In this first installment in the new Song of the Last Kingdom series, Lan struggles with her identity and feelings of shame, as she is forced to perform as a teahouse "songgirl" for the Elanians who conquered her homeland. At the same time, she is deeply curious about the mysterious scar on her wrist, which her late mother inflicted upon her before her passing. It is Zen, a magician, who recognizes the power Lan's mark contains after saving her from a sudden murder attempt. Thus thrown together, the two attempt to uncover the Elantians' intentions for the people of the Last Kingdom, embarking on a twisty adventure filled with risk and intrigue. Zhao draws inspiration from Chinese history and folklore as she constructs the sweeping fantasy world inhabited by her brave protagonists, whose slow-burn romance adds a different kind of tension to the plot. Readers will quickly find themselves immersed in Lan and Zen's adventure, while also coming to understand how the characters' struggles reflect hardships experienced by the people of China. A well-rounded and interesting fantasy.

Two teenagers uncover their nation's darkest secrets in this electrifying fantasy series starter by Zhao (the Blood Heir trilogy), inspired by Chinese mythology, philosophy, and xianxia writing, as outlined in an author's note. Lián'ér, a member of the Hin people of the Last Kingdom, was six when the Elantians invaded her country and killed her mother. Now 18, she goes by Lan and entertains patrons as a singer in Haak'gong's popular Rose Pavilion Teahouse, one of the only establishments that preserves Hin culture. She also hunts for clues regarding the strange Hin character her mother burned onto Lan's arm before her death. When an incident at the teahouse results in a dead Elantian general and endangers Lan's life, she is saved by a magic practitioner named Zen, who quickly realizes that Lan possesses powerful magic. With Elantian soldiers on their tail, the two travel in search of answers surrounding their gifts, facing terrifying demons and dangerous adversaries, and unearthing more questions from the past. The epic novel's substantial length provides readers with abundant opportunities to luxuriate in Zhao's lush worldbuilding and gorgeous visuals. Deliberately crafted, well-timed plot beats come at a steady clip, easily investing readers ahead of the planned sequel. Ages 14--up. Agent: Peter Knapp, Park & Fine Literary and Media. (Jan.)

Two teens struggle to survive in their conquered homeland. In the city of Haak'gong, Lan gets by as a songgirl, performing and demeaning herself for the Elantians who colonized her homeland, the Last Kingdom. Lan seeks answers behind the curious scar on her wrist, a mark left by her mother, who died at the hands of an Elantian magician. After she is saved from a life-threatening attack by a boy named Zen, Lan discovers that qi practitioners and heroes of legend still exist and that hidden masters hold the truth behind the meaning of the mysterious mark she carries, a secret that could save--or destroy--the kingdom. The complex history of the Last Kingdom is based on Chinese history and reveals the deep impacts of war, forced assimilation and annihilation of clans into one central Hin identity, and colonization, with its rewriting of culture and history. The Elantians read as fantasy equivalents of White Europeans. The magic system is intriguing, with the Last Kingdom's focus on balance and the elements juxtaposed with the Elantian's martial, destructive metal-based magic. The explorations of free will and how strength is used are nuanced and contrast wonderfully within the two lead characters. While some major plot points are predictable and some villains feel one-dimensional, the fast pace and evocative prose are intriguing. Although the romance begins with instant attraction, its slow, realistic progression shows growing trust and support. A complex and fantastic introduction to an epic new world. (chronology, map) (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.