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booktalkcorner's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I went into this book expecting a fun, plot-heavy romance with political intrigue and instead got one of the most heart-wrenching character-driven reading experiences of my life.
Xishi’s character development was the foundation of this story and I loved how nuanced and complicated her feelings were, especially towards the end. Ann Liang effortlessly weaves each character’s story in a way that feels wholly organic without sacrificing the complexity of her characters, and I especially liked that these complexities were explored through Xishi’s point of view as a means of developing her character.
The pacing was also incredible! This book was so hard to put down and I loved that it went in a direction I wasn’t expecting at all (in the very best way). That being said, I think this premise needed more detail plot-wise to really shine; so many events were barely mentioned despite them being integral to the story.
Ultimately, this was a great book and would be perfect for anyone who typically reads plot-driven books and is looking to branch out into something a little more character-driven.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
ayeitsdaye's review
5.0
“In reality we were just two mortals, bound by our respective roles in history…”
Xishi has grown up knowing nothing but her rural village in the war ravaged Kingdom of Yue, the riverbanks where she washes silks, the repeating nightmare of the day the Wu Kingdom slaughtered her young sister. She’s known the allure of the otherworldly beauty she was born with, beauty that could topple a kingdom.
An act of bravery leads to a chance encounter with Fanli, the frigid yet handsome young advisor to Yue’s King on the riverbank forces Xishi to choose between her personal happiness and revenge for her sister and kingdom.
Xishi trains under Fanli to become concubine to the Wu King himself, with hopes of toppling the kingdom that took her sister and happiness from her. She soon finds that war and revenge are not as black and white as they once seemed.
This book absolutely gutted me more than once, it takes a LOT to get me misty eyed, nevermind three times!!! I wasn’t sure about Xishi at the start, but she proved herself to be a relatable, wise but not infallible. The romance is performed so delicately, leaving you wanting so much more (a little like Xishi herself!) the prose flow: with grace, enough to be incredibly immersive, but not overly flowery. Such a fine balance! Overall, a Song to Drown Rivers is a very rich and powerful tale about a woman’s role in history, the will of Kings and their detachment from the people they are meant to serve. I can already see that I will be thinking about this book daily for weeks to come!!
Huge THANK YOU to St Martin’s and NetGalley for allowing me to read this amazing ARC that may very well be the most memorable read of the year. Truly stunning! Bravo!
Xishi has grown up knowing nothing but her rural village in the war ravaged Kingdom of Yue, the riverbanks where she washes silks, the repeating nightmare of the day the Wu Kingdom slaughtered her young sister. She’s known the allure of the otherworldly beauty she was born with, beauty that could topple a kingdom.
An act of bravery leads to a chance encounter with Fanli, the frigid yet handsome young advisor to Yue’s King on the riverbank forces Xishi to choose between her personal happiness and revenge for her sister and kingdom.
Xishi trains under Fanli to become concubine to the Wu King himself, with hopes of toppling the kingdom that took her sister and happiness from her. She soon finds that war and revenge are not as black and white as they once seemed.
This book absolutely gutted me more than once, it takes a LOT to get me misty eyed, nevermind three times!!! I wasn’t sure about Xishi at the start, but she proved herself to be a relatable, wise but not infallible. The romance is performed so delicately, leaving you wanting so much more (a little like Xishi herself!) the prose flow: with grace, enough to be incredibly immersive, but not overly flowery. Such a fine balance! Overall, a Song to Drown Rivers is a very rich and powerful tale about a woman’s role in history, the will of Kings and their detachment from the people they are meant to serve. I can already see that I will be thinking about this book daily for weeks to come!!
Huge THANK YOU to St Martin’s and NetGalley for allowing me to read this amazing ARC that may very well be the most memorable read of the year. Truly stunning! Bravo!
folkofthebook's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Grief, Violence, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: War
cobaltbookshelf's review
2.0
Ann Liang is such a fantastic writer that you can't help but get swept away when reading her books, A Song to Drown Rivers included at first. While not my favorite book of hers, this was still beautiful to read. Filled with adventure and love,I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good historical fantasy.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Ann Liang is such a fantastic writer that you can't help but get swept away when reading her books, A Song to Drown Rivers included at first. While not my favorite book of hers, this was still beautiful to read. Filled with adventure and love,I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good historical fantasy.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Ann Liang is such a fantastic writer that you can't help but get swept away when reading her books, A Song to Drown Rivers included at first. While not my favorite book of hers, this was still beautiful to read. Filled with adventure and love,I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good historical fantasy.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
thebookishnarwhal's review
5.0
This is quite simply a mesmerizing tale of beauty, betrayal, and courage. “A Song to Drown Rivers” by Ann Liang is a captivating tapestry woven with threads of ancient legends, forbidden love, and the indomitable spirit of a young woman. Ultimately, this is a triumph of storytelling. This book will haunt your dreams, linger in your thoughts, and leave you yearning for more. I highly recommend this read for fans of historical fantasy and epic romance.
