In a fallen kingdom, one girl carries the key to discovering the secrets of her nation’s past—and unleashing the demons that sleep at its heart. An epic fantasy series inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.
Once, Lan had a different name. Now she goes by the one the Elantian colonizers gave her when they invaded her kingdom, killed her mother, and outlawed her people’s magic. She spends her nights as a songgirl in Haak’gong, a city transformed by the conquerors, and her days scavenging for what she can find of the past. Anything to understand the strange mark burned into her arm by her mother in her last act before she died.
The mark is mysterious—an untranslatable Hin character—and no one but Lan can see it. Until the night a boy appears at her teahouse and saves her life.
Zen is a practitioner—one of the fabled magicians of the Last Kingdom. Their magic was rumored to have been drawn from the demons they communed with. Magic believed to be long lost. Now it must be hidden from the Elantians at all costs.
When Zen comes across Lan, he recognizes what she is: a practitioner with a powerful ability hidden in the mark on her arm. He’s never seen anything like it—but he knows that if there are answers, they lie deep in the pine forests and misty mountains of the Last Kingdom, with an order of practitioning masters planning to overthrow the Elantian regime.
Both Lan and Zen have secrets buried deep within—secrets they must hide from others, and secrets that they themselves have yet to discover. Fate has connected them, but their destiny remains unwritten. Both hold the power to liberate their land. And both hold the power to destroy the world.
Now the battle for the Last Kingdom begins.
I’ve read another series by this author (technically, I haven’t completed it yet) and was ecstatic to learn this is the first book in a new series.
Another author described this book as “devastatingly gorgeous”. She nailed it. With lyrical writing, rich world-building, and fully developed, complex characters, this tale will awe epic fantasy fans. It’s inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China, and I was completely enthralled.
Lan’s kingdom was invaded, her people’s magic outlawed, and she witnessed the horrifying death of her mother. As she was dying, her mother burned a strange mark on Lan’s arm, and several years later she still has no idea what it means. Zen is a practitioner, a fabled magician of the Last Kingdom. Upon meeting Lan, he knows she possesses a powerful hidden ability in the mark on her arm. Her best hope of understanding and developing it lies with an order of practitioning masters. Getting her there is dangerous and challenging – Zen’s and Lan’s personalities are like oil and water. He’s more the strong, disciplined, silent type and she’s… not. I laughed over some of their interactions and felt Zen’s exasperation with her. Lan’s first meeting with Dilaya, another strong personality and wonderful supporting character, is one of my favorite scenes. Let’s just say it didn’t go well and leave it at that.
Jaw-dropping twists, shocking choices, and life-threatening situations (so, so many) kept me glued to the pages. Do I really need to say I’ll be at the edge of my seat waiting for the next book? Highly recommend to fantasy, folklore, and mythology fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Thanks for sharing, Teri.
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Oh wow, I’m so excited to read this! Sounds like exactly what I’ve been looking for 🙂
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Hope you enjoy it – thanks for visiting!
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This does sound exciting. I like fantasy from the east. There is so much from their history I don’t know.
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Same here, Jacqui. I’ve read so many fantasies based on eastern cultures that told fascinating stories.
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I enjoyed your review, Teri. Wow, Song of Silver, Flame Like Night sounds awesome!
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Part of it had me on an emotional roller coaster, Priscilla. Shock, surprises, learning to live with those – then another twist.
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So glad you enjoyed this! I’ve heard rumours this is going to be in a book box so I’m excited to get it!
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With that cover, I bet it will be a gorgeous one, Caro. Bet you’ll like this one.
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Wow, that’s high praise, Teri. It sounds like this one really hit all the right marks. I do love a good epic fantasy, especially one with lyrical writing!
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I’ve read a couple lately that immediately immersed me in the world with the writing, Mae. Sure do love it when that happens.
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This does sound like a fantastic read, Teri 🙂
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It sure kept me flipping the pages, Denise. I just started A Voice in the Silence today, and I’m already falling for those pets!
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You had me at devastatingly gorgeous Teri!
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It’s not an exaggeration, Sophie. I think this is one for you.
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I’ve seen this book around and I’ve read some great reviews for it. I’m glad it was a winner for you too!
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I had some high hopes for it after reading a couple of her other books, and I wasn’t disappointed, Wendy.
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I’ll have to put this one on my TBR. No idea when I’ll read it but it sounds like it’s just the kind of story that sweeps me away. And a dragon on the cover!!! 😍 Excellent review!
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Dragons! I won’t deny that it caught my attention – as they always do. I know you’d love this world-building, Tessa.
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Sounds like roller coaster read with spectacular writing. You’ll make me break my goal of not buying books until I read few from shelf. Amazing review!
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I keep trying to get my NG shelf under control – and I’ve definitely been requesting less books – but I got approved for three more books over the past week. *sigh* Thanks, Yesha!
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