First of all, I would like to say I adored this book and will definitely be looking forward to book 2 when it releases!

The Nightblood Prince is a book about vampires, prophecies, and two equally lovable love interests set in a China-based empire. I loved every page in this book since the beginning and its unique storyline. Fei, the main protagonist, is caught between two princes, Yexue and Siwang, while trying to save the empire of Rong. I love Molly's writing style and the way the story is written. I look forward to the next chapter of this adventure!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an arc of this book.

Um, okay Molly Chang!! You didn’t need to serve so hard with this one! I’m still reeling after this read.

I love how strong-willed Fei is throughout the book. She goes after what she wants and believes is best. She’s on high moral ground, while Siwang and Yexue were killing left and right “supposedly” for her. Yes, I ate it all up. From the very beginning, I already had a strong preference for one of the male lead. ahem <spoiler>Yexue</spoiler>ahem. So, I did get a littleee annoyed at Fei sometimes when it came to who she trusted and her actions. I believe this was the author’s intention, so I can’t be too mad.

Overall, I LOVE the premise of the story and it was such an excellent romantasy read for me. I was gasping and kicking my feet throughout. It checked the boxes for a romance fantasy for me. While the ending was solid, I NEED A SEQUEL!!! Like, immediately (pretty PLEASE?!). Based on the acknowledgements, it seems there is a sequel?? I sure hope so, because I need more of Fei and my favorite MMC together. 💗I can’t accept that that’s all we get!!

Highly recommend!!

Tropes: forced proximity, Chinese fantasy, villain MCs, prophecy, vampires, crown prince, love triangle, political intrigue

Book: 4.5 ✨
Spice: 1.5

Overall this book had solid bones, but I wish it would have been fleshed out a little more. More details and a longer book overall. I didn't connect with any of the characters like I wanted to. Everyone felt terrible for different reasons, even our main girl Fei.

Before I begin this review, I must say that the cover is absolutely gorgeous and so enticing for a prospective reader. Unfortunately the story within didn’t live up to my expectations.

I think one of the biggest criticisms I had was for the protagonist Fei, herself. She seemed rather critical of everything in her world, often focusing on her place within it and why she didn’t have MORE: more of a role, more power. People who tend to only focus on themselves tend to be unhappy people and this absolutely finds its proof in Fei.

I acknowledge that the circumstances she finds herself in are indeed frustrating. Fei has no say so in her life as she is a woman and in this world, they are treated as second class citizens. She has basically been kidnapped to live in the palace and raised to be a wife/trophy/good luck charm and that is her sole calling.

Would it kill her to be a little grateful? She’s in a blessed position, not starving or in want of anything. She has only to ask and the prince would procure for her whatever she needed or asked for! Yet Fei’s thoughts are usually occupied with complaining or keeping a victim mentality. I found myself getting annoyed with her.

That leads me to speak about the author’s reason for making a story like this. Fei hates the attention of men. She speaks incessantly about how she never wants to be married or in love. For a book that is supposed to have a serious romantic subplot, our heroine is going to be pushed into its maw kicking and screaming.

It would have made a lot more sense for this to be a feminist tale at its core with no romance whatsoever and two selfish princes that vie for Fei’s heart but she’s having none of it. That kind of plot would have complemented with who Fei seems to be at her core. She’s very concerned with having power over her own body and destiny and how no man should circumvent those rights.

It’s almost as though the author wanted to write two different stories; one with a romance and another about finding power and autonomy as a woman. Then it’s as if she deposited the heroine from the latter tale into the former. They’re just not compatible.

Fei also begins to form romantic feelings for both of the male leads but it’s honestly pretty unbelievable to me with how much Fei protests she doesn’t want love or marriage or children.

I did find that Fei had some ideological contradictions as well. At one point she cries quite assuredly that all those with power or who are in leadership positions are tyrants, yet power is what she craves so desperately. Maybe this is deliberate on the author’s part to show a change in how Fei feels about roles of leadership? Im honestly confused about it.

Fei did do some maturing towards the end and begins to understand how her thoughts and actions affect others. She realizes that her selfish pursuit of her own power and destiny can affect her family in a negative fashion although I don’t know if she would ultimately would have changed her decisions even knowing the outcome. At least she’s aware? That’s the first step to change, I guess.

I will say that Yexue was a very interesting character as he is so enigmatic. The humor injected throughout his scenes was a lot of fun but there just wasn’t enough of his character in the book and I found myself wishing he was more present.

I was honestly shocked this was going to be more than a standalone book because it felt like there should have been more plot progression from cover to cover. Hopefully the author can pack more into the next book.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad read, I just think it wasn’t the one for me. Those who enjoy a more feminist focused heroine may enjoy this more.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read the ARC!

