Strike The Zither

Okay so, first up… obviously the synopsis speaks for itself and Strike the Zither sounds awesome from it; however, it still doesn’t actually capture how great this story is.We’re introduced immediately to Zephyr, the main character who is simultaneously one of the most arrogant characters and one of the most endearing characters ever. She’s very sure of herself, and we’re thrown straight into her being trapped in a situation that she has to save herself, and a bunch of common folk and soldiers. As a strategist, it’s her job to basically come up with ideas like this and hope that they work out (which, Zephyr would probably say, they always do). Even though she sometimes has to think quick on her feet, she never really doubts her capabilities throughout the story and I think that’s part of why I enjoyed her character so much, I envy that kind of confidence!Zephyr ends up in the enemy wardlordess’ (Miasma’s) camp, in an attempt to aid the warlordess she believes in, Xin Ren. There’s a lot of things that Zephyr can predict to have to account for, but one thing she doesn’t know how to prepare for is meeting the enemy strategist, Crow.There’s a little yearning between the two and a lot of mistrust, but it makes for a very entertaining match up whenever the two are in the same scenes.Joan He has written a book that most just won’t be able to put down, and though I refuse to give any spoilers, about halfway in you’ll probably be in shock for a few minutes and need to recover before you can read on because there are a couple of twists to this story, making it change direction from a wuxia to a xianxia as well and SUCH an awesome one at that.The story is told from first person, which is brilliant for seeing more of how Zephyr’s mind actually works whilst ensuring that we’re treated to as many comments as possible about those around her!If you enjoy fantasy stories in general, buy this book!- I read an eARC of this book, but I loved it so I bought a personalised copy!

A book chock full of political manoeuvring, secrets and plot twists! I found the first chapter confusing and it felt a bit like I’d been thrown into the middle of a tale without much context, and nobody was telling me what was going on. However, once I got past that, I enjoyed the scheming and ruthlessness as well as a book that championed clever and powerful women, as well as sisterhood and friendship. I would have loved to have more romance to soften the politics and okay, maybe because I’m a massive romantic and enjoy rivals/enemies to lovers as a trope and think this part of the plot had some great potential. Zephyr was a complex and scheming character, her knowledge and skills at strategising were incredibly impressive so hats off to Joan He for writing a book so steeped in intricate plans and plots. Unfortunately, the story did lose me a bit again after the ambush when there was a big plot twist.I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Stop what you are doing and go and buy this book! It was so good and is one of my best books of 2022 - all the stars!Let me start off by saying that I didn't know what a zither was so I looked it up before I started reading and when the significance entered the story I was in awe!!!! It was beautiful, utterly beautiful!Zephyr is a strategist for a warlordess, Ren and she's good at what she does. When her plans take her on the wrong side of the war she puts her plans into action. There she also meets fellow strategist, Crow and sparks fly......There was war, politics, found family, schemes, women working together (and against each other!). It was an action packed masterpiece!'May we meet in another life.'

2.5 starsZephyr is a renowned strategist who serves Xin Ren, a young woman who fights for the empress against those trying to usurp her.Zephyr would do anything for Ren, even seemingly betray her in order for her plans to come to fruition.While in the enemy camp, Zephyr trades barbs with their strategist, Crow.Can Zephyr help Ren to save the empress and the realm?The blurb for this book intrigued me - I liked that the protagonist was a female strategist - so I requested a copy on NetGalley. However, I ended up being disappointed.Zephyr was a mixed protagonist for me - I liked how loyal she was to Ren, and how far she would go to make sure things happened exactly as she wanted. However, I also found her perhaps a little arrogant and didn't really connect with her. I felt she could have done with fleshing out a bit more, as could Ren, who seemed two-dimensional at times. I liked Lotus, Cloud, Dewdrop and Tourmaline as they had a bit more personality.The setting was interesting and I would have liked to find out more about the empress and their history/family.The plot was up and down for me - straight away the reader is dumped into the story and for a while I wasn't entirely sure what was going on. It felt like I was expected to know everything about the situation straight away, which was jarring. Parts of the book felt rushed and I struggled to get into the storyline. I did consider DNFing, but I persevered and there were several things that I didn't foresee, but I wasn't invested enough to be shocked.I liked the themes of honor, loyalty and sisterhood.I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more.Overall, this was a mixed read.

Zephyr is a master strategist for a warlordess in a fierce battle for the realm. When she is sent to infiltrate an enemy camp, she might have met her match ...This book feels a bit like it starts in the middle of the story, and was a bit hard to follow to begin with. It picked up further in, but there were still some bits that confused me about the plot. Beautifully written though!

4.7/5This is my first time reading something from Joan He and what a wonderful way to start! This book is so captivating with characters that just leap off the page. Not gonna lie that mid point plot twist almost made me DNF the book but gladly it didn't. Anyways this is a great, well thought out, fantasy novel. I can't wait to read the sequel.

Love the purchase ,thanks again to Amazon for catering to customers needs by providing with the best products. Just hope that while transacting the delivery services would put better care in handing goods and damages because sometimes books or any other packages seems to be dented but over all satisfied with the service.

The book is nice! However, the cover jacket on mine is a bit too short, and it’s noticeable at that. Otherwise, it came in good condition. Very excited to read!

“Strike the Zither” follows Zephyr, one of the best strategists of the Xin Dynasty, as she infiltrates an enemy camp to keep her warlordess Xin Ren’s followers from being slaughtered. When she finally meets her match in Crow—an opposing strategist—Zephyr must take fate into her own hands to ensure her survival and change the tide of the war.Joan He’s fantastical storyline draws inspiration from the Three Kingdoms period of China, which drew me in and sparked my interest in the source material. I really love how the author’s reimagining has a predominately female cast because of the strength the characters exude and the dynamics that are at play in the novel. The reluctant found family that forms between Zephyr, Xin Ren, and Ren’s two generals showcases their starkly different personalities and how they work together in the name of honor and duty to claim the continent.I LOVE Zephyr and Crow’s relationship arc! I found it so unique and refreshing because it isn’t your typical enemies to lovers romance. Yes they are enemy strategists that fall in love, but they prioritize their causes over their own feelings. They would rather die at the hands of each other than give in to their desires if it means winning the war. Their relationship is so toxic, but I couldn’t get enough of the tension, mutual pining, secrets, betrayals, and scheming. I was endlessly entertained as I tried to anticipate who would come out on top in their battle of wits, but nothing could have prepared me for that ending!

I love reading the way that Joan He reimagines the three kingdoms! The novel flows beautifully and the imagery is both familiar and strange. Seeing some Chinese euphemism expressed in English feels like an inside joke!