What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 21:01:52
2 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
The Poet Empress
Not yet published
Expected 20 Jan 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 21:01:52
2 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Debut author Shen Tao introduces listeners to the lush, deadly world of
The Poet Empress,
a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of
The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles
and
She Who Became the Sun
.
In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.
Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.
Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.
But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.
To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.
The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all listeners. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.
In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.
Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.
Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.
But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.
To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.
The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all listeners. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.
13 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication January 20, 2026
28420 people want to read
About the author
Shen Tao
2 books103 followersShen Tao immigrated to Canada at an early age, and grew up inspired by both Chinese and Western stories. She has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. The Poet Empress is her first book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
November 3, 2025
Guys, this is my new A Song to Drown Rivers OMG you must read this IMMEDIATELY when it comes out!
Such a brutal, tragic but beautiful story. It’s a different type of a story where instead of getting lots of action & complex plot, we instead do a dive into the past and dig into the upbringings of certain complex characters in the story.
It’s one of those stories that will have you feeling conflicted feelings about everyone throughout (which is personally my fav type of book). You need to give this one time to cook, and when it cooks, it’s SO GOOD.
Such a brutal, tragic but beautiful story. It’s a different type of a story where instead of getting lots of action & complex plot, we instead do a dive into the past and dig into the upbringings of certain complex characters in the story.
It’s one of those stories that will have you feeling conflicted feelings about everyone throughout (which is personally my fav type of book). You need to give this one time to cook, and when it cooks, it’s SO GOOD.
September 1, 2025
Felt like chewing broken glass. 5 stars. Oh my god.
Please note that I work for Macmillan but opinions are my own. I am not involved in book production.
Please note that I work for Macmillan but opinions are my own. I am not involved in book production.
Currently reading
December 17, 2025next arc/alc combo💪🏼 very excited to dive in as i’ve seen this everywhere and it’s a pick for a big book subscription box
October 23, 2025
When I say I crave multi-layered characters that feel like real people this is what I want. I need to stew on this for a few days but damn that was good
December 15, 2025
4.5 stars.
Wow! What a debut!
If you prefer something cozy or a romantasy, definitely look away. This is neither of those. And despite being published by Tor's Bramble imprint, this is NOT a romance. The GR tags lied. (And as a romantasy hater, I'm actually really totally fine with this.)
As a huge lover of dark fantasy, this novel was very intense. Hell, I love anything dark and the first half was even a little too dark for me. At times, it was giving torture porn.
But as a masochist, I couldn't stop reading and I'm glad I didn't stop reading. (And between you and me, this was what I thought Alchemised was going to be.)
If you love court politics and royal intrigue, this really delivered in that department. The rags to riches story was also done really well. I also loved Wei's character development, which drove the simple plot forward.
And the villain? It's been a while since I've hated a fictional character so much. My god. I wanted him dead the first time he tormented my girl, Wei.
This would've been a perfect five stars if there was more poetry magic. But due to the FMC being a woman, it just wasn't possible. And honestly, I'm glad that the author made these restrictions "realistic" in terms of Wei's situation.
I haven't been so glued to a novel in a long time. I even had to pace myself just so I wouldn't finish this book quickly. If there's a special edition or signed edition, I'm placing an order. Hell, I'll probably reread/relisten to the audiobook once it drops.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for this arc.
Wow! What a debut!
If you prefer something cozy or a romantasy, definitely look away. This is neither of those. And despite being published by Tor's Bramble imprint, this is NOT a romance. The GR tags lied. (And as a romantasy hater, I'm actually really totally fine with this.)
As a huge lover of dark fantasy, this novel was very intense. Hell, I love anything dark and the first half was even a little too dark for me. At times, it was giving torture porn.
But as a masochist, I couldn't stop reading and I'm glad I didn't stop reading. (And between you and me, this was what I thought Alchemised was going to be.)
If you love court politics and royal intrigue, this really delivered in that department. The rags to riches story was also done really well. I also loved Wei's character development, which drove the simple plot forward.
And the villain? It's been a while since I've hated a fictional character so much. My god. I wanted him dead the first time he tormented my girl, Wei.
This would've been a perfect five stars if there was more poetry magic. But due to the FMC being a woman, it just wasn't possible. And honestly, I'm glad that the author made these restrictions "realistic" in terms of Wei's situation.
I haven't been so glued to a novel in a long time. I even had to pace myself just so I wouldn't finish this book quickly. If there's a special edition or signed edition, I'm placing an order. Hell, I'll probably reread/relisten to the audiobook once it drops.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5⭐️
“If I am a star, then let me burn. Let me burn and burn until the whole empire is devoured, along with all its corruption, its villainy, its rot. Let me burn and burn until this night is not remembered, nor this year, nor this dynasty. Until even history is buried in ash, and then maybe green things would grow again.”
...
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Poet Empress was one of the most heartwrenchingly beautiful books I have ever read. And not only that, it was one of the most perfectly paced books I have ever read. Everything unfolded its layers so organically. I cared for our main characters so deeply in my bones, even characters I at first thought I should despise. Shen gave me everything as quickly as she took it all away from me. My heart is broken, my soul withered, but through it all, I have been blessed by this story. I really need everyone to read this book. If this is not the next big thing, I will be utterly shocked.
I do want to note that I do not agree with the comps or the tags, so I want to mention this for potential readers to reset their expectations. Think of this more as The Apothecary Diaries and A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang.
Another note is that this is in NO WAY romantasy, or even romantic at all. This is a historical fiction with slicing court politics, poetic magic, brotherhood, and a woman who will do whatever it takes to go home.
“If I am a star, then let me burn. Let me burn and burn until the whole empire is devoured, along with all its corruption, its villainy, its rot. Let me burn and burn until this night is not remembered, nor this year, nor this dynasty. Until even history is buried in ash, and then maybe green things would grow again.”
...
