After a terrible curse traps the man she loves in a dragon’s form, will Lan’s perilous quest for a mythical flower be enough to reverse the dark magic?
In “Song of the Crimson Flower,” Julie C. Dao crafts a lyrical and enchanting young adult fantasy that will resonate deeply with older readers who appreciate a tale of atonement, magic, and the winding path to true love. We are introduced to Lan, a proud nobleman’s daughter who, in a moment of heartbreak and cruelty, rejects the affections of Bao, a gentle physician’s apprentice. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers that her harsh words have left Bao vulnerable to a witch’s curse, trapping his soul within his cherished flute. Driven by a powerful surge of remorse, Lan embarks on a perilous journey alongside the cursed instrument and the spirit within, determined to undo the damage she has caused. This quest, born of regret, blossoms into an adventure that is at once a tender love story and a vibrant, immersive fairytale.
Dao weaves a world rich with Vietnamese-inspired folklore and tradition, creating a setting that feels both timeless and new. The narrative landscape is dotted with lush forests, bustling marketplaces, and the looming threat of a mysterious illness known as the “bloodpox,” all of which add layers of intrigue and urgency to Lan and Bao’s quest. The story explores themes of honor, forgiveness, and the meaning of family, moving beyond the surface of a simple romance. For students of Vietnamese heritage, this book can serve as a beautiful mirror, reflecting cultural nuances and oral traditions in a fantasy setting. For others, it is a captivating window into a world of rich mythology and different perspectives on love and duty, offering a powerful narrative that challenges characters to look past social status and see the true worth of an individual.
As a Vietnamese-American author, Julie C. Dao lends a powerful authenticity to her storytelling, drawing from the folktales of her heritage to create a narrative that is both personal and universally appealing. A recipient of honors from the Junior Library Guild, “Song of the Crimson Flower” is more than just a fantasy novel; it is a curriculum-worthy exploration of character development, empathy, and the consequences of our words. The book’s lasting impression lies in its gentle insistence that love is not a grand, instantaneous declaration, but a quiet, steady journey of growth and understanding. It is a powerful and relevant choice for today’s young people, reminding them that the most meaningful adventures are often the ones we take to right our wrongs and, in doing so, discover our truest selves.
