Wow. One of the most incredible YA fantasy books out there. "Song of Silver, Flame Like Night" is a first in a series (duology?) and it is exceptional. Zhao pulls you in from the start and keeps you hooked from page to page. The way the Zhao weaves such palpable emotion into every scene is truly an art. The book weaves storytelling in with a history of a world that she created and that feels so real and mirrors the one that we live in. Every character that we meet is truly alive and you will immediately connected to them all. You fall in love with our two main characters Lan and Zen and feel every emotion that they feel as you read. The story truly comes to life and the pictures are painted so clearly. This is a book I will be recommending for ages.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao is an epic fantasy novel that immerses readers in a richly imagined world inspired by Chinese mythology, magic, and history. The story follows a young heroine, Lan, who bears a mysterious mark on her arm, a remnant of her mother’s murder and the secrets of her past. When she meets Zen, a practitioner of an ancient magic forbidden by their oppressive rulers, they embark on a journey to unlock her true power and uncover the mysteries surrounding their world.
Zhao’s world-building is breathtaking, filled with intricate lore, ancient magic systems, and vivid landscapes that feel both magical and dangerous. The influence of Chinese culture is woven beautifully into the narrative, giving the story a distinct and refreshing flavor in the fantasy genre. The mythology and history at the core of the novel are deeply immersive, with Zhao creating a universe that feels vast and alive.
The themes of identity, freedom, and resistance are central to the narrative, as Lan and Zen fight against an oppressive empire that seeks to erase their culture and magic. Zhao explores these themes thoughtfully, adding resonance to the fantastical elements of the story.
While the plot is action-packed and filled with magical battles, ancient secrets, and dangerous quests, Zhao also takes time to delve into the emotional and psychological complexities of her characters. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged with twists and turns while allowing for moments of introspection.

Fun and thoughtful fantasy I really enjoyed getting into, I loved getting to learn about the world and characters and Chinese culture overall. Good epic fantasy book that had a fun adventure.

It’s an enjoyable book overall. Zhao’s writing is beautiful. I don’t know if I will read the next one even though I enjoyed this one. It was a bit predictable but not really in a bad way.

Beautifully written fantasy that explores Chinese mythology and culture. I enjoyed this book even though I found it more action rather than character driven which is my personal preference. Even though I didn't establish a strong connection to any of the characters, I did experience the depth of feeling in the many relationships depicted. Excited for book 2.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao is a captivating read for fans of epic fantasy and Chinese mythology, who will be swept away by the richly imagined world, complex characters, and the stirring adventure of a young practitioner's journey to reclaim her people's magic and destiny.

"In a conquered land, the only way to win was to survive."

Lan's looking for clues to understand the character inscribed in a magical tattoo on her wrist that only she can see. It was put there by her mother as she died amidst the colonial takeover of the Last Kingdom. Twelve years later, the Elantians have relaxed into ruling a conquered land, and Lan works as a songgirl at a Teahouse. The work provides only precarious safety-- the kind that exists more as a comforting lie than as a reality. The lie loses its power the night when she catches an Elantian soldier's eye. In a panic to protect herself, she unleashes something that brings Elantian magicians down on her head, including the one who killed her mother. The good news is that it also attracts one of the secret remaining practitioners, a group who went into hiding but once filled the roles of legendary heroes. Until this night, Lan didn't think there was any basis for those stories in reality.

Zen takes a great risk in rescuing Lan. Not only is she hunted by one of the most powerful Elantian magicians, but she could be a threat to The Way. Zen is keen to follow the rules of his school that prioritize balanced qì. Not only is this an important step in manipulating qì, but it's also a guardrail against dangerous demonic practitioning. Lan is not as keen as Zen to play things by the book. Called silver-tongued by her best friend and regularly drawn to taking shortcuts where she can, the rules are something she's happy to ignore when it suits her. Lan knows she can talk her way out of most trouble should it come to that. As Lan and Zen trek through the forest to what they hope will be a safe harbor, these personality differences are increasingly evident. Lan at one point tricks Zen into slowing down on their endless march by claiming to be on her period. An ICON. That boy scurries, I tell you.

The simplicity of these early interactions is not to last. It's one thing when it's just the two of them against the world and quite another when not only Lan's secrets start to come to light, but Zen's as well. While they share the goal of overthrowing colonial rule, the methods they're willing to use may not line up. And in this tension, they both struggle. Ultimately, decisions must be made even if they destroy their peaceful bubble.

The story entertains a complicated conversation around power and balance. What do you do when you're desperate and overpowered? I think the nature of the conversation-- acknowledging that it's not simple and that it might depend on circumstance-- bleeds over into some confusion in the plot. For example, characters may argue and then at a later point completely switch roles and argue again from the opposite sides. I respect leaving a healthy gray area, but the result here was more of a muddy ambivalence. In addition, the back-and-forth in the latter part of the book played into some issues I had with pacing. After the slow build of relationships up front, everything gets very intense toward the end, sometimes to the story's detriment. Increased action and pace were fine, but I felt some relationship arcs swerved or jumped in ways I wasn't prepared for and didn't get on board with. In general, I found the pacing to be a bit off balance for what I prefer-- drawing out some aspects and rushing others where I wanted the opposite or at least some moderation. We do get some emotional moments right at the end, delving into key relationships like parent and child or master and student. They make their mark but fall victim to the rapid milieu rather than sitting with the big feelings at play.

I can't emphasize enough how powerful I think it is to tell stories about resisting colonization, and this book does not sugarcoat. It takes in all kinds of violence, and all kinds of grief that follow. The anger and vengefulness that can summon demons are in ample supply. It's a hard story, a valiant one. It encompasses moments of inability to protect what you hold most dear, but also the fire to resist all the same. I hope that the second part of the duology resolves some of its philosophical discussions and evens out its pacing a bit, especially for big emotional beats. Regardless, I think readers would benefit from picking this one up and reflecting on Lan and Zen's fight for justice in an unjust world. Thanks to Delacorte for my copy to read and review!

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was meant to be my first book of 2023 and yet, it is only now in 2024 that I finally got around to reading it.

That being said, Song of Silver, Flame Like Night was worth the wait.

This book was so hyped for me especially in the weeks/months leading up to the release. After it came out, I haven't heard many people talking about it and I don't understand why. This book was brilliant and deserves to be read by so many more people.

The book follows Lan who lives under the colonial rule of the Elantians who killed her mother before her own eyes. Before she died, she gave Lan a mysterious message on her wrist, one only Lan herself can see. When an incident at a tea room makes her join with Zen, a mysterious man who can use magic, Lan seeks to discover the last message her mother gave her, one that is intertwined with the myths and legends that she grew up with.

From the start, the book was gripping. I think that's thanks to the writing style which was so descriptive and rich and fast-paced. I loved Lan from page one, her quick wit and snark was great to read on the page and her interactions with Zen were so much fun and cheeky. I really hope they become endgame in book two.

I loved the world building, the characters and the writing. Everything was done so well in this book. I don't really have any criticisms to be honest apart from how the middle part of the book felt a little slower than the start and ending. I am so excited to read the sequel. I wouldn't mind more books set in this world.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night has a very immersive world. The pacing allowed the reader to appreciate each detail from the spices in food to the epic demon gods. The unique magic system and the chemistry between Lan and Zen were among my favorite things about this story. If you enjoy Chinese history, mythology then I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole.

SONG OF SILVER, FLAME LIKE NIGHT is a lush and engaging YA fantasy that sweeps the reader away to a kingdom at war. Lan is a songgirl, working at a teahouse and searching for information about her past. She has vague memories of when she was five and her life before the Elantians destroyed the Last Kingdom and her mother. In her mother's final breaths, she placed a symbol on Lan's wrist that only she can see. While she tries to pay off her contract, she also searches for anything that might tell her what this symbol means.

