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A Song to Drown Rivers
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.
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.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 1, 2024
About the author
Ann Liang
8 books6,113 followersAnn Liang is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the critically acclaimed YA novels This Time It’s Real, If You Could See the Sun, and I Hope This Doesn't Find You. Her books have sold into over twenty foreign territories. Born in Beijing, she grew up traveling back and forth between China and Australia, but somehow ended up with an American accent. She now lives in Melbourne, where she can be found making overambitious to do lists and having profound conversations with her pet labradoodle about who’s a good dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 731 reviews
August 29, 2024
2.05!
I WAS VERY GENEROUS WITH THIS RATING
Everyone has been raving about Ann Liang's YA rom-coms so I had to see what the hype was about and I had gotten an arc of her new adult fantasy book on netgalley. So I thought why not really this first and to say I'm disappointed would be an understatement because this book was so lacking in almost every aspect. It could have done so much better but it failed to read that potential it was also very short? My arc was about 280 pages with 15 pages being additional stuff. I did enjoy it and that's why I'm giving it two stars, the writing was the better part and I had enjoyed reading it during the second half where I quite literally flew through it but I could not negate the wasted potential.
It could have been such a beautiful tragic novel, if it was done and this unfortunately was not done right. The fantasy elements were missing from this novel, they were so minute and not well explored. For a romantasy the romance felt missing too. The world building was lackluster and the action was barely there. The political/court intrigued could've been more drawn out more explored but that wasn't the case here either. The book fluctuated a lot sometimes it would be so slow and the other times it would be extremely fast and it was very off putting. The way it was written maybe fun and enjoyable but it lacks so many things that would make it actually good.
The characters were so mid and wasted 😭. Our love interest was present only for 25% of the book so we barely, barely got any content from his side or any development from his side both romantically and for his character. Zhengdan and Fuchais characters were wasted. I won't say why Zhengdan's was but Fuchai's character, he deserved so much better!!and his character could've been more flawed and more morally grey but he quite literally was a drunken fool 😭 Xishi our main character managed to do the bare minimum, seduce a drunken fool 😍👏🏻 that's it. That's what the 13 weeks worth of training taught her. The character development was simply non existent. They were just there and they moved around and the sorry finished..the ending was very disappointing as well. I couldn't feel anything because I wasn't that attached to the character but I was shocked by it and not really impressed tbh. Zixu was the only character who ate 😭😭 that one line where he says at the end 😭🔪 HE DEVOURED 😭😭
The romance was so disappointing. It was so rushed because the FMC and the MMC catch feeling like 20% in and the then 5% later the FMC leaves and then they meet twice during this whole fiasco and those moments were also brief. We got more of her scenes with Fuchais than the Fanli and it was so disappointing because when a book does not deliver on fantasy you expect the romance to overshadow it and this failed as well. The quotes were nice but the romance simply was not also that one scene where she says Fanlis name 😭😭 THE SECOND HAND EMBARRASSMENT 😭🤡
Also for an adult book there was nothing adult of sort, it read like a YA novel.
Overall, a subpar novel which could have exploited more of its potential 😔
˖ ⋆ ˚𓆝 ˖ ｡ ⋆ 𓈒 𓆟 ˖ ⋆˚°𓆞 ˚ ｡ ⋆
This book is one of my most highly anticipated books and it's also my first Ann Liang book so I am so excited to read this!!! Got the arc back in Feb and I feel like this is the perfect time to read this<333
*Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an E-arc*
I WAS VERY GENEROUS WITH THIS RATING
Everyone has been raving about Ann Liang's YA rom-coms so I had to see what the hype was about and I had gotten an arc of her new adult fantasy book on netgalley. So I thought why not really this first and to say I'm disappointed would be an understatement because this book was so lacking in almost every aspect. It could have done so much better but it failed to read that potential it was also very short? My arc was about 280 pages with 15 pages being additional stuff. I did enjoy it and that's why I'm giving it two stars, the writing was the better part and I had enjoyed reading it during the second half where I quite literally flew through it but I could not negate the wasted potential.
It could have been such a beautiful tragic novel, if it was done and this unfortunately was not done right. The fantasy elements were missing from this novel, they were so minute and not well explored. For a romantasy the romance felt missing too. The world building was lackluster and the action was barely there. The political/court intrigued could've been more drawn out more explored but that wasn't the case here either. The book fluctuated a lot sometimes it would be so slow and the other times it would be extremely fast and it was very off putting. The way it was written maybe fun and enjoyable but it lacks so many things that would make it actually good.
The characters were so mid and wasted 😭. Our love interest was present only for 25% of the book so we barely, barely got any content from his side or any development from his side both romantically and for his character. Zhengdan and Fuchais characters were wasted. I won't say why Zhengdan's was but Fuchai's character, he deserved so much better!!and his character could've been more flawed and more morally grey but he quite literally was a drunken fool 😭 Xishi our main character managed to do the bare minimum, seduce a drunken fool 😍👏🏻 that's it. That's what the 13 weeks worth of training taught her. The character development was simply non existent. They were just there and they moved around and the sorry finished..the ending was very disappointing as well. I couldn't feel anything because I wasn't that attached to the character but I was shocked by it and not really impressed tbh. Zixu was the only character who ate 😭😭 that one line where he says at the end 😭🔪 HE DEVOURED 😭😭
The romance was so disappointing. It was so rushed because the FMC and the MMC catch feeling like 20% in and the then 5% later the FMC leaves and then they meet twice during this whole fiasco and those moments were also brief. We got more of her scenes with Fuchais than the Fanli and it was so disappointing because when a book does not deliver on fantasy you expect the romance to overshadow it and this failed as well. The quotes were nice but the romance simply was not also that one scene where she says Fanlis name 😭😭 THE SECOND HAND EMBARRASSMENT 😭🤡
Also for an adult book there was nothing adult of sort, it read like a YA novel.
Overall, a subpar novel which could have exploited more of its potential 😔
˖ ⋆ ˚𓆝 ˖ ｡ ⋆ 𓈒 𓆟 ˖ ⋆˚°𓆞 ˚ ｡ ⋆
This book is one of my most highly anticipated books and it's also my first Ann Liang book so I am so excited to read this!!! Got the arc back in Feb and I feel like this is the perfect time to read this<333
*Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an E-arc*
February 9, 2024
i expected nothing less from xishi and fanli (excuse me while i go reread i hope this doesn’t find you because this was so heartbreaking) WHAT IS THIS BOOK AND WHY IS IT SO ADDICTIVE
rtc ☆
note: i think i might write a short review later but an in-depth one will be coming in october !!
--
THE COVER STOP- that just solved all my problems
rtc ☆
note: i think i might write a short review later but an in-depth one will be coming in october !!
--
THE COVER STOP- that just solved all my problems
February 9, 2024
5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚
➵ rtc closer to the release date bc i wanna rant and i can’t without quotes and minor spoilers 🥲
➵ this was SO good… and tragic ❤️🩹
I didn’t think I would cry tbh…I was wrong
➵ FUCHAI DESERVES BETTER ‼️
br with my pretty repstqrz 🫶🏼🫶🏼 I had someone to rant to im so grateful 🤭💓 it was sooo much fun <3
➵ rtc closer to the release date bc i wanna rant and i can’t without quotes and minor spoilers 🥲
➵ this was SO good… and tragic ❤️🩹
I didn’t think I would cry tbh…
➵ FUCHAI DESERVES BETTER ‼️
br with my pretty repstqrz 🫶🏼🫶🏼 I had someone to rant to im so grateful 🤭💓 it was sooo much fun <3
February 10, 2024
read ii ⊹ this book makes me so happy haha
they're angsty but xishifanli are also cutesie patootsies actually, we just didn't get to see lots of their silly exchanges. to read at least fifty more pages of them in riversong cottage will bring good effects like trust the birds will sing, flowers will bloom, clouds will dance, the sun will shine brighter, and i will heal. even if it's just these two sitting and talking, more stolen glances, smiling, laughing, pining, them being comfortable and basking in eo's presence.. i don't mind. it could be insignificant to some but it's very personal and means the whole world to me. just thinking about it, goddd i really don't mind at all
read i ⊹ what if i just jump. maybe we should all jump. on the count of three let's all hold hands and jump
pre-read ⊹ wahjfhjhasjdh i'll see u all in the astdr psych ward!!!
they're angsty but xishifanli are also cutesie patootsies actually, we just didn't get to see lots of their silly exchanges. to read at least fifty more pages of them in riversong cottage will bring good effects like trust the birds will sing, flowers will bloom, clouds will dance, the sun will shine brighter, and i will heal. even if it's just these two sitting and talking, more stolen glances, smiling, laughing, pining, them being comfortable and basking in eo's presence.. i don't mind. it could be insignificant to some but it's very personal and means the whole world to me. just thinking about it, goddd i really don't mind at all
read i ⊹ what if i just jump. maybe we should all jump. on the count of three let's all hold hands and jump
pre-read ⊹ wahjfhjhasjdh i'll see u all in the astdr psych ward!!!
