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An Auction of Souls #1
An Auction of Souls
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26A start to a new duology from Of Jade and Dragons author Amber Chen, perfect for fans of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom and A Forgery of Fate!
Meng Lingxi and her grandmother run a legendary auction house, Meng Wu—the House of Dreams. But when a mysterious traveler arrives bearing a fragment of a soul, all that Lingxi knows changes in an instant. Her grandmother mysteriously vanishes, and restless spirits descend upon Meng Wu.
Then two unlikely allies—Yan Jun and Yan Shan, guardians of hell itself—come to Lingxi's aid, revealing a shocking secret about the only home she's ever known: Meng Wu sits upon the gateway to hell, and her grandmother serves the god of the underworld himself.
Soon, Lingxi joins her two companions on a perilous journey to find her grandmother and unravel the mystery behind the dangerous fragment of soul. Along the way, the trio must outsmart humans, gods, and demons alike who try to stand in their way—before hell is let loose on earth.
Meng Lingxi and her grandmother run a legendary auction house, Meng Wu—the House of Dreams. But when a mysterious traveler arrives bearing a fragment of a soul, all that Lingxi knows changes in an instant. Her grandmother mysteriously vanishes, and restless spirits descend upon Meng Wu.
Then two unlikely allies—Yan Jun and Yan Shan, guardians of hell itself—come to Lingxi's aid, revealing a shocking secret about the only home she's ever known: Meng Wu sits upon the gateway to hell, and her grandmother serves the god of the underworld himself.
Soon, Lingxi joins her two companions on a perilous journey to find her grandmother and unravel the mystery behind the dangerous fragment of soul. Along the way, the trio must outsmart humans, gods, and demons alike who try to stand in their way—before hell is let loose on earth.
480 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Amber Chen
3 books513 followersAmber Chen is the UK #1 bestselling author of the YA silkpunk fantasy novel, Of Jade and Dragons.
She is currently based in sweltering Singapore and spends much of her free time living within Chinese fantasy novels and dramas. She also drinks one too many cups of bubble tea. One of her webnovels, The Cutting Edge, has been adapted for television.
This GR account is managed by a friend. If you would like to interact with Amber directly, head over to IG or Tiktok @amberwrites88 !
She is currently based in sweltering Singapore and spends much of her free time living within Chinese fantasy novels and dramas. She also drinks one too many cups of bubble tea. One of her webnovels, The Cutting Edge, has been adapted for television.
This GR account is managed by a friend. If you would like to interact with Amber directly, head over to IG or Tiktok @amberwrites88 !
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Want to Read
January 30, 2026"YA fantasy duology that follows a girl who runs a legendary magical auction house, whose life is upended after a stranger shows up wanting to sell a soul"
tbr-fantasies
March 17, 2025So down bad for OJAD and its sequel that this is an instant to-read
Want to Read
March 17, 2025Mar 17, 2025
Excited for this one!! 💫
Excited for this one!! 💫
July 28, 2026
To save her grandmother, Meng Lingxi searches far and wide for ancient objects that will show her the way. With her supernatural companions, she discovers some secrets may be better off buried. A great introduction to xianxia.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You know what I really should have paid more attention to the title.
I just didn't realise the soul that would be auctioned off would be mine when I started this.
and honestly? Chen can keep it. Feels like a very worth trade.
An Auction of Souls follows Lingxi (fun fact, I have an electronic reader that kept pronouncing this Lindsey, and I was so confused about why there was such a western name just randomly thrown in 🤣 🤣 🤣, I never claimed to be smart.) Lingxi works at a renowned auction house under the often very critical eye of her grandmother, the auction house specialises in incredible and remarkable artefacts with equally incredible and remarkable price points. When her grandmother goes missing after a stranger appears at the auctionhouse doors in the dead of night, Lingxi will go on an adventure with the guardians of the literal hell the auctionhouse stands over (and I thought my neighbours were bad.) Accompanied by the interesting (and I don't just mean personality-wise) Yan Shan and Yan Jun, Lingxi will go on a quest to save her grandmother and if she has to, the world.
AAOS is an absolutely wild ride, and its like Chen read my specific review on Of Jade and Dragons and said, "yeah makes sense Millie, hold my beer." This improved enormously on every complaint I had about Chen's previous work, and might well have cemented her place as my favourite YA fantasy writer. Because this was absolutely STUNNING. Never once did this read as YA, the characters are 3d, humerous and this is so chock full of emotional beats that had my heartstrings playing like an orchestra.
Lingxi is everything I want from an FMC. She's intelligent and not necessarily likeable at first, but in a way that really works for the book. She's a brilliant blend of ruthless and constantly thinking ten steps ahead, but her humanity especially in terms of her family and grandma makes her brilliantly grounded. Her companions, Yan Shun and Yan Jun, particularly the latter, are familiar archetypes with really fun twists especially in how they go from kinda unwilling heroes to full-blown world savers.
I won't spoil it but if you're a fan of slowburn... yeah just wait for it.
Chen's prose is super lush but it never feels like it trips up over itself. She has a real talent for writing action, but what I loved most about the (plentiful) action in AAOS is that its often as much as a battle of wits as an actual battle. Trying to pick apart how Lingxi is going to get herself out of trouble in matches with literal royalty, hell's denizens and more was half the fun of my reading experience. Chen wasn't afraid to let the character's fail, stumble and shoot themselves in the foot either.
As I've mentioned the emotional beats are so well done and so well earned, especially for YA. I also don't know a tonne about Chinese mythology, but from the standpoint of someone who eats fantasy like seagulls eat chips... This was delectably fantastical.
This has a bit of everything for anyone who loves good, lush fantasy. Highly recommend.
I just didn't realise the soul that would be auctioned off would be mine when I started this.
and honestly? Chen can keep it. Feels like a very worth trade.
An Auction of Souls follows Lingxi (fun fact, I have an electronic reader that kept pronouncing this Lindsey, and I was so confused about why there was such a western name just randomly thrown in 🤣 🤣 🤣, I never claimed to be smart.) Lingxi works at a renowned auction house under the often very critical eye of her grandmother, the auction house specialises in incredible and remarkable artefacts with equally incredible and remarkable price points. When her grandmother goes missing after a stranger appears at the auctionhouse doors in the dead of night, Lingxi will go on an adventure with the guardians of the literal hell the auctionhouse stands over (and I thought my neighbours were bad.) Accompanied by the interesting (and I don't just mean personality-wise) Yan Shan and Yan Jun, Lingxi will go on a quest to save her grandmother and if she has to, the world.
AAOS is an absolutely wild ride, and its like Chen read my specific review on Of Jade and Dragons and said, "yeah makes sense Millie, hold my beer." This improved enormously on every complaint I had about Chen's previous work, and might well have cemented her place as my favourite YA fantasy writer. Because this was absolutely STUNNING. Never once did this read as YA, the characters are 3d, humerous and this is so chock full of emotional beats that had my heartstrings playing like an orchestra.
Lingxi is everything I want from an FMC. She's intelligent and not necessarily likeable at first, but in a way that really works for the book. She's a brilliant blend of ruthless and constantly thinking ten steps ahead, but her humanity especially in terms of her family and grandma makes her brilliantly grounded. Her companions, Yan Shun and Yan Jun, particularly the latter, are familiar archetypes with really fun twists especially in how they go from kinda unwilling heroes to full-blown world savers.
I won't spoil it but if you're a fan of slowburn... yeah just wait for it.
Chen's prose is super lush but it never feels like it trips up over itself. She has a real talent for writing action, but what I loved most about the (plentiful) action in AAOS is that its often as much as a battle of wits as an actual battle. Trying to pick apart how Lingxi is going to get herself out of trouble in matches with literal royalty, hell's denizens and more was half the fun of my reading experience. Chen wasn't afraid to let the character's fail, stumble and shoot themselves in the foot either.
As I've mentioned the emotional beats are so well done and so well earned, especially for YA. I also don't know a tonne about Chinese mythology, but from the standpoint of someone who eats fantasy like seagulls eat chips... This was delectably fantastical.
