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La última concubina
Cuando su hermano la entrega sin su consentimiento para que forme parte del harén del general Hüi Wei a modo de tributo, la única duda de la princesa Lan’xiu es cuánto tardarán en descubrir su secreto. No se hace ilusiones. Cuando el general descubra que en realidad es un hombre, la muerte será su único futuro… Aunque no tiene la intención de ponérselo fácil. Lan’xiu lleva toda la vida vistiéndose como una mujer, pero no es una doncella en apuros. Puede manejar una espada como el que más.
El general Hüi Wei tiene todo lo que un hombre puede desear: poder, riquezas, éxito en el campo de batalla y un harén de concubinas. Al principio mira a Lan’xiu con reserva, pero se siente extrañamente atraído por ella. Cuando descubre que la bella joven es en realidad un hombre, su primera reacción es desenvainar la espada. Pero en lugar de desperdiciar su belleza, decide disfrutar de la sumisión del brioso Lan’xiu que enciende en él una pasión y un deseo más profundo que el que había sentido por sus esposas. Pero las intrigas de la corte, las ambiciones políticas y las dudas del general, pueden llegar a convertirse en un obstáculo insalvable para su amor.
El general Hüi Wei tiene todo lo que un hombre puede desear: poder, riquezas, éxito en el campo de batalla y un harén de concubinas. Al principio mira a Lan’xiu con reserva, pero se siente extrañamente atraído por ella. Cuando descubre que la bella joven es en realidad un hombre, su primera reacción es desenvainar la espada. Pero en lugar de desperdiciar su belleza, decide disfrutar de la sumisión del brioso Lan’xiu que enciende en él una pasión y un deseo más profundo que el que había sentido por sus esposas. Pero las intrigas de la corte, las ambiciones políticas y las dudas del general, pueden llegar a convertirse en un obstáculo insalvable para su amor.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
42 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Catt Ford
33 books207 followersCatt Ford lives in front of the computer monitor, in another world where her imaginary gay friends obey her every command.
She likes cats, chocolate, swing dancing, sleeping, Monty Python, Aussie friends, being silly, spinning other realities with words, and sea glass. She dislikes caterpillars, cigarette smoke, and rude people who think the F-word (as in faggot, or bundle of sticks) is acceptable.
A frustrated perfectionist, she comforts herself with the legend about the weavers of Persian rugs always including one mistake so as not to anger the gods, although she has no need to include a mistake on purpose. One always slips through. Writing fiction has filled a need for clever conversations, only possible when one is in control of both sides, and erotic romances, where everything for the most part turns out happily ever after.
Visit Catt's blog at http://catt-ford.livejournal.com/.
She likes cats, chocolate, swing dancing, sleeping, Monty Python, Aussie friends, being silly, spinning other realities with words, and sea glass. She dislikes caterpillars, cigarette smoke, and rude people who think the F-word (as in faggot, or bundle of sticks) is acceptable.
A frustrated perfectionist, she comforts herself with the legend about the weavers of Persian rugs always including one mistake so as not to anger the gods, although she has no need to include a mistake on purpose. One always slips through. Writing fiction has filled a need for clever conversations, only possible when one is in control of both sides, and erotic romances, where everything for the most part turns out happily ever after.
Visit Catt's blog at http://catt-ford.livejournal.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 30, 2016
CAUTION: Long Review, Spoilers
The story has a couple of flaws, and depending on readers' pet peeves the flaws can be overlooked or maddening. I managed to overlook all of them but one. And that one flaw cost this book a star.
Cultural Accuracy, the lack thereof
The book was written in an apparent Western PoV because of the egocentric way the character acted and thought. The characters didn't seriously consider the potential consequences of their action about how it might affect friends, family, and the kingdom at large. To explain it another way, the characters acted more like American-born Chinese than ancient Chinese people.
The book did get the courtly etiquette correctly, but there seemed to be a belief that genuflecting is for public display. No. People of lower position have to genuflect at every occasion, even when it is private and to their loved ones. It is especially important when their loved ones are rulers and royals. Lan'xiu and Hüi Wei were too intimate with each other too quickly.
In another example, the fact that Lan'xiu was a man and not a woman with a working reproductive system whose purpose is to pump out children was glossed over. The infertility cover-up was good but it lacked the seriousness and, in fact, should have brought more troubles than it solved. It didn't matter that Hüi Wei had many children already. This was a family-oriented culture. Infertility shouldn't have been dismissed as a trivial thing.
In spite of these examples and a few more, the cultural inaccuracies were within my tolerance. YMMV.
The Transgender Issue, the lack thereof
I loved Lan'xiu. I loved how his being a transgender was largely a non-issue, in the sense that there was no angst, bigotry, and preachy talk about gender identity. I expected Lan'xiu to resent his mother for raising him as a girl so his half brother, Lord Wu Min, wouldn't kill him as a potential male rival to his half brother's inheritance. Turned out Lan'xiu loved his mother and liked being a women.
I also loved Hüi Wei's quick acceptance of Lan'xiu, mostly because that meant I didn't have to wait for smut to appear.
The only thing that bothered me about Lan'xiu was the shallow characterization of him as an Oracle. The story said he was Oracle in the beginning and didn't mention it again till near the end when Lan'xiu and Hüi Wei went to war against Wu Min. The Oracle part of the story reeked of Deus Ex Machina.
Technically Polygamy, Truly Monogamy
Lan'xiu became Hüi Wei's seventh wife which meant Hüi Wei had six other wives. In ancient China, polygamy was the norm. In a way this made the romance a menage, but it wasn't. Far from it.
Hüi Wei treated his 1st wife, the "official" wife, as a best friend much to her sadness because she really loved him. As for the other five wives, he married them out of obligation; he treated four as friendly acquaintances and one as a political burden.
Before Lan'xiu became his seventh wife, Hüi Wei didn't have sexual relations with any of the six wives for years. Though it wasn't required of the story, the romance was kept strictly between Lan'xiu and Hüi Wei.
By law, Hüi Wei had seven wives. By practice, by true love Hüi Wei had one wife: Lan'xiu.
Gay For You, Or Maybe Just Gay
Since Hüi Wei didn't have any sexual interest in his wives for years, I wasn't convinced that Hüi Wei went GFY for Lan'xiu. When Hüi Wei discovered the protagonist was male and promptly shagged him that night, my hunch that Hüi Wei was a slow-blooming gay became definite.
The hunch solidified when Hüi Wei admitted to his best friend, Lord Jiang, that he liked the gay sex.
Honestly, it did not matter to me that he was gay or GFY. However, I liked to believe Hüi Wei was gay because that meant there was zero chance he would ever be interested in his other wives who would vie for his attention and make the romance a true ménage.
The Sexual Content: I wanted more
Lan'xiu was submissive, Hüi Wei was dominant; they made clothes-ripping passionate love. I was disappointed when the smut tapered off towards the end of the story. I was hoping for a sex scene at the ending but instead got a HEA narrated explicitly, much my distaste.
There was a HEA, yet...
The story was told in 3rd PoV with Lan'xiu and Hüi Wei's as the dominant PoVs. However, the story began and ended with some italicized paragraphs of 3rd person omniscient narrative to set the tone of the book as a (pseudo) historical. I was fine with the beginning narrative, but I was infuriated by the ending narrative.
spoiled the romance for me. TM-fucking-I.
I really wished the HEA was left to the imagination, instead of being explicitly spelled out.
In Conclusion
I rate The Last Concubine 3-stars for I liked it.
I recommend the book to readers who prefer contemporary romance and generally avoid historical ones, and readers who want a decent plot with some D/s smut. I do not recommend the book to readers who prefer historical romance and insist on accuracy.
For similar smutty reads, try:
The story has a couple of flaws, and depending on readers' pet peeves the flaws can be overlooked or maddening. I managed to overlook all of them but one. And that one flaw cost this book a star.
Cultural Accuracy, the lack thereof
The book was written in an apparent Western PoV because of the egocentric way the character acted and thought. The characters didn't seriously consider the potential consequences of their action about how it might affect friends, family, and the kingdom at large. To explain it another way, the characters acted more like American-born Chinese than ancient Chinese people.
The book did get the courtly etiquette correctly, but there seemed to be a belief that genuflecting is for public display. No. People of lower position have to genuflect at every occasion, even when it is private and to their loved ones. It is especially important when their loved ones are rulers and royals. Lan'xiu and Hüi Wei were too intimate with each other too quickly.
In another example, the fact that Lan'xiu was a man and not a woman with a working reproductive system whose purpose is to pump out children was glossed over. The infertility cover-up was good but it lacked the seriousness and, in fact, should have brought more troubles than it solved. It didn't matter that Hüi Wei had many children already. This was a family-oriented culture. Infertility shouldn't have been dismissed as a trivial thing.
In spite of these examples and a few more, the cultural inaccuracies were within my tolerance. YMMV.
The Transgender Issue, the lack thereof
I loved Lan'xiu. I loved how his being a transgender was largely a non-issue, in the sense that there was no angst, bigotry, and preachy talk about gender identity. I expected Lan'xiu to resent his mother for raising him as a girl so his half brother, Lord Wu Min, wouldn't kill him as a potential male rival to his half brother's inheritance. Turned out Lan'xiu loved his mother and liked being a women.
I also loved Hüi Wei's quick acceptance of Lan'xiu, mostly because that meant I didn't have to wait for smut to appear.
The only thing that bothered me about Lan'xiu was the shallow characterization of him as an Oracle. The story said he was Oracle in the beginning and didn't mention it again till near the end when Lan'xiu and Hüi Wei went to war against Wu Min. The Oracle part of the story reeked of Deus Ex Machina.
Technically Polygamy, Truly Monogamy
Lan'xiu became Hüi Wei's seventh wife which meant Hüi Wei had six other wives. In ancient China, polygamy was the norm. In a way this made the romance a menage, but it wasn't. Far from it.
Hüi Wei treated his 1st wife, the "official" wife, as a best friend much to her sadness because she really loved him. As for the other five wives, he married them out of obligation; he treated four as friendly acquaintances and one as a political burden.
Before Lan'xiu became his seventh wife, Hüi Wei didn't have sexual relations with any of the six wives for years. Though it wasn't required of the story, the romance was kept strictly between Lan'xiu and Hüi Wei.
By law, Hüi Wei had seven wives. By practice, by true love Hüi Wei had one wife: Lan'xiu.
Gay For You, Or Maybe Just Gay
Since Hüi Wei didn't have any sexual interest in his wives for years, I wasn't convinced that Hüi Wei went GFY for Lan'xiu. When Hüi Wei discovered the protagonist was male and promptly shagged him that night, my hunch that Hüi Wei was a slow-blooming gay became definite.
The hunch solidified when Hüi Wei admitted to his best friend, Lord Jiang, that he liked the gay sex.
Honestly, it did not matter to me that he was gay or GFY. However, I liked to believe Hüi Wei was gay because that meant there was zero chance he would ever be interested in his other wives who would vie for his attention and make the romance a true ménage.
The Sexual Content: I wanted more
Lan'xiu was submissive, Hüi Wei was dominant; they made clothes-ripping passionate love. I was disappointed when the smut tapered off towards the end of the story. I was hoping for a sex scene at the ending but instead got a HEA narrated explicitly, much my distaste.
There was a HEA, yet...
The story was told in 3rd PoV with Lan'xiu and Hüi Wei's as the dominant PoVs. However, the story began and ended with some italicized paragraphs of 3rd person omniscient narrative to set the tone of the book as a (pseudo) historical. I was fine with the beginning narrative, but I was infuriated by the ending narrative.
spoiled the romance for me. TM-fucking-I.
I really wished the HEA was left to the imagination, instead of being explicitly spelled out.
In Conclusion
I rate The Last Concubine 3-stars for I liked it.
I recommend the book to readers who prefer contemporary romance and generally avoid historical ones, and readers who want a decent plot with some D/s smut. I do not recommend the book to readers who prefer historical romance and insist on accuracy.
For similar smutty reads, try:
October 29, 2013
All the time I was reading this I could see it playing out in my mind like one of those epic Chinese films that are always filled with beautiful costumes, warlords, beautiful people and fabulous sets. It was a lovely, passionate romance and especially because of the time setting felt even more intense and vibrant. As to how historically correct it was....to be honest I really didn't care. It had that magical, legendary feel to it that just made me lose myself in the book.
Its the sort of story I love. Intrigue and romance, set around hidden identities. A beautiful princess who is really a Prince, capturing the heart of a tough warrior general who in turn falls passionately for the gorgeous young man regardless of his gender. Jealousy, plotting, murder attempts, politics and fascinating insights into a long past culture. Never boring though for one minute, it was absolutely captivating.
Great supporting characters, beautiful, sensual love scenes that made me tingle and a plot that flowed smoothly but still had lots of delicious twists and turns. One thing, if you're a reader who worries about the ' cheating ' aspect of the general having a number one wife and concubines, then don't. It was explained and handled brilliantly and fitted in with the era of the story. The ending was perfect and the epilogue actually made me fill up! Overall I just adored the pants off this one. * satisfied sighs *'
Definitely going in the keeper pile!
Its the sort of story I love. Intrigue and romance, set around hidden identities. A beautiful princess who is really a Prince, capturing the heart of a tough warrior general who in turn falls passionately for the gorgeous young man regardless of his gender. Jealousy, plotting, murder attempts, politics and fascinating insights into a long past culture. Never boring though for one minute, it was absolutely captivating.
Great supporting characters, beautiful, sensual love scenes that made me tingle and a plot that flowed smoothly but still had lots of delicious twists and turns. One thing, if you're a reader who worries about the ' cheating ' aspect of the general having a number one wife and concubines, then don't. It was explained and handled brilliantly and fitted in with the era of the story. The ending was perfect and the epilogue actually made me fill up! Overall I just adored the pants off this one. * satisfied sighs *'
Definitely going in the keeper pile!
July 18, 2012
4.5 stars
This story had a lot of elements that I enjoy reading about. For one, it's set in historical China (there just aren't enough Asian books out there, IMO), there's the whole arranged concubine theme, the deceptive secrets and the fact this Princess kicks ass!
Honestly, I loved this book. It's not perfect, I will admit that. The MCs, Hüi Wei and Lan'xiu, are instantly ensnared with each other. It's essentially love and lust at first sight even with all the chaos surrounding Lan'xiu's arrival. I enjoyed the story because I found the love they develop for each other sweet and intense. What Hüi Wei struggles with in regards to his position and how enemies could take advantage of his feelings for Lan'xiu was sad but interesting.
I've always been a sucker for stories that have a character pretending to be someone else and the fact Lan'xiu is disguised as a princess when he's really supposed to be a prince was intriguing for me. Especially when Lan'xiu actually enjoyed dressing in silks and satins as a woman as opposed to a man's clothing. I also liked the way Lan'xiu's identity was such a closely guarded secret and the way Shu Ning (Lan'xiu's eunuch) was so protective of Lan'xiu even though Lan'xiu was so fierce he was an ass kicking warrior.
As I said, though, this story isn't without its faults. For one, I know Lan'xiu was a princess to the outside world but even he considered himself as a 'she' in his own POV. I found that odd and he's not the only one that did that. Hüi Wei and Shu Ning did that, too, even though they knew the real Lan'xiu. Also, while the beginning was pretty good, the ending tended to have more scenes with head hopping.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It doesn't have much outside conflict but there are a few suspenseful parts. A bit too much sex at times for my tastes but the characters and their love story were fascinating to me and I had a hard time putting the book down.
And for all those wondering about the harem element to the story
This story had a lot of elements that I enjoy reading about. For one, it's set in historical China (there just aren't enough Asian books out there, IMO), there's the whole arranged concubine theme, the deceptive secrets and the fact this Princess kicks ass!
Honestly, I loved this book. It's not perfect, I will admit that. The MCs, Hüi Wei and Lan'xiu, are instantly ensnared with each other. It's essentially love and lust at first sight even with all the chaos surrounding Lan'xiu's arrival. I enjoyed the story because I found the love they develop for each other sweet and intense. What Hüi Wei struggles with in regards to his position and how enemies could take advantage of his feelings for Lan'xiu was sad but interesting.
I've always been a sucker for stories that have a character pretending to be someone else and the fact Lan'xiu is disguised as a princess when he's really supposed to be a prince was intriguing for me. Especially when Lan'xiu actually enjoyed dressing in silks and satins as a woman as opposed to a man's clothing. I also liked the way Lan'xiu's identity was such a closely guarded secret and the way Shu Ning (Lan'xiu's eunuch) was so protective of Lan'xiu even though Lan'xiu was so fierce he was an ass kicking warrior.
As I said, though, this story isn't without its faults. For one, I know Lan'xiu was a princess to the outside world but even he considered himself as a 'she' in his own POV. I found that odd and he's not the only one that did that. Hüi Wei and Shu Ning did that, too, even though they knew the real Lan'xiu. Also, while the beginning was pretty good, the ending tended to have more scenes with head hopping.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It doesn't have much outside conflict but there are a few suspenseful parts. A bit too much sex at times for my tastes but the characters and their love story were fascinating to me and I had a hard time putting the book down.
And for all those wondering about the harem element to the story
February 12, 2018
4.5
For those of you who know me, know that I love multiculturalism in books and I love Asians. This book had it in awesomeness, and I loved every freaking minute of reading it. However, not perfect I still loved it. This was my very first time reading Catt Ford, and it will not be my last. I enjoyed the writing, the flow, but most of all enjoyed the characters.
Princess Lan’Xiu has just been delivered to General Hui-Wei as a gift from her brother. The sentiment might seem kind enough but her brother is vile, and he has just guaranteed her death. Because though she might be beauty personified, Lan has a secret, and that secret could cost her, her life. Lan is a man but has lived his entire life as a woman. A plan once meant to protect her will now lead to her demise when the general comes to bed her.
Lan is taken to General’s Harem, where she would now be the seventh wife aka his last concubine. Hui only accepted Lan because he knows her brother is up to something, and he is wanting to get to bottom of whatever plan they have cooking. Though, from the first moment he saw the princess he has been filled with want. When he finally decides to bed her, Hui is faced with the surprise of a hard dick instead of women parts.
It’s not very hard to guess what happens next, but I was very much disappointed with it all. I wanted more anger from Hui. So he didn’t want to kill him, but he could have broken some furniture or set fire to the house with a lantern. I just wanted an authentic upset, for a warrior I could not accept him being deceived to go so smoothly. I also did not enjoy the quick jump into “You’re mine, and I’m yours”. Don’t get me wrong, love the possessive stuff but the pacing for this one was off and happened way too soon.
The story then moves to how life for Lan is, living in a harem, and the constant scrutiny from servants. Moreover, he is moving to an established home filled with other wives. The wives accept Lan with open arms except for one who brings the crazy. Seriously, she really brings the crazy but Lan is a princess you do not trifle with. I enjoyed all the characters; they are so colourful that there is a favourite to be found among all. I loved Lan and his eunuch they brought the funny. I loved Hui and Lan together they brought the sexy. I also enjoyed the wives; they had a friendship and lived like a family.
I loved the look at old China, the Qing Dynast. I could clearly see all the jewels, the descriptions of the cheongsams and hanfus, and I had no trouble picturing the beauty of the women. I am also wondering how nobody noticed the lack of breasts in Lan, I get the women aren't especially large but no breast in a cheongsam is kinda noticeable, and there was no talk of stuffing (just saying).
Overall, I really enjoyed the story even with all the faults. It was entertaining where it needed to be and I really enjoyed the ending. I liked the contrast between beauty and strength, and I could go into some gender stuff but that would be another few pages. Some readers may have a problem with Lan being referred to as female most of the time, but it didn’t bother me, I was always reminded he was male. So yes, I loved the book and recommend it to those looking to read something historical and sexy as feck.
SideNote- When a books has fancy names it should come with a glossary for pronunciation. Otherwise, I am calling them all kinds of fancy shit 🤷🏽♀️
For those of you who know me, know that I love multiculturalism in books and I love Asians. This book had it in awesomeness, and I loved every freaking minute of reading it. However, not perfect I still loved it. This was my very first time reading Catt Ford, and it will not be my last. I enjoyed the writing, the flow, but most of all enjoyed the characters.
Princess Lan’Xiu has just been delivered to General Hui-Wei as a gift from her brother. The sentiment might seem kind enough but her brother is vile, and he has just guaranteed her death. Because though she might be beauty personified, Lan has a secret, and that secret could cost her, her life. Lan is a man but has lived his entire life as a woman. A plan once meant to protect her will now lead to her demise when the general comes to bed her.
Lan is taken to General’s Harem, where she would now be the seventh wife aka his last concubine. Hui only accepted Lan because he knows her brother is up to something, and he is wanting to get to bottom of whatever plan they have cooking. Though, from the first moment he saw the princess he has been filled with want. When he finally decides to bed her, Hui is faced with the surprise of a hard dick instead of women parts.
It’s not very hard to guess what happens next, but I was very much disappointed with it all. I wanted more anger from Hui. So he didn’t want to kill him, but he could have broken some furniture or set fire to the house with a lantern. I just wanted an authentic upset, for a warrior I could not accept him being deceived to go so smoothly. I also did not enjoy the quick jump into “You’re mine, and I’m yours”. Don’t get me wrong, love the possessive stuff but the pacing for this one was off and happened way too soon.
The story then moves to how life for Lan is, living in a harem, and the constant scrutiny from servants. Moreover, he is moving to an established home filled with other wives. The wives accept Lan with open arms except for one who brings the crazy. Seriously, she really brings the crazy but Lan is a princess you do not trifle with. I enjoyed all the characters; they are so colourful that there is a favourite to be found among all. I loved Lan and his eunuch they brought the funny. I loved Hui and Lan together they brought the sexy. I also enjoyed the wives; they had a friendship and lived like a family.
I loved the look at old China, the Qing Dynast. I could clearly see all the jewels, the descriptions of the cheongsams and hanfus, and I had no trouble picturing the beauty of the women. I am also wondering how nobody noticed the lack of breasts in Lan, I get the women aren't especially large but no breast in a cheongsam is kinda noticeable, and there was no talk of stuffing (just saying).
Overall, I really enjoyed the story even with all the faults. It was entertaining where it needed to be and I really enjoyed the ending. I liked the contrast between beauty and strength, and I could go into some gender stuff but that would be another few pages. Some readers may have a problem with Lan being referred to as female most of the time, but it didn’t bother me, I was always reminded he was male. So yes, I loved the book and recommend it to those looking to read something historical and sexy as feck.
SideNote- When a books has fancy names it should come with a glossary for pronunciation. Otherwise, I am calling them all kinds of fancy shit 🤷🏽♀️
May 31, 2016
1.5 stars
Dear author, first, let me help you aware of this grave mistake that you did in your book.
He, She, It : these 3 different words in English actually have same pronunciation in Chinese --> Tā, even though each word have different character (he/him=他, she/her=她, it=它, He/She/Him/Her=祂 --> this one is to address deity/God) to determine which gender that you mean when you write it. But when you spell them or use them in a conversation, they all sound the same and gender-neutral so it's often left people wonder which gender the person is referring to in a conversation.
We Indonesian have this kind of gender-neutral word for those 3 words too. All are pronounced the same : "dia" for "he/she/it".
You can see an article about these Chinese words in this link for further explanation, I especially Google it for you : http://blog.tutorming.com/mandarin-ch...
Look here, those 3 pronouns can be a minor mistake that most non-Chinese often do especially if they aren't Chinese speaker, and I can even ignore other minor mistakes in the culture area in this book (as some Western authors sometimes didn't bother to research them industriously), but this one? I can't let it pass easily, not especially after how the author made all main characters in this book (4 people) stressed and fussed over it in half of the book and even have to kept reminding themselves to always use "she/her" rather than "he/him" when those 4 words actually has same pronunciation in Chinese.
It's laughable when Chinese natives or Chinese speaker (like me) discovered this mistake, especially when all MCs in this book, all of them are Chinese, yet they kept agonizing about those words like they were actually Chinese who spoke in English all their life, using "he/him" and "she/her" in English to refer someone. They actually fretted over nothing. Like a clown, all of them. A parody. *shakes head*
======================================
======================================
Like I said, this is a matter of lack of research, not because author aren't Chinese speaker thus can be excused from this mistake. Because if you are an author and gonna use these pronouns as one of the main conflict in your book, maybe you should be more careful and do extra research about its pronunciation too. Well, what done is done, let it be a lesson in the future.
Oh yeah, save the effort to argue that the setting is in Ancient China. No particular change was made for those pronouns in writing and pronunciation aspect, from Classical Chinese into Modern Standard Mandarin. Source : my elder who often watched Chinese historical drama set in Ancient China in which all the characters in the drama using Classical Chinese when they speak. My elder also read some classic literature too.
Aside from that mistake, I don't understand why the author always alternated between 'he' and 'she' whenever she described Lan'xiu from third person narration. To be honest, it's fucking annoying because in one paragraph she used 'he/him' pronoun for Lan'xiu when she narrated Lan'xiu's thought or situation at that time, but in next paragraph she changed it into 'she/her', just because, no particular reason as to why she did it, not because Lan'xiu is a crossdresser, because if that's the reason, she should stuck with 'she/her' all the time, so I concluded this author just did it on a whim, randomly, and it's also gave you impression that the author can't decide whether to use 'he' or 'she'. Like I said, I really fail to understand as to why the author had a great deal about this 'he/she' pronouns.
