Strike the Zither (Kingdom of Three, Book 1) by Joan He

"Strike the Zither" by Joan He transports readers to a mesmerizing world inspired by the Chinese classic tale of the Three Kingdoms. Set in the year 414 of the Xin Dynasty, the realm is in turmoil, fractured into three factions vying for power. Amidst this chaos, Zephyr, an orphan turned skilled strategist, serves under warlordess Xin Ren, whose loyalty to the puppet empress is fraught with complexity.

As Zephyr navigates the treacherous landscape of war and betrayal, she encounters Crow, an enigmatic strategist from an opposing faction. Their meeting sparks a clash of intellects and loyalties that will shape the fate of the realm. Yet, Zephyr soon discovers that not all enemies are human, and she must confront supernatural forces that threaten to unravel everything she holds dear.

"Strike the Zither" is a tale of courage, intrigue, and sacrifice, masterfully crafted by Joan He. With stunning map art by Anna Frohmann and evocative black-and-white portraits by Tida Kietsungden, the novel immerses readers in a richly imagined world where alliances are fragile, and secrets abound.

As the first book in the Kingdom of Three duology, "Strike the Zither" sets the stage for an epic journey of discovery and redemption. Readers will be captivated by He's lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and complex characters as they navigate the intricate web of politics and power.

Don't miss the thrilling conclusion in "Sound the Gong," as Joan He delivers the epic finale to this riveting fantasy duology.