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Destiny's Edge
The most powerful warlord in the steppe sends a convoy consisting of his ten best men and his fourth wife, Chi, to escort his newest bride home—an easy journey. At least, it was supposed to be.
Since losing her family and her right eye to cursed fire, Chi has been adrift, struggling to find her place within the Champion’s household. Unable to bear children due to her family’s blood curse, she has spent most of her married years training the Champion’s sons in the sword techniques she inherited from her father. When an undead monster attacks the bride’s party, killing all ten of the Champion’s men, Chi’s sword skills barely keep her alive, leaving her as the last line of defense for the young bride, Sangya.
After a lifetime cloistered in a remote temple, Sangya is maddeningly inquisitive about everything around her, including Chi. While Chi scrambles to guide the chirpy nun through the wilderness, Sangya slowly pries her way through the walls Chi has built around her soul and wakes something forbidden.
With enemies closing in, Chi realizes that the thing she wants most from life might be the one thing she can’t have. And in the dark of foreign woods, she decides that the best thing she can do for the world is die protecting the Champion’s bride. Better that than face a desire so dangerous.
Since losing her family and her right eye to cursed fire, Chi has been adrift, struggling to find her place within the Champion’s household. Unable to bear children due to her family’s blood curse, she has spent most of her married years training the Champion’s sons in the sword techniques she inherited from her father. When an undead monster attacks the bride’s party, killing all ten of the Champion’s men, Chi’s sword skills barely keep her alive, leaving her as the last line of defense for the young bride, Sangya.
After a lifetime cloistered in a remote temple, Sangya is maddeningly inquisitive about everything around her, including Chi. While Chi scrambles to guide the chirpy nun through the wilderness, Sangya slowly pries her way through the walls Chi has built around her soul and wakes something forbidden.
With enemies closing in, Chi realizes that the thing she wants most from life might be the one thing she can’t have. And in the dark of foreign woods, she decides that the best thing she can do for the world is die protecting the Champion’s bride. Better that than face a desire so dangerous.
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
M.L. Wang
9 books11.1k followersHi, I'm M. L. Wang, writer of sci-fi & fantasy, winner of Mark Lawrence's 5th Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off (SPFBO).
I'm rarely on Goodreads, so if you need to get in touch, please see the contact page of my website: https://mlwangbooks.com/contact/
I'm rarely on Goodreads, so if you need to get in touch, please see the contact page of my website: https://mlwangbooks.com/contact/
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Want to Read
June 10, 2026 ⌗ ── ⚔️🐈⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
woke up with a free copy of this book and hello????? MOTHER IS SO BACK, OMG, I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT ASAP!
woke up with a free copy of this book and hello????? MOTHER IS SO BACK, OMG, I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT ASAP!
June 10, 2026
a well-acclaimed author releasing a free book for pride month is one of the sweetest things ever :)
nothing special but, found it enjoyable for what it is. very fast-paced and i was always immersed. i wouldn’t say the characters are anything special but, they had occasional moments where they stood out. some of the side characters were a bit interesting and since the author said she would focus more on this world in upcoming books, i’m expecting that they will play a bigger role! though i prefer slow-burn romances, the one in this wasn’t bad. i wouldn’t say it’s anything to write home about but, it could be charming. i was unimpressed with the actual worldbuilding and wished the author fleshed it out more. the plot was also simplistic and tied together too neatly at the end - i think that since this is a free book and the prelude to other books, the author wrote this more laxly, which does make sense, but detracted from my enjoyment and made me unable to take this very seriously.
nothing special but, found it enjoyable for what it is. very fast-paced and i was always immersed. i wouldn’t say the characters are anything special but, they had occasional moments where they stood out. some of the side characters were a bit interesting and since the author said she would focus more on this world in upcoming books, i’m expecting that they will play a bigger role! though i prefer slow-burn romances, the one in this wasn’t bad. i wouldn’t say it’s anything to write home about but, it could be charming. i was unimpressed with the actual worldbuilding and wished the author fleshed it out more. the plot was also simplistic and tied together too neatly at the end - i think that since this is a free book and the prelude to other books, the author wrote this more laxly, which does make sense, but detracted from my enjoyment and made me unable to take this very seriously.
"you are the point, chi, do you not understand?”
chi just shook her head, utterly lost.
“you are everything i dreamed of in the temple when i dreamed of freedom."
Want to Read
June 10, 2026♡ subscribe to the author's newsletter to read this for free!
