Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

“A stunning reimagining of the Evil Queen. 'Rich in detail and full of gore and blood, this dark novel will satisfy ‘Game of Thrones’ fans.' -School Library Journal tantalizing reading.' -Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ 'A masterful reimagining of the early life of Snow White’s Evil Queen. Dao is a talent to watch.'-Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Young Elites 'A richly developed fantasy world coupled with an ambitious anti-heroine of complex agency, this story shines and surprises at every turn.

Set in an East Asian-inspired fantasy world filled with both breathtaking pain and beauty, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns possesses all the hallmarks of masterful fantasy: dazzling magic, heartbreaking romance, and a world that hangs in the balance. Fans of Heartless, Stealing Snow, and Red Queen will devour this stunning debut.

For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute. But is the price of the throne too high? Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins-sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. Dao is a talent to watch.'-Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Young ElitesĮighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The Wrath and the Dawn meets Snow White and the Huntsman in this dark and mystical East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl's quest to become Empress.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao