A Song to Drown Rivers

Stunningly beautiful and emotional. Spent the last fifiteen minutes of the book m crying while on a plane. Ann Liang has mastered the YA Romcom but she’s also showing she has mastery in other genres too. If you’ve enjoyed Ann Liang’s other books (This time it’s real, if you could see the sun) you’ll see some of the charm of those books here but really the his book is in the upper echelon of fiction based on Chinese history and legend.
Also a bonus for all the titanic girlies out there. There’s one scene that…well, you’ll know it when you get to it

A Song to Drown Rivers proved to be a captivating read that effortlessly delivered everything. The storyline flowed smoothly, with well-crafted characters and a plot that kept me hooked from beginning to end.Overall, I think Ann Liang presents a mesmerizing tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Ann Liang read- and I was sent the book directly by St. Martins press! I am a big lover of Chinese/Japanese fantasy, and this did not disappoint. At first I was like okay…this is going to be a horrible story line, like who the heck can be too beautiful it is to her detriment, but whoa. Ann threw me for a loop- I ate this book up in like two days and it was NOT predictable like I thought it was going to be. Well written, romance, excitement, and curve balls- kept me flying through this book. Don’t doubt the story line- it’s worth it. I am definitely going to look into Ann’s other books- thank you St. Martins Press for the ARC read!

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for inviting me to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Song to Drown Rivers is a breathtaking masterpiece that left me wrecked afterwards. I was instantly captivated and transported by Ann Liang's storytelling. The character development is spot on, and the world-building is strong. I fell in love with Xishi, her story and perseverance, and the people around her.

The romantic tension between Xishi and Fanli is chef's kiss. The secret hand brushes, the forbidden stolen moments, and the chemistry showcase that you don't need to have a sex scene for some spice. I had to fan myself a couple of times.

Ann Liang's writing is immersive and enthralling. I was hooked from the very first word to the very last heartbreaking page. I will forever recommend A Song to Drown Rivers.

If you enjoy reading Chinese and Japanese historical fantasies and watching dramas on Netflix, you will love this bittersweet and heart pounding story.

★★★★★ - 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
Book 1
༘Spoiler free ༘
⭐️4.925/5
🌶️
Romantic, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
➳ Espionage & Infiltration
➳ Beauty as a Weapon
➳ Forbidden Romance
➳ Revenge
➳ Political/Court Intrigue
➳ Based on Legend
➳ Red Thread of Fate Theory

✨ “beauty is not so different from destruction“ ✨
Ann Liang brings the ancient legend of Xishi to life in a dance between truth and illusion, loyalty and betrayal, selfish desires and self sacrifice.

📚📚📚
Detailed Review:
Xishi is recruited from her small village to infiltrate enemy realms. Her King’s Advisor, Fanli, trains her in the art of espionage and court protocols. What begins as a mentorship sparks an inferno of desire which threatens to derail her mission to save the kingdom. I found my heart aching for Fanli and could feel his suffering as he prepared the woman he was falling in love with to marry another man.

Liang’s ability to write complex and moving characters shone when Xishi arrived in her enemy’s court to woo the king. A number moments I had to remind myself King Fuchai was the enemy, and her mission was to destroy him. I found that this is where the story soared above traditional legend, the characters truly came to life in a way that made it impossible not to empathise with the events that so clearly shaped their lives.

Amidst the whispers of intrigue and haunting echoes of forbidden desire, “A Song to Drown Rivers” lures you into a realm where deception wears a beautiful mask, and the fate of nations hangs in the balance.

Who is the true enemy? Does duty to one’s country outweigh the duty to one’s heart? Beauty is a double edged sword, and Ann Liang’s writing will cut you to your core.

I completed this in one sitting, i found it that difficult to put down. While previously family with the tale of Xishi, i could never anticipate how moving i would find this book. I found myself in tears, longing for a reread of this beautiful masterpiece.

❧✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*❦*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧❧l

💖
LIKES:
⋆ This should be a blueprint for how to write yearning/desire/romantic chemistry without including any sort of explicit descriptions. You could cut the romantic tension with a knife in this book.
⋆ Complex and relatable characters, even the antagonists.
⋆ despite being based on a traditional legend, the story was revived and revived margined in a way that allowed me to feel surprised
⋆ eloquent and immersive prose, Liang’s writing brought the pages to life.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

**Fantasy Scoring**
Worldbuilding ➷ ✅ 5.0/5.0
Foreshadowing ➷ ✅ 4.8/5.0
Plot ➷ ✅ 4.9/5.0
Relationships ➷ ✅ 5.0/5.0

Thank you to the Ann Liang, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest opinion on the ARC of this book.

“I’m afraid of what comes over me when I’m around you. I’m afraid of how tempting it is, to ignore my own rationale, of how many excuses I can invent just to be closer to you. I’m afraid of how much—how much I want. Of what I want.

Ann Liang’s adult debut is a hauntingly, beautiful tale of forbidden romance. Every page is a piece of the author’s soul recaptured in the most devastating of words. Fanli and Xishi’s love affair is a tale written in the stars, a story that lives in all our hearts, and never lets go.

If I had a choice of three adjectives to describe this book they would be: devotion, forevermore, and echoes.

The author has created a devouring fantasy that pulls you in from the first sentence. I spent the entirety of my time reading utterly enthralled. “Sad, Beautiful, Tragic” (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift is in the playlist for this novel, and the entire tale is bittersweet and soul-wrenching.

A Song to Drown Rivers made me believe in love. I felt the absence of air from the breath this book stole from my lungs. While my heart beat to the rhythms of romance throughout.

After finishing, I laid down, closed my eyes, and simply felt.

I cannot describe how acutely this book made me feel, except for the lasting impression it still holds. I feel a devastation within, one that only comes from true expression and longing.

I am honored to have been chosen to receive a free, digital galley of A Song to Drown Rivers.

A thank you is in order to the publisher, Macmillan; the platform, NetGalley; and the author, Ann Liang. All thoughts are my own and have not been influenced by any compensation.

- Lauren of bookisherondale reviews

Mesmerizing is the only word I can think of to describe this book. The writing is exquisite, the story pulls you in as you are drawn into the world of the Wu and the Yue. Peasants and royalty alike have characters you need to learn about. Descriptions of lands, people and occasions in war and supposed peace leave you wanting to learn more. Your emotions go on a roller coaster ride as you move through time. I highly recommend.
Thanks to #NetGalley#ASongToDrownRivers#St.MartinsBooks for the eARC.

I loved this book! So many twists and turns that were unexpected!! The forbidden romance too!! Ughhhhh so damn good!

I must admit I have an absolute weakness for books that are inspired/derived from famous and historical events and people. Especially when you add fantasy to the mix.

This tale was woven together so beautifully. I was hooked from the first page until those last heart wrenching pages. The absolute emotions that Xishi agonized over throughout the book made her captivating to me. I love the growth of her character. She learns war and vengeance aren't just simple things.

The slow burn romance was a nice touch. If any of those associated with this tale were remotely like this back in their time, my heart aches for them all. Even Fuchai. Or maybe especially him. I love how we the reader also go through the Rollercoaster of war and the emotions. Whose is the right side? Is there one?

This is a tragically beautiful and breathtaking tale of love, war, betrayl...and growth.

So, I picked up "A Song to Drown Rivers" for a long-haul flight, and I couldn't put it down! This book is like a rollercoaster of backstabbing and questionable life choices. Honestly, half the time, I didn't know whose team I was on. But hey, it's a wild ride, and I'm here for it.

The main gal, Xishi, has this whole beauty-as-a-weapon thing going on, trying to infiltrate enemy turf and bring down kingdoms – casual Tuesday stuff. Her trainer, Fanli, adds a touch of "will they, won't they" to the mix, but you know, with a lot more deception and fewer candlelit dinners.

The characters? Morally grey all the way. You'll find yourself wondering who's the good guy and who's just playing the game better, which I think was wildly intentional on Liang's part. The setting is vivid and colorful, making you feel like you're in a historical fever dream.

And let's talk about the themes – war, conquest, political pawns. It hits close to home and feels incredibly relevant. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, for teens and adults alike. If you're into a story where beauty is a weapon, and loyalty is as shaky as my Wi-Fi connection, this one's for you. Grab it, read it, and prepare for a ride that's more thrilling than your last breakup.

“A Song to Drown Rivers” is luminous. The beautiful prose and story-telling captured my love from the beginning. Liang’s world-building transports the reader into the most lovely setting. The romance is tender and the friendship is real.

For those who love:
🪷 Spy in enemy kingdom
🪷 Betrothed to the enemy
🪷 Court Intrigue
🪷 Forbidden Romance
🪷 Music
🪷 Inspired by Chinese Legends
🪷 Historical Fantasy

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

WOW WOW WOW.

I very rarely give out 5 stars, but can I give this book a million stars?

The longing. Please gods, bestow us with a beautiful special edition or I will cry. Speaking of, I hardly ever cry when reading books, but this one had me in tears.