June 9, 2026
3.5 stars
The biggest surprise of 2026 was a free digital review copy of “Destiny’s Edge” by M. L. Wang, a copy she gifted to all her newsletter subscribers for Pride month.
A stand-alone blend of Martial Arts Adventure and Sapphic Fantasy that will become a prequel to a planed Progression Fantasy.
I devoured this novel. It was so accessible and so enjoyable to read.
It is important to go into this new M. L. Wang work with the right expectations in the sense that it is not as complex or absolutely devastating as her previous acclaimed , “The Sword of Kaigen” or “Blood Over Bright Haven”.
It is an adventurous novel with both a classic Fantasy feel and some modern elements. It does have some of the author’s signature character development, but much more accessible, something that could be recommended to newcomers into the Fantasy genre, without overwhelming them, or to readers that want a more straight-forward story.
From the author’s information so far she wished to separate this romantic arc from her upcoming Progression Fantasy in the same world as to avoid it interfering with that narrative. Also more details will be added to the final version of this novel.
While I am not fond of Romance in general, everything else in “Destiny’s Edge” was so engaging and I can’t wait for its final version and anything M. L. Wang will come up with.
The biggest surprise of 2026 was a free digital review copy of “Destiny’s Edge” by M. L. Wang, a copy she gifted to all her newsletter subscribers for Pride month.
A stand-alone blend of Martial Arts Adventure and Sapphic Fantasy that will become a prequel to a planed Progression Fantasy.
I devoured this novel. It was so accessible and so enjoyable to read.
It is important to go into this new M. L. Wang work with the right expectations in the sense that it is not as complex or absolutely devastating as her previous acclaimed , “The Sword of Kaigen” or “Blood Over Bright Haven”.
It is an adventurous novel with both a classic Fantasy feel and some modern elements. It does have some of the author’s signature character development, but much more accessible, something that could be recommended to newcomers into the Fantasy genre, without overwhelming them, or to readers that want a more straight-forward story.
From the author’s information so far she wished to separate this romantic arc from her upcoming Progression Fantasy in the same world as to avoid it interfering with that narrative. Also more details will be added to the final version of this novel.
While I am not fond of Romance in general, everything else in “Destiny’s Edge” was so engaging and I can’t wait for its final version and anything M. L. Wang will come up with.
Want to Read
June 9, 2026Did not expect a free M.L. Wang book in my inbox this morning but I'm not complaining!!
June 14, 2026
Know that this is a free ebook released via newsletter & acts as a prequel to a duology we don’t have yet. Meaning it treats the world a bit like we should already understand it more, as prequels usually count on series knowledge. All that said, I loved it. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
PLOT
Chi is 1 of the wives to the most powerful man on the steppe. & he has sent her to help retrieve his next wife the prophecies claim will have the heir that saves the world. But when she meets the nun-turned-wife-to-be & they begin their journey, things go wrong/awry & fast.
- sapphic romantic fantasy standalone/prequel
- no spice
- unique politics & powers at play
- bodyguard trope
- fun banter
PROS
- Chi & Sangya’s dynamic made me giggle from the start. They are both so different & their interactions were literally so fun. Their romantic development was so very fun. I genuinely loved both characters.
- I want the world for Chi. Sangya is an icon. I love them both separately & together.
- I know the world building isn’t as vast as it will be, but this is a fascinating world.
- Ataal (the powerful man) was a breath of fresh air & I really just loved him.
- The dynamic of the existing wives is also very interesting.
- ML Wang’s writing as always is stellar.
- I can guess what the conflict of the upcoming duology will be & this made me VERY excited for that.
- I just enjoyed every page of this.
CONS
- Honestly, none. One could argue the world building isn’t as developed to start but I got there in the end. I think if this were a traditionally published book vs. newsletter drop I might have some critiques but for what it was I loved every page.
So happy this dropped. I loved it.
PLOT
Chi is 1 of the wives to the most powerful man on the steppe. & he has sent her to help retrieve his next wife the prophecies claim will have the heir that saves the world. But when she meets the nun-turned-wife-to-be & they begin their journey, things go wrong/awry & fast.
- sapphic romantic fantasy standalone/prequel
- no spice
- unique politics & powers at play
- bodyguard trope
- fun banter
PROS
- Chi & Sangya’s dynamic made me giggle from the start. They are both so different & their interactions were literally so fun. Their romantic development was so very fun. I genuinely loved both characters.
- I want the world for Chi. Sangya is an icon. I love them both separately & together.
- I know the world building isn’t as vast as it will be, but this is a fascinating world.
- Ataal (the powerful man) was a breath of fresh air & I really just loved him.
- The dynamic of the existing wives is also very interesting.
- ML Wang’s writing as always is stellar.
- I can guess what the conflict of the upcoming duology will be & this made me VERY excited for that.
- I just enjoyed every page of this.
CONS
- Honestly, none. One could argue the world building isn’t as developed to start but I got there in the end. I think if this were a traditionally published book vs. newsletter drop I might have some critiques but for what it was I loved every page.
So happy this dropped. I loved it.
July 6, 2026
ML Wang you are such a cutie patootie for releasing this book. You don’t call, you don’t text but ya, you’ll release a sapphic martial arts fantasy for FREE on your newsletter during Pride.
Chi, a bitch with a backstory if a I’ve ever seen one, escorts her husband’s new (and deeply prophesied) wife to his household through the woods. Many difficulties (see green glowing animated corpses) arise on the journey. Romance is also at the edge of the clearing, valiantly waving a fist in the air.
I think this book set the stage for something I’m going to really really like, but this first book (a prequel so I hear) didn’t totally do it for me. As a romance reader I wasn’t particularly moved by the romance in this. It’s very cute! But nothing memorable for me. As a fantasy reader though, I’m locked tf in for what’s to come. The few action sequences we got? Yum. The lil gem moment we got there at the end? COLOR ME INTRIGUED.
It should be mentioned that while Chi is a bad ass I need her to get some confidence asap. I have such a low tolerance for insecure characters sometimes I’m SORRY. Trust I get why she is the way she is (also im not talking abt the eye im talking abt how the value she places on her own life and her role in the world). I need the REVENGE ARC and the character development that will come along in parallel (hopefully) as she comes further into her strength and relationships. I trust ML Wang to deliver… something great if not that exactly… for she does love to keep us on our toes. Sangya is already on it though.
“That’s not the point. You are the point, Chi, do you not understand?”
:3
I’ll also say Wang managed to get me super invested in the multiple wives situation in the Champion’s household. Like I love them? I’m ready to be devastated by them? Kyrin I like you!!
3.5/ 3.75? might as well round up because it’s ML Wang
Chi, a bitch with a backstory if a I’ve ever seen one, escorts her husband’s new (and deeply prophesied) wife to his household through the woods. Many difficulties (see green glowing animated corpses) arise on the journey. Romance is also at the edge of the clearing, valiantly waving a fist in the air.
I think this book set the stage for something I’m going to really really like, but this first book (a prequel so I hear) didn’t totally do it for me. As a romance reader I wasn’t particularly moved by the romance in this. It’s very cute! But nothing memorable for me. As a fantasy reader though, I’m locked tf in for what’s to come. The few action sequences we got? Yum. The lil gem moment we got there at the end? COLOR ME INTRIGUED.
It should be mentioned that while Chi is a bad ass I need her to get some confidence asap. I have such a low tolerance for insecure characters sometimes I’m SORRY. Trust I get why she is the way she is (also im not talking abt the eye im talking abt how the value she places on her own life and her role in the world). I need the REVENGE ARC and the character development that will come along in parallel (hopefully) as she comes further into her strength and relationships. I trust ML Wang to deliver… something great if not that exactly… for she does love to keep us on our toes. Sangya is already on it though.
“That’s not the point. You are the point, Chi, do you not understand?”
:3
I’ll also say Wang managed to get me super invested in the multiple wives situation in the Champion’s household. Like I love them? I’m ready to be devastated by them? Kyrin I like you!!
3.5/ 3.75? might as well round up because it’s ML Wang
June 18, 2026
i cannot wait for m. l. wangs duology in this world OMGGG
July 1, 2026
3.5/5
ml wang definitely has a penchant for writing about strong women trapped in patriarchal, misogynistic worlds trying to claw their way to power/dignity despite all the odds - and i'm sat for it every time. destiny's edge is more about the very beginnings of a woman starting to pull her mind out of the cage it's been locked in.
