• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2023 February #1
  In this first installment in the new Song of the Last Kingdom series, Lan struggles with her identity and feelings of shame, as she is forced to perform as a teahouse "songgirl" for the Elanians who conquered her homeland. At the same time, she is deeply curious about the mysterious scar on her wrist, which her late mother inflicted upon her before her passing. It is Zen, a magician, who recognizes the power Lan's mark contains after saving her from a sudden murder attempt. Thus thrown together, the two attempt to uncover the Elantians' intentions for the people of the Last Kingdom, embarking on a twisty adventure filled with risk and intrigue. Zhao draws inspiration from Chinese history and folklore as she constructs the sweeping fantasy world inhabited by her brave protagonists, whose slow-burn romance adds a different kind of tension to the plot. Readers will quickly find themselves immersed in Lan and Zen's adventure, while also coming to understand how the characters' struggles reflect hardships experienced by the people of China. A well-rounded and interesting fantasy. Grades 9-12. Copyright 2023 Booklist Reviews.

Amélie Wen Zhao was born in Paris and grew up in Beijing, where she spent her days reenacting tales of legendary heroes, ancient kingdoms, and lost magic at her grandmother’s courtyard house. She attended college in the United States and now resides in New York City, working as a finance professional by day and fantasy author by night. In her spare time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family in China, where she’s determined to walk the rivers and lakes of old just like the practitioners in her novels do. Amélie is the author of the Blood Heir trilogy—Blood Heir, Red Tigress, and Crimson Reign—as well as Song of Silver, Flame Like Night.