‘The Poet Empress’ Book Review: A Stunning Debut

I recently finished reading “The Poet Empress,” Chinese-Canadian author Shen Tao’s debut novel that she released earlier this year . Wrapped in a fantastical, pseudo-ancient China setting, it boasts moving characters, a vivid and beautifully imagined backdrop, and a story that will stay with you long past its conclusion. 

It’s the kind of book that’s hard to classify. Some would say it’s a dark romantasy; others would call it a political thriller akin to “Game of Thrones.” Truthfully, the novel blends both genres into a clever and unpredictable plot, all the way to its surprisingly satisfying conclusion. However, people looking strictly for romance may want to look elsewhere.

 “The Poet Empress” paints a vivid picture of a world where magic is imbued in poetry, and great poets— literomancers —can cast powerful spells through the act of writing. The story mainly follows Wei, a young village girl taken as concubine by a vicious and sadistic prince, whose goal is to survive and rise the ranks in the Azalea House so she can help her village get through the famine. But the novel also dives into the past, exploring the chain of events causing the present-day conflict and giving depth to the antagonists.

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel.

I haven’t read much fantasy lately, and “The Poet Empress” brought me back to my teens, where I was the most voracious fantasy reader t I’ve ever been. It doesn’t hurt that the hardcover edition is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever had the privilege of keeping on my shelf (in this case, it’s perfectly acceptable to judge a book by its cover!).

The characters are complex and layered. You can easily empathize with them, especially the point-of-view character, Wei. The novel even portrays the antagonists in a sympathetic way; it shows how power corrupts and how the ruthless environment influenced them. The prose is neat and vivid, with the kind of pacing that keeps you reading chapter after chapter (I ended up finishing the majority of this book in 2 days!).

Most of all, the elements of Chinese culture included throughout the world of this book moved me.

The novel might reminded me of those I read when I was younger. However, none of those books spoke to my heritage on this level. I felt as if I’d reconciled with the part of myself that craved this exact kind of representation for years.

Keep in mind that the book explores some sensitive themes that may be triggering for some readers, as it deals with some disturbing themes, such as abuse and sexual assault. However, the depiction of these themes, in my opinion, never verges on gratuitous. But if you a enjoy dark fantasy, strong protagonists, and political intrigue, you should definitely read “The Poet Empress.” 

Have you read “The Poet Empress?” What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured image via Macmillan Publishers