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Descendant of the Crane


Descendant of the Crane by Joan He 
Special thanks to NetGalley for a copy.
I am an affiliate with Z Publishing House. If you're interested in reading the works of emerging writers, see the link at the bottom of the post.


Descendant of the Crane by Joan He was published by Albert Whitman Company and will be available on the shelves on April 9th, 2019. This is He's debut novel.



This novel starts with the princess, Hesina, committing treason in order to find her father's murderer. The sooth, a magic user who can predict the future, instructs her to find a convict with a rod who will help her in her task. Thus begins Hesina's journey of lies and crimes in order to unveil the truth, but the further she digs, the more she discovers the horrors of her kingdom and everything her father left to her. From family squabbles to threats of war, to sooths being hunted in the streets, to games of power with political officials, this book does a great job in lulling you into a sense of calm. You think you know what's going on and what's going to happen only to be blindsided by a twist you never saw coming. After the shock, you think you have things figured out, only to be smacked in another direction by another plot twist.


I really loved this book. It reminded me of Eon and Eona by Alison Goodman, possibly because of the writing style or maybe the characters.

The characters are great, each with their own personalities and goals yet everything they do is colored by Hesina's perspective of them. Even the ones she struggles to trust or forgive, though her perspective does change as the events of the book shape her and those around her.


This is a great book. It's calm and easy to read while taking multiple sharp twists just when you're lulled into thinking you know what's going on. The ending sets up for a sequel, including a "villain" whose intentions are righteous, which I would be interested in reading if it ever comes out, but it also settles in a way that you are free to come up with your own continuation.

I like the romance that starts between Hesina and Akira, her convict turned representative and friend. It's a slow burn that never takes over the plot and even when both sides accept it, the story doesn't focus on it any more than a small comfort to have an ally in the turmoil.

This book kept me guessing to the end and I'll admit, I was annoyed with myself for not spotting the villain sooner. There are several clues but at the same time, Hesina's insistence that it can't be true is enough to convince you of it.

There are a few points that feel a bit long but it also builds up the world, the history, and the crisis that is coming.

If you enjoy a light historical fantasy set in Chinese culture with mystery and treason and immortality, I recommend this book. Another thank you to NetGalley for an early copy. Remember to pick up Descendant of the Crane by Joan He on April 9th.

 
I am an affiliate with Z Publishing House. If you're interested in reading the works of emerging authors, this is a great place to start. Please note I do receive a small commission for any items purchased through this link: http://www.zpublishinghouse.com?rfsn=1831564.e6264

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