A review by burnedoutbookdragon
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang

adventurous hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

A beautiful retelling of the legend of Xishi (one of the four renowned beauties of ancient China). Xishi is recruited and trained to spy on the enemy, King Fuchai. She is to seduce him to do her bidding in order to bring about it's downfall. She, alongside her best friend, Zhengdan, is honed to be the perfect weapon for the Kingdom of Yue. She is trained by the king's trusted advisor, Fanli. Xishi learns that war isn't as black and white, enemies are human as well, shaped by their circumstances and environment. 

This was exquisite writing. Some parts felt slow in the book but overall it read quickly. The main characters were relatable and I was invested in the outcome. The ending was unexpected, which I love, but others may not. If you love political intrigue, forbidden love, and historical fiction this book is for you.