Strike the Zither

by Joan He Narrated by Nancy Wu

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

A reimagining of the Chinese classic tale of the Three Kingdoms, Strike the Zither is an enthralling fantasy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Full of betrayal, a divided realm, and enemies both human and non-human, pick up this book for another inventive fantasy by bestselling author Joan He.

A dazzling new fantasy from New York Times and indie bestselling author Joan He, Strike the Zither is a powerful, inventive, and sweeping fantasy that reimagines the Chinese classic tale of the Three Kingdoms.



The year is 414 of the Xin Dynasty, and chaos abounds. A puppet empress is on the throne. The realm has fractured into three factions and three warlordesses hoping to claim the continent for themselves.



But Zephyr knows it's no contest.



Orphaned at a young age, Zephyr took control of her fate by becoming the best strategist of the land and serving under Xin Ren, a warlordess whose loyalty to the empress is double-edged-while Ren's honor draws Zephyr to her cause, it also jeopardizes their survival in a war where one must betray or be betrayed. When Zephyr is forced to infiltrate an enemy camp to keep Ren's followers from being slaughtered, she encounters the enigmatic Crow, an opposing strategist who is finally her match. But there are more enemies than one-and not all of them are human.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A fierce reimagining of the Chinese classic... Full of twists and surprises that shock and delight, building up to the epic conclusion that left me gasping." - Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Book of Tea duology"

“A brilliant exploration of destiny and identity!” - Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times-bestselling author of Iron Widow

"Rich with intrigue and epic in scale. Strike the Zither grows tall on the heroic classics it draws from, yet beats powerfully with a heart of its own." - Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the These Violet Delights Duet

"A riveting series opener." Kirkus, starred review

"Powerful, action-packed prose, quick pacing, anticipatory atmosphere, and immersive worldbuilding exemplify the origins of the source material while developing a distinct and evocative adventure." Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An intricate, expansive epic...this book is as ambitious as its scheming, ruthless cast—and just like its narrator, delivers above and beyond." - Margaret Owen, author of The Merciful Crow series and Little Thieves

"Filled with twists and turns... A meticulously plotted, supremely satisfying story that explores identity, legacy, and loyalty in unexpected ways." - Hannah Whitten, New York Times-bestselling author of For the Wolf

"A page-turner, full of unexpected twists, with an expansive, intricate world of sisterhood and subterfuge... A standout work from a remarkable author." - Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six

"Richly layered and highly creative... A truly magnificent book." - June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace

"In this tautly plotted, vividly reimagined tale of a beloved Chinese classic, He orchestrates an epic page-turner... STRIKE THE ZITHER will keep you guessing—and gasping for more." - June CL Tan, internationally bestselling author of Jade Fire Gold

"This soaring, masterful retelling becomes an epic all of its own... Readers will get lost in this rich, gorgeous, and dangerous world." Emily Suvada, author of This Mortal Coil

"A twisty, body-snatching, gender-flipped retelling of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Prepare to be transported." Rebecca Lim, award-winning author of Tiger Daughter

AudioFile

Narrator Nancy Wu gives a passionate and commanding performance in this fantasy retelling of the Chinese classic ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS.

#1 New York Times-bestselling author Judy I. Lin

A fierce reimagining of the Chinese classic…full of twists and surprises that shock and delight, building up to the epic conclusion that left me gasping.”

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2022-07-27
An ambitious young strategist risks death in a bid to turn the tides of war in an alternate historical China.

The odds are against the honorable warlordess Xin Ren, who seeks to liberate the child empress Xin Bao from her ruthless regent, Miasma. Ren’s warriors, led by her swornsisters, Cloud and Lotus, are no match for the size and resources of the imperial force. They rely instead on the clever tactics of 18-year-old Rising Zephyr, Ren’s strategist, to outmaneuver their opponents while they gather support. Few dare to directly challenge Miasma, however, and Zephyr is forced to make a gamble. She presents herself to Miasma as a defector, hoping that Miasma’s rumored greed to acquire talent and Zephyr’s own brilliant reputation will not only preserve her life, but give her the opportunity to secure for Ren a much-needed alliance with the Southlands and Cicada, its new warlordess. Zephyr’s narration, colored by dry wit and a powerful sense of self-assurance, takes readers with her deep into the imperial camp, where her allegiance is questioned by Miasma’s enigmatic strategist, Crow, and to Cicada’s court, where Zephyr makes a shocking discovery. Military stratagems, qi-infused zither duets, and divine interference come together in this tightly crafted reimagining of the Chinese classic Three Kingdoms. Themes of fate and identity appear throughout, tightening around Zephyr, who must weigh duty against heart as the stakes continue to rise.

A riveting series opener. (major figures, character illustrations, map, author’s note) (Fantasy. 13-adult)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175106290
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	10/25/2022
Series:	Kingdom of Three , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged

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