Strike the Zither: 1 (Kingdom of Three)

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A beautifully written book with powerful characters and a rollercoaster ride of plot twists that's nearly impossible to put down. As a series opener, all the elements of a riveting historical tale are present — intricate plots, unexpected twists, expansive kingdoms and interpersonal conflict...He has rendered a triumph of political fantasy, delivering a subversive, historical story that dares to ask its characters the hard questions...He’s thrilling plot and zippy characters carry the fire that burns throughout the book...Strike the Zither will transport you to another time, another realm. The end of the book is ripe with suspense, leaving you with that old, tortuous anticipation left by the final screenshot of a television episode: “To be Continued…”’ Zephyr, our protagonist (who is based on the character Zhu Geliang), is considered to be the best strategist in the country and serves under Xin Ren, a warlordess. She is ambitious, motivated, and extremely loyal. After being cornered by the enemies in a battle with no escape route, the only way to stay alive is for her to infiltrate the enemy’s army. Will her plan succeed, or will she end up getting herself and her people killed? Since the story is written from Zephyr’s point of view in the first-person narration, Joan He really dives deep into her complex characteristics. Additionally, the novel contains found family and we see characters struggle with their identities and where their loyalties actually lie. On top of that, there is also continuous war and bloodshed happening.

STRIKE THE ZITHER — Joan He

God in Human Form: Zephyr used to be a god and was punished by being sent to the human world in Qilin's body without her powers or memories.

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In year 414 of the Xin dynasty, the realm is split into three warring factions. Pan Qilin, known as Zephyr, is the strategist for the honorable warlordess Xin Ren. When Zephyr is forced to infiltrate an enemy camp, she sabotages them and secretly works to gain allies for Ren, all while trying to outmaneuver the enemy strategist, Crow. Then she begins to learn more about her own mysterious past. This book by Joan He was published in October 2022, and takes inspiration from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

STRIKE THE ZITHER’s Epic Female Fantasy Joan He Talks STRIKE THE ZITHER’s Epic Female Fantasy

Strike the Zither was full of mind reeling plot twists, a distinct narrator, and unforgettable characters with complex relationships.Death and I have met before. In this regard, I’m no different from hundreds if not thousands of orphans. Our parents died to famine or plague or some rampaging warlord, rising up in droves under the empire’s waning power. Death may have spared me then, but I know it’s there, a lingering shadow. Some people have the physical abilities to outrun it. I don’t bother. My mind is my light, my candle. The shadow flees me, not the other way around. My gaze darts to my surroundings. We’re in a tent; it’s night; something gamey is roasting outside. All good signs we weren’t decimated by Miasma. Something I don’t see a lot of in fantasy is women in positions of power, which this had plenty of, and I’m so glad! Additionally, these characters weren’t all depicted as good people, and I love morally grey female characters!! Strike the Zither reimagines the Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms in a way never seen before, with intense twists and turns that pay homage to its inspiration while being refreshingly different. A brilliant exploration of destiny and identity!” - Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times-bestselling author of Iron Widow

Strike the Zither (Kingdom of Three Book 1) Kindle Edition

The story is told from first person, which is brilliant for seeing more of how Zephyr’s mind actually works whilst ensuring that we’re treated to as many comments as possible about those around her! A dazzling new fantasy from New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, Strike the Zither is a powerful, inventive, and sweeping fantasy that reimagines the Chinese classic tale of the Three Kingdoms. I found it hard to emotionally connect with any part of Strike the Zither. For some reason, I felt very distanced from the story, like a far-away viewer of unknown people rather than an active participant. I don’t feel like I know Zephyr that well, or anyone else for that matter. I wasn’t emotionally invested when betrayals or deaths or big events happened, and that saddened me. How do you reimagine a story that’s largely unknown to your market? How do you pay homage to legendary figures such as Zhuge Liang when the name doesn’t ring the same bell for everyone?" Richly layered and highly creative, STRIKE THE ZITHER offers a world brimming with war, love, and unforgettable characters. A truly magnificent book." - June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace

Don’t you dare, I think to my body as I ride farther down the line, shouting until I’m hoarse. I pass a girl shrieking for her sister. Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close