This book delves into Chinese mythology, and as a fan of the genre, I was eager to dive in. Xue's journey, propelled by the death of her uncle and her subsequent encounter with Duke Meng, a prince of the Celestial world, is intriguing. The celestial war backdrop adds depth, and Xue's musical prowess adds a unique dimension to her character. The interplay between Xue and Meng, as well as her celestial companions, is engaging. However, the bittersweet ending left me somewhat disappointed, despite the strong world-building and character development.

I enjoyed the atmosphere and could really picture the setting in my mind. I really liked all of the mythology in this one, although it did get rather overwhelming with all of the characters towards the end. I also felt the pacing was a little bit off; the first half was very slow while the second half was full of plot progression. I couldn't really feel the relationship develop, yet neither was it an internal-based character book. I was rather confused with how it was such a long novel. However I do like the aspect of a ya fantasy standalone in this day and age, very appealing

Song of the Six Realms is a beautiful and imaginative novel inspired by Chinese mythology. The author created an enchanting story full of music, poetry, secrets and intrigues. The world-building is incredibly detailed, including many stories and legends so that it might feel overwhelming. Luckily, we learn about the complexities of the six realms together with Xue, whose initial knowledge is minimal. I loved how the fairytale-like atmosphere of the novel was mixed with gothic elements, such as when Xue finds herself in the isolated Meng mansion and tries to find out more about the place and its inhabitants. It surprised me how well those two work together.
If you read A Magic Steeped in Poison, you know what to expect from this book. Lyrical prose and beautiful, rather long descriptions captivate your attention. This book is very similar in style, but tea brewing was replaced by music and legends here. The only fault is that it makes you attempt to remember and understand some legends and relationships between different Celestials, which later are irrelevant to the story.

I adore the author’s writing and I’m so pleased I was allowed a copy to read. This was everything I wanted. A strong heroine, immortals, action, mystery. Just gorgeous.

Song of the Six Realms succeeds in its expansive world building and well-crafted atmosphere. This book definitely delivered on vibes, providing a ghibli-esque ambience. The main character, Xue was likeable and fleshed out but her romance with the Duke fell flat for me as he was mainly absent for most of the story. I enjoyed the pacing of the book until the end as the final battle and conclusion was crammed into the last 50 pages. Overall, I would recommend Song of the Six Realms to anybody wanting a whimsical and adventurous tale with great flowery vibes.

Actual Rating: 3.5

This is one of those reviews that is a real struggle to write. The fact that I wanted to love this novel is undeniable; I adore all of the books that I’ve previously read inspired by Asian mythology, I fell in love with the author’s debut duology and I have a total weakness for all things gothic. I went into this book utterly convinced that it would become a new favourite and it breaks my heart to admit that, that sadly wasn’t the case.

The start of the book really reeled me in, depicting a vibrant world that I longed to explore. The beautiful clothes and delicious sounding food practically leapt off of the page whilst the appreciation for music was beautifully woven throughout. One of my highlights of this novel was how passionately it wrote about the music that Xue brought to life; music that you could practically hear, given the vivid descriptions of it. Another of my highlights was the little tales dotted throughout and I can safely say that I’d happily devour a collection of those, penned by the author.

Oddly – given my love of all things fantastical – I struggled with the Celestials in this book when they came into play. I never really brought into them; I never really felt that otherworldly presence. Truthfully it was only really the mention of their abilities that made clear what they were; otherwise, to me, they didn’t really stand apart from the mortals that were shown. Perhaps that was intentional as the book revolves around their aversion to certain mortal ‘corruptions’ but sadly it didn’t really work for me. Although I do think that the ravagers were depicted well.

Similarly I didn’t really connect with the characters although this could be due to the aforementioned struggles as many of them are Celestial beings. Everybody had their own distinct personality after all. I just missed that spark.

Speaking of sparks, I missed that in the romance too unfortunately. I feel like the potential for the bond was there but that it needed more time to develop. As a reader you’re told of the characters’ love yet you don’t truly get to see them interact over much. I wish that there’d been more scenes within the manor; more interactions, more yearning and more discovery. Not only would this have rounded out the romantic elements but it could have helped the Celestials to stand out a little more too.

So this ultimately truly is a novel that left me conflicted. The overall ideas and plot arc had the potential to be a new favourite of mine. There were segments that I loved but others that I personally felt needed more development. My personal recommendation would be to start with the author’s debut duology, ’A Magic Steeped In Poison’, but if the magic here clicks into place for you (and I seriously do hope that this was a weird ‘me’ issue) then this could still be a truly enjoyable read. Regardless the strong start, and my aforementioned positive experience with the author’s debut, means that I still plan to check out more by this author in the future.

Even though i own the "a magic steeped in poison" duology, this is the first book i have read from the author and i can say i was very pleased with SOTSR.

This book is a great gothic inspired fantasy that gives off cdrama vibes. I was always curious about the storyline and found it interesting. Everytime i'd sit down to read it, i'd get zoned in because Judy writes it so well. You can feel the delicacy of situations when reading especially, the scenes where Xue is playing the qin. Overall, i really enjoyed the book. Only reason why it didn't make 5 stars was because the ending felt a bit rushed and devoid of emotions which was so different to the way the rest of the book was written. I'd, definitely, recommend this book to people as it was a fun read.

Thank you to Titan Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read and e-arc for an honest review.

Thank you Titan Books and NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.

When I finished reading this book, I wanted to hug it, feeling emotional and warm inside.

This is a slow paced fantasy, beautifully written and a joy to read but don’t expect much action or excitement. I have to admit that there were even parts, where too little happened but the amazing enchanting vibe always remained and when it picked back up again, the story was so beautiful (often making me emotional solely because of its beauty), that I quickly forgot about those parts.

I loved the stories within this story and the way every note and rhythm of the music, which played a huge role in this book, crafted a story too. The way this was described felt magical.

There’s only a starting very slow burn romance in this book but what I remember most is the incredibly beautiful and touching familial love. That’s what really warmed my heart.

When Guxue is 12, her contract is purchased by the House of Flowing Water in Wudan’s most popular entertainment district. She used to live with her uncle after her family was executed. Because of this she is an undesirable, she will never be allowed to marry, have children or own anything. Guxue has an aptitude with the qín and she was a student of a renowned instructor.

She likes it at the house and her uncle visits her but she soon becomes restless.

At 17, after hearing of her beloved uncle’s passing and being saved by the routine of the house from disappearing into her sadness, she gets to preform in front of instead of behind the screen as an apprentice for the first time and a beautiful stranger who heard her play wants to meet with her. His name is Meng Jinglang and he loves poetry and music like she does.

Despite a misunderstanding and a sudden crazy and unexpected confrontation with a magical beast during their meetings, she decides to take him up on his offer to leave with him and play at his estate. Partially because his mentor knew her uncle, they died together and there’s a mystery surrounding their deaths. But she has no idea who or what Jinglang really is and where he will take her..

Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin - 3.5 out of 5 stars.

This beautiful tale of celestial magic and quiet romance is inspired by Chinese mythology and Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, and certainly spoke to me as a fan of Lan Zhan's qin playing in The Untamed. This book would work incredibly well as a C-drama, but for me I found I struggled with some of the style choices.

Bits I liked:
- fascinating mythology dealing with the celestials and different magic elements
- queer-normative world where it's not a trauma or scandal for a couple to be together (very refreshing!) 💙
- exciting world-building, with some interesting reveals throughout the plot
- stunning cover of course, and upcoming edge designs on the special editions
- some wonderful imagery with elements of traditional poetry, music, and delicious food! 😍

Bits I liked less:
- the writing was quite poetic, but sometimes felt a little stilted for my taste, which may have been the Rebecca-inspired elements (as I felt the same about that)
- some amazing characters that sadly we saw hardly any of, and others we did see a lot of but just didn't jump off the page in the same way 😞
- pacing is a bit jarring, spending a lot of time in certain sections, but when it got really exciting e.g. at the end, it was over far too quickly
- certain plot points are outlined as a huge deal, and then end up a bit inconsequential 🤔

I still enjoyed the story, and found myself thinking about the ending some time after finishing the novel, so I really hope you'll still give it a read. 🩷

I think this will be a hit with a lot of people, it's just not quite for me. Still very grateful to the author Judy I. Lin and to NetGalley for this great ARC - all opinions are my own, honest and freely given.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars rounded to 4

I really wanted to absolutely love this book like I did with A Magic Steeped In Poison, but something was missing for me. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the read overall. But it was SO slow to get going that I really struggled through the first 40%.

If you are a fan of C-Dramas and like a book that has immaculate vibes, but don't necessarily need a fast paced plot, then I reckon you'll still enjoy this book. The characters are nice, easy to read about and relatable too. There's lots to like. It just felt a bit flat for me, going in with high expectations after loving AMSIP so much and expecting to be similarly charmed.

This review is for Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin which releases in the UK on the 23rd April! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Titan Books for giving me an eArc copy for this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was one of my favourite books I have read so far this year. I laughed, I cried and was also a little sad when I realised this was a standalone and I might not see these characters again.

The story focuses on Xue, our female main character who is first shown living her life in the mortal realm. She has little memories or her life as a child, except a few fleeting memories of her family before they were killed. She feels abandoned by her Uncle, but is left in the care of the House of Flowing Water, a prestigious entertainment facility in the city of Wudan. She catches the eye of the enigmatic Duke Weng, but all is not as it seems…

The story was really well paced for me, starting slow with more world building, and then gradually giving you more and more with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The world seemed complex, but the more it was explained the easier it was to understand the different realms and levels they talk about (plus a handy guide at the front!). I loved the Chinese mythology involved, and how well blended it was with the aspects the author had created.

The characters, as per usual, were my favourite part. Duke Meng and Xue were so adorable and I loved how sweet he was with her, even though celestial are supposed to avoid emotion. They both seemed to make each other more confident and again I’m sad I might not get to see them again! Xue was a more delicate main character, but with such a strong and smart personality I couldn’t help but love her.

Would recommend this to any fantasy readers out there, especially those with an interest in Chinese mythology. Easily one of my favourites of this year, and hopefully will be reading the authors other books too!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advance copy.

Can we start by appreciating how gorgeous the cover is? This is absolutely what drew me in. Also I adore Chinese mythology and folk lore.

I really wanted to love this book but I found myself not wanting to pick it up. The first 75% felt very drawn out and long. The character building and relationships were lovely to read. Also the technical knowledge and the passion of the music really flew off the page.

The last 25% I got really lost in what was actually happening. I may have to go back over and read again. Maybe that's my brain not being able to keep up rather than writing.

I think if you love Chinese mythology it's still worth a read, but I think you need to really take your time reading it to truly enjoy it for what it is.

✨"I was the song, spiraling upward. A water spirit, dancing in. the light."✨

🌸After the dilogy of "A Magic Imbued with Poison" the author returns with a romance that rose above my expectations and that I loved!

🌸Xuè ,our protagonist, is an orphan girl, deriving from a family of traitors to the empire and to whom the only things left are the uncle who raised her and the quin,the instrument for which she has a great affinity. For this reason her uncle entrusts her to the care of the "House of Flowing Water" a famous venue for entertainers . Here she becomes Xuè is a bright , determined sweet girl ,who weighs all options well before acting and dreams of seeing the world. And it is because of this zest for life that she decides to follow the charming Jinglang when he offers to pay off her contract with the house in which she resides. Jinglang is much more than a duke : he is a selfless person, kind, full of secrets who at the right time does not hesitate to reveal the truth about her world made of gods and who needs Xué's help to unravel a mystery concerning the family of both of them. The relationship between the two main characters is a story that blossoms slowly and sweetly and is demonstrated with small and large gestures that won me over.
The only thing, however, is that I would have preferred to have the dual POV instead of just Xue’s !

🌸Another element that won me over was the role of music, which plays a central role in the story. Every time Xué picks up his instrument it is as if the song played comes to life giving us a story made of images, feelings and sounds that does not need to be told.

✨The thing I loved the most was the world building that despite being rather simple managed to enchant me with its being magical ,enchanting and full of descriptions that made it very vivid. In addition, the prose is delicate, lyrical and will definitely make you enter a are with open eyes!

I read Judy I. Lin's 'Song of the Six Realms' to curate a book discussion on Bookbuzz. The book offers a beautifully crafted narrative inspired by Chinese mythology, with music and art deeply woven into its fabric. Lin’s elegant and evocative prose captures the imagination, drawing the reader into a world where the ethereal and the emotional intertwine. The protagonist, Xue, is a compelling character, whose journey of self-discovery and resilience is both touching and nuanced. The romance that unfolds in the story is tender and poignant, adding depth to the narrative without overwhelming the plot’s broader themes. The world of the Six Realms, though described with a lighter touch, is nonetheless enchanting, presenting a backdrop rich with potential and mystique. I particularly appreciated the themes such as free will, the ephemeral nature of life and beauty of our "mortal" emotions and art are particularly appreciated. This novel stands out for its lyrical approach to storytelling and its ability to elicit a deep emotional response, making it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate the interplay of music, myth, and emotion.

"Song of the Six Realms" is a ya fantasy written by Judy I. Lin. A delicate, poignant and atmospheric story, embellished by refined, poetic and highly evocative prose. A tale inspired by Chinese mythology, strongly focused on music and, more generally, art in all its forms. A novel that moved me so much, making me cry on several occasions. A book that, despite various flaws, completely won me over! My only "criticism?" The fact that it's a standalone! I would have gladly read a sequel!

