Book Review: A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
Title: A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
Release Date: 8th October 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
RRP: $34.99
Synopsis:
Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds.
Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.
Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. 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 neighboring kingdom of Wu, 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, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.
Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.
Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.
Book Review:
After loving I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, A Song to Drown Rivers immediately became one of my most anticipated reads of the year! I’ve always loved Ann Liang’s storytelling, so pair that with a Chinese- inspired legend retelling and I was on my knees for an ARC. Thank you to Pan Macmillan for sending over a beautiful physical ARC my way – I am sooo grateful!
There is just something so deliciously satisfying and nostalgic about Ann Liang’s books. I love all the historical Chinese references, from the food to the clothing and even the family dynamic between Xi Shi and her parents. I love the high stakes double agent plotline and am obsessed with Fu Chai!!! I could read a whole book about him because he’s sooo complicated and fascinating!! T_T
I enjoyed reading about the other characters as well, but Fu Chai was the one that stood out to me most! I was always waiting for him to appear in every scene and loved every bit of information we got about him that made him so much more fleshed out and interesting to read about. The story moves VERY quickly, and it’s not a very big book at all, so you’ll definitely fly through it! A LOT happens, and I’m still very emo about it :’)) I’m even still thinking about this book even after finishing it three weeks ago and my world just almost stops whenever I think about the characters. MY HEARTTTT
I highly recommend picking this up if you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster of a story. It’s intended for audience who are 18+ only. Gory scenes and mild adult content are contained in the book,