January 29, 2024
writing this with shaky hands and tears streaming down my face.
i hate this book. it's so intoxicating that you are FORCED to leave other responsibilities in order to finish it as soon as possible. irreversible damage has been done to my mental health. and i'm also sleep deprived, but that doesn't matter because i just read this masterpiece.
this book is now the center of my universe. i am deceased ???
as a major history + mythology enthusiast, thank you ann liang for giving me everything i needed.
+ please do write more books in this genre, i'm begging you. my fragile heart can't take the amount of wasted potential for ann liang as a fantasy/asian mythology author.
➵ i really do want to write a review, but i honestly want to add a good amount of quotes, annotations + an in depth character analysis, which will most likely include minor spoilers, so i will probably post a review closer to the publication date 😭 (october 1st, 2024)
pre-review
READY TO BINGE THIS WITH ALL THE BEST GIRLS READING THIS RN
i hate this book. it's so intoxicating that you are FORCED to leave other responsibilities in order to finish it as soon as possible. irreversible damage has been done to my mental health. and i'm also sleep deprived, but that doesn't matter because i just read this masterpiece.
this book is now the center of my universe. i am deceased ???
as a major history + mythology enthusiast, thank you ann liang for giving me everything i needed.
+ please do write more books in this genre, i'm begging you. my fragile heart can't take the amount of wasted potential for ann liang as a fantasy/asian mythology author.
➵ i really do want to write a review, but i honestly want to add a good amount of quotes, annotations + an in depth character analysis, which will most likely include minor spoilers, so i will probably post a review closer to the publication date 😭 (october 1st, 2024)
pre-review
READY TO BINGE THIS WITH ALL THE BEST GIRLS READING THIS RN
Read
March 18, 2024THE TEARS WONT STOP GOSH ANN LIANG U BETTER PAY FOR MY THERAPY!!!!!!!!
RTC
જ⁀➴
Everyone said that this book made them cry, so my plushie, tissues, and I are going to read it now.
RTC
જ⁀➴
Everyone said that this book made them cry, so my plushie, tissues, and I are going to read it now.
July 23, 2024
oh ann. why did you do this to me??
(minor unmarked spoilers)
☆ insta lust/love. it’s no secret that this is a majorly disliked trope by the majority of romance readers, so liang, why on earth would you include this?? fanli and xishi knew each other for ten weeks. she was with the (attractive) enemy king fuchai for two years and yet she continued to pine over fanli?! the maths is not mathing
☆ fantasy where?? romance who?? usually when books are characterised as a “romantasy” they lean heavily into the romance, and have very little fantasy (cough, powerless, cough cough). but this book literally had neither. our mmc disappears for more than half the book and the fantasy element appears right at the very end. (edit: something that i’ve noticed is that many reviews are describing the two love interests as “two sides of the same coin”(interestingly enough the wording is also eerily similar) and all i’d like to ask is.. is the coin the lack of common sense within them??
☆ plot devices + plot armour + all tell and no show. xishi was a shitty spy. (all she does is convince a dude who needs therapy to build a palace.) we’re constantly told about the romantic tension between fanli and xishi but we never truly get to see it. we are constantly told about the amazing spying that xishi is getting up to but we never actually get to see anything. we do get a full paragraph of description about fanli’s face, but we obviously can’t get any information about the entering of xishi and zhengdan into the palace (aka the most interesting part of the book) because why wouldn’t we want to be deprived of anything of actual substance??
☆ this all leads me onto my next point(s): a lack of character development and storylines + characters that were wasted. so many different plot points were just dropped halfway, and so many characters could have had such meaningful impacts to the story. xishi’s heart defect was never expanded on. the whole subplot (if it can even be called that) with xishi’s sister felt like it was only created to give xishi some much needed depth, but then it was just abandoned. fuchai could have had some real depth and been this amazing morally-grey mmc, but instead became a sub-par villain with daddy issues. fanli could have been given some more page time to warrant being a love interest, let alone giving him any depth/development. fuchai’s advisor (his name is forgotten) could have been such a good antagonist if he had ever been given the chance. her friend zhengdan, wasn’t given enough page time for any of her actions to actually change the course of the story.
☆ unoriginality. this wasn’t unique in the slightest, rather it was a recounting of events from the original myth with an unnecessary amount of metaphors and the purplest of prose. the only new thing was the romance between xishi and fanli, and even then it was barely there.
☆ on another point about the writing is the lack of description about anything interesting. there is little expansion about the politics of the kingdoms of yue and wu, but more about the beauty of fanli and an endless amount of similes, adjectives, metaphors and hyperboles about how the water sparkles. so if you are a fan of high fantasy, please do look further for a book containing good political/court intrigue (and please dm me if you find any good reads).
☆ it's characterisation as an adult book. this is a huge departure from liang's usual fluffy ya romances, and if you couldn't already tell, i didn't love it. xishi's role in the palace was to be the king's concubine, yet the most the king did with her was to sleep in the same bed and kiss a couple of times. what!? and you expect me to believe that xishi's powers of seduction were so strong that she was able to convince him to build her a fucking palace and a canal. i believe it. 🙄
so yeah. ann, i love you, but please stick to ya.
(also i’m not writing an overview of the plot no matter what the netgalley review tips say, because it takes exactly one click for the synopsis of the book to show up.)
oh and thanks to netgalley for an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts <3
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
౨ৎ • links:
⤿ if you could see the sun - 3✩ review here
⤿ this time it's real- 2.25✩ review here
⤿ i hope this doesn't find you - 4.5✩ pre-review here
⤿ i could give you the moon - pre-release review here
⤿ i am not jessica chen - pre-release review here
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
꒰ 🌷 ⊹˚. ෆ pre review:
i hate how much i don't love this
rating and review to come (edit: okay i've settled on two stars for now 😭 - i'm in a review slump rn so it might take me a while to write one)
꒰ 💌 ⊹˚. ෆ reading records:
(date layout = dd/mm/yy)
୨ৎ ‧ 22/06/2024
wow. i'm really feeling the sadness. it's so sad. i hate how these characters who had the most contrived personalities are having sad storylines. it's so sad.
౨ৎ ‧ 19/06/2024
i don't think the fantasy is in the room with us. maybe it's the friends we made along the way
୨ৎ ‧ 18/06/2024
such an amazing spy frfr
౨ৎ ‧ 17/06/2024
i love how the mmc is nowhere to be seen. literally. i don't think he's coming back.
୨ৎ ‧ 13/06/2024
it's reminding me of powerless why is there so much plot armour and plot devices ughhhhh
౨ৎ ‧ 11/06/2024
yess queeen! let's only elaborate about physical features instead of politics!
୨ৎ ‧ 11/06/2024
is the fantasy the lack of realism??
౨ৎ ‧ 10/06/2024
no no no no no no no you cannot just give me a quick overview of the most exciting part of the book. if you can spare what feels like two pages talking about someone's hands, then you can spend half a page talking about something interesting.
୨ৎ ‧ 7/06/2024
how this will turn into a romance i have no idea. WHERE IS THE CHARACTER DEPTH!! no one has a personality😭i get that you're all shallow creeps but COME ONN GIVE ME SOMETHING TO WORK WITH
౨ৎ ‧ 5/06/2024
i get it, everyone is pretty, please shut the fuck up now. (constructive criticism don't kill me) (i am tired of this shit) (i'm not even halfway through yet) (you've listed every synonym of "beautiful" already) (give me a break) (what is with this prose) (not everything needs two paragraphs of description) (what in the juliette ferrars is this)
୨ৎ ‧ 4/06/2024
love to see the stupidity slayy <33
౨ৎ ‧ 1/06/2024
not even 25% through and they're already in love with each other wtff 😭and it's no show all tell😫😫 woohoo go girl give us nothing!
