A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang is a historical fantasy related with the Chinese legend of Xi Shi, one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China. The novels follows Xishi, a poor girl from the Yue kingdom and her transformation with love, betrayal and war. If you like to read such Fiction stories, do checkout our latest Malazan Books Series Review.
About the Author:
Ann Liang is the NY Times bestselling author and novelist known for her popular YA novels like This Time It’s Real, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, If You Could See the Sun etc.
Her books have sold in 20+ countries and translated in many languages.
A Song to Drown Rivers Summary & Plot
Xishi’s life is marked by tragedy, and she hates the Wu kingdom for invading her homeland. When the Yue king comes up with a plan to destroy Wu, Xishi is chosen to help. Her beauty will be her weapon. Along with her best friend Zhengdan, she’s sent as a “gift” to the Wu king, Fuchai, to seduce him and take down his kingdom from the inside.
Before this mission, Xishi is trained by Fanli, the Yue king’s beautiful advisor. Fanli teaches her how to be in court, politics, and how to be seductive. As they spend more time together, Xishi falls in love with him, (nothing new). Their love is forbidden, and it adds to the tension and heartbreak throughout the book.
Once Xishi enters the Wu palace, things get complicated. She expects Fuchai to be a cruel monster, but he turns out to be more than just a villain. As she spends more time with him, her feelings become confusing. Her mission gets harder because she’s no longer sure who the real enemy is.
Throughout the novel, Xishi had to go for tough choices. She has to balance her loyalty to Yue, love for Fanli & growing understanding of the Wu king. She learns that war isn’t black and white, and power always comes at a cost. Her relationship with Fanli becomes more painful as her duty pulls her away. At the same time, her friendship with Zhengdan deepens, adding warmth to the story.
What stands out most in this book is its emotion. Xishi is constantly grilled between love, duty, and survival. She struggles with the weight of her past and the impossible choices in front of her. The ending is heartbreaking and unforgettable, even though it’s not a happy one.
Despite these issues, A Song to Drown Rivers is a interesting read. Its emotional scenes, beautiful storyline, and Xishi’s journey makes it a memorable story worth reading.
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A Song to Drown Rivers Characters:
- Xi Shi – Beautiful and determined young woman from the Yue kingdom.
- Fanli – Skilled advisor to the Yue king.
- King Fuchai – The misunderstood ruler of Wu, torn between duty and desire.
- Lady Zhengdan – Xi Shi’s best friend, ambitious and fiercely loyal.
- The Yue King – A strategic and ruthless ruler even willing to sacrifice for his kingdom’s sake.
Review: A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
I was immediately drawn into the life of Xishi, a poor peasant girl living under the shadow of the Wu kingdom’s invasion. Her transformation into a weapon of seduction for the Yue king was thrilling.
The Xishi’s character resonated with me. As she navigated the treacherous waters of the Wu court, I felt her struggles and increasing understanding of the shades of morality in war. The romance between Xishi and her advisor, Fanli, was beautifully portrayed, filled with complexity. Their connection tugged at my heart, making me to root for their love despite the dangers.
That said, the book does have its weak spots. Xishi’s training to become a court lady happens too quickly, and much of it is told to us rather than shown. Book immerses readers in the sights and sounds of the ancient world but the lack of sexual tension, given her role as a concubine, felt unrealistic and left me wanting more depth in that area, also some parts seems a bit rushed.
It’s hard to see why Fanli falls for her so fast, and their relationship needed more development. Plus, for a book about a concubine, there’s very little focus on Xishi’s role in the harem. There’s almost no mention of physical relationships, which makes the book feel more like a young adult story.
Despite these flaws, The ending left me breathless—both tragic and deeply moving. This isn’t a end-well Disney story, and I appreciated that. A Song to Drown Rivers is a tale that will stay with a reader even after long time after you closed the book. Recommended for anyone seeking a rich, emotional journey.
Quotes from A Song to Drown Rivers
“In the heart of a war-torn land, beauty can be both a gift and a weapon.”
“True strength lies in vulnerability; to love deeply is to risk everything.”
“Desire is a silent language spoken in glances and stolen moments.”
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