Forest of a Thousand Lanterns: Rise of the Empress, Book 1
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is the first in a planned dark-fantasy series. Real-world violence includes beating, whipping, slapping, scratching, and murder by stabbing. Fantasy violence includes eating the hearts of people and animals; a fight with knives, crossbows, and swords against fantasy creatures; and some violent visions with mild gore. Pain and blood are described. Sexual content is light, with a few kisses and making out briefly described. Having sex is implied but not described. Strong language includes a few mentions of dog "s--t" and "whore" used a few times. The main character is an antihero who struggles with destiny and whether she can control it, and asks whether sacrificing happiness to reach your destiny is worth the price you have to pay. Readers who enjoy the Far East setting, even though it's a fantasy world, may want to explore real Asian cultures with further reading.
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What's the Story?
In FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS, Xifeng struggles with life in her small village under her domineering, often cruel aunt Guma. At 18, Xifeng is getting impatient waiting for the destiny her aunt sees in the cards for her. The handsome young Wei has been in love with Xifeng ever since they were little, and has been begging Xifeng to escape Guma's clutches and run away with him for the past several years. Xifeng finally agrees, and she and Wei set out for the Imperial City. Luck is with the two travelers, who fall in with an ambassador on his way to see the emperor and who just might be Xifeng's ticket into the Imperial Palace itself, where she's sure her destiny awaits. But Xifeng learns that fulfilling the destiny she'd always thought was hers may come only if she embraces the dark forces within her soul. Is there a price that's too high to pay for immortal beauty and unimaginable power?
Is It Any Good?
Author Julie C. Dao's debut is a vivid, richly imagined, and intriguing story with a lot to offer fantasy fans, especially those who like theirs with a generous dose of dark magic on the side. Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is populated with a variety of compelling, colorful, and well-developed characters. The unique, refreshing fantasy setting is based on Asian cultures, and while it still feels in many ways like a Western fairy tale, it may spark readers to explore other vast, rich folklores.
Protagonist Xifeng is an antihero, but teens will relate to her longing and impatience while she waits for her destiny to happen. They'll easily recognize the bad choices she makes along the way and anxiously await the next volume to learn what the dark forces have in store for the young, ambitious, small-town girl as she steps into the limelight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. How much is too much? Does it matter if it's fantasy or real-world violence? Why or why not?
Why are so many fantasy stories told in a series? Are you looking forward to the next Rise of the Empress book? How would this book be different if it weren't part of a series?
Why do we enjoy main characters who are antiheroes? They don't make the best choices, aren't really all that good, and sometimes aren't even that likable, so what's the appeal? Who are some of your favorite antiheroes?
Book Details
- Author: Julie C. Dao
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Philomel
- Publication date: October 10, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 384
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
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For kids who love fantasy and Asian stories
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