Fiction – Fantasy – Historical – Ancient – Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology – Romance

RELEASE DATE: 10/1/2024 (WILL SHIP DIRECTLY FROM OUR SUPPLIER’S WAREHOUSE)

Preorder now and receive the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies lastfeaturing a gold foiled cover, gorgeous sprayed edges with stenciled artwork, as well as exclusive metallic ink patterned endpapers and unique foiled front and back case stamps. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run, a must-have for any book lover.

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.

Xishis beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yueconvinced 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 sisters 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 kings 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 falland if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.

AUTHOR BIO:

ANN LIANGis theNew York Timesand Indie bestselling author of the critically acclaimed YA novelsThis Time It’s Real,If You Could See the Sun, andI 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.

“Nobody does yearning and sacrifice better than the Chinese classics, and Liang has given us a new classic that achingly captures the will of kings, the intelligence of women, and the heartbreak of war. Exquisite and devastating. It won’t fail to move you.” -Shelley Parker-Chan, #1Sunday TimesBestselling author ofShe Who Became the SunandHe Who Drowned the World

“Ann Liang has fashioned an elegant historical epic, honouring the ingenuity of women in the face of impossible odds. With impeccable pacing, evocative prose, and a romance that had my heart in a vice, A Song to Drown Rivers will call you onward, page by page, until you reach its devastating end.” – Samantha Shannon, bestselling author ofThe Bone SeasonandThe Priory of the Orange Tree

“A stunning, heart-rending feat of a story.A Song to Drown Riversretells ancient legend with phenomenal voice, bringing a truly worthwhile addition to the historical fiction genre.” -Chloe Gong, #1New York Timesbestselling author ofImmortal Longings

“By turns searingly ambitious and heartbreakingly intimate, A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS is an incisive, intricately crafted examination of power, politics, and what we’ll become for those we love. This story swept me away.” -Grace D. Li,New York Timesbestselling author ofPortrait of a Thief

“Ann Liang doesn’t simply capture Xishi’s indescribable beauty; she transcends it. An emotional odyssey that you’ll want to read again and again–the first time with your heart in your throat, and every time after to savor each stolen look and word.” – Joan He,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Ones We’re Meant to Find

“Poignant and devastating,A Song to Drown Riversis filled with yearning, a breathtaking story that examines, with both gentleness and relentless honesty, those caught up in the violent ambitions of people in power.” – Andrea Stewart, internationally bestselling author of The Drowning Empire trilogy

“Exquisite, riveting, heart-wrenching. Prepare to be swept away by the beautiful writing, forbidden love and complex characters, that have you rooting for them against the odds.” -Sue Lynn Tan,USA Todaybestselling author ofDaughter of the Moon Goddess

“Liang shines an intimate light on the legendary Xishi, whose beauty is both boon and burden, and whose journey from naive peasant to reluctant hero–and perhaps, calculating villain–spins a devastatingly romantic tale of survival and sacrifice amidst the rise and fall of empires.” -June CL Tan, internationally bestselling author ofJade Fire GoldandDarker By Four

“If you are looking for a book that reads like a historical c-drama, then look no further. A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS is just the book you need. Ann Liang’s mesmerizing prose, coupled with a poignant love story, weaves a tale of love, revenge, and grief that will leave you breathless.” -June Hur, bestselling author ofThe Red Palace