From Publishers Weekly — Transforming China's Taiping Rebellion (1847-1864) into a backdrop for superior entertainment, this debut novel evokes a realm of infinite mystery where spirit-women heal the sick and divine the future, where wives and concubines perilously ally themselves against their still more treacherous husbands. Through a world that includes the politics of imperial courts, ancient legends of warrior goddesses or catastrophic seductresses, and the followers of the self-proclaimed Younger Brother of Jesus Christ moves the spirit-woman Rulan. A heroine whose rare appeal more than mitigates the implausibility of her adventures, Rulan exorcises demons, stays at a commune of invincible and self-sufficient women, serves as a spy in the household of a mighty family, wages battle alongside the rebel forces and, of course, loves and is loved. Details enhance the story's allure: a meal features "shrimp cunningly arranged on rare, out-of-season vegetables in the shape of a flower." Despite a weak, sensationalistic beginning and occasionally precious language (a "bewhiskered carp") this epic-length historical romance has the power to beguile.

From School Library Journal

An intriguing tale of 19th-century China using the bloody Taiping Rebellion as a framework. Readers witness the many facets of this turbulent period through the eyes of the heroine, Rulan. Rulan as the healer, concubine, warrior, and spy is as multifaceted and intriguing as the world in which she lives. The book is woven around a legend about Linda Sledge's great-grandfather, a foundling adopted into the clan during the rebellion. The authors maintain high interest with fast-paced action as the historical events of the Taiping Rebellion and the ruthless Manchu reactions demonstrate the disparity that exists between the decadent ruling class and the oppressed peasants of the south. The mysterious world of the animist, Lao Tzu, Confucius, and Buddha is enchantingly revealed to readers through the beliefs of the main characters. Due to the enormous amount of historical research that is evident throughout, the book will help students put the historical events of the period into perspective. The map illustrating the route of the March to Nanking in 1852-1853 is very helpful.