A Song to Drown Rivers : Discussion Thread

[Trisha]

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.

Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced 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 sister’s 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 king’s 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 fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.

[Vicki]

I'm going to start this one October 1 instead since that's when the audio comes out. I want the audio and book version.

[Trisha]

Okay! I'm planning on reading it today but I'll be here when you get started!

[Vicki]

Sounds good. I started but I don't think we have a buddy read for that one.

[Trisha]

I've already read it BUT I do have my posts and a thread

Here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

if you want to post there and chat!

[Vicki]

Thanks!

[Vicki]

Through Ch.. 6 (pg. 83) 26% I'm loving this one!

(view spoiler)[Wow! I think the writing of this one is just beautiful, and even if someone doesn't like the story I can't imagine not loving the beauty of the words.

I am really worried for Xishi and how she'll do spying on Fuchai. She's obviously able to use her womanly wiles on men but that will only take her so far. I feel so bad for what happened to Susu and that she felt so responsible for her. Little ones don't always listen no matter the danger because they don't understand. That was so sad. I am pretty sure she's going to use her womanly wiles on Fanli at some point. lol So far I really like her, Fanli, and Zhengdan. I think (hope) she's make a great palace lady and help Xishi stay safe. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

I got behind 😭😭 I'll start tomorrow!

[Vicki]

No worries!

[Vicki]

Through Ch. 14 (pg. 166) 52%

(view spoiler)[Wow! Xishi is far braver than I am! lol And thankfully her palace lady & friend, Zhengdan, is sharp enough to realize that the one maid was giving her poison from Lady Yu. Xishi has a way about her to get people to listen to her. I was a bit surprised how Fuchai has been so patient with her.

I loved the birthday scene and of all the gifts he was given he appreciated to pebble. I loved that. I don't know why Wu Zixu is doing to much to try to mess up things for Xishi. He's awful.

I want to see a budding romance between Xishi and Fanli! (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Finished and LOVED it but no time to make comments, etc. till I get home either tomorrow night or Friday. I hope you love it too.

[Trisha]

YAY! Safe travels to get home! I'll start tomorrow!

[Vicki]

Trisha, I really hope you love this one as much as I did or at least a lot. I finished it the other day but man, oh, man! NO SPOILER!

(view spoiler)[OMG! I first of all couldn't believe it when Fuchai hurt Fanli, I was SO MAD that Zhengdan was killed. I just loved her so much! And then I thought sure the way it seemed at times that Xishi was falling for Fuchai. It's hard when you hear so much bad about someone and you know they're basically responsible for Susu's death but then you find out he really has a good heart for YOU (in this case Xishi) and can be gentle and give you the world, I see how hard it would be to not begin to forgive in your heart so I was worried.

The ending made me SO, SO SAD but at the same time it was also so absolutely beautiful. I was pissed that Goujian did that to Xishi and murdered her but WHY? Just because her "job" was done. Fanli loved her so much and just couldn't handle life without her. What a sad, and beautiful ending. Love forever. I though this author did such an amazing job! (hide spoiler)]