The Dragon and the Sun Lotus

The Three Realms, #2

In the breathtaking sequel to The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, the battle has just begun. With Àn’yīng’s kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction, and amidst a budding forbidden romance, she must now risk everything to protect her world.

The first edition hardcover of The Dragon and the Sun Lotus will feature stunning ombre stenciled edges and exclusive printed endpapers!

A decade ago, the Kingdom of Night began the war against the Kingdom of Rivers, ravaging the lands and releasing mó—beautiful, ravenous demons—to roam free, drinking the souls of mortals. Now the mó have made it beyond the magical wards of the immortal realm—the Kingdom of Sky—and will not stop until the entire world falls to darkness.

Àn’yīng is determined to banish the mó to their realm and return the mortal realm to peace. But a stunning betrayal has turned the tides of this war: Her handsome rival from the Immortality Trials and the man she was falling in love with, Yù’chén, is now the enemy. Yù’chén is half mó, his mother none other than Sansiran, the Demon Queen of the Kingdom of Night . . . and the monster responsible for killing Àn’yīng’s father.

There is one hope for the future, though. The boy in the jade—Àn’yīng’s lifelong mystery guardian and heir to the last mortal Emperor—Hào’yáng. Àn’yīng and Hào’yáng must join forces to rally an army that stretches across realms, from the Four Seas of the Dragons to the Phoenixes of the Golden Desert. But first, Àn’yīng must awaken to the immortal power slumbering in her own veins.

The thrilling conclusion of The Three Realms duology!

Releases March 3, 2026

Pre-order The Dragon and the Sun Lotus to be automatically entered for a chance to win a Lotus Flower Necklace, Silk Scarf Shawl in peacock blue, The Heroine and Romantasy Scented Candle, Modwix slim rechargeable candle lighter in rose gold, $75 Barnes & Noble gift card, and signed hardcover copy of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom! The sweepstakes ends March 2nd, 2026.

Media Reviews

“With sweeping action, high stakes, and a shocking love triangle, this book has something for everyone with promises of more to come in the duology conclusion. Highly recommended.” — School Library Journal, starred review

“Mesmerizing worldbuilding … Quick pacing, thrilling action sequences, and devastating plot twists round out this riveting read.” — Publisher’s Weekly

“The explosive ending … will have everyone clamoring for the sequel.” — Booklist

“A page-turning blend of magic, competition, romance, and oh-so-many secrets.” — Kirkus

“One of the most swoon-worthy, complicated romances you’ll read this year.” — Paste Magazine

“A beautiful tale of duty, danger, and desire. Light and darkness blend into a heady smoke, making it impossible to see who is friend and who is foe.” — Rachel Gillig, New York Times bestselling author of One Dark Window

“A masterpiece of worldbuilding! With her lyrical prose, Amélie Wen Zhao blends angsty romance and Chinese lore to create a captivating fantasy brimming with magic.” — Danielle L. Jensen, New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood

“Lush and imaginative, with characters who will steal your heart from the very first page. The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is a brilliant entrance into the world of crossover romantasy.” — Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author of Defy the Night

“Simply gorgeous. From the prose to the setting, it is a painting created with words. … It’s deeply romantic and action packed, and I loved every moment.” — Nisha J. Tuli, bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

“A sweeping romantasy that’s sure to cause a buzz. Fast paced and brimming with a gritty allure, The Scorpion and the Night Blossom is your next must-read.” — Adalyn Grace, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Belladonna

“A moonlit, romantic tale about the monstrosity of humans and the humanity of monsters. Zhao has created a world brimming with cruel beauty, dark magic, and layered characters who will tear your heart out. I loved it!” — Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Fragile Enchantment

“Beauty and brutality go hand-in-hand in this sweeping, intense, and darkly romantic tale.” — Nicki Pau Preto, Sunday Times bestselling author of Bonesmith

“Amélie Wen Zhao has crafted an exquisite moonlit story that is both thrilling and romantic. Gorgeously written and impossible to put down.” — Vanessa Len, internationally bestselling author of Only a Monster