I did not know anything about the legend of Xishi when starting this book. She's this beautiful face, and her purpose is to be married off. Quickly, things were much darker than they seemed. Xishi is also much more than she looks.

I won't shy away from the fact that this book was heartbreaking. It ripped my heart to shreds, and I was not expecting it. The writing was fabulous! It was so descriptive and beautiful. I was instantly in love with this story, and it was hard to put down. Xishi is trained to be a spy for the opposing king. She doesn't expect to fall in love, but she finds more than that. I was so worried we were going to have a love triangle. It's my least favorite trope, and we get a slight one. Xishi sees a side to her enemy that she doesn't understand. Things are not so black and white. I loved how deep and complex all three of these characters are. It made for such an impactful story.

I want to take a minute and talk about the romance. The actual longing for one another in this book is so agonizingly beautiful. It was felt with every part of me! This is where her writing was just outstanding. The way that Xishi and Fanli love each other and pine for each other is beautiful. Again, I'm glad we didn't get a full-on love triangle because it would have taken so much away from the longing.

This book does many things at once. Not only does it rip out your heart and stomp on it, there are many tones and themes. We get to see two sides of the enemy. There are many sides to a person. It makes us question who is on the right side. Are they fighting to become the same thing they were against? There is love, but there is also sacrifice.

Overall, this was a fantastic read! It's a deep story that will make you question things. It's full of beautiful writing and prose. I am happy to have buddy-read this one (thanks, Julie @OneBookMore) because we had some great discussions. It was also great to have someone commiserate with my heartbreak!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

In this historical fantasy thriller the neighboring kingdoms of Wu and Yue have been warring with each other over many years. Currently the Wu have the upper hand, but the King of the Yue and his top military adviser, Fanli have come up with a plan to defeat their number one enemy and topple King Fuchai.
It’s based on the ancient historical accounts of the Four Beauties of China; four women who were renowned for their beauty and who influenced rulers. One of the Four was Xi Shi the character Xishi is developed from. This is the story of Fanli and Xishi and their great love for one another. It’s a story of revenge, betrayal, sacrifice, guilt, loss and heart breaking grief. Well written with excellent world-building and character development. I relished every page right up to the very end. 4.5 stars

Thank you to St. Martins Press for my complimentary eARC, and to MacMillan Audio for my complimentary ALC of A Song to Drown Rivers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Song to Drown Rivers is an enchanting retelling of the Legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China. I had not heard of this legend, but it is now one of my favorites.

Love, betrayal, family, war and sacrifice are all front and center in this historical fiction/fantasy/ YA romance. I could not put this one down. I kept saying just one more chapter, and before I knew it, I had read half the book!

Xishi and Fanli are playing a dangerous game and kingdoms will fall. Will their love survive? Or will they fall victim to a ruthless king???

I paired the audio with the eARC, and Natalie Naudus is a wonderful narrator

This was a 2 star for me? and honestly I really couldn't tell you why.

This story is 1000% for someone, that someone just is not me. I am a girl who really loves and prefers first person and I just could not connect with the main character. I wound up putting this book down around 30% and just not having the will to pick it back up.

The *idea* of the story I really loved and found interesting. Maybe I'm falling into a reading slump and just aren't feeling it? lots of mixed emotions. Pick the book up if you find the synopsis tickling your fancy.

Ann Liang's A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS is story so well told it felt more like breathing than reading. The story of an extraordinarily beautiful woman drawn into dangerous politics gamesmanship by powerful men, Xishi is at once pawn and powerful force as she maneuvers through treachery, betrayal, and danger. I loved it, marveled at the writing, was totally immersed in the retelling of a mythic story from Ancient China -- captivated by the poetry, the rich characterizations of people and place, a time and place I felt I knew through her incredible writing. Such a masterwork! I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

Another Ann Liang masterpiece. I only read one other book from this author which was "If You Could See the Sun" and if that made me feel like I was reading an episode from a K Drama - then this book was definitely a C Drama. Ann Liang is definitely an author whose work is worth reading!

I ADORED THIS BOOK.

Even when it was making me ugly cry.

It actually reminded me a lot of the Biblical story of Esther, but if it ended differently.

10/10 recommend if you love a lush fantasy story and don’t mind a good cry.

I received an advance copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own and a review was not required.

Xishi is a beautiful young woman who is approached by the famous young military advisor, Fanli. He wants to use her beauty as a weapon to destroy the rival neighboring kingdom of Wu. To improve the lives of her people and avenge her sister’s murder, she must infiltrate the enemy palace, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within. Xishi learns everything she can to do so, and the attraction between her and Fanli grows. The higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the more difficult everything gets. If she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.

The beginning of the book involves training Xishi's mind as well as body. She must learn etiquette, court rituals, instruments, and keeping herself from showing emotions on her face. She hopes to bring down the Wu kingdom, thinking her life in exchange for her people is a good balance. This means she makes alliances at court, does what she can to sustain the king's interest while sidestepping his suspicious minister, doing whatever she can to succeed in her mission despite personal losses. The ending is bittersweet and left me in tears. Overall, the book is hauntingly beautiful and worth reading.

A Song to Drown Rivers was a beautiful and lyrical read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and think that many people will enjoy it as well. Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The book was published October 1 and is now available.

Unrequited love, revenge, political intrigue, infiltrating the enemy’s kingdom, and war - all with Xishi at its center. I really appreciate Xishi’s character arc and how she grew to play the game when in her enemy’s court. The book was haunting, and I think the ending will stick with me for a long while. It reminded me of another one of my favorite books, which I’ll refrain from naming for fear of spoilers, but it was beautiful.

I highly recommend A Song to Drown Rivers, especially if you’re a fan of lyrical prose, strong female characters, and historical fiction. I will say I wouldn’t categorize this as a fantasy novel, so know that if that’s what you’re really looking for.

✨What to expect✨
-Political intrigue
-Mystery/Suspense
-Chinese Lore
-Love Triangle

I will be honest, I was pretty bored with this book. I did not really connect to the writing and I saw where the plot was going from the very beginning and don’t even get me started on the love triangle. I am so sad to say this but this is a no from me 😭

Xishi lives in the village of Yue with her parents still mourning the loss of her beloved younger sister at the hands of the Wu warriors. Fanli is a military advisor of the king who recognizes that Xishi's beauty can be used as a weapon to help infiltrate the enemy palace of Wu. She agrees so she can help the kingdom and avenge her sister's murder.

He trains her in everything from dancing and etiquette to the art of seduction and sends her to the king. Her goal is to infiltrate the court and make the king fall in love with her. Once inside the palace, the king is drawn to her and she rises through the court. But, one mistake can bring the whole kingdom crashing down. She must strategize and navigate enemy territory without drawing any suspicion or her punishment would be torture and then death.

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. The story is beautifully written. The plot pulled me in from the first page and was non-stop throughout the book. My heart felt the pain of Xishi's loss and the anxiety of living a second life "undercover". This story is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time #gifted

Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, and love against all odds.

Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers in the Yue Kingdom as she will bring fortune to her family. One day she is rescued by Fanli a young military advisor. This will not be their only meeting: Fanli comes to her home and presents to her and her parents an offer. The kingdom needs a spy to watch the Wu king who has taken over their lands. With her beauty, Xishi is perfect. She accepts as she hates the Wu and how they killed her little sister.

Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi and her friend Zhengdan (who acts as a “palace lady”) are as ready as they can be for their mission. It takes time but Xishi is able to seduce the kind and begin the machination of the Yue kingdom. Her life is on the line, can she save her kingdom while keeping her own life?

Anne Liang creates a beautiful and desperate world. The images of the castle Xishi must go to are contrasted with the poor, drab village she came from. This effect makes the royal world even more lush. This gaucheness becomes a tool for Xishi as she gets the King to eat away at the Kingdom’s resources seeing the beauty of a person and a place as a weapon gives the world a dark edge creating tension as the darkness and light meet. The tension is there in every brick he builds. Will Xishi live? Would the Wu be defeated? I had a hard time putting the book down.

I had not heard of or looked at the folklore behind Xishi before this book, as I didn’t want to ruin it. There are several different tales so those who know the stories can be surprised at which avenue the author takes. Liang hits you in the gut with emotions, and I haven’t cried over a book this hard in some time. This tale truly honors the woman of legend.

Emotional, tragic, and beautiful, A Song to Drown Rivers will capture your imagination and your heart.

Publication Date: Oct 1
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.

Ann Liang has once again proven her literary magic with "A Song to Drown Rivers" – and let me tell you, five stars are a gross understatement for this epic tale! This book is an absolute gem, a stunning, compelling, and emotionally charged journey that left me breathless.

This heartbreakingly romantic retelling of Xishi's story, one of the legendary Four Great Beauties of China, is nothing short of a literary marvel. Liang effortlessly weaves a narrative that draws you into the tumultuous world of a wartorn village, where the protagonist, Xishi, evolves from a simple village girl to a pivotal player in the political intrigue of the Wu Kingdom.

The beauty of this novel lies not only in its captivating characters but also in the exquisite romance between Xishi and Fanli. Their forbidden attraction adds layers of intensity to the story, making it impossible to put down. Liang skillfully navigates the complexities of courtly manners, espionage, and the struggle to conceal true emotions, creating a gripping narrative that resonates with both passion and intrigue.

The characters are not just names on a page; they're living, breathing entities with motivations that unravel like a meticulously crafted tapestry. Xishi's journey and the desperation of women in a world dominated by the ambitions of men are explored with a depth that tugs at the soul.

From the very first page, the writing grabbed me, pulling me into a vividly painted world where every setting felt palpable. The attention to detail and the well-crafted characters make this novel a feast for the senses.

Ann Liang has outdone herself, creating a world that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. If you're ready for an emotional rollercoaster through a world of love, politics, and self-discovery, this book is an absolute must-read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

🌊A Song to Drown Rivers 🌊

THIS BOOK. Oofa, that was a journey.

Xishi is a beautiful villager who is selected by her king and training by his minister, Fanli. She is to be a gift concubine to the rival neighbor Wu king, to seduce him and then ruin him. Xishi also wants what she can’t have and Fanli is always just out of reach.

This is emotional and heart wrenching. Stressful and heartbreaking. WOW.

Check this one out for:
🌊 Romantasy / forbidden love
🌊 Master manipulation schemes
🌊 War time angst

I’m still REELING about the ending, y’all. What!!! So wild.

I alternated between the ALC and the ARC. The narration was absolutely fabulous, the intonation, and the fun of hearing the name pronunciations really added to the story experience.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the ARC/ALC! A Song to Drown Rivers is on shelves now. My opinions are my own.

I truly truly love learning about cultural myths through retellings and this is no exception. although i can’t speak on the accuracy of the myth, this was a fun read and i really enjoyed it!

I have been in such a book reading slump lately and then I picked up this book! I was instantly pulled into this world and these characters. I could not put it down. Such a refreshing and interesting read!

This one was just okay.
Could have been great. (I am having the absolute worst luck with books lately.)
I feel like this book was lacking in every direction. For a book being marketed as romantasy, it felt like the romance and fantasy elements were missing. I am also a major fan of political/court intrigue and wish those parts were more fleshed out.
The characters were okay, but didn’t feel like anything special. The love interest was barely in the book and the romance was just ehhh. 🤷‍♀️

Overall, an okay adult book that reads more like a YA book.

The prettiest packages can hide the deadliest of gifts.

Xishi is reminded all too often of how beautiful she is, but being beautiful doesn’t help keep her mother and father fed or help her wash bolts of silk down at the river. If anything, being beautiful means she has to keep her guard up at all times, because in their war-torn country it would be all too easy for a soldier to capture her and no one would be any the wiser until she was long gone.

But then Fanli, the king’s minister, shows up and begs her to be of service to her country: Will she come and train to be a concubine for their enemy’s king? She need not worry about bedding him. He has plenty of other concubines; but they will teach her to be a spy and how to twist the king around her finger to do whatever she says. In return, she will covertly ensure the way can be cleared for her countrymen to invade the enemy’s lands and take over. She’s the kingdom’s fairest maiden, and only she’ll do.

Fanli should’ve recognized the inherent risks of training someone to be a spy: They learn to read you too. There’s also an inherent risk in training someone beautiful how to make men breathless: They’ll make you breathless too. Especially when they want you the way Xishi wants Fanli. They just have to make it through her assignment and watch out for the enemy king.

A Song to Drown Rivers ended up surprising me in a good way. The very beginning is a little unsteady, maybe even a little slow. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but once Xishi and company started out on their adventure the story started perking up (along with myself). I started enjoying the characters and the story more and more as it progressed. By the time Xishi and her companion are dropped off in the enemy kingdom’s capital I was fully invested and ready to go.

At heart, I see A Song to Drown Rivers as a political fantasy first and romantasy second. Most of Xishi’s inner narrative is about keeping her head and steeling her heart because there is an inherent danger with undercover and espionage work: the danger of going native, of falling in love with your mark, of growing to love your cage (these are not terms Xishi would use, of course, but no matter what time in history a story takes place in the dilemmas of war are the same). She’s there to sow division, exploit weaknesses, and to sway the king’s opinion. All of the romantic aspects of the story are a secondary element, especially in the first two acts.

It’s a great standalone read and I highly recommend it.

I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: AAPI Fiction/Fantasy/Romantasy/Folklore Retelling/Historical Fantasy/OwnVoices/Political Fantasy/Standalone

If you look at the cover of A Song to Drown Rivers, you might think it is a fantasy. In a way, it is. Though the stories have been embellished into legend status over the years, the story of Xishi and Fanli is based on historical figures. ASTDR follows Xishi, a beautiful young woman, as she is trained and given to an enemy king to seduce him and pave the way for her own people to besiege the enemy king and his land.

The nuance in this story is top tier. The deeper Xishi got into her deal, the more I wondered what she would do next. The enemy king might have been my favorite character, if only for how he was written. The theme of loyalty to one's people but realizing that both sides have done bad things and both sides think the other is the evil one plays out so well in the story and I just loved that.

The ending felt devastating, and I am impressed at how this story was contained into one book.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Thank you to Ann Liang, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for a free advanced reader copy of "A Song to Drown Rivers: Deluxe Edition" for an honest review. I love, love, loved this book. The writing was so rich. The lovestory was yearningly of the page. The sweeping nature of the politics. The tragedies experienced along the way. The realistic, yet heartbreaking, ending.

The only things I think could have been shored up are—more politics among the foreign court, more of the other courtesans, and more understanding (or realization of the lack of understanding) of the court in her home due to the odd angle she came into all of this with.