This is a beautifully written adult historical novel set in a fictional world resembling China - there aren't any magic or fantastical elements. It will force you to stay up until the wee hours of the morning just to see what happens next, and it will pull at your heartstrings until your heart breaks.

Every word in this book builds up to a powerful end. Few do it so well.

A Song to Drown Rivers novelizes the story of Xishi, a figure of Chinese legend. Xishi is a young woman only familiar with life in her wartorn village. But her simple daily struggles can be set aside when royal advisor Fanli seeks her out because of her unparalleled beauty. He asks her to go as a tribute, and spy, to the bloodthirsty Wu king. She must learn the manners and talents of a court lady and, above all, learn to hide her true feelings, a task that may prove impossible.

This is no game of spies, but something that Xishi gives up her heart and freedom for. The futures of kings depend on her.

I was unfamiliar with this legend, and so, unprepared for this level of tragedy. But even now that I know, I want to read it again. There’s a mesmerizing quality to these words.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advance read. Five stars for these beautifully written characters struggling to balance humanity and righteous anger.

if anybody is capable of writing an epic fantasy tragedy, it’s ann liang. a song to drown rivers is a lyrical work of art, weaving together a tragic love story, the toppling of an empire, and a little bit of a spy thriller. i the word i keep thinking of is tragedy. this story is a real tragedy, and ann liang was the perfect author to write it. she really brought to life these heartfelt, complex characters and their raw, complicated emotions.

i’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 just because there were some details that hinted at something deeper, but didn’t elaborate on them. i thought there would be some symbolic/poetic/spiritual reason for her chronic pain, since it had meaningful times that it would come up, but there wasn’t any. this is one book where i can say that it could be longer, and that IS a compliment.

I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This one will stick with you for a long while after you finish.

POWERFUL and tragic don’t quite sum it up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my review copy. I would be very interested to explore other work by this author.

Stunning and heartbreaking. The author portrays the destructive power of both war and love, while also dealing with significant topics such as womanhood, duty and what’s left in the wake of the destruction caused by the greed of powerful men. The book is beautifully written and its characters are compelling.

A few things seemed a little too convenient at times, but it felt appropriate given that the story’s told as if Xishi is telling the reader her own myth and no tale survives without some degree of embellishment. I thought the conclusion was very well done and fitting of the brutal reality depicted in the story.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This review was made possible via an ARC through NetGalley

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang is a historical fiction retelling of Xishi, one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China.

I'm a big fan of the Four Beauties so I was very excited to learn about this book and it lived up to my expectations. I loved a lot of the prose and was immediately drawn in by the voice. I love women having revenge arcs and Xishi wants to help bring down the Wu Kingdom for what they did to her people and her sister, Susu.

Xishi’s love interest is Fanli, an advisor who was ordered to find the most beautiful woman in the kingdom to marry the Emperor of the Wu Kingdom. They are quickly attracted to each other but due to Xishi’s position as the future concubine of the Emperor, they cannot act on those feelings. There’s so much yearning throughout the book as Xishi navigates courtly life all while wishing she could see Fanli again.

I would recommend this to fans of Chinese history and readers looking for more historical fiction focusing on women.

“The mind destroys; the heart devours.”

Entrancing and eloquent, Ann Liang draws you into her world with just the first few pages, and you find yourself at the end before you’re ready for it to be over. She truly gives this legend new life and a personal touch.

Our heroine, Xishi, a girl from a small village, finds herself at the heart of political machinations grander than she ever expected, and with help of a young military advisor by the name of Fanli, she is taught to use her beauty to ensnare and captivate. As the novel progresses, Xishi’s fragility and naivety slowly erode through to a backbone of steel she must use to protect herself and those she holds close in a hostile court with a capriciously cruel king she hopes to control.

“But what is desire?” “Absence.…We are most tempted by what we cannot have.“

Ann Liang has a way of conveying incredible weight and complexity of feeling in the smallest of actions and touches as we experience Xishi struggle between what she must sacrifice and the intense longing for what she wishes she could have.

This is a beautiful novel, with engaging characters, a compelling romance and a gripping political court intrigue. As the novel delves into the motivation and desperation of women establishing themselves in a world controlled by the greed of men, we too are forced to confront poignant plays on power dynamics and what the real difference is between a personal sacrifice and a political pawn.

As the novel comes to a close, it ends in the only way I believe this story could. I fully recommend this to anyone who would agree that true beauty is as devastatingly haunting, as it is breathtakingly exquisite.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #ASongtoDrownRivers #NetGalley

When we first meet Xishi, she is a young girl courageously and compassionately putting her own life at risk to save another. Xishi is discovered in her small village by King Gourjian of Yue's advisor, Fanli, who trains Xishi to be the King's concubine. She is chosen for the role based on her beauty, although in reality she becomes a spy to undermine the King. In A Song to Drown Rivers, we follow her journey and that of Fanli.

I was drawn to this book by its lyrical title and beautiful cover. What I found within was a historical fantasy featuring a strong, smart heroine. The prose has a lovely, poetic quality that is well-suited to the protagonists and tone of the story. I enjoyed A Song to Drown Rivers and plan to seek out other books by this author. I recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy novels with a strong female lead.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of A Song to Drown Rivers.

A Song to Drown Rivers was an incredible book. The author Ann Liang was notorious in the YA lit field, but this book was proof that she can write so many more genres. A Song to Drown Rivers was such a beautiful book with such an intense relationship between the two main leads. The world building and character building made the book feel very whole.

A peasant girl with the help of her advisor is trained and sent to topple a kingdom as a concubine.
Chinese empires, war, espionage, the art of seduction and influence, love vs duty. A really beautiful historical retelling of one of The Four Beauties of China. Women celebrated for weaponising their soft power to break men and win wars. A story where warfare was felt but on the periphery. The bigger focus on the psychological tension of the h’s job. At its core a chaste and tragic romance that seemed to grow stronger where there was absence.

*It was a pleasure to read the ARC for A Song to Drown Rivers, thank you A. Liang and St. Martin's Press.
—Amia Lort on Goodreads

It is so to my taste in a way I haven’t even considered exactly what my tastes are. It is simply incredible and it’s difficult to fill or even articulate the void it left in my heart after I finished it. It’s the kind of book you’d want to read in the daylight to soak up every word, every emotion and further bask in it.

The plot was captivating, intriguing and filled with excitement. It has beautiful prose and the amazing word building. Plus, the characters were highly developed and well portrayed. This was a very enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

What an evocative and interesting story! I loved the writing and the opportunity to learn about a new to me history and culture and story.

A Song to Drown Rivers
by Ann Liang
Pub Date: 01 Oct 2024


Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.

Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. 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 neighboring kingdom of Wu, 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, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.

Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.

Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.

This book is an emotional roller coaster that will leave your heart in tatters. I will be thinking of Xishi and Fanli for a very long time with reverence. I admire their tenacity, their longing and their heartbreak. I even developed a fondness for Fuchai despite my initial feelings for him.

This was my first time reading Ann Liang's work despite having two of her other novels on my TBR and I was pleasantly surprised. This book has love, heartbreak, espionage, betrayal, revenge and so much more. What a wonderful novel that I will be recommending to everyone. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Ann Liang for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished reading this book in one sitting.and this book is deviatingly beautiful. I got really involved in the storytelling of the court politics and could just not put the book down. There were times I was yelling at my book (in a good way) and other points that had me in tears. I fell into the book and love the writing style of the author, it made me feel like I was there with the main character. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy political intrigue from a woman’s point of view.

This book is absolutely amazing! I couldn't put it down. It had me losing track of time completely. The world-building and story flow was great. I was utterly captivated by the characters and story. It is a must-read.

Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for this ARC!

The moment I saw this book arrived on NetGalley I rushed to read it, I've been looking forward to it for months! I was wondering if I would enjoy this book as her books have been primarily YA and I have just recently starting delving into adult fiction however, I was not disappointed.
I wasn't too sure what I was diving into as I hadn't read the description in a couple of months, yet truly I was not expecting this. I continue thinking of the last chapter, I'm still in shock. I've barely had the time to read recently yet I read this in two days, I simply could not put it down!

I honestly think Ann Liang is incapable of writing a book under 5 stars!

*Reviews will be posted to Goodreads and Storygraph closer to the release date*

My thanks to St. Martins Press and Ann Liang for the ARC. This is an amazing book. It has everything-romance, amazing world building in that one can see the world that Xishi lives in. The passion and the sense of urgency that compels Xishi to become the lady of the King of her worst enemy is very real. I could not put it down. It’s a great book

I just finished this book and I'm thoroughly impressed. From the start, striking, vivid descriptions make the surroundings of the book undeniable and root the conflict in the land and the protagonist's body. There's a circularity to the narrative, but a real sense of change within the protagonist's thought processes. The intensity of the plot works well with the lushness of the prose.

