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The Revenant of Surolifia
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26In the vein of The Traitor Baru Cormorant and The Unbroken, The Revenant of Surolifia is a gripping political fantasy of empire, identity, and impossible choices, where rebellion blazes in the streets, loyalty is a double-edged sword, and the price of peace may be too steep to pay.
Secrets are often liabilities, but sometimes they are power.
Lucas Rhine has seen enough violence. When the Empire of Colours slaughters 17,000 of his silver-eyed kin, Lucas buries his hatred, hides his eyes behind coloured lenses, and vows to become the imperial gendarmerie’s commander. He will liberate his annexed island home through a diplomatic secession.
Usurped prince Faye Phlorik wants his throne back. When violent revolutionaries help him escape from prison, he joins them. They need a silver-eyed champion to rally the people, and he needs their resources to defeat the gendarmerie protecting the usurper.
When Faye’s escape costs Lucas his promotion, Lucas adds revenge to his list of reasons to stop the bloody revolution. While the two hunt each other across the country, the Empire's warships are landing in two weeks to exterminate everyone with silver eyes. If Lucas and Faye can't unite their forces against the imperial fleet, there will soon be nothing left of the people they're both trying to liberate.
Secrets are often liabilities, but sometimes they are power.
Lucas Rhine has seen enough violence. When the Empire of Colours slaughters 17,000 of his silver-eyed kin, Lucas buries his hatred, hides his eyes behind coloured lenses, and vows to become the imperial gendarmerie’s commander. He will liberate his annexed island home through a diplomatic secession.
Usurped prince Faye Phlorik wants his throne back. When violent revolutionaries help him escape from prison, he joins them. They need a silver-eyed champion to rally the people, and he needs their resources to defeat the gendarmerie protecting the usurper.
When Faye’s escape costs Lucas his promotion, Lucas adds revenge to his list of reasons to stop the bloody revolution. While the two hunt each other across the country, the Empire's warships are landing in two weeks to exterminate everyone with silver eyes. If Lucas and Faye can't unite their forces against the imperial fleet, there will soon be nothing left of the people they're both trying to liberate.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 7, 2026
8 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Florence Chien
1 book14 followersFlorence Chien is a Canadian writer of fantasy and historical fiction. Her debut political fantasy, The Revenant of Surolifia, is forthcoming July 2026. She is also a co-host of #SmallPitch, a pitch event centered around connecting authors with independent publishers. Outside of writing, she is also a practicing lawyer, a connoisseur of coffee, and a fountain pen aficionado.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
The more I think about it, the more issues I seem to find that bothered me about Florence Chien's political fantasy debut. But to rate it any lower would be an unfair disservice, so 'tis what it is. Keeping this review spoiler-free—and short—will be difficult, but I'll do what I can. 💪🏻
When I began reading, I felt like I was missing a portion of the story, for so much of the plot was centered on background events. 😵💫 But as it progressed and intentions were revealed, I slowly began piecing together the history and the motives of the many forces vying to claim Al Senia's sovereignty. However, I felt there were too many reminders of past years. It felt distracting and confusing, especially when there were also a lot of characters to keep track of, too. A timeline, maybe, could've helped?
“His path was the long and lonesome journey of a lethal poison toward the heart of a behemoth.”
The arcane system of the Silvers—phenomancy and noumenmancy—was limited—deliberately so, and explained as it was displayed and understood by me, in the like. ✨ For as it was readily addressed, I was able to slowly familiarize myself with the scope of its power. It had some interesting facets to it that made the stakes higher - in the figurative sense, too.
Some of the internal musings were a bit repetitive, attempting to convey a single thought in every possible way. Two major reveals were a welcome surprise, but many of the other twists weren't as impactful. The dialogue and danger were evenly balanced, with some meaningful relationships, but I wish there had been more of Faye and Lucas. Even if not as a team, but somehow, crossing each other's paths more. 🥺
“Calculate all variables before every action and accept all consequences without regret.”
The blurb gave me the impression that Faye and Lucas's power play of duty and loyalty would be the focal point of the plot. But aside from their perspectives, there was another POV, a female one. A FMC that - to me—took away screen-time that could have allowed Faye's character to develop into a more compelling one. I felt he was underutilized. It sounds so anti-feminist when I say it like that, and I'm not.