i liked chi's character and backstory; her actions and thoughts made sense, even if they frustrated me at times. sangya felt more like a typical quirky love interest character, but i thought their budding romance was cute. i also liked that ataal was not the typical warlord and genuinely wanted good for the women in his life, since that was the only way for chi and sangya to have a semblance of happiness (i still kinda wanted them to run off in the sunset together) (i was also kinda waiting for the ball to drop with ataal but i guess he's a nice guy??).
the worldbuilding, plot, and characters as a whole, however, are lacking, but i didn't mind too much since this is only a precursor to the author's upcoming duology. in that sense, i'm excited for the story to come and i can't wait to see the world and magic system get more fleshed out. i love the concept of gem-based magic and we only got a small taste of it in this book. i also liked what little we saw of ataal's family so hopefully we'll see all of this expand in the future books.
ml wang definitely has a penchant for writing about strong women trapped in patriarchal, misogynistic worlds trying to claw their way to power/dignity despite all the odds - and i'm sat for it every time. destiny's edge is more about the very beginnings of a woman starting to pull her mind out of the cage it's been locked in.
i liked chi's character and backstory; her actions and thoughts made sense, even if they frustrated me at times. sangya felt more like a typical quirky love interest character, but i thought their budding romance was cute. i also liked that ataal was not the typical warlord and genuinely wanted good for the women in his life, since that was the only way for chi and sangya to have a semblance of happiness (i still kinda wanted them to run off in the sunset together) (i was also kinda waiting for the ball to drop with ataal but i guess he's a nice guy??).
the worldbuilding, plot, and characters as a whole, however, are lacking, but i didn't mind too much since this is only a precursor to the author's upcoming duology. in that sense, i'm excited for the story to come and i can't wait to see the world and magic system get more fleshed out. i love the concept of gem-based magic and we only got a small taste of it in this book. i also liked what little we saw of ataal's family so hopefully we'll see all of this expand in the future books.
June 22, 2026
I mean this in the nicest way possible: I could tell this was a prequel.
Things happen in this novel but I felt like I was waiting for the real plot to start the whole time. When the next book is released, I’ll be picking it up immediately because I’m so curious about what is going to happen to Chi and the direction the plot will take with this prophecy/supposed Chosen One to be.
3.75 stars.
Things happen in this novel but I felt like I was waiting for the real plot to start the whole time. When the next book is released, I’ll be picking it up immediately because I’m so curious about what is going to happen to Chi and the direction the plot will take with this prophecy/supposed Chosen One to be.
3.75 stars.
September 13, 2026
oh, im so excited for the upcoming duology. the magic system is based on gem power and m.l. wang does a great job with world building as per usual. in terms of the romance, i thought it was sweet but i think i enjoyed the found family-esque scenes more.
June 12, 2026
She did it again.
Not the devastation (yet?) that we were left with in Sword of Kaigen or Blood Over Bright Haven but Wang has left a lot of room for it!
I was immediately pulled into the world and invested in the characters. The tension is TIGHT and I cannot wait for Chi to be freed from her chains!!
Not the devastation (yet?) that we were left with in Sword of Kaigen or Blood Over Bright Haven but Wang has left a lot of room for it!
I was immediately pulled into the world and invested in the characters. The tension is TIGHT and I cannot wait for Chi to be freed from her chains!!
June 15, 2026
4⭐️ cute romantic dynamic, traumatizing first chapter as always and worldbuilding crumbs intriguing enough to make me incredibly impatient to see where Wang is taking this world next.
Tropes/themes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- traumatized female warrior fmc
- prophecies to be fulfilled
- mysterious enemy / political interworkings
- human-enhancing gems
This is definitely a prequel novella that FEELS like it - having no context of the future duology (or standalone?) that ML Wang is building off of this world, there are definitely elements to the plot or worldbuilding that feel very incomplete by the time you finish, while the romantic culmination is complete.
But I really enjoyed the glimpses we did get! The enhancing gems gave me biggg Jade City magic system vibes (with a nod to Steven Universe lololol) and I just wanna learn so much more about it and how it exactly works.
I feel like M.L. Wang had a lot of fun writing this because while there is a darker mystery and our FMC is continuing to work through her brutal trauma, there are a lot of little lighthearted moments in here that I found myself giggling at. Because of this, the novella feels slightly “less mature” than BOBH or SoK but please dont go into this book with any comparison expectations because it just doesn’t have the space the other two books have.