I enjoyed the unexpected moments of wisdom from Xishi that fleshed her out as a character. Several things that she said or thought lingered in my mind, like her response to what desire is. Her perspective progressively broadens, and it's beautiful to read.

This book has so much heart.

This book is a beautifully told retelling of the story of Xi Shi, one of the mythological Four Great Beauties of China. A heartbreakingly romantic tale, peasant girl Xishi is chosen because of her exceptional beauty to be used as a tool of revenge for her people. Trained in both royal etiquette and espionage, she is sent to become the concubine of a king whose army had brutally conquered her people. The tragic ending is both heart wrenching and poetic. I devoured the book in one sitting, and I felt heavily invested in the outcomes for all of the main characters.

I did read this book through an eARC graciously provided by NetGalley, but the preview pictures of the special edition with sprayed edges looks absolutely stunning. I will definitely be buying a copy to display on my shelves, especially because I know I will want to revisit this story again. There is a timeless feel to the way Ann Liang reimagines this legend that is highly re-readable and accessible.

Ann Liang's A Song to Drown Rivers is an enthralling tale of longing, sacrifice, and a beautiful woman's quest for vengeance against the nation that murdered her sister. I read it in one sitting, but this story will haunt me for days.

Xishi is well acquainted with loss and sacrifice. Her sister has been dead for several years when she crosses paths with Fanli, military advisor to the defeated Yue king Goujian. Fanli is known for his brilliance in strategy and in battle, and he presents her with a unique opportunity to enact revenge against the kingdom whose soldiers killed her sister.

Despite the danger that she knows will await her, she agrees to be trained in the ways of the court so that the Yue king can present her as a bride to their conquerer, King Fuchai. She will make him love her while she works to destabilize his kingdom from within the palace.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. The pacing was perfect for me as an ADHD reader. Ann balanced moments of urgency with moments of quiet reflection in a way that kept me engaged from start to finish. She managed to weave an unreal amount of longing and romantic tension between Fanli and Xishi without a single touch between them.

She handled each character's journey and development with care, ensuring that the villains have gentle, loveable qualities and the heroes have frustrating faults. I especially loved the way she characterized the Wu king Fuchai. I could feel Xishi's growing conflict as she spent more time with the Wu king and his people and realized that they do not have to be monsters in order to do monstrous things.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction, legend re-tellings, slow-burn romance, and heart-aching conclusions. This is the kind of book that will absolutely wreck you, but in a good way.

WOW. This was such a fantastic book! I couldn’t put it down and actively SOBBED over the ending. So so so good and I can’t wait to recommend it!

***thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an arc***

This book was incredible. I will be thinking about Xishi and Fenli for weeks to come. I blew through this in about 6 hours, and while it wasn't necessarily short I was so enthralled by the story I blinked and it was over. The last few chapters destroyed me and I'm sitting here wishing there was more.

this is so well written, the plot gets you hooked, the characters get to your heart. im definitely gonna be thinking about this books for a while. it's a new all time favourites and it's definitely what i would call a masterpiece.
i feel mesmerized by this book. if you really like historical dramas this is a MUST. it's such an epic, heart-shattering love story. i felt so connected to the characters and really cried my heart out for the characters.
the story is fast paced in my opinion. we have xishi, a village girl with a heavenly beauty that's selected by the minister of the yue kingdom to be the concubine of the enemy kingdom in order to spy and plan an attack. during her journey we see a bit of the training she gets with the minister, and after that they concentrate on her journey in the enemy kingdom as the king's concubine. how she lures him with her beauty... it's really interesting to see the view of the enemy kingdom up close after having seen the first impressions from the yue kingdom.
this was so captivating from the very start. i really loved this one. Ann Liang has so much potential in this genre, i would love to read any other future works of her in any genre, but especially this one!
i'll write a detailed goodreads review closer to the publication date.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I finished A Song to Drown Rivers less than five minutes ago. I am broken and I am healed and I am changed. Xishi -the girl who becomes the blade- has carved her name into my heart. This is my first Ann Liang book and I am absolutely blown over by the beauty, the tenderness, the soul tearing heartache of this story. The ugliness of war is perfectly balanced by the delicate gentleness of love -between mother and child, lovers real and counterfeit, long-lost fathers and their daughters on a bloody journey for vengeance. The Asian representation I've longed for is so present throughout the entire book. Xishi's mind is so vivid, handled with such care -from the details of the food she eats to the description of the silk threads she washes in cold river water. I can only hope that we are lucky enough to meet these characters again in another story from Ann. I will think of Fanli and Xishi and Fuchai and Luyi and all the rest fondly until then, or until we meet them again on the other side of the river.

Ebook received for free through NetGalley


An incredible with characters and scenery and everything that grabs you and doesn’t let you go. I’m so glad I came across it.

4.5 stars

I really love this book. What well written and beautifully flawed perfect characters. The whole story just flows, and the prose is pristine. I really want this special edition for my shelf ❤️

First, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher that I was able to get an arc in exchange for an honest review.

We enter the Wu and Yue kingdoms, where a war has taken place and the Yue have fallen but want their revenge. We then meet Xishi, who is elegantly beautiful and can use it as a weapon. We then meet Fanli who recruits her on their mission to avenge the Yue kingdom and defeat the Wu. Xishi must captivate the king, Fuchai, and have him consumed by her while she takes the kingdom from the inside.

Ann did such a beautiful job with the writing style where she was able to express the background and different details of the characters and keep you hooked still on every word.

This is one of my first works by her and I am excited to see what else she has and has planned.

This story was a beautiful tragedy and I have no words to describe how much it broke me but how much I love it.

The only comment I want to make on this book is it left me feeling utterly destroyed in the best way possible. Immediately reading the rest of the authors catalog but also slightly concerned with what I may be getting myself into.

This book is a masterpiece. I felt like I was reading an epic tale passed down over centuries. It was an epic revenge tale that should be considered a classic and studied.

I loved the relationship between Xishi and Fanli, of course, but I couldn’t help loving Fuchai. When it was stated that it was a war between two kings, it all fell together so perfectly.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who asked, and even to those who didn’t ask. It ripped my heart out over and over in the best way.

This book was a really lovely read. The story of Xishi, a legendary beauty sent to bewitch a conquering king to leave him vulnerable to an attack from her oppressed homeland, seemed like a story I'd heard before, and for the first three-quarters of the book it was very much what I thought it would be. The writing is good enough to invest you deeply into Xishi's world: not just her mission to take down the king, but also her loved ones, her village, and the people she comes to know in the enemy palace. When all the pieces come together at the end, the book takes you to an unexpected place that you realize it was building to all along, because legends (and beauties, and kings, and warriors) are all just people, too. I highly recommend reading all the way to the end of this book.

You know the saying "You're gonna suffer but you're gonna be happy about it." Well, I'm probably sure this quote is about this book. I'M A MESS. I was sobbing while turning the last pages.

Ann Liang's writing, the poetry of her words, delivered a powerful tale of love and sacrifice, inspired by the legend of one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, Xishi. It's a beautifully tragic story, mesmerizing and breathtaking. Heartbreaking, too. But I'll read it again for the first time if I could. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Song to Drown Rivers is a book that if you love court intrigue, Chinese dramas, doomed love you need to have it on your lists. It's just... I got no words. None. It's been a while since I walked away from a book thinking about it, and realizing that I thought I had this book figured out for the author to absolutely take it in another direction and crush me.

I mean, from the first chapter, I thought that I knew where this would go. Girl gets trained to be a hidden asset to a kingdom currently being crushed by another. The girl is kept at a distance from the one who sets this all up, trains her to be absolutely ruthless with her beauty, while both of them start having feelings for the other. Will they be together? Will they admit their emotions? SHOULD they admit their emotions?

As soon as the main story got wrapped up, I realized there was 15% left in the book. I asked myself, what else needed to be done? Quite a bit. Because that's when everything you knew gets flipped, and it wouldn't be a Chinese drama without the things that the author had her characters go through. Shockingly though, while some would hate it, it fit. And the title, the title came to haunt me and the world that these characters live in.

I just really can't say any more about this book. Read it. Ride the emotions out. It's worth it.

I felt the beauty and the sorrow. The betrayal and the love. Each more moving than the last.
It’s a rare thing to fall for the enemy, all the while still rooting for and hoping for the original heroes. To be given characters that are so complex yet simple. So noteworthy yet entirely realistically human.
The way the ending had my emotions in an absolute chokehold.. I’ve never read Ann’s work before, this was my first mistake. Reading the ending right before I have to get ready for work would be my second mistake. (I’m not crying.. you’re crying). Not telling everyone about this book will NOT be my third. To the people who have to wait until October to read this, I feel for you. To not be able to witness this amazing writing and story yet..
This story will stay with me for some time. Until I read it again when it all starts to fade.

writing this with shaky hands and tears streaming down my face.

i hate this book. it's so intoxicating that you are FORCED to leave other responsibilities in order to finish it as soon as possible. irreversible damage has been done to my mental health. and i'm also sleep deprived, but that doesn't matter because i just read this masterpiece.

this book is now the center of my universe. i am deceased ???

as a major history + mythology enthusiast, thank you ann liang for giving me everything i needed.
+ please do write more books in this genre, i'm begging you. my fragile heart can't take the amount of wasted potential for ann liang as a fantasy/asian mythology author.

