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A review by kashacapetown
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS - ANN LIANG
Oh my gosh - this book took me on an emotional journey on the highest of highs and the most heartbreaking of lows. If this already appeals to you, here's a bit more about the plot:
Since birth, Xishi’s beauty has been seen as a blessing. 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 neighbouring kingdom, 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 and seduce their immoral king.
This is a sweeping historical epic that's based on the ancient Chinese legend of Xishi, so, at times, it feels like a thorough but beautifully rendered retelling. In fact, to me, it's written as though it's a mythical tale. The main characters steal the show, where it feels like they're elevated into demi-gods in a way - selfless, purpose-driven and brave.
I liked this fact but it also makes the characters feel a little less real or relatable. But this doesn't affect the impact of this high-stakes tale, and I'd highly recommend A Song to Drown Rivers to anyone, even those who don't normally read historical fiction.
The writing is crisp, stunning and descriptive as we follow Xishi leaving her straightforward village life to life in the opulent Wu palace, where every action or word has a consequence. It makes for a truly fascinating and emotive read, and it's one of the few books that have made me cry this year!
Note: There is a fair amount of violence and gore in this book, so please check the TWs.
Thank you to Ann Liang, NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read the ARC.
Release date: 3 October 2024
Review score: 4/5
TWs: Violence, gore, d*ath of child, d*ath
Oh my gosh - this book took me on an emotional journey on the highest of highs and the most heartbreaking of lows. If this already appeals to you, here's a bit more about the plot:
Since birth, Xishi’s beauty has been seen as a blessing. 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 neighbouring kingdom, 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 and seduce their immoral king.
This is a sweeping historical epic that's based on the ancient Chinese legend of Xishi, so, at times, it feels like a thorough but beautifully rendered retelling. In fact, to me, it's written as though it's a mythical tale. The main characters steal the show, where it feels like they're elevated into demi-gods in a way - selfless, purpose-driven and brave.
I liked this fact but it also makes the characters feel a little less real or relatable. But this doesn't affect the impact of this high-stakes tale, and I'd highly recommend A Song to Drown Rivers to anyone, even those who don't normally read historical fiction.
The writing is crisp, stunning and descriptive as we follow Xishi leaving her straightforward village life to life in the opulent Wu palace, where every action or word has a consequence. It makes for a truly fascinating and emotive read, and it's one of the few books that have made me cry this year!
Note: There is a fair amount of violence and gore in this book, so please check the TWs.
Thank you to Ann Liang, NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read the ARC.
Release date: 3 October 2024
Review score: 4/5
TWs: Violence, gore, d*ath of child, d*ath