4.5 

The Poet Empress

By Shen Tao
The Poet Empress by Shen Tao digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER!
A LIBRARY READS PICK!

Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles and She Who Became the Sun.


In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.

Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.

Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.

But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.

To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.

The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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The Poet Empress Reviews

4.5
“This was a masterfully written dark fantasy. I was not quite expecting it to be as dark as it was, so there were periods of the book I was incredibly uncomfortable and wishing that Wei would do something. Anything. But as I grew in comfort with the darkness, I was fully immersed in the rich and complex book. The story telling was beautiful, the fastest aspect was engaging, and the characters were all so flawed, yet so enrapturing. I loved it and would highly recommend it. But definitely would recommend sitting down and reading it in as few of sittings as you can. I could see this being a book that, if drawn out, loses its captivating presence. “It is true, he has suffered, but if everyone who suffered became monsters, the world would be overrun with them."”

About Shen Tao

Shen Tao immigrated to Canada at an early age, and grew up inspired by both Chinese and Western stories. She has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. The Poet Empress is her first book.

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