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review !

5 out of 5 stars

Ann Liang has written an amazing fast pace, beautiful, and heart-breaking novel that I couldn't not put down.

Xishi is a force to shake mountains. Fanli is equally as magnificent. Every scene was perfectly crafted.

I didn't know it was possible for my heart break so many times before the end of a book. Liang has accomplished just that. The pages in A Song to Drown Rivers are filled with lyrical and mesmerizing lines page after page that keep you addicted. I could not stop, I had to know what was going to happen through the war, love, history, mythology, pain, beauty, hope and loss I was completely shattered.

This is not my first book by Ann Liang and as always, it did not disappoint. This is hands down going to be a top book for 2024!

TW: Gore, Murder, Suicide
#ASongtoDrownRivers #NetGalley

TY NetGalley, this was an honor to read!

→5✰
my heart is shattered.
ann liang, why did u do this to me? i am never recovering from this

-full rtc closer to the release date 💌

Perfection!! this was absolutely amazing!!!I devoured this! this was so much more than what I expected!
OMG I'm literally speechless. when I tell you I ran to preorder this! I mean look at the cover it's stunning and those edges !! chef's kiss!
Can't wait to have this beauty on my shelf! Amazing read, definitely recommend! 10 stars!!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This book was the equivalent of being stabbed in the heart with a bejeweled dagger by someone who you called a friend. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and I don't know if I will ever recover from that ending. Ann Liang's contemporary novels are amazing, but they don't hold a candle to what she can do with fantasy. Liang weaves a breathtaking tapestry of star-crossed love, sacrifice, betrayal, and the reality of how blurred the lines of war are. I don't know if I have ever read a novel that tugged at my very soul like this before. A Song to Drown Rivers exceeded all of my expectations-- I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Ann Liang's latest book is an absolute masterpiece! I had high expectations for this historical romance novel, and I was not disappointed. As soon as I saw the book on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it. The plot was beautifully crafted and the characters were well-developed, making it a truly immersive read.

The story of Xishi and Fanli's relationship was both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and I found myself laughing and crying throughout the entire book. Liang's writing style is so engaging that I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing their emotions and struggles.

Although the book was not very long, it was packed with enough action, romance, and drama to keep me hooked until the very end. I was so invested in the story that I was disappointed when it ended, wishing there was more to read.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romance or is interested in reading about forbidden love. Ann Liang has truly outdone herself with this one, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this Arc .

Ann Liang weaves a stunning masterpiece of love , betrayal , sacrifice and the grey areas of war . ASTDR is as exquisitely written as her contemporary books . Reading it was just like watching a xianxia drama .

Wish for Ann to write more books in the mythology/fantasy genre

i am out of words. first and foremost, i am absolutely utterly grateful i got the chance to read my number one most anticipated release of the year. safe to say that i had the best time ever reading A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS by Ann Liang.

when the author shared that "sad beautiful tragic" is a part of the song playlist, she was right, because it indeed was. it may not be a five-star read for everyone, but it is to me, in fact this book is an infinity star read. these characters, the story, the ANGST! it was all i could ever want. it had me clutching my chest, tears were shed, i fell to my knees countless of times. no thoughts, head empty just a song to drown rivers, a song to drown rivers, a song to drown rivers filling every crevice of me. it's a part of me and they will haunt my thoughts for as long as i live, i really couldn't have asked for a better read to start the new month with.

a huge thank you to Ann Liang and the team for providing an arc!

SCREAMING, CRYING. The last page ruined me for life. I WILL be forever haunted by this story. I definitely need to read a light-hearted book after this one.

This is my first Ann Liang book, and her writing is poetic. She delivered us a powerful story with a beautiful tragic love affair. I didn't originally know the story of Xishi, so I went into this blind and I don't know if I regret it or not. MY HEART HURTS. I can't wait for it to come out so I can purchase it.

Freaking PERFECTION. 10/10. This was just so so good. I couldn’t get enough of it and wanted a thousand more pages of this.

Let me start off by saying that I received this advance copy to read from NetGalley.

This novel is based on the Chinese legend of Xi Shi - one of the 4 beauties of Ancient China. And it was an absolute joy to read this take on the legend, which had me turning pages and not wanting to stop. It was a rollercoaster of a ride, and my emotions were everywhere. It had me in a chokehold, and when I wasn't reading this my mind was on it in one way or another.

The process, build up, relationships, everything was written so wonderfully. The romance, the heartache.

I cried so much. There were many parts that I just couldn't stop crying, and wished upon wished why the events couldn't have been different. Perhaps... just maybe...

5/5 for me.

Wow - I truly truly loved this book. I was totally captivated from the beginning, and was dying to get back to it any chance I get. A story of star-crossed relationships, and playing the assigned roles during wartime and history. Characters become larger than themselves, their duty overshadowing all else. This book left me in a puddle on the floor, and I cannot stop thinking about this story - just wishing for more of it! The writing style is illustrative and very effective. I highly recommend this book! Five stars! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

the last two chapters oh my god i rarely ever cry when i read books but tears couldnt stop spilling from my eyes. i truly wasnt expecting it. ann liang definitely needs to write more fantasy.

Elegant prose creates world building that ensnares you from the first chapter. Liang creates characters that are relatable and magical.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

i truly believe that this is a book that everyone who enjoys fantasy should read. i cried like 5 times reading it?? the characters pull you in and the plot keeps you intrigued the entire time. xishi and fanli were the definition of what characters should be. that’s all i can say without spoiling the book but i highly recommend this to all readers, the imagery and writing were perfect.

This book was outside of my usual genres, and I do not regret reading it one bit and will definitely be reading more of it. It was a beautiful work of art filled with sacrifice, tension and yearning. It tugs at your heart strings and you can go from wishing death upon one character to not even knowing who to “root for.” The ending was truly heartbreaking.

The authors way with words, antithesis and how she worked poems really made me think deeper about the social issues of the story, especially those surrounding war.

The characters were complex, and I felt as though I got attached to them very quickly. We as the readers get a glimpse into their backstory’s, and what motivated them to the places they are in throughout the story.

disclaimer: received an e-ARC, all opinions are my own

IM SOBBING AND IT WON'T STOP

the book reads like a poem, it crushed me and left me weeping. and i'll read it again, and weep some more. i've never highlighted as many passages in a book. the last 70% were read in one sitting, on my kitchen stool, because i couldn't even bear to look away for long enough to move to the couch. like?????

the characters are well-developed, Xishi is so human it hurts. i love her. (i love them all but she is her) this story is living in my mind so vividly, i'm unsure how to move on. i giggled, i fought against the pit in my stomach, i stilled with anticipation, the array of emotions i went through during this read i will never recover omg

midway through i pre-ordered the hardcover, i want to reread it so badly when it's done being edited and in its physical form, although if nothing were to change i would love it as it is. also the hardcover is GORGEOUS!!!!

*(update: i reread my highlights and im crying again, i finished reading this book last night and im still in pieces)

it's going on my favourites shelf and i will not stop talking about it until it's released and everyone else gets to experience my pain. i swear it's worth it though.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

I write this review with tears streaming down my cheeks and a feeling of emptiness consuming me. This book is endlessly immersive with some of the most vivid imagery and characters I have experienced in many months. The writing is effortlessly captivating and poetic, creating some of the most meaningful quotes I have ever had the privilege of reading.

In Liang's adult debut you follow Xishi on her mission to make the enemy king fall in love with her so that her kingdom can attack, and I can not possibly see a way that this book could be executed any better. The plot seems rather predictable in the first 50% percent, only to take you for an absolute whirlwind in the latter half.

The romance in this novel is one of copious amounts of tension and longing, and it is FANTASTIC, it is what gave me life but it also what killed me emotionally. It pains me that this book is unavailable to the large majority of people, because this book is everything the world needs.

Ahhhhh this was just such a great read. I just didn't want this book to end and I was sad to turn the last page. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

I am screaming. This is PERFECTION.
This was my first dive into Liang's work, and it certainly won't be my last. Her writing style is nothing short of poetic.
A Song to Drown Rivers was devastatingly beautiful. Retelling of a Chinese legend of Xi Shi, one of the 4 beauties of Ancient China. I was completely captivated, unable to tear myself away from the pages. I will be purchasing this book when it is released.

This book was so captivating from the beginning. The story is moving and I couldn't put this down. The ending completely devastated me and was not at all what I expected. I feel so emotional after reading this book and can't wait to recommend it to everyone in October.

This book was AMAZING! i will be buying a physical copy and will be recommending this to everyone i know. This was a beautiful story. 5/5.

Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

Wow. This book brought me to tears. I finished reading and had to take a moment to reflect on if I read it right. I need more like this and with the writing style. I cannot tell you how much I would recommend this to others. At no point did I know where this book was going to take me in the best way possible.

tl;dr
An emotional ride featuring a clever protagonist that absolutely sticks the landing.

Thoughts
I finished this book a while ago, but I had to sit with my thoughts for a while because they are many. Like the lead character, this book is beautiful and clever and ambitious and tragic, and I found myself caught up in it the whole way through. Espionage tales are tricky, but this one really fulfills is promise, with a lead character who is absolutely cunning, and I love every move she makes. Pacing can be a bit hard to follow in some places, with large portions of time passing quickly in a way that makes me feel a TV show would convert it into a quick musical montage. The parts where it slows down to really detail the character interactions are by far the best parts, and I was surprised at how delicate and tender some of the emotions are. If the description of the book seems even the least bit interesting to you, give it a read. Strong recommend on this end.

This book is absolutely exquisite. It ripped me apart in the best possible way. The prose was elegant and engaging the characters were crafted with care and nuance and the worlbuilding and storyline were just so rich and satisfying. The narration was so immersive; it never took me out of the story at all. This is the kind of book you can tell will rip your heart apart from the beginning but you just keep reading because you have to, it's that good. If you like stories that surprise, rich world building, romance that doesn't annoy you or leave you dumbfounded, female characters that are smart, complicated, and human, and a fair share of exquisite angst, this is for you. A hero journey, coming of age epic that grips and delights for sure.

What a wild intro to arc reads via NetGalley. This book just destroyed me (positive). I’ve been staring at my wall the last 5 minutes since finishing it. It was reminiscent (to me) of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, in how the historical Chinese architecture and clothing was described. Absolutely stunning imagery, I’m obsessed. The writing was beautiful, and as a Virgo who can’t help but find mistakes: there were none. I really only read fantasy (I need my escapism to be so far removed from reality thanks), but I pre-ordered the (GORGEOUS) hard copy of this book at the 50% mark of my read. I need this on my shelf, displayed forever so I can yell at everyone who walks into my house just how badly they need to read it. I was not ready for it to end, for the characters to break my heart that way. It was beautiful, and awfully romantic. I have so many highlights I can’t wait to share.

Utterly superb
This book deserves to be huge.
I know this isn't published until October 2024, but the hype was niggling at me and I bumped it up my TBR.
This book has everything you want in a good read. Drama, tears, a little romance, and strong, fabulous pacing throughout to make sure you never put it down.
I loved the characters- and even after finishing it a few days ago, they have lingered in my head. I just want my next book to be the same, and the book hangover isn't budging any time soon.

Absolutely incredible read. I was hooked immediately by the summary alone, and then actually getting to read it... I couldn't put it down! I told myself I was going to stray from romance for a while because I was having a hard time finding books that didn't feel overdone, but this threw me right back into the swing of things.

Xishi and Fanli I will always love you...

Writing a more in-depth review closer to the release date (Trust me, it's in my planner. I cannot Wait to spill all my feelings about this book!!!) but this was the easiest 5 stars I've ever given. I fear nothing will come close to a book like A Song To Drown Rivers again, and I'll be fighting reading burnout trying to chase this feeling.

This was my very first Ann Liang book and I will absolutely be going back to read every single book she's written.

I didn’t know what to expect going into this novel, but it was addicting and absolutely blew me away. This book has made me a lifelong fan of the author and now I must go immediately binge everything they have ever written.

The tears won’t stop!! Gosh Ann Liang you better pay for my therapy🥲🥲

Full review will be posted near the publishing date (October 8, 2024)

This book was beautifully written. I was hooked from the beginning to end. It had a bit of everything and more. The way the story unfolded with waves moving in many ways just had me hooked! I had to know what was going to happen to Xishi. So much richness, emotions and actions! Even the relationships in this story was amazing. Such a beautiful story.

I love the cover of this E-Arc too...well if the physical book comes out like the E-Arc or the photo up above, I am definitely going to buy a physical copy of this beauty.

So much...it's a must read if you like historical, action, drama, richness and a tiny bit of romance! I will admit this story did have me yell a few times which is a good thing. You must get this when it comes out October 1, 2024, trust me!

Wonderful story about Xisty, a beautiful Chinese maiden who beauty and cunning skills helped capture a kingdom. A love story that has been shared over may centuries. Beautiful tragedy.

**Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for giving me an electronic ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

I cried when I finished this book. It felt like A Song of Achilles all over again. I wanted them to get together only for them to be seperated by duty.

So good! I devoured this book in two sittings, could not put it down. Beautiful settings, interesting and memorable characters, intrigue and danger, love and war, heart wrenching plot twists - the ending is tragic and perfect. Highly recommend, this wonderfully realized, complex and absorbing tale will not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was hauntingly and devastingly beautiful. From beginning to end a rollercoaster of emotions. Each chapter was a whirlwind. I cant help but to marvel at the writing! I devoured this book within a few days. It has reduced me to tears. This book has resonated with me. Ann has breathed such life, such sorrow, such longing, and turmoil into these characters it is utterly ulastounding. Reading this for the first time was a treasure! Immediate pre-order I have to have a physical copy to keep and cherish.

First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC for an honest review!

I have nothing but good things to say about A Song to Drown Rivers. It is a beautifully written story that manages to cover patriarchy, womanhood, power, war, grief, love, loyalty, and family at the same time. None of these topics feel forced or strained, which is a credit to Liang's prose and ability to create a world that you can fold yourself into. While the journey of Xishi draws on some well-known tropes, Liang brings new and refreshing light to these tropes, and again, makes them feel as natural as the world that she has created. Xishi is a character that is written with such care and nuance, providing readers with the ability to feel what she feels along her journey. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a beautiful historical fantasy that will allow them to fully hear the song that drowns rivers.

A Song to Drown Rivers is a completely engrossing tale of sacrifice,revenge and loyalty. Yet at its core this is a beautiful haunting love story that is oh so emotionally charged. The immersive characters and setting will grab hold of you and will not let go. Ann Liang’s writing is stunningly beautiful, vivid and deeply tragic. I could not put this one down. Excellent!

This is such a beautiful story filled with yearning, tension and sacrifice. Ann Liang has a beautiful way with words and I fell in love with this story from the very first page.

I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. I was just drawn into this story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. I was so disappointed to turn the last page and I immediately wanted more. I can’t wait to see what's next from this author.

Initially, I had mixed feelings about the premise, but boy, did it surprise me! Ann took me on an incredible journey filled with romance, suspense, and moments that kept me guessing till the end. The story wasn't anything I expected, and I mean that in the best way possible!

While some may label this as a love triangle, I found the dynamics between the characters to be much more nuanced than that. The complex relationship between Xishi and Fuchai was expertly crafted, with the author skillfully revealing Fuchai's redeeming qualities without diminishing Xishi's agency. I found myself unexpectedly rooting for Fuchai, despite knowing Xishi's feelings, and that's a testament to the author's talent in crafting characters that feel so real.

The simplicity of the writing style made the story incredibly easy to follow, and the fast-paced narrative kept me turning pages like there was no tomorrow. It served as the perfect palate cleanser after finishing a lengthy series.

This is undoubtedly a book that will stay with me long after I've finished. It's a story that demands to be owned and revisited time and time again. Upon completing the book, I went ahead and pre-ordered it immediately. I'm immensely grateful to Netgalley for providing the opportunity to read this gem in advance.

Absolutely loved this book, 10 stars! Based on a Chinese legend, it's the story of Xishi, a beautiful young woman in a backwater village which has been destroyed by a nearby enemy kingdom. When Xishi is approached by a mysterious handsome stranger, Fanli, who asks her to spy on the enemy kingdom, Xishi sees it as an opportunity to bring down the enemy kingdom and avenge her sister's murder. Xishi is gifted to the king as a bride, Xishi's task is to essentially seduce him. But as Xishi comes to know him, she's less certain about her task. And as she gets more into her training with Fanli, her feelings for him begin to interfere as well. Is the king as evil as she has heard? Will it really make a difference if he's gone?

Beautifully written, with wonderful characters, A Song to Drown Rivers will grab you from the very first pages to the surprising end!

Wow. I am left speechless and sobbing.

I could not book this book down, instantly I was drawn in and did not want to stop reading. When I did have to put it down, it was all I could think about. The world, the writing, the storytelling…it was all amazing.

This is such an incredible and well written book. I never expected the ending, and I was left sobbing. I am going to be up all night thinking of this book and the characters. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book but will be pre-ordering so I can have one of the beautiful limited edition copies for my collection.

This is the first book in a long time that has brought me to tears and left me shocked. This is one of those books that I wish I could re-read for the first time. Once the shock wears off I think I will reread this one soon.

St. Martin's Press provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own. Publication date is set for October 1, 2024.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early!