This has a bit of everything for anyone who loves good, lush fantasy. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"It is your will that determines who and what you become - remember that." - An Auction of Souls
Meng Lingxi runs an auction house with her grandma, but after a mysterious stranger shows up with a fragment of a soul, her grandma goes missing. With her grandma missing, spirits attack the auction house, and Lingxi learns that her home is not what it appears to be. Lingxi is aided by two guardians of hell; Yan Jun and Yan Shan. The trio set off on a beautiful adventure to find Lingxi's grandma, and to save the world .
I almost have no words to describe how much I loved this book. I am a huge reader for anything Asian mythology/drama inspired, and when I got an ARC of this book, I quite literally cried. This book did not disappoint me at all. I was especially astounded by all of the turn of events, and I loved reading about the mythological creatures and beings.
The writing was gorgeous, and I often felt like I genuinely was part of an Asian drama. The characters were phenomenal, and it was amazing seeing how much growth there was in all of them. Lingxi was different than many characters I have read about. She starts off very greedy, to the point of not caring about others, but as the time goes by, she slowly learns what it means to have friends. I ended up loving her, as she was able to use her wits and art of persuasion to really shine. She was no sword-wielding trained assassin (that was saved for Yan Jun, our MAN), and it was nice to see that as a change.
Ultimately, I ended up loving this book, and I am already extremely sad that I can't immediately read the second book!
Meng Lingxi runs an auction house with her grandma, but after a mysterious stranger shows up with a fragment of a soul, her grandma goes missing. With her grandma missing, spirits attack the auction house, and Lingxi learns that her home is not what it appears to be. Lingxi is aided by two guardians of hell; Yan Jun and Yan Shan. The trio set off on a beautiful adventure to find Lingxi's grandma, and to save the world .
I almost have no words to describe how much I loved this book. I am a huge reader for anything Asian mythology/drama inspired, and when I got an ARC of this book, I quite literally cried. This book did not disappoint me at all. I was especially astounded by all of the turn of events, and I loved reading about the mythological creatures and beings.
The writing was gorgeous, and I often felt like I genuinely was part of an Asian drama. The characters were phenomenal, and it was amazing seeing how much growth there was in all of them. Lingxi was different than many characters I have read about. She starts off very greedy, to the point of not caring about others, but as the time goes by, she slowly learns what it means to have friends. I ended up loving her, as she was able to use her wits and art of persuasion to really shine. She was no sword-wielding trained assassin (that was saved for Yan Jun, our MAN), and it was nice to see that as a change.
Ultimately, I ended up loving this book, and I am already extremely sad that I can't immediately read the second book!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
whoaaaaa another fun and fantastic read from amber chen. having read their other series, i was expecting to like this and i was correct.
meng lingxi works with her adoptive grandmother to run an auction house that sells anything possible. lingxi is set on a journey, much like a main character does, when her grandmother leaves and tells her to not come find her, but without her grandmother, the auction house, which is actually a gate of hell, will succumb to the numerous ghosts surrounding it. with the aid of the guardians of hell, siblings yan jun and yan shan, they go to find meng-po (po means grandma). on her quests, it seems lingxi has a lot to learn about the realm and herself.
i had such a blast reading this! honestly exceeded any expectation i had. i love a good historical fantasy and this is so xianxia... not a perfect novel, but a whirlwind of one and one that i will definitely be reading the sequel to.
i would have liked it if lingxi was aged up a bit, but i often kept forgetting she was seventeen. it matters so little it could be argued either way i guess. the relationships that get built between lingxi and her companions could have also been a little better (or im greedy) because i think they could've had a little more scenes, but it suffices as is. i also love the siblings...
the whole setting and plot was a joy. i really didn't want to put it down because amber just kept feeding me such good things every time. of course there were going to be parts where i thought it was too convenient or it could've been done better, but overall a splendid read.
thank you to goodreads and viking for hosting the giveaway and providing me with an eARC!
meng lingxi works with her adoptive grandmother to run an auction house that sells anything possible. lingxi is set on a journey, much like a main character does, when her grandmother leaves and tells her to not come find her, but without her grandmother, the auction house, which is actually a gate of hell, will succumb to the numerous ghosts surrounding it. with the aid of the guardians of hell, siblings yan jun and yan shan, they go to find meng-po (po means grandma). on her quests, it seems lingxi has a lot to learn about the realm and herself.
