A Song to Drown Rivers, A Novel By Ann Liang

A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic novel inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China. The story unfolds against the backdrop of two kingdoms on the brink of war, exploring themes of womanhood, sacrifice, and love amidst chaos.

Xishi's beauty is seen as a blessing in her village of Yue, where the ideal for girls is to marry well. However, when she captures the attention of the young military advisor Fanli, her life takes a daring turn. He offers her a unique opportunity to wield her beauty as a weapon, infiltrating the enemy kingdom of Wu to seduce its immoral king and bring about its downfall—all while avenging her sister's murder.

Trained by Fanli in the arts of seduction and subterfuge, Xishi becomes the perfect spy, but the lines between duty and desire blur as she navigates the dangerous politics of the Wu court. While the king shows her unexpected kindness, dark undertones threaten to expose her true intentions. As Xishi climbs the ranks within the palace, the stakes grow higher; if she is unmasked as a traitor, it could spell disaster for both kingdoms.

A Song to Drown Rivers is a haunting tale of resilience and intrigue, reminding readers that even the most beautiful façades can hide deadly truths. 📚❤️