Published by St. Martin’s Press on October 1, 2024, this book is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats, at local libraries, and through the Libby app.

Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of Ancient China’s Four Beauties, Liang reimagines her as a woman whose beauty, seen as a blessing by the villagers of Yue, conceals a deadly purpose. Xishi is offered a chance to avenge her sister’s murder by serving as a spy concubine in the kingdom of Wu, under the guidance of the king’s military advisor, Fanli.

Retellings offer a chance to explore legendary tales through a novel, helping readers immerse themselves in detailed characters, vivid scenes, and a well-developed narrative that brings the tale to life. However, this one falls flat under the weight of Liang’s writing. She treats every scene with dramatic flair, keeping readers on an emotional high usually reserved for the story’s climax.

No action, no love scenes on or off page. Xishi smiles and says a few sentences to influence. It’s astounding that Liang wants readers to believe a King would take a concubine who only lets him sleep chastely beside her, sharing a few pecks, shy smiles, and glances. Is this a picture book where unicorns live? If not, why the celibacy?

There’s also a misrepresentation of the book’s genres. Calling this fantasy is far-fetched since there is no fantasy element. It’s straight historical fiction, a retelling with undertones of romance. Liang tugs at the reader’s heartstrings with Xishi and Fanli, drawing them together in charming, bittersweet scenes.

Asian folklore westernized in mainstream wrapping. What a sellout. This book could have been unique and full of culture. It could have been a credible, beautiful love story or a calamitous example of royal ungratefulness. Instead, Liang bombards readers with one implausibility after another.

1. The country beauty meets a handsome military advisor just in time, and he saves her before she is cleaved in two. Check here for insta-love, better yet, unforbidden.
2. The country beauty is so beautiful she’s chosen and trained to be a super spy concubine in ten weeks. Yeah, right, like she can learn history, politics, court decorum, music, arts, and more in that time. Check here for a crazy train ticket.
3. Graduation from spy school: charm someone long enough so he forgets his tea. Check here for no words.

There are more examples as ridiculous as these throughout the book. Xishi’s success is the biggest one. She isn’t cut out for espionage and is worse as a concubine. Her behavior in court would have gotten her killed. As a native Chinese, it’s sad that Liang didn’t properly consider her country’s history.

Three hundred twenty-five pages of fancy writing, no action, incompetent spy craft, innuendos of unforbidden love that go nowhere, and an ethereal beauty to bring it all down. Sprinkle it with fairy dust and make this book disappear. The half star goes to the emotions Liang evokes in the push-and-pull between Fanli and Xishi. Ultimately, while the story aspires to greatness, it falters under its own ambitions, leaving readers more frustrated than fulfilled. Readers seeking a richly imagined retelling may need to look elsewhere.