୨ৎ ‧ 25/05/2024
hoping this will pull me out of my blood over bright haven hangover
꒰ 🧸 ⊹˚. ෆ tbr review:
that. cover.
buddy reading with my love ellie <33 ahhh i can’t believe we both got the arc!!
꒰ 💐 ⊹˚. pre release:
seeing everyone get arcs for this but it’s not available in the uk yet 😭
(minor unmarked spoilers)
☆ insta lust/love. it’s no secret that this is a majorly disliked trope by the majority of romance readers, so liang, why on earth would you include this?? fanli and xishi knew each other for ten weeks. she was with the (attractive) enemy king fuchai for two years and yet she continued to pine over fanli?! the maths is not mathing
☆ fantasy where?? romance who?? usually when books are characterised as a “romantasy” they lean heavily into the romance, and have very little fantasy (cough, powerless, cough cough). but this book literally had neither. our mmc disappears for more than half the book and the fantasy element appears right at the very end. (edit: something that i’ve noticed is that many reviews are describing the two love interests as “two sides of the same coin”
☆ plot devices + plot armour + all tell and no show. xishi was a shitty spy. (all she does is convince a dude who needs therapy to build a palace.) we’re constantly told about the romantic tension between fanli and xishi but we never truly get to see it. we are constantly told about the amazing spying that xishi is getting up to but we never actually get to see anything. we do get a full paragraph of description about fanli’s face, but we obviously can’t get any information about the entering of xishi and zhengdan into the palace (aka the most interesting part of the book) because why wouldn’t we want to be deprived of anything of actual substance??
☆ this all leads me onto my next point(s): a lack of character development and storylines + characters that were wasted. so many different plot points were just dropped halfway, and so many characters could have had such meaningful impacts to the story. xishi’s heart defect was never expanded on. the whole subplot (if it can even be called that) with xishi’s sister felt like it was only created to give xishi some much needed depth, but then it was just abandoned. fuchai could have had some real depth and been this amazing morally-grey mmc, but instead became a sub-par villain with daddy issues. fanli could have been given some more page time to warrant being a love interest, let alone giving him any depth/development. fuchai’s advisor (his name is forgotten) could have been such a good antagonist if he had ever been given the chance. her friend zhengdan, wasn’t given enough page time for any of her actions to actually change the course of the story.
☆ unoriginality. this wasn’t unique in the slightest, rather it was a recounting of events from the original myth with an unnecessary amount of metaphors and the purplest of prose. the only new thing was the romance between xishi and fanli, and even then it was barely there.
☆ on another point about the writing is the lack of description about anything interesting. there is little expansion about the politics of the kingdoms of yue and wu, but more about the beauty of fanli and an endless amount of similes, adjectives, metaphors and hyperboles about how the water sparkles. so if you are a fan of high fantasy, please do look further for a book containing good political/court intrigue (and please dm me if you find any good reads).
☆ it's characterisation as an adult book. this is a huge departure from liang's usual fluffy ya romances, and if you couldn't already tell, i didn't love it. xishi's role in the palace was to be the king's concubine, yet the most the king did with her was to sleep in the same bed and kiss a couple of times. what!? and you expect me to believe that xishi's powers of seduction were so strong that she was able to convince him to build her a fucking palace and a canal. i believe it. 🙄
so yeah. ann, i love you, but please stick to ya.
(also i’m not writing an overview of the plot no matter what the netgalley review tips say, because it takes exactly one click for the synopsis of the book to show up.)
oh and thanks to netgalley for an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts <3
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
౨ৎ • links:
⤿ if you could see the sun - 3✩ review here
⤿ this time it's real- 2.25✩ review here
⤿ i hope this doesn't find you - 4.5✩ pre-review here
⤿ i could give you the moon - pre-release review here
⤿ i am not jessica chen - pre-release review here
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
꒰ 🌷 ⊹˚. ෆ pre review:
i hate how much i don't love this
rating and review to come (edit: okay i've settled on two stars for now 😭 - i'm in a review slump rn so it might take me a while to write one)
꒰ 💌 ⊹˚. ෆ reading records:
(date layout = dd/mm/yy)
୨ৎ ‧ 22/06/2024
wow. i'm really feeling the sadness. it's so sad. i hate how these characters who had the most contrived personalities are having sad storylines. it's so sad.
౨ৎ ‧ 19/06/2024
i don't think the fantasy is in the room with us. maybe it's the friends we made along the way
୨ৎ ‧ 18/06/2024
such an amazing spy frfr
౨ৎ ‧ 17/06/2024
i love how the mmc is nowhere to be seen. literally. i don't think he's coming back.
୨ৎ ‧ 13/06/2024
it's reminding me of powerless why is there so much plot armour and plot devices ughhhhh
౨ৎ ‧ 11/06/2024
yess queeen! let's only elaborate about physical features instead of politics!
୨ৎ ‧ 11/06/2024
is the fantasy the lack of realism??
౨ৎ ‧ 10/06/2024
no no no no no no no you cannot just give me a quick overview of the most exciting part of the book. if you can spare what feels like two pages talking about someone's hands, then you can spend half a page talking about something interesting.
୨ৎ ‧ 7/06/2024
how this will turn into a romance i have no idea. WHERE IS THE CHARACTER DEPTH!! no one has a personality😭i get that you're all shallow creeps but COME ONN GIVE ME SOMETHING TO WORK WITH
౨ৎ ‧ 5/06/2024
i get it, everyone is pretty, please shut the fuck up now. (constructive criticism don't kill me) (i am tired of this shit) (i'm not even halfway through yet) (you've listed every synonym of "beautiful" already) (give me a break) (what is with this prose) (not everything needs two paragraphs of description) (what in the juliette ferrars is this)
୨ৎ ‧ 4/06/2024
love to see the stupidity slayy <33
౨ৎ ‧ 1/06/2024
not even 25% through and they're already in love with each other wtff 😭and it's no show all tell😫😫 woohoo go girl give us nothing!
୨ৎ ‧ 25/05/2024
hoping this will pull me out of my blood over bright haven hangover
꒰ 🧸 ⊹˚. ෆ tbr review:
that. cover.
buddy reading with my love ellie <33 ahhh i can’t believe we both got the arc!!
꒰ 💐 ⊹˚. pre release:
seeing everyone get arcs for this but it’s not available in the uk yet 😭
April 30, 2024
➵ 4.5 ✰ ☾⋆⁺⊹
the mind destroys, the heart devours
after a lot of thought (and ranting to juju) i decided to give this 4 stars. i loved this so much and as someone who is mostly known for her romcoms, ann liang did great. the reason that i'm not giving this 5 stars is because the biggest and most obvious trope in this book is the love-triangle and i'm not a fan of that trope (at all). the main lead is very obvious but i just can't help getting attached to the second lead.
─ i still highly recommend this and i honestly wish that ann liang wrote more books in this genre because she did very well. i was sobbing my eyes out during the last 20% of the book.
full rtc! 💌
# i'll be writing the full review closer to the release date because i want to include spoilers and quotes from the book!
---
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP I JUST DOWNLOADED THIS ON KINDLE AND I'M ABOUT TO DROP EVERYTHING TO READ THIS RFN 😭😭😭😭
the mind destroys, the heart devours
after a lot of thought (and ranting to juju) i decided to give this 4 stars. i loved this so much and as someone who is mostly known for her romcoms, ann liang did great. the reason that i'm not giving this 5 stars is because the biggest and most obvious trope in this book is the love-triangle and i'm not a fan of that trope (at all). the main lead is very obvious but i just can't help getting attached to the second lead.
─ i still highly recommend this and i honestly wish that ann liang wrote more books in this genre because she did very well. i was sobbing my eyes out during the last 20% of the book.
full rtc! 💌
# i'll be writing the full review closer to the release date because i want to include spoilers and quotes from the book!
