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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.
261 pages, ebook
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
M.L. Wang
10 books10.1k 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/
Ratings & Reviews
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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 11, 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 10, 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.
June 18, 2026
i cannot wait for m. l. wangs duology in this world OMGGG
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.
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.
June 16, 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 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 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 13, 2026
M. L. Wang randomly dropping a sapphic novella during pride month and confirming it’s the prequel to a new duology????
Life is good 💕✨💖
Now I’m normally not the biggest fan of novellas to be fair and I think they often don’t always pull me in to the character dynamics/world enough for me to truly love them I fear…. This was a little bit a case of that. I found aspects of the world-building/lore/characters rather unexplained and a tad confusing & that took me out of it a lot. To be fair, I think when the more full length novels come out maybe I’ll change my mind!
Loved the sapphic vibe going on in here though omg…. Knight-ish x Princess-core but they are also like sister wives….. a very interesting dynamic and I’m intrigued to see what this grows into!!!
Life is good 💕✨💖
Now I’m normally not the biggest fan of novellas to be fair and I think they often don’t always pull me in to the character dynamics/world enough for me to truly love them I fear…. This was a little bit a case of that. I found aspects of the world-building/lore/characters rather unexplained and a tad confusing & that took me out of it a lot. To be fair, I think when the more full length novels come out maybe I’ll change my mind!
Loved the sapphic vibe going on in here though omg…. Knight-ish x Princess-core but they are also like sister wives….. a very interesting dynamic and I’m intrigued to see what this grows into!!!
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
June 14, 2026
pas aussi marquant que ses autres livres mais comme c’est juste un prequel j’ai bien aimé et très hâte que la duologie sorte!! peut-être juste un peu trop fleur bleue par moments lol
June 15, 2026
The first word that came to mind after finishing Destiny’s Edge was potential.
The premise is incredibly intriguing: a scarred warrior and a sacred nun, both wives of a powerful warlord, embark on a dangerous journey together, all while navigating a forbidden romance. And, in classic M.L. Wang fashion, she kicks things off with a devastating, action-packed first chapter that had me hooked from the first page.
As for the magic system, the gemstones reminded me of the jade in The Green Bone Saga, while the mist-forged blades brought to mind the shardblades from The Stormlight Archive. Neither felt derivative, but they gave me a familiar sense of excitement whenever they appeared on the page.
Besides that I don’t have many thoughts on the world building and magic system because it never felt fully fleshed out. There were plenty of interesting ideas, but I was left wanting a deeper exploration of the setting and its history.
I liked the characters, particularly Chi, but I was never completely sold on the romance. For me, both characters needed more individual development before their relationship could reach the level of emotional devastation the story seemed to be aiming for.
That said, I kept in mind that this is a novella (or a short, fast-paced novel) and serves as a prequel to a larger series. It simply doesn’t have the space to build the same level of emotional attachment or intricate worldbuilding as The Sword of Kaigen or Blood Over Bright Haven.
Even so, Destiny’s Edge feels like the foundation of something much bigger. More than anything, it left me excited to see where M.L. Wang takes this world and these characters next.
The premise is incredibly intriguing: a scarred warrior and a sacred nun, both wives of a powerful warlord, embark on a dangerous journey together, all while navigating a forbidden romance. And, in classic M.L. Wang fashion, she kicks things off with a devastating, action-packed first chapter that had me hooked from the first page.
As for the magic system, the gemstones reminded me of the jade in The Green Bone Saga, while the mist-forged blades brought to mind the shardblades from The Stormlight Archive. Neither felt derivative, but they gave me a familiar sense of excitement whenever they appeared on the page.
Besides that I don’t have many thoughts on the world building and magic system because it never felt fully fleshed out. There were plenty of interesting ideas, but I was left wanting a deeper exploration of the setting and its history.
I liked the characters, particularly Chi, but I was never completely sold on the romance. For me, both characters needed more individual development before their relationship could reach the level of emotional devastation the story seemed to be aiming for.
That said, I kept in mind that this is a novella (or a short, fast-paced novel) and serves as a prequel to a larger series. It simply doesn’t have the space to build the same level of emotional attachment or intricate worldbuilding as The Sword of Kaigen or Blood Over Bright Haven.
Even so, Destiny’s Edge feels like the foundation of something much bigger. More than anything, it left me excited to see where M.L. Wang takes this world and these characters next.