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Poet Empress was one of the most heartwrenchingly beautiful books I have ever read. And not only that, it was one of the most perfectly paced books I have ever read. Everything unfolded its layers so organically. I cared for our main characters so deeply in my bones, even characters I at first thought I should despise. Shen gave me everything as quickly as she took it all away from me. My heart is broken, my soul withered, but through it all, I have been blessed by this story. I really need everyone to read this book. If this is not the next big thing, I will be utterly shocked.
I do want to note that I do not agree with the comps or the tags, so I want to mention this for potential readers to reset their expectations. Think of this more as The Apothecary Diaries and A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang.
Another note is that this is in NO WAY romantasy, or even romantic at all. This is a historical fiction with slicing court politics, poetic magic, brotherhood, and a woman who will do whatever it takes to go home.
December 12, 2025
A dark and twisty political fantasy that is as heart-wrenching as it is complex. A riveting character study that is utterly impossible to put down and will have you rooting for a monster.
While the synopsis describes The Poet Empress as one girl’s journey to becoming an empress—it certainly is—but at the heart it is a story about the cruelties of the world and the people we must become in order to survive them.
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year!
A well-executed character study surrounded by an interesting world and unique magic. Within mere chapters you’ll be grabbed my the throat for a ride on a rollercoaster of emotions. While reading this book you will fall in love, have your heart shattered, feel profound empathy for an absolute monster, and enjoy a glimmer of hope. Then, this book will rip your heart out once again before placing a gentle kiss on your forehead to send you on your way.
I am absolutely wrecked after reading and I think you should be too, so please go read this book right now!
And for those that just came for my list…
Whats to love…
- political fantasy (NOT A ROMANCE)
- scheming, betrayal, and backstabbing
- soft ppl forced to face the horrors of the world
- heart-wrenching
- complex af characters
- un-put-down-able
- unique magic and interesting world
Whats not to love…
- This is a 5 star read for me, but if I was being picky I’d probably say I would have liked the magic to be more detailed. It was quite interesting and unique and I wanted more!
Audio Narration: 5/5 Performance was spectacular, the pacing, pausing, inflection, and the way the narrator nailed additional characters voices were all top notch! I absolutely recommend this audiobook!
The only note I have is that the narrator’s voice is young, which absolutely meets the age of the FMC, but, the younger voice, at times, made me feel like I was reading a YA book. The content, writing style, narrative, etc all read adult - so this was simply an issue with my brain hearing a young voice and registering as YA. This does NOT detract from the enjoyment or overall experience of the audiobook - but it is something to keep in mind if you do not enjoy “younger” voices.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Tor for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
While the synopsis describes The Poet Empress as one girl’s journey to becoming an empress—it certainly is—but at the heart it is a story about the cruelties of the world and the people we must become in order to survive them.
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year!
A well-executed character study surrounded by an interesting world and unique magic. Within mere chapters you’ll be grabbed my the throat for a ride on a rollercoaster of emotions. While reading this book you will fall in love, have your heart shattered, feel profound empathy for an absolute monster, and enjoy a glimmer of hope. Then, this book will rip your heart out once again before placing a gentle kiss on your forehead to send you on your way.
I am absolutely wrecked after reading and I think you should be too, so please go read this book right now!
And for those that just came for my list…
Whats to love…
- political fantasy (NOT A ROMANCE)
- scheming, betrayal, and backstabbing
- soft ppl forced to face the horrors of the world
- heart-wrenching
- complex af characters
- un-put-down-able
- unique magic and interesting world
Whats not to love…
- This is a 5 star read for me, but if I was being picky I’d probably say I would have liked the magic to be more detailed. It was quite interesting and unique and I wanted more!
Audio Narration: 5/5 Performance was spectacular, the pacing, pausing, inflection, and the way the narrator nailed additional characters voices were all top notch! I absolutely recommend this audiobook!
The only note I have is that the narrator’s voice is young, which absolutely meets the age of the FMC, but, the younger voice, at times, made me feel like I was reading a YA book. The content, writing style, narrative, etc all read adult - so this was simply an issue with my brain hearing a young voice and registering as YA. This does NOT detract from the enjoyment or overall experience of the audiobook - but it is something to keep in mind if you do not enjoy “younger” voices.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Tor for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.75 ★— Gorgeous. That’s all I can say, really. I’ve watched a lot of historical C-dramas, so reading a story revolving around that kind of court intrigue, set in a fantasy empire in flux after the illness of the regent, was incredibly satisfying!
The story follows Wei Yin, the daughter of rice farmers living in a village on the brink of starvation, and her slow rise from poverty to becoming a concubine to one of the empire’s princes, all while learning the ways of court politics and trying to make her own path.
With her as an outsider to everything, I got to witness Wei Yin’s arc, and it was such a pleasure. She relies on her smarts, her grit, and her determination to survive the court’s metaphorical political minefields, and nowhere is that clearer than in her interactions with the prince she becomes a concubine to. A cruel man with no leash on his behavior, it was sometimes difficult to read all that she endured. This book is quite graphic, deals with some deeply rooted darkness, and makes no attempt to render anyone especially likable or wholly sympathetic. Everyone is trying to secure their own position, everyone is focused on survival, and this story masterfully embodied that.
The ending was especially surprising to me, as someone who had expectations about how the narrative would conclude. Shen Tao managed to blow those away, delivering an absolutely fitting and poignant ending.
🎧 Audiobook Note
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
The narrators were amazing, and there’s honestly nothing I can think of that didn’t work for me. The female narrator had such a smooth delivery while also conveying the emotions of the characters in an incredibly effective way, and I liked the passages narrated by the male narrator just as much. I loved this!
_______________
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Wei Yin, the daughter of rice farmers living in a village on the brink of starvation, and her slow rise from poverty to becoming a concubine to one of the empire’s princes, all while learning the ways of court politics and trying to make her own path.
With her as an outsider to everything, I got to witness Wei Yin’s arc, and it was such a pleasure. She relies on her smarts, her grit, and her determination to survive the court’s metaphorical political minefields, and nowhere is that clearer than in her interactions with the prince she becomes a concubine to. A cruel man with no leash on his behavior, it was sometimes difficult to read all that she endured. This book is quite graphic, deals with some deeply rooted darkness, and makes no attempt to render anyone especially likable or wholly sympathetic. Everyone is trying to secure their own position, everyone is focused on survival, and this story masterfully embodied that.
The ending was especially surprising to me, as someone who had expectations about how the narrative would conclude. Shen Tao managed to blow those away, delivering an absolutely fitting and poignant ending.
🎧 Audiobook Note
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
The narrators were amazing, and there’s honestly nothing I can think of that didn’t work for me. The female narrator had such a smooth delivery while also conveying the emotions of the characters in an incredibly effective way, and I liked the passages narrated by the male narrator just as much. I loved this!
_______________
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2025
help..I need help putting the pieces of my heart back together.
October 18, 2025
Brutal and beautiful. One of my favorite books of the year 😭
May 19, 2025
Growing up watching C-dramas, I never expected to one day read one—but that’s honestly the best way I can describe The Poet Empress. Does anyone else remember the hype around Huán Zhū Gégé or 還珠格格? That mix of heart-wrenching relationships, innocent protagonists thrown into a cruel imperial court... The Poet Empress really invoked that sense of nostalgia.
Yin Wei is a brilliantly intelligent and empathetic character who’s forced to adapt and grow in unimaginable ways. Watching her transformation felt both painful and empowering, and I was rooting for her the entire time. She's a character with so much depth! She isn't a stereotypical Mary Sue, but someone who feels like she would have been recorded in the history books. Not perfect or pure or blank, but complex and deeply flawed in a way that felt so real.
The best way I can describe this book is as an epic—a sweeping, emotional journey that will rip your heart out, crush it, piece it back together, and shove it right back in. This book is poetry in so many senses—not just in the title or the magic system, but in the way Shen brings the story together. You won't see the ending coming! The Poet Empress is beautiful, brutal, and absolutely deserving of all the hype it’s getting.
Yin Wei is a brilliantly intelligent and empathetic character who’s forced to adapt and grow in unimaginable ways. Watching her transformation felt both painful and empowering, and I was rooting for her the entire time. She's a character with so much depth! She isn't a stereotypical Mary Sue, but someone who feels like she would have been recorded in the history books. Not perfect or pure or blank, but complex and deeply flawed in a way that felt so real.
The best way I can describe this book is as an epic—a sweeping, emotional journey that will rip your heart out, crush it, piece it back together, and shove it right back in. This book is poetry in so many senses—not just in the title or the magic system, but in the way Shen brings the story together. You won't see the ending coming! The Poet Empress is beautiful, brutal, and absolutely deserving of all the hype it’s getting.
August 2, 2025
A beautifully written standalone fantasy steeped in political intrigue, Chinese historical influences and lyrical lore.
The Poet Empress was not what I expected, I picked it up thinking it was a romantasy (I’m not sure why) and the reading experience that followed was probably what happens to someone who grabs Empire of the Vampire from the romantasy section of the bookstore expecting ACOTAR vibes. It is definitely not that! This is a darker, haunting epic fantasy, but it’s also tender and emotional in unexpected places. At its core, it explores themes of love, redemption, and sheer determination.
The story is character-driven rather than plot-driven, and the cast is beautifully complex, multi-layered, and feels deeply human. No one is straight forward, least of all Wei. She begins as a village girl shaped by famine and desperation. When the chance arises to become a concubine to the empire’s heir, she takes it, not out of ambition, but because it’s her only hope of saving her loved ones. What she doesn’t expect is to become empress-in-waiting, married to the infamously cruel Prince Guan Terren. To survive, she must quickly learn who to trust. But deception is rife, power corrupts, and it seems everyone is hiding something.
I loved that Wei is, in her own words, no mythical heroine. She makes mistakes. She chooses herself to survive. She’s not a martial legend, and she doesn’t try to be. Watching her grow, hardened by court life and betrayal, was one of my favourite elements of her story. Terren, on the other hand, is a perfect villain. A true Frankenstein’s monster, shaped by the neglect and cruelty of those meant to protect him. His arc unfolds like 13 Reasons Why as Wei digs into his past to uncover who he truly is. He may be the villain, but my heart ached for him and I was really holding out for his redemption!
The story kept me guessing right up until the final chapters. I couldn’t have predicted the ending, and I loved that. It’s emotional, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written. If you enjoyed The Poppy War or Game of Thrones, this one is likely a great pick for you! The final scene will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.
The Poet Empress was not what I expected, I picked it up thinking it was a romantasy (I’m not sure why) and the reading experience that followed was probably what happens to someone who grabs Empire of the Vampire from the romantasy section of the bookstore expecting ACOTAR vibes. It is definitely not that! This is a darker, haunting epic fantasy, but it’s also tender and emotional in unexpected places. At its core, it explores themes of love, redemption, and sheer determination.
The story is character-driven rather than plot-driven, and the cast is beautifully complex, multi-layered, and feels deeply human. No one is straight forward, least of all Wei. She begins as a village girl shaped by famine and desperation. When the chance arises to become a concubine to the empire’s heir, she takes it, not out of ambition, but because it’s her only hope of saving her loved ones. What she doesn’t expect is to become empress-in-waiting, married to the infamously cruel Prince Guan Terren. To survive, she must quickly learn who to trust. But deception is rife, power corrupts, and it seems everyone is hiding something.