---
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP I JUST DOWNLOADED THIS ON KINDLE AND I'M ABOUT TO DROP EVERYTHING TO READ THIS RFN 😭😭😭😭
April 22, 2024
→5✰
my heart is shattered.
ann liang, why did u do this to me? i am never recovering from this
-full rtc closer to the release date 💌
*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
pre-read review
SCREAMINGGG IM DROPPING EVERYTHING FOR THIS 😽
thank uu to manju and mitra for letting me know abt the arc !!
ily cuties smm
my heart is shattered.
ann liang, why did u do this to me? i am never recovering from this
-full rtc closer to the release date 💌
*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
pre-read review
SCREAMINGGG IM DROPPING EVERYTHING FOR THIS 😽
thank uu to manju and mitra for letting me know abt the arc !!
ily cuties smm
May 15, 2024
this book was the equivalent of being stabbed in the heart with a bejeweled dagger by someone who you called a friend 💔
seriously though, this was so stunning. Ann weaves a breathtaking tapestry of star-crossed love, sacrifice, betrayal, and the reality of how blurred the lines of war are. I will definitely be buying this, rereading it, and writing an in-depth review with tons of quotes because the writing was gorgeous when it comes out. But for now, I need a fluffy book to recover from that ending 😭😭
edit: helppp goodreads put this back on my to-read shelf and deleted all the likes?? but the comments are still there??😭
seriously though, this was so stunning. Ann weaves a breathtaking tapestry of star-crossed love, sacrifice, betrayal, and the reality of how blurred the lines of war are. I will definitely be buying this, rereading it, and writing an in-depth review with tons of quotes because the writing was gorgeous when it comes out. But for now, I need a fluffy book to recover from that ending 😭😭
edit: helppp goodreads put this back on my to-read shelf and deleted all the likes?? but the comments are still there??😭
February 8, 2024
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.
February 6, 2024
˗ˏˋ꒰𖦹｡ 5 stars ⋆°✰꒱ ˎˊ˗
y'all know that feeling when you just read your new forever favorite book ever and you realize now you're never gonna be able to read it for the first time again. THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH FOR THE ENTIRE DAY. this is me precisely
this was so devastatingly beautiful and sad, i love this kind of books. just to summarize my feelings for this book, another gif, and we end the review.
my buket of boiling tears to be specific lmao you cannot imagine how much i sobbed during the entirety of this book. i'm not made to watch or read forbidden romances, ii expect the worst to happen and i just cry and cry. this is not in the book, it's just a forbidden romance kind of quote. like when he says "I'll love you forever" and i start crying cuz i can't stop thinking "you don't have forever"
forbidden romances are my trope to cry and cry and crycrash landing on you pls
so yeah, ann liang you NEED to write more books in this genre. that's my only reason to live, the hope that ann liang is gonna write another book in this genre. she's so GOOD writing YA and now THIS, pls. atp i would read nything she writes
pre-review:
im numb and my head hurts. i won't ever get over this. it's a FACT, i know myself
my heart ache, hurt, cried, SCREAMED for fuchai. sue me idc
rtc
ps. there's gonna be a lot sobbing writing the review.
now, im gonna go cry to my mama about the pain im feeling rn. excuse me
pre-read:
OMFG, THIS WAS SO RANDOM. i didn't even have a netgalley account about like an hour ago. there was no way this was gonna work, but now that it does i have to read it not that im complaining wth
MY FIRST ARC EVER BEING AN ANN LIANG'S BOOK, is a dream come true. im beyond excited for this 😭
thanks to netgalley for the arc <33
y'all know that feeling when you just read your new forever favorite book ever and you realize now you're never gonna be able to read it for the first time again. THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH FOR THE ENTIRE DAY. this is me precisely
this was so devastatingly beautiful and sad, i love this kind of books. just to summarize my feelings for this book, another gif, and we end the review.
my buket of boiling tears to be specific lmao you cannot imagine how much i sobbed during the entirety of this book. i'm not made to watch or read forbidden romances, ii expect the worst to happen and i just cry and cry. this is not in the book, it's just a forbidden romance kind of quote. like when he says "I'll love you forever" and i start crying cuz i can't stop thinking "you don't have forever"
forbidden romances are my trope to cry and cry and cry
so yeah, ann liang you NEED to write more books in this genre. that's my only reason to live, the hope that ann liang is gonna write another book in this genre. she's so GOOD writing YA and now THIS, pls. atp i would read nything she writes
pre-review:
im numb and my head hurts. i won't ever get over this. it's a FACT, i know myself
my heart ache, hurt, cried, SCREAMED for fuchai. sue me idc
rtc
ps. there's gonna be a lot sobbing writing the review.
now, im gonna go cry to my mama about the pain im feeling rn. excuse me
pre-read:
OMFG, THIS WAS SO RANDOM. i didn't even have a netgalley account about like an hour ago. there was no way this was gonna work, but now that it does i have to read it
MY FIRST ARC EVER BEING AN ANN LIANG'S BOOK, is a dream come true. im beyond excited for this 😭
thanks to netgalley for the arc <33
July 30, 2024
꒰🏛️꒱ ⁺˖ જ⁀➴ thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
꒰🩰⌗₊꒱ ········· a song to drown rivers - 3.75 stars ☆⁺˖
°˖➴ ꒰🪐꒱ plot 〰️: xishi is known for her beauty and is seen as a blessing to her village, yue. when xishi meets fanli, a military adviser, he proposes the idea of using her beauty to defeat the rivaling kingdom, wu. xishi agrees and becomes a spy, living with the king who is enchanted by her beauty. the only downside is: if xishi gets caught, then both kingdoms will be taken down.
౨ ✉️ ৎ my opinion ✔️: i really liked this! it held my attention and moved fast enough that i was interested most of the time. that being said, i did still have some issues, causing this to be not quite a 4star, but a 3.75. in usual ann liang fashion, both characters were amazing, both separately AND as a couple. the ending was bittersweet, sad yet later happy. i still dont know how to feel but i think i liked it? im glad that there was hea-ish ending <3 i also really enjoyed the writing! i've previously read 'i hope this doesnt find you' and 'if you could see the sun' both by ann liang and i liked the writing in those too! i have to say that i think her writing had improved in this book!
°˖➴ ꒰🪐꒱ what i didn't like✖️: as i said before, i was interested and entertained most of the time. this did get boring for me at times. it went pretty fast for most of the book, but at some parts it was SO SLOW! im glad i followed through with it though bcs i ended up really enjoying!
········· ꒰🏹꒱ recommend❔ 👍🏻∿👎🏻
જ⁀➴ ···· ౨ 📖 ৎ ⤳ yes! if you usually like ann liang's books then i would say that yes! this is worth it! it is pretty different from her usual fluffy, cutsey, short, love-filt romances BUT it is still just as good!
౨ৎ release date: 10/1/24 ⁺˖ ✉️❕
⤷ btw: im trying out a new review format for books that are arcs. i will still use my usual format for all my regular reads, i just felt like this format would be better for arcs bcs less spoilers - more of my opinion!
────────
pre-review: read this on the plane a few hours ago. the man sitting in front of me put his seat ALL the way back and crushed my legs then got mad at me and made me cry 🙂 its safe to say that this book was the only good part about my flight. rating // review to come!
ᝰ.ᐟ pre-read: im marking this as currently reading now but starting on the plane tmrw! i am SO exited 🤭 and i still can't believe i got the arc 😭🩷
tbr-review: I GOT THE ARC. I. GOT. THE. ARC. I GOT THE FREAKING ARC OMG. I AM UNWELL BECAUSE WHAT? THANK U ALL WHO FOLLOW ME/ARE FRIENDS WITH ME AND LIKE MY REVIEWS BCS I WOULDNT HAVE GOTTEN IT WITHOUT YALL OMG.
either im dense or live under a rock or both bc i keep finding ann laings 😱😱
꒰🩰⌗₊꒱ ········· a song to drown rivers - 3.75 stars ☆⁺˖
°˖➴ ꒰🪐꒱ plot 〰️: xishi is known for her beauty and is seen as a blessing to her village, yue. when xishi meets fanli, a military adviser, he proposes the idea of using her beauty to defeat the rivaling kingdom, wu. xishi agrees and becomes a spy, living with the king who is enchanted by her beauty. the only downside is: if xishi gets caught, then both kingdoms will be taken down.
౨ ✉️ ৎ my opinion ✔️: i really liked this! it held my attention and moved fast enough that i was interested most of the time. that being said, i did still have some issues, causing this to be not quite a 4star, but a 3.75. in usual ann liang fashion, both characters were amazing, both separately AND as a couple. the ending was bittersweet, sad yet later happy. i still dont know how to feel but i think i liked it? im glad that there was hea-ish ending <3 i also really enjoyed the writing! i've previously read 'i hope this doesnt find you' and 'if you could see the sun' both by ann liang and i liked the writing in those too! i have to say that i think her writing had improved in this book!
°˖➴ ꒰🪐꒱ what i didn't like✖️: as i said before, i was interested and entertained most of the time. this did get boring for me at times. it went pretty fast for most of the book, but at some parts it was SO SLOW! im glad i followed through with it though bcs i ended up really enjoying!
········· ꒰🏹꒱ recommend❔ 👍🏻∿👎🏻
જ⁀➴ ···· ౨ 📖 ৎ ⤳ yes! if you usually like ann liang's books then i would say that yes! this is worth it! it is pretty different from her usual fluffy, cutsey, short, love-filt romances BUT it is still just as good!
౨ৎ release date: 10/1/24 ⁺˖ ✉️❕
⤷ btw: im trying out a new review format for books that are arcs. i will still use my usual format for all my regular reads, i just felt like this format would be better for arcs bcs less spoilers - more of my opinion!
────────
pre-review: read this on the plane a few hours ago. the man sitting in front of me put his seat ALL the way back and crushed my legs then got mad at me and made me cry 🙂 its safe to say that this book was the only good part about my flight. rating // review to come!
ᝰ.ᐟ pre-read: im marking this as currently reading now but starting on the plane tmrw! i am SO exited 🤭 and i still can't believe i got the arc 😭🩷
tbr-review: I GOT THE ARC. I. GOT. THE. ARC. I GOT THE FREAKING ARC OMG. I AM UNWELL BECAUSE WHAT? THANK U ALL WHO FOLLOW ME/ARE FRIENDS WITH ME AND LIKE MY REVIEWS BCS I WOULDNT HAVE GOTTEN IT WITHOUT YALL OMG.
either im dense or live under a rock or both bc i keep finding ann laings 😱😱
July 4, 2024
I BEG YOUR FINEST PARDON, THIS BOOK BROKE MY HEART INTO A GOOGOLPLEX SMITHEREENS.
Tropes include: angst, pain, suffering, and heartbreak🥰🤩🥳🤭🎀
🪭“the cruel king who would give up his kingdom for...
the legendary beauty whose smile hides knives and her yearning for...
the noble strategist who has no selfish desires... except one.”🪭
I’ll be back with quotes on pub day to back up my statement. I couldn’t even write status updates for the last bit of reading because I was too busy crying a literal river. I knew this would hurt but I was not prepared lol
It feels like I’ve been stabbed. 5 stars.
P.S. the red string of fate and character art😭❤️ beautiful
———
GETTING TO READ THIS EARLY JUST SAVED MY YEAR😭😭😭😭 #annliangbuddyreadswithmaggieera🫶
———
I've never preordered a book so far in advance before🥹🤝
------
FORBIDDEN ROMANCE FORBIDDEN ROMANCE FORBIDDEN ROMANCE?!?!?!
------
MISS ANN LIANG NEVER SLEEPS, 3 NEW BOOKS😩!!! 2024 WILL BE HER YEAR MARK MY WORDS🫡. SHE IS SERVING🙏✨🫶💖🙏✨🫶💖
Tropes include: angst, pain, suffering, and heartbreak🥰🤩🥳🤭🎀
🪭“the cruel king who would give up his kingdom for...
the legendary beauty whose smile hides knives and her yearning for...
the noble strategist who has no selfish desires... except one.”🪭
I’ll be back with quotes on pub day to back up my statement. I couldn’t even write status updates for the last bit of reading because I was too busy crying a literal river. I knew this would hurt but I was not prepared lol
It feels like I’ve been stabbed. 5 stars.
P.S. the red string of fate and character art😭❤️ beautiful
———
GETTING TO READ THIS EARLY JUST SAVED MY YEAR😭😭😭😭 #annliangbuddyreadswithmaggieera🫶
———
I've never preordered a book so far in advance before🥹🤝
------
FORBIDDEN ROMANCE FORBIDDEN ROMANCE FORBIDDEN ROMANCE?!?!?!
------
MISS ANN LIANG NEVER SLEEPS, 3 NEW BOOKS😩!!! 2024 WILL BE HER YEAR MARK MY WORDS🫡. SHE IS SERVING🙏✨🫶💖🙏✨🫶💖
August 14, 2024
Eastern mythology, splendid world-building, and a tear-jerking, heart-wrenching forbidden love story that delves into the true meaning of yearning and longing stole my heart and won me over! Ann Liang's debut adult novel is as promising as her heartfelt YA fiction works that I truly adored.
This book delves into power games, espionage, and the irresistible power of beauty, with great characterization that allows us to engage with each character deeply. It reveals that even the most evil characters harbor fragility and goodness within, while the supposedly good characters also possess vengeful and evil sides. However, the most captivating character is Fanli, whose heartfelt backstory showcases his vulnerability, especially when he sacrifices his love for the greater good of the kingdom. Witnessing him let go of the woman he loves, allowing her to be with the enemy, breaks our hearts. Similarly, Xishi carries the guilt of not being able to save her little sister from the vindictive king's guards, accepting her fate to ensure a better life for her family and to save the kingdom from a cruel ruler. Despite her beauty, Xishi's life comes at a cost, as she must wield it as a weapon to tame the beast and defeat the kingdom of Wu, putting her own life in danger. However, she begins to question whether the evil she knows might not be the person she thinks.
Can she achieve her goal without being labeled a traitor, maintaining her mask even as the risks escalate?
I found myself wishing Xishi and Fanli deserved more, without giving away too many spoilers. Their forbidden love story deeply touched my heart. Overall, the rising tension, intelligent political maneuvers, realistic character analysis, and well-executed pacing make this reading experience truly captivating. After finishing this book, I'm eager to dive into another Ann Liang novel to indulge in another perfect binge-reading experience! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all lovers of romantasy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this remarkable book in exchange for my honest opinions.
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This book delves into power games, espionage, and the irresistible power of beauty, with great characterization that allows us to engage with each character deeply. It reveals that even the most evil characters harbor fragility and goodness within, while the supposedly good characters also possess vengeful and evil sides. However, the most captivating character is Fanli, whose heartfelt backstory showcases his vulnerability, especially when he sacrifices his love for the greater good of the kingdom. Witnessing him let go of the woman he loves, allowing her to be with the enemy, breaks our hearts. Similarly, Xishi carries the guilt of not being able to save her little sister from the vindictive king's guards, accepting her fate to ensure a better life for her family and to save the kingdom from a cruel ruler. Despite her beauty, Xishi's life comes at a cost, as she must wield it as a weapon to tame the beast and defeat the kingdom of Wu, putting her own life in danger. However, she begins to question whether the evil she knows might not be the person she thinks.
Can she achieve her goal without being labeled a traitor, maintaining her mask even as the risks escalate?
I found myself wishing Xishi and Fanli deserved more, without giving away too many spoilers. Their forbidden love story deeply touched my heart. Overall, the rising tension, intelligent political maneuvers, realistic character analysis, and well-executed pacing make this reading experience truly captivating. After finishing this book, I'm eager to dive into another Ann Liang novel to indulge in another perfect binge-reading experience! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all lovers of romantasy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this remarkable book in exchange for my honest opinions.
medium.com
twitter<
July 10, 2024
i don't think i've ever cried so much to a book before. xishifanli you will always be famous and fuchai i will always love you. okay rtc when i am not sobbing my eyes out! (and closer to the release date) <3
₊˚꒰♡꒱ pre-read: i am so ready to just adore everything about this and make it my entire personality as i do with every other ann liang book
₊˚꒰♡꒱ pre-read: i am so ready to just adore everything about this and make it my entire personality as i do with every other ann liang book
Want to read
January 27, 2024ignoring all my plans for the foreseeable future bc i got my hands on it!!! time to devour this 😋
—
i need this in my hands rfn
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i need this in my hands rfn
February 19, 2024
dear reader,
“take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die”
this was a buddy read with annabella! it’s folklore: the long pond sessions and evermore season <3 this was the perfect february read💌
i love fanli and xishi. this is a beautiful retelling of chinese folklore☁️
maggie🤍
“take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die”
this was a buddy read with annabella! it’s folklore: the long pond sessions and evermore season <3 this was the perfect february read💌
i love fanli and xishi. this is a beautiful retelling of chinese folklore☁️
maggie🤍
February 12, 2024
4.5 ☆
ˋ°•*⁀➷ You guys were right. I definitely needed those tissues (no I am not ok.) My heart hurts. What a sad, beautiful, and tragic love story. I'm seriously in shock rn. Ann Liang has done it again.
ꨄ Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me an arc in exchange for an honest review. Frtc closer to the release date.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ You guys were right. I definitely needed those tissues (no I am not ok.) My heart hurts. What a sad, beautiful, and tragic love story. I'm seriously in shock rn. Ann Liang has done it again.
