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.

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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

A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS is a stunning, atmospheric novel, both intimate and epic in scope, the way that Ann Liang writes is imaginative and transporting.

“So long as we continue to put mortal men on thrones and hail them as gods, sacrifice our lives to their legacies, history will repeat itself. Just as the ocean tides ebb and flow beneath the moon, empires will rise and collapse, wars will start and cease, and the rest of us will be left to struggle against the currents.”

I’ve just finished reading a masterpiece. I really cannot fanthom how someone could be as talented as Ann Liang; this is the first book i’ve read written by her and it left me completely speechless. I’ve finished A Song to Drown Rivers in less than a day and this says much about the captivating world that the author has created, nothing is as it seems, the perspectives often shift, until the reader and the main character finally achieve a full vision of the situation. The narration is actually haunted from the very beginning, if only one pays attention to it. The story is told by Xishi’s pov, our main character of bewitching beauty, who has to infiltrate the enemy’s palace to avenge her people. Xishi goes through a lot of changes in a short span of time, first she trains with Fanli, her king’s most trusted advisor, renowned for his stoicism and his acute intelligence, who silently, steadily and almost unwillingly steals Xishi’s heart. However whatever potential story they might have lived, has to be sacrificed to their greater good once Xishi reaches the enemy king Fuchi as his concubine.
I cannot stress enough about how rich, poetic and heartbreaking this story is! I would definitely recommend anyone who enjoys historical fantasy to go pick up this book once it comes out on October 3rd!

I’m incredibly grateful to netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity of reading an advanced readers copy for this beautiful book. All opinions are my own!

Before reading this I's seen alot of great reviews and praise and wasn't sure if the book would live. up to my expectation, but it certainly did! I loved reading A Song To Drown Rivers, it was a captivating read that had me looking forward to reading more of it each night.

A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS is a beautiful tale of a beautiful woman turned into a weapon.

This is a world that puts women into boxes, trades them as concubines and values them for their bodies and beauty. Xishi is taken from her home for that beauty and turned into a weapon to advance the causes of men, tossed into danger and belittled even though their plans rely on her.

The ending really echoes this lack of appreciation, the callous way women are often treated as stepping stones to power, not to be respected but used and discarded. It gives the book a painful resonance, giving voice to a woman who isn't given one by her surroundings.

But it is also the tale of traditionally feminine power - beauty, desire - being used to reshape kingdoms. Xishi and her friend navigate the treacherous world of court, manipulating desire to achieve their goals and destroy a kingdom.

Natalie Naudus narrates. There is a slow cadence to the book she leans into, a tale of myth that's too far away to touch but echoes still. Also I like listening to books that are entrenched in cultures I am not familiar with because someone who is knows how to pronounce the words and it means I can learn how to.

A good 4⭐

I’ve never read a Ann Liang’s books but apparently their YA rom-com are really good so I might pick that up somedays

‘’’ Just a quick note : I've never made that much research for a book . It was hard to write a good review because Chinese mythology is not a mythology that I know much . I could not confidently tell if the retelling was good or not without making some research on my own .
ALSO I think that the book is wrongly advertise. That is a retelling of a myth but it is not a fantasy. And you can call it a romance if you want but for me there’s no love in it just obsession’’’’


This book is a retelling of Xishi one of The Four Beauties of China .

The Four Beauties of China are legendary figures known for their exceptional beauty and influence in Chinese history and folklore. Besides Xishi, the other three renowned beauties are Diaochan, Wang Zhaojun, and Yang Guifei. Each of these women is celebrated for their beauty and the impact they had on the people and events of their time. Their stories have been passed down through generations, highlighting the significance of beauty and its role in shaping history and culture.

Xishi is a fascinating figure in Chinese history and folklore. She was one of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China. Xishi's story is often associated with sacrifice and political intrigue. Legend has it that Xishi was so beautiful that when she washed her silks in a river, the fish would forget how to swim and sink. Her beauty was used as a tool by the King of Yue to seduce the King of Wu for political gain. This tale showcases the power of beauty and its impact on history and politics.

Xishi's beauty played a significant role in her life. It led to her being chosen as a political gift to the King of Wu by the King of Yue. This decision ultimately led to her being separated from her family and home, symbolizing the sacrifices she made due to her exceptional beauty. Xishi's beauty not only affected her personal life but also had a profound impact on the political landscape of ancient China.
While there are many legends surrounding her life, only one of the stories suggests that she had a lover named Fan Li. Fan Li was deeply devoted to Xishi and supported her in various ways.


If I take the book as a whole , it was really good . The writing was the better part tho .
But there’s some aspect that would make people DNF this book or don’t like it.

First, the pacing is slow to medium. There’s nothing happening in the first 60% of the book. I remember being at 63% and thinking that the scene that I was reading felt like the beginning of a book . I don’t know if the pacing was deliberately that way but for some chapters a the slowness made sense and in some it was just soporific.

Also, I did not find the characters particularly loveable because none of them felt « real » .

LiYi was interesting and could have been a really good side character if he was a bit more develop. From my research his character is not part of the myth so maybe that’s why he is not really present

Xishi feels everything 10 times stronger than everyone else, she made decisions that could have been avoided and sometime her reaction made no sense.
She’s not driven by her thought or her gut. She have a mission and she will finish it even if that have to destroy her in the end .


In the myth, Fan Li played a significant role in ancient China as a prominent figure known for his relationship with Xishi. He was recognized for his loyalty and devotion to Xishi, and their story is often celebrated in Chinese folklore for its portrayal of love and dedication.
Fan Li was also known for his wisdom and strategic thinking, which contributed to his importance in ancient Chinese history.
In the book he is The King of Yue minister so his wisdom and strategic thinking were portrayed, not much but still portrayed. He is depicted as a beauty himself thought I haven’t read description of him in the myth.

The King of Wu during Xishi's time was King Goujian. He was a significant figure in Chinese history, known for his military achievements and strategic prowess. King Goujian of Wu played a crucial role in the events involving Xishi and the state of Yue, showcasing his leadership skills and determination in the ancient Chinese context.
King Goujian was renowned for his exceptional strategic abilities, which he demonstrated through his military tactics and decision-making. His keen understanding of warfare allowed him to outmaneuver his enemies and secure victories for the state of Wu.
The relationship between King Goujian and XiShi is where the book turns into historical fiction . In the book, Xishi is send as a « peace gift » to became one of King Goujian’s concubine . And throughout the book their relationship develop in a way that Goujian may became a new love interest . He is rumoured to be cruel, vicious and a monster but he is actually just a boy thrown into royalty . He is young, naive and really sheltered . Yes, he killed people but only because that’s the only way he know to show his power not by pure cruelty .

Historically speaking, Xishi and King Goujian were not close in a personal sense but were connected through the historical events and political dynamics of ancient China. King Goujian's reign and military strategies intersected with Xishi's story, showcasing how their paths crossed in the context of that time period.
They never met in person as they belonged to different states and historical contexts.
However, their lives and stories intertwined through the events of ancient China, highlighting their indirect connection and influence on each other's narratives.


This retelling follow XiShi’s legend and incorporated that love story to it.

Fan Li and Xishi's love story is often depicted as a tragic one in Chinese folklore. The story goes that after achieving their goals and serving their purpose, Fan Li and Xishi parted ways. Fan Li, heartbroken by the turn of events, chose to leave and live a reclusive life, while Xishi's fate varied in different versions of the tale. Their separation marked the end of their legendary love story, leaving a bittersweet legacy in Chinese culture.

In here, Xishi and FanLi are both involve in the political intrigues, they both work for the King of Yue to defeat the King of Wu and that’s how they got to know each other but something was wrong with their relationship .
They were OBSESSED with each other but my issue don’t lay there .
My problem with it is that there were no build up to this .
From the beginning they loved each other even if they never had a real conversation which would make no sense in real life but because it is a legend the idea that their love was written in the stars would emphasise the mythological aspect of it.
I wish we would have an explanation to that obsession.
They were so found of each other that death of one was the death of the other .

4.5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and Macmillan UK Audio for the arc and the audiobook of A Song to Drown Rivers in exchange for an honest review.

It took me by surprise how utterly heartbreaking and tragic this books was. The writing was beautiful, and the author did an incredible job at setting the atmosphere of an epic historical fiction. Reading the arc while listening to the audiobook only made the experience better. Natalie Naudus and her narration made me feel, to my very core, every last bit of the emotions portrayed in the story.
I was expecting a little more fantasy in this book. Now that I’ve read it, I don’t actually think it should be described as a fantasy, more like a historical fiction with very few fantasy elements towards the end.
Still, the book was amazing. If you want a story inspired by Chinese legends, with a woman that craves revenge, romance, the complexities of war, and specially if you want to cry, this is for you. Can’t wait for it to get published and have it on my shelf.

Thanks to Pan Macmillan, NetGalley and Ann Liang for this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was my first Ann Liang book and the writing was so beautiful, it captivated me from page one. I liked the plot, that a young woman was manipulating the enemy king to take revenge for what he did to her people, and how the fmc Xishi was turned into a spy to became a femme fatale of sorts. I enjoyed the tension/forbidden love between her and Fanli and how conflicted she felt because Fuchai was so nice to her even though he was the enemy.
Zhengdan was the best side character – so loyal and strong! She gave me Mulan vibes but definitely deserved better. My heart broke for her and I wasn't expecting that to happen (no spoilers).
The political intrigue and secret mission were so enthralling that I couldn't stop reading, but at the same time, I didn't want the story to be over. I wished to read A Song to Drown Rivers again for the first time, even though I hadn't finished – the writing was THAT good.
However, the ending left me sobbing and I'm still not okay…I felt like Xishi and Fanli’s story was over before it even began. I know the story is inspired by a Chinese legend/myth, but it could've been a retelling with a feminist ending. While the pacing of the story increased the suspense, I honestly think this could've easily been a duology. I wish Xishi’s training had been longer and described in more depth because it also would've led to a stronger connection between her and Fanli. Additionally, there are some plot holes that left me with questions. Like what happened to her heart condition? What was the purpose of it? What happened to the Wu in the end? Did Gujian manage to rule over two kingdoms or unite them? Therefore, I’m rating this book 3.5 stars and rounding it up to 4 here.

Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book and the fact that there's increasingly more diversity in fiction. I love that stories from all over the world are getting accessible to everyone and am excited to read more in the future.

Definitely not my favorite by Ann Liang.

Had problems with the pacing, the character development and the potential this book had led me down.

I really liked the ending of this book and I think it suits the overall vibe and expectation of how such a legend could have ended.

If you want to experience a sublime cdrama full of politics and romance (and very attractive people) in the medium of a well-written book, Ann Liang got you. I had a fabulous time, cried a river but like, cathartically, and now am mentally fancasting the dramatis personae.