Political intrigue! Romance! Outstanding world-building!
Lan, the daughter of a wealthy nobleman, is in love with her intended Tam who plays music for her every night outside her window. What she doesn't know is that Bao, an orphaned apprentice physician, has been asked by Tam's family to pretend to woo Lan. Bao is actually in love with Lan and when he finally works up the courage to tell her, a heartbroken Lan cruelly rejects him. In attempts to leave his life behind, Bao is cursed by the river witch - his soul will be forever trapped in his flute unless he can receive true love's kiss. Lan learns of this dark magic and vows to help Bao, who doesn't fully trust her after her cruel rejection. The two then get swept up in the politics of the Great Forest, Southern Grasslands, and the Gray City, and the fate of Feng Lu depends upon them.
Julie C. Dao is a fantastic writer and SONG OF THE CRIMSON FLOWER beautifully builds upon her RISE OF THE EMPRESS duology. Though readers do not need to read her first two books to understand the plot, I think they will appreciate the story more! Years have passed in between the end of KINGDOM OF THE BLAZING PHOENIX and CRIMSON FLOWER and it's exciting to hear mentions of past events. For fans of the duology, beloved characters return and play important parts in the plot.
CRIMSON FLOWER uses the plot of "The Frog Prince" as its starting point and masterfully incorporates it in Vietnamese-inspired world. Bao and Lan are interesting protagonists and their character development is strong. Bao doesn't immediately forgive Lan who cruelly rejected him, and Lan learns how she can be a kinder and more independent person. Bao and Lan really support each other and it's refreshing to read a romance that isn't insta-love or straightforward. The pair have obstacles to overcome in order to come together.
I'm not sure if CRIMSON FLOWER is the start of a new duology, but I would love more of Bao and Lan's adventures! Can't wait to see where Dao writes next in the world of Feng Lu!
Julie C. Dao is a fantastic writer and SONG OF THE CRIMSON FLOWER beautifully builds upon her RISE OF THE EMPRESS duology. Though readers do not need to read her first two books to understand the plot, I think they will appreciate the story more! Years have passed in between the end of KINGDOM OF THE BLAZING PHOENIX and CRIMSON FLOWER and it's exciting to hear mentions of past events. For fans of the duology, beloved characters return and play important parts in the plot.
CRIMSON FLOWER uses the plot of "The Frog Prince" as its starting point and masterfully incorporates it in Vietnamese-inspired world. Bao and Lan are interesting protagonists and their character development is strong. Bao doesn't immediately forgive Lan who cruelly rejected him, and Lan learns how she can be a kinder and more independent person. Bao and Lan really support each other and it's refreshing to read a romance that isn't insta-love or straightforward. The pair have obstacles to overcome in order to come together.
I'm not sure if CRIMSON FLOWER is the start of a new duology, but I would love more of Bao and Lan's adventures! Can't wait to see where Dao writes next in the world of Feng Lu!