After an encounter with Elantian Angels (what they call their soldiers), Lan is concerned when they show up in her teahouse, especially since one seems eager to buy her contract. That same night, a Hin practitioner also shows up, intriguing Lan as she fights for her life from the one who purchased her contract - but then an Elantian metalworking magician appears with a vengeance specifically for Lan, recognizing the symbol and wanting whatever her mother had left her.

The Hin practitioner, Zen, helps Lan to escape and they embark on a quest that has great personal meaning to each but also massive implications for the kingdom in its entirety.

What I loved: This was such a lush and imaginative fantasy based on Chinese mythology and folklore. The magic systems, politics, and demons are all brought to life as Lan begins to learn about her heritage and what practitioning means. Following the war and the Elantian victory, most Hin schools were destroyed. One has remained hidden, and it is there that Lan begins to understand what magic means and the importance of balance in life and power. While much of her life has been loss and destruction, it has also taught her about power, sacrifice, and who she wants to be.

Lan and Zen are both compelling characters, and the story gives us sections from each of their perspectives. While they are pulled together like magnets and their history has several parallels, their specific experiences and takeaway messages have diverged. This becomes particularly clear later, in places where they feel like they have no options. The way the past has sculpted them and what they have learned from it was built from cruelty, pain, and loss- but also love, which remains a critical teacher. As they move forward in the midst of change and fear, they each find their own paths, which become juxtaposed in brutal ways, though rooted in mutual understanding.

There are many heavy themes in this book that make it quite pensive and thought-provoking, including around power and the morality of power, war crimes and the difficulty of maintaining power, family, grief/loss, the importance of balance in life, destiny and fate, the lure of negative emotions and fear towards bad decisions, and sacrifice. Lan and Zen have suffered in their pasts, as a consequence of war and the cruelty of the victors. This is a theme throughout their world's history, and the importance of objectors working towards balance and understanding the responsibility of power is one that was necessary before the Elantians as well as with them. Elantians have distorted magic, and they have destroyed the Hin that they didn't understand - even while experimenting on some individuals to try to understand - a twisted method that ripples in history. The quest for power has driven many throughout history, and understanding power, what it means, and the need for balance is a critical discussion throughout the story.

The plot is paced well, giving ample time for the reader to understand as Lan does. The story builds in different ways as the characters evolve, and there are elements of adventuring, discovering, and war at various points in time that keep the readers on their toes. None of the story felt rushed, even towards the end - and there is a bit of a cliffhanger to keep readers eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. While the story is fairly long, the pace felt steady, and it read relatively quickly.

Final verdict: An imaginative and lush story of Chinese mythology and folklore, SONG OF SILVER, FLAME LIKE NIGHT is a compulsive and pensive YA fantasy that will leave the reader gasping for more. Highly recommend for fans of STRIKE THE ZITHER, LAST OF THE TALONS, and SIX CRIMSON CRANES.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed it to the extent that I could. The pacing felt horrendously slow to me, but I did enjoy all of the characters enough that I kept on reading.

Everything in this book has been done before, but with a Wuxia twist, which might have made it more engaging if the story wasn't trying to tell me everything instead of showing me thing. I'm a Zen apologist simply because I always end up liking broody guys like him, but, like.... he still was a not-so-fun character.

This review started at four stars, but as I thought more about it, I bumped it down to two because while I did enjoy reading it, and at the end of the day, I did finish it, there just wasn't a whole lot of substance to this book. It's hard for me even to write a review on it because, frankly, I've forgotten most of what happened.

This book wasn't very memorable, but it was enjoyable? I won't be rereading it anytime soon, that's for certain.

This is such a captivating story that seamlessly weaves together Chinese folklore, romance, and well-developed characters. Set against a backdrop of enchanting mythology, the story delivers a delightful blend of fantasy and romance that kept me engaged right up to the end.

One of the highlights of the book is its richly developed characters. Each character feels authentic and multidimensional, with their own strengths, flaws, and motivations. The protagonist's journey is particularly compelling, as she navigates the challenges of both the supernatural world and her own heart.

