Strike the Zither: 1 (Kingdom of Three)

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Steady.” Hands, closed around my upper arms. A face: hawk-beak brows, nose bridge scarred. It’s Tourmaline, Xin Ren’s third general—the only general of Ren’s with a fitting sobriquet, seeing as Tourmaline’s disposition is as solid as the gemstone. We tolerate each other, as far as warriors and strategists go. But right now, Tourmaline isn’t the person I want to see. Today, without a doubt, was a miracle. It pains me to admit it, but unless a meteorite kills Miasma next time, even I can’t save us, not if we keep on traveling with so many commoners.

Strike the Zither | Joan He | 9781250258588 | NetGalley Strike the Zither | Joan He | 9781250258588 | NetGalley

Also this book was clearly going to include one of my biggest book pet peeves ever and I simply can’t read another book with that storyline. Tread of Angels killed me. Some say the heavens dictate the rise and fall of empires. Clearly, those peasants have never met me. I loved the idea of Zephyr and Crow. I loved what I wanted Crow to be and what he was probably hiding (because he most definitely was!). What I did not love was wading through each of their conversations, hoping to find some gem in this book written like “War for Dummies”, to have them be unsatisfactory EVERY.DAMN.TIME!

In this exciting first book in an upcoming series, Joan He reimagines Three Kingdoms, a Chinese lit classic. The gorgeous writing will draw you in and the story and characters will keep you eager for more! The book included a map and character art for four of the FMCs that were totally to die for! Not sure why we didn’t get character art for at least Crow as well, but whatever… Strike the Zither is inspired by the Chinese tale of The Three Kingdoms, something that I have admittedly had no prior experience with. And believe me when I say that it is a twisty tale! None of the other characters have distinct personalities and as a character reader that really hurts my enjoyment of a book. Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close

Joan He Frequently Asked Questions — Joan He

Joan He will stun readers with her latest book. Richly layered and highly creative, Strike the Zither offers a world brimming with war, love, and unforgettable characters. A truly magnificent book.’ I’m a huge fan of Joan He and her works, and this book was one of my most anticipated releases this year. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! A reimagining of Three Kingdoms, Strike the Zither follows a strategist who will do whatever it takes to change her fate amidst a war where betrayal is always around the corner. Joan He will stun readers with her latest book. Richly layered and highly creative, Strike the Zither offers a world brimming with war, love, and unforgettable characters. A truly magnificent book.’—June Hur, bestselling author of The Red PalaceNerdist: Could you tell me about the origin of Strike the Zither and why you decided to reimagine Three Kingdoms ? also, the character illustrations included in this are stunning! we need more art to be published in books, so heres hoping the sequel will have more! But even the universe is subject to unseen forces. The next night, a meteorite punched my mentor and his outhouse clean into the ground. this is JHs best book so far! and, honestly, i know nothing about the original tale of the three kingdoms, but this retelling is canon as far as im concerned. so glad its going to be a series! it has the perfect amount of war politics, found family, and action. if you loved the poppy war series, specifically kitay and his brilliant mind, you'll love STZ. one of the things i dislike in fantasy books is, for example, when they advertise the mc as a "deadly assassin" but she never does anything in the book to show for it. STZ PULLS THROUGH !! Zephyr is an amazing strategist who will go to lengths to serve her warlordess Xin Ren. you can tell she is really smart and earned her place. i love getting inside her mind

STRIKE THE ZITHER | Kirkus Reviews

I reached you seconds before the wheels of a wagon did,” Tourmaline continues, stoic. I could have done without the image, but if anyone had to find me on the ground, better it be Tourmaline than Lotus or Cloud. Those two would have squawked about it to everyone and their mothers. On the subject of everyone— The story is told from first person, which is brilliant for seeing more of how Zephyr’s mind actually works whilst ensuring that we’re treated to as many comments as possible about those around her! How do you reimagine a story that’s largely unknown to your market? How do you pay homage to legendary figures such as Zhuge Liang when the name doesn’t ring the same bell for everyone?" Intimidate,” she repeats under her breath. “Got it.” Then she’s galloping down the mountain on her beastly stallion and referring to herself by name in that gauche way some warriors do before riding into battle. “Lotus won’t disappoint!”

Also, I found the romance, if you can even call it that, to be quite unrealistic. Zephyr never really liked Crow, until she one day did? I never understood where the attraction came from, especially since he poisoned her and didn’t seem to like her all that much either. I didn’t understand their connection at all. The narrative voice of the main character, Zephyr, was clear and added to the overall experience of the story. Zephyr’s personality was distinct and the decision to use first person to capture it also aided in making me, the reader, aware of different relationship dynamics and gave insight into how other characters impacted and were perceived by Zephyr while making me question if everything is what it seemed. In short, Zephyr’s narration did a great job at engaging my mind throughout the story and making me more and more invested as I read. He: In the original books, the cast is 99% male (there are over 1000—yes, 1000—named male characters, and probably fewer than 10 named female characters for comparison). And no one questions why that is—it just is, because of how Confucian values had molded China into a very patriarchal society. However, I always knew from the start that my book wouldn’t be set in China-China, just like Descendant of the Crane isn’t set in a real historical era of China. It’s been some time since a work of YA fiction has riveted me as much as Joan He’s Strike the Zither …Masterful.’ An ambitious young strategist risks death in a bid to turn the tides of war in an alternate historical China.