Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
by Julie
C. Dao
Book: Rise
of the Empress #1
Publisher:
Philomel Books
Pub Date:
October 2017
Genre:
Young Adult
Format:
Print
Source:
Bought
An
East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant
girl's quest to become Empress--and the darkness she must unleash to achieve
her destiny.
Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is
destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if
she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten
village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to
her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers
of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?
Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the
young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her
veins--sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god
who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is
absolute.
My Review: Xifeng is destined for greatness, oh so the starts say. But aunt Guma believes in the stars and will push Xifeng to be obedient and fulfill her destiny. Though, you'll feel bad for Xifeng, Guma is a horrid woman and needs some of her own lessons thrown back at her. She is not a character you'll like.
When the time comes and Xifeng can't take it anymore,
she and Wei (her long time love) take off toward the palace. On the way
there, things seem to be okay, but not for long..... Xifeng and Wei
come across some other folks on their way to the palace. They quickly all
become friends and make their way to the palace together.
On the way, they get attack and not all make it out
alive, one even seriously hurt. But they are closer to the palace
now. And that means Wei may have to go if Xifeng is to fulfill
her destiny.
This
wasn't a bad start to the evil Queen's story of her rise to power. There were a
number of times where I debated if I should continue the book, but the ending
was definitely worth reading.
My Rating:
✪✪✪✪