June 11, 2026
This was a great gift for pride month. We truly have been blessed. I absolutly love the magic/martial system. That is genuinely so dope.
Also the way M.L. Wang writes horrific scenes and the reality of war is so chilling. I just know that the duology will hurt so much.
The characters were really lovable. Escpecially Ataals whole house. Chi, Sangya, Ramla, Kyrin, Yun and Ataal himself. They are all great and I can't wait to read more about this family.
I am also super excited to read more about the world bc that is a slight problem I have, that I wanted to know more. Which to be granted this is supposed to be the origin of Sangyas and Chi love and it was supposed to be only a Novella.
Also another slight critic I have is that Chi and Sangya fell in love really fast. However that is also me having a preferance for slowburns and I did enjoy their bickering and their chemistry. I just wish it would have taken a little longer.
Also the way M.L. Wang writes horrific scenes and the reality of war is so chilling. I just know that the duology will hurt so much.
The characters were really lovable. Escpecially Ataals whole house. Chi, Sangya, Ramla, Kyrin, Yun and Ataal himself. They are all great and I can't wait to read more about this family.
I am also super excited to read more about the world bc that is a slight problem I have, that I wanted to know more. Which to be granted this is supposed to be the origin of Sangyas and Chi love and it was supposed to be only a Novella.
Also another slight critic I have is that Chi and Sangya fell in love really fast. However that is also me having a preferance for slowburns and I did enjoy their bickering and their chemistry. I just wish it would have taken a little longer.
June 11, 2026
this surely wasn‘t on my ‘26 bucket list but who am i to say no to a sapphic m.l. wang banger *in pride month*?
this being a novella, not entirely safe to be the end product & also ‚only‘ a prequel for the actual hot shit? I AM DOWN BAD. not only do i have to praise the writing of wang‘s books again (bc WHAT WAS THIS BANGER?) but also the whole setting? for an unknown high fantasy world, an entire magic system and a ton of new social constructs,, this ate.
some characters and plot-lines seemed to lack a bit of continuity in the end, which was something that bothered me but made so much sense for the context of the book.
on another note,, is there an application form to become ataal‘s first husband? after experiencing chenetai from an enemy‘s pov, i‘d rather hold ataal‘s hand for an eternity than *be his enemy*.
this being a novella, not entirely safe to be the end product & also ‚only‘ a prequel for the actual hot shit? I AM DOWN BAD. not only do i have to praise the writing of wang‘s books again (bc WHAT WAS THIS BANGER?) but also the whole setting? for an unknown high fantasy world, an entire magic system and a ton of new social constructs,, this ate.
some characters and plot-lines seemed to lack a bit of continuity in the end, which was something that bothered me but made so much sense for the context of the book.
on another note,, is there an application form to become ataal‘s first husband? after experiencing chenetai from an enemy‘s pov, i‘d rather hold ataal‘s hand for an eternity than *be his enemy*.
June 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced from the start, had some interesting (and mysterious) world building, and I really liked Chi. The romance was pretty well done, but felt a little rushed, though this book was on the shorter side so I think that’s why. This is definitely a prequel setting up a larger story so I look forward to the next book and happy to see it will continue to feature Chi and the fam.
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
3.75 I definitely really liked this obviously cos I read it in one day but something is just missing?? I’m not convinced about their relationship yet not sure if I’m just back to my romance hating self or if the chemistry was truly not hitting but alas here I am - just okay.
June 17, 2026
Ever since The Sword of Kaigen, I decided I would swallow up everything ML Wang wrote from here on: this was a rare gift that came from being subscribed to her newsletter and I just had to gobble it up. At some point I was unable to read because of the tears in my eyes; she's that good at raising the stakes to almost unbearable levels and just ripping your heart out. I can't wait to read the final version of this story and the subsequent volumes!
Want to Read
June 10, 2026woke up this morning to a full-length M.L. Wang book in my inbox FOR FREE, and it's a sapphic fantasy as well????? I'm sat.
Want to Read
June 10, 2026You can get this for free through the author's newsletter right now, just wanted to share that info!
June 12, 2026
no one is doing it like m.l. wang
June 17, 2026
M. L. Wang said happy pride month !!
Read
June 16, 2026M.L. Wang releasing a sapphic fantasy in pride month?? This is the best gift I could have ever dreamed of. Best believe it’s loaded to my kindle.
