, that is a dangerous and delicious choice, and I am very invested.
For readers who enjoy spice, do not worry, you are covered. The humor also lands extremely well and balances the heavier elements with genuinely fun moments.
If you are into danmei, transmigration stories, gacha games, and emotionally charged character dynamics, or tend to judge a book by its cover, WHAT ARE YOU DOING INSTEAD OF READING THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW????
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
First of all, can we talk about that cover? It is stunning. The illustration is genuinely masterful and easily on par with danmei covers published by 7Seas. If you are someone who judges a book by its cover (no shame here) this one already starts strong.
That said, the content absolutely lives up to the visuals. This is an indie danmei by a debut author, but I can confidently say the writing does not feel amateur in the slightest. In fact, the overall quality, from storytelling to pacing and character dynamics, feels comparable to officially licensed 7Seas danmei titles.
Danmei is **my genre**, and as someone who is obsessed with SVSSS and deeply familiar with gacha games, this book knows exactly what it is doing. The lore and worldbuilding, especially surrounding dragons and demons, are richly detailed and clearly well thought out. You can feel the care and intention behind every layer of the setting.
-- possibly spoilery --
As a gacha game enjoyer, I have to say Feng Mingyuan is painfully accurate. You know those low rated side characters you never expect to use but who somehow still linger in your mind. That exact energy, in the best way. He's like, SO GORGEOUS, so how did he become a side piece is mystery to me.
Song Liu is also a fantastic love interest. This shidi is HOT, and absolutely falling hard for his shixiong. The romantic and sexual tension between the main character and the love interest is immaculate. Truly chef’s kiss.
interesting is how the transmigrator has no special connection to the game’s original protagonist. This is quite unusual for transmigration stories, where the transmigrator often ends up as either the protagonist’s closest ally, destined enemy, or main love interest. Curious about how this will affect the plot going forward, whether that relationship will shift over time, and whether it will be affected by his “main character halo”.
And now the real question. Is this going to be a harem? Are we heading into shixiong/shidi versus shizun/disciple love rivalry? Because if so, that is a dangerous and delicious choice, and I am very invested.
For readers who enjoy spice, do not worry, you are covered. The humor also lands extremely well and balances the heavier elements with genuinely fun moments.
If you are into danmei, transmigration stories, gacha games, and emotionally charged character dynamics, or tend to judge a book by its cover, WHAT ARE YOU DOING INSTEAD OF READING THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW????
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
November 19, 2025
What a fun surprise of a book! Lots of little mysteries to unravel and theories to craft. The dynamic between the two leads is fun and intriguing and the side characters are delightful. I'm a big fan of isekai and reincarnation stories so this is right up my alley. Worth a read for anyone who wants more wuxia danmei!
I read a LOT of this genre but I still found Song of the River's Heart to have plenty of new fun ideas.
Quite a few grammatical and spelling errors in this but as I don't believe it's traditionally published I'm a bit more forgiving of that kind of thing. Just a heads up for people like me who can find that a little grating at times lol
I read a LOT of this genre but I still found Song of the River's Heart to have plenty of new fun ideas.
Quite a few grammatical and spelling errors in this but as I don't believe it's traditionally published I'm a bit more forgiving of that kind of thing. Just a heads up for people like me who can find that a little grating at times lol
November 6, 2025
cant wait to read this book >.<
November 29, 2025
Not usually my type of book, but it was recommended to me and I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting, and I’m glad it seems like it’s going to be part of a series. A few minor errors but some of the grammar stuff felt intentional. It’s like.. art in a way. There’s a rhythm to it.
December 6, 2025
I loved this story! Excited to continue!
November 25, 2025
I have read more isekai/reincarnation/transmigration stories than I would care to list, but of course I am always excited to find new ones. And this one did not disappoint.
The concept was interesting, having the protagonist transmigrate into a gacha game rather than a novel or a dating game. It allows for a different experience, where the protagonist is aware of the other characters’ stats from the game. And he transmigrates into the body of the sect healer, a side character, rather than the hero or villain of the story. It made for an interesting read.
The characters are well rounded, even the side characters, which gave depth to the world as a whole. The romance aspect seems to be a bit of a slow burn (despite a spicy scene about two-thirds through the book) which I look forward to seeing develop in future books.
The concept was interesting, having the protagonist transmigrate into a gacha game rather than a novel or a dating game. It allows for a different experience, where the protagonist is aware of the other characters’ stats from the game. And he transmigrates into the body of the sect healer, a side character, rather than the hero or villain of the story. It made for an interesting read.
The characters are well rounded, even the side characters, which gave depth to the world as a whole. The romance aspect seems to be a bit of a slow burn (despite a spicy scene about two-thirds through the book) which I look forward to seeing develop in future books.
December 16, 2025
This book has potential but requires some serious editing, not just proofreading. It needs work with a proper copy and line editor as some of the sentences are not coherent.
I read a lot of fanfiction. This is the kind of quality I expect in my fanfiction (barring some truly accomplished fanfic writers), not a published work. I understand the author is self published and does not have the backing of a publisher, but as this is something that requires people to pay for and not available for free, I expected better.
I’ve read plenty of indie authors this year where, though the story may not have worked for me, produced higher quality work comparable to traditional publishers. This book, however, feels like a reaffirmation that indie books are low quality works reliant on pretty covers.
I read a lot of fanfiction. This is the kind of quality I expect in my fanfiction (barring some truly accomplished fanfic writers), not a published work. I understand the author is self published and does not have the backing of a publisher, but as this is something that requires people to pay for and not available for free, I expected better.
I’ve read plenty of indie authors this year where, though the story may not have worked for me, produced higher quality work comparable to traditional publishers. This book, however, feels like a reaffirmation that indie books are low quality works reliant on pretty covers.
November 11, 2025
What an absolute fun ride for a debut novel! Song of the River's Heart is a fresh take on the danmei genre, reading like a tabletop game about a transmigrated lead. It's funny, it's cute, and there is found family!!!! The amount of time spent on fleshing out the side characters really helps them and the world of SotRH shine through, I have such a soft spot for the three little disciples with their own little interpersonal dramas.
Our main lead, Feng Mingyuan is just doing his best as he takes on his new place in his new world, and navigates his way around his place in the Sect and around the mysterious and handsome Song Liu, who definitely harbors no romantic feelings towards our main lead. Their romance is so sweet (and steamy at times!) and the first book does a wonderful job to introducing us to their relationship.
Also, a quick special shoutout to Qin Xifeng, what a delightfully sharp character. I'll be praying for you girl because you seem to be the most level headed of the whole gang.
Thank you for the ARC of this novel, it was well loved!
Our main lead, Feng Mingyuan is just doing his best as he takes on his new place in his new world, and navigates his way around his place in the Sect and around the mysterious and handsome Song Liu, who definitely harbors no romantic feelings towards our main lead. Their romance is so sweet (and steamy at times!) and the first book does a wonderful job to introducing us to their relationship.
Also, a quick special shoutout to Qin Xifeng, what a delightfully sharp character. I'll be praying for you girl because you seem to be the most level headed of the whole gang.
Thank you for the ARC of this novel, it was well loved!
December 17, 2025
I really loved reading this book. It has a mix of so much stuff that I really enjoy from danmei while being its own book! I really love the humor mixed in with the more serious aspects and I am awaiting more! The cliffhanger in this book is wild, can't wait to see what happens next!! I highly recommend this book to read, especially if you're a fan of danmei.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews