Recent Reads: Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai 
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication Date:  April 14, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

"Rich and wholeheartedly poignant. Deathly Fates sings with profound spirit, exploring the consequences of war and the scars cut by nobility during trying times. An entrancing world that will certainly linger." —Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

A sweeping debut inspired by the Chinese folk practice of necromancy, Deathly Fates is perfect for fans of Descendant of the Crane, The Bone Shard Daughter, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.

As a corpse-driving priestess, a holy servant paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her beloved father collapses due to his declining health, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to provide her father with the medical aid he needs, Siying accepts a dangerous job that promises a generous commission, and travels to a hostile state to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.

But the moment Siying places her reanimation talisman on the dead prince's head, rather than make the corpse obedient to Siying's commands, the talisman brings the prince back to life. Worse, he won't stay alive for long―not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.

In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid the frustratingly handsome prince in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince's death―secrets that could endanger both Siying's father and their entire kingdom.

Review: 

This was such a beautiful fantasy with a richly atmospheric world inspired by Chinese culture that made every setting and interaction feel vivid and immersive. From the very beginning, the story balances mystery and suspense incredibly well, pulling me into Siying’s journey immediately.

Siying is a corpse-driving priestess whose job is to guide the dead home, but everything changes when she accidentally revives the corpse she’s meant to deliver...who also happens to be a prince. Instead of remaining obedient under her talisman, he comes back to life, and the two are forced into a journey across the country to collect enough life force to keep him alive.

What I really loved was Siying’s internal conflict throughout the novel. She’s driven by her desperate need to earn money to save her ailing father, but she also grows increasingly tied to the prince and his survival. Their journey becomes much more than a mission for qi - it slowly transforms into a story about purpose, responsibility, and understanding the lives of ordinary people. Watching the prince gain perspective outside of royal life was one of the most rewarding parts of the book. The novel also explores grief, love, loss, and peace in a really thoughtful way.

The romance is definitely a slow burn, but the forced-proximity dynamic was incredibly cute and developed naturally over time. I loved seeing the relationship build gradually through shared experiences and emotional vulnerability rather than instant attraction. And the grumpy-sunshine vibe is her being a grump and him trying to capture her attentions. So cute. 

Overall, this was an emotional and immersive fantasy with strong character growth, beautiful cultural elements, and a romance that felt earned by the end. Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy adventures with mystery, emotional depth, and slow-burn romance.