i had such a blast reading this! honestly exceeded any expectation i had. i love a good historical fantasy and this is so xianxia... not a perfect novel, but a whirlwind of one and one that i will definitely be reading the sequel to.
i would have liked it if lingxi was aged up a bit, but i often kept forgetting she was seventeen. it matters so little it could be argued either way i guess. the relationships that get built between lingxi and her companions could have also been a little better (or im greedy) because i think they could've had a little more scenes, but it suffices as is. i also love the siblings...
the whole setting and plot was a joy. i really didn't want to put it down because amber just kept feeding me such good things every time. of course there were going to be parts where i thought it was too convenient or it could've been done better, but overall a splendid read.
thank you to goodreads and viking for hosting the giveaway and providing me with an eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another fantastical start to a series by Amber Chen!
I enjoyed the overall setting of the story - different kingdoms with an otherworldly auction house nestled between their borders, Chinese-inspired mythology (Gods/Goddesses, demons, spirits, 3 realms), and a literal journey of discovery for our main protagonist Meng Lingxi.
Plot-wise, after the first required item was obtained, I felt fairly certain I knew where we were heading. Each item's obtaining quest functioned very similarly even if the events and characters were unique enough on their own. Some of the characters' motives or hidden secrets were easily guessable due to general tropes in such narratives but still was enjoyable to follow the plot to its conclusion in book one, with the story left open wide enough to have multiple threads to chase in the sequel.
Even knowing that Lingxi grew up separated from the world (unable to venture beyond the auction house's walls), she read a bit younger than the seventeen years of age she is given. She does grow in maturity and learns to use her skills in sticky situations but I do wish this was aimed a bit higher in the YA genre as it could enhance some of the scenarios and deeper meanings.
My Takeaways:
- a skilled negotiator and a sly auction house master are basically the same thing
- the ole "find these three items" questline
- it would be absolutely terrifying to ride a shrinking/growing sword up in the sky
- "the journey is the friends we've made along the way"
- I absolutely want a talking bird companion now
I enjoyed the overall setting of the story - different kingdoms with an otherworldly auction house nestled between their borders, Chinese-inspired mythology (Gods/Goddesses, demons, spirits, 3 realms), and a literal journey of discovery for our main protagonist Meng Lingxi.
Plot-wise, after the first required item was obtained, I felt fairly certain I knew where we were heading. Each item's obtaining quest functioned very similarly even if the events and characters were unique enough on their own. Some of the characters' motives or hidden secrets were easily guessable due to general tropes in such narratives but still was enjoyable to follow the plot to its conclusion in book one, with the story left open wide enough to have multiple threads to chase in the sequel.
Even knowing that Lingxi grew up separated from the world (unable to venture beyond the auction house's walls), she read a bit younger than the seventeen years of age she is given. She does grow in maturity and learns to use her skills in sticky situations but I do wish this was aimed a bit higher in the YA genre as it could enhance some of the scenarios and deeper meanings.
My Takeaways:
- a skilled negotiator and a sly auction house master are basically the same thing
- the ole "find these three items" questline
- it would be absolutely terrifying to ride a shrinking/growing sword up in the sky
- "the journey is the friends we've made along the way"
- I absolutely want a talking bird companion now
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Auction of Souls by Amber Chen
I love all of Amber Chen’s books! Her endings are both satisfying and not satisfying at the same time if that makes sense. An Auction of Souls has that type of ending as well. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The main character, Meng and her grandmother run an auction house. Meng is completely fine with running the auction house herself for the rest of her life. But as shocking secrets surface about her grandmother and the only home she has ever known, Meng is forced to leave her comfort zone when her grandmother disappears. On her journey with unlikely allies, she learns so much about herself and her past. I loved this element of Meng leaving to basically find herself, have experiences, and live.
Similar to her Fall of the Dragon duology, the FMC Meng and MMC Yan Jun have the slow burn/forbidden romance vibe that I like. What I also liked was, I have been looking for a book that has the concept of past lives, and this one has it!
I will say it didn’t start picking up for me until about 40% in, but it was worth it.
