Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

In Forest of a Thousand Lanterns, eighteen-year-old Xifeng, a peasant girl destined for greatness, embarks on a dark and mystical journey to become Empress of Feng Lu. Guided by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, and the sinister magic that flows through her, she must confront the sacrifices required for power, including abandoning the young man who loves her. Set against a richly developed East Asian-inspired fantasy backdrop, this reimagining of the Evil Queen legend weaves together themes of ambition, heartbreaking romance, and the complexities of destiny. Fans of intricate magic and compelling character development will be captivated by this striking debut from Julie C. Dao.