The initial setup of the plot and characters was very good, but the second half of the story with Xishi in the Wu palace did not work as well. The author was determined to focus on the relationship between Fuchai and Xishi, but it was disappointing not to see more interactions between Xishi and the other palace inhabitants.

The story of Xishi is heartbreaking. While I don’t know much about Chinese lore, this story was very compelling. She comes from nothing, to becoming desired and cherished by the enemy Wu king, only to be killed by her own king for the fear of power. She sacrificed so much for honor and it meant nothing to the ones she sacrificed for. She will live on as a hero, by as Fanli says “who was there to save her?”

Fanli. How I wish he would have been more in this book. I understood how Xishi and Fanli couldn’t act on their desires, but I felt like the tension could have been more. Would have given us a more emotional impact at the end. But what I did glimpse of him, I really really liked. He did everything he could for her without breaking his role. He was strong, smart, gentle, and kind. The moments where he was unsure made him so human.

I didn’t think I would like Fuchai as much as I did. The author really presented him as a human character rather than just the evil enemy king. To bring such life to these character really made the story so much more for me personally. I like to feel connected to characters and it was done very well.

This book is wonderfully done. It was coy and ruthless, honest and deceptive, lovely and oh so sad. This book has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf.

Thank you to the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was an engaging and easy to read novel and it was interesting to see the author’s introduction into the historical genre.

While the setting and descriptions were vivid, I unfortunately thought the plot, character depth (both main and side characters) and the relationships were underwhelming. The dynamic and angst between the two main characters should’ve held the book together but because they were so underdeveloped, the book as a whole greatly suffered for it.

Overall this book was a miss for me, but I didn’t hate my time reading so I’ve given it a 3 stars.

This is a Legend of Xi Shi retelling. She is so beautiful that she’s selected to pose as a bride for the neighboring kingdom to really spy for her own. This is a high-stakes story that uses femininity as a strength.

This book was very good, but it is a tragedy which just is not my jam. It was so sad. I cried.... A lot. That doesn't detract from how well written the book is. if you're into tragedies and books that make you sad, this is a good choice. That just isn't for me.

I will be including this title in my weekly reading wrap on TikTok on Sunday.

Absolutely incredible read. I was hooked immediately by the summary alone, and then actually getting to read it... I couldn't put it down! I told myself I was going to stray from romance for a while because I was having a hard time finding books that didn't feel overdone, but this threw me right back into the swing of things.

Xishi and Fanli I will always love you...

Writing a more in-depth review closer to the release date (Trust me, it's in my planner. I cannot Wait to spill all my feelings about this book!!!) but this was the easiest 5 stars I've ever given. I fear nothing will come close to a book like A Song To Drown Rivers again, and I'll be fighting reading burnout trying to chase this feeling.

This was my very first Ann Liang book and I will absolutely be going back to read every single book she's written.

This book broke me into pieces. Ann Liang you are a master story teller and I can't wait to read more of your books.

The story of Xishi is about love, war, sacrifice and betrayal. She is such a beautiful soul who goes through so much in her young life. The characters in this book are captivating and you find yourself immersed in their world. I sobbed buckets a the end of this book, but somehow I knew this would have to be the way the story ended.

I have not had many books that wrecked me like this book. I was sad it as over, but I felt like I had lost a piece of my heart. Xishi is a strong woman who infiltrates another dynasty and her strength is gripping. This is a great heroine book and highly recommend to young adults. Every girl should read this book and believe they can actually move mountains. However, sometimes love, betrayal and war bring sacrifice. Will is be worth it?

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a chance to review and read "A Song to Drown Rivers."

I just reviewed A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang. #ASongtoDrownRivers #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

I didn’t know what to expect going into this novel, but it was addicting and absolutely blew me away. This book has made me a lifelong fan of the author and now I must go immediately binge everything they have ever written.

3 out of 5 stars

Oh, this book. I went into it with no knowledge and no expectations. For which, I am glad because I am not disappointed.

Xishi has beauty beyond compare, which is beneficial in a society where girls are fated to marry well and support their families. But Xishi faces a different fate when a young military advisor, Fanli, offers her an opportunity to use her beauty as a weapon. Xishi reluctantly agrees and sets off to train and go to the enemy kingdom Wu, where she will appear as a concubine to the murderous king. She then uses her training to help take down the rival kingdom while holding on to an attraction to the man who trained her.

