Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
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
Is A Song to Drown Rivers appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This historical fantasy involves espionage, political intrigue, and a young woman trained as a spy to seduce an enemy king. Contains references to murder, war, and romantic tension with some kissing and attraction, but no explicit sexual content.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, death of a loved one, and manipulation (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be captivated by this epic retelling of ancient Chinese legend featuring a clever heroine who uses her beauty and intelligence as weapons in a dangerous spy mission.