A review by girlreading
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Ann Liang has quickly become a trusted author of mine, having adored her YA romances over the past few years. So I was of course very curious when I heard she was going to do a major genre 180 by releasing an adult fantasy. As it turns out, the beautiful readability and accessibility of her writing style lends its hand perfectly to adult fantasy. This was superb. I was instantly pulled into this world and story and, unlike some more political fantasies, found myself following the ins and outs of it with ease. I very much warmed to Xishi as a narrator and although I felt the romance was a little flat at times, I didn't mind all too much because the tension, emotional turmoil, power games and sheer heartbreak more than made up for it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I'm not sure my heart will ever recover from its ending.