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Ticana Zhu is a free spirit with a traditional heart. Her stories embody this essence, playing at the tension between what one wishes to do and what needs to be done. Her main characters are Asian; many channeling her experiences growing up on two sides of the world. She prefers to write memoir style, getting into the psyche of the protagonist. Ticana writes historical and science fiction, occasionally fantasy.
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Dynasty of Summer: Part One by Ticana Zhu is an epic historical novel that revolves around Princess Summer and the Zhenxun Empire. A lighthearted and naive girl by nature, she was oblivious to the ways of the world. Her first introduction to the world’s cruelty was when her half-brother, Prince Ting, was murdered in the quest for power. His best friend, Hanming, was set up to take the fall for his death. Treachery and betrayal were the order of the day. Someone wanted her father’s throne, and her family was not safe. Again, on the way to Nan kingdom where she’d start married life, she encountered another sabotage. Will Summer survive the sabotage? Will she learn the ways of the world and beat them at their own game?
Dynasty of Summer: Part One by Ticana Zhu is epic and full of adventure. It is set in historical Asia and has a cultural depth to it. This novel covered selflessness, courage, deceit, wit, love, betrayal, and loyalty. The plot was unique and had an engaging storyline. The character development was perfect, especially Winter’s, Summer’s, and Hanming’s. I enjoyed watching these characters getting refined and adjusting to suit their circumstances over time. Summer’s time in the wild was one of the best parts of the story. I loved the first-person and third-person narrative employed in the novel as it made the story enjoyable. Dresses, architectural styles, and instrumentation were era appropriate... And just when I was getting to the climax, Ticana introduced a cliffhanger. I would love to read more from Zhu!
