THE NIGHTBLOOD PRINCE

Prophesied to unite all the kingdoms and torn between two princes, one girl fights for peace and power.

Born with a special mark on her forehead that gives her the gift of foresight but plagues her with nightmares, Lifeng Fei is fated to become the empress of all empresses. She was taken from her family and raised alongside her intended future husband, Siwang, prince of Rong. While she loves him, Fei wants more out of life than the limitations of her patriarchal society allow. So she seizes an opportunity to flee and encounters the mysterious Yexue, prince of Lan, who has his own monstrous prophecy and leads an army of vampires. Soon the princes are at war, with Fei caught in the middle, trying to figure out which one she can trust and love even as alliances are forged and broken. In this series kickoff set in an ancient China–inspired world, some plot points bring to mind the story of Mulan. Headstrong Fei’s possible love interests are complex and morally gray, which makes for an exciting love triangle. The story critiques power-hungry leaders who have little care for the blood on their hands; Fei becomes a scapegoat for their greed, something she challenges as she presses for peace and agency. With thrilling political intrigue, Chang’s YA debut doesn’t shy away from the hardships of war.

An engrossing fantasy featuring a fierce, feminist hero.