A Song to Drown Rivers

Ann Liang's writing beautifully reflects the immense journey of a deep undercover mission, with its outcome being a life or death for the people of its nation. This is not a simple love story, but one that revolves around lies, manipulation and betrayal.

Xishi is a commoner but with immense beauty. With this beauty, she becomes a pawn in a dangerous game of deceit. Her character is pretty straightforward - for the sake of her family and the greater good of her nation, she will use her wiles and beauty to distract and manipulate, alongside her dearest and feisty friend, Zhengdan. She has flaws and isn't perfect, yet she cannot let this reflect on the surface.

The intense yearning between Xishi and Fanli was almost torturous, a forbidden love between the two with no expectations it will ever come to fruition. The relationship with Fuchai was also complicated, and I wish his character was developed more, despite his place in actual history.

A short but concise retelling of the Legend of Xishi, one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China. Beauty can be underestimated, and in this instance it was used to its fullest.