Kate Chenli’s debut YA novel arrives in October, and I don’t think anyone would mind if you judged this book on its cover, because the cover is absolutely stunning. A Bright Heart is inspired by wuxia storytelling tropes and takes us on a journey of revenge, reincarnation, and court intrigue.
After Mingshin is betrayed by the man she loves—the man she made king—she prays that the gods give her a chance to avenge herself. When she wakes up two years before she’s murdered, she vows that her former lover will never be king, and she will never fall in love. Mingshin must then navigate the strange changes in her new life, including a new contender for the throne, a new threat to her kingdom, and a vipers’ nest at court. And hopefully she’ll avoid being murdered in this life too.
Take a look at this incredibly beautiful cover for Kate Chenli’s A Bright Heart, illustrated by Sija Hong. An interview with the author and an exclusive two-chapter excerpt are below.
Linda Codega, io9: What drew you to writing fantasy in the first place?
Kate Chenli: I was a fantasy reader before I was a fantasy writer. I’ve always been fascinated with the concept of magic. As a child, I often dreamed of possessing magic (who didn’t?). When I read fantasy, I enjoy getting lost in the rich imaginary worlds where the characters become alive.
I wanted to create such fantastic worlds myself. Writing allowed me to expand on ancient legends and mythology that I’ve always loved. Moreover, I wanted to create lifelike characters, especially strong women who inspire young girls.
io9: What are some of the tropes of Chinese literature that have inspired A Bright Heart?
Chenli: For one, the chance at a second life and the opportunity to be sent back in time to right past wrongs and protect those you love. Who wouldn’t want to relive an experience like that? And a chance at finding true love along the way is also exciting.
Princes competing for a throne is another common trope in Chinese fantasy (many inspired by the real event that happened during Emperor Kangxi’s reign in the Qing dynasty.) The complexity of power dynamics and the entanglements of court intrigue have always interested me.
io9: What does reincarnation in fantasy trope say about human nature?
Chenli: I think, deep down, most humans want a second chance to correct our past mistakes, to redeem ourselves. Given a chance, we all hope to become a better, stronger version of ourselves.
io9: Which character are you most excited for your readers to meet?
Chenli: First of all, Mingshin. She’s smart, cool-headed, and extremely protective of her family. She is a no-nonsense force when it comes to dealing with her enemies. She has a clear goal in life and pursues that goal relentlessly and fearlessly while seeking justice in a challenging world that is biased against women. I want my readers to enjoy her journey of growing into a stronger, more confident version of herself.
I’m also excited for my readers to meet Prince Jieh. He’s arrogant but truthful; he’s a tough warrior but very protective of the people he cares about. He and Mingshin make a fabulous team because he respects Mingshin’s intelligence and steadfastly stands by her.
And of course, Princess Yunle. I had great fun writing about her friendship with Mingshin. I feel that female friendship in fantasy genre still has a lot of space to grow!
My scream echoes off the moldy walls of the dungeon.
The interrogator leans in, his breath foul. “I ask you one last time. Do you confess to the treason committed against the crown?”
I barely lift my head from the cold, damp stone floor. A bolt of pain shoots through me, and the room spins. Still, I lock my gaze on the interrogator, willing myself not to waver. My throat feels lacerated with sand, but I manage to rasp one last “No.”
I spit at him. My spittle of blood smears across his thin lips.
He backhands me so hard my head snaps to the side and my ears ring. He wipes the blood away with a sleeve, then snarls. “You’ll get what you deserve, filthy traitor.”
He turns and gestures to the jailers standing watch. The two burly men stride over and yank me to my bare feet. My broken ribs give a vicious jab, and I nearly faint.
They drag me out of the interrogation chamber, their mocking laugh pealing distortedly. The instant we are through the door, a blast of frosty air slams into me. The wind slices at my bare flesh like an icy scythe—the ferocious whippings have plastered the shredded remains of what once passed for clothes onto my broken skin. I shiver uncontrollably.
It’s snowing, and a carriage with a single driver awaits in the courtyard. Through the swirling white mass, I glimpse the tall, imposing prison walls looming in the distance.
As soon as the jailers dump me onto the hard floor of the carriage, it starts moving. I curl into myself. Where is the driver taking me? The execution block?
The image of Royal Lady Bai’s lifeless body hanging from a rafter in her cell pops into my head. “We’re all going to die,” she said just yesterday. “The Royal Ladies, the princes, and you. Ren has accused us all of treason.” She stared at me with feverish eyes, all her dignity gone. “His edict declared that we conspired together.”
No! She was wrong. Ren couldn’t possibly believe I had anything to do with the attempt on his life. He always said he trusted me above everyone else.
But why did he allow the guards to arrest me without even giving me a chance to defend myself? It’s been three days. Why hasn’t he come to see me? Does he know what I’ve been through?
The anger that has been brewing inside me swells into a storm. Why haven’t you rescued me, Ren? How could you let them treat me like this after your vows of love? Could the fears that have plagued me for these last few months be true? That you’ve been using my mind and money to help you attain the crown?
I suck in a sharp, stinging breath as my chest seems to split open. No, it’s too dangerous a thought, too horrible. I mustn’t lose hope. That’s all I have now.
The carriage jerks to a halt. A quick exchange of words outside, then we are moving again. When the carriage stops once more, I hear a thud, followed by footfalls. Moments later, the driver appears and pulls me out. An agonized groan escapes my parched lips.
The ruffian drops me in the snow, turns, and walks away.
“Wait.” I shudder. “Why did you . . . bring me here?”
But he only hurries away faster. Without a word or a backward glance, he jumps onto the front seat and drives off.
Am I to freeze to death? I swallow a rising flood of panic and look around. Colossal buildings of wooden pillars, red crossbeams, and yellow-glazed roof tiles are connected by twisting cobblestone paths, with evergreens and courtyards interspersed between.
I’ve been brought to the royal palace.
I crawl to the lowest step of a flight of tall, wide stairs. At the top stands the Grand Throne Room, where Ren holds court daily.
I hear crunching on snow. I turn to see two palace guards approach me. Like the jailers, they hoist me between themselves and haul me up the stairs. Even the relentless cold isn’t enough to numb my agony as my lesions scrape against the icy stone.
The men abandon me at the top, then disappear the way they came.
I jolt at the sight of someone standing before the Grand Throne Room with its shining marble walls. His back to me, he wears a robe heavily stitched with five-clawed golden dragons—the sacred creature only a monarch can wear.
Ren. The love of my life. The man I helped become King of Dazhou. He’s finally here.
Ren extends his arms fully and tilts his head back, as if flying high above and savoring the feeling that the entire kingdom lies beneath his feet. He maintains that posture for a few moments before turning around and walking toward me.
He’s as handsome as ever, with golden-brown eyes, lush ebony hair, and the sort of profile loved by sculptors and painters. But gone is the warm, gentle smile he has always shone on me, and in its place is a ruthless mask.
My heart, which has been lifted by a sudden flutter of hope, sinks, wings broken.
I stretch my mangled hand, to touch this man who once promised to collect the stars for me. “Water . . . please.”
He eases away. “The assassin confessed that you and my brothers commissioned his service.” Each word is as sharp as a knife. I can’t believe they come from Ren, but they do.
“I didn’t. I blocked his sword . . . with my body . . . when he ran at you. You saw it.” Every muscle spasms as I struggle to point to the wound where the assassin’s blade pierced my shoulder. But none of the pain compares to what I feel inside.
“And we were to marry,” I plead. “Why would I have you murdered?”
“Did you honestly think I’d marry a merchant’s daughter? Once all the traitors are put down, I’ll wed Aylin and crown her as my Queen. She’s a regal noblewoman fit for the position. In fact, she’s the one I’ve always wanted.”
It’s as though Ren had reached into my chest and wrenched out my beating heart. I suck in a breath to hold back tears. “You used me, you bastard.” Such simple words, but they take all my strength to utter. “Did you ever love me?”
“For two years, I had to stare at your plain, mooning face while saying pathetic words of love, putting on a show of passion. It sickened me.”
Inside, my world crumbles to dust. I suspected that Ren harbored more than friendly feelings for Aylin, but I always attributed this to my insecurity and p Source: Gizmodo