Book Review: Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

Descendent of the Crane will sweep you along and keep you rooting for our heroine.

Princess Hesina, who wants nothing to do with ruling her country, finds herself Queen after the sudden death of her father. His death was ruled a natural one, but Hesina has reason to believe he was poisoned and with her evidence demands that a trial be conducted. She risks everything and commits treason by consulting a soothsayer. The woman leads her to a mysterious convict, who Hesina must see released from prison and put in charge of representing her at the trial. This trial will change everything for Hesina. Secrets beyond her belief are revealed. She loses people she loves and must fight with everything she has to keep her kingdom. 

Readers are engrossed as Hesina tries to follow the tenants written by the historical figures, ONE of the ELEVEN and TWO of the ELEVEN, who saved her country from collapse many years ago. Each chapter begins with two of these tenants. These ELEVEN outlawed the soothsayers and executed all they could find. Hesina’s dilemma is palpable, as she feels sympathy for these people and must deny it or lose her throne and possibly her life. 

As you turn pages, the danger continues to mount and none of Hesina’s options seem acceptable. At each turn, she is thwarted. And the betrayals are stunning. The epilogue gives the devastating ending closure but definitely leaves the door open for a sequel. 

In a market rife with stories where “strong, royal women face impossible odds,” this one includes a supernatural element and will appeal to fans of fantasy set in a different world.

Published by Albert Whitman & Co., April 2, 2019
ARC obtained from School Library Connection Magazine
416 pages

Rating: 4.5/5

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