ꨄ Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me an arc in exchange for an honest review. Frtc closer to the release date.
August 16, 2024
4.5 stars ☆
➵ historical fiction/fantasy, retellings, asian literature
buddy read with bestie sama 🫶
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹
ᡣ𐭩 i can’t even talk about this book without wanting to cry. was I sobbing so much last night AT 3AM that I couldn’t even see what I was reading? yes. have I been so emotionally destroyed that can’t I can’t settle on a rating? also yes. (update : it’s a 4.5 ☆) my heart has been shattered into a thousand pieces. how can someone who writes such cute heartwarming ya romance books write such a heartbreaking book? Ann Liang is such a talented writer.
°˖➴ anyways full rtc closer to release date. brace yourselves I have a lot to say (will probably contain minor spoilers)
pre-read ᝰ.ᐟ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
I GOT THE ARC!! thank you to everyone for letting me know it was available. I MADE A WHOLE NEW ACCOUNT TO GET IT 🥲
edit from future me : if I only I had known I wouldn’t be this happy
➵ historical fiction/fantasy, retellings, asian literature
buddy read with bestie sama 🫶
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹
ᡣ𐭩 i can’t even talk about this book without wanting to cry. was I sobbing so much last night AT 3AM that I couldn’t even see what I was reading? yes. have I been so emotionally destroyed that can’t I can’t settle on a rating? also yes. (update : it’s a 4.5 ☆) my heart has been shattered into a thousand pieces. how can someone who writes such cute heartwarming ya romance books write such a heartbreaking book? Ann Liang is such a talented writer.
°˖➴ anyways full rtc closer to release date. brace yourselves I have a lot to say (will probably contain minor spoilers)
pre-read ᝰ.ᐟ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
I GOT THE ARC!! thank you to everyone for letting me know it was available. I MADE A WHOLE NEW ACCOUNT TO GET IT 🥲
edit from future me : if I only I had known I wouldn’t be this happy
Read
May 5, 2024i only just realized this is a st. martin's press book, so i will be withholding rating and review as per the strike.
Shelved as 'upcoming-releases'
January 27, 2024FANTASY BOOK BY ANN LIANG!?!??!?!SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP
GUESS WHO GOT THE ARC!?!?!!?? YESS THIS BITCH RIGHT HERE!!!
We don't gatekeep anything here so its available for read now on netgalley in case anyone wants it.
GUESS WHO GOT THE ARC!?!?!!?? YESS THIS BITCH RIGHT HERE!!!
We don't gatekeep anything here so its available for read now on netgalley in case anyone wants it.
Read
August 13, 2024you guys aren't ready for this one i fear
March 10, 2024
⋆⁺₊✧5 stars★
⤿ mild (marked!) spoilers in this review ⋆⭒˚
i was going to wait until october to post a full review, but i just couldn't wait.
this book is a siren. it’s wretched and wicked and beautiful, sucking you in until you’re drowning. it's lyrical and unique—a mesmerizing tale of beauty, betrayal, and courage.
⤿ the plot. xishi’s beauty is both a blessing and a curse. a renowned military advisor notices her and offers a rare opportunity: infiltrate the enemy palace, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within. trained by the advisor, xishi refines her allure into a lethal blade, but their growing attraction complicates the deception. danger lurks as she rises in the enemy court, and betrayal threatens to unravel everything.
⤿ the writing. ann liang has mastered ya romance and is on track to master historical fantasy with this singular book. her writing is lyrical and masterful, transporting us to an enchanting world where love and loyalty collide. amidst a tumultuous kingdom, this epic historical fantasy immerses readers in a realm where beauty hides danger and sacrifice paints the sky. it's the most beautiful tragedy i’ve ever read.
i started this book last month, set it down for a month, and read the remaining 85 percent in a single day. could not put it down. a song to drown rivers is the perfect example of the right book at the right time. it found me and called to me until it was all I could think about.
⤿ the characters.
xishi is an anti-hero. her beauty is her armor, weapon, curse. her journey from village girl to spy testifies to her resilience. ann realistically portrays her inner conflict: desire for vengeance versus yearning for love. XISHI IS MY WIFEY, i swear. she’s a hero for the ages and an incredible representation of the exploration of womanhood. she defies societal norms, challenging gender roles, grappling with duty and sacrifice. a song to drown rivers celebrates resilience, intelligence, and agency. it’s a tale for all ages.
fanli doesn’t do anything without a reason. he’s composed and strategic, and nothing is more important than his loyalty to his kingdom. he’s so afraid of xishi because he suddenly wants more than just his kingdom to be safe. he formed her into a weapon but had to long and grieve for her, knowing their obligations kept them oceans apart. her relationship with him is so different because all we’re left with is breath-stopping tension and heart-wrenching longing without any representation of what their relationship is like.
gahhh, i have such mixed feelings about fuchai! i feel so much pain when i think about him. he fell so hard for xishi and really tried to change himself for her. i wish he was as cruel as he was supposed to be because he truly was such a sweetie pie at heart. AND HE'S SO PRETTY. i could never hate him, and wish i could because now i’m just depressed. he’s just a cute babygirl that just wants to be loveddddd. he’s trapped in his father’s shadow, so he overcompensates by leading with power and fear. xishi is his mommy, BYE.
all supporting characters are equally compelling. the king, advisers, and servants all have their own secrets and motivations. everyone is a lovely shade of gray, blurring the line between hero and villain, making for a realistic portrayal of humankind. the development of xishi’s relationship with and emotions toward fuchai throughout the story was believable. i even found myself rooting for fuchai at times. the book, in a way, has a happy ending, but the way liang wrote certain scenes evoked strong emotions. it makes for such an epic story!
⤿ the romance. normally i hate love triangles, but this one actually slapped. it unfolds from three different perspectives, defying the conventional romance label. the two love interests, fanli and fuchai, embody opposite sides of the same coin. fanli sacrifices for his kingdom, while fuchai sacrifices for love. picking a side becomes challenging as both characters exhibit flaws and endure significant consequences. beyond the tragedy and romance, the narrative delves into the complexity of xishi's evolving perspective on morality. the story highlights the power dynamics at play, showcasing how those in authority often prioritize their gains over the suffering of those below them, turning the narrative into a compelling power play. begs the question: what are they sacrificing for—their country or their happiness? which one is worth more?
the romance is just so well done because i felt more from a glance or brief touch than i do from kisses and sex. also…he (i won't say who hehehe) pinned her wrists above her head I'M DEAD AND DYING BUHBYE. it’s tender, yet forbidden, and every betrayal is gut-wrenching. ann liang paints a beautiful story of longing, heartache, and courage.
also: “you’re safe with me,” she dresses his wounds, she takes an arrow for him, THE MR. DARCY HAND FLEX, bracelets that tie them together for eternity
these characters are not just names on a page. they're living and breathing, with personal motivations that drive the plot forward and unravel like a meticulously crafted tapestry. xishi and her journey are the perfect representation of women trying to thrive in a male-dominated world.
it was painful to me how much happier xishi was in her village, living a hard life and washing silk than in the palace with all the king’s affection and luxuries laid at her feet.
⤿ worldbuilding. it’s exquisite! i was briefly familiar with the legend of xishi, and ann did an incredible job blending historical accuracy with fantastical elements. the political intrigue and simmering tension between the kingdoms came alive. though parts are slow at times, the pacing always propels you toward a climax that promises to leave you breathless.
this book reminded me so much of ‘crash landing on you’ because of the forbidden romance, sacrificing for your country, the greater good, and the ones you love. the 'i want to be with you for forever, but we don't have forever' kind of energy BROKE MY HEART.
