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The Poet Empress
TO KILL A MONSTER, SHE MUST BECOME ONE . . .
As the emperor lays dying, the once-great Azalea Dynasty plunges towards civil war. While its princes plot for power, a more hidden war - to become the next empress - occupies the imperial court.
Wei Yin - peasant girl turned concubine to the cruel Prince Terren - has already endured unimaginable suffering. Ripped from her family, she has no title, no allies, and no escape. But she does have a secret . . .
In the shadows of the palace, surrounded by enemies, she is learning a skill forbidden to women. Because when words are weapons and poetry holds an ancient magic, the fate of a girl - and a nation - can both be rewritten. All she has to do is compose the perfect poem - a tale so powerful, it can kill any man, even the next emperor.
The epic political arena of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang meets the intimate tragedy and luscious language of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller in this sensational debut novel by visionary new talent Shen Tao, unmissable for die-hard genre fans as well as readers of literary fiction looking to make their first foray into fantasy.
As the emperor lays dying, the once-great Azalea Dynasty plunges towards civil war. While its princes plot for power, a more hidden war - to become the next empress - occupies the imperial court.
Wei Yin - peasant girl turned concubine to the cruel Prince Terren - has already endured unimaginable suffering. Ripped from her family, she has no title, no allies, and no escape. But she does have a secret . . .
In the shadows of the palace, surrounded by enemies, she is learning a skill forbidden to women. Because when words are weapons and poetry holds an ancient magic, the fate of a girl - and a nation - can both be rewritten. All she has to do is compose the perfect poem - a tale so powerful, it can kill any man, even the next emperor.
The epic political arena of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang meets the intimate tragedy and luscious language of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller in this sensational debut novel by visionary new talent Shen Tao, unmissable for die-hard genre fans as well as readers of literary fiction looking to make their first foray into fantasy.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2026
150 people are currently reading
50702 people want to read
About the author
Shen Tao
2 books166 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 650 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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
a favorite read of 2025🩵
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!
the poet empress emphasizes the importance of literacy; literacy equates knowledge and knowledge equates power… those who are literate hold all the power.
i am completely blown away by this debut, so much so i had to double check that the poet empress even WAS a debut. full of political intrigue and betrayal, mental and physical abuse, i think the saddest character is (one of) our villain terren. when all you are taught is hatred and suspicion, that is what you become.
the scenes of him as a child with his toy friends broke my heart. he really did just love his older brother…
what a powerful way to end my 2025 reading year.
as for the audio, the narrator did a phenomenal job.
i’m beyond excited to see what the illumicrate edition looks like!!
——
next 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
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!
the poet empress emphasizes the importance of literacy; literacy equates knowledge and knowledge equates power… those who are literate hold all the power.
i am completely blown away by this debut, so much so i had to double check that the poet empress even WAS a debut. full of political intrigue and betrayal, mental and physical abuse, i think the saddest character is (one of) our villain terren. when all you are taught is hatred and suspicion, that is what you become.
the scenes of him as a child with his toy friends broke my heart. he really did just love his older brother…
what a powerful way to end my 2025 reading year.
as for the audio, the narrator did a phenomenal job.
i’m beyond excited to see what the illumicrate edition looks like!!
——
next 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
Review of advance copy received from Éditeur
I was very reluctant to read this one because of the title. I might be prejudiced, but it felt really "generic romantasy".
I was very wrong, it was anything but.
It's absolutely not a romance and it's a rather low fantasy setting.
But this is one of the strongest character work I've read in the last years. It is not an easy read, and it dives into a lot of difficult subjects, but it is absolutely worth it.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was absolutely perfect. She added great rythm and empathy to the story.
The plot and court intrigue are excellent, but most of all, it's the development of the characters over the course of the story that will stay with me. Their feelings, the horrors they go through, their motivations, and every thing that make them what they are.
Thank you so much Macmillan Audio for this ARC!
I was very wrong, it was anything but.
It's absolutely not a romance and it's a rather low fantasy setting.
But this is one of the strongest character work I've read in the last years. It is not an easy read, and it dives into a lot of difficult subjects, but it is absolutely worth it.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was absolutely perfect. She added great rythm and empathy to the story.
The plot and court intrigue are excellent, but most of all, it's the development of the characters over the course of the story that will stay with me. Their feelings, the horrors they go through, their motivations, and every thing that make them what they are.
Thank you so much Macmillan Audio for this ARC!
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 Publisher
Lovers of angst and grimdark stories simultaneously cheering and sobbing because of the glory that is The Poet Empress. Genuinely, did I finish this book or did it finish me?
Absolutely phenomenal debut from Shen Tao! I finished reading this in under 24 hours. I stayed awake until like 5am to finish and potentially cried through approximately 35% of this book.
The Poet Empress is a top contender for favourite read of 2026. It has been days since I've finished reading and I'm still thinking about this story.
The court politics, the world building, the magic system, and the character arcs were incredible. The Poet Empress is an example of morally grey characters and villains done right. The story is grimdark, brutal and doesn't hold back on its punches. The suffering almost feels relentless at points, but that's what I loved about it.
There are times when reading dark fantasies where you might feel repulsed by the glorification of abuse and traumas or the use of them for shock value. Sometimes those plot points are abandoned and you're left just hurt and annoyed at the suffering with seemingly no cause. That's not the case in this story. All the traumatic beats are treated with respect and weaved throughout the story. There is cause and effect and reason.
Yet, the author doesn't go heavy handed with overjustifying behaviours and decisions the characters make. Tao trusts and respects you to follow the story and put pieces together. You can tell the characters were written with so much attention and care. The fmc Wei Yin is a star, I tell you.
I genuinely can't find a flaw in this book. Trust me, I've thought about it exstensively. (I've done little else except think about this book.)
I was in pain for the entirety of this book and I loved every second tyvm.
Thank you Bramble Romance and Tor for the eARC!
Absolutely phenomenal debut from Shen Tao! I finished reading this in under 24 hours. I stayed awake until like 5am to finish and potentially cried through approximately 35% of this book.
The Poet Empress is a top contender for favourite read of 2026. It has been days since I've finished reading and I'm still thinking about this story.
The court politics, the world building, the magic system, and the character arcs were incredible. The Poet Empress is an example of morally grey characters and villains done right. The story is grimdark, brutal and doesn't hold back on its punches. The suffering almost feels relentless at points, but that's what I loved about it.
There are times when reading dark fantasies where you might feel repulsed by the glorification of abuse and traumas or the use of them for shock value. Sometimes those plot points are abandoned and you're left just hurt and annoyed at the suffering with seemingly no cause. That's not the case in this story. All the traumatic beats are treated with respect and weaved throughout the story. There is cause and effect and reason.
Yet, the author doesn't go heavy handed with overjustifying behaviours and decisions the characters make. Tao trusts and respects you to follow the story and put pieces together. You can tell the characters were written with so much attention and care. The fmc Wei Yin is a star, I tell you.
I genuinely can't find a flaw in this book. Trust me, I've thought about it exstensively. (I've done little else except think about this book.)
I was in pain for the entirety of this book and I loved every second tyvm.
Thank you Bramble Romance and Tor for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 5 stars . . . 0 1 / 1 5 / 2 6 !
🧷 # content warnings: famine, torture, intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, physical violence, murder, death
( 01. ) overall thoughts !
i fear this was everything i imagined and more!! i went into this book with extremely high expectations, being my most anticipated read of the year, and somehow shen tao not only met them but completely shattered them. if this book is setting the bar for future 5 star reads, i wonder if the bar is even attainable anymore.
from the very first pages, i felt that rare, exhilarating certainty: i am going to love this book. i loved it for its premise before i even began. i finished it loving everything, the story, the characters, the writing. the character development is so palpable, the story is painful, tragic, and emotionally devastating. my heart has been irreversibly damaged. it hurts to even think 🤕
shen tao's ability to craft such complex characters who commit cruel, devastating acts and yet remain painfully, deeply human is beyond impressive. i empathized with people i didn't want to forgive, i constantly felt emotionally conflicted—this is what literature should do: unsettle you, wound you, and leave you seeing the world a little differently.
TAKE ALL MY STARS JUST TAKE THEM 😖 !!!!!!!
( 02. ) plot !
everything about this book completely hooked me. i was so incredibly invested and could not put it down. the amount of sleep and sanity i lost, 😔 in the midst of my finals season too ??? this book is extremely similar to a song to drown rivers, but dare i say, much much better (coming from someone who adores astdr). the grief is 10x amplified and the plot is infinitely more devastating. also the plot twists and the state they left me in....sick and twisted...SICK AND TWISTED.
i have some very minor critiques, but they are so nit-picky and pale in comparison to the good i have to say, that i don't think it's even worth mentioning.
( 03. ) characters !
⊹ “ it could be the greatest nation in the world, the most magnificent empire there ever existed. but if it could not keep its own children safe and fed, was it really something worth fighting to save? ” ₊
yin wei is such a wonderfully written heroine. watching her wrestle with how much of herself she must lose in order to protect what remains is emotionally brutal. her heart never hardens completely, and that is both her strength and her curse. i was wholly and utterly invested in her story, her conflict between rage and compassion, and her pain. i felt every fracture of her heart as if it were my own.
⊹ “ turn me into a fish. or a flower. or a peach tree. if you're really sorry, then turn me into something nice. ” ₊
prince terren is not a character designed to be liked. he is cruel, violent, and deeply broken. and yet, he is also terrifyingly human. shen tao achieves something rare here: she creates a character who commits monstrous acts, and yet forces the reader to confront the fact that monsters are often borne from pain, fear, and a desperate hunger to be loved. terren's relationship with wei is toxic, tragic, intimate, and devastating (*not romantic). i hated him. i pitied him. and sometimes, against my will, i understood him. he is not a simple character. as a reader, i never necessarily felt compelled to excuse him, but rather, i feel shen tao forces us to see him.
⊹ “ it is true, he has suffered, but if everyone who suffered became monsters, the world would be overrun with them. ” ₊
( 04. ) commentary !
i adore how hauntingly the novel explores how love and hate so often exist side by side. to know someone deeply is to open yourself to the full spectrum of feeling: tenderness, rage, resentment, grief. the intimacy of truly knowing another person is what allows such extreme emotions to exist simultaneously. this is nowhere more visible than in wei's relationship with terren.
also, something i genuinely appreciate and respect about the poet empress is how thoughtfully it depicts and tackles themes of physical and sexual violence/abuse. one scene that particularly stayed with me is the portrayal of wei's dissociation during the examination. the numbness, the distance from her own body, the way her mind pulls away as a form of survival. these little moments seem inconsequential, but it showed me just how much the author cares & understands, and it's one of the reasons this story stayed with me so deeply.
* please be very mindful of content warnings before reading.
( 05. ) final thoughts !
i finished the book emotionally wrecked, heartbroken, and completely in love with everything shen tao created. i urge everyone to put this on their tbr's immediately!!! if this is only the beginning of her work, i genuinely cannot wait to see what she writes next <3
thank you to the author and publisher for the arc.
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ pre read omg my most anticipated read of the year, and i just got the arc 😭🥹 side note: i requested this an ENTIRE month ago, manifested religiously day and night that the publishers would accept, and netgalley actually pulled through!!! i am combusting. this is going to be my new a song to drown rivers <3 genuinely expecting this to be my first 5 stars of 2026!!!!
🧷 # content warnings: famine, torture, intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, physical violence, murder, death
“ maybe, buried heart-deep, i really did love him. not the kind of love a wife shared with her husband-that was not possible, but the kind of love one human could not help but feel for another when they had to pry away blades to find them. ”
( 01. ) overall thoughts !
i fear this was everything i imagined and more!! i went into this book with extremely high expectations, being my most anticipated read of the year, and somehow shen tao not only met them but completely shattered them. if this book is setting the bar for future 5 star reads, i wonder if the bar is even attainable anymore.
from the very first pages, i felt that rare, exhilarating certainty: i am going to love this book. i loved it for its premise before i even began. i finished it loving everything, the story, the characters, the writing. the character development is so palpable, the story is painful, tragic, and emotionally devastating. my heart has been irreversibly damaged. it hurts to even think 🤕
shen tao's ability to craft such complex characters who commit cruel, devastating acts and yet remain painfully, deeply human is beyond impressive. i empathized with people i didn't want to forgive, i constantly felt emotionally conflicted—this is what literature should do: unsettle you, wound you, and leave you seeing the world a little differently.
TAKE ALL MY STARS JUST TAKE THEM 😖 !!!!!!!
( 02. ) plot !
everything about this book completely hooked me. i was so incredibly invested and could not put it down. the amount of sleep and sanity i lost, 😔 in the midst of my finals season too ??? this book is extremely similar to a song to drown rivers, but dare i say, much much better (coming from someone who adores astdr). the grief is 10x amplified and the plot is infinitely more devastating. also the plot twists and the state they left me in....sick and twisted...SICK AND TWISTED.
i have some very minor critiques, but they are so nit-picky and pale in comparison to the good i have to say, that i don't think it's even worth mentioning.
( 03. ) characters !
⊹ “ it could be the greatest nation in the world, the most magnificent empire there ever existed. but if it could not keep its own children safe and fed, was it really something worth fighting to save? ” ₊
— “ terren, it is not a weakness to be seen. ”
yin wei is such a wonderfully written heroine. watching her wrestle with how much of herself she must lose in order to protect what remains is emotionally brutal. her heart never hardens completely, and that is both her strength and her curse. i was wholly and utterly invested in her story, her conflict between rage and compassion, and her pain. i felt every fracture of her heart as if it were my own.
⊹ “ turn me into a fish. or a flower. or a peach tree. if you're really sorry, then turn me into something nice. ” ₊
prince terren is not a character designed to be liked. he is cruel, violent, and deeply broken. and yet, he is also terrifyingly human. shen tao achieves something rare here: she creates a character who commits monstrous acts, and yet forces the reader to confront the fact that monsters are often borne from pain, fear, and a desperate hunger to be loved. terren's relationship with wei is toxic, tragic, intimate, and devastating (*not romantic). i hated him. i pitied him. and sometimes, against my will, i understood him. he is not a simple character. as a reader, i never necessarily felt compelled to excuse him, but rather, i feel shen tao forces us to see him.
⊹ “ it is true, he has suffered, but if everyone who suffered became monsters, the world would be overrun with them. ” ₊
( 04. ) commentary !
i adore how hauntingly the novel explores how love and hate so often exist side by side. to know someone deeply is to open yourself to the full spectrum of feeling: tenderness, rage, resentment, grief. the intimacy of truly knowing another person is what allows such extreme emotions to exist simultaneously. this is nowhere more visible than in wei's relationship with terren.
also, something i genuinely appreciate and respect about the poet empress is how thoughtfully it depicts and tackles themes of physical and sexual violence/abuse. one scene that particularly stayed with me is the portrayal of wei's dissociation during the examination. the numbness, the distance from her own body, the way her mind pulls away as a form of survival. these little moments seem inconsequential, but it showed me just how much the author cares & understands, and it's one of the reasons this story stayed with me so deeply.
* please be very mindful of content warnings before reading.
( 05. ) final thoughts !
i finished the book emotionally wrecked, heartbroken, and completely in love with everything shen tao created. i urge everyone to put this on their tbr's immediately!!! if this is only the beginning of her work, i genuinely cannot wait to see what she writes next <3
thank you to the author and publisher for the arc.
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ pre read omg my most anticipated read of the year, and i just got the arc 😭🥹 side note: i requested this an ENTIRE month ago, manifested religiously day and night that the publishers would accept, and netgalley actually pulled through!!! i am combusting. this is going to be my new a song to drown rivers <3 genuinely expecting this to be my first 5 stars of 2026!!!!
January 16, 2026
oh, I’m miserable.. rtc 😭
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
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.0 Stars
As someone who loves fantasy inspired by Asian history, I was quite interested in this novel.
This leans into certain tropes romantasy but I was pleased to find it took some refreshing directions. I am a sucker dark stories playing around with morally gray and black characters so these kinds of stories peak my interest.
The worldbuilding is really what made this story work because it gave more depth to the characters and surrounding situation. The story has some serious moral conundrums that made for a interesting read.
