I saw that this was one of the BOTM picks of September and was intrigued when I learnt it was based on a Chinese legend. I'm trying to get into new genres and am liking Historical Fiction.

I'm confused about how to rate the book because while I enjoyed it I also thought there could have been a few improvements. Reading something from the POV of a beautiful, self-assured woman is rare and I liked that. I also liked how black and white Xishi starts out thinking everything is and how she develops in that aspect as time goes on. Fanli and Xishi, were intriguing and boring depending on what scene you're reading and since I'm not a fan of romance it didn't bother me that it didn't have much romance in it but I understand the anger from others about it.

What did bother me was Fuchai. *SPOILER ALERT* We had this king who had the potential to be this an amazing character who is vile but smart and also vulnerable but I felt we lost out on that as we only get a man who falls head over heels in love with Xishi pretty quickly and for whom Xishi seems to feel nothing. The potential for a love triangle there is wasted because that would have made the book better.


I would've also liked to read more about Xishi's interaction with the Wu people and perhaps show some more doubts about her mission. I also wasn't a fan of the ending which felt rushed.

Overall, a decent read and I'm definitely reading more historical fiction and keeping an eye on Ann Liang.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tor for the e-book!

Took me a while to read but, OMG!!!! Ann Liang!! It was such a beautiful book! The world the writing everything was so dreamy! Like I want to live in that world. Like the way she described the world was so beautiful and magical that I wished a world like this existed! There we some points that I was confused but my reading experience was amazing. And just saying the ending will destroy you. Probably me in uni will be day dreaming about it, and questioning my life. A must read. And definetly will reread

Ann Liang’s accomplished, atmospheric novel is a vivid reimagining of the life of Xishi (西施) a legendary beauty akin to Cleopatra or Helen of Troy - although Xishi’s destined role was closer to Trojan horse. Narrated by Xishi, the story’s set around 470 BCE, a tumultuous time when, what was to become China, was divided into warring kingdoms. Xishi hails from Zhuji, a small village in the Yue kingdom. Her impoverished community’s still reeling from a massacre led by soldiers from neighbouring Wu, during which Xishi witnessed the brutal murder of her much younger sister. Now the Wu faction’s in charge, leaving Yue King Goujian ruler in name only. Desperate to avenge her sister, a chance encounter leads to Xishi becoming embroiled in a plot to overthrow the Wu’s leader. She must infiltrate King Fuchai’s court to gather intelligence for a Yue counter-attack. Trained to mimic a refined court lady, Xishi’s sent to Wu as a gift from Goujian, a concubine for Fuchai. The success of her mission hinges on Xishi’s ability to captivate a king famous for womanizing and violent outbursts.

Liang was inspired by her fascination with C-dramas as well as childhood memories of Chinese legends told by her mother. Liang’s carefully-constructed narrative builds on what little’s known of Xishi from ancient historical texts and references in Chinese legends and literature. Liang’s Xishi is a remarkably convincing, sympathetic creation, caught between her loyalties to her Yue heritage and charismatic mentor Fanli and her growing bond with King Fuchai. As a woman she’s considered little more than property, routinely objectified and exploited, she must find a way to overcome these limitations and achieve her goal.

I found Xishi’s story utterly gripping, tense and intense. Liang is adept at conveying Xishi’s emotional state, mired in court intrigue, unable to trust the people around her, she’s poised on a knife-edge – and Liang made me feel I was right there with her. Liang’s narrative’s a fluid blend of visceral and lyrical, packed with striking images suggestive of classic Chinese poetry and art – complete with half-buried allusions to the writings of key figures like Lao Tzu. I’d have liked a little more on the wider context, particularly Wu society clearly regarded as barbaric by the country as a whole. I’d also have appreciated more detail on the everyday workings of Fuchai’s court, a city within a city, it clearly had its own unique culture. But Liang’s primarily invested in character here: on Xishi’s vulnerability; her struggles against the constraints of conventional femininity; conflict between duty and desire. Liang deftly charts Xishi’s personal journey towards a harsh, unanticipated awakening.

The plot’s largely driven by Xishi’s attempts to navigate her perilous situation but she’s also a star-crossed lover, yearning for Fanli. However, despite featuring a love story, this isn’t a romance – although some passages tip over into romance territory – rather it’s an arresting mix of psychological and historical fiction. And, despite its billing, the fantasy aspect of the novel’s minimal and far closer to magical realism in flavour. I was completely caught up in this one, my only complaint’s connected to the epilogue-style scenes rounding this off, they really didn’t work for me. Otherwise, highly recommended.

A Song to Drown Rivers is a Historical Fantasy inspired by the legend of Xishi with interesting plot and characters and heartbreaking love story that I really enjoyed!

Xishi is known as the most beautiful woman in their village so when the king decides to find a woman to send as the concubine and spy to the enemy kingdom, his advisor Fanli chooses Xishi. Trained by Fanli to have the perfect manners and be the perfect spy, she can’t help but be drawn to the handsome advisor, but when the time comes to leave, she must be the perfect weapon to destroy King Fuchai, who quickly becomes infatuated with her.

A Song to Drown Rivers reads like a real fairytale and I loved the writing style, I was captivated from the beginning. Xishi is really great as the FMC, she grew a lot in this book and I loved reading about her inner conflicts about which people are the real monsters in the war. I wouldn’t necessarily call this book a romance because there wasn’t much of it, but the forbidden love and mutual pining between the characters was so well written that I couldn’t help but wish for them to find a way to be together, I loved their moments. I also really liked Zhengdan and, despite myself, Fuchai, one of the strong points of this book are definitely the characters, every one of the was really well written and three dimensional with their own agendas and I liked and rooted for them all. And about that ending… it fit the book well but it was really bittersweet and I just wish there was a different way this story could end because my heart was breaking at the end.

A Song to Drown Rivers is a really great read that I recommend to everyone who likes this kind of stories, I enjoyed it and will read more books from this author.

Before I dive into my review, I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and Ms. Ann Liang for this ARC. I heard this book a lot from different communities that made me request for an ARC. My friends were also raving about how good the story was, and curiosity killed the cat or rather me. I was really looking forward to this when I saw that my request got approved, I read it right away. So here goes my review!

"A Song to Drown Rivers" by Ann Liang is like diving headfirst into a swirling, magical whirlpool—one that’s equal parts enchanting and mildly terrifying, but in the best possible way. Picture this: a young heroine, a bunch of mysterious rivers, and a prophecy that’s as murky as the waters she’s trying not to drown in. Sounds intense? It is. But it’s also oddly comforting, like being serenaded by an ancient, possibly sentient, body of water.

World Building
Liang doesn’t just write a story; she orchestrates a symphony of myth, magic, and personal drama that will leave you wondering if you should start taking prophecies (and swimming lessons) more seriously. The world-building is so lush and vivid, you might want to bring a snorkel. Rivers aren’t just rivers here—they’re powerful, enigmatic forces that might help you or swallow you whole, depending on their mood. They are also central to the plot, and are almost characters in their own right, imbued with a sense of mystery and danger. While the lush descriptions of the rivers and landscapes are evocative, they often slow the narrative to a crawl, making it difficult for readers to stay engaged. This can be particularly frustrating in the middle sections of the book, where the focus shifts more to internal struggles and lengthy exposition, dragging down the momentum.

Characters
The protagonist is on a classic hero’s journey, but with a twist: instead of just fighting monsters or solving riddles, she’s also wrestling with some serious existential angst. The emotional resonance of the protagonist's journey is what makes the novel truly compelling, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of growth, loss, and self-discovery. But for me her character development feels uneven. While Liang does an admirable job of portraying her internal conflicts, these struggles sometimes overshadow her external actions, making her seem passive or reactive rather than proactive. And the supporting characters? They’re like the quirky band of adventurers you didn’t know you needed, each bringing their own charm, mystery, and occasional comic relief. I was just really sad about when some characters meet their end and I was like they don't even deserve that. The protagonist already has a hold in Fuchai's decision making, she should've just used her beauty to coaxed him to her bidding, no wars needed.

Theme
At its core, "A Song to Drown Rivers" is a story about the power of belief—belief in oneself, in others, and in the possibility of change. Liang explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the ways in which the past shapes the present. The novel also touches on environmental themes, with the rivers symbolizing the delicate balance between nature and human intervention. The songs referenced in the title and throughout the book serve as a metaphor for the stories we tell ourselves and the power they hold over our lives. The symbolism, while rich, can sometimes feel overdone, with the recurring motifs of rivers and songs becoming repetitive rather than resonant.

Writing Style
Liang’s prose is like poetry that’s had too much coffee—sharp, vibrant, and just a tad bit frenetic in all the right places. It’s the kind of writing that makes you want to underline passages, or at least jot down a few choice phrases to use in your next dramatic monologue. The pacing is generally well-balanced, though some may find the middle section slower as it delves deeper into the protagonist's inner world - though the focus shifts more to the protagonist's internal struggles than the external quest. Additionally, the complexity of the world-building and the mythological references might be challenging for readers who prefer more straightforward narratives.

Conclusion
"A Song to Drown Rivers" is a novel with grand ambitions and moments of genuine beauty, but it is also hampered by uneven pacing, somewhat underdeveloped characters, and a tendency toward overwrought symbolism. Ann Liang's talent is evident, but the execution of this particular story might not satisfy all readers, especially those looking for a tightly plotted, character-driven fantasy. It’s a book that might appeal more to those who appreciate a slower, more introspective reading experience, but it may leave others feeling as though they’re treading water rather than being swept away by the current of the story.

A Song to Drown Rivers wasn't a bad book by far, but in the end, I felt disappointed.
The writing is beautiful. That was the best part of the novel.
But my main problem was that the novel felt like a YA novel and not an Adult novel despite it being marketed that way. When I read adult novels, I expect that there will be no avoiding brutal or uncomfortable topics. And more logic.
It felt unrealistic that the girls could learn everything about being a court lady within ten weeks. It felt also unrealistic that Fanli, who had little experience, could teach Xishi about the art of seduction. Xishi wasn't even speaking to an actual courtesan. I get she did not even need it because she and the Wu King were just kissing, and they have done nothing more. Which also felt like an unrealistic thing considering her role and the elapsed time.
The conflict between the two kingdoms was very confusing. I didn't even understand why de Wu didn't kill the Yu king and take the kingdom themself. The generals could ride through Yu villages. A random Wu soldier was chasing a random child. Was the Yu a vassal state to the Wu or what? We never found out.
The strongest element could have been the romance, but it happened too quickly and felt like insta love. I was very annoyed that Xishi described Fanli's beauty in every scene he was in. I expected a deeper commentary about beauty.
The ending was great. I'm sad that the whole book wasn't as exciting as the last 40 pages.

A Song To Drown Rivers is a fantastic tale of political machinations as the kingdom of Yue enlist the aid of two village women to infiltrate the palace of King Fuchai of the Wu kingdom.

They're tasked with gathering information, wasting the enemies resources and opening up a route for an attack. Our protagonist, Xishi, goes through rigorous training with Fanli on how to navigate the royal court and mask her emotions. The two become close but Xishi must fulfill her role in the Wu Kingdom.

Just wowwww, Xishi's trials in the palace are great, seeing her navigate the politics and influence the king is so impressive. The foreshadowing throughout sticks with you and I'll say no more.

Overall, a brilliant standalone, don't expect too much fantasy but this isn't a negative. The story flows incredibly well and you'll be routing for Xishi.

Thanks to Netgalley & Pan Macmillan for this arc

I truly didn't know how to rate this, cause I see the flaws - and there are many - but I also enjoyed reading it quite a bit.

Flaws:
- Romance? A lot of tell instead of show, lot's of pining, nothing happening (and I'm not talking about smut).
- Fantasy? Where?
- Character depth was lacking, the side characters had no real purpose in the story.
- couldn't reach me on an emotional level
- it was a bit unrealistic, we never see any of Xishis spying skills and all of it happened kind of quickly?
- Ending resolved to quickly

Positives:
- Writing style
- read very fast, could've finished it in a day
- was intrigued all throughout the story
- Plot was interesting in itself

Don't expect this complicated high fantasy, but if you want a quick read, definitely do it!

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC!

"Beauty is not so different from destruction."

oh my god. that ending. i will never be same after that ending.

this is ann liangs first book into the fantasy genre; and while i did enjoy this, it was nowhere near my favorite of her books. the writing was beautiful, the characters and world extremely intriguing, and as much as i would wish that the ending was different (not because it was bad - in fact it was truly amazing I'm just extremely miserable) i feel it was true to the tale of the four beauties. the ending was probably one of my favorite parts of the book.

i felt there were too many descriptions and at other times, too few. for example, i feel the fight scenes were extremely lacking, they weren't fleshed out well. it simply felt like she told us what happened at that's it. i saw someone mention in their review that this felt more show than tell and i very much agree.

as a whole, this story was fast-paced, which i liked, though there were some scenes where i feel she could have stretched it out and let it hold a larger portion than it did. in my opinion, that would have had a larger impact.

back to the point of world-building, i feel we were told the bare minimum. we didn't dive into the politics, which i felt would have been so good, and when xishi realized it wasn't all good and bad, we could have had such good revelation moments but, again, we lingered for too short a time. i think that's my biggest problem with this book: it didn't know where to slow down. it was all too fast. the timeline didn't make much sense, but the first 10 weeks of training - one of my favorite arcs - were done in less than 100 pages?

xishi and fanli's interactions were my absolute favorite!! i adore fanli so much, i truly wish ann could have written a longer book so we could spend more time on them. and also the book as a whole. fanli is probably my favorite character and i was so sad when we started to see less of him.

fuchai and xishi's relationship was so intriguing to me honestly. i don't want to give too many spoilers, but what was said about fuchai and what happened... well, i definitely feel he's the most interesting character to read about. i feel a big part of this story is to say that not everything is black and white in the world, and this surely applies to him as well.

overall, i am slightly disappointed, however i did enjoy it and i do recommend it.

A Song To Drown Rivers is a stunning and heart-rending narrative that expertly retells an ancient legend with a voice that is both powerful and evocative. This remarkable work breathes new life into historical fiction, offering readers a deeply immersive experience that resonates on both emotional and intellectual levels.

The author’s craftsmanship shines through in their ability to weave intricate details of the past with vivid imagery and compelling character development. Each character is carefully drawn, bringing their struggles and triumphs to the forefront in a way that invites readers to empathize and engage with their journeys. The emotional depth of the narrative captures the essence of humanity's timeless quest for love, belonging, and understanding.

In addition to its strong character work, the novel delves into rich themes that explore the complexities of tradition and legacy. By reinterpreting ancient tales, the author not only honours the past but also highlights its relevance in today's world. The narrative challenges readers to reflect on the impact of history on contemporary society and individual identities.

This book stands out as a truly worthwhile addition to the historical fiction genre, merging lyrical prose with profound storytelling. It is a feat of literary artistry that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned. For anyone seeking a narrative that captivates and inspires, A Song To Drown Rivers is an absolute must-read.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

respectfully, wtf was that ending. ann liang you WILL pay for your crime.

that was captivating from the beginning. a young woman with an extraordinary beauty was asked to be a spy, under a cover of a concubine for the rival neighbor's king. during her training, she caught feeling for the young military advisor instead. but for the sake of her own kingdom, she must put aside her feelings and do her job well.

and so she became a seductress that mastered the art of passive aggressive. it was interesting, seeing the story unfolded. the time period covers more than 2 years but it felt like mere months because it's really page turning. BUT THE ENDING!!!!!!! it's either should be cut short OR extend to cover more ending because what the hell T.T

so overall it's a nice fantasy debut from a well-known contemporary romance author. written very well. but i won't forgive her for that ending until unforeseeable future.thanks.

Ann Liang’s "A Song to Drown Rivers" is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age tale that intricately weaves themes of identity, family, and the struggle for self-acceptance. Set against the backdrop of contemporary China, the novel follows the journey of its protagonist, who navigates the complexities of cultural expectations and personal dreams.

Liang’s prose is both lyrical and poignant, effectively capturing the emotional depth of her characters. The vivid descriptions of the settings immerse readers in the landscape, making them feel the pulse of the environment alongside the characters. The narrative unfolds with a careful balance of introspection and action, allowing readers to connect deeply with the protagonist’s internal conflicts.

The exploration of familial relationships is a standout element in the book. Liang deftly portrays the tension between tradition and individuality, highlighting the pressures that young people often face from their families. This theme resonates universally, making the characters’ struggles relatable to readers from diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, the incorporation of music as a central motif adds a layer of richness to the narrative. It serves not only as a form of expression for the protagonist but also as a bridge between past and present, connecting generations in meaningful ways. The title itself hints at the power of song to both heal and confront deep-seated emotions, and Liang skillfully uses this motif to enhance the story’s emotional resonance.

While the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle sections, the overall impact of the story is compelling. The character development is robust, with each supporting character adding depth and nuance to the protagonist’s journey.

In conclusion, "A Song to Drown Rivers" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel that captures the essence of growing up amid cultural complexities. Ann Liang’s talent for storytelling shines through, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, identity, and the power of dreams. Whether you’re drawn to lyrical prose or poignant character studies, this book offers a rich and rewarding experience.

This book has left me in shambles, and I love it 🥹

Few chapters in and it got me hooked already. I really love that even though the story is easy to understand and follow, it has this heavy effect on you that tugs your heart and attention, then add the complex characters that leaves you guessing on who really are the 'good' guys or are they really that 'bad'?
This made me unable to put the book down ✨️

The last few chapters left me bawling, and I can't wait for you guys to be left in shambles as well after reading this one. Out on October 1st! 💙✨️

A huge thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance!

What a ride! I had never read an Ann Liang book before, as I am not a huge fan of contemporary romance, but "A Song to Drown Rivers" made me curious about her other books. It was one of my most anticipated books of 2024, and I can't thank NetGalley and the publishers enough for granting me this ARC.

My favorite thing in the book was the writing! I have a soft spot for lyrical and descriptive prose, and Ann Liang's mesmeric one drew me into the world she built. The landscape descriptions were so vivid that I had no problem imagining where the story took place (in particular, Fuchai's Palace).
The pace was perfect - not too fast-paced but also not too slow. There were a few ellipses, mostly during Xishi and Zhengdan's training. Even though I understand why the author made this choice, I regret that she didn't take more time to deepen the link between Xishi and Fanli.

I cared about all the characters, even the ones who are not put in the spotlight like Luyi or even Zhengdan.
Xishi was a great FMC, easy to sympathize with. I also found her brave to sacrifice everything to help her kingdom, to make sure that the tragedy her family experienced does not repeat itself. I loved her most during her time in Wu Kingdom, as we saw a smart Xishi who is ready to give up everything to bring down her enemies. Despite seeking revenge, Xishi doesn't lose herself in anger and even shows mercy and kindness to people she is supposed to hate.

Fanli isn't as present, and I must confess that I don't know what to think about him. I liked his sense of duty for the Kingdom, the softness under his harshness. Even though we know his past and the hurdles he had to climb, I wish I knew more about him.

Fuchai was my favorite character; I was expecting a despicable king, and I got a morally grey human being with his flaws and goodness. He looks rough at first, and even if I know his wrongs towards Fanli, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. In Xishi, above love, he found someone with whom he could be not a King but just himself.
With this character, Ann Liang wanted to show us that there is no good and bad; bad can be found in places you thought devoid of evil.

The plot was captivating. Each page filled me with craving to know what was going to happen. The mechanism used by Xishi to charm Fuchai and make him do everything she wanted reminded me of how geishas in "Memoirs of a Geisha" were trained to drive a man crazy.

Though it's the heart of ASTDR, the love story left me a little doubtful and I wasn't convinced by it. We are not even 20% into the story when Xishi falls in love with Fanli and we don't know why. We are told that they spend time together but it's never shown on page.
At the end of the book, I don't know why they loved each other. It's a shame because of the lack of depth in their relationship, the tragic moments aren't as powerful as they should have been. The truth is, I thought that Xishi had more chemistry with Fuchai than Fanli.
Yet, even if I'm not a huge fan of insta love romance, I liked the characters and found myself rooting for them to reunite. I understand that through their story Ann Lang wanted to put into words what longing is, and in a way she succeeded because her entrancing writing portrays it brilliantly.

The end...After reading ARC readers' reviews, I was expecting a bittersweet ending, but it was so much more than that. It was rough and violent, and I didn't expect that at all! I was left speechless. After everything Xishi went through, I had a hard time processing what happened to her. Yet this ending is beautiful and convincing, the world depicted was too cruel to grant a happy ending to our characters.

ASTDR has his flaws,but it was a nice reading that I'll not forget.

3⭐️

I had high expectations going into this because the premise sounded very intriguing.

Xishi of the Yue Kingdom is used as a spy and sent to the (enemy) Wu kingdom as a concubine to the king, Fuchai. Her aim is to bring down the kingdom, but things don‘t go as expected when she falls in love with Yue‘s military advisor, Fanli, who recruited and trained her.

The story had a lot of potential, but I think that one of its biggest flaws was its length. It‘s so short! There‘s not enough room for growth and character work, so everything fell flat. The plot was also at times very rushed and didn‘t have enough depth.

This is also supposed to be an epic lovestory but it felt very insta-love to me and 30% in she leaves and she spends the majority of the book with Fuchai, the king. Idk but that‘s just not enough for me to be all that invested in their lovestory. She also sympathises with Fuchai and thinks he‘s handsome, which I get, a „villain“ doesn‘t have to be stereotypical, but like since not enough was invested in the buildup of the Xishi x Fanli relationship, for some reason I also really rooted for Fuchai.

It‘s quite a shame because the writing is really beautiful and has a lot of potential, but I was just so confused because this has all the characteristics of a YA novel, but for some reason it‘s marketed as an epic historical fantasy. Eh.. fantasy? In a wider sense, as in because it‘s a retelling?

I did like the ending and found it to be very fitting for the story.

Anyway, I‘m always happy to read Asian stories but unfortunately this didn‘t quite live up to my expectations.

——

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Tor for providing me with a digital review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I really enjoyed this book and loved the main character, Xishi. I thought she was so bold and well thought out and enjoyed the aspects of this book that considered the role a woman might have in conflicts and how she might be of service.

I would recommend this book as it is a beautiful read however it fell a little short for me on the romance side. So much of the relationship building seems to be off page leaving the reader unable to fully experience and appreciate it. Also parts of it were just a bit farcical and unrealistic but this didn't detract from the story itself.

This book was captivating! The sweeping romance and fantastic storytelling grabbed me from the start. Despite not typically being a fan of this genre, I found myself utterly engrossed, devouring every page with pure enthusiasm.

incredible. every single word is flawless and gorgeous. there’s no doubt in my mind that ann liang is one of the most incredible authors of this generation, her talent is otherworldly and beyond my imagination. i could visualise all the elements of this book so well that i truly think this book would be awesome as a movie - live action or animated! the way ann crafts her worlds is on a completely different level, she’s playing in a different league to any other authors. these characters are so complex and so interesting, i cannot get enough! recommending this book to everybody i know as though it’s my job!

DNF @ 35%

I usually try to read and finish every book, especially if they're ARC copies, but sometimes I really just can't. This is one of them.
I was very curious to read this story (I've never read any Liang's book so far), but from the start I felt something was off. The characters weren't fully fleshed out and the world building wasn't developed enough. And the romance? I don't even know where to start.
Alas, this book wasn't for me.

A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS - ANN LIANG

Oh my gosh - this book took me on an emotional journey on the highest of highs and the most heartbreaking of lows. If this already appeals to you, here's a bit more about the plot:

Since birth, Xishi’s beauty has been seen as a blessing. When Xishi draws the attention of the famous young military advisor Fanli, he presents her with a rare opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon. One that could topple the rival neighbouring kingdom, improve the lives of her people and avenge her sister’s murder. All she has to do is infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy and seduce their immoral king.

This is a sweeping historical epic that's based on the ancient Chinese legend of Xishi, so, at times, it feels like a thorough but beautifully rendered retelling. In fact, to me, it's written as though it's a mythical tale. The main characters steal the show, where it feels like they're elevated into demi-gods in a way - selfless, purpose-driven and brave.

I liked this fact but it also makes the characters feel a little less real or relatable. But this doesn't affect the impact of this high-stakes tale, and I'd highly recommend A Song to Drown Rivers to anyone, even those who don't normally read historical fiction.

The writing is crisp, stunning and descriptive as we follow Xishi leaving her straightforward village life to life in the opulent Wu palace, where every action or word has a consequence. It makes for a truly fascinating and emotive read, and it's one of the few books that have made me cry this year!

Note: There is a fair amount of violence and gore in this book, so please check the TWs.

Thank you to Ann Liang, NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read the ARC.

Release date: 3 October 2024

Review score: 4/5

TWs: Violence, gore, d*ath of child, d*ath