INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK An October 2024 Indie Next Pick • An October 2024 LibraryReads Pick “Exquisite and devastating. It won’t fail to move you.” —Shelley Parker-Chan, #1 bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic novel steeped in myth about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds as the fate of two kingdoms hangs in a delicate balance. 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. "Stunning and heart-rending." —Chloe Gong, #1 bestselling author of Immortal Longings
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About the author
Ann Liang
Author
Ann Liang is a Chinese-Australian author. Liang will also serve as the executive producer for a television adaptation of her novel If You Could See The Sun.
A Song to Drown Rivers
by Ann Liang
Books Like A Song to Drown Rivers
If you're looking for books similar to A Song to Drown Rivers, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Poppy War
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An epic historical fantasy inspired by Chinese history, featuring a young woman's journey through war and magical training. Similar to the main book, it explores themes of revenge, strategic warfare, and personal transformation. The protagonist uses her unique abilities to challenge existing power structures and seek justice.
Jade City
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An urban fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Asian cultural dynamics, featuring complex family and political relationships. Similar to the main book, it explores themes of strategic conflict, personal sacrifice, and navigating power structures. The narrative focuses on characters using their skills and intelligence to survive and thrive.
The Priory of the Orange Tree
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An epic fantasy featuring complex female characters navigating political and magical landscapes. Like 'A Song to Drown Rivers', it explores themes of strategic survival, personal transformation, and challenging societal expectations. The narrative focuses on characters using their unique abilities to reshape their world.
She Who Became the Sun
Shelley Parker-Chan
A historical fantasy reimagining of the rise of the Ming Dynasty's founding emperor. Like 'A Song to Drown Rivers', it explores themes of identity, power, and survival through a compelling historical lens. The novel features a protagonist who uses cunning and transformation to challenge societal expectations and pursue a destiny beyond traditional roles.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess
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A fantasy novel inspired by Chinese mythology, featuring a young woman on a quest of personal and familial redemption. Similar to the main book, it explores themes of sacrifice, strategic maneuvering, and challenging societal constraints. The protagonist uses her unique abilities and determination to reshape her destiny.
The Bone Shard Daughter
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A fantasy novel set in a complex political world where characters must use strategy and personal agency to survive. Like 'A Song to Drown Rivers', it features a protagonist challenging traditional roles and using unique skills to reshape her destiny. The narrative explores themes of power, transformation, and personal resilience.
Immortal Longings
Chloe Gong
A complex narrative set in a reimagined historical world with elements of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. The book shares thematic similarities with 'A Song to Drown Rivers', including strategic manipulation, forbidden love, and the high stakes of personal and political survival. It features a strong female protagonist navigating dangerous political landscapes.
The Tiger's Daughter
K. Arsenault Rivera
An epic fantasy that explores themes of female friendship, power, and destiny in a world inspired by Asian historical and cultural contexts. Like 'A Song to Drown Rivers', it features strong female characters challenging societal expectations. The novel combines elements of mythology, personal journey, and strategic conflict.
Six Crimson Cranes
Elizabeth Lim
A fantasy novel inspired by East Asian folklore, featuring a princess who must use her wit and magical abilities to survive and reclaim her identity. Similar to the main book, it explores themes of personal transformation, strategic survival, and challenging societal expectations. The protagonist navigates complex political and magical landscapes.
The Ghost Bride
Yangsze Choo
A historical novel set in colonial Malaysia that blends supernatural elements with cultural exploration. Like 'A Song to Drown Rivers', it features a young woman navigating complex social expectations and making strategic choices. The protagonist uses her intelligence and agency to challenge traditional roles and pursue her own path.
Kingdom of the Wicked
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A dark fantasy novel featuring a young woman seeking revenge and navigating supernatural political intrigue. Similar to the main book, it explores themes of personal transformation, strategic survival, and challenging existing power structures. The protagonist uses her unique abilities to pursue justice and challenge her circumstances.
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
Julie C. Dao
An East Asian-inspired fantasy exploring a protagonist's journey from oppression to power. Similar to the main book, it features a young woman using her skills and determination to challenge existing power structures. The novel combines elements of personal transformation, strategic survival, and mythological exploration.
The Wrath & the Dawn
Renée Ahdieh
A retelling of One Thousand and One Nights that features a strong female protagonist using her wit and courage to survive in a dangerous political environment. Like 'A Song to Drown Rivers', it explores themes of love, sacrifice, and strategic survival. The heroine uses her intelligence to challenge and transform her circumstances.
The Girl King
Mimi Yu
A fantasy novel exploring themes of female power, political intrigue, and personal transformation. Like 'A Song to Drown Rivers', it features sisters navigating complex political landscapes and challenging traditional gender roles. The narrative focuses on strategic survival and personal agency in a challenging world.
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