Peasreads: The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

Thank you to my oldest for this review of The Poet Empress

A huge thank you to the publisher for providing my physical ARC, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own! By all technicality, I’m totally posting this before 2026 …

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The Poet Empress is a strong debut that ticked all my boxes — lush setting, strong fmc, and complex characters / plot.

The most notable of these aspects is the characters. At its core, The Poet Empress is a novel about people, their motivations, their histories. From the beginning we are privy to Wei Yin’s thoughts and explanations for the sacrifices or choices she makes. But the actions of others appear mysterious or irrational to her (and thus, the reader) as she struggles to navigate court politics. This slowly changes as Wei Yin begins to listen to the stories of those around her, and peer more closely into their actions. By the end of the novel, everyone feels like their own autonomous being — their actions may still surprise us, but ultimately fit into their characterisation so well it’s satisfying.

In my opinion, the official summary is well representative of the novel! So if it appeals to you at all, I would absolutely encourage you to give this debut a chance. Doubly so if you enjoy complex characters as much as I do.

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With all of the polished writing out of the way, here are some of my more fragmented opinions:

⟢ I need all the Asian (historic or otherwise) fantasy out there please give me more … This is definitely a must read if you are also into these genres!

⟢ If you’re not as into ‘character study’ type narratives as I am, you might find this novel a bit slow at times. There are semi-frequent ‘fash-backs’ that take you away from the main storyline and may feel a bit tedious if you don’t enjoy them.

⟢ Although characters were the star of this novel, the worldbuilding and magic system are nothing to sneeze at! The Poet Empress had magic seeping into every inch of the world, which felt immersive without being overwhelming. Of course, the basis of ‘spells’ being poetry is just the cherry on top.

⟢ Romance is an important part of the narrative, but this is not a romance novel in my opinion! Important distinction.

⟢ It’s truly refreshing to get ‘morally grey’ characters that are … well … actually complex.

⟢ I’m not sure if this will be a standalone or if there is a sequel planned, but there’s no cliffhanger at the end! The conclusion leaves room for the future, but is satisfying on its own.

⟢ For trigger warnings: please read the note at the start of the book! My personal notes are: (view spoiler) This book is rated adult, but I would have been okay reading it as a teen. For others though, they may be uncomfy reading even as an adult. Moral of the story: it’s always okay to skip things that may harm you! Read over the triggers so you can make an informed decision.

DESCRIPTION

Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles and She Who Became the Sun.

In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.

Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.

Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.

But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.

To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.

The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.

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Thank you NetGalley and  Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for this galley I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.