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The Matchmaker's War #1
The Girl with the Red Lantern
The Matchmaker calls...
...and only the gifted will be selected.
As Mei and the other girls of her village are sent on a harrowing journey across the frozen plains, she wonders what exactly they are selected for. Their guide, a mysterious warrior with a giant fox won't reveal any secrets, but seems to have a protective eye for her.
The new Emperor is said to be dangerous young man, with dark abilities. And, while the others think they're being matched to become his Empress, Mei suspects something more.
Her hopes to honor her family name, and the magical red lantern are all that give her strength as dragons, mystical warriors, and sneaky gods stand in her way to the truth.
That--and the spirits of her ancestors.
Embark on an epic journey to ancient China, where tradition, honor, magic, and intrigue collide in an emotional adventure that will leave readers breathless. Perfect for fans of traditional Asian myths and legends, Mulan, Game of Thrones, and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
...and only the gifted will be selected.
As Mei and the other girls of her village are sent on a harrowing journey across the frozen plains, she wonders what exactly they are selected for. Their guide, a mysterious warrior with a giant fox won't reveal any secrets, but seems to have a protective eye for her.
The new Emperor is said to be dangerous young man, with dark abilities. And, while the others think they're being matched to become his Empress, Mei suspects something more.
Her hopes to honor her family name, and the magical red lantern are all that give her strength as dragons, mystical warriors, and sneaky gods stand in her way to the truth.
That--and the spirits of her ancestors.
Embark on an epic journey to ancient China, where tradition, honor, magic, and intrigue collide in an emotional adventure that will leave readers breathless. Perfect for fans of traditional Asian myths and legends, Mulan, Game of Thrones, and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2020
33 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Lee
132 books906 followersK.N. Lee is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she is not writing twisted tales, fantasy novels, and dark poetry, she does a great deal of traveling and promotes other authors. Wannabe rockstar, foreign language enthusiast, and anime geek, K.N. Lee also enjoys helping others reach their writing and publishing goals. She is a winner of the Elevate Lifestyle Top 30 Under 30 "Future Leaders of Charlotte" award for her success as a writer, business owner, and for community service.
She is signed with Captive Quill Press and Patchwork Press.
K.N. Lee loves hearing from fans and readers. Connect with her!
www.knlee.com
www.WriteLikeAWizard.com
www.Facebook.com/knycolelee
www.twitter.com/knycole_lee
www.wattpad.com/user/KNycoleLee
She is signed with Captive Quill Press and Patchwork Press.
K.N. Lee loves hearing from fans and readers. Connect with her!
www.knlee.com
www.WriteLikeAWizard.com
www.Facebook.com/knycolelee
www.twitter.com/knycole_lee
www.wattpad.com/user/KNycoleLee
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 11, 2020
Eventhough short, it was a very enchanted story which I cannot wait to continue. The elements of mythology, Chinese folklor and the added Russian twist seem to be a recipe for success.
September 9, 2020
*Source* Kindle
*Genre* Young Adult / Historical / Fiction
*Rating* 3.0
*Thoughts*
The Girl with the Red Lantern is the first installment in author K.N. Lee's Matchmaker War series. This is a story that has (3) main characters. Rohan, Mei, and Dmitri. Rohan was once a powerful sorceress. He is now the Warden, Master of the Earthly realm trying to protect the world from being overrun by Tarth'Ral and his minions which have already taken the spirit realm. Rohan is given the duty of finding the girl with the red lantern since she may hold the key to defeating the darkness that is rising over the land.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Historical / Fiction
*Rating* 3.0
*Thoughts*
The Girl with the Red Lantern is the first installment in author K.N. Lee's Matchmaker War series. This is a story that has (3) main characters. Rohan, Mei, and Dmitri. Rohan was once a powerful sorceress. He is now the Warden, Master of the Earthly realm trying to protect the world from being overrun by Tarth'Ral and his minions which have already taken the spirit realm. Rohan is given the duty of finding the girl with the red lantern since she may hold the key to defeating the darkness that is rising over the land.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 22, 2020
“The Girl with the Red Lantern: A Chinese Fantasy Adventure” marks the start to the new “The Matchmaker's War” Series by K.N. Lee. An epic adventure set in Ancient China that mix elements of Asian mythology, tradition and history into a fresh tale with reminiscences of contemporary Chinese blockbusters such as Hero, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Mulan. This second edition of the book offers a fully revised and re-edited version, including beautiful watercolour illustrations that capture perfectly the essence of the story.
