What do you think?
Rate this book
Girl with Flying Weapons
Most people know Hong as a soft-spoken servant girl who works at the governor's house.
Few know her as a skilled martial artist who trains in secret by a blind assassin.
When the governor's son, who has a crush on her, is accused of murder, Hong risks not only blowing her cover, but also her own life when trying to discover the real killer.
Loosely based on a tale written in ninth-century China, Girl with Flying Weapons combines elements of mystery, suspense, and romance. It is the first book of a series.
Few know her as a skilled martial artist who trains in secret by a blind assassin.
When the governor's son, who has a crush on her, is accused of murder, Hong risks not only blowing her cover, but also her own life when trying to discover the real killer.
Loosely based on a tale written in ninth-century China, Girl with Flying Weapons combines elements of mystery, suspense, and romance. It is the first book of a series.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2013
31 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
Aya Ling
14 books439 followersAya is from Taiwan, where she struggles daily to contain her obsession with mouthwatering and unhealthy foods. Often she will devour a good book instead. Her favorite books include martial arts romances, fairy tale retellings, high fantasy, cozy mysteries, and manga.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 31, 2015
EDIT:
Ever had a moment where you're so hungry and someone feeds you but it's not enough and you're torn between feeling grateful and smacking the hell out of that person for teasing you?
If you've never had that, just read Girl with Flying Weapons and you'll have that moment.
LOOK AT THE COVER. SO PURRRTY. NOW LOOK AT THE CAT..
They don't have anything in common. I just posted it just because I want to do it and I can. *cackles*
Ever had a moment where you're so hungry and someone feeds you but it's not enough and you're torn between feeling grateful and smacking the hell out of that person for teasing you?
If you've never had that, just read Girl with Flying Weapons and you'll have that moment.
LOOK AT THE COVER. SO PURRRTY. NOW LOOK AT THE CAT..
They don't have anything in common. I just posted it just because I want to do it and I can. *cackles*
November 1, 2020
Lovely!
I hope the author continues with the series sometime soon. I has been so long since this one was out.
I hope the author continues with the series sometime soon. I has been so long since this one was out.
February 5, 2014
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Read more on Extaordinaryreads
Mystery, mayhem and a secret assassin, this book has it all, and in spades. The writing style is reminiscent of the fairy tale fables of my youth, and I think this book will appeal, primarily, to a young audience. Hong, is a servant girl to a wealth Chinese family, whose youngest son is in love with her. However, Hong, is far more interested in learning proficiency in martial art, and music than in the promise of young love, nevertheless, she is not totally immune to his charms. The thread of a yearning love story is pivotal to the tale as it is obvious that Hong will need to choose between following her heart, or her career as a fighter. The story is set in the past, making it all the more romantic and exciting. I found the details of historical life special, and I think it added to my overall enjoyment of the story. As for spice, there is a murder, a false arrest, and an opportunity for Hong to shine as the savior of the day, all the ingredients of a traditionally good yarn.
Read more on Extaordinaryreads
Mystery, mayhem and a secret assassin, this book has it all, and in spades. The writing style is reminiscent of the fairy tale fables of my youth, and I think this book will appeal, primarily, to a young audience. Hong, is a servant girl to a wealth Chinese family, whose youngest son is in love with her. However, Hong, is far more interested in learning proficiency in martial art, and music than in the promise of young love, nevertheless, she is not totally immune to his charms. The thread of a yearning love story is pivotal to the tale as it is obvious that Hong will need to choose between following her heart, or her career as a fighter. The story is set in the past, making it all the more romantic and exciting. I found the details of historical life special, and I think it added to my overall enjoyment of the story. As for spice, there is a murder, a false arrest, and an opportunity for Hong to shine as the savior of the day, all the ingredients of a traditionally good yarn.
March 4, 2014
I love this book! I'm glad that this was one of the books I’ve garnered from a giveaway.
Just reading its first paragraph piqued my interest and prodded me to continue. I like it so much because it is fast-paced, poignantly written, and the characters are well-formed.
