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The Poet Empress
Not yet published
Expected 20 Jan 26Debut author Shen Tao introduces listeners to the lush, deadly world of
The Poet Empress,
a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of
The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles
and
She Who Became the Sun
.
In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.
Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.
Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.
But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.
To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.
The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all listeners. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.
In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.
Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.
Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.
But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.
To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.
The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all listeners. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.
13 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication January 20, 2026
46190 people want to read
About the author
Shen Tao
2 books144 followersShen Tao immigrated to Canada at an early age, and grew up inspired by both Chinese and Western stories. She has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. The Poet Empress is her first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 470 reviews
November 3, 2025
Guys, this is my new A Song to Drown Rivers OMG you must read this IMMEDIATELY when it comes out!
Such a brutal, tragic but beautiful story. It’s a different type of a story where instead of getting lots of action & complex plot, we instead do a dive into the past and dig into the upbringings of certain complex characters in the story.
It’s one of those stories that will have you feeling conflicted feelings about everyone throughout (which is personally my fav type of book). You need to give this one time to cook, and when it cooks, it’s SO GOOD.
Such a brutal, tragic but beautiful story. It’s a different type of a story where instead of getting lots of action & complex plot, we instead do a dive into the past and dig into the upbringings of certain complex characters in the story.
It’s one of those stories that will have you feeling conflicted feelings about everyone throughout (which is personally my fav type of book). You need to give this one time to cook, and when it cooks, it’s SO GOOD.
September 1, 2025
Felt like chewing broken glass. 5 stars. Oh my god.
Please note that I work for Macmillan but opinions are my own. I am not involved in book production.
Please note that I work for Macmillan but opinions are my own. I am not involved in book production.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!
the poet empress emphasizes the importance of literacy; literacy equates knowledge and knowledge equates power… those who are literate hold all the power.
i am completely blown away by this debut, so much so i had to double check that the poet empress even WAS a debut. full of political intrigue and betrayal, mental and physical abuse, i think the saddest character is (one of) our villain terren. when all you are taught is hatred and suspicion, that is what you become.
the scenes of him as a child with his toy friends broke my heart. he really did just love his older brother…
what a powerful way to end my 2025 reading year.
as for the audio, the narrator did a phenomenal job.
i’m beyond excited to see what the illumicrate edition looks like!!
——
next arc/alc combo💪🏼 very excited to dive in as i’ve seen this everywhere and it’s a pick for a big book subscription box
the poet empress emphasizes the importance of literacy; literacy equates knowledge and knowledge equates power… those who are literate hold all the power.
i am completely blown away by this debut, so much so i had to double check that the poet empress even WAS a debut. full of political intrigue and betrayal, mental and physical abuse, i think the saddest character is (one of) our villain terren. when all you are taught is hatred and suspicion, that is what you become.
the scenes of him as a child with his toy friends broke my heart. he really did just love his older brother…
what a powerful way to end my 2025 reading year.
as for the audio, the narrator did a phenomenal job.
i’m beyond excited to see what the illumicrate edition looks like!!
——
next arc/alc combo💪🏼 very excited to dive in as i’ve seen this everywhere and it’s a pick for a big book subscription box
Review of advance copy received from Éditeur
I was very reluctant to read this one because of the title. I might be prejudiced, but it felt really "generic romantasy".
I was very wrong, it was anything but.
It's absolutely not a romance and it's a rather low fantasy setting.
But this is one of the strongest character work I've read in the last years. It is not an easy read, and it dives into a lot of difficult subjects, but it is absolutely worth it.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was absolutely perfect. She added great rythm and empathy to the story.
The plot and court intrigue are excellent, but most of all, it's the development of the characters over the course of the story that will stay with me. Their feelings, the horrors they go through, their motivations, and every thing that make them what they are.
Thank you so much Macmillan Audio for this ARC!
I was very wrong, it was anything but.
It's absolutely not a romance and it's a rather low fantasy setting.
But this is one of the strongest character work I've read in the last years. It is not an easy read, and it dives into a lot of difficult subjects, but it is absolutely worth it.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was absolutely perfect. She added great rythm and empathy to the story.
The plot and court intrigue are excellent, but most of all, it's the development of the characters over the course of the story that will stay with me. Their feelings, the horrors they go through, their motivations, and every thing that make them what they are.
Thank you so much Macmillan Audio for this ARC!
December 15, 2025
4.5 stars.
Wow! What a debut!
If you prefer something cozy or a romantasy, definitely look away. This is neither of those. And despite being published by Tor's Bramble imprint, this is NOT a romance. The GR tags lied. (And as a romantasy hater, I'm actually really totally fine with this.)
As a huge lover of dark fantasy, this novel was very intense. Hell, I love anything dark and the first half was even a little too dark for me. At times, it was giving torture porn.
But as a masochist, I couldn't stop reading and I'm glad I didn't stop reading. (And between you and me, this was what I thought Alchemised was going to be.)
If you love court politics and royal intrigue, this really delivered in that department. The rags to riches story was also done really well. I also loved Wei's character development, which drove the simple plot forward.
And the villain? It's been a while since I've hated a fictional character so much. My god. I wanted him dead the first time he tormented my girl, Wei.
This would've been a perfect five stars if there was more poetry magic. But due to the FMC being a woman, it just wasn't possible. And honestly, I'm glad that the author made these restrictions "realistic" in terms of Wei's situation.
I haven't been so glued to a novel in a long time. I even had to pace myself just so I wouldn't finish this book quickly. If there's a special edition or signed edition, I'm placing an order. Hell, I'll probably reread/relisten to the audiobook once it drops.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for this arc.
Wow! What a debut!
If you prefer something cozy or a romantasy, definitely look away. This is neither of those. And despite being published by Tor's Bramble imprint, this is NOT a romance. The GR tags lied. (And as a romantasy hater, I'm actually really totally fine with this.)
As a huge lover of dark fantasy, this novel was very intense. Hell, I love anything dark and the first half was even a little too dark for me. At times, it was giving torture porn.
But as a masochist, I couldn't stop reading and I'm glad I didn't stop reading. (And between you and me, this was what I thought Alchemised was going to be.)
If you love court politics and royal intrigue, this really delivered in that department. The rags to riches story was also done really well. I also loved Wei's character development, which drove the simple plot forward.
And the villain? It's been a while since I've hated a fictional character so much. My god. I wanted him dead the first time he tormented my girl, Wei.
This would've been a perfect five stars if there was more poetry magic. But due to the FMC being a woman, it just wasn't possible. And honestly, I'm glad that the author made these restrictions "realistic" in terms of Wei's situation.
I haven't been so glued to a novel in a long time. I even had to pace myself just so I wouldn't finish this book quickly. If there's a special edition or signed edition, I'm placing an order. Hell, I'll probably reread/relisten to the audiobook once it drops.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for this arc.
October 23, 2025
When I say I crave multi-layered characters that feel like real people this is what I want. I need to stew on this for a few days but damn that was good
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5⭐️
“If I am a star, then let me burn. Let me burn and burn until the whole empire is devoured, along with all its corruption, its villainy, its rot. Let me burn and burn until this night is not remembered, nor this year, nor this dynasty. Until even history is buried in ash, and then maybe green things would grow again.”
...
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Poet Empress was one of the most heartwrenchingly beautiful books I have ever read. And not only that, it was one of the most perfectly paced books I have ever read. Everything unfolded its layers so organically. I cared for our main characters so deeply in my bones, even characters I at first thought I should despise. Shen gave me everything as quickly as she took it all away from me. My heart is broken, my soul withered, but through it all, I have been blessed by this story. I really need everyone to read this book. If this is not the next big thing, I will be utterly shocked.
I do want to note that I do not agree with the comps or the tags, so I want to mention this for potential readers to reset their expectations. Think of this more as The Apothecary Diaries and A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang.
Another note is that this is in NO WAY romantasy, or even romantic at all. This is a historical fiction with slicing court politics, poetic magic, brotherhood, and a woman who will do whatever it takes to go home.
“If I am a star, then let me burn. Let me burn and burn until the whole empire is devoured, along with all its corruption, its villainy, its rot. Let me burn and burn until this night is not remembered, nor this year, nor this dynasty. Until even history is buried in ash, and then maybe green things would grow again.”
...
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Poet Empress was one of the most heartwrenchingly beautiful books I have ever read. And not only that, it was one of the most perfectly paced books I have ever read. Everything unfolded its layers so organically. I cared for our main characters so deeply in my bones, even characters I at first thought I should despise. Shen gave me everything as quickly as she took it all away from me. My heart is broken, my soul withered, but through it all, I have been blessed by this story. I really need everyone to read this book. If this is not the next big thing, I will be utterly shocked.
I do want to note that I do not agree with the comps or the tags, so I want to mention this for potential readers to reset their expectations. Think of this more as The Apothecary Diaries and A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang.
Another note is that this is in NO WAY romantasy, or even romantic at all. This is a historical fiction with slicing court politics, poetic magic, brotherhood, and a woman who will do whatever it takes to go home.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.0 Stars
As someone who loves fantasy inspired by Asian history, I was quite interested in this novel.
This leans into certain tropes romantasy but I was pleased to find it took some refreshing directions. I am a sucker dark stories playing around with morally gray and black characters so these kinds of stories peak my interest.
The worldbuilding is really what made this story work because it gave more depth to the characters and surrounding situation. The story has some serious moral conundrums that made for a interesting read.
I would recommend this novel to loved that love a dark male protagonist placed against the backdrop of a grim historical setting.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
As someone who loves fantasy inspired by Asian history, I was quite interested in this novel.
This leans into certain tropes romantasy but I was pleased to find it took some refreshing directions. I am a sucker dark stories playing around with morally gray and black characters so these kinds of stories peak my interest.
The worldbuilding is really what made this story work because it gave more depth to the characters and surrounding situation. The story has some serious moral conundrums that made for a interesting read.
I would recommend this novel to loved that love a dark male protagonist placed against the backdrop of a grim historical setting.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.75 ★— Gorgeous. That’s all I can say, really. I’ve watched a lot of historical C-dramas, so reading a story revolving around that kind of court intrigue, set in a fantasy empire in flux after the illness of the regent, was incredibly satisfying!
The story follows Wei Yin, the daughter of rice farmers living in a village on the brink of starvation, and her slow rise from poverty to becoming a concubine to one of the empire’s princes, all while learning the ways of court politics and trying to make her own path.
With her as an outsider to everything, I got to witness Wei Yin’s arc, and it was such a pleasure. She relies on her smarts, her grit, and her determination to survive the court’s metaphorical political minefields, and nowhere is that clearer than in her interactions with the prince she becomes a concubine to. A cruel man with no leash on his behavior, it was sometimes difficult to read all that she endured. This book is quite graphic, deals with some deeply rooted darkness, and makes no attempt to render anyone especially likable or wholly sympathetic. Everyone is trying to secure their own position, everyone is focused on survival, and this story masterfully embodied that.
The ending was especially surprising to me, as someone who had expectations about how the narrative would conclude. Shen Tao managed to blow those away, delivering an absolutely fitting and poignant ending.
🎧 Audiobook Note
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
The narrators were amazing, and there’s honestly nothing I can think of that didn’t work for me. The female narrator had such a smooth delivery while also conveying the emotions of the characters in an incredibly effective way, and I liked the passages narrated by the male narrator just as much. I loved this!
_______________
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Wei Yin, the daughter of rice farmers living in a village on the brink of starvation, and her slow rise from poverty to becoming a concubine to one of the empire’s princes, all while learning the ways of court politics and trying to make her own path.
With her as an outsider to everything, I got to witness Wei Yin’s arc, and it was such a pleasure. She relies on her smarts, her grit, and her determination to survive the court’s metaphorical political minefields, and nowhere is that clearer than in her interactions with the prince she becomes a concubine to. A cruel man with no leash on his behavior, it was sometimes difficult to read all that she endured. This book is quite graphic, deals with some deeply rooted darkness, and makes no attempt to render anyone especially likable or wholly sympathetic. Everyone is trying to secure their own position, everyone is focused on survival, and this story masterfully embodied that.
The ending was especially surprising to me, as someone who had expectations about how the narrative would conclude. Shen Tao managed to blow those away, delivering an absolutely fitting and poignant ending.
🎧 Audiobook Note
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
The narrators were amazing, and there’s honestly nothing I can think of that didn’t work for me. The female narrator had such a smooth delivery while also conveying the emotions of the characters in an incredibly effective way, and I liked the passages narrated by the male narrator just as much. I loved this!
_______________
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
December 12, 2025
A dark and twisty political fantasy that is as heart-wrenching as it is complex. A riveting character study that is utterly impossible to put down and will have you rooting for a monster.
While the synopsis describes The Poet Empress as one girl’s journey to becoming an empress—it certainly is—but at the heart it is a story about the cruelties of the world and the people we must become in order to survive them.
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year!
A well-executed character study surrounded by an interesting world and unique magic. Within mere chapters you’ll be grabbed my the throat for a ride on a rollercoaster of emotions. While reading this book you will fall in love, have your heart shattered, feel profound empathy for an absolute monster, and enjoy a glimmer of hope. Then, this book will rip your heart out once again before placing a gentle kiss on your forehead to send you on your way.
I am absolutely wrecked after reading and I think you should be too, so please go read this book right now!
And for those that just came for my list…
Whats to love…
- political fantasy (NOT A ROMANCE)
- scheming, betrayal, and backstabbing
- soft ppl forced to face the horrors of the world
- heart-wrenching
- complex af characters
- un-put-down-able
- unique magic and interesting world
Whats not to love…
- This is a 5 star read for me, but if I was being picky I’d probably say I would have liked the magic to be more detailed. It was quite interesting and unique and I wanted more!
Audio Narration: 5/5 Performance was spectacular, the pacing, pausing, inflection, and the way the narrator nailed additional characters voices were all top notch! I absolutely recommend this audiobook!
The only note I have is that the narrator’s voice is young, which absolutely meets the age of the FMC, but, the younger voice, at times, made me feel like I was reading a YA book. The content, writing style, narrative, etc all read adult - so this was simply an issue with my brain hearing a young voice and registering as YA. This does NOT detract from the enjoyment or overall experience of the audiobook - but it is something to keep in mind if you do not enjoy “younger” voices.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Tor for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
While the synopsis describes The Poet Empress as one girl’s journey to becoming an empress—it certainly is—but at the heart it is a story about the cruelties of the world and the people we must become in order to survive them.
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year!
A well-executed character study surrounded by an interesting world and unique magic. Within mere chapters you’ll be grabbed my the throat for a ride on a rollercoaster of emotions. While reading this book you will fall in love, have your heart shattered, feel profound empathy for an absolute monster, and enjoy a glimmer of hope. Then, this book will rip your heart out once again before placing a gentle kiss on your forehead to send you on your way.
I am absolutely wrecked after reading and I think you should be too, so please go read this book right now!
And for those that just came for my list…
Whats to love…
- political fantasy (NOT A ROMANCE)
- scheming, betrayal, and backstabbing
- soft ppl forced to face the horrors of the world
- heart-wrenching
- complex af characters
- un-put-down-able
- unique magic and interesting world
Whats not to love…
- This is a 5 star read for me, but if I was being picky I’d probably say I would have liked the magic to be more detailed. It was quite interesting and unique and I wanted more!
Audio Narration: 5/5 Performance was spectacular, the pacing, pausing, inflection, and the way the narrator nailed additional characters voices were all top notch! I absolutely recommend this audiobook!
The only note I have is that the narrator’s voice is young, which absolutely meets the age of the FMC, but, the younger voice, at times, made me feel like I was reading a YA book. The content, writing style, narrative, etc all read adult - so this was simply an issue with my brain hearing a young voice and registering as YA. This does NOT detract from the enjoyment or overall experience of the audiobook - but it is something to keep in mind if you do not enjoy “younger” voices.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Tor for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
December 7, 2025
help..I need help putting the pieces of my heart back together.
October 18, 2025
Brutal and beautiful. One of my favorite books of the year 😭
May 19, 2025
Growing up watching C-dramas, I never expected to one day read one—but that’s honestly the best way I can describe The Poet Empress. Does anyone else remember the hype around Huán Zhū Gégé or 還珠格格? That mix of heart-wrenching relationships, innocent protagonists thrown into a cruel imperial court... The Poet Empress really invoked that sense of nostalgia.
