Strike the Zither

The year is 414 of the Xin Dynasty and chaos abounds. A puppet empress is on the throne. The realm has fractured and three warlordesses each hopes to claim the continent for herself.

But Zephyr knows it’s no contest.

Orphaned at a young age, Zephyr took control of her fate by becoming the best strategist in the land. Now she serves under the most honourable lordess, the last one still loyal to the empress. But honour is double-edged in a war where one must betray or be betrayed, and it’s up to Zephyr to infiltrate a rival camp when their survival hinges on it. There is more than one enemy, however – and not all of them are human. Can Zephyr finally overcome her fate as written by the gods?

Strike the Zither is a brilliant, action-packed YA/crossover fantasy about found family, rivals and identity, in which Joan He reimagines Three Kingdoms, a classic from Chinese literature, with new female agency.

“'Joan He takes no prisoners, and Strike the Zither is her latest triumph. An intricate, expansive epic that poses difficult questions and eschews easy answers, this book is as ambitious as its scheming, ruthless cast--and just like its narrator, delivers above and beyond.'”

'Joan He takes no prisoners, and Strike the Zither is her latest triumph. An intricate, expansive epic that poses difficult questions and eschews easy answers, this book is as ambitious as its scheming, ruthless cast—and just like its narrator, delivers above and beyond.' Margaret Owen, author of The Merciful Crow duology
'Filled with twists and turns, Strike the Zither is a meticulously plotted, supremely satisfying story that explores identity, legacy, and loyalty in unexpected ways. This is Joan He’s best yet.’ Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf
‘A fierce reimagining of the Chinese classic: an ode to loyalty, family, destiny, and the complicated ways each of these elements bind or free the cunning strategist at the center of the tale. This riveting read is full of twists and surprises that shock and delight, building up to the epic conclusion that left me gasping.’ Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Book of Tea duology
‘Strike the Zither is a page-turner, full of unexpected twists, with an expansive, intricate world of sisterhood and subterfuge. He’s smooth, economical style is the perfect vehicle for this gripping political fantasy, marrying cat-and-mouse intrigue with a tenderness and emotional depth that heightens the stakes of every new reveal. A standout work from a remarkable author.’ Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six
‘Joan He will stun readers with her latest book. Richly layered and highly creative, Strike the Zither offers a world brimming with war, love, and unforgettable characters. A truly magnificent book.’ June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace
‘In this tautly plotted, vividly reimagined tale of a beloved Chinese classic, He orchestrates an epic page-turner that leaves a resounding echo in the minds of its readers. A cunning protagonist and complex cast of characters rounds up this intricate tale of destiny and legacy, honor and betrayal, crescendoing with each twist and reveal. Strike the Zither will keep you guessing--and gasping for more.’ June CL Tan, internationally bestselling author of Jade Fire Gold
‘Strike the Zither reimagines the Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms in a way never seen before, with intense twists and turns that pay homage to its inspiration while being refreshingly different. A brilliant exploration of destiny and identity!’ Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Iron Widow
'A twisty, body-snatching, gender-flipped retelling of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Prepare to be transported.’ Rebecca Lim, award-winning author of Tiger Daughter
‘Powerful, action-packed prose, quick pacing, anticipatory atmosphere, and immersive world building…A distinct and evocative adventure.’ Publishers Weekly (starred review)
‘A riveting series opener.’ Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
'This soaring, masterful retelling becomes an epic all of its own as He's heroine outsmarts and outmaneuvers a vibrant cast of military geniuses. With its startling twists and constant intrigue, readers will get lost in this rich, gorgeous, and dangerous world.’ Emily Suvada, author of This Mortal Coil series
‘He’s worlds are some of the most dynamic in YA, and this commanding series starter is a treasure.’ Buzzfeed News
‘Zephyr’s clever wit and cynicism are just as captivating as the action-packed scenes in this first book in a planned duology.’ Buzzfeed News
‘An enthralling fantasy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.’ B&N Reads
‘A fantastic reimagination of The Three Kingdoms…We’re already excited to pick up the sequel!’ Honey Pop
‘Delightful.’ Nicki J. Markus
‘A fascinating alternate history that spins a complex story of fate, identity, and found family.’ Paste Magazine
‘Breathtaking new YA fantasy...He’s worlds are some of the most dynamic in YA, and this commanding series starter is a treasure.’ Buzzfeed
‘Zephyr is a fierce woman you would not dare to forget.’ Readings
‘It’s been some time since a work of YA fiction has riveted me as much as Joan He’s Strike the Zither…Masterful.’ ArtsHub
‘This is an epic tale!…The magical quality of the story is like the music of the zither—atmospheric and expressive…A story to delight and captivate.’ ReadPlus
‘[He’s] poignant voice transcends genre…Strike the Zither delivers an exploration of identity in the latter half, touching upon the heartstrings of many who grew up straddling the line between cultures.’ Seattle Times
‘An intriguing page-turner with a rich storyline…Immersive and visual…Kept me at the edge of my seat.’ Good Reading
‘A powerful fantasy exploring duty, honour, found family and what we do to survive.’ Readings
‘Joan He has written an engaging reimagining of the Chinese literature classic Three Kingdoms.’ Buzz Words Books
‘As a series opener, all the elements of a riveting historical tale are present — intricate plots, unexpected twists, expansive kingdoms and interpersonal conflict...He has rendered a triumph of political fantasy, delivering a subversive, historical story that dares to ask its characters the hard questions...He’s thrilling plot and zippy characters carry the fire that burns throughout the book...Strike the Zither will transport you to another time, another realm. The end of the book is ripe with suspense, leaving you with that old, tortuous anticipation left by the final screenshot of a television episode: “To be Continued…”’ Jessie Tu, Sydney Morning Herald
‘Be prepared to have your mind blown…Joan He does an interesting feminist twist on the original Three Kingdoms story. For readers of the fantasy genre, if you love found family, war, rivalry, conflicts, and a dash of romance, don’t hesitate to pick this up!’ Nerd Daily
‘A brilliant, fast-paced page turner…Thoroughly enjoyable!’ NZ Booklovers
‘Exciting events, fascinating characters and exotic settings to stimulate the imagination of even the keenest fantasy readers.’ Magpies
‘[He] has crafted a world immense scope, artfully tweaking history to create a story where the fate of a realm lies in the hands of unapologetically fierce women…Unique and intelligent.’ Aurealis

Joan He is a Chinese-American writer. At a young age, she received classical instruction in oil painting before discovering that storytelling was her favourite form of expression. She studied Psychology and East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Pennsylvania and currently splits her time between Philadelphia and Chicago. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Descendant of the Crane and The Ones We're Meant to Find. Strike the Zither is the first in a fantasy duology.

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