Just...wow. From beginning to end, this book absolutely shattered my heart. It was beautiful and tragic in the best way, and I'm so grateful I got to experience this story. The author did an amazing job here!

This book is phenomenal. Lushly detailed, poetically written, both sweepingly epic and heartbreakingly intimate. The details were so vivid I could see them in my mind, and the characters were nuanced, sympathetic, and complex (even Fuchai, who I liked way more than I probably should have). I cried my eyes out at the end. This is a gorgeous book and I will be recommending it to everyone.

first of all i would like to thank netgalley and st martin’s press so so so much for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ann liang is one of my favourite authors and i honestly thought i was dreaming when i got the notification saying my request was approved :’)

this book destroyed me. ann did an incredible job with crafting an immensely captivating storyline and characters. she struck such a fine balance between plot and character development, and one of the things that struck me most was the torment xishi was going through. i think it added so much to the reading experience and made me feel the pain and struggle of the characters. obviously i can’t give any spoilers but just know that i am dying to express my thoughts and feelings about certain characters and plotlines.

one word to describe this entire book: bittersweet.

i can’t wait for everyone to experience reading this when it’s out in october. i was so invested and i loved it beyond words. 5 stars.

note: i will be adding to my review after the book is released because i don’t want to risk anyone getting spoiled!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this truly amazing book.

I have never in my life had a book that struck me so hard. I am not a cryer, but this book brought me to tears.

I was sobbing. The book will stay with me forever. I can not recommend this book highly enough. This book should be on absolutely everyone's must read list.

Amazing writer. Amazing characters. Just please read this one!

This book is so beautiful. And heartbreaking as well. It was an easy read with a wonderful story. The ending made me cry. Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I will be adding this to my library when it is finally in print.

This is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve ever read. Xishi and Fanli’s love story made me ache- it’s beautiful, slow burn, forbidden, and could mean war if they’re caught.

This is one of the most beautifully written books-it’s the first book to make me feel the way Circe and The Song of Achilles did (although A Song to Drown Rivers is quite different). These characters and this story will be with me long after I’ve finished the book.

Wow. What beautiful writing, and such a wonderful mythological retelling. Liang has perfected the art of the slow burn, and I wanted even more of it. It's rare I find a book too short, but this one may have been. I'll definitely be handselling this one.

This book has been on my amazon pre-order for weeks now and when it came up I had to apply and I am so glad I was able to get a copy.

The book is beautifully written and it really had me feeling all the emotions in one go, I can't believe it was already over when that last page slapped me in the face.

Will I read it again? absolutely.
everyone I know is getting it for Christmas so I can talk their ears off about it.

The kinda sorta love triangle… the forbidden romance… the sympathetic villain… the slight dose of fantasy. Chefs kiss. Beautiful standalone, I could cry just thinking about the ending.

Did I start reading this book because of the cover and the Chinese author? Yes okay, yes.

Was I also holding back tears reading this on the train ride home today? Also yes.

When I tell you my JAW DROPPED. And what that last page did to me, I can’t even explain. Seriously, how dare you.

Thanks NetGalley and the publishers and all that jazz but seriously, wtf have you done to me

OH MY HEART!

This will be short, since there's still several months before release and I will spoil things if I try to talk about what I most want to.

The writing quality is a woven tapestry of such high caliber, it becomes another palpable thing in each room, in each scene, a breath of life that burnishes each piece of jade, each shining blade, each sweep of hair across a shoulder, every bird call, and scrape of a leaf along a wet stone pathway.

Know this, going in. It will rend your heart. You might even remember in yourself the echoes of the eons of time your soul has lived and learned. Of all the characters in the book, it's war and revenge, fate and folly, unembodied but visceral, that call out the loudest to be seen and understood.

Very recommended.

This was my first Ann Liang read and I'm currently scrambling to get my hands on her backlog.

Rating: Infinite stars, just absolutely incredibly perfect. *chefs kiss*

"The mind destroys; the heart devours."

"One could live with almost anything, so long as they had something to live for."

"What is home, if not you?"

"History seemed to be holding its breath, gazing down upon us."

Ugh the WRITING in this book - to keep spoilers at bay I won't share ALL of my quotes I loved but just know that the list is ENDLESS!! I left soooo many annotations in NetGalley. I WISH this was a physical copy, I would've tabbed like every page lol. It wasn't just the quotes from characters that had my heart swooning but the world building and description in this book was so poetic and beautiful, I ATE IT UP.

A Song to Drown Rivers is an incredible retelling/spin on one of the 4 Beauties of China, Xishi. Xishi's allure becomes a strategic tool when she's recruited by military advisor Fanli to infiltrate a rival kingdom. Trained meticulously, she navigates palace politics and the king's affections while grappling with her growing connection to Fanli. As tension mounts and risks escalate, Xishi must tread carefully to achieve her mission without jeopardizing both kingdoms. I found this book so incredibly fascinating as I love diving into Chinese culture and reading about things so different from my own life and culture. From the Red Thread of Fate to the Yellow Springs references throughout I was so enthralled and could really feel the depth in which the author truly understands and loves Chinese culture.

If there's one thing about me it's that I LOVE complex character writing and while all of these characters were written this way, Fuchai takes the cake for the morally grey MMC in my opinion. And I will ALWAYS.. ALWAYS fall for the handsome "villain".

I completed this in two sittings, including reading the last 50 pages out loud to my boyfriend because he was so interested in what I was telling him as I went through and then he was upset that he didn't read the entire thing with me hahah. I found this book so hard to put down! I was unaware prior to reading that this book was even based on the legendary Xishi, but boy did I dive into research mode afterwards to learn about everything that I could, along with some of the other Chinese culture references! If you don't know anything about the legend prior, keep it that way and do your research after so that the book has a bigger impact because I was SHOOOOOOK. I ended this book in tears and cannot wait to receive a physical copy so I can experience this beautiful story and emotions all over again!

Thank you to St. Martin's press and Ann Liang for the opportunity to read this ARC on NetGalley!

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang 5/5 ⭐️
Releases October 1, 2024

This may be one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read, the cover is also stunning. I did not know what to expect from this book, but all of my expectations were surpassed greatly. I felt probably every emotion- I was happy and smiling at some parts while crying at others (I’m not kidding, I actually cried).

All of the characters were so well written. Ann Liang did such a great job making me hate certain characters and love others, and then making me question if I actually hated/loved them. By the end I actually found myself being fond of Fuchai ❤️‍🩹 On that note, I love love love Fanli.

The politics in this book were so fascinating- I will say a lot of this book is political. The worldbuilding was easy to understand and the plot kept me interested the entire time.

I already preordered a physical copy of this book, it was that good. I need Ann Liang to write more Asian inspired historical fantasy!

*I received this book as an ARC but the opinions are my own

Beautifully written and made me cry. Full of complex characters and moral dilemmas. I couldn't put it down and read it in a day.

A Song to Drown Rivers is a story about war and like all stories about war it is tragic. Ann Liang masterfully weaves a tale of love, deceit, and court politics.

Xishi embarks on a mission for her country and soon finds herself navigating unknown waters. Among the new waters is love. A forbidden flame is ignored while she must take on the task of seducing the enemy king. She agrees to avenge her people and her own loss.

A strength of the novel is it's characters. Each one felt multi dimensional. Zhengdan was one of my favorites. Her friendship with Xishi was beautiful. They grew as close as sisters. Zhengdan had her own motives and she was good with a sword. Xishi was a master at reading people.

The exploration of war and the people it affects was complex which made for a very gripping tale. There were no clear cut black and white morals. Instead, we see the ordinary people on both sides as well as the ruthless king that also has a soft side. Making it difficult for Xishi.

How this book talked about social issues was my favorite part. From its insight into womanhood under the patriarchy. To its views on regular citizens vs the ruling class.

This book made me a fan of Ann Liang. I will be picking up more of her books.

Thanks netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was beautiful. The world building and almost poetic language was enthralling. I loved the love triangle, the themes of sacrifice, betrayal and war. It was so well done. I loved the elements of mythology, it really added a whimsical element to this stunning story. I really have nothing bad to say. I loved this book and I don't want to add spoilers but do yourself a favour and read this!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Incredibly moving and well written. The prose and imagery are beautifully done; the story broke my heart. I am so glad that death was not the end.

“A Song to Drown Rivers” is a beautiful and heartbreaking story! Readers need to get the tissues ready! Xishi’s grace and beauty is well known within her village of Yue. She is to be used as a weapon against her enemies, by hopefully making the enemy king fall in love with her while she schemes behind his back. It’s a dangerous game!! She evolves from a simple village girl to a pivotal player in the political intrigue of the Wu Kingdom.

Ann Liang is an amazing writer! This book delves into power games, espionage, and the irresistible power of beauty, with great characterization that allows us to engage with each character deeply! The story was very well paced and I was on the edge of my seat from chapter to chapter! The ending was shocking! I LOVED THIS BOOK! I wish I could give it 10 stars!!!