I loved that Wei is, in her own words, no mythical heroine. She makes mistakes. She chooses herself to survive. She’s not a martial legend, and she doesn’t try to be. Watching her grow, hardened by court life and betrayal, was one of my favourite elements of her story. Terren, on the other hand, is a perfect villain. A true Frankenstein’s monster, shaped by the neglect and cruelty of those meant to protect him. His arc unfolds like 13 Reasons Why as Wei digs into his past to uncover who he truly is. He may be the villain, but my heart ached for him and I was really holding out for his redemption!
The story kept me guessing right up until the final chapters. I couldn’t have predicted the ending, and I loved that. It’s emotional, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written. If you enjoyed The Poppy War or Game of Thrones, this one is likely a great pick for you! The final scene will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 11, 2025
An incredible, kick-the-door-open kind of debut that will bring you to your knees and make you cry.
I’m a sucker for beautiful covers, and the idea of poetry completely caught me off guard. My first thought was that it’d be something like that scene where Harry and Draco practice dueling, but instead of waving a wand, the hero would be reciting poems. How wrong I was, and I’m so glad about it!
The characters were written with such skill, and watching their growth and transformation was absolutely fascinating. The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss!
I’m not sure I have enough words to describe this book. It left a profound impression on me and is without a doubt the best book I’ve read this year!
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a sucker for beautiful covers, and the idea of poetry completely caught me off guard. My first thought was that it’d be something like that scene where Harry and Draco practice dueling, but instead of waving a wand, the hero would be reciting poems. How wrong I was, and I’m so glad about it!
The characters were written with such skill, and watching their growth and transformation was absolutely fascinating. The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss!
I’m not sure I have enough words to describe this book. It left a profound impression on me and is without a doubt the best book I’ve read this year!
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Currently reading
November 15, 2025𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖
pre-read : am i ready?? no, no i’m not (∩˃o˂∩)♡
update : POETRY MAGIC. THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW so add it to your tbr now!! also, thank you to the lovely Shen Tao for selecting me to join the ARC TEAM!! ♡
pre-read : am i ready?? no, no i’m not (∩˃o˂∩)♡
update : POETRY MAGIC. THAT'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW so add it to your tbr now!! also, thank you to the lovely Shen Tao for selecting me to join the ARC TEAM!! ♡
December 5, 2025
Tao has created a work of art with her debut novel, The Poet Empress.
Prepare to be swept across epic landscapes, from poverty stricken farmland, to luxurious palace gardens. The world created within these pages glimmers with gold but hides poison and daggers within.
The richly crafted characters will have you crying with sorrow, clenching your fists in anger, have your heart beating rapidly with hope. The ending wasn’t the one I wanted, but it was the one the Azalea Dynasty deserved.
Huge shoutout to the narrators and author who went above and beyond on this tale and had me spellbound with each word. The audiobook is incredible.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, narrators, and Macmillan Audio for a copy!
Prepare to be swept across epic landscapes, from poverty stricken farmland, to luxurious palace gardens. The world created within these pages glimmers with gold but hides poison and daggers within.
The richly crafted characters will have you crying with sorrow, clenching your fists in anger, have your heart beating rapidly with hope. The ending wasn’t the one I wanted, but it was the one the Azalea Dynasty deserved.
Huge shoutout to the narrators and author who went above and beyond on this tale and had me spellbound with each word. The audiobook is incredible.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, narrators, and Macmillan Audio for a copy!
November 26, 2025
Want a book that utterly tears you apart? MAY I PRESENT TO YOU THE POET EMPRESS. It begins in the Azalea dynasty, with sixteen-year-old Yin Wei volunteering herself as a concubine to save her famine-stricken hometown, a sacrifice as much as its resistance. In a world where women are forbidden to read or write, she dares to learn anyway.
Tao’s writing in The Poet Empress is melodic as the magical poems in the story, verses imbued with the ability to hurt and heal. There are Blessings that bestow fruit trees and crops, wielded by those only if they are willing to, and everything comes at a cost… Inspired by ancient Chinese history, the story reminded me of the classical poetry I learned in school. I was both beguiled at the beauty of the form of poetry and the misery it could create.
The invocation of couplets paired with Tao’s meticulous craft of nature and animals in the story is sparkling, and her words tethers the perfect imagery of what it was like for Wei to journey in the inner courts. Surrounded by constant scheming, poison (!) and the fractious relationship with her betrothed – the cruel and dastardly emperor to be, Prince Terren, young and absolutely terrible.
The story is threaded with ghostly specters that explain why our characters become who they are. We begin to understand that humans are always inherently complex, shaped from circumstance and choice, deepened by love or loss.
Sometimes fate forces our hand despite wanting to be kind, because it’s the greater kindness of a much crueller fate - and so while Terren is objectively the big bad villain™️, his childhood story made him such a compelling chracter despite his flaws, unforgiveable as they are.
And it is as Wei says: “if everyone who suffered became monsters, the world would be overrun with them”.
An absolute masterpiece in storytelling, and I’ll let you laugh at my ugly crying! I think for someone who wanted to spend more time connecting with my heritage, this story felt like a bridge to that - it hurt and continues to hurt more, and it’s definitely one of my favourite reads this year…
(A quick moment for trigger warnings as this book has quite a few, don’t forget to read through them if you’re thinking of picking it up)
Tao’s writing in The Poet Empress is melodic as the magical poems in the story, verses imbued with the ability to hurt and heal. There are Blessings that bestow fruit trees and crops, wielded by those only if they are willing to, and everything comes at a cost… Inspired by ancient Chinese history, the story reminded me of the classical poetry I learned in school. I was both beguiled at the beauty of the form of poetry and the misery it could create.
The invocation of couplets paired with Tao’s meticulous craft of nature and animals in the story is sparkling, and her words tethers the perfect imagery of what it was like for Wei to journey in the inner courts. Surrounded by constant scheming, poison (!) and the fractious relationship with her betrothed – the cruel and dastardly emperor to be, Prince Terren, young and absolutely terrible.
The story is threaded with ghostly specters that explain why our characters become who they are. We begin to understand that humans are always inherently complex, shaped from circumstance and choice, deepened by love or loss.
Sometimes fate forces our hand despite wanting to be kind, because it’s the greater kindness of a much crueller fate - and so while Terren is objectively the big bad villain™️, his childhood story made him such a compelling chracter despite his flaws, unforgiveable as they are.
And it is as Wei says: “if everyone who suffered became monsters, the world would be overrun with them”.
An absolute masterpiece in storytelling, and I’ll let you laugh at my ugly crying! I think for someone who wanted to spend more time connecting with my heritage, this story felt like a bridge to that - it hurt and continues to hurt more, and it’s definitely one of my favourite reads this year…
(A quick moment for trigger warnings as this book has quite a few, don’t forget to read through them if you’re thinking of picking it up)
Want to read
July 24, 2025there's always that one debut epic fantasy releasing sometime in the beginning of an year that is highly promising and I often avoid those because I'm afraid they might be over-publicised. but i feel ready to BET ON THIS ONE so fingers crossed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Poet Empress
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my second ARC, and I picked it up after a friend’s enthusiastic recommendation — and it turned out to be a refreshing experience within YA Asian fantasy.
The Poet Empress is not an epic, destiny-driven tale with a hidden-power heroine or an unstoppable warrior saved by love. Instead, it tells a quiet but painful story about the cost of power — and the price paid by those who stand close to it.
Wei, the protagonist, is a poor peasant girl who becomes the crown prince’s concubine to save her village from starvation. She is observant, restrained, and resilient rather than bold or confrontational. Lacking formal education or political insight, Wei is forced to learn quickly as she navigates the dangers and intricate dynamics of the imperial palace.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its character work. Wei survives not by defiance, but by patience — she plays the hand she is given and slowly adapts. The supporting cast is equally well crafted, especially the imperial family. The princes, in particular, are portrayed with nuance, and the story does not shy away from showing how expectation and pressure can wound as deeply as violence.
I also appreciated the author’s approach to difficult themes. Violence is depicted as complex and consequential, without being romanticized or softened. The novel avoids the “healing power of love” trope, allowing trauma to remain unresolved in realistic ways. This honesty greatly strengthened the emotional weight of the story.I also want to thank the author for the themes she chose to explore. For the way she portrays violence — multifaceted and unapologetic, without softening its consequences. I deeply appreciated that she didn’t push the idea of love as something that magically heals everything, and instead left the cracked jug cracked. Because even if you glue it back together, it would still shatter from a careless touch.
I liked the ending. I was hoping for exactly this kind of finale, and Shen Tao didn’t disappoint me. I don’t think I would have accepted a different one.
The magic system and the symbolism of the Crown add an intriguing layer to the narrative, and the ending felt earned. It was a conclusion I hoped for — and one that made sense within the story’s emotional logic.
But for me, this is still a solid 4, not a 5.
Why? Because the entire time I felt more like an observer than someone truly living inside the story. At moments, I wanted the author to press harder on the bruise — to let me sink into the scene, to drown in the emotions that were clearly there. But, just like the heroine, the story kept moving forward. It’s hard to explain. And it seems I might be in the minority with this feeling — but I missed the fire of Wei’s inner world. I often felt like I was reading a chronicle rather than being fully present inside it. If you know what I mean.
Overall, The Poet Empress is a thoughtful, atmospheric novel filled with palace intrigue, moral complexity, and quiet endurance.
If you enjoy glassy pain, an Asian-inspired setting, palace intrigue, and reflections on the cost and burden of power — this one is for you
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my second ARC, and I picked it up after a friend’s enthusiastic recommendation — and it turned out to be a refreshing experience within YA Asian fantasy.
The Poet Empress is not an epic, destiny-driven tale with a hidden-power heroine or an unstoppable warrior saved by love. Instead, it tells a quiet but painful story about the cost of power — and the price paid by those who stand close to it.
Wei, the protagonist, is a poor peasant girl who becomes the crown prince’s concubine to save her village from starvation. She is observant, restrained, and resilient rather than bold or confrontational. Lacking formal education or political insight, Wei is forced to learn quickly as she navigates the dangers and intricate dynamics of the imperial palace.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its character work. Wei survives not by defiance, but by patience — she plays the hand she is given and slowly adapts. The supporting cast is equally well crafted, especially the imperial family. The princes, in particular, are portrayed with nuance, and the story does not shy away from showing how expectation and pressure can wound as deeply as violence.
I also appreciated the author’s approach to difficult themes. Violence is depicted as complex and consequential, without being romanticized or softened. The novel avoids the “healing power of love” trope, allowing trauma to remain unresolved in realistic ways. This honesty greatly strengthened the emotional weight of the story.I also want to thank the author for the themes she chose to explore. For the way she portrays violence — multifaceted and unapologetic, without softening its consequences. I deeply appreciated that she didn’t push the idea of love as something that magically heals everything, and instead left the cracked jug cracked. Because even if you glue it back together, it would still shatter from a careless touch.
I liked the ending. I was hoping for exactly this kind of finale, and Shen Tao didn’t disappoint me. I don’t think I would have accepted a different one.
The magic system and the symbolism of the Crown add an intriguing layer to the narrative, and the ending felt earned. It was a conclusion I hoped for — and one that made sense within the story’s emotional logic.
But for me, this is still a solid 4, not a 5.
Why? Because the entire time I felt more like an observer than someone truly living inside the story. At moments, I wanted the author to press harder on the bruise — to let me sink into the scene, to drown in the emotions that were clearly there. But, just like the heroine, the story kept moving forward. It’s hard to explain. And it seems I might be in the minority with this feeling — but I missed the fire of Wei’s inner world. I often felt like I was reading a chronicle rather than being fully present inside it. If you know what I mean.
Overall, The Poet Empress is a thoughtful, atmospheric novel filled with palace intrigue, moral complexity, and quiet endurance.
If you enjoy glassy pain, an Asian-inspired setting, palace intrigue, and reflections on the cost and burden of power — this one is for you
November 26, 2025
This book is the very definition of “it finished me.” It was so hauntingly, brutally beautiful. It’s excellently written and paced and I couldn’t put it down. Easily one of my top five reads this year. Every single character is so well developed with their own thoughts feelings and motives that really help add to the story and the political intrigue. Plot twist after plot twist had me on my toes and my jaw literally dropped at the end. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the audio book. The narrator did a remarkable job bringing this superb story to life.
Want to read
December 7, 2025pre-reading
the idea of a poetry-based magic system (especially one set in ancient china!!) is very appealing, but i’d be lying if i said i wasn’t at least a little bit nervous about reading yet another anglophone chinese fantasy book :/ especially because the cover seems to be covered in “chinese” characters that are quite literally fake. wtf is that.
the idea of a poetry-based magic system (especially one set in ancient china!!) is very appealing, but i’d be lying if i said i wasn’t at least a little bit nervous about reading yet another anglophone chinese fantasy book :/ especially because the cover seems to be covered in “chinese” characters that are quite literally fake. wtf is that.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Poet Empress is a dark character driven epic fantasy steeped in court intrigue and brutality, and it's easily one of my all time favourite books!
From the very first pages, the writing pulled me in completely. It was beautiful, atmospheric, and devastating in a way that makes you feel like you're witnessing something inevitable. (and you just can't look away!)
The story follows Wei in a withering dynasty ruled by a dying emperor where women are forbidden to read and power is hoarded through cruelty and control. What unfolds is by no means a romance in the traditional sense, but an incredibly emotional story about love and betrayal and how power can both shape and destroy people.
Wei herself is such a compelling main character. Watching her learn and survive in a system designed to erase her was both inspiring and heartbreaking. Every choice she makes feels morally complex and heavy with consequence. The court politics are tense, the magic tied to poetry is fascinating, and the poems woven throughout the story are genuinely beautiful.
The Poet Empress is brutal and tragic and dark, sometimes shockingly so (read the trigger warnings), but never without purpose. It reminded me of how I felt reading The Poppy War for the first time. Completely consumed, emotionally wrecked, and unable to stop thinking about it. Especially with the plot twists that ripped my heart out of my chest and left me staring at the page in silence.
This is not a light read nor a romantic comforting one, but it's stunning, and I will never stop recommending it.
If you love beautifully written, emotionally heavy fantasy with intricate morally grey characters, political intrigue, please pick this one up!!
From the very first pages, the writing pulled me in completely. It was beautiful, atmospheric, and devastating in a way that makes you feel like you're witnessing something inevitable. (and you just can't look away!)
The story follows Wei in a withering dynasty ruled by a dying emperor where women are forbidden to read and power is hoarded through cruelty and control. What unfolds is by no means a romance in the traditional sense, but an incredibly emotional story about love and betrayal and how power can both shape and destroy people.
Wei herself is such a compelling main character. Watching her learn and survive in a system designed to erase her was both inspiring and heartbreaking. Every choice she makes feels morally complex and heavy with consequence. The court politics are tense, the magic tied to poetry is fascinating, and the poems woven throughout the story are genuinely beautiful.
The Poet Empress is brutal and tragic and dark, sometimes shockingly so (read the trigger warnings), but never without purpose. It reminded me of how I felt reading The Poppy War for the first time. Completely consumed, emotionally wrecked, and unable to stop thinking about it. Especially with the plot twists that ripped my heart out of my chest and left me staring at the page in silence.
This is not a light read nor a romantic comforting one, but it's stunning, and I will never stop recommending it.
If you love beautifully written, emotionally heavy fantasy with intricate morally grey characters, political intrigue, please pick this one up!!
November 28, 2025
4.5/5 stars
omfg whoever sold this book as romantasy, STOP WITH THE OUTRAGEOUS LIE BECAUSE THIS BOOK IS DEFINITELY NOT THAT, and i'm not even saying it as a bad thing, because in my very humble opinion this book basically has no romance lmao. the fmc has a great character development, and i thoroughly enjoyed reading from her pov as she figured out how to navigate the brutality of court and the story behind the brothers and how it affects their animosity and the future of the country. the REAL center of the story is THE DOOOOMEEEDDD SIBLINGSSSS omfg every time we get to their story it was like punch after punch because they truly loved each other so much... until they hated each other but as people say hate and love are two sides of the same coin and it's so clear for their case. the whole book is just hurt no comfort with the most morally fucked and traumatized group of people like i genuinely never felt a single moment of happiness before an axe fucking drop on god
highly recommend for all the pain it caused me i hope everyone reads this when it comes out👍🏼
omfg whoever sold this book as romantasy, STOP WITH THE OUTRAGEOUS LIE BECAUSE THIS BOOK IS DEFINITELY NOT THAT, and i'm not even saying it as a bad thing, because in my very humble opinion this book basically has no romance lmao. the fmc has a great character development, and i thoroughly enjoyed reading from her pov as she figured out how to navigate the brutality of court and the story behind the brothers and how it affects their animosity and the future of the country. the REAL center of the story is THE DOOOOMEEEDDD SIBLINGSSSS omfg every time we get to their story it was like punch after punch because they truly loved each other so much... until they hated each other but as people say hate and love are two sides of the same coin and it's so clear for their case. the whole book is just hurt no comfort with the most morally fucked and traumatized group of people like i genuinely never felt a single moment of happiness before an axe fucking drop on god
highly recommend for all the pain it caused me i hope everyone reads this when it comes out👍🏼
September 30, 2025
I received a free copy from Tor Books (Bramble) via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. Publish date January 20th, 2026.
I was intrigued by marketing text comparing this book to my beloved She Who Became the Sun, so I thought I'd give it a shot. In The Poet Empress, young peasant girl Wei Yin has watched her family and village starve for years as a famine sweeps a mythological version of China. Seizing her chances, she schemes her way into becoming concubine to the vicious heir to the throne--but the imperial court may prove to be more dangerous than starvation.
Despite the comparison to She Who Became the Sun, I was a little concerned that what the mysterious forces of marketing meant by it was "set in China", similar to the way a Bridgerton comp means "historical romance set anywhere 1600 to 1920." However! I was pleasantly surprised to find that The Poet Empress has a strong core of shared themes, featuring a peasant child with an unbreakable will to survive and a clear-eyed reflection on the brutality of empire. The tone of the book is thematically set by the opening scene, with Wei burying her fifth dead sibling, only three days after she was born. This is a book, first and foremost, about dead children.
As a novel centered around a young woman married against her will to a powerful man, the threat of dark romance hung over the whole thing like the sword of Damocles. I won't spoil the ending, but Tao treats the subject with a clear-eyed pragmatism and perfectly executes the conclusion. (I thought about it for a few days and then added another star for nailing that difficult ending.) I'm surprised that the book was placed with Bramble (Tor's romance imprint), since it's so profoundly unromantic, from the first time Wei looked at a prince's face and said couldn't evaluate if he was attractive, as she saw only inhuman power. This is a book about the brutality necessary to survive politics, imperial tax schemes, and plotting eunuchs, and I wouldn't place it as a romance. And speaking of politics, I enjoyed how Wei's background as a completely uneducated, illiterate peasant girl is taken seriously. She doesn't walk onto page one as a political genius--she has to slowly and painfully learn through her mistakes until she can survive in the vicious world of court politics.
I tore through this book in an evening and I'm still thinking about it days later. WHAT a book. It has the directness and brisk pacing of YA, but with a surprising ruthless pragmatism. Shen Tao is absolutely an author I'm going to watch out for in the future, especially as this is her debut. Recommended.
I was intrigued by marketing text comparing this book to my beloved She Who Became the Sun, so I thought I'd give it a shot. In The Poet Empress, young peasant girl Wei Yin has watched her family and village starve for years as a famine sweeps a mythological version of China. Seizing her chances, she schemes her way into becoming concubine to the vicious heir to the throne--but the imperial court may prove to be more dangerous than starvation.
Despite the comparison to She Who Became the Sun, I was a little concerned that what the mysterious forces of marketing meant by it was "set in China", similar to the way a Bridgerton comp means "historical romance set anywhere 1600 to 1920." However! I was pleasantly surprised to find that The Poet Empress has a strong core of shared themes, featuring a peasant child with an unbreakable will to survive and a clear-eyed reflection on the brutality of empire. The tone of the book is thematically set by the opening scene, with Wei burying her fifth dead sibling, only three days after she was born. This is a book, first and foremost, about dead children.
As a novel centered around a young woman married against her will to a powerful man, the threat of dark romance hung over the whole thing like the sword of Damocles. I won't spoil the ending, but Tao treats the subject with a clear-eyed pragmatism and perfectly executes the conclusion. (I thought about it for a few days and then added another star for nailing that difficult ending.) I'm surprised that the book was placed with Bramble (Tor's romance imprint), since it's so profoundly unromantic, from the first time Wei looked at a prince's face and said couldn't evaluate if he was attractive, as she saw only inhuman power. This is a book about the brutality necessary to survive politics, imperial tax schemes, and plotting eunuchs, and I wouldn't place it as a romance. And speaking of politics, I enjoyed how Wei's background as a completely uneducated, illiterate peasant girl is taken seriously. She doesn't walk onto page one as a political genius--she has to slowly and painfully learn through her mistakes until she can survive in the vicious world of court politics.
I tore through this book in an evening and I'm still thinking about it days later. WHAT a book. It has the directness and brisk pacing of YA, but with a surprising ruthless pragmatism. Shen Tao is absolutely an author I'm going to watch out for in the future, especially as this is her debut. Recommended.
November 6, 2025
devastatingly dark and utterly heartbreaking is what i'll be calling the masterpiece that is the poet empress. honestly, going into the story, i had no idea the journey i would be taking.
there is action but not in the way you'd expect. instead, there are words and the words have power. the story unravels in a way you don't think of - coming as reflections from characters' pasts and present, and in the way of stories narrated by those who witnessed said pasts. the way the narrative comes together at the end, a culmination of these stories and words, is simply stunning.
there are so many layers to every character in the story. and nearly all of them will leave you feeling conflicted because of their actions and the reasoning behind said actions. and this is what truly made the reading experience what it is for me. i was on my toes, constantly being surprised by what the characters were doing. without spoilers, i will say though, wei's character arc, from when we first meet her, and at the ending of the story is nothing short of a well-crafted masterpiece that deserves to be in a musuem.
the poet empress is an absolutely stunning debut and devastatingly beautiful fantasy. this is a story about bravery, about love and about fighting for your survival in a world where you could die in the blink of an eye. this is a book that i am not going to be forgetting about any time soon. if this isn't on your radar, then you must add it to your tbrs.
disclaimer - i work as a bookseller and received an arc through my workplace.
there is action but not in the way you'd expect. instead, there are words and the words have power. the story unravels in a way you don't think of - coming as reflections from characters' pasts and present, and in the way of stories narrated by those who witnessed said pasts. the way the narrative comes together at the end, a culmination of these stories and words, is simply stunning.
there are so many layers to every character in the story. and nearly all of them will leave you feeling conflicted because of their actions and the reasoning behind said actions. and this is what truly made the reading experience what it is for me. i was on my toes, constantly being surprised by what the characters were doing. without spoilers, i will say though, wei's character arc, from when we first meet her, and at the ending of the story is nothing short of a well-crafted masterpiece that deserves to be in a musuem.
the poet empress is an absolutely stunning debut and devastatingly beautiful fantasy. this is a story about bravery, about love and about fighting for your survival in a world where you could die in the blink of an eye. this is a book that i am not going to be forgetting about any time soon. if this isn't on your radar, then you must add it to your tbrs.
disclaimer - i work as a bookseller and received an arc through my workplace.
Want to read
August 27, 2025Poetry magic sounds insanely cool!!! Sign me up!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Poet Empress is a story that reaches deep into the soul. Shen Tao’s world is both beautiful and brutal, full of danger, intrigue, and magic that feels truly alive and meaningful. Every choice matters, and every action has consequences that ripple through the narrative.
Wei is a character I cannot stop thinking about. Her courage, sharp intelligence, and honesty shine even in the darkest moments. Watching her navigate loss, fear, and cruelty, yet still fiercely fight for those she loves, is both heartbreaking and profoundly inspiring. She grows, adapts, and becomes powerful. I felt proud of her, awed by her resilience.
The escalating tension in the palace and the constant threat of betrayal make every chapter gripping.
Shen Tao’s writing balances elegance and intensity—the descriptions are vivid, the action precise, and the emotions raw. Nothing feels forced; everything masterfully serves the story and the characters’ evolution.
This is not a gentle read. It is dark, intense, and unflinching, yet it is also beautiful, moving, and utterly unforgettable.
The Poet Empress lingers in your thoughts long after the final page, leaving you haunted by its characters and captivated by its world.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wei is a character I cannot stop thinking about. Her courage, sharp intelligence, and honesty shine even in the darkest moments. Watching her navigate loss, fear, and cruelty, yet still fiercely fight for those she loves, is both heartbreaking and profoundly inspiring. She grows, adapts, and becomes powerful. I felt proud of her, awed by her resilience.
The escalating tension in the palace and the constant threat of betrayal make every chapter gripping.
Shen Tao’s writing balances elegance and intensity—the descriptions are vivid, the action precise, and the emotions raw. Nothing feels forced; everything masterfully serves the story and the characters’ evolution.
This is not a gentle read. It is dark, intense, and unflinching, yet it is also beautiful, moving, and utterly unforgettable.
The Poet Empress lingers in your thoughts long after the final page, leaving you haunted by its characters and captivated by its world.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2025
pre review: someone put me down like a dog i want to eat my kobo
December 5, 2025
How far would you go for power?
This question encompasses the morality of the book. It is painful, but in reality we know that people in power have done worse and are continuing to do so. Human lives are so small compared to ambitions. 😭
On the writing side of things, the prose flowed easily. The magic system was unique, and the characters are so compelling I couldn't stop listening to the audio.
If I could summarize this book in 3 words, it would be: concubine Poppy War.
*arc (audio) received from netgalley✨
This question encompasses the morality of the book. It is painful, but in reality we know that people in power have done worse and are continuing to do so. Human lives are so small compared to ambitions. 😭
On the writing side of things, the prose flowed easily. The magic system was unique, and the characters are so compelling I couldn't stop listening to the audio.
If I could summarize this book in 3 words, it would be: concubine Poppy War.
*arc (audio) received from netgalley✨
October 25, 2025
TL;DR: this BOOK. a thousand stars. at no point did I know what was going to happen next.
I am not kidding when I say 2026 isn't here yet and this might be one of the best books released. This had everything I was looking for- morally gray, unreliable characters, red flags, completely unpredictable plot twists, no punches pulled and NO idea if there's going to be a happy ending.
Wei is a stunning main character. We start her story at age 16, but this is NOT a young adult book. It's true to the time period and her circumstances mean she is looking at her situation with a grown adult's eyes. Watching her develop and change and adjust from a fearful to truly fear-inspiring while still trying to hold on to a shred of her own identity is fascinating. Set against Terren's cruelty, the secrets of his upbringing, and the backbiting of the inner court, her internal conflict is raw and desperate.
Speaking of Terren, I LOVED that we did NOT get a POV from him at all. This is Wei's story, and we learn about Terren as she does. What makes him tick, what made him a monster, and whether there is a human being left inside at all. There's so much to be said about him, but it would all be a spoiler.
The writing is beautiful, balanced well between description and action, and the world created by Shen Tao just makes sense. It's not magic for the sake of magic, it's to illustrate the different ways a ruler can choose to create a legacy and the dangers and benefits behind each. I could not get enough of this book and can't wait for Shen Tao's next work.
note: please take the trigger warnings at the start seriously and read with care. If you need spoilers for any of them, feel free to send me a DM.
I am not kidding when I say 2026 isn't here yet and this might be one of the best books released. This had everything I was looking for- morally gray, unreliable characters, red flags, completely unpredictable plot twists, no punches pulled and NO idea if there's going to be a happy ending.
Wei is a stunning main character. We start her story at age 16, but this is NOT a young adult book. It's true to the time period and her circumstances mean she is looking at her situation with a grown adult's eyes. Watching her develop and change and adjust from a fearful to truly fear-inspiring while still trying to hold on to a shred of her own identity is fascinating. Set against Terren's cruelty, the secrets of his upbringing, and the backbiting of the inner court, her internal conflict is raw and desperate.
Speaking of Terren, I LOVED that we did NOT get a POV from him at all. This is Wei's story, and we learn about Terren as she does. What makes him tick, what made him a monster, and whether there is a human being left inside at all. There's so much to be said about him, but it would all be a spoiler.
The writing is beautiful, balanced well between description and action, and the world created by Shen Tao just makes sense. It's not magic for the sake of magic, it's to illustrate the different ways a ruler can choose to create a legacy and the dangers and benefits behind each. I could not get enough of this book and can't wait for Shen Tao's next work.
note: please take the trigger warnings at the start seriously and read with care. If you need spoilers for any of them, feel free to send me a DM.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews