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The Poet Empress

Published
Jan 2026
Main Genre
Dark Fantasy Dark Fantasy
Rating
Pages
400

About This Book

Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles and She Who Became the Sun.

In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.

Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.

Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.

But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.

To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.

The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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Formats & Editions

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Hardcover

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Hardcover
First Edition Jan 2026 Tor ISBN 1250406811
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eBook

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eBook
Jan 2026 Tor ISBN 125040682X
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eBook
Jan 2026 -- Not Selected ISBN B0F5PDHJ34
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eBook
Jan 2026 Gollancz (UK) ISBN 1399628992
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Audio

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Audible
Jan 2026 -- Not Selected ISBN B0F6FT22FL
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Large Print

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Hardcover
Mar 2026 Thorndike Press Large Print ISBN 1420533223
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