The second half of the book went in a direction I didn’t entirely expect, as we got to know more of the interworkings of Chi’s household and cowives. The contrasting of this very traditional seeming “lords and ladies” world and how Chi’s gemlord just seems to be this placating tired older guy was a LITTLE jarring, I found some of the character interactions to just be humerous tbh. I think the pacing of the middle of this novella just slowed a little bit for me too, like once we shifted from teasing this mysterious enemy into how we were going to tie up the romance aspect, I found myself slightly less interested BC I REALLY DO WANNA KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD.
The main characters themselves felt slightly one dimensional, but this is sometimes the nature of romance based novellas. Chi was driven constantly by her former trauma and how this new mystery may be recreating her past, and homegirl is convinced she’s as worthless as a speck of dust because of it for some reason. Sangya is essentially the equivilant of every naughty girl from Catholic School ever, needing to fuel her urge for freedom and passion. I can’t say I know too much about them beyond this.
I’m confused of the direction of this series because the pre-authors note says this is a prequel to a duology and then the ending note says that more of these characters stories will be found in another future upcoming book. Is this book part of said duology? Will it be another standalone? I do hope to see more of Chi and Sangya though. Idc as much about the other wives, particularly Kyrin because she just felt so unrealistic and kinda annoying.
Regardless, I’ll continue reading everything M.L. Wang writes! I’m glad I read this, but I can see myself eventually wishing I waited for a version to come that will maybe more easily bridge the gap between this story and the future of this world.
Tropes/themes:
- grumpy x sunshine
- traumatized female warrior fmc
- prophecies to be fulfilled
- mysterious enemy / political interworkings
- human-enhancing gems
This is definitely a prequel novella that FEELS like it - having no context of the future duology (or standalone?) that ML Wang is building off of this world, there are definitely elements to the plot or worldbuilding that feel very incomplete by the time you finish, while the romantic culmination is complete.
But I really enjoyed the glimpses we did get! The enhancing gems gave me biggg Jade City magic system vibes (with a nod to Steven Universe lololol) and I just wanna learn so much more about it and how it exactly works.
I feel like M.L. Wang had a lot of fun writing this because while there is a darker mystery and our FMC is continuing to work through her brutal trauma, there are a lot of little lighthearted moments in here that I found myself giggling at. Because of this, the novella feels slightly “less mature” than BOBH or SoK but please dont go into this book with any comparison expectations because it just doesn’t have the space the other two books have.
The second half of the book went in a direction I didn’t entirely expect, as we got to know more of the interworkings of Chi’s household and cowives. The contrasting of this very traditional seeming “lords and ladies” world and how Chi’s gemlord just seems to be this placating tired older guy was a LITTLE jarring, I found some of the character interactions to just be humerous tbh. I think the pacing of the middle of this novella just slowed a little bit for me too, like once we shifted from teasing this mysterious enemy into how we were going to tie up the romance aspect, I found myself slightly less interested BC I REALLY DO WANNA KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD.
The main characters themselves felt slightly one dimensional, but this is sometimes the nature of romance based novellas. Chi was driven constantly by her former trauma and how this new mystery may be recreating her past, and homegirl is convinced she’s as worthless as a speck of dust because of it for some reason. Sangya is essentially the equivilant of every naughty girl from Catholic School ever, needing to fuel her urge for freedom and passion. I can’t say I know too much about them beyond this.
I’m confused of the direction of this series because the pre-authors note says this is a prequel to a duology and then the ending note says that more of these characters stories will be found in another future upcoming book. Is this book part of said duology? Will it be another standalone? I do hope to see more of Chi and Sangya though. Idc as much about the other wives, particularly Kyrin because she just felt so unrealistic and kinda annoying.
Regardless, I’ll continue reading everything M.L. Wang writes! I’m glad I read this, but I can see myself eventually wishing I waited for a version to come that will maybe more easily bridge the gap between this story and the future of this world.
Read
June 30, 2026finished: 06/30/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
i don't even care that this had flaws because sangya and chi are absolutely everything to me. you can always count on m.l. wang to write the most compelling fantasy worlds. i cannot wait to revisit this universe in the future!!
i don't even care that this had flaws because sangya and chi are absolutely everything to me. you can always count on m.l. wang to write the most compelling fantasy worlds. i cannot wait to revisit this universe in the future!!
June 17, 2026
4.5 stars
WE ARE SO BACK!
No one was more gagged than I was when MOTHER M.L. Wang surprise-dropped a new book. Not only is it unlike anything she has ever written before, it’s also a sapphic romance and military fantasy, perfect for Pride Month. The gays stay winning!
There’s a reason why M.L. Wang is one of my favorite authors of all time. The way she’s able to effortlessly provide us with complex stories that tackle gender roles, grief, and societal expectations needs to be studied. The plot was so interesting: our main character is tasked with bringing her husband’s newest bride home when disaster strikes. Through this journey, we get great character development from Chi and Sangya. You get to see them evolve from strangers to close confidants and lovers in a way that felt flawless and natural, which was especially impressive considering this book was under 300 pages.
Chi was an amazing main character who, in a lot of ways, reminds me of Rin from The Poppy War. You have this young person who is so full of anger, they don’t have a healthy outlet for their pain, and don’t know what their purpose is in life. I’m sure we’ve all felt that way at some point.
The magic system was so unique, and I really liked how it connected to both the culture of the people and the plot. It wasn’t there just for the sake of being there; it served a purpose.
It felt like one plot arc was missing from the overall narrative. We had a beginning, a partial middle, and an end. If we had a little more story in the middle, I think it would have fleshed out the overall story even more.
The world was rich in lore and history. We learned SO much information, and I was absorbing it all like a sponge. How this kingdom is segmented, how it’s run, and the line of succession all played an integral role in the plot and where the story is going to go in the future. M.L. Wang has already said that this is a prequel to a planned duology. GET HYPE!
M.L. Wang is back, and it’s like she never left.
WE ARE SO BACK!
No one was more gagged than I was when MOTHER M.L. Wang surprise-dropped a new book. Not only is it unlike anything she has ever written before, it’s also a sapphic romance and military fantasy, perfect for Pride Month. The gays stay winning!
There’s a reason why M.L. Wang is one of my favorite authors of all time. The way she’s able to effortlessly provide us with complex stories that tackle gender roles, grief, and societal expectations needs to be studied. The plot was so interesting: our main character is tasked with bringing her husband’s newest bride home when disaster strikes. Through this journey, we get great character development from Chi and Sangya. You get to see them evolve from strangers to close confidants and lovers in a way that felt flawless and natural, which was especially impressive considering this book was under 300 pages.
Chi was an amazing main character who, in a lot of ways, reminds me of Rin from The Poppy War. You have this young person who is so full of anger, they don’t have a healthy outlet for their pain, and don’t know what their purpose is in life. I’m sure we’ve all felt that way at some point.
The magic system was so unique, and I really liked how it connected to both the culture of the people and the plot. It wasn’t there just for the sake of being there; it served a purpose.
It felt like one plot arc was missing from the overall narrative. We had a beginning, a partial middle, and an end. If we had a little more story in the middle, I think it would have fleshed out the overall story even more.
The world was rich in lore and history. We learned SO much information, and I was absorbing it all like a sponge. How this kingdom is segmented, how it’s run, and the line of succession all played an integral role in the plot and where the story is going to go in the future. M.L. Wang has already said that this is a prequel to a planned duology. GET HYPE!
M.L. Wang is back, and it’s like she never left.
June 10, 2026
Going into this knowing that this is a prequel for an upcoming duology is imperative to your reception of the story because, while this is a complete story, the world building leaves so many things unanswered and unfinished. I am looking forward to reading more from this world and this family.
Expect:
- sapphic story
- forbidden romance
- “knight” x “princess” vibes
- “grumpy” x “sunshine” vibes
- sister wives vibes (their dynamic is incredible and I really can’t wait to get more from them)
- The coolest chillest man to ever exist lol. He’s really amazing.
Chi is one of The Champion’s four brides (bride by name only - he has more of a protector role for her which makes sense in the context of the story). She goes along with the party to escort the king’s fifth and final bride back to their home. This bride is the “Fated Bride” who seers prophesied will bear him a powerful heir. Along the way a mysterious evil force destroys the party so Chi must protect her as they navigate their way back home.
I was so excited that we got a surprise drop of this for free on ML Wang’s newsletter. SO cool. I will be tuning in for more.
Expect:
- sapphic story
- forbidden romance
- “knight” x “princess” vibes
- “grumpy” x “sunshine” vibes
- sister wives vibes (their dynamic is incredible and I really can’t wait to get more from them)
- The coolest chillest man to ever exist lol. He’s really amazing.
