In this epic YA fantasy about found family, rivals, and questions of identity, New York Times—bestselling author Joan He reimagines the Three Kingdoms, the first of the Four Classics of Chinese Literature.

Orphaned at a young age, Zephyr took control of her fate by becoming the best strategist of the land, serving under Xin Ren, a warlord whose loyalty to the empress Xin Bao is double-edged; her honor draws Zephyr to her cause, but it also jeopardizes their survival in a war where one must betray or be betrayed. When Zephyr is forced to infiltrate an enemy camp to keep Ren’s followers from being slaughtered, she encounters the enigmatic Crow, an opposing strategist who is finally her match. But there are more enemies than one — and not all of them are human.

Meet Joan He and Joan’s conversation partner in all things YA, Chloe Gong! Join us Live & In-Person at Books of Wonder on 17th Street and Pre-Order your copy of Strike The Zither online at Books of Wonder to receive a silver peacock bookmark, a double-sided art card by Velinxi, and a bonus Descendant of the Crane BOOKMARK while supplies last!

Can’t join us in person? Don’t worry — you can watch the live event online via Crowdcast! Register here.

What you need to know to join us:

• We recommend RSVPing to attend! RSVPing here guarantees entry to the event if you are among the first 100 registrants. Please make sure to RSVP for your full party, including any and all children.

• Please note that there will only be 100 RSVPs available. Guests who have RSVPed must arrive by 5:50 PM in order to claim their spot. After that time, the reserved seat will become available to walk-up guests.

• If you are not among the first 100 RSVPs, you can still purchase a copy of DRAGON’S PROMISE and join the signing queue to have your book signed and personalized by Elizabeth Lim! Doors will open for the signing queue around 6:45 PM.

• All attendees over the age of 2 will need to wear a mask while in the store, as per NYC guidelines for live indoor events.

• Remember: if you are not feeling well please do not attend this event!

If you have any questions about the event or any of these guidelines please be sure to reach out to us at [email protected]

About the author:

Joan He was born and raised in Philadelphia but still will, on occasion, lose her way. At a young age, she received classical instruction in oil painting before discovering that storytelling was her favorite form of expression. She studied Psychology and East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Pennsylvania and currently writes in Chicago. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We’re Meant to Find, Descendant of the Crane, and the forthcoming Strike the Zither, the first in a duology, releasing from Macmillan on October 25, 2022.

Time: 6:00 PM — 7:00 PM EDT

Free!

Registration