Mei (MC) a young girl, who lost her parents and has to rely on her own to thrive, on her journey to an unknown place, where the girls of the village are supposed to be selected for an unidentified task. Mei has hidden powers, which she would have to fully understand before she is able to tap into them. The book weaves three different stories into one single plot that explains how Mei becomes the person she is.
K.N. Lee writing style is highly descriptive and transport the reader into a full developed fantasy world that feels real and captivates the mind of the reader page after page. A relatively shorter tale at slightly 170 pages, the book is nevertheless filled with meaning, action and description, without feeling rushed in the least. A enticing story about a young girl fighting against prejudice and discrimination, while fully relying in her own inner strength.
Mei (MC) a young girl, who lost her parents and has to rely on her own to thrive, on her journey to an unknown place, where the girls of the village are supposed to be selected for an unidentified task. Mei has hidden powers, which she would have to fully understand before she is able to tap into them. The book weaves three different stories into one single plot that explains how Mei becomes the person she is.
K.N. Lee writing style is highly descriptive and transport the reader into a full developed fantasy world that feels real and captivates the mind of the reader page after page. A relatively shorter tale at slightly 170 pages, the book is nevertheless filled with meaning, action and description, without feeling rushed in the least. A enticing story about a young girl fighting against prejudice and discrimination, while fully relying in her own inner strength.
November 3, 2020
This is book one of The Matchmaker’s War and starts with eighteen year old Mei, who is living with her aunt, uncle and all their children, after losing her parents only three weeks before when everyone in her village was massacred and she was the only survivor. Her aunt is happy to celebrate the visit of the famous Matchmaker and the news that a husband has been found for her in the capital. But she is really being hunted down for her powers, which she is only just coming into and doesn’t even realise she has as yet. She gets told she is being recruited for the Red Emperor’s mage army, but when a Shadow Beast attacks her and the children, she hears a voice telling her to run! The Red Emperor is rumoured to have some dark abilities and can change into almost any animal he wants to. Tarth’Ral, the Shadow Lord has been awoken and a war is brewing between his forces and the Spirit Realm. Only an army of supernatural beings could be the solution to protect all mortals on Earth.
A mysterious guide, a Warden, comes to Mei’s assistance and tells her she is destined to join with another to put a stop to the evil coming their way. Her guide recruits three master warriors to train her in her magic, martial arts and prepare her for what is to come. They will help her on her quest and reveal who she really is and help her to reclaim her birthright as a golden dragon and the jade Empress. Another person who has also been sent on his own quest is Dimitri and he is a prince of Russia, who was exiled for many years, but just been invited to return. The two of them were incarnated to join together in their quest, to battle towards their destinies. He has been following clues across China and Russia, to try and discover who is leading the evil armies of shadows who have been devastating large swathes of the eastern landscape. He visits a mystical witch who leaves him with a valuable tool to see what is happening and reveals a secret before disappearing, house and all. When he starts to share dreams and interact with Mei in them, he realises their destinies are linked and they need to connect.
I found parts of the story to be quite dense and slow to read, as it took me a while to get into the story and figure out who everyone was and how they were connected. It starts with the Shadow Lord, then beings of light trying to stop an attack by shadow beings, which were what left me somewhat confused, and then into Mei’s and Dimitri’s stories which are the start of the quests and bring readers into finding out who the girl with the red lantern is and what it can do. There is obviously a lot more to come in this series as the quest has only just begun and the two main heroes of light have not yet met. I shall look out for the next one and see where it leads. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
A mysterious guide, a Warden, comes to Mei’s assistance and tells her she is destined to join with another to put a stop to the evil coming their way. Her guide recruits three master warriors to train her in her magic, martial arts and prepare her for what is to come. They will help her on her quest and reveal who she really is and help her to reclaim her birthright as a golden dragon and the jade Empress. Another person who has also been sent on his own quest is Dimitri and he is a prince of Russia, who was exiled for many years, but just been invited to return. The two of them were incarnated to join together in their quest, to battle towards their destinies. He has been following clues across China and Russia, to try and discover who is leading the evil armies of shadows who have been devastating large swathes of the eastern landscape. He visits a mystical witch who leaves him with a valuable tool to see what is happening and reveals a secret before disappearing, house and all. When he starts to share dreams and interact with Mei in them, he realises their destinies are linked and they need to connect.
