Bunny's Reviews: The Commoner's Destiny Review Spotlight

I’m thrilled to share the exciting follow-up to Fred Yu's sword-slashing fantasy, The Orchid Farmer's Sacrifice! Read on to learn more about The Commoner's Destiny!

Fred Yu is back with his much anticipated sequel The Commoner’s Destiny, book two in The Red Crest series. Familiar characters will make their return in this novel, but first we will begin things with a “new” character and watch as his destiny unfolds before him a page at a time.

If you haven’t read Fred Yu’s first book in this series, The Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice, read that book FIRST! Go get it now. Go on! Go get it. Read it, devour it and then come back to this one. I would tell you that you can read this book if you haven’t and then go back and read the previous book, but where would the fun be in that? Honestly, when I first started reading this book I thought that I could say “you can read this book as a standalone” but that’d be a lie. It’s important to read these books in order. Trust me, when the two stories merge is what will really you get you hyped and excited as you read this novel.

Prepare to meet Chen Han. He’s just a commoner who has amazing martial arts skills. But someone has besmirched his name, and he wishes to find out who and why. Question is – is he prepared for what lies ahead of him? He has no idea what’s in store for him as he finds himself assailed on all sides by those who believe that they are doing the right thing for their country and their honor.

The author’s artistic storytelling weaves a novel that immerses you in the story from beginning to end. You will feel compelled to dig deeper with Han with each turn of the page. Han is on a quest to learn the truth, and it takes him to a variety of places throughout China. He meets a variety of individuals – some friend, some foe. Who is whom though? Can you tell who can be trusted and who will turn around and stab him in the back?

Just like with the Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice the author drives this story not just with the plot but with the engaging characters. Page by page you follow along with Han’s story as he takes this journey for answers. As the truth is revealed, you the reader will catch the clues a lot faster than the characters. Your jaw is going to be on the floor. Trust me, mine was several times. The secrets and clues hidden throughout this book will spur you on to try and piece together the puzzle that is unfolding before you.

I will admit that I grasped on to certain pieces of information before our hero does because I take the characters at face value. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes constantly. When a particular character acts differently than what you’ve come to expect the author is cluing you in that something just might be coming.

You’re going to absolutely love how this author weaves this story. As you read the author encourages you to imagine the vivid pictures he’s painting with his words in your mind. As you read you can almost see these characters fighting, living, planning, and establishing relationships. You feel that if it were at all possible, if these characters truly existed, that you could visit them in the past and relive these moments with them.

When the storyline of The Commoner’s Destiny and the Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice merge in this novel, I nearly jumped out of my chair with excitement. Trust me, you’re going to be just as thrilled to reread certain scenes from Han’s point of view and experience what he was thinking and feeling in those particular moments. It’s truly fantastic and this attention to detail is what makes this series truly fantastic. The author is carefully weaving us a beautiful word tapestry that captures our attention and holds us in place studying every detail and absorbing them deep into our hearts.

Han, of course, is the main character of this particular novel, but he’s never truly alone. The beautiful archer is a character to look out for. You’re absolutely going to take a shine to her as you read this book. Be aware though that not all of the characters in this book are citizens of China. The ones who are not catch me by surprise. I make the mistake of assuming that because of the names that they are given that they are all just infighting. That’s not necessarily the case and my quest for answers is what drives me forward with this book.

As with book one, there is an air of mystery that swirls around these characters. The big question – the red crest. What is it really? What is the meaning behind it? Brace yourself, because the author is going to give you some answers with this book. So here’s my question for you fellow reader – are you ready for the revelation that is to come? Follow the clues to the story’s end and prepare for your mind to be blown.

If you are looking for a book that will demand that you read it in one sitting and not put it down until you are done then this is the book for you. If you are someone who loves a good fantasy novel with characters that will engage you and have you cheering for them to the bitter end, then this is the book for you. This historical Asian fantasy novel series is one that no lover of fantasy novels should miss.

I know that when you finish this book that you will be chomping at the bit for book three and to find out what happens next. Just like with book one, book two more than achieves the marks for 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t put this book down. I encourage all who enjoy a good fantasy novel to grab this book and dive in. You will not be disappointed in this author’s creation.

Thank you to the author, Fred Yu, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Commoner’s Destiny (The Red Crest Series #2)

Genre: Epic Fantasy/ Historical Fantasy/ Asian Fantasy

Publication Date: May 5th, 2022

His past is dark. His intentions are cloudy. When lies pull him out of hiding, can he fight off imminent destruction?

Ancient China. For Chen Han, honor sits above all. So when his name is unjustly slandered and his former brothers-in-arms rise against him, he doesn’t hesitate to counter the falsehoods. But his heart burns for vengeance after he learns his beloved father figure has been murdered by a hidden villain…

Joining forces with a beautiful archer, Han treks to a dangerous island only to spring a deadly trap. And as he discovers a plot that could drive the entire Middle Kingdom into civil war, he must become the very traitor he swore to destroy in order to save his people from slaughter.

Will he submit to disgrace to stop countless deaths?

The Commoner’s Destiny is the astonishing second book in The Red Crest Asian historical fantasy series. If you like emotionally wrought heroes, heart-pounding twists, and epic battles, then you’ll love Fred Yu’s sword-slashing story.

Available on Amazon

The Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice (The Red Crest Series #1)

Publication Date: October 5th, 2021

Genre: Asian Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy

He was born of prophecy. If he can’t embrace his destiny in time, his country is doomed.

Ancient China. Spoiled and overconfident, eighteen-year-old Mu Feng relishes life as the son of an honored general. But when his sister is abducted and his friends slaughtered, he flees home. He soon discovers the mystical birthmark on his body has attracted an enormous price on his head.

Pursued across the Middle Kingdom, Feng finds allies in two fierce warriors and a beautiful assassin. When he learns his ultimate enemy plans an incursion with advanced weaponry, he must call on his friends and his own budding military genius to defend his country. His plan is desperate, and the enemy outnumbers him twenty-five to one…

Can Feng fulfill a duty he didn’t know he had and unite the empire against a terrifying force?

Available on Amazon

About the Author

As a lifelong student of martial arts and growing up watching martial arts flicks in the 80s and 90s, Yu decided early on that he would write in this genre. Inspired by George RR Martin’s work, he decided he would write a series in English in this centuries-old Asian genre. Yu has written three previous novels, The Legend of Snow Wolf, Haute Tea Cuisine and Yin Yang Blades. Yu has a BFA Film and Television from NYU Tisch School of Arts. He was born in Guangzhou, China, but presently lives in New York City.