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Deathly Fates
- Author
- Tesia Tsai
- Narrator
- Katharine Chin
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Publish Date
- 23 April 2026
- Run Time
- 10 hours 35 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy romance, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Magical realism / Magical fantasy, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Epic fantasy / heroic fantasy, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Mythic fantasy / Myths and Legends fiction
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What to expect
"A poetic gem of a book that will linger in your soul long after the final page. ” XIRAN JAY ZHAO, bestselling author of Iron Widow
Perfect for fans of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Six Crimson Cranes this action-packed and gripping YA fantasy is about a daughter trying to save her father by any means necessary – and the boy she rescues from behind enemy lines in a dangerous deal.
As a priestess paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her father collapses due to his declining health, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to save her father, Siying accepts a dangerous job and travels through enemy territory to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.
But the moment Siying places her talisman on the dead prince's head, the prince comes back to life. Worse, he won't stay alive for long––not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.
In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid him in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince's death––secrets that could endanger both Siying's father and their entire kingdom.
Critics Review
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"Rich and wholeheartedly poignant. Deathly Fates sings with profound spirit, exploring the consequences of war and the scars cut by nobility during trying times. An entrancing world that will certainly linger." —Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights
"Beauty and sorrow intertwine in Deathly Fates, whose gorgeous, atmospheric prose will transport you right to the forests and towns of a Chinese-inspired fantasy world where ganshi necromancy is practiced. Eldest daughter Siying's tenacious love for her family will resonate with anyone who has carried more responsibility on their shoulders for their loved ones than they should have to. A poetic gem of a book that will linger in your soul long after the final page." —Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow
“Deathly Fates had me staying up too late, frantic to see what was going to happen next. A breathlessly fun, richly characterized joy of a debut with the most unexpected pair I've ever met.” —Cassandra Khaw, USA Today bestselling author of The Library at Hellebore
"Deathly Fates is a lush and mesmerising tale that blends adventure with mystery, and is also deeply heartfelt in the way it explores the responsibilities that we bear to the ones we care about. Siying and Ren are two of my favourite characters to ever grace the page, and their journey and growth will keep you captivated throughout. This is a debut not to be missed!" —Amber Chen, UK #1 bestselling author of Of Jade and Dragons
“Set in a fascinating world populated with unforgettable characters, Deathly Fates is a beautiful tale of love and loss, and of hope that shines brightly in the darkness.”— June Hur, New York Times bestselling author of A Crane Among Wolves
“Seamlessly weaves folklore with adventure.”—Daily Mirror
“Slow-burning, poignant romantasy debut…laced with fascinating, atmospheric Chinese folklore." — The Guardian
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Tesia Tsai
- Narrator
- Katharine Chin
- Duration
- 10 hours 35 minutes
- Release Date
- 23 April 2026
- ISBN
- 9780008740757
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Genre
- Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy romance, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Magical realism / Magical fantasy, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Epic fantasy / heroic fantasy, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Mythic fantasy / Myths and Legends fiction
Synopsis
"A poetic gem of a book that will linger in your soul long after the final page. ” XIRAN JAY ZHAO, bestselling author of Iron Widow Perfect for fans of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Six Crimson Cranes this action-packed and gripping YA fantasy is about a daughter trying to save her father by any means necessary – and the boy she rescues from behind enemy lines in a dangerous deal. As a priestess paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her father collapses due to his declining health, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to save her father, Siying accepts a dangerous job and travels through enemy territory to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince. But the moment Siying places her talisman on the dead prince's head, the prince comes back to life. Worse, he won't stay alive for long––not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body. In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid him in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince's death––secrets that could endanger both Siying's father and their entire kingdom.
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