Tyrants cut out hearts. Rulers sacrifice their own.

Princess Hesina of Yan has always been eager to shirk the responsibilities of the crown, dreaming of an unremarkable life. But when her beloved father is found dead, she’s thrust into power, suddenly the queen of a surprisingly unstable kingdom. What’s more, Hesina believes that her father was murdered—and that the killer is someone close to her.

Hesina’s court is packed full of dissemblers and deceivers eager to use the king’s death for political gain, each as plausibly guilty as the next. Her advisers would like her to blame the neighboring kingdom of Kendi’a, whose ruler has been mustering for war. Determined to find her father’s actual killer, Hesina does something desperate: she enlists the aid of a soothsayer—a treasonous act, punishable by
death, since magic was outlawed centuries ago.

Using the information provided by the sooth, and uncertain if she can trust her family, Hesina turns to Akira—a brilliant investigator who’s also a convicted criminal with secrets of his own. With the future of Yan at stake, can Hesina find justice for her father? Or will the cost be too high?

If I had to compare DotC to other books I’d find myself hardpressed. Joan created a world that while familiar feeling on the surface doesn’t sit back and let you assume. I made assumptions going through the book; assumptions about character motivations, assumptions about world lore, assumptions about relationships because like Hesina I thought I understood what drove people.

I’ll have a full review closer to the publish date – this is more of a ‘get ready for the cool!’ As a disclaimer I am part of Joan’s Street Team (Minister of Personnel reporting for duty), so I was given the chance to read the Advanced Reader’s Copy as well as have Joan answer questions and reveal tidbits before the public. This didn’t affect how I viewed the book or make me feel more inclined towards giving it a better rating then it deserved.

Descendant of the Crane’s Pre-order & Library Request Campaign:

Details (Joan’s original Tweet Thread):

• character cards for all
• INTL okay
• open until 4/2
• EVERYONE will receive 4 out of 5 character cards. That includes a Hesina, Akira, Lilian, and EITHER a Sanjing or a Caiyan…though a small % might get a rare combo
• The images were hand-drawn by Joan (yeah she’s a double threat folks – artist AND writer, be still my heart) and are on a heavier cardstock then normal playing cards and a satiny-finish
  • I received one at ALAMW and guys, yes these are really freaking awesome
• Everyone who pre-orders will also receive a Rose Gold bookmark with two cranes in the traditional Chinese paper-cutting style, and DESCENDANT OF THE CRANE etched at the bottom as of 3/4 all Rose Gold Bookmarks have been redeemed, all preorders after this point will be given all 5 character cards

Launch Party Information (Joan’s original Tweet Thread):

• Elizabeth Lim (author of Reflections and the forthcoming Spin the Dawn) will be our hostess and Joan is the Guest of honor!
• sweets & limited edition swag
•  a life-sized Hesina
•  all character cards will be available
• Preorder/Purchase your Admission here @ The Strand
  • you can purchase admission separately if you’ve already preordered DotC elsewhere and receive a $15 gift card for The Strand
• RSVP on Facebook so we can all all celebrate together!

Current Contests to Win DotC:

• AJ Eversole’s Twitter Giveaway (open to INT, 2/8 close) CLOSED, winner chosen
• Joan’s Twitter Giveaway (open to INT, 2/14 close) CLOSED, winner chosen
• Goodreads Giveaway (US Only, 2/21 close) CLOSED, winner chosen
• Alyssa Carlier’s Giveaway (open to INT, 3/23 close)

Purchase Links:

• Signed Copy from The Strand
• Signed Copy from Books of Wonder
• Amazon Hardcover Copy
• Amazon Kindle Copy
• Everywhere Else

Fun Links:

• Incorrect DotC Twitter (in which you’ll see a lot of Sanjing bashing on Caiyan, Akira trashing everyone and Caiyan being godly…)
• The Imperial Court (aka Street Team)
• Joan discusses why she used certain Mandarin terms and names as opposed to the English equals in DotC
• Joan discusses how she got her agent
• Alyssa Carlier made some wallpapers to help spread the love!
• Joan’s Newsletter sign up
• Is this book standalone?

Early Reviews (please be aware spoilers may be in the reviews):

• My prelim review over at Goodreads (does contain mild spoilers)
• Confessions of a YA Reader Review
• Book Hoarders Review
• Vibur‘s Review
• Nenia/Readasarus‘ Review (*note this is a very balanced and thoughtful review)
• Alice’s Review (*note, also a very balanced and thoughtful review)
• Michelle/Magical Reads Review
• Mary (@shewritershere)’s Early Review
• Sam of Tinted Prose Reviews Has a Take