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

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

A Song to Drown Rivers is a tragic retelling of one of China's renowned Four Beauties - Xishi - and it really tugs at the heartstrings! I immediately appreciated that the book wasted no time getting into the story. The writing style was beautifully vibrant and descriptive, and it flowed really well and made it so entrancing to read. I loved watching Xishi and Fanli fall in love slowly and innocently, though I would have loved to have seen more interactions between them to make their relationship feel more convincing. Darker themes are woven into the story such as the treatment of women in war, hierarchy and servitude, and suicidal honour.
I highly recommend to those who enjoy historical romance, particularly set in China.

eARC provided by Pan Macmillan via NetGalley.
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