Editorial Content for The Empress of Bright Moon: A Novel of Empress Wu
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
In her first book about Empress Wu of Tang Dynasty China, THE MOON IN THE PALACE, Weina Dai Randel made her mark as a bright new voice of the historical fiction scene. In the follow-up volume, THE EMPRESS OF BRIGHT MOON, Randel paints an even more vivid picture of Mei, as she was then known, and her struggles to rise to power.
"Along with its predecessor, THE EMPRESS OF BRIGHT MOON is one of the most beautifully written, impeccably researched and well-constructed historical fiction novels released this year."
We open on the incipient death of Emperor Taizong, father of Mei’s beloved, Prince Pheasant, and the man whom she serves as a concubine. Just as fate seems to favor Mei --- Pheasant is heir to the throne and promises to keep her by his side when he becomes emperor --- everything she’s worked so hard for is viciously ripped from her.
Randel brings to life court intrigue in intricate detail that shows the years of meticulous research she put into this duet. As Mei claws her way back to the man she loves and the life that was stolen from her, twists and turns wait around the corner of every palace corridor. Just when she thinks she’s safe, the floor drops out from underneath her, and readers will be delighted, titillated and shocked at Mei’s every move.
Along with its predecessor, THE EMPRESS OF BRIGHT MOON is one of the most beautifully written, impeccably researched and well-constructed historical fiction novels released this year. This reviewer will be waiting for Randel’s next novel --- hopefully bringing to life another fascinating woman of ancient China --- with bated breath.
Teaser
At the moment of the Emperor's death, everything changes in the palace. Mei, his former concubine, is free, and Pheasant, the heir and Mei's lover, is proclaimed as the new Emperor, heralding a new era in China. But just when Mei believes she's closer to her dream, Pheasant's chief wife, Lady Wang, turns against Mei and takes unthinkable measures to stop her. The power struggle that ensues will determine Mei's fate --- and that of China. Surrounded by enemies within the palace that she calls home, Mei continues her journey to the throne in this second book of Weina Dai Randel's acclaimed duology.
Promo
At the moment of the Emperor's death, everything changes in the palace. Mei, his former concubine, is free, and Pheasant, the heir and Mei's lover, is proclaimed as the new Emperor, heralding a new era in China. But just when Mei believes she's closer to her dream, Pheasant's chief wife, Lady Wang, turns against Mei and takes unthinkable measures to stop her. The power struggle that ensues will determine Mei's fate --- and that of China. Surrounded by enemies within the palace that she calls home, Mei continues her journey to the throne in this second book of Weina Dai Randel's acclaimed duology.
About the Book
The time for taking hold of her destiny is now.
At the moment of the Emperor's death, everything changes in the palace. Mei, his former concubine, is free, and Pheasant, the heir and Mei's lover, is proclaimed as the new Emperor, heralding a new era in China. But just when Mei believes she's closer to her dream, Pheasant's chief wife, Lady Wang, powerful and unpredictable, turns against Mei and takes unthinkable measures to stop her. The power struggle that ensues will determine Mei's fate --- and that of China.
Surrounded by enemies within the palace that she calls home, Mei continues her journey to the throne in THE EMPRESS OF BRIGHT MOON, the second book in Weina Dai Randel's acclaimed duology. Only by fighting back against those who wish her harm will Mei be able to realize her destiny as the most powerful woman in China.
Audiobook available, narrated by Emily Woo Zeller
