The Moon in the Palace (The Empress of Bright Moon Duology)

Praise for The Moon in the Palace (The Empress of Bright Moon Duology)

"eloquent first novel...a must for historical fiction fans, especially those fascinated by China’s glorious past." — Library Journal, STARRED Review

"Randel’s novel is an impressive tale of lethal court intrigue that is seductive and alluring. It is a story of one woman’s rise to power, but also of the relationships between the women of the palace. Readers will be transported by the colorful, fairy-tale-like story." — RT Book Reviews, Top Pick, 4 1/2 Stars

"A very successful and transporting novel that beautifully captures the sounds, smells and social mores of 7th-century China." — Historical Novels Review, Editor's Choice

"An astonishing debut! Weina Dei Randal spins a silken web of lethal intrigue, transporting us into the fascinating, seductive world of ancient China, where one rebellious, astute girl embarks on a dangerous quest for power." — C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of The Queen’s Vow

"The Moon in the Palace depicts Empress Wu’s sharp, persistent spirit but does not neglect to make her believably naive and vulnerable, an untried girl among ruthless women. The intrigue and machinations of the imperial court come to life under her hand, a vast and dangerous engine with each piece moving for its own reasons." — Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

"Lyrical and intriguing." — Kirkus Reviews

"The engaging path of a Chinese empress." — Dallas Morning News

"With fresh, lyrical prose and a true storyteller’s flair, in her novel The Moon in the Palace, Weina Dai Randel brings 7th century China to vibrant life. Through the eyes of Mei, a name meaning simply "Sister," given to the middle daughter of the household of her birth, we are submerged into intrigue of the Imperial court, where wives and concubines fight for positions of power beside the emperor, and where men fight to take the emperor’s throne. A story of courage and daring, in The Moon in the Palace, a girl without a name takes her destiny into her own hands. A shining jewel of a novel." — Christy English, author of The Queen’s Pawn and To Be Queen

"The real triumph of The Moon in the Palace is how Randel succeeds in showing court politics exclusively through female eyes, and how every decision and subsequent action, success, and failure are skillfully plotted like a chess match by the palace women… Magical." — Washington Independent Review of Books

"The Moon in the Palace offers a satisfying, richly-imagined account of how Mei, a young girl forced to become a royal concubine, manages not only to survive treachery but win her way into an emperor’s favor. Mei is a triumph of intelligence and passion, cunning and courage. Randel has provided a strong cast of supporting characters, successfully resisting stereotypes of eunuchs and concubines; in the end we realize they are all victims of the crucible that is the Imperial court." — Janie Chang, author of Three Souls

"I absolutely loved Weina Dai Randel’s The Moon in the Palace, which is a truly immersive experience and a rare and beautiful treasure. All I want now is to read the next novel!" — Elizabeth Chadwick, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Queen, The Winter Crown, and The Autumn Throne

"Like fragile yet strong silk threads, Randel’s beautifully composed debut ensnares readers in the dynamic story of the young girl who would become Empress of the Bright Moon. Randel’s novel is an impressive tale of lethal court intrigue that is seductive and alluring. It is a story of one woman’s rise to power, but also of the relationships between the women of the palace. Readers will be transported by the colorful, fairy-tale-like story." — RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars, TOP PICK!

"With elegant, modern prose and vivid details, Randel’s gorgeous debut novel seductively pulls back the curtain to reveal the heartbreaking world of harem politics in Tang Dynasty China. Exploring the early years of the legendary Empress Wu when she was still a concubine struggling to survive the whims of the man who ruled her, the book’s brave and clever heroine finds herself at the center of intrigue and civil war. This is a page turner that will transport you in time and place. Bravo!" — Stephanie Dray, author of Lily of the Nile

"The Moon in the Palace is a colorful and vibrant journey into the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Weina Randel weaves a captivating tale about the intrigues of the inner court through the eyes of the woman who would become the most infamous Empress in Chinese history, finding a human story of love and hope amidst bloodshed and treachery. I couldn't stop reading this exciting debut novel." — Jeannie Lin, USA Today bestselling author of The Lotus Palace