Lyrical, haunting, and steeped in mythology, A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang is a mesmerizing tale of power, vengeance, and fate. This fantasy novel weaves an enchanting narrative with lush prose and an atmospheric setting, drawing readers into a world where magic and betrayal collide. But does it deliver on its promise of an unforgettable story? In this spoiler-free review, I’ll explore the book’s strengths, potential drawbacks, and whether it deserves a spot on your reading list.
Title: A Song to Drown Rivers
By: Ann Liang
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 325
Release Date: October 1st, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:
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.
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.
Review:
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang is a breathtaking, lyrical fantasy that masterfully blends mythology, vengeance, and fate into a spellbinding tale. Liang’s prose is mesmerizing, weaving an atmospheric world that feels both haunting and poetic, while the characters are deeply compelling, driven by ambition, love, and the weight of destiny. The novel’s emotional depth and richly woven storytelling make it impossible to put down, building to a stunning conclusion that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for fans of beautifully written, immersive fantasy.
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