The Scorpion and the Night Blossom (The Three Realms #1)

Nine years ago, Àn’yiˉng’s life changed forever after her home was invaded by mó, beautiful deadly demons from the Kingdom of Night. Her father perished in the attack, and her mother has been a shadow of herself since. With the village unprotected, Àn’yiˉng, now 19, journeys to the Temple of Dawn to hone her practitioning skills and enter the Immortality Trials, from which she hopes to bring back a pill of immortality for Maˉ, who fades a little more each day. Armed with her crescent blades and knowledge from Bà’s practitioning books, as well as a mysterious jade pendant he left behind, Àn’yiˉng begins the trial, in which danger lurks around every corner. But handsome secretive rival contestant Yù’chén seems to always be there when Àn’yiˉng needs help most. As things progress, the romantic tension between Àn’yiˉng and Yù’chén increases, as does the certainty that there is a greater plan in play. Mesmerizing worldbuilding that draws from Chinese mythology sets the stage for this dark romantasy duology starter by Zhao (Song of Silver, Flame Like Night). Quick pacing, thrilling action sequences, and devastating plot twists round out this riveting read. Ages 14–up. (Mar.)