I don't have much knowledge of The Three Kingdoms, but this retelling can definitely stand on its own. We follow the ambitious Zephyr as she strategizes to bring Ren's army to victory. But within this story, there's such nuance. The lines drawn between friend and foe, loyalist and traitor, they all become so muted throughout. And within this book is such expansive lore - from the land itself to the music, to the religious aspects, it's all so detailed. I don't want to spoil anything, but there were a few twists I didn't see coming and Joan He should be commended on that. Overall a really great book and I can't wait to finish out the duology.

*Thank you to Roaring Brook Press, Books Forward, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*