Tuesday 8 October 2019

REVIEW: Song of the Crimson Flower by Julie C. Dao






Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher:
 Philomel Books

ISBN: 1524738352

Format: Hardback, E-Book, Audio-Book

Release Date: 5th November 2019

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


Synopsis:

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?

In this fantastical tale of darkness and love, some magical bonds are stronger than blood.





Review:



**Thanks to PenguinTeen Canada for mailing me

an arc in return for my honest review**





Song of the Crimson Flower is the latest book from Julie C. Dao and the first book of hers that I have read.

This story follows Lan, a nobleman's daughter who has recently rejected the affections of Bao. She soon finds herself on a journey to break a curse though various difficulties could mean that the black magic will continue running through their veins.

The book switches points of view from Lan to Bao which I really enjoyed. Lan is used to a rich lifestyle and has always believed that she was in love with Tam due to be engaged to him since she was a child. However, Tam has always been cold to her, but she still believes that they will get married. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Lan. She truly felt like she loved Tam and didn't understand that what she feeling was due to her always believing she would have to marry him.

Bao is the opposite. He is from a poorer background, having lived alone for the majority of his life and having lost his family leaving him as an orphan. Bao has loved Lan for many years and plays his flute from across the river to express the love he has for her. However, I found the fact the Lan believed it was Tam playing for her heartbreaking and I really felt sorry for Bao.

I loved the courage Bao had to finally reveal his feelings for Lan and reveal hat Tam's parents had been paying him to keep paying the flute for her and that Tam didn't want to marry her. It was heartbreaking to see Lan take her anger and sadness out on Bao even when she realises she is hurting him.

The growth the characters go through was portrayed. Lan was used to be kept inside, barely being allowed to leave her house. The journey she travels on to break the curse lets her learn more about herself and truly find who she really is.

The story is about forgiveness and the journey to earning it. It's also about learning to love yourself for who you are and the journey to acceptance.

This book was shorter than I would have liked but I loved every second. Julie C. Dao is a wonderful writer and I felt like her story really came to life. I look forward to picking up more of her work soon.


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