But what always makes me cautiously hesitant when reading V.E. Schwab's books are that her FMCs tend to dominate the narrative with their presence. I felt that also became the case here; and that left me with a bitter aftertaste. 😒 The blurb felt like a purposeful misdirection - to me; I expected more of their dynamic, rather than a third party influencing much of the final outcome. 😮💨
“Sometimes, choices would drive a person to a precipice where there were no more choices.”
The ending was unexpected but hastily resolved and rather unfulfilling - usurped even of its true potential. 😐 Maybe that is the harsh truth of warfare, but I didn't feel like it was enough—not to celebrate, but to feel. Not all characters had their moment to shine, which was a shame as something still felt missing. I kept thinking we would even get a face-off between Faye and his first love, with how often it was mentioned, but it never came to fruition. 🤷🏻♀️
The author's Acknowledgements were well-intended and worth addressing. I liked Alex and Faye's short-lived dynamic, and I wish it had been explored more. The writing was very much like an anime—the emotions and actions felt like I was watching one. That first meeting between Faye and Lucas—loved it! 🤩 If only we had gotten more of Faye being a proactive prince rather than a passive one - even if I know, circumstances prevented him from being so; maybe I would feel less frustrated as to how I'm feeling now. 🙁
“We all have dreams, and we do what we must to realize them.”
The more I think about it, the more issues I seem to find that bothered me about Florence Chien's political fantasy debut. But to rate it any lower would be an unfair disservice, so 'tis what it is. Keeping this review spoiler-free—and short—will be difficult, but I'll do what I can. 💪🏻
When I began reading, I felt like I was missing a portion of the story, for so much of the plot was centered on background events. 😵💫 But as it progressed and intentions were revealed, I slowly began piecing together the history and the motives of the many forces vying to claim Al Senia's sovereignty. However, I felt there were too many reminders of past years. It felt distracting and confusing, especially when there were also a lot of characters to keep track of, too. A timeline, maybe, could've helped?
“His path was the long and lonesome journey of a lethal poison toward the heart of a behemoth.”
The arcane system of the Silvers—phenomancy and noumenmancy—was limited—deliberately so, and explained as it was displayed and understood by me, in the like. ✨ For as it was readily addressed, I was able to slowly familiarize myself with the scope of its power. It had some interesting facets to it that made the stakes higher - in the figurative sense, too.
Some of the internal musings were a bit repetitive, attempting to convey a single thought in every possible way. Two major reveals were a welcome surprise, but many of the other twists weren't as impactful. The dialogue and danger were evenly balanced, with some meaningful relationships, but I wish there had been more of Faye and Lucas. Even if not as a team, but somehow, crossing each other's paths more. 🥺
“Calculate all variables before every action and accept all consequences without regret.”
The blurb gave me the impression that Faye and Lucas's power play of duty and loyalty would be the focal point of the plot. But aside from their perspectives, there was another POV, a female one. A FMC that - to me—took away screen-time that could have allowed Faye's character to develop into a more compelling one. I felt he was underutilized. It sounds so anti-feminist when I say it like that, and I'm not.
But what always makes me cautiously hesitant when reading V.E. Schwab's books are that her FMCs tend to dominate the narrative with their presence. I felt that also became the case here; and that left me with a bitter aftertaste. 😒 The blurb felt like a purposeful misdirection - to me; I expected more of their dynamic, rather than a third party influencing much of the final outcome. 😮💨
“Sometimes, choices would drive a person to a precipice where there were no more choices.”
The ending was unexpected but hastily resolved and rather unfulfilling - usurped even of its true potential. 😐 Maybe that is the harsh truth of warfare, but I didn't feel like it was enough—not to celebrate, but to feel. Not all characters had their moment to shine, which was a shame as something still felt missing. I kept thinking we would even get a face-off between Faye and his first love, with how often it was mentioned, but it never came to fruition. 🤷🏻♀️
The author's Acknowledgements were well-intended and worth addressing. I liked Alex and Faye's short-lived dynamic, and I wish it had been explored more. The writing was very much like an anime—the emotions and actions felt like I was watching one. That first meeting between Faye and Lucas—loved it! 🤩 If only we had gotten more of Faye being a proactive prince rather than a passive one - even if I know, circumstances prevented him from being so; maybe I would feel less frustrated as to how I'm feeling now. 🙁
March 5, 2026
It was SO GOOD. Lucas is the GOAT and I will not hear any disagreement. That's it. That's the review.
December 1, 2025
"He was an omen, a curse, the harbinger of misfortune."
