A review by bookishwelshie
A Palace Near the Wind by Ai Jiang

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A Palace Near The Wind is unlike anything I have read before. After Linghun, this is a foray into a different genre by Ai Jiang - Sci-Fi/Fantasy. These aren’t genres I read too often, that I would actually like to read more of, so this was a welcomed change. Even though it is a short book, under 200 pages, it feels as though the characters are well-developed and explored. I do hope there may be a follow up planned, as this story will stay with you.

The Feng people, also know as Wind Walkers, are named so because they can command/control the wind; unlike the humans who rule over them. 

Lufeng, the eldest, Feng Princess, is due to be the next bride to the human King. She is marrying the King because this is a way for the Feng to keep the land, people, and culture intact from the expansion of humans. Her younger sister, Chuiliu, comes up with a plan… One to put an end to the marriages. 

As the story progresses, Lufeng learns that her people will never truly be safe from the humans. Especially her younger sister, Chuiliu. She needs to let go of the duty and tradition that has been instilled in her, choose her allies and who to trust carefully, and risk the unknown in order to shape her own destiny and save her family.

Thank you to the author & publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨🫶🖤