Tribute

Tribute by Sherwood Smith, published by Book View Cafe on November 27, 2023, is a fantasy novel that marks the beginning of a series set in the world of the Phoenix Feather quartet. This edition spans 476 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Bu, a twelve-year-old girl who is near-sighted and considered unwanted, as she navigates a music audition that could determine her fate. Alongside her is Granny Zim, the head of the music academy, who is intrigued by a student named YinYin, who may not be entirely human. Their lives take a dramatic turn when imperial warships arrive, demanding tribute and leading them into an uncertain future.
Readers will find an exploration of friendship, love, and the complexities of power and responsibility as Bu, YinYin, and Granny Zim embark on an adventure that transcends the human world. The narrative draws inspiration from classic Chinese epics and incorporates elements of epic fantasy and romance. As they rely on their musical talents in a troubled empire, the characters confront profound questions about what it means to be human. This edition invites readers into a richly woven tale that blends the fantastical with the deeply personal.
Official synopsis Publisher
The first in a series set in the world of the Phoenix Feather quartet, Tribute is inspired by the great Chinese epics such as Water Margin and Dream of Red Chamber as well as wuxia and xuanhuan series such as Nirvana in Fire and Joy of Life.
Bu is twelve and near-sighted, an unwanted daughter sent to a music audition. If she fails, she’s on her own. Elderly Granny Zim, who knows that soon she must retire as head of the music academy, is fascinated by YinYin, a student who might not be human. YinYin and Bu become friends.
Life is settling down when warships show up on the horizon. It’s the imperials, here to demand tribute. They take Bu, YinYin, and Granny Zim to a new, uncertain life in the troubled empire, where their only skill is their music.
But Granny Zim knows that music is a knife without a hilt.
Tribute takes the reader on an adventure from the human world to the realm of the transcendent, via friendship, love, and questions about power, responsibility, and what it means to be human.
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