I believed I'd give this 4 stars-expectation because of the blurb (not too original because I've read something similar in yaoi manhwa Boy Princess by Kim Seyoung which its world building, character, and plot was executed better than this one), but then my gut had a premonition that I'd only give this 3 stars after the MCs' first meeting in the first few pages, and reduced 1 more star after their second meeting, until it became 1 star because it became so unbearable to read anymore, like a chore, not pleasurable anymore, a chore that I must finish because I hate to DNF a book.
Basically, this is a 2 dimensional characters' poorly-executed instalove story. Their romance is sooo unbelievable and ridiculous and overrated sometimes (like how their guard were moved into tears because of this couple's beautiful and heartwrenching love albeit those guards only had guarded them for their 3 days honeymoon, which the couple spent inside their room most of the time, so yeah, the guards' action was TOO overrated).
So it's reasonable that I blamed the storytelling, more telling than showing. It was like author wanted to make their love into a legend like Romeo & Juliet but failed miserably. I couldn't feel the chemistry between them, no matter how many times they professed their love to each other, I just felt "errrrrr..... okay, if you say so, but sorry I don't buy it..." and I felt empty, empty and unrelated from them when I should felt connected with them, felt emotional too when they were happy, sad, jealous, or maybe grinning like lunatic because of their love towards each other, etc. I felt nothing. Because they are flat and lifeless, 2D characters.
Don't get me wrong, I have read many instalove and even loved some of them and believed those as a love at first sight. But this one? sigh... Barely saw each other's face at their first meeting, Hui Wei the General made his new concubine waited for him for a week although he was quite enthusiastic and eager to fuck this so-called the most beautiful woman. Politic was the reason for the delay. Their second meeting/the wedding night finally happened when Hui Wei finally couldn't contain his dick in his pants anymore, only to almost kill Lan'xiu the gorgeous princess because she is a he. But then, the general's dick actually had more control than his brain and knew what best for him, all in one second, guys! *claps hands*
His pride was hurt and he's very angry that he wanted to kill him, but then what a waste it must be if his 'sword' didn't sheath into this beautiful male's body once before he kills him. Well, Lan'xiu is a male indeed, but he's very beautiful, more beautiful than a woman, and well, he has two holes right? (mouth and 'dark valley' = the author's favorite term to describe anus which always made me ROFL) to be use as a 'scabbard' for his 'sword'. A penis instead of vagina won't dissuade him to take what he wanted. All of this happened in one second, hail to the dick!
So, one moment he tried to kill Lan'xiu, next second, he couldn't wait to suck another man's dick. This is the part that I found soooo unbelievable. Hui Wei was straight, and it's clear that he loved beautiful woman and passionately fucked 2 of his wives before Lan'xiu exists (yes, he's an old man, I don't know how old, I assume around 40-50, because one wife even said he's too old for her taste, meanwhile Lan'xiu was around 17-18). But Hui Wei never had any doubt or internal struggle phase or maybe ponder for a while about his new-gained bisexuality at that moment, because once again, his dick knew the best. He's a dom (dominant), and Lan'xiu is his property, he'd rape him if he must (just like what he said before he went to meet Lan'xiu for their wedding night : He was in the position of power here. If she did not like him, it would make no difference. He would possess her against her will as often as he pleased. He owned her.).
Meanwhile Lan'xiu the virgin boy also hungry for his first sex, and he's a natural sub (submissive), wanted to please his master so much, he loves strong man, he is a woman inside, with extra penis. So you have the perfect pair here : dom x sub.
When Hui Wei said he'd rape Lan'xiu against his will... Hui Wei the husband-rapist-to-be...that's when I didn't care about their romance anymore. I kept reading this book not for the romance anymore, just because it's only 220 pages and I hate to DNF book so yeah I tried to endure the romance part which was not getting better, because it was getting more unbelievable and the sex scenes was getting so repetitive and not even made me turn on and I had to skim them, because honestly I didn't like both characters.
The conflict between 7 wives also made me rolled my eyes, it was like reading a harlequin romance, except the heroine here has a penis, and acted like woman all the time. The 7 wives sometimes held tea party to show off the jewels and gown from their husband. Honestly I didn't care about it. One of the wife was a jealous bitch who would try to kill other concubines for power as 1st wife. Basically, those seven wives just spent their time chatting or bickering while lunching once a week in the harem, and most of the time patiently wasted their time to wait the husband to lit their lantern if the husband wants to visit their house. So there are 7 houses here in harem area. And our 'heroine' here, every night he would anxiously waited for his new husband to come and take him. It's a life of a concubine as a 'bird in a gold cage', a jail, without access or free time to go outside harem, and that's why the story took place in harem most of the time, so that's why do not expect great world building from this book too.
Just like I said before, it was executed poorly, if not, I'd like this book more. Well, if you love Harlequin or a dominant and submissive relationship, then you might love this one.
Dear author, first, let me help you aware of this grave mistake that you did in your book.
He, She, It : these 3 different words in English actually have same pronunciation in Chinese --> Tā, even though each word have different character (he/him=他, she/her=她, it=它, He/She/Him/Her=祂 --> this one is to address deity/God) to determine which gender that you mean when you write it. But when you spell them or use them in a conversation, they all sound the same and gender-neutral so it's often left people wonder which gender the person is referring to in a conversation.