Chi is one of The Champion’s four brides (bride by name only - he has more of a protector role for her which makes sense in the context of the story). She goes along with the party to escort the king’s fifth and final bride back to their home. This bride is the “Fated Bride” who seers prophesied will bear him a powerful heir. Along the way a mysterious evil force destroys the party so Chi must protect her as they navigate their way back home.
I was so excited that we got a surprise drop of this for free on ML Wang’s newsletter. SO cool. I will be tuning in for more.
July 10, 2026
Awww the romance was so tender.
It wasn’t a love story about grand declarations but more about someone finally seeing another person as worthy of being loved💕
The world, the politics, and the lore all felt like they were just beginning to unfold when the story ended.
Which as a prequel makes sense.
But it got me excited for the upcoming duology in this world!
Thank you M L Wang for gifting us readers with this free book🥹
It wasn’t a love story about grand declarations but more about someone finally seeing another person as worthy of being loved💕
The world, the politics, and the lore all felt like they were just beginning to unfold when the story ended.
Which as a prequel makes sense.
But it got me excited for the upcoming duology in this world!
Thank you M L Wang for gifting us readers with this free book🥹
June 14, 2026
I’m so thrilled that this is a PREQUEL to a bigger series! There’s so much about the magic, world, and politics that I can’t wait to find out more.
Even though this is a short book, it packs a punch. I loved Chi’s journey of finding self worth after the horrible trauma she goes through. She reminded me a lot of Misaki from The Sword of Kaigen—I love a bad ass fighter woman who can hold her own. But I loved that Chi needed a lot of support from Sangya and that they could be their true selves with each other.
This book has the classic M.L. Wang themes of feminism, finding purpose, and sacrificing for those you love. I really enjoy how she weaves these themes in with such unique characters in each book.
I can’t give it a full five stars because it feels incomplete being a prequel. But I am so excited for Wang’s new duology. She can do no wrong.
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4
Setting: 4
Plot: 4
Themes: 5
Emotional: 4
Enjoyment: 5
Overall: 4.25⭐️
Shoutout to Susie for buddy reading this with me!
Even though this is a short book, it packs a punch. I loved Chi’s journey of finding self worth after the horrible trauma she goes through. She reminded me a lot of Misaki from The Sword of Kaigen—I love a bad ass fighter woman who can hold her own. But I loved that Chi needed a lot of support from Sangya and that they could be their true selves with each other.
This book has the classic M.L. Wang themes of feminism, finding purpose, and sacrificing for those you love. I really enjoy how she weaves these themes in with such unique characters in each book.
I can’t give it a full five stars because it feels incomplete being a prequel. But I am so excited for Wang’s new duology. She can do no wrong.
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 4
Setting: 4
Plot: 4
Themes: 5
Emotional: 4
Enjoyment: 5
Overall: 4.25⭐️
Shoutout to Susie for buddy reading this with me!
Want to Read
June 9, 2026kinda the greatest email in the history of humankind. happy pride to me specifically!!!
June 16, 2026
Gemstone warriors? A badass, one-eyed FMC? A sapphic tale of yearning? This had the set up to really blow me away... ⚔️Mild spoilers below. ⚔️
I felt like the usual character building that M.L. Wang is known for is sorely missing. I liked the battle of territories we are introduced to.The gemstones and green villain magic was so cool and not explored... I really want to know Ataal's history. His rise to power and warrior background felt glazed over. Both Chi and Sangya felt incredibly young. The chemistry was sweet, I guess, but the romance was just..ok?
I know this is a set up or a prequel to the main series, and I'm glad to get some new writing from M.L.Wang, I truly hope there's more meat in both the world and characters. There was too much writing wasted on Sangya getting up on a horse tbh🫠.
It pains me to rate this 3⭐'s as both Sword of Kaigen and Blood Over Brighthaven are in my top 5 books of all time... Were my expectations too high? I just felt the execution was off.
I felt like the usual character building that M.L. Wang is known for is sorely missing. I liked the battle of territories we are introduced to.The gemstones and green villain magic was so cool and not explored... I really want to know Ataal's history. His rise to power and warrior background felt glazed over. Both Chi and Sangya felt incredibly young. The chemistry was sweet, I guess, but the romance was just..ok?
I know this is a set up or a prequel to the main series, and I'm glad to get some new writing from M.L.Wang, I truly hope there's more meat in both the world and characters. There was too much writing wasted on Sangya getting up on a horse tbh🫠.
It pains me to rate this 3⭐'s as both Sword of Kaigen and Blood Over Brighthaven are in my top 5 books of all time... Were my expectations too high? I just felt the execution was off.
