School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--Xue's an orphaned yuè-hù, one of the lowest societal ranks in the Kingdom of Qi. Five years ago, her uncle left her at the House of Flowing Water, where playing the qín for patrons is Xue's only chance at a future. But Xue jumps at the opportunity to leave when the mysterious Duke Meng offers to pay out her contract in exchange for her performing at his reclusive estate for a year. When monstrous attacks force the Duke to reveal he's one of the divine rulers of the unstable Celestial Realm, Xue offers to help him stop the Six Realms from falling into collapse; that is, if she can manage to stay alive. Inspired by Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, Lin builds a fantastical gothic story immersed in Chinese mythology and folktales. The first three verses of Xue's tale slowly build character connections and the world they inhabit. However, the fourth and final verse packs plenty of revelations and action, drawing readers in, as the characters fight the power hungry who crave absolute authority above the welfare of others. The romantic tension between Xue and the Duke does not develop as strongly as anticipated, but still satisfies. Xue's musicianship is shown through poetic tales woven into the text, aided by lush scenic descriptions that reveal the tone and mood of each song. The author's note provides historical context. Glossary included. VERDICT A beautifully detailed Gothic fantasy that explores how ignorance and deceit can crumble a community.--Emily Walker
Publisher's Weekly Review
Seventeen-year-old Guxue has spent her life as an apprentice qin player at one of the most esteemed entertainment houses in the fantasy Kingdom of Qi. Though a talented musician, Xue has few prospects outside of her contract; her family was executed, and her only remaining uncle can't support them both as a traveling poet. Then Xue finds a patron in the enigmatic Duke Meng Jinglang, who buys out her contract after the pair team up to fend off a horrifying monster during a private performance. Upon arriving at his isolated mountain estate, Xue discovers that the handsome yet awkward Jinglang is the Duke of Dreams, an immortal ruler of the Celestial Realm. Initially overwhelmed by the Celestials' potentially deadly political maneuvering, Xue pushes her abilities--channeled through her qin--to their limits to help Jinglang unlock hidden memories of his deceased mentor, who was on the verge of uncovering a conspiracy that could shake the foundations of the ethereal realms. Lin (A Venom Dark and Sweet) weaves together poetry, music, and Chinese folklore to compose a gorgeously written, captivating story of love, grief, and family that's anchored in a vibrant world of danger and intrigue. Ages 13--up. Agent: Rachel Brooks, BookEnds Literary. (Apr.)
Kirkus Review
A young woman must use her musical talents to uncover lost memories and Celestial secrets to save the Six Realms. With her loving uncle away traveling, orphaned Xue joined an entertainment house to hone her musical talents in playing the qín. Now, following years of service and learning, the 17-year-old has become an apprentice, and her uncle gifts her a new qín. Shortly after, he's killed by bandits, leaving her lonelier than ever. Throwing herself into her music, Xue captures the attention of handsome young nobleman Meng Jinglang, who offers to pay off her indenture contract in return for her playing music at his manor for one year. The offer grows more enticing when he reveals that he knew her uncle and needs her help completing an unfinished task of his. But as she spends time with Jinglang at Meng Manor, she uncovers many secrets. It turns out that Jinglang is the Celestial Realm's Duke of Dreams, and that the Six Realms are on the verge of ruin. Together, they must figure out the answers, which are somehow connected to her qín. Although this fantastical hero's journey has a slow start, it's full of magic, mystery, music, poetry, and intrigue. The detailed and impressive worldbuilding incorporates Chinese culture, food, lore, and poetry. A breakdown of the structure and order of the Six Realms, an author's note, and a glossary of Chinese characters, pronunciation, and definitions offer helpful context and background. A beautiful, engaging fantasy. (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Guxue has few memories of her early life and only her uncle to call family; she is devastated when he dies soon after she is contracted to the House of Flowing Water as an apprentice to an entertainer. Xue's incredible talent as a qín player is at odds with her lowly Undesirable social class. Then a performance for a wealthy young man turns into an unexpected and irresistible invitation: three years serving as a musician in his house, and she will earn her freedom. But this young man, kind and generous Duke Meng, is one of the rulers in the Celestial Realm, and Xue soon discovers she may be the key to preventing the inhabitants of the demon realm from wreaking havoc on the world. Ephemeral, beautiful language lends a fairy-tale feel to a narrative with intrigue, nightmares, and twists around every corner; there is a strong Chinese cultural infusion, and the heady romance is slow-burning. The world building is particularly complex for a stand-alone, which will be a draw for some readers and a detractor for others.