Definitely an ARC I thoroughly enjoyed. I usually am not a big fan of love triangles, just because I’m scared the one I root for won't get chosen.

The tension, the pacing, and the worldbuilding, it’s definitely a ride I’ll get on again. It’s giving Mulan x Helen of Troy but with vampires and instead of a hot general to fall for, you have two men who are in competition for you.

To be honest, I don’t know who to root for in this love triangle. Both are morally gray, and will do anything for Lifeng Fei. I need a series, because I NEED TO KNOW WHO SHE CHOOSES AND WHAT DIRECTION THIS IS GOING IN! (I think I’m leaning more toward Lan Yexue)

I pretty much highlighted all of the quotes that were translated from Chinese to English, just because the words struck me. My notes for this though are what makes me laugh. Because this book was set in a time period where women were mere objects to men and not people, I was constantly writing about how misogynistic it all is.

This was a top read for me and I’m excited to see what’s next!

If you like Mulan, vampires, and a soul gripped love triangle that leaves you wanting more, than I recommend this!

Personal Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🫑
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
TROPES: TOUCH HER AND DIE, LOVE TRIANGLE, DOUBLE VILLAIN LOVE INTEREST

Warning: I’m completely in love with Molly X. Chang’s writing!

The Nightblood Prince is the second book from Molly X. Chang that I read, and I couldn’t put it down. An Asian inspired story with prophecies, battles, magic, and romance.

What I enjoyed most was the FMC’s strength, determination, and character. A courageous young woman who defies fate, goes against society’s expectations, puts her people above love, and fights for a better future even when all odds are against her.

The book is brimming with romance, delicious and slow burning.

The plot and pacing are perfect, with never a dull moment.

ℹ️ YA • Fantasy • Romance • Vampires

I received the ARC of this book on Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A young women seeking freedom instead of her rank?
A love triangle with two morally grey characters?
A war between warriors and vampires?

Really everything in this plot was original and also intriguing.
I couldn't predict what was going to happen as I usually do when reading fantasy romances.
It was absolutely addicting and unputdownable.

Thank you so much for the e-arc of this book.
It is definitely one of my favorite read of 2025.

Don't you love a good story that makes you go pop popcorn, pulls you in, and keeps you entertained until the final page of the novel? This was definitely one of those anticipated novels for 2025 that definitely did that for you. You have no idea how much I have longed for July to hurry itself and get over here, but thanks to the people at Netgalley and the publishers, I was gifted with a chance to read this novel before its release.

If one were to categorize this novel, it would be between a Mulan retelling and a Helen of Troy story (something you don't see that often). After all, our female lead has been propherized to become "the empress of all empresses", but that is not what she wants. Lei wants to be free. Free to make her own decisions, and free to have a husband who would look only onto her instead of his concubines.

Lei grows up behind the palace walls unable to play with other children and while she does have Siwang as her companion, he is never enough. That is until a hunting party has cross paths with Yexue, a political prisoner sent to Rong by his uncle. Lei saves him and helps him escape but a war breaks out and Lei learns that there is more to Yexue than meets the eye.

This was my first book by Ms Chang and I LOVED it. I didn't think I would be so engrossed in the storyline...so invested in the characters, but I really was. The world building was genuinely interesting, but I would love see a bit more expansion on it. I am seeing rumors that this is a duology (?). I hope it is because the ending offered so much of a opening for a second book.

Hunting a tiger? The side characters were epic because we literally have a morally grey character who can summon the dead-ish Vampires! and the other character is a cinnamon roll prince!
The romance definitely tug and pull between enemies to lovers and friends to lovers.
The pacing and writing was a true ast paced romantasy for young adults. However, the plot was troublesome, and I experienced this with her other popular novel.

Perfect if you love:
How about TWO princes for you?
Slowburn Enemies to Lovers
Elemental Magic
YA


Thank you so much to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this arc!

The Nightblood Prince by Molly X. Chang follows the story of Fei, a young girl who is saddled with the weight of a prophecy steering her towards an unwanted destiny while also grappling with gender limitations within the society in which she was born.

I enjoyed the love triangle aspect of this book and the fact that Fei spent time with both romantic interests throughout the book. This gave the reader ample time to get to experience how Fei interacted with both characters and how they progressed and/or hindered her on her journey. The two love interests are marketed as villains; however, I didn’t really see either of them as such. Sure, they were morally grey, but to go so far as to call them villains is a little bit of a stretch. Irregardless of that, they both presented themselves as viable options for our heroine.

