Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (Rise of the Empress #1) by Julie C. Dao

Fine, read condition. Hardcover with Dust Jacket.

Synopsis: Set in an Est Asian-inspired fantasy world filled with both breathtaking pain and beauty. Julie C. Dao's reimagining of the Evil Queen legend from Snow White possess all the hallmarks of masterful fantasy: dazzling magic, heartbreaking romance, and a world that hangs in the balance.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Gunna, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng's majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins-- sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.

Fans of The Wrath and the Dawn, Stealing Snow, and Red Queen will devour this stunning debut.