By Anastasia M. @anastasiareads_gr
It’s never easy to choose which book to talk about first, there are so many I’ve loved and can’t wait to share, and narrowing it down took longer than I wanted. But, my Instagram feed gave me the nudge I needed.
When I saw the cover reveal for the second book in The Three Realms Duology, I knew right away that The Scorpion and the Night Blossom had to be the one. It’s a story that stayed with me, and one that deserves to be talked about and as a fan of fantasy it gave me exactly what I wanted without an overcomplicated world.
As a long-time fantasy fan, I’m used to diving into complex worlds filled with lore, languages, and lineages. But The Scorpion and the Night Blossom struck a perfect balance. It was mesmerizing without being overwhelming and rich in detail without being hard to follow.
This was actually my first time reading anything inspired by Chinese fantasy, and also my introduction to Zhao’s writing. And, let me tell you, she’s made me a fan. Sure, the names took a little getting used to (as they often do in fantasy), but like most of us, I just pronounced them how I wanted and kept moving.
What really stood out to me was the pacing. The chapters weren’t too long, the story didn’t drag, and from the very beginning, I was pulled straight into Àn’yīng’s world. The world-building unfolds gradually, giving you just enough at each step.
If you're into fantasy with action, romance, and a touch of mystery wrapped in a beautifully written setting, this one’s worth your time. And with the sequel The Dragon and the Sun Lotus expected next year, now’s the perfect time to jump in.
Published by Delacorte Press, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/749960/the-scorpion-and-the-night-blossom-by-amelie-wen-zhao
*The book is also available in Greek bookstores