While I did not love this book, the plot is intriguing and well-written. The story captivated me, and I was excited to read about a Chinese legend. A historical fiction based on one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China sounds interesting. However, I am unfamiliar with these legends, so I could not compare the work with those tales. But I am all about competent women, and Xishi fits that category well. She quickly falls into her role, and even though she faces a few hiccups, she sticks to her goals. I believe the best parts of this book happened when Xishi schemed and implemented her plans.

Although the book has a good plot, I do not believe Ann Liang spent enough time building the relationship between Xishi and Fanli. These two represent the forbidden relationship of the book. The one that drives the characters and leads them into trouble. But I do not see it. This whole part of the book fell flat for me. The two spent time together while she trained, but it seemed like their romance happened off-page. I think “romance” is too strong of a word to use here. I believe they had some connection, but not a life-altering one.

For a historical fiction based in Ancient China, I wished to see more explanation of the culture in this book. I did not expect too much because this is a work of fiction and not history, but I wanted to know more about the culture Xishi and Fanli lived in. I think this could have had a bigger impact on a story where a woman, with few rights and freedoms, must infiltrate an enemy kingdom and gain the trust of a king. This is a personal preference, but it impacted my enjoyment of this book.

An interesting story and beautifully written scenes were not enough to save this book for me. I never fully got into the story. However, I did enjoy many aspects of the work. I liked the characters, the overall plot, and even the ending, but I still wanted more.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I wasn't sure about this one at first... but I ended up being invested in it. The parts that got me were the relationships, and how they can break you. Also, I think I'm a Fuchai apologist. The poor guy was just clueless.

This book is absolutely exquisite. It ripped me apart in the best possible way. The prose was elegant and engaging the characters were crafted with care and nuance and the worlbuilding and storyline were just so rich and satisfying. The narration was so immersive; it never took me out of the story at all. This is the kind of book you can tell will rip your heart apart from the beginning but you just keep reading because you have to, it's that good. If you like stories that surprise, rich world building, romance that doesn't annoy you or leave you dumbfounded, female characters that are smart, complicated, and human, and a fair share of exquisite angst, this is for you. A hero journey, coming of age epic that grips and delights for sure.

I'm not one to usually read these types of novels but the description caught my eye and wow--this is the fastest I've read a book in a long time. The ups and downs kept my attention, the plotting and scheming by the strong female character. A wonderful novel, although I wish it had ended differently.

5 stars

WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!?! I still have sooo many questions. honestly this is my first time reading a historical romance so I blame that for being so slow

I don’t cry at books so I said I’ll be fine..
plot twist - I was not

romance
why did I have to get second lead syndrome😭 I was so in love with fuchai and then… ugh

like im sorry just read these quotes
“you are my weakness, you know that?”
“kiss me” he said hoarsely. “kiss me until i forget everything”
“is someone bothering you? who? i’ll kill them.”

YOU CANT NOT LOVE HIM. and yet she had to end up with fanli 😣 don’t get me wrong I love the man.. just not as much.

literally at the start of this book I was like “ooh im excited i like love triangles” and “oh i dont really cry at books I’ll be fine” boy… was i wrong.

ann liang will take your heart and crush it into confetti. in the most beautiful way possible ofc

overview
if you enjoy:
- historical romance
- fantasy (was it fantasy)
- love triangles
- misery…

then you’ll love this 😄 and even if you don’t.. you will STILL LOVE IT!! because it’s ann liang for crying out loud.

also the quotes and writing in this book are literally so top tier >>> never read anything like it in my life it’s one of a kind

characters
xishi - honestly she was so brave and strong!! I loved her. she made a few stupid decisions sometimes and she didn’t always say the right thing in the moment.. but I still liked her. she did what she had to. (however I think im gonna hold a grudge for the rest of my life for what she did to fuchai…)
also im still confused. I think after the plot twist I blanked out a little and I was too teary eyed to read properly because what happened to her!?!? im still confused

fanli - from this review you probably think I hate him but I DONT. he’s so cute and his love for xishi was so pure and beautiful. despite my HUGE obsession with fuchai I still think them two were the right decision to end up together. he was perfect for her and they were so in love <3

FUCHAI MY ONE TRUE LOVE - he’s so misunderstood im telling you like he literally took so much care of her and attended to her every need. here’s some more quotes that had me giggling and screaming:

“i would give up everything for you, you realize?”

just like i would give up everything for a chance with him. fuchai apologist until the die i die.

to conclude
honestly I loved this book so much but I kind of never wanna think about it again. because it hurts a little too much to think of and then next thing I know im sobbing in my room for hours and the box of tissues has run out

so for the sake of my mental health i’m gonna block it out a little. and keep in the good things!! because some moments were cute whilst others were gut wrenching

I highly highly recommend this book and I guarantee you won’t have read anything like it!! thank you netgalley and st martin’s press for providing me this arc.

