Ann Liang’s A Song to Drown Rivers masterfully captures the high-stakes tension of an undercover mission that hinges on lies, manipulation, and betrayal rather than romance alone.

The story follows Xishi, a beautiful commoner thrust into a deadly game of deception for her nation’s survival. Alongside her loyal friend Zhengdan, Xishi uses her beauty and cunning to serve her homeland, hiding her vulnerabilities beneath a composed facade.

Her forbidden love for Fanli is intense yet hopeless, contrasting with her complex, underdeveloped relationship with Fuchai—a historical figure who adds layers of intrigue (I could not help but root for him too).

This retelling of the Legend of Xishi, one of China’s Four Beauties, shows beauty as a powerful, often underestimated tool.
The ending was absolutely heart-wrenching but beautifully done.

4.4 stars

First up, the narration and overall the production of this audiobook enhanced my enjoyment of A Song to Drown Rivers. Natalie Naudus helped bring the characters and story alive, and I found hearing the names pronounced useful too.
Now to the novel itself. A Song to Drown Rivers was well-paced, I found myself immersed in the story from the opening encounter between Xishi and Fanli, and Lian’s use of language was breathtaking, the story absolutely devastating. The novel was advertised as a historical fantasy – on reflection, there was more of a historical than a fantasy feel to it in my opinion. So it’s perhaps something useful to know, but not something that influenced my overall enjoyment of the novel. I absolutely loved the ending, even if it hit me as hard as the ending of The Song of Achilles.

I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book, as I was not familiar with the original legend. in my experience, retellings work either really well for me or they just don't hit the same mark as the original story (or other retellings of the same legend), so it was great to start this with a clean slate.

I really loved the story arc, the character growth, and the writing, I think the author has a sensational grasp on her craft. I'd also like to note the pacing, there was never a dull moment, I found the balance between world-building and action impeccable.

the reason why I'm taking away one star is while it's advertised as a fantasy, there aren't many fantasy elements to it, and even then they only appear in the last 5% of the book. so I kept waiting for something fantastical to happen, and this did leave me a tiny bit disappointed in the end. I think if I would reread this book, I would rate it higher, but I couldn't fully enjoy it this time around due to this.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tor, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The story is an interesting premise, with a focus on Chinese legend, Xishi who is given a unique task to assist her country in gaining an advantage in the war.

This book is described as an epic historical fantasy with romance. I personally didn't notice much of a fantasy element apart from the stories of legends. There was very minimal world building and I was left trying to figure it all out myself as it went. Xishi role of a spy was severely underdeveloped and we were given hardly any information on the intricacies. Instead, we were given 'telling rather than showing' of how great of a spy Xishi was.

While this story does contain romantic elements, it's definitely not a romance book. The romance came across as instant love and I struggled to value their connection given how things transpired throughout the book. At some stage the story began teasing a 'love triangle' however, I couldn't entertain the morally grey character. I found it interesting how this perspective humanised the King.

Liang embraced a new writing style and delved into some darker themes. I appreciated the high stakes in this story and the FMC's devotion to her country, however, I just wish she didn't go into things so naively.

There's a heavy focus on female beauty, womanhood and the male gaze. Liang's poetic prose touched on these subjects in an insightful way. I believe the storyline is intentionally commenting on real world events and how war and sacrifice have two sides.

While, I did enjoy aspects of this story I did find the direction it took predictable. I wasn't emotionally invested in the characters which impacted my experience reading this when the events took a darker turn.

Overall, the narrators did a fantastic job of capturing the essence of this story.

Thank you Macmillan UK Audio for the arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher & the author for this arc. I opened this book thinking i was going to devoured it & all i found was a long introduction of a plan that only develops in a handful of paragraphs & a lot of things to fill in the gaps. This is my first time reading the author & honestly, i think is going to be my last because whatever attempt this was at a fantasy, a retelling or an adult novel failled miserably. It took me days, weeks even, to read past the first quarter of the book & only managed to finish it thanks to the audiobook (also provided by the publisher). The main character loses everyone & then her life at the hands of another character that has no development whatsoever, the characters surrounding her are pushed so far to the side that we can not really establish a connection with them to the point that when we lose them, it doesn't really affect the continuation of the story or makes a halt on the plan of our main character. The world is not even that well developed for such an introduction (that takes at least half the book) & half the 'plot twists' are explained so far ahead in the book that doesn't really take you by surprise. Adding more trauma to the story does not make it more appealing, or the fact that takes several elements from another stories we have read in the last several years & adds nothing different to them. While at some point i did like the romance, the ending of it just left a sour taste on my mouth. Especially how all the things end in the last 10%, how it attempts to touch the delicate strings at the heart of the reader but truly (& this is all my opinion), fails completely. It also attempts to leave a deeper message that there are no really good or bad side in war but everything ends up being horrible, like there is no bright side in any of this but doesn't go further than to a hint at a happy ending. All in all, i didn't like it.

I, however, did like the narrator of the audiobook & the voices they made for the characters. The pace was nice, their voice went along with the story & the feelings of the characters, and how it all came to be. So that is why i'm giving the audiobook a better star review than the book but my main issues are at the beginning of the feedback & why the rating is so low on the actual story.

Thank you so much for letting me listen to this audiobook. This is an incredibly beautiful and heart wrenching story.

First of all, the voice artist and production of the audio book are both amazing, I had a brilliant listening experience. The performance given was stunning and complimented the beautiful prose perfectly. Liang writes beautifully, and I really felt the inspiration of the ancient story of Xishi in the lyrical turns of phrases and flow of the writing. The writing felt like the character of Xishi and with the wonderful voice performance it felt like I was listening to her recount the story in real time.

My main negative from this book is that the beginning third felt very rushed. Xishi is a regular common girl (other than being incredibly beautiful) who doesn't have any training in dancing, poetry, music etc. and yet manages to learn all of this, plus how to be a good spy and concubine, in a couple of months. I read that in the original story, she trains for three years, which I think is much more believable and also could have served for a slow burn romance with Fanli rather than the instant love we got.

There needed to be more conflict/problems for Xishi, especially whilst in the palace. I felt that she had two or three minor obstacles that she overcame incredibly easily and then all the other parts of the plan went smoothly and without a hitch. I think that this didn't have to be outer obstacles - it could have been as simple as adding to her hints that she felt bad for Fuchai, or that maybe she realised she had feelings for him in some way and teetered between following through or abandoning the plan. This would have developed the (I think underutilised) parts of the story where both Xishi and Fuchai saw how their actions impacted the common people of both kingdoms, and could have brought more nuance to these two characters, which (especially in Fuchai's case) would have made their ending that much more impactful.

The last two or so hours of the audiobook are my favourite, and I like that Liang went for the tragic love story ending (upon further reading of the story the book is based on there is also the classic love story ending, which is hinted at by Fanli at the end of the book), but I think this could have been even more impactful if more had been done to develop the relationships between the main characters throughout the book. I also think that maybe there could have been a couple of hints on what Goujian planned for Xishi the whole time, like maybe him commenting that she's too good at the job etc.

On a side note from what I thought of the book, I'm seeing this book being marketed as romantasy/fantasy - I wouldn't say this has any fantasy elements and is just straight historical fiction.

A beautifully written story with wonderful tension between the two main characters that kept me hooked from start to finish. The dynamic between them was engaging and added depth to the plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author in the future!

I loved the cover design instantly, and when I saw that the audiobook is read by Natalie Naudus, one of my favourite narrators, I knew that this must be a fantastic book. And it is exactly that. Scheming, spying, political manoeuvrings in the royal palace and romance of course. The ending left me quite sad but I will remember to read everything from Ann Liang in the future.

This book was very beautifully written and narrated, there were various points where I was brough to tears because of it. The story, the characters and the relationships between the characters were so beautiful and tragic that you can't help but feel attached to them.
I had to rewind the last chapter because I refused for that to be the ending. It was tragic and beautiful but I am glad they are together after all they have been through.
The only negative thing was that the passing time wasn't very clear, and I fully thought it was a few months that passed in between, while afterwards I saw from the author that it was three years since she entered the palace, which then made the aftermath so much more impactful and sad.