Go subscribe to her newsletter to get access to download for free!
Go subscribe to her newsletter to get access to download for free!
June 19, 2026
Loved this so much!!
The concept behind the magic system reminded me a little of the Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee, in that this is set in a world ruled by Gemlords - powerful men who wear magic gems that grant them extraordinary strength and speed.
Chi is the fourth wife of the most powerful Gemlord in the land, known as “The Champion.” Because her family is believed to have been cursed, no one expects (or wants) her to bear children and continue that bloodline. While the Champion’s other wives are expected to produce his heirs, Chi occupies a different role within the family.
At the start of the book, Chi is tasked with escorting the Champion’s newest bride, Sangya, as she is transported from the monastery where she has spent her sheltered life.
One thing I appreciated was how well-paced this felt for such a short book. It has a great balance between action and quieter, character-driven moments.
Most of the story focuses on Chi - her past, her insecurities, and the reasons she consistently downplays her own talents and abilities.
Equally important is the relationship that develops between Chi and Sangya. There were so many beautiful moments between them, and some one-liners that made me laugh. Their relationship is the emotional heart of the story, and while this works as a standalone novella, I’m interested to see how the world and politics are developed in the full-length duology.
The concept behind the magic system reminded me a little of the Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee, in that this is set in a world ruled by Gemlords - powerful men who wear magic gems that grant them extraordinary strength and speed.
Chi is the fourth wife of the most powerful Gemlord in the land, known as “The Champion.” Because her family is believed to have been cursed, no one expects (or wants) her to bear children and continue that bloodline. While the Champion’s other wives are expected to produce his heirs, Chi occupies a different role within the family.
At the start of the book, Chi is tasked with escorting the Champion’s newest bride, Sangya, as she is transported from the monastery where she has spent her sheltered life.
One thing I appreciated was how well-paced this felt for such a short book. It has a great balance between action and quieter, character-driven moments.
Most of the story focuses on Chi - her past, her insecurities, and the reasons she consistently downplays her own talents and abilities.
Equally important is the relationship that develops between Chi and Sangya. There were so many beautiful moments between them, and some one-liners that made me laugh. Their relationship is the emotional heart of the story, and while this works as a standalone novella, I’m interested to see how the world and politics are developed in the full-length duology.
June 13, 2026
4.75
M.L. Wang will forever be iconic for dropping a sapphic book for FREE during pride month.
Chi is taken in as one of the four wives to The Champion and years later is tasked with escorting his fifth and final wife home as it has been prophesied. But, an unknown entity attacks their party along the way and the two women are now fighting to survive.
I INHALED this book. I couldn’t stop reading until I knew what become of these two women that stole my heart. The writing was easily digestible and had me hooked from the first chapter. I think it’s important to understand this is a prequel novel to a series to come later. So, some things felt like they weren’t fully fleshed out since its technically just a piece of the story thus far. Regardless, this was a hell of a good time and I anxiously await more of this world.
Check it out if you like:
A swoon worthy sapphic romance
Martial arts
Interesting magic systems involving gems
A found family of wives and their precious (but also murderous) husband
I hope we get a lot more of The Champion and the other wives in the next books, their dynamic was so strange but amazing at the same time. & of course Chi and Sangya! I can’t get enough of them and I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself waiting for Heaven’s End.
M.L. Wang will forever be iconic for dropping a sapphic book for FREE during pride month.
Chi is taken in as one of the four wives to The Champion and years later is tasked with escorting his fifth and final wife home as it has been prophesied. But, an unknown entity attacks their party along the way and the two women are now fighting to survive.
I INHALED this book. I couldn’t stop reading until I knew what become of these two women that stole my heart. The writing was easily digestible and had me hooked from the first chapter. I think it’s important to understand this is a prequel novel to a series to come later. So, some things felt like they weren’t fully fleshed out since its technically just a piece of the story thus far. Regardless, this was a hell of a good time and I anxiously await more of this world.
Check it out if you like:
A swoon worthy sapphic romance
Martial arts
Interesting magic systems involving gems
A found family of wives and their precious (but also murderous) husband
I hope we get a lot more of The Champion and the other wives in the next books, their dynamic was so strange but amazing at the same time. & of course Chi and Sangya! I can’t get enough of them and I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself waiting for Heaven’s End.
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