⤿ bottom line. nobody is ready for this book. not for it to hit the shelves, and certainly not to read it. it’s an epic tale and an epoch for the ages, an emotional story of heartbreak, sacrifice, and duty. i truly believe people will be better by reading this book because it’s a transformative experience. i swear it’s worth every heartbreak. a song to drown rivers is perfect if you love political intrigue, c/k-dramas, and doomed love. it's outside of my typical wheelhouse, but i'm genuinely speechless. this book is 100% worth it, and so glad i read it, even if i need a therapist and i'm resorting to banging my head against a concrete wall. this book may not be complete and total perfection, but it’s damn near close and makes you feel soooo much.
thank you to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
out oct 1, 2024!!
links:
my playlist
status updates:
page 13: "→ second arc!🧁i’m excited about this one"
page 91: "gahhh just kiss already"
page 101: "omg she found bracelets that were the string of fate AND IT WOULD ENSURE THEY WERE BOUND FOR ETERNITY AND THEIR SOULDS WOULD FIND THEIR WAY BACK TO EACH OTHER IN EVER LIFE. AND SHE BOUGHT THEM. AND GAVE ONE TO HIM. AND HE KEPT IT AHHHH MY HEART"
page 114: "OMG ITS LIKE THAT SCENE FROM ‘THE ELITE’ WHERE AMERICA DRESSES MAXON’S WOUNDS GAHHHHHHHHH"
page 124: "IM SCREAMING—THE MR DARCY HAND FLEX— SHE TOOK AN ARROW FOR HIM—“YOURE SAFE WITH ME”😝😩😚🥹🥰"
page 155: "xishi my dramatic QUEEN"
page 218: "❝Fanli began to turn with the stiff, wooden movements of one in silent agony. But as he did, he caught my eye. Just for a second shorter than an exhaled breath. His complexion was pale and drenched in sweat, his mouth stained with his own blood. Yet I could've sworn his lips tugged up, the look on his face something like pride.❞ → 😭😭😭"
page 265: "i’m listening to a playlist for this book and ‘in the stars’ came on and now i’m so scared"
.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• prereview •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
i am broken now, and ann better be paying for my therapy.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• preread •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
wow ann is serving masterpieces to us on a silver platter this year. I GOT THE ARC I'M SCREAMING
⤿ mild (marked!) spoilers in this review ⋆⭒˚
i was going to wait until october to post a full review, but i just couldn't wait.
this book is a siren. it’s wretched and wicked and beautiful, sucking you in until you’re drowning. it's lyrical and unique—a mesmerizing tale of beauty, betrayal, and courage.
⤿ the plot. xishi’s beauty is both a blessing and a curse. a renowned military advisor notices her and offers a rare opportunity: infiltrate the enemy palace, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within. trained by the advisor, xishi refines her allure into a lethal blade, but their growing attraction complicates the deception. danger lurks as she rises in the enemy court, and betrayal threatens to unravel everything.
⤿ the writing. ann liang has mastered ya romance and is on track to master historical fantasy with this singular book. her writing is lyrical and masterful, transporting us to an enchanting world where love and loyalty collide. amidst a tumultuous kingdom, this epic historical fantasy immerses readers in a realm where beauty hides danger and sacrifice paints the sky. it's the most beautiful tragedy i’ve ever read.
i started this book last month, set it down for a month, and read the remaining 85 percent in a single day. could not put it down. a song to drown rivers is the perfect example of the right book at the right time. it found me and called to me until it was all I could think about.
⤿ the characters.
xishi is an anti-hero. her beauty is her armor, weapon, curse. her journey from village girl to spy testifies to her resilience. ann realistically portrays her inner conflict: desire for vengeance versus yearning for love. XISHI IS MY WIFEY, i swear. she’s a hero for the ages and an incredible representation of the exploration of womanhood. she defies societal norms, challenging gender roles, grappling with duty and sacrifice. a song to drown rivers celebrates resilience, intelligence, and agency. it’s a tale for all ages.
ೃ➛❝you act like you’re afraid of me.❞
❝i am afraid of you,❞ he said, the truth tumbling fast from his lips. his body was trembling, even as he held his spine rigid. ❝i’m afraid of what comes over me when i’m around you.❞
fanli doesn’t do anything without a reason. he’s composed and strategic, and nothing is more important than his loyalty to his kingdom. he’s so afraid of xishi because he suddenly wants more than just his kingdom to be safe. he formed her into a weapon but had to long and grieve for her, knowing their obligations kept them oceans apart. her relationship with him is so different because all we’re left with is breath-stopping tension and heart-wrenching longing without any representation of what their relationship is like.
ೃ➛ ❝sometimes i swear— i only feel like a person when i’m around you. does that make sense?❞
gahhh, i have such mixed feelings about fuchai! i feel so much pain when i think about him. he fell so hard for xishi and really tried to change himself for her. i wish he was as cruel as he was supposed to be because he truly was such a sweetie pie at heart. AND HE'S SO PRETTY. i could never hate him, and wish i could because now i’m just depressed. he’s just a cute babygirl that just wants to be loveddddd. he’s trapped in his father’s shadow, so he overcompensates by leading with power and fear. xishi is his mommy, BYE.
all supporting characters are equally compelling. the king, advisers, and servants all have their own secrets and motivations. everyone is a lovely shade of gray, blurring the line between hero and villain, making for a realistic portrayal of humankind. the development of xishi’s relationship with and emotions toward fuchai throughout the story was believable. i even found myself rooting for fuchai at times. the book, in a way, has a happy ending, but the way liang wrote certain scenes evoked strong emotions. it makes for such an epic story!
⤿ the romance. normally i hate love triangles, but this one actually slapped. it unfolds from three different perspectives, defying the conventional romance label. the two love interests, fanli and fuchai, embody opposite sides of the same coin. fanli sacrifices for his kingdom, while fuchai sacrifices for love. picking a side becomes challenging as both characters exhibit flaws and endure significant consequences. beyond the tragedy and romance, the narrative delves into the complexity of xishi's evolving perspective on morality. the story highlights the power dynamics at play, showcasing how those in authority often prioritize their gains over the suffering of those below them, turning the narrative into a compelling power play. begs the question: what are they sacrificing for—their country or their happiness? which one is worth more?
the romance is just so well done because i felt more from a glance or brief touch than i do from kisses and sex. also…he (i won't say who hehehe) pinned her wrists above her head I'M DEAD AND DYING BUHBYE. it’s tender, yet forbidden, and every betrayal is gut-wrenching. ann liang paints a beautiful story of longing, heartache, and courage.
also: “you’re safe with me,” she dresses his wounds, she takes an arrow for him, THE MR. DARCY HAND FLEX, bracelets that tie them together for eternity
these characters are not just names on a page. they're living and breathing, with personal motivations that drive the plot forward and unravel like a meticulously crafted tapestry. xishi and her journey are the perfect representation of women trying to thrive in a male-dominated world.
it was painful to me how much happier xishi was in her village, living a hard life and washing silk than in the palace with all the king’s affection and luxuries laid at her feet.
⤿ worldbuilding. it’s exquisite! i was briefly familiar with the legend of xishi, and ann did an incredible job blending historical accuracy with fantastical elements. the political intrigue and simmering tension between the kingdoms came alive. though parts are slow at times, the pacing always propels you toward a climax that promises to leave you breathless.
this book reminded me so much of ‘crash landing on you’ because of the forbidden romance, sacrificing for your country, the greater good, and the ones you love. the 'i want to be with you for forever, but we don't have forever' kind of energy BROKE MY HEART.
⤿ bottom line. nobody is ready for this book. not for it to hit the shelves, and certainly not to read it. it’s an epic tale and an epoch for the ages, an emotional story of heartbreak, sacrifice, and duty. i truly believe people will be better by reading this book because it’s a transformative experience. i swear it’s worth every heartbreak. a song to drown rivers is perfect if you love political intrigue, c/k-dramas, and doomed love. it's outside of my typical wheelhouse, but i'm genuinely speechless. this book is 100% worth it, and so glad i read it, even if i need a therapist and i'm resorting to banging my head against a concrete wall. this book may not be complete and total perfection, but it’s damn near close and makes you feel soooo much.
thank you to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
out oct 1, 2024!!
links:
my playlist
status updates:
page 13: "→ second arc!🧁i’m excited about this one"
page 91: "gahhh just kiss already"
page 101: "omg she found bracelets that were the string of fate AND IT WOULD ENSURE THEY WERE BOUND FOR ETERNITY AND THEIR SOULDS WOULD FIND THEIR WAY BACK TO EACH OTHER IN EVER LIFE. AND SHE BOUGHT THEM. AND GAVE ONE TO HIM. AND HE KEPT IT AHHHH MY HEART"
page 114: "OMG ITS LIKE THAT SCENE FROM ‘THE ELITE’ WHERE AMERICA DRESSES MAXON’S WOUNDS GAHHHHHHHHH"
page 124: "IM SCREAMING—THE MR DARCY HAND FLEX— SHE TOOK AN ARROW FOR HIM—“YOURE SAFE WITH ME”😝😩😚🥹🥰"
page 155: "xishi my dramatic QUEEN"
page 218: "❝Fanli began to turn with the stiff, wooden movements of one in silent agony. But as he did, he caught my eye. Just for a second shorter than an exhaled breath. His complexion was pale and drenched in sweat, his mouth stained with his own blood. Yet I could've sworn his lips tugged up, the look on his face something like pride.❞ → 😭😭😭"
page 265: "i’m listening to a playlist for this book and ‘in the stars’ came on and now i’m so scared"
.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• prereview •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
i am broken now, and ann better be paying for my therapy.
