Sound the Gong

"Sound the Gong" is the thrilling conclusion to Joan He's "The Kingdom of Three" duology, a young adult high fantasy novel inspired by Chinese history and mythology. It follows Zephyr, an orphan who has become a god inhabiting a warrior's body, as she grapples with political instability, broken alliances, and a looming war. The story delves into themes of loyalty, destiny versus free will, and the price of power, as Zephyr fights to secure her lordess's reign against formidable enemies and a shocking betrayal. This book is ideal for readers aged 12-18 who enjoy intricate world-building, strong female protagonists, and morally complex characters.

From New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, come the dazzling and sweeping conclusion to The Kingdom of Three duology, Sound the Gong, the breathtaking sequel to the critically-acclaimed Strike the Zither. All her life, Zephyr has tried to rise above her humble origins as a no-name orphan. Now she is a god in a warrior’s body, and never has she felt more powerless. Her lordess Xin Ren holds the Westlands, but her position is tenuous. In the north, the empress remains under Miasma’s thumb. In the south, the alliance with Cicada is in pieces. Fate also seems to have a different winner in mind for the three kingdoms, but Zephyr has no intentions of respecting it. She will pay any price to see Ren succeed—and she will make her enemies pay, especially one dark-haired, dark-eyed Crow. What she’ll do when she finds out the truth—that he worked for the South all along... Only the heavens know.