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Weina Dai Randel

Biography

Weina Dai Randel

Weina Dai Randel is the author of THE MOON IN THE PALACE and THE EMPRESS OF BRIGHT MOON, historical novels of Empress Wu, the first and only female ruler in China.

She was born and raised in China. English is her second language. She came to the U.S. at the age of 24. She has worked as a journalist, a magazine editor and an adjunct professor.

Her interest in classical Chinese literature was sparked at an early age when she first read THE DREAM OF THE RED MANSION, at night with a flashlight, as her parents deemed it inappropriate. She has a passion to share with American readers tales of dynasties that have risen and fallen, and stories of memorable historical figures, especially women.

Weina received an M.A. in English from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, where she was inspired to write about Empress Wu of China.

Interviews and articles about Weina and her book have appeared on Library Journal, The Huffington Post, The Dallas Morning NewsKirkus Reviews and Tall Poppies.org.

She lives in Flower Mound, Texas, with her loving husband and two children.

Weina Dai Randel

Books by Weina Dai Randel

by Weina Dai Randel - Fiction, Historical Fiction

At the moment of the Emperor's death, everything changes in the palace. Mei, his former concubine, is free, and Pheasant, the heir and Mei's lover, is proclaimed as the new Emperor, heralding a new era in China. But just when Mei believes she's closer to her dream, Pheasant's chief wife, Lady Wang, turns against Mei and takes unthinkable measures to stop her. The power struggle that ensues will determine Mei's fate --- and that of China. Surrounded by enemies within the palace that she calls home, Mei continues her journey to the throne in this second book of Weina Dai Randel's acclaimed duology.

by Weina Dai Randel - Fiction, Historical Fiction

A concubine at the palace learns quickly that there are a number of ways to capture the Emperor's attention. Many paint their faces white and style their hair attractively. Some present him with fantastic gifts, such as jade pendants and scrolls of calligraphy, while others rely on their knowledge of seduction to draw his interest. Young Mei knows nothing of these womanly arts, yet she will give the Emperor a gift he can never forget. But just as she is in a position to seduce the most powerful man in China, divided loyalties split the palace in two, culminating in a perilous battle that Mei can only hope to survive.