A beautifully written standalone fantasy steeped in political intrigue, Chinese historical influences, and lyrical lore.

The Poet Empress was not what I expected, I picked it up thinking it was a romantasy (I’m not sure why) and the reading experience that followed was probably what happens to someone who grabs Empire of the Vampire from the romantasy section of the bookstore expecting ACOTAR vibes. It is definitely not that! This is a darker, haunting epic fantasy, but it’s also tender in unexpected places. At its core, it explores themes of love, redemption, and sheer determination.

The story is character-driven rather than plot-driven, and the cast is beautifully complex, multi-layered, and deeply human. No one is simple, least of all Wei. She begins as a village girl shaped by famine and desperation. When the chance arises to become a concubine to the empire’s heir, she takes it, not out of ambition, but because it’s her only hope of saving her loved ones. What she doesn’t expect is to become empress-in-waiting, married to the infamously cruel Prince Guan Terren. To survive, she must quickly learn who to trust. But deception is rife, power corrupts, and everyone is hiding something.

I loved that Wei is, in her own words, no mythical heroine. She makes mistakes. She chooses herself to survive. She’s not a martial legend, and she doesn’t try to be. Watching her grow, hardened by court life and betrayal, was one of my favourite elements. Terren, on the other hand, is a masterclass in tragic villainy. A true Frankenstein’s monster, shaped by the neglect and cruelty of those meant to protect him. His arc unfolds like 13 Reasons Why as Wei digs into his past to uncover who he truly is. He may be the villain, but my heart ached for him.

The story kept me guessing right up until the final page. I couldn’t have predicted the ending, and I loved that. It’s emotional, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written. If you enjoyed The Poppy War or Game of Thrones, this one is likely a great pick! The final scene will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC.