Publisher: Philomel Books (Imprint of Penguin Random House)
Publication Date: November 5th, 2019
ISBN: 9781524738358
Genre: YA Fantasy, Asian Literature
Buy Links: Book Depository | Amazon | Google Play | Barnes & Noble
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Source: Huge thanks to Erika from The Nocturnal Fey and Rafael from The Royal Polar Bear Reads also Penguin Random House International for organizing the International Blog Tour and providing the review copy for this in exchange for an honest review.
Blurbs
From the acclaimed author of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns comes a fantastical new tale of darkness and love, in which magical bonds are stronger than blood.
Will love break the spell? After cruelly rejecting Bao, the poor physician's apprentice who loves her, Lan, a wealthy nobleman's daughter, regrets her actions. So when she finds Bao's prized flute floating in his boat near her house, she takes it into her care, not knowing that his soul has been trapped inside it by an evil witch, who cursed Bao, telling him that only love will set him free. Though Bao now despises her, Lan vows to make amends and help break the spell.
Together, the two travel across the continent, finding themselves in the presence of greatness in the forms of the Great Forest's Empress Jade and Commander Wei. They journey with Wei, getting tangled in the webs of war, blood magic, and romance along the way. Will Lan and Bao begin to break the spell that's been placed upon them? Or will they be doomed to live out their lives with black magic running through their veins?
Will love break the spell? After cruelly rejecting Bao, the poor physician's apprentice who loves her, Lan, a wealthy nobleman's daughter, regrets her actions. So when she finds Bao's prized flute floating in his boat near her house, she takes it into her care, not knowing that his soul has been trapped inside it by an evil witch, who cursed Bao, telling him that only love will set him free. Though Bao now despises her, Lan vows to make amends and help break the spell.
Together, the two travel across the continent, finding themselves in the presence of greatness in the forms of the Great Forest's Empress Jade and Commander Wei. They journey with Wei, getting tangled in the webs of war, blood magic, and romance along the way. Will Lan and Bao begin to break the spell that's been placed upon them? Or will they be doomed to live out their lives with black magic running through their veins?
For the fact that this is an Asian Fantasy Literature with a magic sprinkle in it - yup, count me in! I could not believe that this amazing fantasy book is a stand-alone while all this while it always has a continuation of the story. Nonetheless, I have a wonderful time reading the Song of the Crimson Flower. Let me tell ya - it was a fantastical reading where you can read in one or two-sitting. Now, I'm questioning myself for why I did not picking up the author first two books. Not to worry because that will be on top my TBR as soon as I get my hands on both books.
When I step into this fantasy world, I knew that this book will be my favourite book of the year and it is indeed, true. I like the whole progress of this story throughout this book. The plot is simple. Not to heavy and not complicated at all which you will easy get into the story right away. The way the author describe the detail of the story, the world building and the characters are very meticulous that makes me easy to imagine the whole situation and I am so happy to be able dive into that world. Definitely, remarkable.
"Love isn't waiting for someone to remember me. Love isn't dreaming about them all alone. Love is walking together, forgiving each other, finding common threads in the lives we want." Julie C. Dao, Song of the Crimson Flower.
In Song of the Crimson Flower, we can see the progress of love between Bao and Lan from only one-sided love to finally, the love grows in each other hearts. Although, Bao has been hurt badly from Lan's words and decided not to ever appear in front of, Lan again but little did he know, he will be embarka journey together with Lan after Lan knew about the curse on Bao and she wants to help Lan to break the curse also it was a way for her to mended for what she has done towards Bao. Because of the curse, Bao will find the truth about his family, love from the people around him and friendships also the dark secret about the dangerous illness.
Overall, the story has been written really by the author. The pace was wonderful, not to slow but not to fast either, the progress from all the characters are amazing. It was a heartwarming and a poignant story that I did shed a tears when reading it. It has given a strong impact to me as a reader and has beautiful message from the story. In short, I really enjoy reading and for sure, recommend you to read this book too.
Here are some quotes I found from Song of the Crimson Flower that I loved;
"One day of rest is worth it if it means you can work for years longer."
"...because he reminded her that she was worthy of love."
"Hearts get broken, but somehow we forget the pain. Or choose the chance of happiness in spite of the pain."
About the author
Julie C. Dao (www.juliedao.com) is a proud Vietnamese-American who was born in upstate New York. She studied medicine in college, but came to realize blood and needles were her Kryptonite. By day, she worked in science news and research; by night, she wrote books about heroines unafraid to fight for their dreams, which inspired her to follow her passion of becoming a published author. Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is her debut novel. Julie lives in New England. Follow her on Twitter @jules_writes.
Julie is represented by Tamar Rydzinski of the Laura Dail Literary Agency.
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