Starred review from August 1, 2011
Lady Ling Suyin, former consort of the late Emperor, is grateful but wary when fierce warlord Li Tao saves her from the assassins of powerful military governor Gao Shiming. With the kingdom in turmoil, Suyin trusts no one, especially not Li Tao, whose loyalty to Emperor Shen is in question and the reason for her rescue unclear. Li Tao has no idea why Gao Shiming would want the legendary beauty dead, but he wasn't about to let that happen. Despite their mutual distrust, Tao and Suyin can't resist the attraction that arcs between them or the star-crossed love that develops. VERDICT Beautifully written, deliciously sensual, and rich with Tang Dynasty historical and political detail, this exquisitely crafted, danger-filled, and intriguing story redeems the ruthless villain from Lin's Butterfly Swords (a remarkable feat in itself), pairs him with a smart, resourceful heroine, and lets them play cat and mouse for much of the book before joining forces for a well-deserved romantic ending. Exceptional. Lin lives in St. Louis.
Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 15, 2011
As the old emperor's Precious Consort, Lady Ling Suyin learned to navigate the treacherous waters of the imperial court with unrivaled skill because her life depended on it. After the death of Emperor Li Ming, Ling thought she was done with court politics. But when she is banished by the new emperor to a home far away from the capital, Ling's hope for a peaceful new life is dashed the day warlord and military governor Li Tao shows up. Claiming he is abducting Ling for her own safety, Li brings her back to his stronghold, where she is to remain his guest until the political turmoil sweeping China dies down. The more Ling tries to find out about the taciturn Li, though, the more she begins to realize she will need all of her old skills if she is to have any hope of survival. Lin's refreshingly different historical deftly captures the fascinating world of Tang Dynasty China while also delivering an unforgettable romance strongly steeped in danger, deception, and desire.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)