Thank you to Net Galley and MacMillan UK Audio for the audiobook e-ARC!

A Song to Drown Rivers is a historical fantasy inspired by the legend of Xishi, and is filled with romance and sacrifice. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is narrated beautifully by Natalie Naudus, who you might be familiar with from Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Realm Breaker and Kiss her once for me (To name a few): it is always a joy to listen to an audiobook narrated by them. The plot itself of A Song to Drown Rivers was captivating the whole time through, making me laugh at times and also wanting to cry at moments. For a standalone fantasy, A Song to Drown Rivers achieved a full fleshed out story with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. It is filled with yearning and heartbreak that made me connect so deeply with Xishi and Fanli. Even the antagonists in this book felt real enough for me connect with. I cannot wait to read more from Ann Liang!

I would highly recommend A Song to Drown Rivers if you are a fan of historical inspired fantasy, court politics or books with layers of disguise and deception tactics.

The book has taken me on such an emotional ride. This has perfect blend of mystery, romance, mythology, history and intrigue. The characters were so mysterious and not what they appeared to be. I must say the female main character is so strong, clever and determined

Xishi is exquisite. She gets an opportunity to be a spy and takes revenge for her sister and save her people from the rival neighbouring kingdom. Though Fanli did offer her opportunity but things take a different turn and unexpected happens. I felt the book was so emotional. The ending was so heartbreaking. I deeply felt for the characters. The book is about love, war, sacrifice and womanhood. The narrator did a good job.

Thanks to the Publisher, Author and Narrator.

4/5 Stars⭐️

This was the first book of Ann Liang, and boy what a introduction to her writing it was!
We get thrown into the plot rather quickly, but the world- and character building starts immediately and manages to create an interesting and captivating story about Xishi, who is send into the enemy‘s kingdom as a concubine to take it down from the inside.

This book made me feel all the feels, the author did an amazing job at making us feel all the pain, love, lust and nuances of her relationships and tasks. AND THAT ENDING? I saw it coming and yet hoped it would not be so. The last 10(ish)% had me crying silent tears (and I would do it again in a heartbeat).
The narrator did an amazing job, she conveyed emotions and dialogues in a way that felt very genuine without being overly dramatic.

One thing I will note is that the book hardly had any fantasy elements in it, it‘s more historical fiction. While it didn‘t bother that much I can see how others might have different expectations!

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan UK Audio for the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

It was so good, I couldn't put it down!! I cried multiple times, I was smiling, I was amazed and shocked. It was so good.
The tension between Xishi and Fanli was so good, I had a bad feeling from the beginning, I was rooting for them, I was rooting for the whole mission to be a success, I was hoping nobody will get terribly injured, I was so in love with them all. I know it might be sad, after seeing the reactions to the author's previous books, but I didn't expect it to hurt me so much. I mean don't make me love them so hard and then??!!
At this point I am just rambling about how much I loved the characters and how it made me cry. I might need time to recover, maybe a lifetime.
I was expecting a normal black and white story, good side succeeds, bad side loses - there might be some loses but ultimately everybody will be happy. But what was this?!
I could feel their hopes, helplessness and heartbreaks. All of these characters deserved better.
I am literally staring at the wall, and thinking about them still.
I wanted a chapter from Fanli's pov in the end and maybe how he tries to change the aftermath as told by Xishi.
I loved the narration. It was captivating. Loved every second of it. Now I need to get to the author's backlist.

Thank you for the NetGalley arc! I really enjoyed this beautiful book. It’s not a long read and honestly I had no idea where it was going (well I thought I did but I was wrong lol). Will definitely be buying a special edition for my collection!

I have to start this with a disclaimer: Although A Song to Drown Rivers is marketed as a fantasy novel, readers should be aware that it does not contain the fantasy elements one might expect. While the story teases speculative aspects near the very end, they are brief and come only after the plot has essentially wrapped up. For those seeking a true fantasy experience, this novel might not satisfy that craving.
I, personally, picked this up because I thought it to be a historical fantasy novel, but the fantasy elements never came. I still liked the book, I still enjoyed my time with it, it just wasn't what I expected it to be.