I would recommend this novel to loved that love a dark male protagonist placed against the backdrop of a grim historical setting.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
As someone who loves fantasy inspired by Asian history, I was quite interested in this novel.
This leans into certain tropes romantasy but I was pleased to find it took some refreshing directions. I am a sucker dark stories playing around with morally gray and black characters so these kinds of stories peak my interest.
The worldbuilding is really what made this story work because it gave more depth to the characters and surrounding situation. The story has some serious moral conundrums that made for a interesting read.
I would recommend this novel to loved that love a dark male protagonist placed against the backdrop of a grim historical setting.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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 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.
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 😭
January 20, 2026
Oh man, this was great. 4.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 & rounding up. It tugged on my heart strings. Let’s get into it (but first let me thank Tor/Forge for the NetGalley ARC!) — okay NOW let’s go.
PLOT
She was a poor village girl living through the horrors of famine when the prince comes to town providing gifts & seeking concubines for the emperor heir. She earns a spot, against all odds, & must now navigate to terrors of the evil heir, court politics, her own safety, & the future of a nation.
- high fantasy
- miniscule romantic subplot, I’m not even sure you could really call it one but there is a romantic element at play
- Chinese influence (not sure if any story tools are based in actual folklore but the influence is clear)
- unique magic system
- politics & court scheming galore — who can you trust?
- character journey vs. action-packed
- power, corruption, & patriarchy
PROS
- This made you reallyyyyyy feel empathy for so many characters you don’t want to. You hate them & then learn why they got that way & then you’re all messed up for understanding. & the way these layers were peeled back over time broke my heart.
- This is a character journey & political puzzle — which I love — & it does both really well.
- I really enjoyed this magic system. Poetry, blessings, & sigils were all used very interestingly.
- Wei was impossible not to root for. There was not a second spent misunderstanding her motives or justifications. & her development was next level.
- I want to talk about individual characters other than Wei but I won’t for fear of spoilers. But fuck if they weren’t multi-dimensional & well explored, all of ‘em.
- The politics at play are FUCKING RUTHLESS. Oh my god if you think Game of Thrones was rough this’ll give it a run for its money.
- Cried at the end. Thought I was gonna get away without it but the ending got me good, gal.
- Lovely writing, particularly a fan of the poetry.
CONS
- This story is told both in Wei’s current POV & via journal entries that provide flashbacks, which I loved. However sometimes the two got muddied a bit & I was like “wait is this a journal entry or Wei’s POV” because of how Wei would refer to journal-information, I’d have to double check who was talking. This took me out of the reading experience a handful times & for me, is the only reason this isn’t 5 stars.
Absolutely adored this.
PLOT
She was a poor village girl living through the horrors of famine when the prince comes to town providing gifts & seeking concubines for the emperor heir. She earns a spot, against all odds, & must now navigate to terrors of the evil heir, court politics, her own safety, & the future of a nation.
- high fantasy
- miniscule romantic subplot, I’m not even sure you could really call it one but there is a romantic element at play
- Chinese influence (not sure if any story tools are based in actual folklore but the influence is clear)
- unique magic system
- politics & court scheming galore — who can you trust?
- character journey vs. action-packed
- power, corruption, & patriarchy
PROS
- This made you reallyyyyyy feel empathy for so many characters you don’t want to. You hate them & then learn why they got that way & then you’re all messed up for understanding. & the way these layers were peeled back over time broke my heart.
- This is a character journey & political puzzle — which I love — & it does both really well.
- I really enjoyed this magic system. Poetry, blessings, & sigils were all used very interestingly.
- Wei was impossible not to root for. There was not a second spent misunderstanding her motives or justifications. & her development was next level.
- I want to talk about individual characters other than Wei but I won’t for fear of spoilers. But fuck if they weren’t multi-dimensional & well explored, all of ‘em.
- The politics at play are FUCKING RUTHLESS. Oh my god if you think Game of Thrones was rough this’ll give it a run for its money.
- Cried at the end. Thought I was gonna get away without it but the ending got me good, gal.
- Lovely writing, particularly a fan of the poetry.
CONS
- This story is told both in Wei’s current POV & via journal entries that provide flashbacks, which I loved. However sometimes the two got muddied a bit & I was like “wait is this a journal entry or Wei’s POV” because of how Wei would refer to journal-information, I’d have to double check who was talking. This took me out of the reading experience a handful times & for me, is the only reason this isn’t 5 stars.
Absolutely adored this.
January 17, 2026
Jaw? On the floor.
Mind? Blown.
Seat? On. The. Edge.
Flabbers? Ghasted.
Wow.
WOW.
This is beautiful and brutal. A dark fantasy political drama lined with magic, family betrayal, rebellion, and more twists and turns than I can count. The beginning reminded me a lot of the movie, Raise the Red Lantern. The lives of concubines and the political landscape of those close to the Emperor and the Crown Princes was delicate and deadly. This novel is an incredible work that weaves in the politics of the crown and the fallacy of the human heart. It’s gorgeous and I sincerely can’t believe this is Shen Tao’s debut novel. The level she reached in her first book… damn. That’s one hell of an example to measure up against. Whew. I find myself with a lack of words to describe how good this was that doesn’t diminish it. You’re going to have to read it for yourself.
The audiobook is incredible. I had originally thought this was a duet narration, but it’s not. It’s just Katherine Chin killing it. Katherine Chin absolutely steals the show, giving each character their own voice and mannerisms. I didn’t realize it was just her for most of the book until I finally got to hear Eric Yang’s voice. Not only that, getting to hear the language as it is pronounced (instead of whatever my dumb brain thinks it is) added a level of immersion that made me feel like I was there, living this novel. (The young brothers flashbacks, Katherine Chin if you don’t win an award for those alone, the world is WRONG…omg my heart. 💔)
You know your girl got a copy of this book pre-ordered before I was done listening to this. No way I’m not having this amazing book on my shelf. (Also have you seen the special edition???? Gorgeous!)
Huge thanks to MacMillan Audio (and Drew, you’re my favorite!) and Netgalley for the ALC and the opportunity to review this amazing book. All opinions are my own. (My opinion is you need to run, not walk and get this book when it hits retailers January 20!)
Mind? Blown.
Seat? On. The. Edge.
Flabbers? Ghasted.
Wow.
WOW.
This is beautiful and brutal. A dark fantasy political drama lined with magic, family betrayal, rebellion, and more twists and turns than I can count. The beginning reminded me a lot of the movie, Raise the Red Lantern. The lives of concubines and the political landscape of those close to the Emperor and the Crown Princes was delicate and deadly. This novel is an incredible work that weaves in the politics of the crown and the fallacy of the human heart. It’s gorgeous and I sincerely can’t believe this is Shen Tao’s debut novel. The level she reached in her first book… damn. That’s one hell of an example to measure up against. Whew. I find myself with a lack of words to describe how good this was that doesn’t diminish it. You’re going to have to read it for yourself.
The audiobook is incredible. I had originally thought this was a duet narration, but it’s not. It’s just Katherine Chin killing it. Katherine Chin absolutely steals the show, giving each character their own voice and mannerisms. I didn’t realize it was just her for most of the book until I finally got to hear Eric Yang’s voice. Not only that, getting to hear the language as it is pronounced (instead of whatever my dumb brain thinks it is) added a level of immersion that made me feel like I was there, living this novel. (The young brothers flashbacks, Katherine Chin if you don’t win an award for those alone, the world is WRONG…omg my heart. 💔)
You know your girl got a copy of this book pre-ordered before I was done listening to this. No way I’m not having this amazing book on my shelf. (Also have you seen the special edition???? Gorgeous!)
Huge thanks to MacMillan Audio (and Drew, you’re my favorite!) and Netgalley for the ALC and the opportunity to review this amazing book. All opinions are my own. (My opinion is you need to run, not walk and get this book when it hits retailers January 20!)
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.
January 9, 2026
I’ll write a review later my therapist is going to hear about this one.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Poet Empress
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
⌞ NA release date: January 20, 2026 ⌝
It has been quite some time since I encountered a debut novel that truly captivated me, but Shen Tao's work has achieved just that! The premise about poetry magic immediately caught my attention and has been in my mind for MONTHS. I was fortunate enough to receive an e-arc copy from the author (thank you for the opportunity!), and it took me on an emotional rollercoaster—one filled with both joyous highs and heartbreaking lows, each moment impactful in its own way.
The number of sentences I highlighted is crazy, as the writing is not only beautifully done but also flows with an addictive flow that kept me hooked for days. I'm left in awe of this exquisite yet haunting novel,, and I wholeheartedly urge others to immerse themselves in it when it releases on January 20, 2026. This story is one you won’t want to miss!
Thank you to Shen Tao for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. ⭑
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖
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!! ♡
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
⌞ NA release date: January 20, 2026 ⌝
It has been quite some time since I encountered a debut novel that truly captivated me, but Shen Tao's work has achieved just that! The premise about poetry magic immediately caught my attention and has been in my mind for MONTHS. I was fortunate enough to receive an e-arc copy from the author (thank you for the opportunity!), and it took me on an emotional rollercoaster—one filled with both joyous highs and heartbreaking lows, each moment impactful in its own way.
The number of sentences I highlighted is crazy, as the writing is not only beautifully done but also flows with an addictive flow that kept me hooked for days. I'm left in awe of this exquisite yet haunting novel,, and I wholeheartedly urge others to immerse themselves in it when it releases on January 20, 2026. This story is one you won’t want to miss!
Thank you to Shen Tao for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. ⭑
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖
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!! ♡
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strong debiut with very dark moments (be wary and check tw at the beginning)
Main character from poor village suddenly gets to live very close to the monstrous prince and has to learn a lot of things in order to ensure her survival and also her entire family and village.
There are dangers at every corner - other jealous concubines, privileged people who are threatened by this impostor among them, but the most dangerous is the man she has to attend to at night.
He really gave new meaning to CRUEL prince!!! And not only he, but all of them actually.
I liked that this book may seem like typical fantasy, while starting reading, but it's not like other enemies to lovers!!!
It would probably hit more if I didn't read A song to drown rivers before, but still it's entracing standalone.
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
Main character from poor village suddenly gets to live very close to the monstrous prince and has to learn a lot of things in order to ensure her survival and also her entire family and village.
There are dangers at every corner - other jealous concubines, privileged people who are threatened by this impostor among them, but the most dangerous is the man she has to attend to at night.
He really gave new meaning to CRUEL prince!!! And not only he, but all of them actually.
I liked that this book may seem like typical fantasy, while starting reading, but it's not like other enemies to lovers!!!
It would probably hit more if I didn't read A song to drown rivers before, but still it's entracing standalone.
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
January 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 6 stars
HOW IS THIS A DEBUT?! I cannot and will not ever stop gushing about how incredible this book is. My expectations were HIGH after hearing how much some of my friends with similar taste to me loved this story, but I was still absolutely blown away.
The Poet Empress has everything I love in a story: VERY complex, three-dimensional characters; rich, immersive world-building; a unique magic system; and a gripping, twisty plot. The audiobook production and narrators are phenomenal and really added to my enjoyment experiencing this world.
From the moment I started reading it, the Poet Empress sucked me in. It put my heart into a vise immediately, and even though it's been three days since I finished it, I'm still not sure I'm breathing properly.
I loved Wei right away and found it incredibly easy to root for her as she vyed for her place in a palace rife with profound horrors. Terren is fascinating and heartbreaking.
It feels wild to say considering we're even halfway through January, but this will likely be one my fave books of the whole year.
HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
HOW IS THIS A DEBUT?! I cannot and will not ever stop gushing about how incredible this book is. My expectations were HIGH after hearing how much some of my friends with similar taste to me loved this story, but I was still absolutely blown away.
The Poet Empress has everything I love in a story: VERY complex, three-dimensional characters; rich, immersive world-building; a unique magic system; and a gripping, twisty plot. The audiobook production and narrators are phenomenal and really added to my enjoyment experiencing this world.
From the moment I started reading it, the Poet Empress sucked me in. It put my heart into a vise immediately, and even though it's been three days since I finished it, I'm still not sure I'm breathing properly.