The incorporation of Chinese folklore adds depth and texture to the narrative, immersing readers in a world filled with mythical creatures and ancient traditions. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail shine through, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.

The romance in the novel is both tender and realistic. Unlike some romances that feel rushed, the relationship here evolves organically, with both characters facing obstacles and growth along the way. This adds a satisfying layer of depth to the story, and made me root for them to overcome their differences together.

One of the novel's strengths is its balance between the central romance and the supporting characters. While the main love story takes center stage, the side characters are also well-developed and add depth to the narrative without overshadowing the protagonists. This creates a fully realized world populated by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own story to tell.

Overall, this book is thoroughly enjoyable, with its compelling characters, enchanting world-building, and heartfelt romance It's a book that is still in my mind long after I finished.

Aside from the slightly wordy title, there is nothing bad to be said about Song Like Silver, Flame Like Night. Reading this book was like a portal back in time to every YA fantasy novel that I was OBSESSED with as a teen. It’s so well-written and the world building is phenomenal. The fact that there’s more still to come in book 2 has be beyond excited!

Lan is a mystery. She’s full of untapped power and secrets unknown even to her. Zen finds her and senses something in her beyond either of their understanding, but there paths are set to be inextricably intertwined. They have more in common that appears at first glance, yet sometimes they seem like opposite sides of the same coin. Lines between what is good and what is evil are blurred. Power and ancient secrets are at stake. The world as they know it is hanging on by a thread, and there is little hope to be had. There are so many things beyond what these characters can comprehend that could save their world or tear it apart. It’s up to Zen and Lan to lead the

I can’t tell you enough how much I enjoyed this book. There’s so much thought and complexity in the story line. The pacing is perfect and this vast magical world unfolds, reeling you in slowly. Before you know it, you’re hooked. I just couldn’t get enough. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

This book was so good!!! I fell in love with the cover and had to read this one. And I’m so glad I did!!! I absolutely adore Lan and Zen. They are a super great pair of characters. I got hooked into this one very quickly. There was so much action it was hard to stop reading.

Lan and Zen fight their way to justice and to protect what they love. They go through so much in this book and I was there every step of the way. Not only is there a lot of action, but there’s love, heart, loyalty, drama, fantasy, and more. A little something for everyone really. If you like YA fantasy that is.

I recommend this to fantasy lovers who also enjoy a little romance, a lot of action, and a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next one!!!

Best fantasy I’ve read in a while! I loved all the twists & turns - it never felt stagnant or predictable. I liked the complexity and most of the characters were well developed. I didn’t buy into their love story, but I loved all the other aspects and am excited for book 2.

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

This was my first time reading anything by Wen Zhao and I'll be honest that I had to re-read it again when the audiobook was available due to wanting to pronounce the names correctly. This will not be the last book I read by this author and I looked forward to the sequel.

A solid, entertaining, well-crafted YA Fantasy from Amelie Wen Zhao. I found I quite enjoyed this and particularly loved the worldbuilding and mythology.

"Song of Silver, Flame Like Night" by Amélie Wen Zhao is a captivating fantasy novel that dazzles with its intricate world-building and compelling characters. Set in a richly imagined world where magic and politics collide, the story follows its fearless protagonist as she navigates a treacherous journey of self-discovery and rebellion. Zhao's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions bring the enchanting realm to life, while the dynamic relationships and gripping plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its blend of romance, action, and intrigue, "Song of Silver, Flame Like Night" is a spellbinding tale that will leave fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in this captivating series.

3.5 stars

Thank you, Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

I enjoyed this story as it's been a while since I've read something like this. I liked the authors first series so I was excited to see what this one would bring.

I didn't much care for Zen's character. He kind of annoyed me here and there. But I did like Len. Her character development was written well and I'm sure the second book will not disappoint considering what happened at the end of this one. I'll be reading a copy as soon as my library owns it.