When Lightning Strikes (Lightning Strikes Trilogy #1)

When Lightning Strikes (Lightning Strikes Trilogy #1)

Chani Lynn Feener

Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

In a land ruled by Yaoguai and overrun with demons, a girl must put her heart aside to discover her true destiny. Caixia, better known as the Prince’s Red Rabbit, is a fierce assassin. Sent out by the prince under the cover of night, she’s known for delivering swift justice just as much as she’s known for the single eyepatch she always wears. No one knows what lies beneath the strap of cloth, no one aside from Caixia herself and the royal family. Or so they believe. Gods Gold, reincarnated gods thrown out of the heavenly realm and sent to the mortal plane to atone, have ruled over Middlemist for centuries, but they’re a dying breed. Each year less and less of them are reborn as they complete their punishments and return to the Jade Emperor. Now that it’s time for Prince Yida to marry, there doesn’t seem to be any viable candidates left for the role. But just when Caixia and the prince begin to hope this could be the opportunity for them to be together, a girl is found. With two golden eyes. Lei, the newly appointed Guardian of the West, helps ease some of Caixia’s sadness, filling a hole she didn’t realize she had as the two of them grow closer. But Lei has secrets of his own that he’s keeping, ones that could unravel not only their kingdom, but the entire world as they know it. In the end, will Caixia choose to stand by the prince she’s always loved, or will she decide to put her faith in the man who helped her see she’s much more than simply the Red Rabbit? As demons plague the city and tragedy strikes, these three will have to unravel the threads of fate and decide who, and what, they really are. One wrong choice, and the whole world suffers.

Publication Year: 2023


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  • Terhill96
    Apr 27, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the publisher and the author for the arc.

    "When Lightning Strikes" takes readers on a thrilling adventure immersed in the captivating world of Asian fantasy lore. As a fan of fantasy series, I found it easy to delve into this richly imagined realm and become engrossed in its intricate details.

    The plot, while relatively simple, is executed with clarity, making it easy to follow the events and unravel the mysteries within. At times, the pacing felt a bit uneven, but overall, it maintained a satisfactory rhythm that kept me engaged.

    The story primarily revolves around Caixia, a girl harboring a secret -<spoiler> her possession of a golden eye, marking her as half a god</spoiler>. Her unwavering loyalty and deep affection for Prince Yida of Middlemist Kingdom drive the narrative forward. Alongside a cast of compelling side characters, Caixia embarks on various adventures, with the main objective being to uncover the truth behind the poisoning of Bolin, the current Emperor.
    One standout character, Lei, quickly became a favourite of mine due to his wit and relatable demeanor. His presence adds depth to the narrative and sparks a genuine connection with Caixia. Their evolving friendship is a delight to witness, and their interactions feel authentic and nuanced.

    While some twists in the story were predictable,<spoiler> such as Yida's descent into darkness fueled by his infatuation with Caixia,</spoiler> there were still unexpected revelations that caught me off guard. <spoiler>Learning that Lei was a Gods Gold and the adopted son of the Clear Kingdom Emperor, while Caixia turned out to be their biological daughter, added a layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative. And made me wonder why they left her and what's the truth behind her sole golden eye.</spoiler>

    The book concludes with an intriguing cliffhanger, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment. The ending left me craving more and reinforced my investment in the characters and their journeys.
    Overall, the book delivers an enthralling fantasy experience, fueled by an intriguing plot and well-developed characters. With its immersive world and captivating twists, this book is sure to delight fans of the genre. I eagerly await the continuation of the series to discover what fate has in store for Caixia, Lei, and Yida.

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