We Indonesian have this kind of gender-neutral word for those 3 words too. All are pronounced the same : "dia" for "he/she/it".
You can see an article about these Chinese words in this link for further explanation, I especially Google it for you : http://blog.tutorming.com/mandarin-ch...
Look here, those 3 pronouns can be a minor mistake that most non-Chinese often do especially if they aren't Chinese speaker, and I can even ignore other minor mistakes in the culture area in this book (as some Western authors sometimes didn't bother to research them industriously), but this one? I can't let it pass easily, not especially after how the author made all main characters in this book (4 people) stressed and fussed over it in half of the book and even have to kept reminding themselves to always use "she/her" rather than "he/him" when those 4 words actually has same pronunciation in Chinese.
It's laughable when Chinese natives or Chinese speaker (like me) discovered this mistake, especially when all MCs in this book, all of them are Chinese, yet they kept agonizing about those words like they were actually Chinese who spoke in English all their life, using "he/him" and "she/her" in English to refer someone. They actually fretted over nothing. Like a clown, all of them. A parody. *shakes head*
======================================
“Was the princess not pure when you first took her?”
“Untouched,” Hüi answered tersely.
“Then what happened? Is Lan’xiu stupid or deformed or disgusting or venal—”
“He is none of those!” Hüi roared and then stopped, his face shocked and dismayed that he had betrayed himself so easily.
“I mean ‘she’.”
“You meant ‘he’,” Jiang said calmly.
“Do not let me believe that you knew—you knew—this princess is a… a….”
“Male. Yes, I suspected, from the first.”
--------------------------------------
“Ning said we must call him ‘her’—”
“Who is Ning?”
“Lan’xiu’s eunuch, her servant. Ning refers to Lan’xiu always in the feminine. He says that it is safer.”
“Very well, no doubt he has long experience in guarding her secret. We will call her ‘she’.”
--------------------------------------
“He doesn’t look very well,” Jiang said softly.
“She is resilient. She heals quickly. Lan’xiu will surprise you. Tomorrow she will be out of bed, demanding to stand on her own two feet,” Ning said defiantly.
======================================
Like I said, this is a matter of lack of research, not because author aren't Chinese speaker thus can be excused from this mistake. Because if you are an author and gonna use these pronouns as one of the main conflict in your book, maybe you should be more careful and do extra research about its pronunciation too. Well, what done is done, let it be a lesson in the future.
Oh yeah, save the effort to argue that the setting is in Ancient China. No particular change was made for those pronouns in writing and pronunciation aspect, from Classical Chinese into Modern Standard Mandarin. Source : my elder who often watched Chinese historical drama set in Ancient China in which all the characters in the drama using Classical Chinese when they speak. My elder also read some classic literature too.
Aside from that mistake, I don't understand why the author always alternated between 'he' and 'she' whenever she described Lan'xiu from third person narration. To be honest, it's fucking annoying because in one paragraph she used 'he/him' pronoun for Lan'xiu when she narrated Lan'xiu's thought or situation at that time, but in next paragraph she changed it into 'she/her', just because, no particular reason as to why she did it, not because Lan'xiu is a crossdresser, because if that's the reason, she should stuck with 'she/her' all the time, so I concluded this author just did it on a whim, randomly, and it's also gave you impression that the author can't decide whether to use 'he' or 'she'. Like I said, I really fail to understand as to why the author had a great deal about this 'he/she' pronouns.
I believed I'd give this 4 stars-expectation because of the blurb (not too original because I've read something similar in yaoi manhwa Boy Princess by Kim Seyoung which its world building, character, and plot was executed better than this one), but then my gut had a premonition that I'd only give this 3 stars after the MCs' first meeting in the first few pages, and reduced 1 more star after their second meeting, until it became 1 star because it became so unbearable to read anymore, like a chore, not pleasurable anymore, a chore that I must finish because I hate to DNF a book.
Basically, this is a 2 dimensional characters' poorly-executed instalove story. Their romance is sooo unbelievable and ridiculous and overrated sometimes (like how their guard were moved into tears because of this couple's beautiful and heartwrenching love albeit those guards only had guarded them for their 3 days honeymoon, which the couple spent inside their room most of the time, so yeah, the guards' action was TOO overrated).
So it's reasonable that I blamed the storytelling, more telling than showing. It was like author wanted to make their love into a legend like Romeo & Juliet but failed miserably. I couldn't feel the chemistry between them, no matter how many times they professed their love to each other, I just felt "errrrrr..... okay, if you say so, but sorry I don't buy it..." and I felt empty, empty and unrelated from them when I should felt connected with them, felt emotional too when they were happy, sad, jealous, or maybe grinning like lunatic because of their love towards each other, etc. I felt nothing. Because they are flat and lifeless, 2D characters.