June 18, 2026
This book is a prequel novella to M.L. Wang’s upcoming fantasy duology, so I went into it expecting that not every mystery would be resolved and that some threads would clearly be setting up larger stories to come. With that expectation in mind, I had a wonderful time with it.
What I loved most was Chi. M.L. Wang excels at writing women burdened by duty, grief, and family responsibilities, and Chi was no exception. Her life has been shaped by sacrifice and obligation, and I found her story deeply moving. The themes of duty and loyalty are explored with the same emotional depth that made me love Wang’s previous work.
The relationship at the heart of the story is tender and compelling, and I really enjoyed following Chi and Sangya’s journey together. The blend of martial arts, supernatural elements, and quiet character moments worked beautifully, and Wang’s prose once again made it easy to become emotionally invested in these characters.
My only reason for not rating it higher is that, as a prequel, it naturally leaves several questions unanswered and some aspects of the world and larger plot feel more like a promise of things to come than a fully complete story. That wasn’t unexpected, but it did leave me wanting a bit more.
What I loved most was Chi. M.L. Wang excels at writing women burdened by duty, grief, and family responsibilities, and Chi was no exception. Her life has been shaped by sacrifice and obligation, and I found her story deeply moving. The themes of duty and loyalty are explored with the same emotional depth that made me love Wang’s previous work.
The relationship at the heart of the story is tender and compelling, and I really enjoyed following Chi and Sangya’s journey together. The blend of martial arts, supernatural elements, and quiet character moments worked beautifully, and Wang’s prose once again made it easy to become emotionally invested in these characters.
My only reason for not rating it higher is that, as a prequel, it naturally leaves several questions unanswered and some aspects of the world and larger plot feel more like a promise of things to come than a fully complete story. That wasn’t unexpected, but it did leave me wanting a bit more.
July 4, 2026
25/10/26
Three bonus chapters? Yay let's go!
04/07/26
A Sapphic martial arts fantasy?!
My first M.L. Wang book and I already look forward to the fantasy duology that will follow this prequel. I need more of this world.
Three bonus chapters? Yay let's go!
04/07/26
A Sapphic martial arts fantasy?!
My first M.L. Wang book and I already look forward to the fantasy duology that will follow this prequel. I need more of this world.
June 24, 2026
It seems Christmas was in June this year, because we got a surprise new M.L. Wang book for free!! Fuck yeah!
And though it wasn't on the same level as the juggernauts 'The Sword of Kaigen' and 'Blood over Bright Haven,' it was a nice self-contained story that promises a lot of exciting stuff for the planned duology in this world. The gem-magic was simple but very cool, the violence brutal, and the romance was sweet. Chi and Sangya were fun characters to follow, though I'd been nice if we'd gotten to know a bit more about Sangya. There were also a lot of unanswered questions at the end, which was a little disappointing. I'm looking forward to exploring more of this world in upcoming books though! 3,5 ⭐
And though it wasn't on the same level as the juggernauts 'The Sword of Kaigen' and 'Blood over Bright Haven,' it was a nice self-contained story that promises a lot of exciting stuff for the planned duology in this world. The gem-magic was simple but very cool, the violence brutal, and the romance was sweet. Chi and Sangya were fun characters to follow, though I'd been nice if we'd gotten to know a bit more about Sangya. There were also a lot of unanswered questions at the end, which was a little disappointing. I'm looking forward to exploring more of this world in upcoming books though! 3,5 ⭐
June 24, 2026
ML Wang really said HAPPY PRIDE!!!!
June 28, 2026
M. L Wang is unmatched and I can't wait to read the duology when it comes out!!!
July 7, 2026
—3.5 stars
an interesting world that will be cool to explore in a future book
an interesting world that will be cool to explore in a future book
June 11, 2026
the fact this is a prequel to a duology coming up makes me SO excited! more ml wang books, yes please all day every day
June 15, 2026
3.75/5 stars
i like everything about this book except for the romance which is ironic, because i wanna read it FOR the romance in the first place 😭 that being said, this perfectly lays down the foundation for her next duology in the series i am Hungry for more of the magic and characters and world
i like everything about this book except for the romance which is ironic, because i wanna read it FOR the romance in the first place 😭 that being said, this perfectly lays down the foundation for her next duology in the series i am Hungry for more of the magic and characters and world
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