Yin Wei is a brilliantly intelligent and empathetic character who’s forced to adapt and grow in unimaginable ways. Watching her transformation felt both painful and empowering, and I was rooting for her the entire time. She's a character with so much depth! She isn't a stereotypical Mary Sue, but someone who feels like she would have been recorded in the history books. Not perfect or pure or blank, but complex and deeply flawed in a way that felt so real.
The best way I can describe this book is as an epic—a sweeping, emotional journey that will rip your heart out, crush it, piece it back together, and shove it right back in. This book is poetry in so many senses—not just in the title or the magic system, but in the way Shen brings the story together. You won't see the ending coming! The Poet Empress is beautiful, brutal, and absolutely deserving of all the hype it’s getting.
Yin Wei is a brilliantly intelligent and empathetic character who’s forced to adapt and grow in unimaginable ways. Watching her transformation felt both painful and empowering, and I was rooting for her the entire time. She's a character with so much depth! She isn't a stereotypical Mary Sue, but someone who feels like she would have been recorded in the history books. Not perfect or pure or blank, but complex and deeply flawed in a way that felt so real.
The best way I can describe this book is as an epic—a sweeping, emotional journey that will rip your heart out, crush it, piece it back together, and shove it right back in. This book is poetry in so many senses—not just in the title or the magic system, but in the way Shen brings the story together. You won't see the ending coming! The Poet Empress is beautiful, brutal, and absolutely deserving of all the hype it’s getting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An incredible, kick-the-door-open kind of debut that will bring you to your knees and make you cry.
I’m a sucker for beautiful covers, and the idea of poetry completely caught me off guard. My first thought was that it’d be something like that scene where Harry and Draco practice dueling, but instead of waving a wand, the hero would be reciting poems. How wrong I was, and I’m so glad about it!
The characters were written with such skill, and watching their growth and transformation was absolutely fascinating. The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss!
I’m not sure I have enough words to describe this book. It left a profound impression on me and is without a doubt the best book I’ve read this year!
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a sucker for beautiful covers, and the idea of poetry completely caught me off guard. My first thought was that it’d be something like that scene where Harry and Draco practice dueling, but instead of waving a wand, the hero would be reciting poems. How wrong I was, and I’m so glad about it!
The characters were written with such skill, and watching their growth and transformation was absolutely fascinating. The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss!
I’m not sure I have enough words to describe this book. It left a profound impression on me and is without a doubt the best book I’ve read this year!
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2025
A beautifully written standalone fantasy steeped in political intrigue, Chinese historical influences and lyrical lore.
The Poet Empress was not what I expected, I picked it up thinking it was a romantasy (I’m not sure why) and the reading experience that followed was probably what happens to someone who grabs Empire of the Vampire from the romantasy section of the bookstore expecting ACOTAR vibes. It is definitely not that! This is a darker, haunting epic fantasy, but it’s also tender and emotional in unexpected places. At its core, it explores themes of love, redemption, and sheer determination.
The story is character-driven rather than plot-driven, and the cast is beautifully complex, multi-layered, and feels deeply human. No one is straight forward, least of all Wei. She begins as a village girl shaped by famine and desperation. When the chance arises to become a concubine to the empire’s heir, she takes it, not out of ambition, but because it’s her only hope of saving her loved ones. What she doesn’t expect is to become empress-in-waiting, married to the infamously cruel Prince Guan Terren. To survive, she must quickly learn who to trust. But deception is rife, power corrupts, and it seems everyone is hiding something.
I loved that Wei is, in her own words, no mythical heroine. She makes mistakes. She chooses herself to survive. She’s not a martial legend, and she doesn’t try to be. Watching her grow, hardened by court life and betrayal, was one of my favourite elements of her story. Terren, on the other hand, is a perfect villain. A true Frankenstein’s monster, shaped by the neglect and cruelty of those meant to protect him. His arc unfolds like 13 Reasons Why as Wei digs into his past to uncover who he truly is. He may be the villain, but my heart ached for him and I was really holding out for his redemption!
The story kept me guessing right up until the final chapters. I couldn’t have predicted the ending, and I loved that. It’s emotional, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written. If you enjoyed The Poppy War or Game of Thrones, this one is likely a great pick for you! The final scene will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.
The Poet Empress was not what I expected, I picked it up thinking it was a romantasy (I’m not sure why) and the reading experience that followed was probably what happens to someone who grabs Empire of the Vampire from the romantasy section of the bookstore expecting ACOTAR vibes. It is definitely not that! This is a darker, haunting epic fantasy, but it’s also tender and emotional in unexpected places. At its core, it explores themes of love, redemption, and sheer determination.
The story is character-driven rather than plot-driven, and the cast is beautifully complex, multi-layered, and feels deeply human. No one is straight forward, least of all Wei. She begins as a village girl shaped by famine and desperation. When the chance arises to become a concubine to the empire’s heir, she takes it, not out of ambition, but because it’s her only hope of saving her loved ones. What she doesn’t expect is to become empress-in-waiting, married to the infamously cruel Prince Guan Terren. To survive, she must quickly learn who to trust. But deception is rife, power corrupts, and it seems everyone is hiding something.
I loved that Wei is, in her own words, no mythical heroine. She makes mistakes. She chooses herself to survive. She’s not a martial legend, and she doesn’t try to be. Watching her grow, hardened by court life and betrayal, was one of my favourite elements of her story. Terren, on the other hand, is a perfect villain. A true Frankenstein’s monster, shaped by the neglect and cruelty of those meant to protect him. His arc unfolds like 13 Reasons Why as Wei digs into his past to uncover who he truly is. He may be the villain, but my heart ached for him and I was really holding out for his redemption!
The story kept me guessing right up until the final chapters. I couldn’t have predicted the ending, and I loved that. It’s emotional, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written. If you enjoyed The Poppy War or Game of Thrones, this one is likely a great pick for you! The final scene will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strong debiut with very dark moments (be wary and check tw at the beginning)
Main character from poor village suddenly gets to live very close to the monstrous prince and has to learn a lot of things in order to ensure her survival and also her entire family and village.
There are dangers at every corner - other jealous concubines, privileged people who are threatened by this impostor among them, but the most dangerous is the man she has to attend to at night.
He really gave new meaning to CRUEL prince!!! And not only he, but all of them actually.
I liked that this book may seem like typical fantasy, while starting reading, but it's not like other enemies to lovers!!!
It would probably hit more if I didn't read A song to drown rivers before, but still it's entracing standalone.
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
Main character from poor village suddenly gets to live very close to the monstrous prince and has to learn a lot of things in order to ensure her survival and also her entire family and village.
There are dangers at every corner - other jealous concubines, privileged people who are threatened by this impostor among them, but the most dangerous is the man she has to attend to at night.
He really gave new meaning to CRUEL prince!!! And not only he, but all of them actually.
I liked that this book may seem like typical fantasy, while starting reading, but it's not like other enemies to lovers!!!
It would probably hit more if I didn't read A song to drown rivers before, but still it's entracing standalone.
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
January 9, 2026
I’ll write a review later my therapist is going to hear about this one.
Currently reading
November 15, 2025𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖
pre-read : am i ready?? no, no i’m not (∩˃o˂∩)♡
update : POETRY MAGIC. THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW so add it to your tbr now!! also, thank you to the lovely Shen Tao for selecting me to join the ARC TEAM!! ♡
pre-read : am i ready?? no, no i’m not (∩˃o˂∩)♡
update : POETRY MAGIC. THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW so add it to your tbr now!! also, thank you to the lovely Shen Tao for selecting me to join the ARC TEAM!! ♡
December 5, 2025
Tao has created a work of art with her debut novel, The Poet Empress.
Prepare to be swept across epic landscapes, from poverty stricken farmland, to luxurious palace gardens. The world created within these pages glimmers with gold but hides poison and daggers within.
The richly crafted characters will have you crying with sorrow, clenching your fists in anger, have your heart beating rapidly with hope. The ending wasn’t the one I wanted, but it was the one the Azalea Dynasty deserved.
Huge shoutout to the narrators and author who went above and beyond on this tale and had me spellbound with each word. The audiobook is incredible.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, narrators, and Macmillan Audio for a copy!
Prepare to be swept across epic landscapes, from poverty stricken farmland, to luxurious palace gardens. The world created within these pages glimmers with gold but hides poison and daggers within.
The richly crafted characters will have you crying with sorrow, clenching your fists in anger, have your heart beating rapidly with hope. The ending wasn’t the one I wanted, but it was the one the Azalea Dynasty deserved.
Huge shoutout to the narrators and author who went above and beyond on this tale and had me spellbound with each word. The audiobook is incredible.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, narrators, and Macmillan Audio for a copy!
November 26, 2025
Want a book that utterly tears you apart? MAY I PRESENT TO YOU THE POET EMPRESS. It begins in the Azalea dynasty, with sixteen-year-old Yin Wei volunteering herself as a concubine to save her famine-stricken hometown, a sacrifice as much as its resistance. In a world where women are forbidden to read or write, she dares to learn anyway.
Tao’s writing in The Poet Empress is melodic as the magical poems in the story, verses imbued with the ability to hurt and heal. There are Blessings that bestow fruit trees and crops, wielded by those only if they are willing to, and everything comes at a cost… Inspired by ancient Chinese history, the story reminded me of the classical poetry I learned in school. I was both beguiled at the beauty of the form of poetry and the misery it could create.
The invocation of couplets paired with Tao’s meticulous craft of nature and animals in the story is sparkling, and her words tethers the perfect imagery of what it was like for Wei to journey in the inner courts. Surrounded by constant scheming, poison (!) and the fractious relationship with her betrothed – the cruel and dastardly emperor to be, Prince Terren, young and absolutely terrible.
The story is threaded with ghostly specters that explain why our characters become who they are. We begin to understand that humans are always inherently complex, shaped from circumstance and choice, deepened by love or loss.
Sometimes fate forces our hand despite wanting to be kind, because it’s the greater kindness of a much crueller fate - and so while Terren is objectively the big bad villain™️, his childhood story made him such a compelling chracter despite his flaws, unforgiveable as they are.
And it is as Wei says: “if everyone who suffered became monsters, the world would be overrun with them”.
An absolute masterpiece in storytelling, and I’ll let you laugh at my ugly crying! I think for someone who wanted to spend more time connecting with my heritage, this story felt like a bridge to that - it hurt and continues to hurt more, and it’s definitely one of my favourite reads this year…
(A quick moment for trigger warnings as this book has quite a few, don’t forget to read through them if you’re thinking of picking it up)
Tao’s writing in The Poet Empress is melodic as the magical poems in the story, verses imbued with the ability to hurt and heal. There are Blessings that bestow fruit trees and crops, wielded by those only if they are willing to, and everything comes at a cost… Inspired by ancient Chinese history, the story reminded me of the classical poetry I learned in school. I was both beguiled at the beauty of the form of poetry and the misery it could create.
The invocation of couplets paired with Tao’s meticulous craft of nature and animals in the story is sparkling, and her words tethers the perfect imagery of what it was like for Wei to journey in the inner courts. Surrounded by constant scheming, poison (!) and the fractious relationship with her betrothed – the cruel and dastardly emperor to be, Prince Terren, young and absolutely terrible.
The story is threaded with ghostly specters that explain why our characters become who they are. We begin to understand that humans are always inherently complex, shaped from circumstance and choice, deepened by love or loss.
Sometimes fate forces our hand despite wanting to be kind, because it’s the greater kindness of a much crueller fate - and so while Terren is objectively the big bad villain™️, his childhood story made him such a compelling chracter despite his flaws, unforgiveable as they are.
And it is as Wei says: “if everyone who suffered became monsters, the world would be overrun with them”.
An absolute masterpiece in storytelling, and I’ll let you laugh at my ugly crying! I think for someone who wanted to spend more time connecting with my heritage, this story felt like a bridge to that - it hurt and continues to hurt more, and it’s definitely one of my favourite reads this year…
(A quick moment for trigger warnings as this book has quite a few, don’t forget to read through them if you’re thinking of picking it up)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I bothered the publisher non-stop for this because I saw it was written for c-drama fans. Was very pleased to see they did not forget me and sent me an ARC I shall love dearly.
When I think about this book, it reminds me of the dark court drama stories like Goodbye, My Princess, Legend of Dugu, mixed with fantasy. As a comparison drama I can't think of any other.
The main character is young, wants the best for her family. Hearing that the royal family is searching for concubines she attends a selection. She insists that she be offered to the cruel prince as a joke, and that if he dislikes her he can cut her head off. She is taken, and to her surprise, she is chosen as his empress.
Cue court scheming, ontop of being married to a young emperor to be who tortures her nightly, is a great stain on the kingdom, and is surely to be next for the throne once the current emperor kicks it. She learns that the only way to kill him is to craft a poem written out of love. But how can you write something so authentic when the person you're trying to kill is a piece of shit?
The way you can despise someone and agree with the trajectory of the novel, yet feel sorry and sad for this prince is astounding. The way you feel for the young girl turned empress and watch her morph into a strong willed empress is also astounding. The fact this is the author's first book just astounds me the most.
I love that Chinese fantasy and fiction in general has become popular. Make no mistake, there is no romance in this book, but there is sadness and determination. I recommend this if you love court scheming and the making of a monster.
When I think about this book, it reminds me of the dark court drama stories like Goodbye, My Princess, Legend of Dugu, mixed with fantasy. As a comparison drama I can't think of any other.
The main character is young, wants the best for her family. Hearing that the royal family is searching for concubines she attends a selection. She insists that she be offered to the cruel prince as a joke, and that if he dislikes her he can cut her head off. She is taken, and to her surprise, she is chosen as his empress.
Cue court scheming, ontop of being married to a young emperor to be who tortures her nightly, is a great stain on the kingdom, and is surely to be next for the throne once the current emperor kicks it. She learns that the only way to kill him is to craft a poem written out of love. But how can you write something so authentic when the person you're trying to kill is a piece of shit?
The way you can despise someone and agree with the trajectory of the novel, yet feel sorry and sad for this prince is astounding. The way you feel for the young girl turned empress and watch her morph into a strong willed empress is also astounding. The fact this is the author's first book just astounds me the most.
I love that Chinese fantasy and fiction in general has become popular. Make no mistake, there is no romance in this book, but there is sadness and determination. I recommend this if you love court scheming and the making of a monster.
January 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 6 stars
Full RTC once my heart rate calms down but HOLY SHIT THIS IS PHENOMENAL
Full RTC once my heart rate calms down but HOLY SHIT THIS IS PHENOMENAL
Want to read
July 24, 2025there's always that one debut epic fantasy releasing sometime in the beginning of an year that is highly promising and I often avoid those because I'm afraid they might be over-publicised. but i feel ready to BET ON THIS ONE so fingers crossed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Poet Empress
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my second ARC, and I picked it up after a friend’s enthusiastic recommendation — and it turned out to be a refreshing experience within YA Asian fantasy.
The Poet Empress is not an epic, destiny-driven tale with a hidden-power heroine or an unstoppable warrior saved by love. Instead, it tells a quiet but painful story about the cost of power — and the price paid by those who stand close to it.
Wei, the protagonist, is a poor peasant girl who becomes the crown prince’s concubine to save her village from starvation. She is observant, restrained, and resilient rather than bold or confrontational. Lacking formal education or political insight, Wei is forced to learn quickly as she navigates the dangers and intricate dynamics of the imperial palace.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its character work. Wei survives not by defiance, but by patience — she plays the hand she is given and slowly adapts. The supporting cast is equally well crafted, especially the imperial family. The princes, in particular, are portrayed with nuance, and the story does not shy away from showing how expectation and pressure can wound as deeply as violence.
I also appreciated the author’s approach to difficult themes. Violence is depicted as complex and consequential, without being romanticized or softened. The novel avoids the “healing power of love” trope, allowing trauma to remain unresolved in realistic ways. This honesty greatly strengthened the emotional weight of the story.I also want to thank the author for the themes she chose to explore. For the way she portrays violence — multifaceted and unapologetic, without softening its consequences. I deeply appreciated that she didn’t push the idea of love as something that magically heals everything, and instead left the cracked jug cracked. Because even if you glue it back together, it would still shatter from a careless touch.
I liked the ending. I was hoping for exactly this kind of finale, and Shen Tao didn’t disappoint me. I don’t think I would have accepted a different one.
The magic system and the symbolism of the Crown add an intriguing layer to the narrative, and the ending felt earned. It was a conclusion I hoped for — and one that made sense within the story’s emotional logic.
But for me, this is still a solid 4, not a 5.
Why? Because the entire time I felt more like an observer than someone truly living inside the story. At moments, I wanted the author to press harder on the bruise — to let me sink into the scene, to drown in the emotions that were clearly there. But, just like the heroine, the story kept moving forward. It’s hard to explain. And it seems I might be in the minority with this feeling — but I missed the fire of Wei’s inner world. I often felt like I was reading a chronicle rather than being fully present inside it. If you know what I mean.
Overall, The Poet Empress is a thoughtful, atmospheric novel filled with palace intrigue, moral complexity, and quiet endurance.
If you enjoy glassy pain, an Asian-inspired setting, palace intrigue, and reflections on the cost and burden of power — this one is for you
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my second ARC, and I picked it up after a friend’s enthusiastic recommendation — and it turned out to be a refreshing experience within YA Asian fantasy.
The Poet Empress is not an epic, destiny-driven tale with a hidden-power heroine or an unstoppable warrior saved by love. Instead, it tells a quiet but painful story about the cost of power — and the price paid by those who stand close to it.
Wei, the protagonist, is a poor peasant girl who becomes the crown prince’s concubine to save her village from starvation. She is observant, restrained, and resilient rather than bold or confrontational. Lacking formal education or political insight, Wei is forced to learn quickly as she navigates the dangers and intricate dynamics of the imperial palace.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its character work. Wei survives not by defiance, but by patience — she plays the hand she is given and slowly adapts. The supporting cast is equally well crafted, especially the imperial family. The princes, in particular, are portrayed with nuance, and the story does not shy away from showing how expectation and pressure can wound as deeply as violence.
I also appreciated the author’s approach to difficult themes. Violence is depicted as complex and consequential, without being romanticized or softened. The novel avoids the “healing power of love” trope, allowing trauma to remain unresolved in realistic ways. This honesty greatly strengthened the emotional weight of the story.I also want to thank the author for the themes she chose to explore. For the way she portrays violence — multifaceted and unapologetic, without softening its consequences. I deeply appreciated that she didn’t push the idea of love as something that magically heals everything, and instead left the cracked jug cracked. Because even if you glue it back together, it would still shatter from a careless touch.
I liked the ending. I was hoping for exactly this kind of finale, and Shen Tao didn’t disappoint me. I don’t think I would have accepted a different one.
The magic system and the symbolism of the Crown add an intriguing layer to the narrative, and the ending felt earned. It was a conclusion I hoped for — and one that made sense within the story’s emotional logic.
But for me, this is still a solid 4, not a 5.
Why? Because the entire time I felt more like an observer than someone truly living inside the story. At moments, I wanted the author to press harder on the bruise — to let me sink into the scene, to drown in the emotions that were clearly there. But, just like the heroine, the story kept moving forward. It’s hard to explain. And it seems I might be in the minority with this feeling — but I missed the fire of Wei’s inner world. I often felt like I was reading a chronicle rather than being fully present inside it. If you know what I mean.
Overall, The Poet Empress is a thoughtful, atmospheric novel filled with palace intrigue, moral complexity, and quiet endurance.
If you enjoy glassy pain, an Asian-inspired setting, palace intrigue, and reflections on the cost and burden of power — this one is for you
January 9, 2026
Make no mistake, this is not a romance. What it is? Beautiful. Poetic. Tragic. Brutal. A story that shows how power is such a wicked thing and the kindest of souls are not spared.
I am honestly so blown away by this read that when I finished it, I was stunned and so absolutely ruined. The audiobook performed in dual narration by Katharine Chin and Eric Yang was exceptional. I have no notes and the emotional delivery was top tier. For this to be Shen Tao’s debut novel, it is truly a masterpiece.
If you want a perfect example of character depth, The Poet Empress is it. The depth to every single character was incredible and so well done. Who they were, what they became, the paths that lead them there, their motivations and what these characters were feeling at all times? I am honestly speechless. It was an emotional roller coaster that had me feeling conflicted along with Wei Yin and trying not to cry while taking it all in (I did, in fact, cry). Read the content warnings and do not take them lightly. This story does not shy away from the brutality of survival within the palace.
And the magic system? Unique and beautifully done. The way poetry was woven into it was so lyrical and intimate. I don’t often find myself reading political fantasies and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to listen to this one because, as I’ve said already, it is truly a masterpiece and will linger in my heart for the foreseeable future.
I 100% recommend picking this one up and if you do, I can’t stress this enough, READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS. The Poet Empress will be available January 20th.
Thank you so, so much to Macmillan Audio for an ALC 💕
*************************************************************
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜:
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL?!!
Full review to come, I just need to put myself back together and gather my thoughts because I’m a little ruined right now.
What you need to know right now:
-10/10 recommend
-Phenomenal audio
-emotional rollercoaster
-read the content warnings
I am honestly so blown away by this read that when I finished it, I was stunned and so absolutely ruined. The audiobook performed in dual narration by Katharine Chin and Eric Yang was exceptional. I have no notes and the emotional delivery was top tier. For this to be Shen Tao’s debut novel, it is truly a masterpiece.
If you want a perfect example of character depth, The Poet Empress is it. The depth to every single character was incredible and so well done. Who they were, what they became, the paths that lead them there, their motivations and what these characters were feeling at all times? I am honestly speechless. It was an emotional roller coaster that had me feeling conflicted along with Wei Yin and trying not to cry while taking it all in (I did, in fact, cry). Read the content warnings and do not take them lightly. This story does not shy away from the brutality of survival within the palace.
And the magic system? Unique and beautifully done. The way poetry was woven into it was so lyrical and intimate. I don’t often find myself reading political fantasies and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to listen to this one because, as I’ve said already, it is truly a masterpiece and will linger in my heart for the foreseeable future.
I 100% recommend picking this one up and if you do, I can’t stress this enough, READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS. The Poet Empress will be available January 20th.
Thank you so, so much to Macmillan Audio for an ALC 💕
*************************************************************
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜:
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL?!!
Full review to come, I just need to put myself back together and gather my thoughts because I’m a little ruined right now.
What you need to know right now:
-10/10 recommend
-Phenomenal audio
-emotional rollercoaster
-read the content warnings
January 5, 2026
4.75 ⭐️ rounded up for once because it definitely deserves it
Thanks to Tor Publishing Group and Netgalley for the digital arc.
Incredible book!! I had no idea what to expect going into it and I’m not disappointed at all. I will say I think goodreads mistagged it as romantasy (which was a happy surprise for me) because there’s no romance in the book so don’t go into it expecting any.
Each time I thought I had the story figured out, it threw me off again, but it didn’t feel like it was ever out of left field.
I was extremely worried going into the ending because I didn’t think I was going to like where I thought it was going, but the ending was perfect imo. 10000/10 recommend
Thanks to Tor Publishing Group and Netgalley for the digital arc.
Incredible book!! I had no idea what to expect going into it and I’m not disappointed at all. I will say I think goodreads mistagged it as romantasy (which was a happy surprise for me) because there’s no romance in the book so don’t go into it expecting any.
Each time I thought I had the story figured out, it threw me off again, but it didn’t feel like it was ever out of left field.
I was extremely worried going into the ending because I didn’t think I was going to like where I thought it was going, but the ending was perfect imo. 10000/10 recommend
November 26, 2025
This book is the very definition of “it finished me.” It was so hauntingly, brutally beautiful. It’s excellently written and paced and I couldn’t put it down. Easily one of my top five reads this year. Every single character is so well developed with their own thoughts feelings and motives that really help add to the story and the political intrigue. Plot twist after plot twist had me on my toes and my jaw literally dropped at the end. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the audio book. The narrator did a remarkable job bringing this superb story to life.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I don't think I've cried over a book in so long. I really did not expect this book to get as emotional as it did. it started out with a plot that felt like this is something id read before but then it said SIKE and ripped my heart out. the magic system in this is incredible but the story woven was even more magical. this was truly impressive as a standalone novel. i dont think i can say more without spoilers but my heart is shattered.
January 7, 2026
This book is a masterpiece and I don’t say that lightly!
This is not a romance, and it isn’t an action-packed fantasy. It’s a deeply character-driven, steadily unfolding epic fantasy and by the time I finished, I was genuinely stunned, staring at the wall, trying to process what this story had just done to me.
The greatest strength of this book is its character work. Watching these lives form, fracture, and transform was haunting. Every choice, every cruelty, every moment of tenderness and loss felt intentional and heavy with meaning. The progression is slow in the best way, giving the story space to breathe and allowing the emotional weight to build naturally. And when everything finally comes together… it absolutely ruined me.
The magic system deserves its own praise. The way poetry is woven into power felt completely unique, lyrical, intimate, and unsettling. It gave the world a haunting beauty that made even the quiet moments feel significant.
This story is beautiful, but it is also brutal and tragic. It explores darkness, transformation, love, and the paths that lead people where they never meant to go. This is not a book you simply finish and move on from. It lingers. It sits in your chest. It reshapes how you think about what you read.
I don’t feel articulate enough to write the review this book truly deserves. I only know that it’s a story I will never stop thinking about.
If you enjoy epic fantasy, especially character focused, emotionally heavy, haunting stories, please read this book I listed to the audio and read this book and the narration was spectacular! I highly recommend listening to the audio and reading like I did. Thanks to Macmillan audio and Bramble romance for the ALC and ARC.
This is not a romance, and it isn’t an action-packed fantasy. It’s a deeply character-driven, steadily unfolding epic fantasy and by the time I finished, I was genuinely stunned, staring at the wall, trying to process what this story had just done to me.
The greatest strength of this book is its character work. Watching these lives form, fracture, and transform was haunting. Every choice, every cruelty, every moment of tenderness and loss felt intentional and heavy with meaning. The progression is slow in the best way, giving the story space to breathe and allowing the emotional weight to build naturally. And when everything finally comes together… it absolutely ruined me.
The magic system deserves its own praise. The way poetry is woven into power felt completely unique, lyrical, intimate, and unsettling. It gave the world a haunting beauty that made even the quiet moments feel significant.
This story is beautiful, but it is also brutal and tragic. It explores darkness, transformation, love, and the paths that lead people where they never meant to go. This is not a book you simply finish and move on from. It lingers. It sits in your chest. It reshapes how you think about what you read.
I don’t feel articulate enough to write the review this book truly deserves. I only know that it’s a story I will never stop thinking about.
If you enjoy epic fantasy, especially character focused, emotionally heavy, haunting stories, please read this book I listed to the audio and read this book and the narration was spectacular! I highly recommend listening to the audio and reading like I did. Thanks to Macmillan audio and Bramble romance for the ALC and ARC.
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