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

"Strike the Zither" by Joan He immerses readers into a mesmerizing fantasy 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 as a puppet empress sits on the throne, and the land is divided into three factions vying for control.

At the center of the chaos is Zephyr, an orphan who rose to prominence as the realm's top strategist under the service of Xin Ren, a warlordess torn between loyalty to the empress and her own ambitions. As Zephyr navigates the treacherous political landscape, she grapples with her loyalty to Ren and the harsh realities of war where betrayal is commonplace.

Forced to infiltrate enemy territory to protect Ren's followers, Zephyr encounters Crow, an enigmatic strategist who challenges her like never before. However, amidst the intricacies of warfare, Zephyr discovers that not all adversaries are human, adding another layer of danger to her mission.

With stunning map art by Anna Frohmann and evocative black-and-white portraits by Tida Kietsungden, "Strike the Zither" is a visually immersive experience that brings the Kingdom of Three to life. It sets the stage for an epic tale of power, betrayal, and resilience, promising readers a riveting journey through a world filled with political intrigue and supernatural threats.

As the first installment in the Kingdom of Three duology, "Strike the Zither" lays the groundwork for an enthralling narrative that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the epic conclusion in "Sound the Gong." 📚❤️