Song of the Six Realms

Seventeen-year-old Guxue has spent her life as an apprentice qin player at one of the most esteemed entertainment houses in the fantasy Kingdom of Qi. Though a talented musician, Xue has few prospects outside of her contract; her family was executed, and her only remaining uncle can’t support them both as a traveling poet. Then Xue finds a patron in the enigmatic Duke Meng Jinglang, who buys out her contract after the pair team up to fend off a horrifying monster during a private performance. Upon arriving at his isolated mountain estate, Xue discovers that the handsome yet awkward Jinglang is the Duke of Dreams, an immortal ruler of the Celestial Realm. Initially overwhelmed by the Celestials’ potentially deadly political maneuvering, Xue pushes her abilities—channeled through her qin—to their limits to help Jinglang unlock hidden memories of his deceased mentor, who was on the verge of uncovering a conspiracy that could shake the foundations of the ethereal realms. Lin (A Venom Dark and Sweet) weaves together poetry, music, and Chinese folklore to compose a gorgeously written, captivating story of love, grief, and family that’s anchored in a vibrant world of danger and intrigue. Ages 13–up. Agent: Rachel Brooks, BookEnds Literary. (Apr.)