I will finish by saying I also enjoyed the poetic elements, there were some memorable quotes that I highlighted:
”Darkness hides in the brightest light”
”If love can last the test of time— then it matters not if we’re together night and day.”
I love all of Amber Chen’s books! Her endings are both satisfying and not satisfying at the same time if that makes sense. An Auction of Souls has that type of ending as well. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The main character, Meng and her grandmother run an auction house. Meng is completely fine with running the auction house herself for the rest of her life. But as shocking secrets surface about her grandmother and the only home she has ever known, Meng is forced to leave her comfort zone when her grandmother disappears. On her journey with unlikely allies, she learns so much about herself and her past. I loved this element of Meng leaving to basically find herself, have experiences, and live.
Similar to her Fall of the Dragon duology, the FMC Meng and MMC Yan Jun have the slow burn/forbidden romance vibe that I like. What I also liked was, I have been looking for a book that has the concept of past lives, and this one has it!
I will say it didn’t start picking up for me until about 40% in, but it was worth it.
I will finish by saying I also enjoyed the poetic elements, there were some memorable quotes that I highlighted:
”Darkness hides in the brightest light”
”If love can last the test of time— then it matters not if we’re together night and day.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meng Lingxi and her grandmother run Meng Wu, the House of Dreams, where rare treasures are auctioned. One day, a stranger arrives to sell a fragment of a soul, and suddenly Lingxi’s grandmother disappears while spirits begin attacking their home. The hell guardians, Yan Jun and Yan Shan, come to Lingxi’s aid, while revealing that the House of Dreams sits atop the gateway to hell, and Lingxi’s grandmother serves the Underworld. Determined to save her home and find her grandmother, Lingxi sets off on a perilous journey with the guardians.
Meng Lingxi is the kind of protagonist I love: plucky, sarky and witty. I laughed out loud at a number of her antics and sharp dialogue. At first, as the mistress of an auction house, she comes across as someone who only cares about money. But as the story unfolds, you start to see her vulnerabilities and longing for acknowledgment from her grandmother behind all that wit and sarcasm.
Amber’s prose is vivid and cinematic; I could picture everything from the dangerous demons to the fickle gods to the breathtaking landscapes. The journey is treacherous and will have you holding your breath. I thought some events and encounters felt random at first, but by the end they tie together, culminating in a twist and ending I didn’t see coming.
I don’t usually watch C-dramas, but I could absolutely imagine this as one. Growing up on Hong Kong Xianxia films and TV series, this book felt like such a treat. With the way things wrapped up (and that epilogue!) the stage is set for the second and final book in the duology. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lingxi and Yan Jun!
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy!
Meng Lingxi is the kind of protagonist I love: plucky, sarky and witty. I laughed out loud at a number of her antics and sharp dialogue. At first, as the mistress of an auction house, she comes across as someone who only cares about money. But as the story unfolds, you start to see her vulnerabilities and longing for acknowledgment from her grandmother behind all that wit and sarcasm.
Amber’s prose is vivid and cinematic; I could picture everything from the dangerous demons to the fickle gods to the breathtaking landscapes. The journey is treacherous and will have you holding your breath. I thought some events and encounters felt random at first, but by the end they tie together, culminating in a twist and ending I didn’t see coming.
I don’t usually watch C-dramas, but I could absolutely imagine this as one. Growing up on Hong Kong Xianxia films and TV series, this book felt like such a treat. With the way things wrapped up (and that epilogue!) the stage is set for the second and final book in the duology. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lingxi and Yan Jun!
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I will read anything Amber Chen writes. She has a way of capturing my attention from the very first page and keeping me completely invested until the end. This book was packed with secrets, twists, and surprises that kept me guessing the entire time.
One of my favorite aspects was the endless tales woven throughout the story and how everything connected in unexpected ways. Every new revelation added another layer to the mystery, making it impossible to put down. And that ending? Absolutely shocking. I never saw it coming, and I’m still thinking about it.
The world-building and storytelling were incredible, and the surprises just kept coming. I also loved the little bit of romance sprinkled throughout the book. It was enough to make me completely invested in the relationship and wishing there had been even more of it.
Amber Chen has once again delivered a captivating young adult fantasy filled with magic, secrets, and unforgettable twists. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes these characters.
One of my favorite aspects was the endless tales woven throughout the story and how everything connected in unexpected ways. Every new revelation added another layer to the mystery, making it impossible to put down. And that ending? Absolutely shocking. I never saw it coming, and I’m still thinking about it.
The world-building and storytelling were incredible, and the surprises just kept coming. I also loved the little bit of romance sprinkled throughout the book. It was enough to make me completely invested in the relationship and wishing there had been even more of it.
Amber Chen has once again delivered a captivating young adult fantasy filled with magic, secrets, and unforgettable twists. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes these characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
There's something about Asian fantasy, that will always have a special place in my heart, no matter what. I don't think I can explain it, even if I wanted to, so I'm not even going to try... you should simply read some of those books yourself (and don't forget about the shows) to know if they're for you or not.
That saying... while I enjoyed this one, I also had some problems to properly bite into it. I'm not fully sure why, because I really liked the plot, the characters were alright and I can say the same about the pacing, but for the love of me I couldn't get hold of the names and kept getting confused on who is who (aside from the main character).
The ending was a bit predictable, especially with the hints being thrown at us at some point in the story, but I still had fun and I'm curious to see how it will all be resolved in the second book.
There's something about Asian fantasy, that will always have a special place in my heart, no matter what. I don't think I can explain it, even if I wanted to, so I'm not even going to try... you should simply read some of those books yourself (and don't forget about the shows) to know if they're for you or not.
That saying... while I enjoyed this one, I also had some problems to properly bite into it. I'm not fully sure why, because I really liked the plot, the characters were alright and I can say the same about the pacing, but for the love of me I couldn't get hold of the names and kept getting confused on who is who (aside from the main character).
The ending was a bit predictable, especially with the hints being thrown at us at some point in the story, but I still had fun and I'm curious to see how it will all be resolved in the second book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Auction of Souls by Amber Chen follows Lingxi, who is an auctioneer in Mengshu. She lives with her grandmother (called Popo) and a crow called Lin Shu who was actually a merchant cursed to become a crow. Then one day, one man comes to Popo with an talisman that has souls in it.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭:
- This was my first ever ARC which was inspired by Chinese culture. A very refreshing and interesting book. I liked reading about Chinese culture and the symbolism of everything.
- The book cover was oh so pretty. Reminded me of peacock feathers in some way.
- I liked the writing and the part where Mengshu was bordering hell.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓭:
- I don't want to sound racist in any way, but the names were oh so tough to remember. That's a me problem and probably because I am not well-versed with Chinese names.
The FMC sounded quote childish for someone who was 17 years old. I wanted her shut up in times where silence was needed.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭:
- This was my first ever ARC which was inspired by Chinese culture. A very refreshing and interesting book. I liked reading about Chinese culture and the symbolism of everything.
- The book cover was oh so pretty. Reminded me of peacock feathers in some way.
- I liked the writing and the part where Mengshu was bordering hell.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓭:
- I don't want to sound racist in any way, but the names were oh so tough to remember. That's a me problem and probably because I am not well-versed with Chinese names.
The FMC sounded quote childish for someone who was 17 years old. I wanted her shut up in times where silence was needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this book early.
What a ride it was to read An Auction of Souls!
Just as described this book takes the reader on a lush and vibrant exploration of the heavenly and helliah landscapes of three of the depicted realms in Chinese mythology. Filled with a vibrant cast of characters. It gives the reader an opportunity ity to see the progression and character development of a heroine, while sprinkling in just enough romance to give hope to readers that might be interested beyond the depictions of the world.
At each hurdle our FMC comes across with her party, we are presented with a different take on how to overcome obstacles. Making it a great choice for younger and older audiences alike.
Overall, this book was quite vibrant, and I cannot wait to see what comes out in book two!
What a ride it was to read An Auction of Souls!
Just as described this book takes the reader on a lush and vibrant exploration of the heavenly and helliah landscapes of three of the depicted realms in Chinese mythology. Filled with a vibrant cast of characters. It gives the reader an opportunity ity to see the progression and character development of a heroine, while sprinkling in just enough romance to give hope to readers that might be interested beyond the depictions of the world.
