Tuesday 23 April 2019

REVIEW: Descendant of the Crane by Joan He







Genre:
 Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher: Albert Whitman Company

ISBN: 0807515515

Format: Hardback, E-Book

Release Date: 9th April 2019

Links: Goodreads, Amazon.com, Indigo,
B&N, Book Depository


Synopsis:

Princess Hesina of Yan has always been eager to shirk the responsibilities of the crown, dreaming of an unremarkable life. But when her beloved father is found dead, she’s thrust into power, suddenly the queen of a surprisingly unstable kingdom. What’s more, Hesina believes that her father was murdered—and that the killer is someone close to her.

Hesina’s court is packed full of dissemblers and deceivers eager to use the king’s death for political gain, each as plausibly guilty as the next. Her advisers would like her to blame the neighboring kingdom of Kendi’a, whose ruler has been mustering for war. Determined to find her father’s actual killer, Hesina does something desperate: she enlists the aid of a soothsayer—a treasonous act, punishable by death, since magic was outlawed centuries ago.

Using the information provided by the sooth, and uncertain if she can trust her family, Hesina turns to Akira—a brilliant investigator who’s also a convicted criminal with secrets of his own. With the future of Yan at stake, can Hesina find justice for her father? Or will the cost be too high?






Review:


*I received a copy of this book from Indigo Books & Music Inc. 
in exchange for an honest review*



Descendant of the Crane quickly became one of my most anticipated books for April and I just had to get my hands on it.

This book begins with Hesina illegally visiting a soothsayer to gain information about her Father - the former King's - death. The soothsayer doesn't give her all the information she wants, but she does point her in the direction of someone who can help.

Hesina was such a wonderful and strong character. She quickly has to step into the role of Queen but also longs to find out the truth of what happened to her father. She is determined to find the person she believes murdered her father despite everyone believing he died of natural causes. Hesina faces difficult decisions along her journey and sometimes makes mistakes. Despite this, she stays true to herself, stays determined and has the courage to pursue the things she believes is right.

The soothsayers in the book have almost magical abilities like being able to see into the future. They have a bad reputation but despite that, Hensina makes her own decisions and longs to bring equality to her society.

The relationships in this book were written fantastically. There wasn't a huge focus on romance and instead it focused around family. Hesina's and her brother, Sanjing, have a strained relationship and struggle to show their love for one another. However, Hesina is very close to her two adopted siblings, Caiyan and Lilian.

Joan He's writing style was utterly beautiful. The words came to life off the page and I really felt like I was inside the book. Also, I have to take a second to bring up how beautiful the cover is (don't you love it?).

I completely fell in love with this book. From the characters, to the world building and to the incredible writing. This book was an utter joy from start to finish and I never wanted it to come to an end.



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