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Daughters of the Dynasty #2
Her Rebel Highness
An epic story of love and betrayal set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square protests
In Heiress Apparently, Gemma Huang’s big acting break led her to Beijing, where she uncovered an incredible family secret. This second novel in the Daughters of the Dynasty series delves further into Gemma’s complex and storied legacy, moving back one generation to tell the story of Gemma’s mother, Lei, as she finds love against the backdrop of 1980s China and the Tiananmen Square protests and makes a difficult decision that forever alters the course of her life.
In Heiress Apparently, Gemma Huang’s big acting break led her to Beijing, where she uncovered an incredible family secret. This second novel in the Daughters of the Dynasty series delves further into Gemma’s complex and storied legacy, moving back one generation to tell the story of Gemma’s mother, Lei, as she finds love against the backdrop of 1980s China and the Tiananmen Square protests and makes a difficult decision that forever alters the course of her life.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 29, 2022
18 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 22, 2022
I've been given an uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Edelweiss and Amulet Books.
Who knew I'd like Gemma's mom more than Gemma herself? This book takes readers back a generation to Lei's final year of high school. As the daughter of a high ranking Communist official, Lei's had everything she's ever wanted. However, her family is guarding a huge secret that could strip them of everything they've ever known if exposed.
Lei has never agreed with the Party and is tired of it's BS. So when a chance to join student protesters at Beijing University presents itself, she jumps at the chance. She never planned to meet Delun, a student protest leader, and she definitely never meant to fall in love. With the government cracking down on the protests, Lei realizes that the danger is very real and could land her in more trouble than ever her dad can bail her out of, not to mention expose her family's secret...
Lei, while she has her faults, I really really loved. Outspoken, smart, not afraid to go against the grain. Unfortunately, she is also impulsive and makes rash decisions. Looking at the history of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, I think the author did a fair job of keeping the substance and importance behind the protests while not delving too far. The same with the scene. I'm glad it was not glossed over and we got a little description, but it was kept appropriate for a young adult novel.
The writing style itself was easy to read. The book starts of a little slow, but after about page 50 it really picks up and it's hard to put down.
Another thing I really love is the historical accuracy of this book. I didn't know a lot about the protests so I researched it a bit for background. It's obvious the author put a lot of care into the details and the accuracy of timing, Politiburo leaders/policies, and world reactions to what was happening in Beijing. I think that's what really sold me on this book.
Sorry if my review is disjointed - I am so tired but am trying to finish it before the book actually comes out.
Who knew I'd like Gemma's mom more than Gemma herself? This book takes readers back a generation to Lei's final year of high school. As the daughter of a high ranking Communist official, Lei's had everything she's ever wanted. However, her family is guarding a huge secret that could strip them of everything they've ever known if exposed.
Lei has never agreed with the Party and is tired of it's BS. So when a chance to join student protesters at Beijing University presents itself, she jumps at the chance. She never planned to meet Delun, a student protest leader, and she definitely never meant to fall in love. With the government cracking down on the protests, Lei realizes that the danger is very real and could land her in more trouble than ever her dad can bail her out of, not to mention expose her family's secret...
Lei, while she has her faults, I really really loved. Outspoken, smart, not afraid to go against the grain. Unfortunately, she is also impulsive and makes rash decisions. Looking at the history of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, I think the author did a fair job of keeping the substance and importance behind the protests while not delving too far. The same with the scene. I'm glad it was not glossed over and we got a little description, but it was kept appropriate for a young adult novel.
The writing style itself was easy to read. The book starts of a little slow, but after about page 50 it really picks up and it's hard to put down.
Another thing I really love is the historical accuracy of this book. I didn't know a lot about the protests so I researched it a bit for background. It's obvious the author put a lot of care into the details and the accuracy of timing, Politiburo leaders/policies, and world reactions to what was happening in Beijing. I think that's what really sold me on this book.
Sorry if my review is disjointed - I am so tired but am trying to finish it before the book actually comes out.
March 19, 2022
What a wild ride! I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I started this sequel. It was very different from what I expected but super unique.
In book 1 we follow Gemma and she takes an acting job in Beijing, finds a girl who looks nearly identical to her, and figures out that they are cousins who’s mothers are twins but have been feuding for decades.
Here we follow Gemma’s mom during the revolution in Beijing which all led up to the Tiananmen Square massacre.
The middle part of this book dragged a little bit, but the history that was discussed was super interesting and not a story that I knew a lot about. I feel like the ending set up for a third book in this series and I think that could be really cool. 3.5 stars rounded up
In book 1 we follow Gemma and she takes an acting job in Beijing, finds a girl who looks nearly identical to her, and figures out that they are cousins who’s mothers are twins but have been feuding for decades.
Here we follow Gemma’s mom during the revolution in Beijing which all led up to the Tiananmen Square massacre.
The middle part of this book dragged a little bit, but the history that was discussed was super interesting and not a story that I knew a lot about. I feel like the ending set up for a third book in this series and I think that could be really cool. 3.5 stars rounded up
July 3, 2023
This was awesome!! I liked it even more than the first book. I’d never heard about the Tiananmen Square massacre before Heiress Apparently, so getting to learn more about it in this book was very enlightening. I enjoyed putting myself into the historical period, and Lei and Delun were a great Romeo and Juliet-esque couple. This is a really great prequel :))
July 24, 2023
i quite enjoyed the historical aspect of this book towards something i had virtually no knowledge about.
January 24, 2022
Lei has always been the wild one despite her good grades and plans to get into a tier 1 university. It's no surprise that she makes up her mind to join the student protests in Tiananmen Square, but Lei doesn't expect that she'll fall in love while she's there. As a rich girl at a pro-democracy protest, she has a lot to lose, not only because her father is a high-ranking Communist party official, but because her mother has been hiding a secret that could expose the whole family to disgrace. Lei is forced to choose between her family and inheritance or the man she loves and the movement they both believe in.
Having read the first book, I was worried that the ending of this one would be spoiled; in Heiress Apparently, Lei's daughter stumbles across her secret, so it wasn't much of a surprise in book 2. However! It turns out there's a lot about Lei that I never could have guessed based on book 1. Overall, this book does a remarkably good job of twisting together the varying plots of family relationships, budding romance, classism, historical facts, ancient secrets, and character growth. While the book certainly takes some creative liberties, I am excited to do more research into the Beijing student protests of 1989, and I'm glad that this fictional account gives me a clear visual as I embark on that adventure. Lei's character is well-developed, and the twists that appeared in the last 30 pages had me unable to put the book down. I recommend this book for anyone, young adult or older, who enjoys forbidden love, political intrigue, historical fiction, and Chinese culture.
Thank you to Amulet Books and Netgalley for this ARC
Having read the first book, I was worried that the ending of this one would be spoiled; in Heiress Apparently, Lei's daughter stumbles across her secret, so it wasn't much of a surprise in book 2. However! It turns out there's a lot about Lei that I never could have guessed based on book 1. Overall, this book does a remarkably good job of twisting together the varying plots of family relationships, budding romance, classism, historical facts, ancient secrets, and character growth. While the book certainly takes some creative liberties, I am excited to do more research into the Beijing student protests of 1989, and I'm glad that this fictional account gives me a clear visual as I embark on that adventure. Lei's character is well-developed, and the twists that appeared in the last 30 pages had me unable to put the book down. I recommend this book for anyone, young adult or older, who enjoys forbidden love, political intrigue, historical fiction, and Chinese culture.
Thank you to Amulet Books and Netgalley for this ARC
March 23, 2022
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/her-re...
HER REBEL HIGHNESS is a riveting YA historical fiction that travels between 1989 and the seventh century in China. The first book in this series followed Gemma Huang in the modern day, where she learned that she is an heiress to a family legacy dating back from the Tang Dynasty. This book takes a step back in her heritage to her mother, Lei's coming-of-age in the 1980s, when the Tiananmen Square protests.
Lei has lived with her family's wealth and their secrets all her life. She is beginning to realize problems in their political structure and sympathizes with the student protesters. As she gets involved, she meets Delun, a student leader of the protests with whom she has a quick connection. Her family and her beliefs and friendships seem to be at odds, and Lei will have to decide where she will stand in this tumultuous time.
This story is interspersed with that of Taiping, a princess in the Tang Dynasty who has recently been betrothed and must decide between love and power.
What I loved: This was a riveting historical fiction read that will resonate with readers who are trying to find themselves, while being true to their beliefs and understanding their families. Although this was a more dramatic circumstance in terms of the protests, Lei's coming-of-age is a theme seen throughout history. Lei is a compelling character who changes a lot from the beginning of the story through to the end, as she begins to realize truths about the people around her, her family, and her country. She really finds her voice and something larger to believe in, despite the dangers.
Ma really brings the Tiananmen Square protests to life in this book, a highly significant time in history and the telling is really powerful. The importance and the tragedy of it resonates through the story. The nuances of Lei's life, family, and politics are also really consuming. The addition of Taiping's story also gives a larger historical perspective on the challenges of family, power, and politics. These themes are really thought-provoking as well as those around sisterhood, friendship, and standing up for your beliefs.
The romance was really strong, and it was great getting to know Lei and Delun. They were easy to love as a couple, even with missteps and challenges faced. The pace of the book is steady, making it highly devourable and tough to put down. I am really excited to see where else this fantastic series will go.
Final verdict: HER REBEL HIGHNESS is a riveting and consuming historical fiction read with strong, thought-provoking themes of coming-of-age, family, and politics/power. Highly recommend picking up this great read!
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
HER REBEL HIGHNESS is a riveting YA historical fiction that travels between 1989 and the seventh century in China. The first book in this series followed Gemma Huang in the modern day, where she learned that she is an heiress to a family legacy dating back from the Tang Dynasty. This book takes a step back in her heritage to her mother, Lei's coming-of-age in the 1980s, when the Tiananmen Square protests.
Lei has lived with her family's wealth and their secrets all her life. She is beginning to realize problems in their political structure and sympathizes with the student protesters. As she gets involved, she meets Delun, a student leader of the protests with whom she has a quick connection. Her family and her beliefs and friendships seem to be at odds, and Lei will have to decide where she will stand in this tumultuous time.
This story is interspersed with that of Taiping, a princess in the Tang Dynasty who has recently been betrothed and must decide between love and power.
What I loved: This was a riveting historical fiction read that will resonate with readers who are trying to find themselves, while being true to their beliefs and understanding their families. Although this was a more dramatic circumstance in terms of the protests, Lei's coming-of-age is a theme seen throughout history. Lei is a compelling character who changes a lot from the beginning of the story through to the end, as she begins to realize truths about the people around her, her family, and her country. She really finds her voice and something larger to believe in, despite the dangers.
Ma really brings the Tiananmen Square protests to life in this book, a highly significant time in history and the telling is really powerful. The importance and the tragedy of it resonates through the story. The nuances of Lei's life, family, and politics are also really consuming. The addition of Taiping's story also gives a larger historical perspective on the challenges of family, power, and politics. These themes are really thought-provoking as well as those around sisterhood, friendship, and standing up for your beliefs.
The romance was really strong, and it was great getting to know Lei and Delun. They were easy to love as a couple, even with missteps and challenges faced. The pace of the book is steady, making it highly devourable and tough to put down. I am really excited to see where else this fantastic series will go.
Final verdict: HER REBEL HIGHNESS is a riveting and consuming historical fiction read with strong, thought-provoking themes of coming-of-age, family, and politics/power. Highly recommend picking up this great read!
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2024
I actually didn't read the first book or read much into the synopsis/reviews so I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I saw "Rebel" and "Highness" and thought that this was going to be a fun romantic royal read but... it wasn't. Despite this, I don't regret reading it.
Personal Pros
1. Tiananmen Square: I have heard of the incident but don't know the exact details. While reading I was researching about it simultaneously and continued to do so afterwards. I like the highlight of this kind of hard-to-talk-about historical event in books that helps spread awareness of history. I appreciate the novel making me made me feel the emotions of the protesters and the fear that surrounded this event. It's impressive how Diana Ma highlighted the long-lasting impact of the political struggle that we saw started from their parents (or way before) to the Tiananmen Square event that will impact the future of these characters.
2. Well-developed characters: Every character comes to life. Even though Lei is our protagonist and gets the bulk of the story, every character that comes in plays an important role in Lei's journey, affecting what's to come.
Personal Cons
1. Princess Taiping's storyline: I struggled to connect with this flashback portion of the story, even though it eventually ties back to Lei's journey. It didn't feel necessary at the same time.
2. Lei's passion: I admire how Lei stays true to herself, her family, art, beliefs, and De Lun. Her actions are written vividly, making it easy to see why she'd make certain choices. Because I saw Lei's growth and read about her experiences, I understand her turmoil and difficulties. However, I struggled to see why Lei dropped everything for Delun/romance. I personally didn't like her character despite understanding where she came from. Just not the type of protagonist I would typically root for (doesn't make her bad though). Also, her decisions led to the ending feeling abrupt, maybe to lead it into Gemma's story?
It's challenging for me to put my feelings about this book into words. But this is more than just a book about a girl who falls in love with a guy during dark times in the 1980s. It revolves around the politics of China, sisterhood, family values, moral values, freedom, and more. It's complex and captures so much from just Lei's point of view. I'd say pick it up if you want something a little bit heavier than just romance. The beginning is a bit dry but picks up (for me) when it becomes evident that this is more than just about Lei falling in love with De Lun, a guy she shouldn't be involved with because he's a student protester. Give it a shot if you think this sounds interesting and it may surprise you.
Personal Pros
1. Tiananmen Square: I have heard of the incident but don't know the exact details. While reading I was researching about it simultaneously and continued to do so afterwards. I like the highlight of this kind of hard-to-talk-about historical event in books that helps spread awareness of history. I appreciate the novel making me made me feel the emotions of the protesters and the fear that surrounded this event. It's impressive how Diana Ma highlighted the long-lasting impact of the political struggle that we saw started from their parents (or way before) to the Tiananmen Square event that will impact the future of these characters.
2. Well-developed characters: Every character comes to life. Even though Lei is our protagonist and gets the bulk of the story, every character that comes in plays an important role in Lei's journey, affecting what's to come.
Personal Cons
1. Princess Taiping's storyline: I struggled to connect with this flashback portion of the story, even though it eventually ties back to Lei's journey. It didn't feel necessary at the same time.
2. Lei's passion: I admire how Lei stays true to herself, her family, art, beliefs, and De Lun. Her actions are written vividly, making it easy to see why she'd make certain choices. Because I saw Lei's growth and read about her experiences, I understand her turmoil and difficulties. However, I struggled to see why Lei dropped everything for Delun/romance. I personally didn't like her character despite understanding where she came from. Just not the type of protagonist I would typically root for (doesn't make her bad though). Also, her decisions led to the ending feeling abrupt, maybe to lead it into Gemma's story?
It's challenging for me to put my feelings about this book into words. But this is more than just a book about a girl who falls in love with a guy during dark times in the 1980s. It revolves around the politics of China, sisterhood, family values, moral values, freedom, and more. It's complex and captures so much from just Lei's point of view. I'd say pick it up if you want something a little bit heavier than just romance. The beginning is a bit dry but picks up (for me) when it becomes evident that this is more than just about Lei falling in love with De Lun, a guy she shouldn't be involved with because he's a student protester. Give it a shot if you think this sounds interesting and it may surprise you.
October 31, 2022
I finished this book yesterday at rws just before returning it and omg was this mind blowing!! I really loved how the book tackled a super hard time in the history of china, the Tiananmen Square massacre and the fact that it included bits and pieces of info from the time where it actually happened. Like photos of the massacre on google and real life stories. Not gonna lie I didn’t even know about the massacre until I read this book but bro it’s so saddening but the book really writes it in a really nice way!! The family dynamic, romance and everything is just chefs kiss!! The selflessness of all the characters especially lei and all the protestors was so admirable. I’m gonna go and find out more about the massacre after this and I really can’t wait to read more by this author!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
100% recommend💯💯🫶🏻🫶🏻😍😍
100% recommend💯💯🫶🏻🫶🏻😍😍
April 16, 2022
A prequel/sequel in the Daughters of the Dynasty YA series.
🇨🇳
In book 1 we met Gemma and followed her journey from unknown actress to movie star and long lost cousin to the famous Chinese family—a secret that was kept from her her whole life. In Her Rebel Highness we get to see Gemma’s mother’s story told in 1980s China during the Tiananmen Square protests and how she met Gemma’s dad.
🇨🇳
I truly enjoyed the historical accuracy of this novel, having never really read a book that took place during this particular period of time and setting. However, it made me miss Gemma’s story continuation and what happens with her cousin. I can’t wait to get back to it for book 3 (if there is one).
CW: classism, protest, violence, death
3.25 ⭐️
🇨🇳
In book 1 we met Gemma and followed her journey from unknown actress to movie star and long lost cousin to the famous Chinese family—a secret that was kept from her her whole life. In Her Rebel Highness we get to see Gemma’s mother’s story told in 1980s China during the Tiananmen Square protests and how she met Gemma’s dad.
🇨🇳
I truly enjoyed the historical accuracy of this novel, having never really read a book that took place during this particular period of time and setting. However, it made me miss Gemma’s story continuation and what happens with her cousin. I can’t wait to get back to it for book 3 (if there is one).
CW: classism, protest, violence, death
3.25 ⭐️
January 10, 2025
This is more of a 3.5/3.75 read, but I'm rounding up. I enjoyed this a lot more than the first book in the series. It's still YA, but the story follows Lei as she joins the Tiananmen Square protests—rather than Gemma the escaping actress—so it feels like the stakes have been upped. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Chinese history, the Cultural Revolution, and the political environment. From what I can tell, it's pretty well researched and it was new subject matter for me. I really got into this—it's a standard YA read, and written for age appropriate YA readers, but it was a solid showing. Given the ending, I wish that there were a third book in the series, but it looks like I'm SOL.
April 9, 2022
WHATTTT!?>!/!?!? I loved this even more than the first one, Heiress Apparently. The Chinese history involved in the retelling of Tiananmen Square is sobering and serious, as Ma expertly weaves the story of two revolutionaries hoping for a better China against the 1989 protests. Lei has to choose between her sister, and her love continually, getting to the point where she would have to give up
Delun, but she cannot. I would certainly recommend, and I don't think it needs to be read in order, although the context is helpful! The author writes phenomenally and keeps you hooked as Lei follows her heart to her future.
Delun, but she cannot. I would certainly recommend, and I don't think it needs to be read in order, although the context is helpful! The author writes phenomenally and keeps you hooked as Lei follows her heart to her future.
April 19, 2022
This is more middle grade than YA. The romance is very instalove and lukewarm. They share multiple chaste kisses.
There was a ton of info dumping. This would be a good middle grade book to read for school to teach someone about the history of this time period.
I had a hard time believing teenagers/young college students would want to talk about politics all the time. They never did anything else! Also this could’ve been condensed into 150 pages. There was very little plot except for the one big event towards the end. Also I don’t know how someone could get a very high score on the Chinese college entrance exam after having a concussion.
Get your tissues ready for that ending.
There was a ton of info dumping. This would be a good middle grade book to read for school to teach someone about the history of this time period.
I had a hard time believing teenagers/young college students would want to talk about politics all the time. They never did anything else! Also this could’ve been condensed into 150 pages. There was very little plot except for the one big event towards the end. Also I don’t know how someone could get a very high score on the Chinese college entrance exam after having a concussion.
Get your tissues ready for that ending.
August 22, 2025
SOSOSOSOSO GOOD! Honestly just amazing. They way she describes the characters made me fell as if I were right beside them feeling all their pain and love throughout this fun and bumpy journey they're all going through. I lOVE Delun to the moon and back and was low-key kind of jealous Lei. BUT I love her fight for their rights and how she risked everything to be with him. Honestly was really cool to see Gemma's mom's side of the story. Overall 5/5 STARS!!! <3
April 4, 2022
Thank you to netgalley for providing a e-galley for review. Her Rebel Highness is the prequel novel to Heiress Apparently. While I appreciate the protest aspect of this book, I feel like there was too much focus on the protests and not enough character development. I just wasn't invested in the present day story. I was very interested in the story of the women of the poetry and painting however.
May 1, 2022
An enjoyable prequel focusing on Gemma's mom (from Heiress Apparently) and her background. Lei and her family have a complicated history with art and the Cultural Revolution. Set during the 1980s, the student protests at Tiananmen Sq, are starting up and Lei is driven to participate. Lei falls in love with a student activist and soon has to choose between love him and love of family and duty.
June 29, 2022
Companion/prequel to Heiress Apparently
This is the back story to Gemma's family as well as the story of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. It is well-written and engaging. Even though the reader can see what is coming, inevitably, inexorably coming, you keep turning the pages to see what will happen next.
CW for violence
This is the back story to Gemma's family as well as the story of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. It is well-written and engaging. Even though the reader can see what is coming, inevitably, inexorably coming, you keep turning the pages to see what will happen next.
CW for violence
October 9, 2022
4.5 stars.
there’s a special place in my heart for this book yet i did enjoy “heiress, apparently” more. it was probably due to a culmination of things like just how intense this book was or how it seemed to drag at first. but overall, it was still such a good read.
there’s a special place in my heart for this book yet i did enjoy “heiress, apparently” more. it was probably due to a culmination of things like just how intense this book was or how it seemed to drag at first. but overall, it was still such a good read.
March 30, 2023
I usually don’t give five stars but the historical aspect of this story merged with the romance and family drama is literally perfect. I haven’t read a book so easy to finish in a long time…never a dull moment and not a second to put it down.
July 31, 2024
The book was good. It a good to know about Gemma’s mom history, how she met her dad? And about their ancestors history and the struggles they when through. All and all this a good book to read if your into fictional history.
March 27, 2022
***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance digital copy of the book in exchange for honest feedback.***
April 28, 2022
fantastic like the cover :)
May 1, 2022
Love this more than the first book!
May 15, 2022
A page-turning novel filled with romance and compelling historical fiction. Review to come in a future issue of School Library Journal.
June 19, 2022
Better than the first
September 16, 2022
Wowowowow the ending!! Get some tissues
December 4, 2022
Honestly, good for Lei.
February 21, 2024
Audiobook listen
Read
November 16, 2024I don’t know if I’ll read the other one.
November 27, 2024
This book made me really curious about the 1989 protests and what happened! I love the integration of romance and the emotion between lei and her sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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