Liang's lyrical voice transports us to a world where beauty is both a blessing and a curse, and where love and loyalty collide. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous kingdom, this epic historical fantasy transports readers to a world where beauty conceals danger, and sacrifice becomes a symphony.
Meet Xishi. Her beauty is both a blessing and a curse. The villagers believe that a girl's best fate lies in a prosperous marriage, but Xishi harbours a secret purpose. When she captures the attention of the renowned military advisor, her life takes an unexpected turn. He offers her a rare opportunity: to wield her beauty as a weapon against the rival kingdom. To achieve this, Xishi must infiltrate the enemy palace, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within. Trained by the military advisor, she hones her allure into a lethal blade, but the attraction between them blurs the lines of deception. As Xishi climbs higher in the enemy court, danger looms, and betrayal threatens to unravel everything.
This is a lyrical masterpiece that I was immersed in and couldn’t leave - I read this in one sitting! We enter a world of political intrigue, forbidden desire, and the clash of empires. Liang's prose flows like a silken river, carrying us through lush landscapes, opulent palaces, and treacherous corridors. Her vivid descriptions evoke the scent of lotus blossoms, the rustle of silk, and the taste of forbidden fruit.
In this novel, we get a heroine for the ages. Her beauty is her armour, her weapon, and her curse. Liang skillfully portrays her inner conflict: the desire for vengeance versus the longing for love. Xishi's journey from a village girl to a spy in the enemy court is a testament to her resilience and cunning. Her relationship with certain people crackles with tension, and their forbidden romance adds layers of complexity to the plot.
The world-building is exquisite! Liang seamlessly blends historical accuracy with fantastical elements. The court intrigues, the delicate dance of alliances, and the simmering tensions between kingdoms come alive. The mythical creatures, from the river spirits to the moon dragons, add an enchanting touch. The pacing is relentless, propelling us toward a climax that leaves us breathless. As stated previously, I could not put this book down. I was in it until the last page from the moment I finished the first page.
Liang's exploration of womanhood is poignant. Xishi defies societal norms, challenging the roles assigned to her gender. She grapples with duty, sacrifice, and the cost of wielding her beauty as a weapon. The novel celebrates female resilience, intelligence, and agency, making it a timely message for our world.
The supporting characters are equally compelling. The immoral king, the enigmatic advisors, and the loyal servants: they all have their secrets and motivations. Liang paints them with shades of grey, blurring the line between hero and villain. Each revelation deepens the intrigue, keeping us guessing until the final page.
This book is a symphony of emotions. Liang's prose swells with longing, heartache, and courage. The romance is tender yet forbidden, the betrayals gut-wrenching, and the sacrifices heart-rending. As Xishi navigates treacherous waters, we root for her, fear for her, and ultimately celebrate her triumphs.
With her impeccable storytelling, Liang has crafted a gem that shines brighter than the moon on a clear night. Whether you're a lover of historical fiction, a seeker of forbidden love, or simply someone who craves a tale that sweeps you away, “A Song to Drown Rivers” will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Liang's lyrical voice transports us to a world where beauty is both a blessing and a curse, and where love and loyalty collide. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous kingdom, this epic historical fantasy transports readers to a world where beauty conceals danger, and sacrifice becomes a symphony.
Meet Xishi. Her beauty is both a blessing and a curse. The villagers believe that a girl's best fate lies in a prosperous marriage, but Xishi harbours a secret purpose. When she captures the attention of the renowned military advisor, her life takes an unexpected turn. He offers her a rare opportunity: to wield her beauty as a weapon against the rival kingdom. To achieve this, Xishi must infiltrate the enemy palace, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within. Trained by the military advisor, she hones her allure into a lethal blade, but the attraction between them blurs the lines of deception. As Xishi climbs higher in the enemy court, danger looms, and betrayal threatens to unravel everything.
This is a lyrical masterpiece that I was immersed in and couldn’t leave - I read this in one sitting! We enter a world of political intrigue, forbidden desire, and the clash of empires. Liang's prose flows like a silken river, carrying us through lush landscapes, opulent palaces, and treacherous corridors. Her vivid descriptions evoke the scent of lotus blossoms, the rustle of silk, and the taste of forbidden fruit.