I appreciated the banter between Yexue and Fei and the fact that he (mostly) pushed her to see herself as more than just a prophecy. However, even though Siwang struggled to see Fei as more than an extension of himself, I also found his devotion to her an endearing quality. The writer does an excellent job making it difficult to choose between the two love interests.

I’m not sure if there’s another book to this story or if it’s just a standalone; however, I do hope to read more of Fei’s journey. Although the love triangle drew me to the story, I loved seeing Fei become more confident within herself throughout the book. Her choices show that she wants a destiny all her own that is not dictated by a seer or her gender. Although the ending was satisfying, I wouldn’t mind a second book to see how all of the main characters develop.

Overall, The Nightblood Prince is an excellent read and I would recommend it if you love fast paced stories with plenty of action and a strong female main character trying to find herself in a main dominated society.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Books for an e-arc of this book to review!

Fei was born into a prophecy that she would one day become the Empress of All Empresses. As a result, she was taken from her family to be raised behind palace walls and one day marry the Crown Prince to the most powerful empire. She is presented with an opportunity to pursue her own destiny, and sets out in search of a tiger. It is on this journey that she becomes known to a rival prince from another kingdom. The rival prince could be a key to Fei gaining more than freedom, as this prince possesses dangerous magic. However, in order to do this, Fei must start a series of events that bring her into a world she had not envisioned, especially when she finds herself torn between the two princes.

Fei was written as an ambitious female, who had the will power to achieve her goals. I would have loved more information and fleshing out of plot, but I believe this will become a series, because there is a lot more to unpack in this book and I do want more! I would not mind her dropping both princes, or at least the princes making some better choices. Fei was worlds beyond them, and while I enjoyed the love triangle, neither deserve her at this point.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's/Random House Books for Young Readers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to publisher Random House and NetGalley for an eARC!


I went into this book with expectations from the synopsis that, sadly, I don't think were lived up to.

Fei is destined for greatness - born in between the changing of one year to the next and marked with a Phoenix upon her brow, she is prophesied to become the empress of all empresses. Pledged to the son of the emperor from a very young age, she feels trapped within the various expectations thrusted upon her shoulders. Full of will and disparaging against the expected role of women within her society, she decides to change her fate for herself.

The story begins rather slow with a lot of comments and thoughts made from Fei about women's role in her society. I became intrigued when she meets vampire-esque Yexue, prompting a possible love triangle between her, him, and her betrothed Siwang. About 25% through the book, we get very strong tones of Mulan, which I feel has been done quite a bit lately.

Most of the story focuses on the horrors of war as Fei finds herself drawn to opposing men and sides, struggling to find the light to end the war. I was hoping for more in-depth solo adventuring or strong decision-making, but I just felt like Fei was a strong-willed damsel who was powerless to affect any form of change on her own.

I'm hoping there is a lot more character growth for all of the characters as well didn't see the dynamics of their personalities very well across the book.


What I Enjoyed:
- hints of vampirism and magic as the outliers within the society
- a female protagonist who bucks against expectations and becoming the empress (girl just wants to be normal)
- initially mysterious and intriguing third-wheel male

What I Believe Could Be Better:
- more dynamic personality growth from the main cast over the course of the book
- slow pacing first 30% of book then fast-paced in last 15%
- location-hopping for relevant plot points only
- waffling main female protagonist crippled with indecision and wants everyone to just be friends

As someone who doesn't read much vampire stuff, let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this one.
The vampires themselves are still quite a mystery by the end of this book, and I really liked that aspect of it. It's made me really interested in learning more in the next book.
This book has three very strong main characters, and the balance between them was great. I didn't come away feeling like I knew either of the love interests better than the other, and I'm still firmly undecided about who I like better, especially because they're both so very flawed. Our heroine, Fei, is also very flawed and I am enjoying watching her question her choices and everything around her. She's believable and nuanced, from her attraction for either man to her rage. And she has so much rage! And, as the reader, I felt that rage viscerally.
Overall, a great book with amazing character work. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel!

Thank you to Random House Children's and Netgalley for the ARC.

I really loved how Fei knew what she wanted in life and sought out to do it. Even if it breaks a couple of hearts. There was a tiny bit of a Mulan reference but I enjoyed the way it didn't seem forced on the characters. I understand how Fei feels on freedom, especially in this day and age. I was confused on how it would be a love triangle in the beginning but I understand why she would be torn between these two princes.

The cover on this is beautiful, which seems to be a theme when it comes to Molly's books! Just jaw-dropping covers all together.
Reading this felt like almost reading a script for a Chinese drama, and I loved that it gave off that vibe throughout the book. The magic was interesting enough and I found myself wanting more of it. What was unfortunate was the world building, I feel we didn't get as much as I would've liked in this book, and maybe that's because more will be revealed in book two ( I'm hoping ).
The characters were fun and interesting and I enjoyed Fei's determination to not get married, I loved that. There was a fair decent amount of romance in the book, and it unfortunately in some places overtook the narrative. I do like Yexue more, out of the two main leads, but I wouldn't be upset if in future books Fei ended up not choosing either of them and choosing to be single.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Molly X. Chang and Random House Children’s Books for the ARC of The Nightblood Prince. I could not devour this book fast enough. Romance, prophecy, vampire armies, royal drama—it gave everything I needed and then emotionally wrecked me while I was just trying to do a casual workout.

A quick peek into the story. Fei has always known her fate. Prophesied from birth to be the Empress of All Empresses, she’s raised in isolation, trained to be beautiful, obedient, and little more than a political pawn. But Fei isn’t about to go quietly. When she dares to break free of her golden cage, she ends up tangled in war, prophecy, and the dangerous affections of two rival princes. Siwang, her intended. Yexue, the runaway prince. Both morally gray. Both infuriatingly attractive. Both about to drive Fei (and me) completely feral.

Now for my review. I loved this book. Molly X. Chang knows how to craft deeply layered characters that walk the line between fate and free will with a whole lot of rage and grace. Fei’s internal battle with identity, autonomy, and power was done beautifully. She’s not here to be a jewel on someone’s arm or a royal babymaker. She wants to live, to lead, to choose. Watching her navigate those pressures, especially while being treated more as a symbol than a person, had me rooting for her with my whole heart.

And let’s talk about the chaos that is Siwang and Yexue. I have never loved and hated two characters more. Both are brilliantly written, emotionally tortured, and absolutely dumb when it comes to respecting Fei’s agency. One minute I was swooning. The next I wanted to throw a book at them. You cannot say you love a girl and then ignore her when she tells you how she feels. Make it make sense.

The story? Phenomenal. Pacing, worldbuilding, emotion—it’s all here. The ending had me crying at the gym like a totally normal person. I need volume two immediately. Molly, this was spectacular and I will not shut up about it anytime soon.

4.5 stars and all my love.

Tropes you’ll find in this book
Prophecy Chosen One
Morally Gray Love Interests
Love Triangle
Enemies to Lovers
Royal Court Intrigue
Magic and Monsters
Powerful Heroine Breaking the Mold
Slow Burn with Tension You Could Slice Through

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

This book is WAY better than Chang's previous one. I think she took everyone's criticism and worked on the flaws she had in her first book. The action and world building had a perfect balance. I could picture the scenery, the world that Fei lived in. The romance could have been a bit better, but I still enjoyed this.

Now here’s a vampire book in a setting I’ve never seen before! And what an intriguing story it was. Fei is an absolutely solid main character. Strong, stubborn (a bit single-minded sometimes), using every tactic she knows to prevent bloodshed. But ultimately it seems that her god-given ability to predict the future does very little to help her prevent bloodshed or have a semblance of the happy life she desires. But does that stop her from seeking her own path? Duh, no.

I really loved the way the author intertwined in little proverbs in the characters’ traditional language. It made it so much more immersive and interesting.

As for the romance, this was the most conflicted I’ve ever been about a love triangle literally ever (for most of the book). Siwang is seemingly perfect but also falls into misogynistic traditions and overprotectiveness. Yexue is charming and mysterious but also conniving and unpredictable. Both the heads of warring kingdoms. Both possessive princes. Both interesting choices yet, plot-wise, present terrible circumstances for our main character, Fei, who has to make the right choice about who to choose in order to save the world. Talk about a high stakes love triangle.

Overall, I highly recommend if you love real love triangles, strong FMCs, vampires in new settings, and the compulsory "dagger to the throat of the charming love interest” scene!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

What an absolutely incredible read! From the get-go the story was engaging and the writing brought me in. I was very engaged with the characters and felt that Fei was such a relatable main character. I also appreciate the incorporation of chinese language and culture without it being overwhelming or taking over the fantastical/whimsical tone. The story had elements reminiscent of Mulan, but it was not overplayed or too on the nose. There was also a love triangle, but this felt a lot more bearable than others I have read. In this, Fei takes a lot more agency in her actions, and doesn't let the actions of others (along with their twisted motivations of doing deeds on behalf of her) let her own perceptions be skewed. She wants independence and equality in her relationships, and can identify when that need is not being met. She is a truly strong female protagonist who will fight for justice. This is a really refreshing story and I am so glad to have read it.

I love that this book is almost like the written version of a WEBTOON. Great plot, character development, and overall storyline.