Big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A beautiful retelling of the legend of one of the four great beauties of China! I do hope Ann continues to write the stories of the other three women, because that would make an incredible collection!

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Ling is a beautifully written story about love and revenge. The words falling across the page like poetry, touching memories I had long forgotten and breaking my heart. Xishi and Fanli's story is a heart wrenching slow burn of forbidden romance. I read this book in one sitting, engrossed with the story and the characters, highlighting line after line of quotes. I have recommended it to everyone I know and plan to re-read it before it releases.

A Song to Drown Rivers isn't in the genre of books I normally pick up, but the description and the gorgeous cover art caught my attention and I decided to give it a shot. I was completely blown away by not just the beauty of the story of Xishi and Fanli, but by the absolute poetry of Ann Liang's storytelling.

The story begins with a chance encounter in Xishi's rural village on an ordinary day, and builds into an epic story of political intrigue, strategy, weaponized beauty, and one of the best forbidden love stories I've ever read. 5 stars, no notes, I love this book and can't wait to read more by this brilliant author. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.

Stunning. This novel achieves something I haven’t seen done nearly so well in other books—balancing a delicate and floral prose with a sort of realism. It never dresses up the realities experienced by the characters, but rather enriches it, creating a melodic flow between interior and exterior life. This is especially apparent when you read passages about the beautiful and dangerous landscape, and see Xishi and Fanli balance surviving and loving within it. I won’t give anything away, but the ending is truly devastating, beautiful, and perfect . Fans of Song of Achilles will love this book.

📖 A Song To Drown Rivers 📖 by Ann Liang

- To be released October 1, 2024 -

It's been a long time since I had a 5 star read. A long time. Like a year! But I don't have to wait anymore. This book finally broke my dry spell 🙂

It is said that her face is the most beautiful of all women in the Yue kingdom. Word of Xishi's beauty reaches the ears of Yue's famed military advisor, Fanli. Fanli enlists Xishi's help in forming a plan to topple the oppressive kingdom of Wu. All Xishi has to do is enter Wu as a spy and seduce its young king. Fanli offers to train Xishi in the ways of Wu culture and gives her the opportunity to finally seek revenge on those responsible for the death of her sister. Will her beauty and training be enough to succeed?

🏞 This book was written SO well. Ann Liang's writing is eloquent and touching. The story never gets boring or slow. Each chapter and paragraph serves a purpose and moves the plot along 🏯

Xishi is a fascinating protagonist. Her character is the perfect balance of realistic flaws and fictional traits. She's humble, brave, smart, and elegant. Despite her beauty, a real character exists there. Fanli's character is stoic and solid. Xishi's friend and accomplice, Zhengdan, is funny but also has gumption. I even found myself liking other characters I wasn't supposed to, all due to Liang's writing.

The story in A Song to Driwn Rivers is heartbreakingly beautiful. I really loved reading about Xishi's training and how she went about infiltrating the Wu kingdom. The plot unfolded in ways I didn't expect, and the ending was....ugh I can't tell you. You just have to read it ❤️

A BIG thank You to St. Martin's Press and #NetGalley for giving me an early ARC of this book.

Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice rating: 0/5
Language rating: 0/5

I love this book. The writing is captivating, and the characters are incredibly complex.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing this review copy.

Y’all, this was so good. It had all the vibes of epic historical fantasy: the world-building was fantastic (I mean, it’s historical fiction as a base, so real life, but the setting/time period was brought to life spectacularly), the character development was fully dimensional and nuanced (for Xishi and Fanli, of course, but also for some of our accessory characters, like Xishi’s friend/fellow agent Zhengdan and the king of Wu, Fuchai), and the storytelling flowed and was paced so smoothly. It’s a slower development, but never drags. The focus on the interpersonal relationship developments, the small nuances of political machinations and playing the long game, but with all the just-under-the-surface simmering tensions that come with “spy” style infiltration stories, is done with precision and skill. And the descriptions and dialogue have a beauty and rhythm to them that is really artistic. Together, it made this a really compelling read, despite the more steady forward movement. And then, as the whole novel builds to the moment of betrayal, when it finally comes, it is – realistically – over in almost the blink of an eye. The mark of a well-planned plot (both literally and literar-ily). And those final lines though; I actually deep sighed at reading them. Just…overall, the writing and narrative are stunning.

Very importantly, the slowwwwww burn – like, the slowest of burns – between Xishi and Fanli was everything. And then their separation…excruciating! The just-barely-but-not-fully-possible of their feelings/love is written so well. Oh, my heart. And it had all the hallmarks of great historical romance (light touches, stolen glances, etc.) that are so hot, for the depth of connection/feeling they’re communicating, for all that the interactions themselves are so slight. Phew. And then, this mythology did not get a “happier” ending in its retelling! I mean, let me just say, I totally respect the author for adhering to the harder version of the original, while also including an explanation for how an alternate version might also have spread (as I said, I researched while reading this and learned about the two primary ways people say this legend ended). But also, the tragedy. My heart broke to know that the foreshadowing of doom was not just a device. And after all that pining and waiting, too! I weep, I mourn the lost love. And a pox on the hardness of men with ambition they value over all else.

Thematically, Liang really dives into the cycle of war and revenge; how, at the end of the day, it’s all about the honor/glory of a few men. And other than that, all the cycle does is wound and devastate on both sides, with the “regular” people paying the price(s). As Xishi spends more time in the Wu kingdom, she really starts to see how the people themselves have more in common with each other than with the leaders who use them to carry out battles and plots for their own gain. These everyday people on both sides who are just trying to live their lives, but are blinded by the propaganda of blame that then fabricates further tragedy. And yet, they cannot see that forest through the trees until, as we see with Xishi, they are given a chance to spend time with each other. Oooof what a demonstration of a universally horrific concept.

Liang even does a fantastic job humanizing the leaders themselves, showing how even within the ranks of power, there are a few calling the shots and the rest holding on for dear life/reputation. The way Xishi’s relationship with Fuchai develops is gorgeous with that insight and complexity. His own search for connection and meaning doesn’t excuse his actions/choices, but it does add layers to his humanity that creates some really fantastic depth and nuance around a character that could easily have been one-dimensional. And it culminates impressively, at the end, with Fuchai’s final request of Xishi. The conflict of her lifelong hate/grudge and the reality of his person (as opposed to the specter of him) is too good. It’s heart wrenching. It’s quite literally all the feels.

I was blown away by this novel. I haven’t read anything by Liang before, but knowing this is her first adult novel, and first historical novel, I am just…wow. I loved it. I hope we get more (fingers crossed: I mean, there are Four Beauties of Ancient China, after all) because it was that good.

I'm sitting here with my jaw hanging wide open and tears streaming down my face. What a beautiful and heartbreaking journey. My emotions are very much in turmoil. I feel utterly speakless one moment. Then, the next moment, I want to scream out all the spoilers and quotes. Seriously, WOW! This story will stick with me for a long time.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Okay I loved this WAY more than I was expecting to? I absolutely fell in LOVE with the FMC and the entire arc. I am clambering to add this one to my physical bookshelf.

A Song to Drown Rivers is my favorite book released in 2024 so far. This tale is lyrically beautiful, moving, and potent. I was unfamiliar with the legend of Xishi and I know I will think about her and Fanli for years to come.

The writing of Ann Liang beautifully sets the foundation for a tale of female heroism, war, truth, love, and sacrifice. I was transported into the world and mind of Xishi, and truly felt her rage at the Wu as a unit of violent oppression. As she is tasked with her quest by the Yue government, I was captivated by the slow burn of feelings that grow for Fanli. Liang was incredibly successful in her writing of this forbidden love and the torment Xishi faced as her quest and personal happiness come at odds. Xishi and Fanli are so similar in their dedication to the mission, that the reader is heartbroken in sacrifice for the “right” side.

The promise of a reunification between the two loves carried us all through her mission in the palace of the Wu, but her dualistic realization in the realities of war was the real tragedy when she made it to the other side. War was the real enemy, not the Wu, not the Yue, but the drive to have power and wealth is the true ruin of love and happiness.

I was left speechless after finishing this book in the best way. The pain felt by our characters teach the ultimate lesson that self sacrifice for a ruler or government is a facade of honor and glory. Love, happiness, and caring for one’s local community will lead to a life and purpose well lived.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via in exchange for an honest review.

This book was absolutely beautiful. I loved Xishi and everything she stood for in this book. As always when I read Chinese inspired literature I am transported back in time to that time period and it is always a beautiful adventure. This book was also very sad. There were a lot of things that happened that I did not see coming that upset me very much but contributed to the beautiful story. I wish it was longer and I wish there there was a sequel but overall I was very satisfied.

Also thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC and to St. Martins Press.

Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds.
Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.

Gorgeous prose and phenomenal story-telling. I loved it!

I finished this one after a sleepless night, when pain kept me awake. What a fitting companion, one that did not contribute to rest once it was finished. I've sat with this book in my thoughts for the day, and I'm still at a loss for what to say. This one broke me, and I have a feeling it's going to haunt me for awhile.