The world building is skimpy, but still enchanting. The first part of the story takes place in the kingdom of Qi, ruled by an emperor and divided into three major cities. More specifically, the story takes place in the city of Wudan, inside the House of Flowing Water, a prestigious entertainment facility devoted to performances of dance, music, and song. The second part, on the other hand, takes place in the mythical Celestial Realm, mainly within a large estate. A place rich in legends and folklore, of which very little is shown.

The story starts placid, then speeds up in the second half, culminating in an ending that in my opinion is too rushed and chaotic, with several convenient situations.

Xue, the protagonist with her only first person pov, convinced me! An extraordinary musician with a penchant for qín, she has few memories of her past. Orphaned at a young age, marked by her parents' sins, she was raised by her uncle and then placed in the House of Flowing Water. Until her encounter with the enigmatic Duke Meng, destined to set events in motion. Xue is a sweet, determined, selfless and somewhat naive girl, who evolves a lot during the book. I loved the Duke, tormented and really sweet! The romance, delicate and full of angst, is wonderful and made me swoon and suffer so much!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After enjoying so many light novels focusing on Chinese mythology, I couldn't miss this book!.

After the death of her uncle, Xue is all alone. But when she is bought by a man who turn out to be a prince of the Celestial world, Duke Meng, Xue is thrown into the midst of a celestial war. The gods who should be supervising the mortal world are disagreeing and a god's betrayal can destroy both the mortal and the Celestial world. It's up to Xue and her music to discover the truth and stop the conspiracy. Luckily, she won't be alone as the enigmatic Duke Meng and her newfound celestial friends are there to help her.

I love the world-building and the interactions between the characters, especially between Xue and Meng. I also appreciate how Xue develops throughout the story. The only think that disappointed me was the ending as it was bittersweet.

I have finished reading "Song of the Six Realms" by Judy I. Lin (author of the duology "The Book of Tea"). I really enjoyed her duology, so I had quite high expectations for this book, which attracted me just by its cover, which is sublime.

In the end, it was a mixed read, and especially the ending of this novel ruined quite a few things for me.

The major strength of this novel is its universe and its writing. The world is enchanting and magical, the descriptions sweep us away, whether it's the places, the celestial beings, the poems, the food, we are fully immersed in this realm. The novel focuses a lot on music and poetry, so it's very lyrical, and you can feel it in the writing.

BUT, I must admit that I got lost in the plot for a good part of the novel, if not until 60% of the book! I was so caught up in this world that at a certain point, I thought, 'but where are we going with this?' It should also be noted that the writing style and the fact that it's very poetic make the pace quite slow and rather contemplative.

I also felt very detached from the protagonists, even though Xue is fairly well-written, but the Duke is often sick and weak and therefore often absent, which didn't help to build an attachment. The one I liked was Chenwen. The romance is nice but rather short, and especially there aren't enough moments leading up to this romance; I found it happening too quickly, and I would have liked more of a 'slow burn.'

The big downside of this novel was the ending, which disappointed me. I can't spoil it, but I complained a lot out of frustration, like 'is that it?' And 'no, this can't be!' looking for extra pages to make up for this ending but no...

It wasn't a bad book, and if you like magical atmospheres, a bit dark, poetry, and music, give it a try ;)

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan for my digital review copy.

4 stars.

This was beautifully written especially the way Lim writes how the characters experience music and playing instruments, which is more of an abstract thing to write and can be difficult to convey.

The plot felt more on the slower side for the majority of the book, but I am not complaining as it gave us time to spend in the house, figuring out what is happening.

One thing I wished we had more of was the exploration of the different realms because I would love to read more about them as we had little bits about the other realms and I crave more.

I adore how Lim weaves the folkloric/mythological elements with her own spin, which made for a very engaging read for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Song of the Six Realms is full of beautiful prose and worldbuilding. Judy I. Lin created a complex world that pulled me in at once. I really liked how the music was an actual tool to help the protagonists, and someting that connected the MCs. I was a bit suprised that it's a standalone, and hope that the writer will revisit the world in the future!

The narrative of Song of the Six Realms delves deeply into mythology and folklore, presenting a captivating gothic romance narrative. It intricately weaves themes of love, grief, and family into a mysterious and whimsical tale. The prose is exquisitely crafted, painting a vivid and immersive world filled with intricate details. The Celestial Realm, in particular, offers a fascinating backdrop that enriches the story. However, my sole lament is its status as a standalone work; the desire for a sequel is palpable as I yearn to further explore and inhabit this enchanting universe.