At each hurdle our FMC comes across with her party, we are presented with a different take on how to overcome obstacles. Making it a great choice for younger and older audiences alike.
Overall, this book was quite vibrant, and I cannot wait to see what comes out in book two!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!
Okay, I see the Chinese drama likeness and absolutely loved it! Lingxi’s journey of chasing down her grandmother and a lost soul with two guardians from hell felt like an entire drama that needs a second season because that cliffhanger (not really one but it feels that way from the emotions of Yang Jun to me), I need to know what happens next.
It does lull a little in the middle of the story during the traveling and periods between trials, but it feels like the story lets the reader breathe for a bit before throwing you back into the action or the drama and mystery.
Overall, a great book and excited for its release and the second book!
Okay, I see the Chinese drama likeness and absolutely loved it! Lingxi’s journey of chasing down her grandmother and a lost soul with two guardians from hell felt like an entire drama that needs a second season because that cliffhanger (not really one but it feels that way from the emotions of Yang Jun to me), I need to know what happens next.
It does lull a little in the middle of the story during the traveling and periods between trials, but it feels like the story lets the reader breathe for a bit before throwing you back into the action or the drama and mystery.
Overall, a great book and excited for its release and the second book!
July 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.
I have not read a lot of Chinese historical fantasy dramas and I’m new to the xianxia genre, so I may have missed some elements that Chen weaved into the story. Lingxi was a frustrating character at times, and like the story, took time to develop. The story of her missing grandmother and the journey to find her did help to gain an understanding of how this world worked and introduced places that were interesting to spend time in.
I think the sequel will be easier to get into now that the world building is established from book one. I think readers interested in Chinese fantasy will really like this one.
I have not read a lot of Chinese historical fantasy dramas and I’m new to the xianxia genre, so I may have missed some elements that Chen weaved into the story. Lingxi was a frustrating character at times, and like the story, took time to develop. The story of her missing grandmother and the journey to find her did help to gain an understanding of how this world worked and introduced places that were interesting to spend time in.
I think the sequel will be easier to get into now that the world building is established from book one. I think readers interested in Chinese fantasy will really like this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC!
This is my first book by Amber Chen and it did not disappoint! The world building was incredibly vivid and atmospheric and the calls to Chinese folklore were easy to understand but so intriguing! The plot was well paced with so many Easter eggs that I didn't understand until much nearer the end. The characters were lovable with really solid development through the story. The journey was so fun to follow while also being tense and keeping me wanting to find out what was next. The romantic element was perfect! This is my first xianxia fantasy and I will absolutely be picking up more!
I adored this book and will be on the lookout for the next one!
This is my first book by Amber Chen and it did not disappoint! The world building was incredibly vivid and atmospheric and the calls to Chinese folklore were easy to understand but so intriguing! The plot was well paced with so many Easter eggs that I didn't understand until much nearer the end. The characters were lovable with really solid development through the story. The journey was so fun to follow while also being tense and keeping me wanting to find out what was next. The romantic element was perfect! This is my first xianxia fantasy and I will absolutely be picking up more!
I adored this book and will be on the lookout for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An Action of Souls was an enthralling YA Chinese xianxia fantasy read! The prose was stellar, with a fast-paced immersive plot. I loved the world-building, twists, mythology, and all the likable cast of characters. The subtle romance was also cute!
Overall, this is a wonderful start to a duology, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Overall, this is a wonderful start to a duology, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amber Chen has such a knack for creating such distinctive voices in fantasy and it is as clear as ever here. Such a wonderfully grounded main character in such an expansive world created a spectacular book. I adored it.
Read
July 30, 2025Got to beta read this early and y’all its so good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The way Amber conjures up an entire Chinese drama in my head with just words is nothing short of amazing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 out of 5 stars
Chef's kiss!! I can already see this as a cdrama and I have a cast in mind...
RTC.
Chef's kiss!! I can already see this as a cdrama and I have a cast in mind...
RTC.
Want to Read
May 18, 2026Won and received a copy through a Goodreads Giveaway.
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