Sarah beat me to being the first review, but I agree completely with how utterly amazing this book is! As a lover of intricate stories, Revenant has one of the most meticulously detailed magic systems I've encountered in a while with a complex plot weaving in genuinely unexpected ways, and a fully realized world stretching far beyond the pages that left me hungering for more!
TRoS is a dream book that feels like it was written just for me; for hardcore political fantasy fans; and for anyone looking to spend hours lost in a story that challenges its reader. It is intelligent and lovingly crafted with an ending that will sit in your stomach. Forget ASoIaF: THIS is how you do political intrigue that fucks severely.
I'm happy my master plan of getting to know Florence to read an early copy worked (← this is a joke, Florence is just a really kind person and fantastic writer)
If you liked Paprika, Superliminal, or Catch Me If You Can I really think you'll love this! Personally, I need a movie adaptation beamed into my eyeballs as soon as possible!!
Meme ratings of character I found most notable, from the absolute favourites those on extremely thin ice:
- Elsa: Surrounded by mid men at all times. Please call me, let's get you out of there so you can take a break in the Republic
- Alex: Fruity, smart, AND ? you could have had it all
- Lucas: Shadowboxing paranoid phantoms while Faye dances rent free through his mind. Not sold on him at first until
- Faye: A little confused but he got the spirit. Trying his best but can't escape the failguy allegations. Pookiebear <3
- Connery: An earnest Guy whose eventual dynamic with is really sweet
- Bromont: There is something wrong with this man. I need to study him under a microscope, for science reasons
- Hayden: Love a child and help heal his grief or be super cryptic and give him a massive hero-slash-survivor's guilt complex that traumatizes him even further?
- Rio: Gets the bombastic side eye. On the list ONLY because he cares for Elsa. Your dad is the worst by the way
Sarah beat me to being the first review, but I agree completely with how utterly amazing this book is! As a lover of intricate stories, Revenant has one of the most meticulously detailed magic systems I've encountered in a while with a complex plot weaving in genuinely unexpected ways, and a fully realized world stretching far beyond the pages that left me hungering for more!
TRoS is a dream book that feels like it was written just for me; for hardcore political fantasy fans; and for anyone looking to spend hours lost in a story that challenges its reader. It is intelligent and lovingly crafted with an ending that will sit in your stomach. Forget ASoIaF: THIS is how you do political intrigue that fucks severely.
I'm happy my master plan of getting to know Florence to read an early copy worked (← this is a joke, Florence is just a really kind person and fantastic writer)
If you liked Paprika, Superliminal, or Catch Me If You Can I really think you'll love this! Personally, I need a movie adaptation beamed into my eyeballs as soon as possible!!
Meme ratings of character I found most notable, from the absolute favourites those on extremely thin ice:
- Elsa: Surrounded by mid men at all times. Please call me, let's get you out of there so you can take a break in the Republic
- Alex: Fruity, smart, AND ? you could have had it all
- Lucas: Shadowboxing paranoid phantoms while Faye dances rent free through his mind. Not sold on him at first until
- Faye: A little confused but he got the spirit. Trying his best but can't escape the failguy allegations. Pookiebear <3
- Connery: An earnest Guy whose eventual dynamic with is really sweet
- Bromont: There is something wrong with this man. I need to study him under a microscope, for science reasons
- Hayden: Love a child and help heal his grief or be super cryptic and give him a massive hero-slash-survivor's guilt complex that traumatizes him even further?
- Rio: Gets the bombastic side eye. On the list ONLY because he cares for Elsa. Your dad is the worst by the way
Read
January 5, 2026A big thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC of the book!
THE REVENANT OF SUROLIFIA is clever and intricate, a complex web of political intrigue driven by strategy, revolution, sacrifice, loyalty and deception. Chien elegantly explores the struggle for change and a better future, the collision of solutions and beliefs, and what it means to be a good leader.
THE REVENANT OF SUROLIFIA is clever and intricate, a complex web of political intrigue driven by strategy, revolution, sacrifice, loyalty and deception. Chien elegantly explores the struggle for change and a better future, the collision of solutions and beliefs, and what it means to be a good leader.
Currently reading
March 13, 2026this sounds SO GOOD
Want to read
March 24, 2026🌌✨ The Revenant of Surolifia ✨🌌
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date. But I absolutely loved this!
