Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloody violence, drinking, kissing in okay fantasy romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS, Xishi is considered to be the most beautiful woman in China. Because of this, she is asked to learn how to be a spy and learn how to seduce a rival King. After weeks of training, she arrives at King Fuchai's palace as a "concubine," but will she even catch the King's eye? What if she fails her mission?
Is It Any Good?
This ambitious romantic fantasy novel reads more like young adult than adult fantasy, though this isn't necessarily a bad thing, given it's strong teen appeal. A Song to Drown Rivers focuses on character building, the overall plot, and its few but impactful moments of action. Romance fans will yearn for more actual romance, however, as what's here is quite mild and tame (Xishi never has to actually have sex with King Fuchai, or anyone). Not much time is spent building up the tension between Xishi and Fanli, either, so when their stories collide at the end, the payoff isn't as strong as it might have been. Other readers may be put off by the masculinist environment and setting with men frequenting brothels, Kings given concubines as gifts, and women largely valued and seen for their looks and appearance.
There is a lot to appreciate in this story, like the central heroizing of a legendary character, the politics of competing rival kings and kingdoms, and the character of Xishi herself, whom Liang gives the depth and inner life she deserves. The task itself, of dramatizing the mythology around Xi Shi, is notably difficult, as clearly, she should be recuperated as a heroine rather than be merely represented as one of the great "four beauties" of ancient China. Ultimately, this story is an enjoyable read, showing how someone can save a kingdom through other means than violence, fighting, or war, even if some readers will be left longing for more action from this reimagining of Xishi.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in fantasy novels. Did any of the violence in A Song to Drown Rivers particularly shock you? Do you think the violence made this story better? Why or why not?
How do characters show compassion, courage, and gratitude? What drives Xishi to complete her mission? How do her allies help Xishi? What is Xishi grateful for even at the end of the novel?
Are you happy with how this story ends? Why or why not?
Do you think King Goujian's decision at the end of story makes sense? Were you surprised by this turn of events?
Do you think Xishi is a strong woman lead even though her character is primarily valued because of her beauty? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : St. Martin's Press
- Publication date : October 1, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 325
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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