Empress: A Novel

Now available with P.S., Empress is the hugely popular historical novel of one of China’s most controversial historical figures: its first female emperor, Empress Wu, who emerged in the Tang Dynasty and ushered in a golden age. Writing with epic assurance, poetry, and vivid historic detail, Shan Sa, author of Alexander and Alestria, plumbs the psychological and philosophical depths of what it means to be a striving mortal in a tumultuous, power-hungry world.

One of China's most controversial figures, Empress Wu was its first and only female emperor, emerging in the seventh century during the great Tang Dynasty to usher in a golden age. Throughout history, her name has been defamed and her story distorted. But now, after thirteen centuries, Empress Wu flings open the gates of the Forbidden City and tells her own astonishing tale—revealing a fascinating, complex figure who in many ways remains modern to this day.

Writing with epic assurance, poetry, and vivid historic detail, Shan Sa plumbs the psychological and philosophical depths of what it means to be a striving mortal in a tumultuous, power-hungry world. Empress is a great literary feat and a revelation for the ages.

“A compelling read and surprisingly easy to follow, given its exotic complexity.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Brilliant . . . illuminates the life and times of one of the ancient world’s most powerful, capable, and overlooked women.” - Booklist

“Luxurious and intelligent . . . part pageant, part politics as ballet; a lavish portrayal of life in early civilized China.” - Alan Cheuse, NPR.org