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A review by bookish_selkie
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
A Song to Drown Rivers follows Xishi, a beautiful village girl who is recruited for a dangerous plot. Xishi’s parents will be taken care of for life- but she will need to go undercover as a spy who must capture the heart of a cruel king. Fanli is the king’s advisor who will train her. When a connection blooms between them, there’s no way to act on it without sacrificing valuable battle plans. Does Xishi have what it takes to steal the king’s heart and bring his kingdom down?
I loved this book so much and literally couldn’t put it down! Ann Liang’s beautiful prose was breathtaking. Every sentence feels written with care and deep intention. Liang does a wonderful job describing all the senses and building a vivid atmosphere. Xishi was my favorite character, with Fanli a close second. Xishi must make terrible sacrifices, but always stays true to the mission no matter the cost. Fanli is a principled character who is protective and swoonworthy. The poignant yearning between Xishi and Fanli is expertly written. Even the smallest touch is weighted with unbearable longing that leaps off the page. The ending was devastating in all the best ways!!
A Song to Drown Rivers is a beautiful and memorable standalone. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stunning prose, C-dramas, and a slow-burn romance of intense yearning.
Thank you to Ann Liang, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book so much and literally couldn’t put it down! Ann Liang’s beautiful prose was breathtaking. Every sentence feels written with care and deep intention. Liang does a wonderful job describing all the senses and building a vivid atmosphere. Xishi was my favorite character, with Fanli a close second. Xishi must make terrible sacrifices, but always stays true to the mission no matter the cost. Fanli is a principled character who is protective and swoonworthy. The poignant yearning between Xishi and Fanli is expertly written. Even the smallest touch is weighted with unbearable longing that leaps off the page. The ending was devastating in all the best ways!!
A Song to Drown Rivers is a beautiful and memorable standalone. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stunning prose, C-dramas, and a slow-burn romance of intense yearning.
Thank you to Ann Liang, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.