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡.• preread •.⟡˚౨ৎ⋆
wow ann is serving masterpieces to us on a silver platter this year. I GOT THE ARC I'M SCREAMING
March 14, 2024
4.5 heart shattering stars
IVE BEEN SOBBING FOR THE LAST 10 MINUTES 😣
EVERYONE DESERVED BETTER IN THIS 💔
.…. rtc closer to publication date (so I can post quotes) 😔
—————
pre-read: i put this off for as long as i could because I’ve seen so many people crying to this but i have less than 10 days to read this arc 🥹 wish me luck!! 🥲
IVE BEEN SOBBING FOR THE LAST 10 MINUTES 😣
EVERYONE DESERVED BETTER IN THIS 💔
.…. rtc closer to publication date (so I can post quotes) 😔
—————
pre-read: i put this off for as long as i could because I’ve seen so many people crying to this but i have less than 10 days to read this arc 🥹 wish me luck!! 🥲
August 20, 2024
3.5 Stars
This novel draws inspiration from the legend of Xishi, a story I'm quite familiar with. The narrative was easy to follow, and I found it enjoyable overall. However, I felt that it didn't introduce anything particularly unique. I was hoping for a bit more innovation to make the story stand out.
If you haven't heard of this legend, I'd recommend giving the novel a read. If you already know the legend, then this isn't a must.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Ann Liang, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
This novel draws inspiration from the legend of Xishi, a story I'm quite familiar with. The narrative was easy to follow, and I found it enjoyable overall. However, I felt that it didn't introduce anything particularly unique. I was hoping for a bit more innovation to make the story stand out.
If you haven't heard of this legend, I'd recommend giving the novel a read. If you already know the legend, then this isn't a must.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Ann Liang, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Want to read
February 19, 2024i already know that this is gonna be a 5 star read
(edit: guys i haven’t started this!! i meant when it comes out)
(edit: guys i haven’t started this!! i meant when it comes out)
February 3, 2024
➻ y'all ain't ready for this
*thank you to NetGalley for an ARC exchange for an honest review! I plan to write one close to/after the publishing date <3
*thank you to NetGalley for an ARC exchange for an honest review! I plan to write one close to/after the publishing date <3
March 29, 2024
guess who got their hands on the arc…i don’t think anyone knows just how excited i am right now. i’m practically bursting at the seems with it.
-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ /5
5/5
firstly, i would like to thank net galley, the publisher and ann liang for generously granting me a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.
spoiler free.
-
and that beauty is not so different from destruction.
xishi a courageous woman who is extended an offer by the king of yue to overtake the king of wu with her cunning beauty. her character is one i’m confident you will fall in love with. from the way she cares for others to her smooth, silver tongue.
fanli this man, i fell in love with him two chapters in and that doesn’t happen often. even though we rarely see much of him throughout the book. all fanli has known is to be loyal, to serve his king and to not show weakness. but what happens when he discovers he truly does have a weakness—xishi? their love is one that seized my heart.
king fuchai of wu i fear that in the end, my opinion of him changed drastically. to outsiders, he has fallen into his father’s shadows. a man built only to take down others, to kill, to shed blood, to be ruthless. but, behind closed doors he is only just a boy—a boy wishing to be loved. to be a child once again. there’s so much i wish to say about king fuchai.
overall
this book is written beautifully and in a manner that will have you enraptured in the world from the start. it’s a harrowing tale of sacrifice, love and feelings of grief. if you decide to pick this up when it releases, i can only hope to see your review.
i know i will for sure be picking up a physical copy. the need to annotate it is incessant—i have even highlighted a myriad of quotes on my kindle—where this arc shall always remain. to remain vigil of a beautiful story.
-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ /5
5/5
firstly, i would like to thank net galley, the publisher and ann liang for generously granting me a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.
spoiler free.
-
and that beauty is not so different from destruction.
xishi a courageous woman who is extended an offer by the king of yue to overtake the king of wu with her cunning beauty. her character is one i’m confident you will fall in love with. from the way she cares for others to her smooth, silver tongue.
fanli this man, i fell in love with him two chapters in and that doesn’t happen often. even though we rarely see much of him throughout the book. all fanli has known is to be loyal, to serve his king and to not show weakness. but what happens when he discovers he truly does have a weakness—xishi? their love is one that seized my heart.
king fuchai of wu i fear that in the end, my opinion of him changed drastically. to outsiders, he has fallen into his father’s shadows. a man built only to take down others, to kill, to shed blood, to be ruthless. but, behind closed doors he is only just a boy—a boy wishing to be loved. to be a child once again. there’s so much i wish to say about king fuchai.
overall
this book is written beautifully and in a manner that will have you enraptured in the world from the start. it’s a harrowing tale of sacrifice, love and feelings of grief. if you decide to pick this up when it releases, i can only hope to see your review.
i know i will for sure be picking up a physical copy. the need to annotate it is incessant—i have even highlighted a myriad of quotes on my kindle—where this arc shall always remain. to remain vigil of a beautiful story.
July 8, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fantasy + Romance + Historical Fiction
This historical fantasy is based on the legend of Xishi, who was considered to be one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China. In her village, Xishi's beauty is considered a blessing because the ideal destiny for a girl is to have a good husband and provide for her family. With the help of the renowned young military advisor, Fanli, who notices her, she is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to harness the power of her beauty. Her objective is to sabotage the enemy from the inside out by infiltrating their palace as a spy and wooing their ruthless king.
I don’t want to reveal more about the plot because it is left to you to see if her mission is successful or not. This is the first time I have read something by this author, and I can say that her writing is beautiful. Reading this book did not feel like a chore because I had problems with the story.
My first issue is that this book is classified as a fantasy—not only that, but the synopsis explicitly states that it is an epic historical fantasy. This is neither an epic fantasy nor a fantasy. It lacks all aspects of epic fantasy. There is no magic system and no glitter like those found in fantasy novels.
This was meant to be a romance. I mean, the romance was supposed to be the heart of the story, but even that did not work for me. I am not even sure when the two main characters fell in love. Was the romance off the page? I did not see enough chemistry between the two for them to fall in love. After finishing the book, I am not sure if they were in love or not. They rarely exchanged looks or words with one another.
For some reason, this version of the story did not convince me. The majority of the reviews were extremely positive, which gave me reason to have high hopes for it. My impression is that a great number of reviewers may have been moved by the tragic conclusion of the story, which is the reason for the high favorable ratings. In my opinion, this turned out to be an OK story, nothing more and nothing less.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Fantasy + Romance + Historical Fiction
This historical fantasy is based on the legend of Xishi, who was considered to be one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China. In her village, Xishi's beauty is considered a blessing because the ideal destiny for a girl is to have a good husband and provide for her family. With the help of the renowned young military advisor, Fanli, who notices her, she is given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to harness the power of her beauty. Her objective is to sabotage the enemy from the inside out by infiltrating their palace as a spy and wooing their ruthless king.
I don’t want to reveal more about the plot because it is left to you to see if her mission is successful or not. This is the first time I have read something by this author, and I can say that her writing is beautiful. Reading this book did not feel like a chore because I had problems with the story.
My first issue is that this book is classified as a fantasy—not only that, but the synopsis explicitly states that it is an epic historical fantasy. This is neither an epic fantasy nor a fantasy. It lacks all aspects of epic fantasy. There is no magic system and no glitter like those found in fantasy novels.
This was meant to be a romance. I mean, the romance was supposed to be the heart of the story, but even that did not work for me. I am not even sure when the two main characters fell in love. Was the romance off the page? I did not see enough chemistry between the two for them to fall in love. After finishing the book, I am not sure if they were in love or not. They rarely exchanged looks or words with one another.
For some reason, this version of the story did not convince me. The majority of the reviews were extremely positive, which gave me reason to have high hopes for it. My impression is that a great number of reviewers may have been moved by the tragic conclusion of the story, which is the reason for the high favorable ratings. In my opinion, this turned out to be an OK story, nothing more and nothing less.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book.
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