Cindy Pon's debut novel is a hit! I was saturated in the culture and engrossed with the imagery. You fall right into this story and are surprised when you look up and hours have passed while you've been engaged in Ai Ling's world.
This is a quest story that combines horror, romance, and adventure. Ai Ling is the only daughter of a scholar father and mother who used to be a nanny, but Ai Ling is destined for greater things. She is a girl who has always lived within the confines of society, but now things are changing.
Ai Ling's father is called to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams, a dangerous return for him, as he was formerly kicked out of the palace and nearly executed by one of the King's advisors. While he is gone (for too long), Ai Ling is almost forced into a disagreeable marriage with a local merchant, but instead she leaves her village to find her father.
This leads her on a journey where she discovers demon life, roadblocks to prevent her progress, and love in the form of a fellow quester, Chen Young. As their paths intertwine and they trek forward towards the Palace, Ai Ling learns of her newly developing gift of being able send her spirit into other people...a gift that will serve her well when she encounters the evil that awaits her at the Palace of Fragrant Dreams.
Enchanting and colorful, you won't be disappointed in Pon's offering.
1 comment:
thank you so much for reviewing and i'm so happy you enjoyed my novel! i love libraries and librarians so if you'd like some silver phoenix swag--email me! =D pon.cindy@gmail.com
i'd be happy to send !
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