🖤 What to Expect
• ⚔️ Political fantasy
• 👁️ Hidden identity
• 🏛️ Empire oppression
• 🔥 Revolution vs diplomacy
• 🖤 Morally gray characters
• ⏳ Race against time
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: July 7, 2026
📝 Thank you to Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date. But I absolutely loved this!
🖤 What to Expect
• ⚔️ Political fantasy
• 👁️ Hidden identity
• 🏛️ Empire oppression
• 🔥 Revolution vs diplomacy
• 🖤 Morally gray characters
• ⏳ Race against time
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: July 7, 2026
📝 Thank you to Rising Action Publishing Co. and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Florence Chien (author, friend, enabler of my impending derangement) for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
To the tune of that one TikTok sound, “there’ll be a day when Florence Chien agrees to let you have an arc of her book, it’s very important you ignore her.”
Honestly don’t read this book, it will devastate you.
Okay yes I’ve given it five stars. I’m a sadist I’ve never pretended otherwise.
I came to the author with the offer of internal organs for an early copy, she was generous and didn’t accept so much as a gallbladder. I could have given her every organ I and my ex boyfriends possess, and honestly I’d still feel undercharged.
There is so damn much to scream about with this book that I'm having trouble quantifying it for short-form review purposes. aka given a forest-worth of paper and a decade to type, I'd still not have enough room to describe just how much I loved this.
For a very sprawling fantasy with so many historic elements, The Revenant of Surolifia is impressively intimate. This gives a narrow view of a world in building chaos, imagine being in one specific trench during WWII, and lets you attach yourself to characters like a limpet, and you can't not love them. Bombs are going off at every corner, bullets are flying and you feel and fear every piece of wayward shrapnel.
This book has a strong and varied cast, focusing on Faye (my baby), Lucas (my secondborn) two men fighting towards ultimately the same goal, if with very different ways of getting there [and usually getting in each other's ways while they do.] They are a deposed prince and a living legend haunted by past mistakes. When I say the historical elements of this story, I mean this book drips with the past and the impact it left on the current. It feels less fantastical more biographical in just how much depth Chien gives to motive and fear of every character.
No stone goes unturned here, yet never does the plot lag. The author sets a brutal, racing pace which can be best described the way of only the best symphonies. I felt my heart racing with every step closer to one of the most fantastic climaxes I think I've ever read. This was one of the most intriguing political fantasies I've read in ages and I loved that we saw it from all angles. From the (de-pedestalled) very high to the very low. The impact could be felt on the richtor scale, it's inescapable as a driver to plot and character. Entirely addictive.
This is a headhopping book which is usually a pet-peeve of mine, but I found no perspective boring or uncompelling. I wanted to see the bloodshed from every single angle, because Chien has a fantastic way of painting detail in so many different voices. No two characters sound the same and they each, particularly Faye and Scarlett, have something spectacular to add to the plot.
My only real problem was, Jesus H Christ the PROPER NOUNS. There's no "that person brought me a drink," "the senator raised his hand in agreement." Everything had a name and a title and honestly, especially a bit early on I got a bit overwhelmed. Everyone important to the plot is well-established, I had no issues remembering them, and don't generally mind some world-fleshing out with a few extra faces. But I don't need to know the uncle's cat's name (an exaggeration but not a massive one.) Chop those in half and you'd probably lose twenty pages.
Actually I didn't want this any shorter so ignore that complaint. I wanted it waaaaaaaaaaay longer.
Okay yeah scratch what I said at first, absolutely read this book it was incredible. I will never heal, but it was beyond incredible.
Ms Chien had better lock her goddamn doors though. I’m bringing snacks and emotional damages.
To the tune of that one TikTok sound, “there’ll be a day when Florence Chien agrees to let you have an arc of her book, it’s very important you ignore her.”
Honestly don’t read this book, it will devastate you.
Okay yes I’ve given it five stars. I’m a sadist I’ve never pretended otherwise.
I came to the author with the offer of internal organs for an early copy, she was generous and didn’t accept so much as a gallbladder. I could have given her every organ I and my ex boyfriends possess, and honestly I’d still feel undercharged.
There is so damn much to scream about with this book that I'm having trouble quantifying it for short-form review purposes. aka given a forest-worth of paper and a decade to type, I'd still not have enough room to describe just how much I loved this.
For a very sprawling fantasy with so many historic elements, The Revenant of Surolifia is impressively intimate. This gives a narrow view of a world in building chaos, imagine being in one specific trench during WWII, and lets you attach yourself to characters like a limpet, and you can't not love them. Bombs are going off at every corner, bullets are flying and you feel and fear every piece of wayward shrapnel.
This book has a strong and varied cast, focusing on Faye (my baby), Lucas (my secondborn) two men fighting towards ultimately the same goal, if with very different ways of getting there [and usually getting in each other's ways while they do.] They are a deposed prince and a living legend haunted by past mistakes. When I say the historical elements of this story, I mean this book drips with the past and the impact it left on the current. It feels less fantastical more biographical in just how much depth Chien gives to motive and fear of every character.
No stone goes unturned here, yet never does the plot lag. The author sets a brutal, racing pace which can be best described the way of only the best symphonies. I felt my heart racing with every step closer to one of the most fantastic climaxes I think I've ever read. This was one of the most intriguing political fantasies I've read in ages and I loved that we saw it from all angles. From the (de-pedestalled) very high to the very low. The impact could be felt on the richtor scale, it's inescapable as a driver to plot and character. Entirely addictive.
This is a headhopping book which is usually a pet-peeve of mine, but I found no perspective boring or uncompelling. I wanted to see the bloodshed from every single angle, because Chien has a fantastic way of painting detail in so many different voices. No two characters sound the same and they each, particularly Faye and Scarlett, have something spectacular to add to the plot.
My only real problem was, Jesus H Christ the PROPER NOUNS. There's no "that person brought me a drink," "the senator raised his hand in agreement." Everything had a name and a title and honestly, especially a bit early on I got a bit overwhelmed. Everyone important to the plot is well-established, I had no issues remembering them, and don't generally mind some world-fleshing out with a few extra faces. But I don't need to know the uncle's cat's name (an exaggeration but not a massive one.) Chop those in half and you'd probably lose twenty pages.
Actually I didn't want this any shorter so ignore that complaint. I wanted it waaaaaaaaaaay longer.
Okay yeah scratch what I said at first, absolutely read this book it was incredible. I will never heal, but it was beyond incredible.
Ms Chien had better lock her goddamn doors though. I’m bringing snacks and emotional damages.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review Details?
-no spoilers!
-ebook (ARC)
-4.00 (out of 5)
Fanta-SciFi-ness?
-this book takes place in a medieval fantasy setting--we got swords, we got ships, we got magic. the world of Al Senia is interesting and engaging.
-the magic here is interesting, and it leans toward a soft system (we learn some rules but not much more). there are two general forms of magic: the manipulation of physical/material objects (phenomancy) and the manipulation of mental/psychological objects (noumenmancy). the latter plays a massive role in this world, as those who wield such power are hunted and feared. how the magic plays out in the book is fun.
-the world is embroiled in chaos and political intrigue from the jump, and the tension does not slow down at any point.
-dungeons and/or dragons: definitely a dungeon crawl at one point!
Complexity?
-we (mostly) follow the three POVs of Lucas, Faye, and Elsa, though I would argue that Lucas is *the* central protagonist. their plot threads are interconnected, and the story is easy to follow.
-one thing I like about this book--but that another reader might not--is that the world simply exists. we get quite a bit of backstory, but not everything. the world simply exists, and it is not over-explained.
-the magic is absolutely easy to follow here.
-the main characters are likable but flawed, and their conflicting goals help to hold up the book.
Keep it Coming?
-overall, I wanted to keep going to see how the book would end. that said, that enthusiasm waned at some points in the book (such as at some points when character motivations/thoughts were over-explained).
-no spoilers!
-ebook (ARC)
-4.00 (out of 5)
Fanta-SciFi-ness?
-this book takes place in a medieval fantasy setting--we got swords, we got ships, we got magic. the world of Al Senia is interesting and engaging.
-the magic here is interesting, and it leans toward a soft system (we learn some rules but not much more). there are two general forms of magic: the manipulation of physical/material objects (phenomancy) and the manipulation of mental/psychological objects (noumenmancy). the latter plays a massive role in this world, as those who wield such power are hunted and feared. how the magic plays out in the book is fun.
-the world is embroiled in chaos and political intrigue from the jump, and the tension does not slow down at any point.
-dungeons and/or dragons: definitely a dungeon crawl at one point!
Complexity?
-we (mostly) follow the three POVs of Lucas, Faye, and Elsa, though I would argue that Lucas is *the* central protagonist. their plot threads are interconnected, and the story is easy to follow.
-one thing I like about this book--but that another reader might not--is that the world simply exists. we get quite a bit of backstory, but not everything. the world simply exists, and it is not over-explained.
