Review & Release Blitz: Zhànshì (Sinister Fairytales Collection) by Anna Edwards

Title: Zhànshì

Series: Sinister Fairytales Collection

Author: Anna Edwards

Genre: Dark Fairytale Retelling

Release Date: May 26, 2020

Lia has known she was different since the age of five when her father taught her the skills of her ancestors. His stories of heroic exploits have fueled her fantasies for years. Little did she know that her expertise would be called upon when two cities, two triads, go to war. Will it be a step too far to think she can hide who she really is?

Jaxon has known his career path since he was a little boy when his father promised his only son to the leader of the Yu Shi triad. Jaxon doesn't mind—it allows him to center his chaotic thoughts and fight his opponents to the death. But when he's partnered with a mysterious new recruit, he begins to question everything he knows. What is the young boy hiding from him? 

Zhanzhi is a modern day retelling of the tale of Mulan for the Sinister Fairytales Collection. Warrior Lia must find her inner strength to defeat a deadly enemy, who's been left bitter by his quest for absolute power, while at the same time falling in love when she least expects it. Nothing will be as it seems in this dark triad world where a moment's hesitation can be your downfall.

MY REVIEW

Lia Zhànshì has always been different, not the perfect daughter like her sister. That's why her father has trained her in the way of the warrior since she was young. Now that training will come in more than handy when she decides that, to save her father, she will take his place in the Yi Shu war against their rival Triad, the Jīn Long. It's there she will meet the blond demon, Jaxon. But is he really a demon? As she comes to find out, definitely not, though he is a fierce warrior just as she, and the mate to her soul.

As I've been reading the Sinister Fairytales Collection, I've found most of the stories to be enjoyable, entertaining, and shades of dark. I do think that Zhànshì just may be the darkest yet, graphic and gritty. It's for sure not Disney's version of Mulan, but does take its cues from that story. I like the fierce Lia and her connection with Jaxon, and found their story entertaining for sure, dark definitely, and memorable in a series of memorable stories.

All I am a British author, from the depths of the rural countryside near London. In a previous life, I was an accountant from the age of twenty-one. I still do that on occasions, but most of my life is now spent intermingling writing while looking after my husband, two children and two cats (probably in the inverse order to the one listed!). When I have some spare time, I can also be found writing poetry, baking cakes (and eating them), or behind a camera snapping like a mad paparazzi.

I'm an avid reader who turned to writing to combat my depression and anxiety. I have a love of travelling and like to bring this to my stories to give them the air of reality.

I like my heroes hot and hunky with a dirty mouth, my heroines demure but with spunk, and my books full of dramatic suspense.

HOSTED BY: