Deathly Fates - by Tesia Tsai (Hardcover)

About the Book

In order to save her father, corpse-driving priestess Kang Siying accepts a dangerous job, but when she accidentally resurrects a dead prince instead of reanimating his body, he offers her twice her original reward to help him, sending them both on a perilous journey as they uncover dark secrets that could endanger the entire kingdom.

Book Synopsis

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 priestess paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. However, when her beloved father collapses, 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. 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 Quotes

The Nerd Daily, "Anticipated Book Releases Hitting Shelves In 2026"

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Reactor Mag, "30 SFF Titles to Look Forward to in 2026", "Most Anticipated Young Adult SFF/H for March & April 2026"

BookBub, "The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2026"

Swooon, "13 Best Romantasy Books of 2026 (So Far)"

Fangirlish, "The 11 Best Fantasy Books of April 2026"

"Adventure, intrigue, and romance; a Chinese-inspired fantasy debut that has it all." - Kirkus (starred review)

"Evocative prose layered with Chinese folklore guides readers along a fantastical adventure filled with necromancy, political intrigue, and blossoming romance." - Publishers Weekly

"Nonstop action will keep readers, especially those who enjoy episodic monster-of-the-week adventures, turning the pages." - School Library Journal

"Tsai's debut captures the profundity of love and sacrifice against a backdrop of Asian folklore, perfect for readers seeking meaningful adventure." - Booklist

"Deathly Fates is a lush and mesmerising tale that blends adventure with mystery, and is also deeply heartfelt in the way it explores the responsibilities that we bear to the ones we care about. Siying and Ren are two of my favourite characters to ever grace the page, and their journey and growth will keep you captivated throughout. This is a debut not to be missed!" --Amber Chen, UK #1 bestselling author of Of Jade and Dragons

"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

"Set in a fascinating world populated with unforgettable characters, Deathly Fates is a beautiful tale of love and loss, and of hope that shines brightly in the darkness." --June Hur, New York Times bestselling author of A Crane Among Wolves

"Deathly Fates had me staying up too late, frantic to see what was going to happen next. A breathlessly fun, richly characterized joy of a debut with the most unexpected pair I've ever met." --Cassandra Khaw, USA Today bestselling author of The Library at Hellebore

"A vivid, sweeping fantasy that captures the very real devastation of war. With haunting prose and a heart-stopping romance that transcends death itself, Tesia Tsai's debut marks her as a writer to watch." --Ann Liang, New York Times bestselling author of A Song to Drown Rivers

"Beauty and sorrow intertwine in Deathly Fates, whose gorgeous, atmospheric prose will transport you right to the forests and towns of a Chinese-inspired fantasy world where ganshi necromancy is practiced. Eldest daughter Siying's tenacious love for her family will resonate with anyone who has carried more responsibility on their shoulders for their loved ones than they should have to. A poetic gem of a book that will linger in your soul long after the final page." --Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow

About the Author

Tesia Tsai was born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Taiwan. She currently teaches at Brigham Young University, and lives with her husband, two cats, and a dog in Utah. When not writing or reading, she enjoys watching Asian dramas, playing video games, and planning her next trip.