I don't normally do this (okay, I actually never have before.....) but.............
I started reading and the prose from chapter 1 was flawless.
The physical book is gorgeous.
The premise is lit.
The reviews are so high already.
I think this book will be one of my favorites of the year.
So I /STOPPED READING/ and preordered it, and I intend to experience it for the first time as a physical book in my hands, in October, in all the gorgeousness that it is. I don't know if I'll be able to hold out, but dangit, I am going to try.

GREAT job to the cover designer and edge designer. It's so beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. I can't wait for the physical to arrive. Will update if I break down and give in to the temptation.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for offering me an ARC!

I already know I love Ann Liang's writing. It always grab me fast and its so easy to read. In this book I think I enjoyed it even better.
I loved the premise, I love stories about real historic figures. The espionage storyline was interesting too and the romance was beautiful and angsty the way I love it!

Unfortunately about halfway through, the book was not grabbing my attention like it did in the beginning and I really cant tell why. The last part was interesting again and the endind heartbreaking (I was not expecting to cry like I did) so it was worthy again.

Overall a solid book! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed the author's books before (thought it should still expect something different and more heartbreaking)! And I'm always looking forward to what she will write next.

This book was beautifully written. It marked my first venture into Ann Liang's literary world, initially drawing me in with its captivating cover. I was intrigued when I delved into the description, but the book surpassed my expectations. While I don't often read historical fiction as often as I would like, Ann's storytelling prowess proved irresistible. She expertly painted the portrait of Xishi's allure, her intricate world, and the complexities of her relationships, touching my heart, particularly towards the men in her life. By the book's conclusion, I was crying.

While navigating the demands of graduate school, I have little spare time for reading. Yet, with this novel, I found myself eagerly stealing moments to immerse myself in its pages. While I typically opt for digital copies on my Kindle for convenience, I am compelled to collect physical copies of certain books when I want to curl up with them for future rereads. This is undoubtedly one such book.

**********************SPOILER ALERT*************

I must clarify that my critique isn't directed towards Ann or her work. I understand that the ending adheres to historical events. Yet, I couldn't help but wish for a different fate for Fuchai. Sympathizing with him due to his upbringing, I felt a pang of regret as he demonstrated a willingness to forsake his kingdom for Xishi, unlike Fanli, who failed to seize the same opportunity. Though often frustrated with Fali throughout the book, the tragic outcome for all involved left me reflecting on the complexities of their choices.

tl;dr
An emotional ride featuring a clever protagonist that absolutely sticks the landing.

Thoughts
I finished this book a while ago, but I had to sit with my thoughts for a while because they are many. Like the lead character, this book is beautiful and clever and ambitious and tragic, and I found myself caught up in it the whole way through. Espionage tales are tricky, but this one really fulfills is promise, with a lead character who is absolutely cunning, and I love every move she makes. Pacing can be a bit hard to follow in some places, with large portions of time passing quickly in a way that makes me feel a TV show would convert it into a quick musical montage. The parts where it slows down to really detail the character interactions are by far the best parts, and I was surprised at how delicate and tender some of the emotions are. If the description of the book seems even the least bit interesting to you, give it a read. Strong recommend on this end.

ARC review on behalf of Dear Asian Youth Book Club

The first book in over a year that I truly felt like I could give 5 stars to. Devoured it in less than a few hours, it was such a right time right book situation, everything from the characters to the worldbuilding to the political intrigue was such sheer perfection. The writing was lyrical, haunting, but never self-indulgent and there is nothing I love more than a tragic romance. My only qualm is that this book could have been longer, 500 pages would have been the perfect length to capture everything that had been condensed along the way.

This book was absolutely amazing! I finished it in one day, because it was impossible to put down. I don’t tend to read historical fiction, but this book may make me read more of them. I cried several times throughout this book and it was so interesting. I truly didn’t guess what would happen in the book and was surprised multiple times. I would love more books like this!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

This book was so captivating from the beginning. The story is moving and I couldn't put this down. The ending completely devastated me and was not at all what I expected. I feel so emotional after reading this book and can't wait to recommend it to everyone in October.