I am unfamiliar with the Legend of Xishi, but this book has made ne determined to learn more. The kingdoms of Wu and Yue are locked in an eternal struggle of conquest and beautiful Xish is selected by Fanli, the minister, to become tribute to King Fuchian of Wu and topple the kingdom by gaining the King's favor.
One of my favorite lines of the book reads ,"Happiness was a side dish, like the sweet sticky rice cakes. But revenge - that was the salt of life. Necessary. Essential."
Ann Liang's writing reminds me of Shelley Parker Chan in composition and the ethereal quality of her navigating through Xishi's feelings has aspects of Judy A Lin and Amelie Wan Zhao.
The characters are beautifully etched, th eir emotions and thoughts veining through the marble halls of the kingdoms, shaping the future of the people. I absolutely loved this!! And am eager to see more.
Many thank yous to St Martin's Press and Ann Liang for the ARC!! I will be posting the review on Amazon once the book releases.
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