-the magic is absolutely easy to follow here.
-the main characters are likable but flawed, and their conflicting goals help to hold up the book.
Keep it Coming?
-overall, I wanted to keep going to see how the book would end. that said, that enthusiasm waned at some points in the book (such as at some points when character motivations/thoughts were over-explained).
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Revenant of Surolifia by Florence Chien is a political fantasy about revolution, identity, and the difficult choices people make when trying to change the world.
The story follows two men fighting for the freedom of their people in completely different ways: Lucas Rhine, who joins the imperial gendarmerie hoping to change the system from within, and Faye Phlorik, AKA the Pickpocket Prince who joins the revolutionaries to take back his throne. Throughout the story, we see their paths collide while both believe they’re doing the right thing.
What I loved most about this book were the characters. They feel very human, flawed, stubborn, and shaped by the choices they’ve made. Lucas in particular who is a survivor of the massacre of his silver-eyed people who hides his identity and colors while serving the empire that destroyed them.
The book also doesn’t shy away from the consequences of war and rebellion. The author isn’t afraid to kill characters, and the story constantly reminds you that revolutions come with a real cost.
The worldbuilding is detailed and and clearly very thought-out. The political structures, councils, military ranks, and cultural tensions made the world feel very real. However, this is also where my one small struggle with the book came in. Many characters, places, and titles are introduced with very formal names, and at times it felt a bit overwhelming to keep track of everyone early on.
Despite that, this was an incredibly gripping read. The pacing constantly pushes forward with intrigue, betrayals, political maneuvering, and the looming threat of warships that could annihilate the silver-eyed people entirely.
The story follows two men fighting for the freedom of their people in completely different ways: Lucas Rhine, who joins the imperial gendarmerie hoping to change the system from within, and Faye Phlorik, AKA the Pickpocket Prince who joins the revolutionaries to take back his throne. Throughout the story, we see their paths collide while both believe they’re doing the right thing.
What I loved most about this book were the characters. They feel very human, flawed, stubborn, and shaped by the choices they’ve made. Lucas in particular who is a survivor of the massacre of his silver-eyed people who hides his identity and colors while serving the empire that destroyed them.
The book also doesn’t shy away from the consequences of war and rebellion. The author isn’t afraid to kill characters, and the story constantly reminds you that revolutions come with a real cost.
The worldbuilding is detailed and and clearly very thought-out. The political structures, councils, military ranks, and cultural tensions made the world feel very real. However, this is also where my one small struggle with the book came in. Many characters, places, and titles are introduced with very formal names, and at times it felt a bit overwhelming to keep track of everyone early on.
Despite that, this was an incredibly gripping read. The pacing constantly pushes forward with intrigue, betrayals, political maneuvering, and the looming threat of warships that could annihilate the silver-eyed people entirely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC ahead of this review! The following feedback is my own opinion.
THE REVENANT OF SUROLIFIA is an adult political fantasy following Lucas Rhine’s mission to liberate his annexed island home through a diplomatic secession before usurped prince Faye Phlorik and violent revolutionaries seize control by force. A gripping tale of identity, empire, and freedom, THE REVENANT OF SUROLIFIA weaves an elegant web of betrayal through a Belle Époque aesthetic.
The cover caught my eye from the beginning, as it complements the novel’s sharp commentary on imperialism and intended setting aesthetic. I’m always an avid supporter of books written by Asian authors, and this one did not disappoint! Chien presents sophisticated dialogue, a carefully thought-out and interesting magic system with limitations, and raw emotions through well-rounded characters. Every word has been chosen so masterfully, making it an extremely compelling read. Lucas Rhine and Faye Phlorik are two sides of the same coin, offering valid reasons for the sides they’ve chosen and are perfect embodiments of diplomacy and revolution, respectively.
Once readers pick this book up, it'll be hard to put down. This is by far one of my top reads of 2026 and maybe of all time. I look forward to purchasing the physical edition when it releases so I can rediscover the amazement I felt during my first read-through.
THE REVENANT OF SUROLIFIA is an adult political fantasy following Lucas Rhine’s mission to liberate his annexed island home through a diplomatic secession before usurped prince Faye Phlorik and violent revolutionaries seize control by force. A gripping tale of identity, empire, and freedom, THE REVENANT OF SUROLIFIA weaves an elegant web of betrayal through a Belle Époque aesthetic.
The cover caught my eye from the beginning, as it complements the novel’s sharp commentary on imperialism and intended setting aesthetic. I’m always an avid supporter of books written by Asian authors, and this one did not disappoint! Chien presents sophisticated dialogue, a carefully thought-out and interesting magic system with limitations, and raw emotions through well-rounded characters. Every word has been chosen so masterfully, making it an extremely compelling read. Lucas Rhine and Faye Phlorik are two sides of the same coin, offering valid reasons for the sides they’ve chosen and are perfect embodiments of diplomacy and revolution, respectively.
Once readers pick this book up, it'll be hard to put down. This is by far one of my top reads of 2026 and maybe of all time. I look forward to purchasing the physical edition when it releases so I can rediscover the amazement I felt during my first read-through.
October 27, 2025
I can't believe I'm getting the honor of posting the first review here somehow- there's so much goodness to highlight, but let's start with the razor-sharp wit and prose! Chien's writing is so accessible yet also beautifully illustrates the world she's crafted in great detail. From every face to place to weapon's edge, I was completely transported. And on that note, if you're a fan of immersive new worlds, look no further than this book! Then of course there's Faye and Lucas and that great third character in between them--their seething opposition despite ultimately seeking the same goal for their people--which is expertly rendered. The TENSION! It gives me life. (Also, I absolutely loved the use of chapter titles, let's keep bringing them back!). I think the complex motives of every character in this book are what make it shine the brightest though, and that's what will stick with me for a long time to come.
In short: Sweeping political fantasy at its finest!
In short: Sweeping political fantasy at its finest!
December 5, 2025
With a lush cast of morally-tangled characters and a magic system that spins silver through your mind, it's the politcal chessboard that keeps The Revenant of Surolifia's pages turning. In a world where the war has already been lost, what does rebellion look like when the wounds of would-be allies divide rather than unite? Florence Chien doesn't pose an answer but rather paints a picture of where each choice may lead to, no matter how noble—or heartbreaking—the consequences.
I am so honored to have been able to read this book ahead of release. Y'all are in for a freaking TREAT 💜
I am so honored to have been able to read this book ahead of release. Y'all are in for a freaking TREAT 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full review to come nearer release, but this is how you do political fantasy—there’s more double crossings, twists, intrigue and scheming here than a series of Traitors. It’s a wildly fun and unapologetically complex look at the different ways to save the world and their brutal cost—with a finale that goes straight for your throat. An audaciously clever, barnstorming debut.
December 17, 2025
In a colonised country where the conquering Empire persecutes and mutilates the silver-eyed population for their innate magical abilities, two men fight for freedom using drastically different methods. Faye Phlorik is a deposed prince whose fatal mistake provoked the invasion. Forced to survive as a thief, he joins the revolutionaries who want to rise against the invaders and give him back his throne. But to rally the people, they need the silver-eyed champion, the mythical Revenant of Surolifia.
Lucas Rhine, a silver-eyed heir who survived the Empire's massacre of his kin, has a different plan. Hiding his heritage and forsaking his true name, he rises through the ranks of the imperial gendarmerie in the hope that he will change the system from the inside. But just as he sets his plans in motion, the revolutionaries threaten to destroy everything he's built and push the country into another bloody war.
Florence Chien wrote a full-blooded political fantasy, twistier than a bucket of eels. As the flawed, heartbreakingly human characters chase each other across the country while the imperial warships sail towards them to burn everything down, Chien forces us to examine the price of war, of loyalty, of the wish to change the world for the better. There's no such thing as a bloodless revolution, we learn, as we're hurled through conflict, intrigue and betrayal towards the inevitably tragic finale.
A superb read.
Lucas Rhine, a silver-eyed heir who survived the Empire's massacre of his kin, has a different plan. Hiding his heritage and forsaking his true name, he rises through the ranks of the imperial gendarmerie in the hope that he will change the system from the inside. But just as he sets his plans in motion, the revolutionaries threaten to destroy everything he's built and push the country into another bloody war.
Florence Chien wrote a full-blooded political fantasy, twistier than a bucket of eels. As the flawed, heartbreakingly human characters chase each other across the country while the imperial warships sail towards them to burn everything down, Chien forces us to examine the price of war, of loyalty, of the wish to change the world for the better. There's no such thing as a bloodless revolution, we learn, as we're hurled through conflict, intrigue and betrayal towards the inevitably tragic finale.
A superb read.
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