Overall, I'd say this is a solid opening for a rebirth revenge story. The emotional core is strong (sister's death, regained speech), the villain is clearly defined (father plus unknown perpetrator), and the world has enough political intrigue to keep things layered. The pace is brisk, the prose is evocative, and the protagonist's voice is compelling. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it's executing the tropes with quality. I'm invested and will definitely keep reading.
The pacing from discovery to acceptance to action in Xu Ling’s character is very smooth. She doesn’t drag out denial forever, she gets mad, processes, then immediately starts planning. That’s realistic AND efficient.
The writing is very visual and emotional without being overdone. Lines like “she hid behind the tin box like a dusty little mouse” stick with you. The metaphor of the “little worms in her stomach” gnawing is so raw and effective. The author really gets inside a child’s head.
The side plot of Zhang Qian’s family background (high-ranking official father) feels like unnecessary backstory. It’s used to explain why she’s in criminal investigation, but it hasn’t mattered yet. Maybe it’ll pay off later if she uses connections.
I find the interstellar setting interesting but a bit underutilized so far. We have the Interstellar Prison, Galaxy General, and spaceship cars (black Cayenne? maybe a nod to Porsche but probably a spaceship). It’s like a sci-fi backdrop for a traditional family drama. I’m not sure if the futuristic elements will become more central or if they’re just window dressing. For now, it adds a unique flavor without overwhelming the emotional core.
Jiang Lianshan’s decision to keep the marriage even after learning the truth is a cruel pragmatism. He values the sect’s face over his daughter’s happiness or Lu Ye’s dignity. It’s a classic tragic parent move, but I feel for him because he’s stuck. He’s not evil, just cornered. His plan to rely on Jiang Lingyue is thin, but it’s all he has. This makes the Jiang family complex antagonists—they’re not mustache-twirling villains, just flawed people making bad choices. It adds depth to the conflict.
Overall, this excerpt is a masterclass in hooking a reader through character voice and dramatic irony. We know what Liz thinks of herself, what the rumor mill thinks of her, and what Alan *says* he wants. The tension between these three realities will drive the plot. I'm officially hooked and need to know if she can actually reform, or if Alan is just setting her up for a bigger fall.