Song of the Six Realms

When the book opens, 12-year old Xue is already a talented musician who plays the qin, a seven-stringed instrument. Due to family circumstances, she is apprenticed for life to the House of Flowing Water, a well-known entertainment house. Five years later, after Xue gives a private concert for Duke Meng, he requests that she become his personal musician for the coming year. Little does Xue know that this man is actually the Duke of Dreams in the Celestial Realm. And so begins her new adventure!

Xue is a determined and clever young woman who gains confidence as the story evolves. Many obstacles stand in her way. She is a mere mortal who must learn to deal with the traditions and daily life of the Celestial Realm, one of six realms in this mythological world. The various realms are: Celestial, Spirit, Mortal, Demon, Ghost and Barren. The security of the Celestials is threatened by a potential war with monsters and demons. Xue’s memories might help the situation – if she isn’t killed first. On top of this, Xue is determined to solve the mystery of her uncle’s murder which seems connected to the Celestial Realm in some way. She needs all the courage she can find.

Other main characters include Duke Meng, aka Jinglang, who becomes the romantic interest of the story, and Chenwen and Linwei. All three seem rather one dimensional, but they are needed to move the plot along. Many other characters are in the book, many of whom constitute the gods and goddesses of the Celestial Realm and their households. These groups are responsible for much of the intrigue of the story.

What stands out most in the novel is the setting created by Lin. The details of her fantasy world – the food, the clothing, the sights and sounds – contribute greatly to the attraction of the book. Helping readers understand such a complicated world means the pace of the plot is slowed somewhat by all the description. Some readers will enjoy being immersed in the Six Realms while others may find they want more action. There is plenty of action right at the end of the book. In fact, the denouement feels a little rushed, certainly compared to events in the rest of the book.

Judy I. Lin draws on Chinese folktales and poetry in the novel, and the author’s note and the glossary at the end of the book help readers understand these references to ancient culture. Poetry and poems set to music are critical to the story, and the music almost becomes a character in itself. Another theme which floats in the story without being belabored is that of the ‘haves’ vs. the ‘have nots”, the idea that some end up in positions of power for various reasons and, therefore, feel they have control of those who are socially beneath them.

The beautiful cover of Song of the Six Realms will attract readers immediately, and the mystery, mythology, romance and fantasy inside will not disappoint.