In this novel, we get a heroine for the ages. Her beauty is her armour, her weapon, and her curse. Liang skillfully portrays her inner conflict: the desire for vengeance versus the longing for love. Xishi's journey from a village girl to a spy in the enemy court is a testament to her resilience and cunning. Her relationship with certain people crackles with tension, and their forbidden romance adds layers of complexity to the plot.
The world-building is exquisite! Liang seamlessly blends historical accuracy with fantastical elements. The court intrigues, the delicate dance of alliances, and the simmering tensions between kingdoms come alive. The mythical creatures, from the river spirits to the moon dragons, add an enchanting touch. The pacing is relentless, propelling us toward a climax that leaves us breathless. As stated previously, I could not put this book down. I was in it until the last page from the moment I finished the first page.
Liang's exploration of womanhood is poignant. Xishi defies societal norms, challenging the roles assigned to her gender. She grapples with duty, sacrifice, and the cost of wielding her beauty as a weapon. The novel celebrates female resilience, intelligence, and agency, making it a timely message for our world.
The supporting characters are equally compelling. The immoral king, the enigmatic advisors, and the loyal servants: they all have their secrets and motivations. Liang paints them with shades of grey, blurring the line between hero and villain. Each revelation deepens the intrigue, keeping us guessing until the final page.
This book is a symphony of emotions. Liang's prose swells with longing, heartache, and courage. The romance is tender yet forbidden, the betrayals gut-wrenching, and the sacrifices heart-rending. As Xishi navigates treacherous waters, we root for her, fear for her, and ultimately celebrate her triumphs.
With her impeccable storytelling, Liang has crafted a gem that shines brighter than the moon on a clear night. Whether you're a lover of historical fiction, a seeker of forbidden love, or simply someone who craves a tale that sweeps you away, “A Song to Drown Rivers” will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
annasneddon's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sretta's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’ve been looking forward to this since it was first announced and it didn’t disappoint! I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed Ann Liang’s other works. I’ve always found it difficult to put down her books once I’ve started on them and the same goes for this one! Although slow at some parts, I thought the story was very well written and takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Liang’s a fantastic writer and is shown through her complex characters and their relationships with each other; making you contemplate which side should you really root for. Even though it was heart wrenching, I really enjoyed the book and was invested in the story and characters. I am looking forward to see what Liang writes next!
cometgrrl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
fayettejill's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Xishi’s beauty is well known within her village of Yue. When she draws the attention of the famous young military advisor, Fanli, she is approached with the opportunity to infiltrate the kingdom that killed her sister and destroy it from within. All she has to do is win the eye of the king and make him fall for her. However, that's easier said than done when her heart belongs to Fanli and she is under constant watch from the Wu advisors.
All I can say about this book is just WOW. I am floored. The last 20% I was holding my breath with anticipation with what I knew was coming. While I thought I knew how this was going to end, the actual ending left me speechless. It was everything I expected while also not.
There wasn't a single thing I disliked about this book. The pacing was so well done, the world building was amazing, and reading how Xishi's mind worked through how she was going to deceive the Wu king felt so realistic. I love reading about women who change the course of history through their intelligence, and this book was no exception. It was refreshing that, while the FMC was beautiful, ultimately she had to rely on things other than her beauty to get her through. I also enjoyed that the time frame for this book was over the span of 2 years and not a few weeks. It made it feel so much more realistic.
Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book and will be shouting from the rooftops for people to read it. 1000/10 stars.
Big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
All I can say about this book is just WOW. I am floored. The last 20% I was holding my breath with anticipation with what I knew was coming. While I thought I knew how this was going to end, the actual ending left me speechless. It was everything I expected while also not.
There wasn't a single thing I disliked about this book. The pacing was so well done, the world building was amazing, and reading how Xishi's mind worked through how she was going to deceive the Wu king felt so realistic. I love reading about women who change the course of history through their intelligence, and this book was no exception. It was refreshing that, while the FMC was beautiful, ultimately she had to rely on things other than her beauty to get her through. I also enjoyed that the time frame for this book was over the span of 2 years and not a few weeks. It made it feel so much more realistic.
Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book and will be shouting from the rooftops for people to read it. 1000/10 stars.
Big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
juliiareads's review
4.0
4.5 ˖⁺‧✮ |
I have no words to describe what I’m feeling…
I never was a fan of historic books, but this was beautiful. With each page, I was more invested into the world, writing and characters. I wishing for new pages to appear, to change everything but they never did.✨
I have no words to describe what I’m feeling…
I never was a fan of historic books, but this was beautiful. With each page, I was more invested into the world, writing and characters. I wishing for new pages to appear, to change everything but they never did.✨