A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS by Ann Liang
9781250289469
10/1/24
St. Martin’s Press
Fiction / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS is as captivating as it is devastating.
Two kingdoms, the Yue and Wu, teeter on the brink of conflict. When a famous young military advisor, Fanli, presents Xishi with the opportunity to use her beauty as a weapon to topple the Wu kingdom and avenge her sister’s death, she takes it. Her mission: infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within. Xishi’s internal struggle and the ever-present risk of being unmasked as a traitor will be sure to keep the reader on edge.
Exploring themes of womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds, A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS masterfully brings to life the intricate and tumultuous world of ancient China with vivid detail and emotional depth. Liang exquisitely unravels Xishi’s character to reveal conflicting emotions fueled by love, betrayal, and revenge. With a richly woven narrative and intricate plot, this story captures the essence of a legendary figure who uses her gifts to change the course of history.
A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS will make for a great book club read! Deep dive into ancient Chinese mythology and discuss how myths shape our understanding of history. Examine how Xishi navigates a male-dominated society and uses her perceived vulnerabilities as strengths. This is a book that will spark lively discussions, differing viewpoints, and a deeper appreciation of the art of storytelling, intertwining historical fiction with myth.
The legend of Xishi has been reimagined over the years with multiple endings, but this one is truly unforgettable.
“Nobody does yearning and sacrifice better than the Chinese classics, and Liang has given us a new classic that achingly captures the will of kings, the intelligence of women, and the heartbreak of war. Exquisite and devastating. It won’t fail to move you.” –Shelley Parker-Chan, #1 Sunday Times Bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun and He Who Drowned the World
“A stunning, heart-rending feat of a story. A Song to Drown Rivers retells ancient legend with phenomenal voice, bringing a truly worthwhile addition to the historical fiction genre.” –Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Immortal Longings
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