Song of the Crimson Flower

Written by Julie C. Dao

Bao and Lan live in Feng Lu and have been friends for a long time. Bao is an orphan and has been taken in as a poor physician’s apprentice. Lan is a wealthy nobleman’s daughter and is betrothed to another man. Bao finds the courage to tell Lan about his true feelings for her. The rejection prompts him to set off in search of a new life when he is cursed by the river witch. Only love can set him free and keep his corporeal identity. Lan finds Bao’s boat with only his beloved flute. She vows to help him break the curse. Together they begin the task of breaking the curse and encounter blood magic, war, curses, a plague, and a rumored treatment derived from illegal drugs. This gripping retelling of a Vietnamese myth is filled with fantasy, adventure, and forbidden love. Grades 7 – 12.

Reviewed by Jessica Moody, Library Media EdTech Specialist, Olympus Jr. High
Review shared in August 2021
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 7-12

Author Website: https://www.juliedao.com/

Song of the Crimson Flower
Written by Julie C. Dao
Philomel Books
272 pages
Release Date: November 5, 2019
ISBN: 9781524738358
A review copy was provided by the publisher.