Weina Dai Randel was born and raised in China. Her passion for history compels her to share classical Chinese literature, tales of Chinese dynasties, and stories of Chinese historical figures with American readers. She is an adjunct professor and is also a member of the Historical Novel Society. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

"A very successful and transporting novel that beautifully captures the sounds, smells and social mores of 7th-century China." - Historical Novels Review, Editor's Choice

eloquent first novel...a must for historical fiction fans, especially those fascinated by China's glorious past.

A very successful and transporting novel that beautifully captures the sounds, smells and social mores of 7th-century China.

Randel's novel is an impressive tale of lethal court intrigue that is seductive and alluring. It is a story of one woman's rise to power, but also of the relationships between the women of the palace. Readers will be transported by the colorful, fairy-tale-like story.

"Like fragile yet strong silk threads, Randel's beautifully composed debut ensnares readers in the dynamic story of the young girl who would become Empress of the Bright Moon. Randel's novel is an impressive tale of lethal court intrigue that is seductive and alluring. It is a story of one woman's rise to power, but also of the relationships between the women of the palace. Readers will be transported by the colorful, fairy-tale-like story." - RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars, TOP PICK!

"I absolutely loved Weina Dai Randel's The "Moon in the Palace," which is a truly immersive experience and a rare and beautiful treasure. All I want now is to read the next novel!" - Elizabeth Chadwick, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Queen, The Winter Crown, and The Autumn Throne

"The "Moon in the Palace" offers a satisfying, richly-imagined account of how Mei, a young girl forced to become a royal concubine, manages not only to survive treachery but win her way into an emperor's favor. Mei is a triumph of intelligence and passion, cunning and courage. Randel has provided a strong cast of supporting characters, successfully resisting stereotypes of eunuchs and concubines; in the end we realize they are all victims of the crucible that is the Imperial court." - Janie Chang, author of Three Souls

"An astonishing debut! Weina Dei Randal spins a silken web of lethal intrigue, transporting us into the fascinating, seductive world of ancient China, where one rebellious, astute girl embarks on a dangerous quest for power." - C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of The Queen's Vow

"The "Moon in the Palace" is a colorful and vibrant journey into the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Weina Randel weaves a captivating tale about the intrigues of the inner court through the eyes of the woman who would become the most infamous Empress in Chinese history, finding a human story of love and hope amidst bloodshed and treachery. I couldn't stop reading this exciting debut novel." - Jeannie Lin, USA Today bestselling author of The Lotus Palace

"With elegant, modern prose and vivid details, Randel's gorgeous debut novel seductively pulls back the curtain to reveal the heartbreaking world of harem politics in Tang Dynasty China. Exploring the early years of the legendary Empress Wu when she was still a concubine struggling to survive the whims of the man who ruled her, the book's brave and clever heroine finds herself at the center of intrigue and civil war. This is a page turner that will transport you in time and place. Bravo!" - Stephanie Dray, author of Lily of the Nile --This text refers to the paperback edition.