"I wished to weep, but my own tears felt insubstantial, a broken gesture. The feeling swelling within me like churning waves was greater, heavier, absolute."

This line resonated with me, a driving force as I read on.

Normally, love triumphs. There are clear heroes, we get to root for them and applaud when they save the day. We hope, and the tide swells and everything is right, as it should be, in the end.

What happens when it doesn't?

In the kingdom of Yue, they've been oppressed and broken by the Wu invaders. They've had no choice but to surrender, and the Wu monsters continue to bully any they find in their path. Two girls are chosen for their beauty, to become gifts to the Wu king. To lie in wait, to spy and plot, to be the key to the Wu downfall and the vengeance of the Yue.

Xishi is to become Fuchai's concubine. Zhengdan her palace lady. Before they are taken to Fuchai, they go to the Riverside Cottage, where Yue Minister Fangli trains them. Zhengdan is a blade and has studied with swords in secret. Now, she's given the chance to learn more. Meanwhile, Xishi learns the art of ensnaring men. Of hiding her feelings, crafting a mask so she shows only what she needs to.

Xishi's attraction to Fangli was strong after he saved her from a Wu warrior at the river in her home village. Before he knew who she was, that small connection formed. Now, they must ignore the call that is drawing them to one another, and instead Xishi will be sent to Fuchai. Her mission is to captivate him, to entice and bind him until he craves her. Until she can trick him into building a way into the Wu kingdom for the Yue invaders.

Xishi is driven by her own need for revenge. Her sister was killed in front of her, and she's never made peace with the missing space her sister used to fill. To get revenge for Zhengdan, whose father was killed in battle. To all those who have fallen, the king who's been humiliated, for Fangli, who suffered at Fuchai's hands. She must be committed, to never forget as she lives in the luxury of the enemy. As the months turn to years, as Fuchai's love and obsession for her grows.

Who are the winners in the games of kings?

This was such a deep, beautiful book- I had to pause quite a bit but that’s because it’s a journey. 10/10!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing an arc interchange for an honest opinion!

THANK YOU so much for the opportunity to read an ARC of this. It was such an absolute delight. Even with, you know, the ending. 😉

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the arc.

This book was devastatingly beautiful, not only the characters but the setting and descriptions as well. The way Ann Liang describes the Yue and Wu Kingdoms was vivid in my mind as I imagined the view from Xishi's perspective. Her love for her family, home, and Zhengdan was heartwarming, but I wish there were more interactions with Zhengdan. The book has a way of telling, rather than showing, that leaves readers expecting what to feel instead of feeling it for themselves.

If there is one thing that stood out to me about this book, it was the real TENSION and strain between Xishi and Fanli; there was no need for instant romance and each interaction was with bated breath. Their forbidden love was heartwrenching, and I cried along with Xishi, but I still wish we could have seen more of them with a fleshed-out beginning to their romance. As one of the other reviews pointed out, most of their training happens off-page, and we are left to wonder about their moments together.

Overall, an enthralling read, 5/5 stars.

I really dont know what to say except WOAH. WOAH. This was amazing! But again, I didn’t expect anything less. It was soooo good! Such an amazing book! Great job Ann!

What sets this book apart is its masterful blend of mythology and world-building. The author has clearly done their research, drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of mythologies from around the world. The result is a unique and immersive world that feels both familiar and fresh.

And can we talk about this deluxe edition? I freaking love it!

A Song to Drown Rivers is perfect for those who love a good, heart aching, Asian lore fantasy.

The charecters were likeable and relatable, the chapters flowed together smoothly, when you get the point of the story where it is meant to hurt- it really hurts.

This is a book I will reread in the near future.

Ann Liang did a great job writing this story, all the details were perfect.

Xishi was born and raised in the kingdom of Yue. She was beautiful and has been chosen to infiltrate the enemy kingdom of Wu. She is to entice King Fuchai and distract him so that he can be captured or killed to end the wars between the two kingdoms. A heartbreaking but enchanting story. Thank you Netgalley for the early copy! This comes out October 1, 2024. A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang. 4.5 stars

Thank you Net Galley for providing this eARC. All opinions are my own.
This book is the living embroidered of pretty enough to kill you. The thing that I loved the most was how the FMC was so independent and just a badass. It reminds of C-dramas I used to watch and I ate it up all the same. This book had me in tears and made me want a romance like theirs. The plot is so quick paced but not overwhelming as a reader and uses all the pages perfectly. This is my favorite less 300 page fantasy book I have ever read.

This novel is an all-consuming, devastatingly beautiful story that I could not put down. Liang's lyrical prose brings to life a mythical retelling of the legend of Xishi, seamlessly weaving together heartbreak and political intrigue into a captivating page-turner. At its core, the novel features a woman who wields her beauty as a weapon against those who seek to oppress her and her people, using her allure to navigate and manipulate the treacherous political landscape. The poetic language and gripping narrative keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a powerful story that beautifully intertwines history and legend, showcasing the strength and resilience of its heroine.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

this book was life changing, im heartbroken, I need therapy, ill be forever crying over this story. Fuchai I love you, Xishi I love you, Fanli I love you, I have no words!! Ill try to write a coherent review closer to release day, thank you to the publisher and to netgalley for sending this my way.

This book was brilliant. Ann Liang is brilliant. She breathes new life into an age old story and creates characters that seem so fully fleshed out and intricate that you are left marveling at the skills Liang possesses in regards to her storytelling abilities. I have enjoyed all of her work that I have read, but this book is in a league entirely of its own. The protagonist and her internal conflict regarding loyalty to her home and the commodification of her beauty are intriguing and thought-provoking. The complex politics at play throughout this book make it that much more engaging and dimensional. Overall, this book is a work of art, meticulously crafted by an incredible writer and artist. The care and reverence Ann Liang has for her art shines through in this novel that I will most certainly be thinking about for a while to come. This is an incredible accomplishment. Do be warned though: heartbreak is basically guaranteed, and I thank Ann Liang for it.

i was NOT prepared for that ending...
like WHAT?!?!? why ann liang?!??!
i have actually not read a bad ann liang book, and i've read all of them now (if you could see the sun, this time its real, i hope this doesn't find you, i am not jessica chen)
she know how to write a perfect book in length, characters, general writing, and making you FEEL THINGS
i always love the chinese connections
and how can she write every genre so well
if you want a sad, historical fantasy, inspired by old chinese legend, beautiful characters and so much more, this book is definitely for you
i honestly don't know what else to say except read this when it comes out, as well as, ALL of ann liangs other books!
i loved absolutely everything about this

✩˚.⋆4.75⋆⁺₊✧

“Don’t be a fool, I wish to tell him. I will meet you again in every lifetime there is.”

☾ ARC Review ☾

~ Filled me with pain and hatred, I love it. Her best so far. She needs to write more angsty stuff. I wouldn’t personally classify this as fantasy but I guess it is. It’s more historical cdrama vibes. Some interesting realizations about war and politics that I was hoping to touch on more. Satisfied my need for sadness and yearning. The rage, shock, and pain gave me physical reactions. The ending was complete enough and wasn’t something I guessed.

I have not stopped thinking about them since I finished this. I cried. The absolute heartache that it gives me to think about these characters, especially Fuchai. He’s kind of golden retriever/Cardan vibes. Like hate him all you want but that poor man deserved better. I love men in love I can’t even lie. Like I kept forgetting the bad things he had done because he was just such a simp and honestly I want him.

I loved this book! Xishi is an awesome heroine, strong, complex and clever. The writing is beautiful and very cinematic. I didn't know any of the legends of the Four Beauties of China - though I looked them up after I was finished with this book. In the legends there are two different fates for Xishi. I think Liang chose well for this retelling. I loved that the story and the characters were layered. There are some scenes where I for sure could have used some tissue for my crying eyes! Maybe Liang will write the other three Beauties' stories. I would read them!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this advance copy for review.

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

A Song to Drown Rivers is beautifully and lyrically written, with extremely well developed characters. Everyone is more than they seem - more than a beauty, more than a vicious king, more than a ruthless minister of war. The complexity of the characters brought this story to life and elevated its themes of sacrifice, revenge, love, and loss. I was pulled in from the start and could not put it down. The ending was bittersweet, breaking my heart into a thousand pieces. If you love historical fantasy and are looking for your next good cry, this book has you covered.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thoughts

I am not okay. This book had to staying up two nights to read it. It had me crying several times.

It had me smiling, crying, angry, reflecting, and completely enamored. When I say this book hooked me from the very beginning I mean it. It was brilliant throughout. There were no slow parts.

The author used simple words but was able to create sentences with them that were so poetic.

I am not okay. I will never be okay again. The only thing this book hasn't killed is my dramatics. Now excuse me while I go cry in a corner for the next 6 months.

That can't be the end. I cannot be done with it...

Thank you to Netgalley for destorying me.