I found parts of the story to be quite dense and slow to read, as it took me a while to get into the story and figure out who everyone was and how they were connected. It starts with the Shadow Lord, then beings of light trying to stop an attack by shadow beings, which were what left me somewhat confused, and then into Mei’s and Dimitri’s stories which are the start of the quests and bring readers into finding out who the girl with the red lantern is and what it can do. There is obviously a lot more to come in this series as the quest has only just begun and the two main heroes of light have not yet met. I shall look out for the next one and see where it leads. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 7, 2020
“The Girl with the Red Lantern: A Chinese Fantasy Adventure” marks the start to the new “The Matchmaker's War” Series by K.N. Lee. An epic adventure set in Ancient China that mix elements of Asian mythology, tradition and history into a fresh tale with reminiscences of contemporary Chinese blockbusters such as Hero, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Mulan.
Mei (MC) a young girl, who lost her parents and has to rely on her own to thrive, on her journey to an unknown place, where the girls of the village are supposed to be selected for an unidentified task. Mei has hidden powers, which she would have to fully understand before she is able to tap into them. The book weaves three different stories into one single plot that explains how Mei becomes the person she is.
K.N. Lee writing style is highly descriptive and transport the reader into a full developed fantasy world that feels real and captivates the mind of the reader page after page. A relatively shorter tale at slightly 170 pages, the book is nevertheless filled with meaning, action and description, without feeling rushed in the least. A enticing story about a young girl fighting against prejudice and discrimination, while fully relying in her own inner strength.
Mei (MC) a young girl, who lost her parents and has to rely on her own to thrive, on her journey to an unknown place, where the girls of the village are supposed to be selected for an unidentified task. Mei has hidden powers, which she would have to fully understand before she is able to tap into them. The book weaves three different stories into one single plot that explains how Mei becomes the person she is.
K.N. Lee writing style is highly descriptive and transport the reader into a full developed fantasy world that feels real and captivates the mind of the reader page after page. A relatively shorter tale at slightly 170 pages, the book is nevertheless filled with meaning, action and description, without feeling rushed in the least. A enticing story about a young girl fighting against prejudice and discrimination, while fully relying in her own inner strength.
September 14, 2020
Mei has discovered she has hidden powers. Dimitri is a royal prince. Rohan is Mei’s spirit guide who is to teach her how to use her powers. Ziyi had appointed him Warden, Master of the Earthly Realm. Rohan was tasked to find the girl with the red lantern since it was said she may hold the key to defeating the darkness rising over the land as Tarth'Ral and his minions pushed onward. Tarth’Rul already controlled the Empire of Spirits. Now he wanted the mortal world. The three of them, Mei, Dimitri, and Rohan, must work together to stop Tarth'Rul, the Shadow Lord.
An editor definitely needs to go over this book. The story was good, but pronouns for male and female characters were blended together in the same sentence so you were not quite sure who was being talked about. For example, “HE bit HER bottom lip and fought to keep HIS balance. It was as though HER very spirit was trying to fly away from HIM body.” I had no idea what was going on, and this seemed continuous throughout the book. The characters were interesting and the story line kept the reader’s attention, although it was annoying with the above-stated distractions. If cleaned up, I think this would be a good series to get into.
An editor definitely needs to go over this book. The story was good, but pronouns for male and female characters were blended together in the same sentence so you were not quite sure who was being talked about. For example, “HE bit HER bottom lip and fought to keep HIS balance. It was as though HER very spirit was trying to fly away from HIM body.” I had no idea what was going on, and this seemed continuous throughout the book. The characters were interesting and the story line kept the reader’s attention, although it was annoying with the above-stated distractions. If cleaned up, I think this would be a good series to get into.
April 3, 2021
This was a quick read at just over 150 pages and has some potential for good worldbuilding and great characters. Ultimately, though, it doesn't deliver on its promise and this book felt more like a reader for future books in the series. The main characters Mei and Dmitri don't even meet each other until the last 10 pages and even then it doesn't feel like it was earned.
The author clearly has an outcome in mind for these two young people, whether it be heroic or romantic, but the plot seems a bit forced, and it's pretty obvious from the heavy-handedness of the narration at times. It's repeated that Mei is "special" and while I've read many stories with "chosen ones" and have been fine with this trope, the reader needs to believe that the characters are making choices and the plot is a consequence of those actions (or inactions). Instead, this book takes away choices from the characters, straightjacket them into a story where they are buffeted about by events and other characters towards some ultimate destiny.
Not sure if I'll continue with the series. Hopefully, the author will decide to have a little more faith in her characters and let them take control of the story a little more in future installments.
The author clearly has an outcome in mind for these two young people, whether it be heroic or romantic, but the plot seems a bit forced, and it's pretty obvious from the heavy-handedness of the narration at times. It's repeated that Mei is "special" and while I've read many stories with "chosen ones" and have been fine with this trope, the reader needs to believe that the characters are making choices and the plot is a consequence of those actions (or inactions). Instead, this book takes away choices from the characters, straightjacket them into a story where they are buffeted about by events and other characters towards some ultimate destiny.
Not sure if I'll continue with the series. Hopefully, the author will decide to have a little more faith in her characters and let them take control of the story a little more in future installments.
August 29, 2020
4/5 Stars
This is a fascinating new novel from K.N. Lee! Mei is a girl who lost her parents only to find out that she has hidden powers. Rohan is her spirit guide sent to teach her how to unlock and use those powers. Dimitri is a royal prince with whom she is connected. And all three must try and stop the evil forces ruled by Tarth'Rul.
Though a short and easy read, there is a lot that occurs. We are shown three stories in one, and each one is connected to the other. So far I like the characters, even though they are still finding their purposes.
I am quite appreciative that I was sucked into the novel fairly quickly, simply because this one just sets the reader up for the next one. Which I cannot wait for!
Disclaimer: I am voluntarily reviewing this with a copy from the author.
This is a fascinating new novel from K.N. Lee! Mei is a girl who lost her parents only to find out that she has hidden powers. Rohan is her spirit guide sent to teach her how to unlock and use those powers. Dimitri is a royal prince with whom she is connected. And all three must try and stop the evil forces ruled by Tarth'Rul.
Though a short and easy read, there is a lot that occurs. We are shown three stories in one, and each one is connected to the other. So far I like the characters, even though they are still finding their purposes.
I am quite appreciative that I was sucked into the novel fairly quickly, simply because this one just sets the reader up for the next one. Which I cannot wait for!
Disclaimer: I am voluntarily reviewing this with a copy from the author.
April 4, 2021
This book starts be introducing a Warden from the Spirit Realm, a recently orphaned Chinese girl from a small village, and a Russian prince who might as well be orphaned. The conflict with the Shadow Lord is introduced right away, but it takes a little bit to figure out how the other characters all fit in. Once the story comes together though it is well worth the build up. It is a good mixture of very real situations, dream-like sequences and mythical beings.
This is the first book in a series and sets up much of what is to come. There is a lot of world building and character exploration - lots of questions left unanswered for future books! The ancient Chinese and Russian mythos that this is build out of is very different from the majority of Euro-centric high fantasy out there. Written in a very approachable, engaging manner.
This is the first book in a series and sets up much of what is to come. There is a lot of world building and character exploration - lots of questions left unanswered for future books! The ancient Chinese and Russian mythos that this is build out of is very different from the majority of Euro-centric high fantasy out there. Written in a very approachable, engaging manner.
September 13, 2020
An empress and a prince. Mei, a poor orphan and Dimitri the Prince of Russina. But Mei isn’t just a poor orphan, she was born as someone else and left in the woods for the people she thought were her parents to find. Both and powerful magic that complement each other and the two of them are supposed to save the world from the Shadow Lord and his General who want to take over the world and destroy hope and love. But they are both being stalked and if they never meet the world is doomed. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
October 1, 2020
I received a free book and the opinions and views are my own. The Jade Empress has awakened and Tarth’Ral the Shadow Lord is back. Mei is being hunted by the matchmaker because of her magic, she has to figure out who she is and what she can do. Dimitri and his dragon must find something to defeat Tarth’Ral. There are a lot of characters and events going on, very action-packed. A thrilling fantasy. I would recommend this book.
September 15, 2020
This was an interesting and intriguing story about Mei, Dimitri, and Rohan. Three characters that are connected and seem to be the saviors of a battle that is set up in this first book. It was interesting take on history and the addiction of magic and mages was fun. Had action and an underlying theme and story that was interesting to read about and I cannot wait to see what happens.
September 5, 2020
Most unlike this author but the English was terrible, it was quite obvious the book had not been proof read before going to press. In one sentence of just three line, the character went from him, to her then back to him.
Most unusual for K.N.Lee.
Most unusual for K.N.Lee.
September 13, 2020
This was a good start to The Matchmaker's War series. Mei and Dimitri are good characters. I look forward to see what the next book adds to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2020
Emotionally thrilling, action packed adventure filled with exciting and engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and exciting turns that will leave you breathless. Was an edge of your seat so hard to put down kinda read from beginning to end.
April 2, 2023
1⭐️
Another one that’s not for me but absolutely beautifully written although I have no idea if Rohan was male or female as they weee referred to as both she and he (sometimes on the same page). Could have benefitted from a very thorough edit.
Another one that’s not for me but absolutely beautifully written although I have no idea if Rohan was male or female as they weee referred to as both she and he (sometimes on the same page). Could have benefitted from a very thorough edit.
September 26, 2020
3.5 stars
February 18, 2021
I was drawn in by a beautiful cover. But this wasn't my cup of tea. The author however is very good and making a vivid image. Just never fell for this book
October 3, 2020
Good story that takes a classic tale and puts an interesting twist on it that turns it into a fresh new story. The characters are well written and the storyline has enough twists and action to keep you interested.
October 18, 2020
Noteworthy Read.....although jury is still out on all together. Don’t hate it for sure. Am always interested to read different heritages & Authors take on « Mother Goose nursery rhymes » stories from their traditions coming from their parts of the world. It’s too slow of a story for this ADD psychie. So will continue to try & finish it because of the author & it is good..... just slow moving.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2020
The Girl with the Red Lantern by K.N. Lee is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2020
Mei has discovered she has hidden powers. Dimitri is a royal prince. Rohan is Mei’s spirit guide who is to teach her how to use her powers. Ziyi had appointed him Warden, Master of the Earthly Realm. Rohan was tasked to find the girl with the red lantern since it was said she may hold the key to defeating the darkness rising over the land as Tarth'Ral and his minions pushed onward. Tarth’Rul already controlled the Empire of Spirits. Now he wanted the mortal world. The three of them, Mei, Dimitri, and Rohan, must work together to stop Tarth'Rul, the Shadow Lord. Can they succeed?
The overall story was good with nicely detailed descriptions, the characters were interesting, and the story line kept the reader’s attention.
The overall story was good with nicely detailed descriptions, the characters were interesting, and the story line kept the reader’s attention.
October 14, 2020
An empress and a prince. Mei, a poor orphan and Dimitri the Prince of Russia. But Mei isn’t just a poor orphan, she was born as someone else and left in the woods for the people she thought were her parents to find. Both and powerful magic that complement each other and the two of them are supposed to save the world from the Shadow Lord and his General who want to take over the world and destroy hope and love. But they are both being stalked and if they never meet the world is doomed. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
October 13, 2020
This was a really good story and I enjoyed reading it! The characters are well developed (my pet peeve!) and interesting. The story world was interesting and believable. The writing flowed smoothly along and kept me engrossed in the story. I definitely recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2020
Emotionally thrilling, action packed adventure filled with exciting and engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and exciting turns that will leave you breathless. Was an edge of your seat so hard to put down kinda read from beginning to end.
October 8, 2020
Interesting is the minimum I can say about this novella length story. It’s extremely unique with each character’s ability, their backgrounds had such great detail in a short span. It left me wanting more and sadly it seems I have to wait.
October 3, 2020
Good story that takes a classic tale and puts an interesting twist on it that turns it into a fresh new story. The characters are well written and the storyline has enough twists and action to keep you interested.
October 3, 2020
Good story that takes a classic tale and puts an interesting twist on it that turns it into a fresh new story. The characters are well written and the storyline has enough twists and action to keep you interested.
September 23, 2020
This tale is dripping with originality, from the powers these characters yield, origin tales, and the evils that they face. To say I was in awe is an understatement. What bites is that I have to wait on the next in series! That in itself is a testament to this series starter! Great job! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews