THE DRAGON AND THE SUN LOTUS

The fate of the human kingdom—and the immortal and demon kingdoms as well—hangs on one girl and what her heart decides in this sequel to The Scorpion and the Night Blossom (2025).

Àn’yīng and Hào’yáng, who’s heir to the mortal throne of the Kingdom of Rivers, have returned to Àn’yīng’s village. They have a plan that will protect her family and the rest of the kingdom from the demon mó forever: a marriage between them, which will create a political alliance linking the mortal and immortal realms. But working against them are the demonic forces, led by Yù’chén’s mother. Yù’chén, whom Àn’yīng is impossibly drawn to, is key to the bonds between the three kingdoms, just as much as Hào’yáng and Àn’yīng are, and ultimately fate will bring them together, to violent ends. Àn’yīng’s travels through the dark kingdom of the demons and the heavenly kingdom of the immortals are grounded in Chinese mythology and folklore, and the worldbuilding includes familiar fantasy components, such as glittering gowns and dangerous, seductive men. Àn’yīng’s story and the choices she makes are engrossing enough, but her confused love triangle, while adding conflict, isn’t given enough space to fully develop. Still, this is a readable work that effortlessly incorporates Chinese elements, such as dragons and an immortality pill, that enrich the story.

A duology closer incorporating magic, war, and love and set in a lush, well-described fantasy China.