FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS Rise of the Empress, Book 1

Reimagining the Evil Queen legend, Dao recounts the story of a peasant girl's quest to become empress. Kim Mai Guest's narration emulates not only Xifeng's ruthlessness in trying to fulfill her destiny but also a young woman's determination to keep her morals along the way. Pieces of the story are carried over from the original, including aspects of the notorious villainess. Guest's flowing voice changes inflection as Xifeng transforms over the course of the audiobook. Listeners follow this young woman as she literally loses herself to the darkness inside her. With this powerful narration, we see her innermost thoughts and can empathize with her even through her terrible actions. C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2017]