One thing that I would like to see more, though, is a heightened pace of drama and action during the main character's fights to make me feel those particular scenes more. Other than that, I really like the book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Note: I've received this book from a giveaway and have written my honest opinion about it.
(Review taken from my blog post, "Book #Reviews: Finished Reading 8 Books—Again?" at http://www.sittiecateslovestories.blo...)
Just reading its first paragraph piqued my interest and prodded me to continue. I like it so much because it is fast-paced, poignantly written, and the characters are well-formed.
One thing that I would like to see more, though, is a heightened pace of drama and action during the main character's fights to make me feel those particular scenes more. Other than that, I really like the book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Note: I've received this book from a giveaway and have written my honest opinion about it.
(Review taken from my blog post, "Book #Reviews: Finished Reading 8 Books—Again?" at http://www.sittiecateslovestories.blo...)
October 2, 2017
Different but good
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it's a great take of honor, respect, and loyalty.
Hong lives at the governors compound as a personal maid. She was once from a respected family, but corruption caused for her family to relinquish their titles and lands. She is known for her musical talents and her did I who trained her. However, she has a second identify, she is also a trained assassin.
With her skills, she uses her knowledge to help free her master's third son Dang who was wrongfully accused of a murder. Using the network of spies and doing her own work.
I've read a lot of Ana Ling's works. This one is of oriental nature and we'll plotted. I didn't even guess the killer. Well done, girl!
Come and read this book. It's fun!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it's a great take of honor, respect, and loyalty.
Hong lives at the governors compound as a personal maid. She was once from a respected family, but corruption caused for her family to relinquish their titles and lands. She is known for her musical talents and her did I who trained her. However, she has a second identify, she is also a trained assassin.
With her skills, she uses her knowledge to help free her master's third son Dang who was wrongfully accused of a murder. Using the network of spies and doing her own work.
I've read a lot of Ana Ling's works. This one is of oriental nature and we'll plotted. I didn't even guess the killer. Well done, girl!
Come and read this book. It's fun!
August 5, 2022
Good story, discordant dialogue.
The ancient China setting, plucky heroine and twisty plot are promising. But the author has a tin ear for dialogue: Some phrases like, "Good heavens!" or "Ain't it just so?" sound jarring in this world. I'll still probably read the follow-up stories, though.
The ancient China setting, plucky heroine and twisty plot are promising. But the author has a tin ear for dialogue: Some phrases like, "Good heavens!" or "Ain't it just so?" sound jarring in this world. I'll still probably read the follow-up stories, though.
July 31, 2021
Interesting Setting and Folklore
I enjoyed that the books explored Chinese myths and folklore, but I found the characters to maybe be more symbols of tropes rather than individual characters.
I enjoyed that the books explored Chinese myths and folklore, but I found the characters to maybe be more symbols of tropes rather than individual characters.
January 19, 2018
i like this story because make me imagine about the world that the author written.
January 23, 2018
i love story with Chines culture so i like this story.
September 25, 2021
This is a fantastic read!
With an intriguing main character, action, mystery, and a hint of romance, this novel has everything a reader could want in a historical fiction novel.
With an intriguing main character, action, mystery, and a hint of romance, this novel has everything a reader could want in a historical fiction novel.
January 29, 2014
Enjoyable light read. Hong is a servant girl in historical china, with a double life as an apprentice assassin almost ready to graduate to journeyman. Throw in a hapless would-be lover (her master's third son), soon accused of a murder he didn't commit, and Hong is left to find out who the real murderer was...
I enjoyed reading this book, but it was a bit simplistic, so don't think too hard about it. Some more depth would have been good - the characters, the setting (beyond 'generic historical China' I never did get much sense of place), and the love story (such as it was) were all rather thin. There's a mysterious Lost Manual that's pivotal to the plot in this book, but somehow doesn't get much play here anyway - it's all in the background, and then left dangling for a next book without really resolving much here.
Note: I received this from Librarything Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book, but it was a bit simplistic, so don't think too hard about it. Some more depth would have been good - the characters, the setting (beyond 'generic historical China' I never did get much sense of place), and the love story (such as it was) were all rather thin. There's a mysterious Lost Manual that's pivotal to the plot in this book, but somehow doesn't get much play here anyway - it's all in the background, and then left dangling for a next book without really resolving much here.
Note: I received this from Librarything Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book for review, which does not affect my opinion in any way*
SET IN ninth-century feudal China, Girl with Flying Weapons is an atmospheric mystery that weaves together the lives of the mysterious servant girl Hong and her master, the governor’s son—recently accused of murder.
The opening chapter brings the lush, fairytale quality of this story to life with a stealthy murder committed on a lantern-decked riverboat. We’re soon introduced to Hong, a quietly endearing heroine who trains with Old Man Liu to be a skilled martial artist/spy. Her love interest, Fang, is also refreshingly humble and well-intentioned, and the romance that blossoms between them is slow and sweet. (Read the full review on my blog: http://heatherheffner.blogspot.com/20...)
SET IN ninth-century feudal China, Girl with Flying Weapons is an atmospheric mystery that weaves together the lives of the mysterious servant girl Hong and her master, the governor’s son—recently accused of murder.
The opening chapter brings the lush, fairytale quality of this story to life with a stealthy murder committed on a lantern-decked riverboat. We’re soon introduced to Hong, a quietly endearing heroine who trains with Old Man Liu to be a skilled martial artist/spy. Her love interest, Fang, is also refreshingly humble and well-intentioned, and the romance that blossoms between them is slow and sweet. (Read the full review on my blog: http://heatherheffner.blogspot.com/20...)
January 29, 2014
The writing was amateurish at best. She has a habit of leaving words out or using the wrong word; it was distracting to have to reread the sentence inserting the correct word. The story itself was interesting, but vague. Like other readers, I had no sense of place other than "ancient China". The mystery of the Lost Manual was barely touched as were the romance between Hong & Fang and the story of Pai & Wen-Jun. Lots of words, but little substance. It also bothered me that during the "trial" of Fang, no one had actual proof of his wrongdoing and everyone just accepted rumor & speculation as fact. Then at the end, they introduce the idea of Fang's sister being ordered by the emporer to marry someone he chose and the book abruptly ends there. It was very disappoiting and I won't be reading the sequel.
January 28, 2014
4.75 Stars
A short and fast-paced historical adventure mystery! This book introduces some wonderful and wacky characters, though my favorite has to be the MC's love interest Fang. Imagine a spy/assassin chick (I picture Lucy Liu) in ancient China with a touch of Sherlock sleuthing skills. There's going to be a sequel too (cannot wait). This work is a quick and enjoyable read. Recommended for YA and adults, especially those who like Asian cozy mysteries.
LT Member Giveaways
A short and fast-paced historical adventure mystery! This book introduces some wonderful and wacky characters, though my favorite has to be the MC's love interest Fang. Imagine a spy/assassin chick (I picture Lucy Liu) in ancient China with a touch of Sherlock sleuthing skills. There's going to be a sequel too (cannot wait). This work is a quick and enjoyable read. Recommended for YA and adults, especially those who like Asian cozy mysteries.
LT Member Giveaways
May 18, 2016
I like the author's writing style, trying to find a book to read with my 13 year old. Wasn't looking to start a new series so wish I had realized this was the first in a new series. Not ready to cover background subjects like a harem with my 13 year old also.
September 27, 2015
This was a short and fast paced book. It took me under a day to read the book. I really found myself to enjoy this book. I would highly recommend.
March 9, 2016
I really liked it. It needs a sequel soon to wrap up the story though. I look forward to it.
April 7, 2017
3.5 stars.
Intersting setting, but it's a forgettable murder mystery with mostly forgettable characters. It;s not really a romance, because there is no ending, goddammit. Only a teaser for future romance possibilities. I'm left feeling a little deprived.
Intersting setting, but it's a forgettable murder mystery with mostly forgettable characters. It;s not really a romance, because there is no ending, goddammit. Only a teaser for future romance possibilities. I'm left feeling a little deprived.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews