Sunday, March 17, 2024

Richmond Public Library Writers' Festival - March 13, 2024

 



 
 
I was so glad to have met wuxia fans from Hong Kong at this Author Event and mini book launch for The Earthly Blaze, the concluding sequel to The Heavenly Sword.
 
 

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Book Review - The Husky and His White Cat Shizun Vol. 2


 
In Volume 2 Mo Ran in his reborn life continues to have mixed feelings (searing hatred and repressed deep sexual desire) for his master Chu Wanning. But after they've gone through deadly perils together, Mo Ran finds Chu not as icy and arrogant as he remembers from his last life, but actually has a sweet and lovable side. Chu, on his part, cares deeply and yearns for Mo Ran but lives in denial. Mo Ran begins to feel deeply ashamed of his own cruelty and atrocious acts as a mortal Emperor in his past life. At the same time, he realizes that in actual fact his heart has not quite settled on Shi Mei but instead veers more and more towards Chu.

After an incident at Peach Blossom Springs where Mo Ran is accused of murder, he finds that he can count on Chu for protection and together they try to unravel a malicious plot aimed at eliminating Mo Ran. During their stay at Peach Blossom Springs, they come across Ye Wangxi, the chief cultivator of the powerful Rufeng Sect.
 
Mo and Chu discover that the plot has something to do with a divine sword called "Bugui", which is being auctioned. Mo Ran recognizes the sword, as it belonged to him in his last life.
 
Ye also appears at the auction and saves a fair maiden Song Qiutong from being sold into slavery. Mo Ran knows her as she was his Empress in his last life. Ye also puts in a winning bid for Bugui.
 
The unexpected twists and turns of the story line and the angst felt by the MCs kept me on my toes all the time. I'm looking forward to reading the next volume.
 

Friday, January 19, 2024

A Film Critic Reviews The Heavenly Sword

 

It's not everyday that you get your book reviewed by a seasoned film critic! 
 
So I was beyond thrilled to find this Goodreads review of The Heavenly Sword posted by Jeffrey Wang, film critic for The Cinema Files:
 
"Alice Poon’s The Heavenly Sword is a great and engrossing adventure story that is steeped in Chinese mythology. If you’re a fan of classic wuxia novels and films, like those by Jin Yong and King Hu, you’ll love this elegantly written novel. I highly recommend this book for both those who are familiar with Chinese culture, and for those who want to learn more about China and its literary history."
 
 

Friday, January 12, 2024

Cover Reveal Time!

 


The long awaited cover art for The Earthly Blaze,
the concluding sequel to The Heavenly Sword, is finally here to meet readers!

The date of release has been confirmed as April 9, 2024.
 
PRE-ORDER FOR THE KINDLE VERSION IS NOW OPEN! THE HARDBACK EDITION WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER SOON!
 


Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Eternal Love - A Xianxia Drama That Snatched My Soul

  
"Eternal Love" is hands down a masterpiece of a xianxia drama! Everything from plot, characterization, casting, acting, to dialogue, costume, backdrop, is impeccable. The love story between Ye Hua and Bai Qian (or Su Su) is imprinted on my mind and I will not forget it for a long time to come. The chemistry between lead actor Mark Chao and lead actress Yang Mi is just magical! 
 
Though I'm late to the party (the drama came out in 2017), this is definitely on my must-rewatch list.

Here's the link to the theme song MV (which is also excellent!).
 
I think this is the first time I've ever been moved to write a post praising a Cdrama series!
 

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Her Grace's Library's ARC Review of The Earthly Blaze

 
 
Reading Her Grace's Library's early review of The Earthly Blaze (due to be released in April 2024) was, to say the least, an exhilarating experience! This blogger is an avid American reader of western fantasy, and the Chinese wuxia genre was entirely new to her. Yet her thirst for knowledge nudged her to explore outside of her comfort zone. I'm so appreciative of her honest thoughts about my wuxia-myth duology.
 
A quote from her review:-
 
"One sign of a good story, to me, is when an author can take readers where they may not want to go but ultimately where they need to go; Poon does that exactly right."