I loved Wei right away and found it incredibly easy to root for her as she vyed for her place in a palace rife with profound horrors. Terren is fascinating and heartbreaking.
It feels wild to say considering we're even halfway through January, but this will likely be one my fave books of the whole year.
HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
January 12, 2026
this was a beautiful and haunting debut that focused on a character driven story to guide you to the depth of your emotions. layered with complex characters, lush prose, and an emotionally taxing look at humanity, this book deserves to be on your radar. this is not a book about romance but a book about survival. it is poetic and heartbreaking, tearing you to shreds at various points as you begin to understand characters, empathizing for them when you didn’t think it was possible. though this is a fantasy book, the magic is not the guiding factor, but it is still an interesting magic system. i thought the political intrigue to be a very compelling aspect of the story, as you are learning the court politics along with your main character. the pacing is perfect, the action constantly keeping you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional turmoil will be your ultimate demise.
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)
January 18, 2026
Good for her.
Fundamentally, this is an intriguing and dynamic fantasy debut, heavy with politics and intense backstabbing.
I enjoyed the discussion of morality, victim hood, and the circles of violence that the upper echelons used, whilst the people of the empire suffered. I thought that the commodification of magic through the monarchy was a great commentary on our real commodification of resources. Tao deconstructs the image of empires to show how dangerous they are, and offers a refreshing look into the fantasy genre as a whole; away from the romanticising of problematic men and imperialistic themes.
I think Wei’s journey was a very interesting one; her age made it all feel very uncomfortable, and I felt incredibly sad. Her ongoing moral dilemmas were a great way of investigating the corruption of absolute power, and her journey in becoming literate was a powerful reminder that reading is a political act that has long been used to suppress people. At the core of this story, a young girl wants better for herself and her family, and defies all expectations to achieve that.
While this is undoubtedly Wei’s story, a large part is taken up by the two princes, Terren and Maro. Their awful childhood turned them into the people that they were, and while the book does not exonerate that, it does a great job of showing how dangerous that path can be. Terren, in particular, is awful and unredeemable, and I’m so glad that Wei never forgets that. But she also looks wider, to understand the larger political landscape, and is never naive to the bigger picture in achieving what she set out to do.
The reason that I didn’t give it a higher rating was that I felt that the scope of the book could have been adjusted to flow better. There were periods of Wei’s time in the palace that felt monotonous, while the larger plot developments were too quickly brought out for my tastes.
Thank you to the publisher for my arc! All thoughts are my own!
Fundamentally, this is an intriguing and dynamic fantasy debut, heavy with politics and intense backstabbing.
I enjoyed the discussion of morality, victim hood, and the circles of violence that the upper echelons used, whilst the people of the empire suffered. I thought that the commodification of magic through the monarchy was a great commentary on our real commodification of resources. Tao deconstructs the image of empires to show how dangerous they are, and offers a refreshing look into the fantasy genre as a whole; away from the romanticising of problematic men and imperialistic themes.
I think Wei’s journey was a very interesting one; her age made it all feel very uncomfortable, and I felt incredibly sad. Her ongoing moral dilemmas were a great way of investigating the corruption of absolute power, and her journey in becoming literate was a powerful reminder that reading is a political act that has long been used to suppress people. At the core of this story, a young girl wants better for herself and her family, and defies all expectations to achieve that.
While this is undoubtedly Wei’s story, a large part is taken up by the two princes, Terren and Maro. Their awful childhood turned them into the people that they were, and while the book does not exonerate that, it does a great job of showing how dangerous that path can be. Terren, in particular, is awful and unredeemable, and I’m so glad that Wei never forgets that. But she also looks wider, to understand the larger political landscape, and is never naive to the bigger picture in achieving what she set out to do.
The reason that I didn’t give it a higher rating was that I felt that the scope of the book could have been adjusted to flow better. There were periods of Wei’s time in the palace that felt monotonous, while the larger plot developments were too quickly brought out for my tastes.
Thank you to the publisher for my arc! All thoughts are my own!
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!
January 16, 2026
I’m utterly speechless.
This will likely be in my top 5 of 2026.
Will come back with coherent thoughts.
This will likely be in my top 5 of 2026.
Will come back with coherent thoughts.
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