Ann Liang has crafted a beautifully atmospheric novel in A Song to Drown Rivers, with a story that transports readers into a vividly imagined version of ancient China. Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famed Four Beauties of Chinese history, the novel deftly weaves historical elements with an almost dreamlike quality that immerses listeners in its world. Liang’s writing style brings the setting and characters to life, making it easy to feel as if you’re walking alongside them through lush gardens and intricate palace scenes.

The characters in this novel are intriguing and well-developed, each adding depth and nuance to the overall story. The romance(s), in particular, is a highlight, filled with longing and unfulfilled desires ("What is desire? - Absence."). Liang captures the intense, aching emotion of a love you know you can't have, drawing readers into the slow burn of endless pining that feels as painful as it is captivating. While the romance(s) doesn’t necessarily lead to the resolution some might hope for, it adds a compelling layer of tension to the narrative. It certainly had me in a choke hold all the way through.

A Song to Drown Rivers is a poignant look at Chinese history, seen through the lens of a legendary figure. Liang’s retelling offers readers an engaging glimpse into the past, with historical details that add a sense of authenticity to the story. This focus on Chinese culture and legend grounds the novel in a sense of realism. It’s a refreshing take that will appeal to readers interested in Chinese history and legend. I myself did not know about this legend and found myself so interested in the matter, that I did some research into it. A fascinating tale - and a plus point for this novel that it made me want to know more!

The ending is impactful and emotionally resonant. Liang brings the story to a close in a way that is both satisfying and thought-provoking, hitting the right emotional notes to leave a lasting impression on the reader. The conclusion serves as a fitting end to a story full of longing and personal sacrifice.
The ending is also the point where the one small element comes in that MIGHT classify this as a fantasy. I'd call it a speculative element at best, not fantasy.

Overall, A Song to Drown Rivers is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel that captivates with its characters, romance, and rich historical setting. For those who go in without expecting traditional fantasy elements, it offers an immersive experience that lingers after the final chapter. Ann Liang’s retelling of the Xishi legend is a lovely, if sometimes wistful, journey that will resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction with strong romantic elements. But I have to say it again: this is not a fantasy novel!

I thought this book was an enjoyable fantasy, whilst I must admit that I am more of a fan of her YA more contemporary style books, this was still an enjoyable listen with a gripping plot. It was an addictive read, that I managed to finish in just a couple of days, but I did thing there were some plot holes, or a lack or character depth that is needed.

This is billed as Adult fiction, but for me it sits firmly in the genre of Young Adult. To explain that, I’ll say that while there’s violence and bloodshed, there are no graphic sex scenes and the romance element is pretty naive, especially in Xishi’s interactions with the King. It lacked the political intrigue and depth in the Machiavellian manoeuvrings of the enemy court, which creates the tension that typically has me desperately turning pages.
It’s the sort of story where you should be emotionally invested in the characters, and while they were well written, I didn’t feel an attachment to any of them.
It’s more of a YA romance than an epic historical fantasy, but it was still an enjoyable listen that was well paced, with a solid plot, so I’m giving it 4 stars.
With thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan UK Audio for a chance to listen to an ARC.

I had high hopes for this as the story sounded so interesting but i was really disappointed with the story. It was boring and the character arcs just fell flat. I didn’t find the characters compelling and the arcs were disappointing.
Honestly the narrator was the only reason I managed to get through to the end.

This book follows Xishi's path from a poor Yue village to the king of Wu's palace as a royal concubine. Along the way she is trained by Fanli in various subjects and mannerisms. She is sent to the kingdom of Wu to seduce and spy their king. When she gets to the palace she must use her wits so that she isn't discovered and deal with palace officials machinations. This book tackled Xishi's increasingly conflicted emotions well, as she forms new relationships that she must betray to get her revenge. Overall an interesting read and would recommend to romance readers.

The narration by Natalie Naudus was really good.

Disclaimer I received this audiobook from NetGalley and Macmillan UK Audio | Tor in exchange for a free and honest review