Don't get me wrong, I have read many instalove and even loved some of them and believed those as a love at first sight. But this one? sigh... Barely saw each other's face at their first meeting, Hui Wei the General made his new concubine waited for him for a week although he was quite enthusiastic and eager to fuck this so-called the most beautiful woman. Politic was the reason for the delay. Their second meeting/the wedding night finally happened when Hui Wei finally couldn't contain his dick in his pants anymore, only to almost kill Lan'xiu the gorgeous princess because she is a he. But then, the general's dick actually had more control than his brain and knew what best for him, all in one second, guys! *claps hands*
His pride was hurt and he's very angry that he wanted to kill him, but then what a waste it must be if his 'sword' didn't sheath into this beautiful male's body once before he kills him. Well, Lan'xiu is a male indeed, but he's very beautiful, more beautiful than a woman, and well, he has two holes right? (mouth and 'dark valley' = the author's favorite term to describe anus which always made me ROFL) to be use as a 'scabbard' for his 'sword'. A penis instead of vagina won't dissuade him to take what he wanted. All of this happened in one second, hail to the dick!
So, one moment he tried to kill Lan'xiu, next second, he couldn't wait to suck another man's dick. This is the part that I found soooo unbelievable. Hui Wei was straight, and it's clear that he loved beautiful woman and passionately fucked 2 of his wives before Lan'xiu exists (yes, he's an old man, I don't know how old, I assume around 40-50, because one wife even said he's too old for her taste, meanwhile Lan'xiu was around 17-18). But Hui Wei never had any doubt or internal struggle phase or maybe ponder for a while about his new-gained bisexuality at that moment, because once again, his dick knew the best. He's a dom (dominant), and Lan'xiu is his property, he'd rape him if he must (just like what he said before he went to meet Lan'xiu for their wedding night : He was in the position of power here. If she did not like him, it would make no difference. He would possess her against her will as often as he pleased. He owned her.).
Meanwhile Lan'xiu the virgin boy also hungry for his first sex, and he's a natural sub (submissive), wanted to please his master so much, he loves strong man, he is a woman inside, with extra penis. So you have the perfect pair here : dom x sub.
When Hui Wei said he'd rape Lan'xiu against his will... Hui Wei the husband-rapist-to-be...that's when I didn't care about their romance anymore. I kept reading this book not for the romance anymore, just because it's only 220 pages and I hate to DNF book so yeah I tried to endure the romance part which was not getting better, because it was getting more unbelievable and the sex scenes was getting so repetitive and not even made me turn on and I had to skim them, because honestly I didn't like both characters.
The conflict between 7 wives also made me rolled my eyes, it was like reading a harlequin romance, except the heroine here has a penis, and acted like woman all the time. The 7 wives sometimes held tea party to show off the jewels and gown from their husband. Honestly I didn't care about it. One of the wife was a jealous bitch who would try to kill other concubines for power as 1st wife. Basically, those seven wives just spent their time chatting or bickering while lunching once a week in the harem, and most of the time patiently wasted their time to wait the husband to lit their lantern if the husband wants to visit their house. So there are 7 houses here in harem area. And our 'heroine' here, every night he would anxiously waited for his new husband to come and take him. It's a life of a concubine as a 'bird in a gold cage', a jail, without access or free time to go outside harem, and that's why the story took place in harem most of the time, so that's why do not expect great world building from this book too.
Just like I said before, it was executed poorly, if not, I'd like this book more. Well, if you love Harlequin or a dominant and submissive relationship, then you might love this one.
April 8, 2016
2.75 rounded up to 3 stars
This review may contain spoilers!
Mishyjo and I have been planning on buddy-reading this book for a few months, and we finally got around to it. I was really looking forward to reading it, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.
The Last Concubine started off great. Lan is the cross-dressing princess of a small province, and has lived mostly in seclusion for most of her life . The story begins with Lan being sent to a neighbouring warlord's palace, as a gesture of goodwill, to become a concubine. For the first 30% or so this was a 4-star read, but then it started getting a bit wonky. Near the 30% mark is when Hui Wei, the tough fearsome Chinese warlord, finds out that the newest addition for his harem, Lan, is actually a man dressed as a woman. Given the situation, I was expecting some serious shit to go down. At the very least, I thought Hui would stay away from Lan, if not because of the deceit, then because of his, presumably, unwanted surprise attraction for a man:
But instead, Hui, the supposedly straight macho general who's only ever slept with women, had an almost instant gay epiphany and became the poster-child for insta-love. Any anger he may have had towards Lan was minimal and blew over very quickly.
So after that very underwhelming reveal of Lan's identity, I was a bit put off. But the story wasn't bad, and I was still thinking 3.5 stars. The sex was hot, the side story with Ning, Lan's eunuch and only friend, and Captain Wen was sweet, and Hui and Lan's often fumbling attempts at building a relationship were very believable. The two have to learn how to be in a committed relationship, while also working around Lan's hidden identity and Hui's position as a politically-important leader and his responsibilities to the rest of his harem.
I really liked the harem politics. Lan is Hui's seventh wife, so there is, of course, competition between the wives for Hui's attention and their position in the household. The second wife in particular, Cian, turns out be a nasty piece of work. But around 70%, the whole situation with Cian got weird and very ridiculous. I won't go in to details, but I find it very unbelievable that Cian could have carried out certain actions for years without anyone finding out. After all, she had guards posted right outside her house and had servants inside the house. What follows in the last 30% is one unbelievable event after another.
As the book was nearing the end, I thought that I might end up giving it 2-2.5 stars. But what convinced me to bump up my rating was the epilogue. I know some folks don't like it when authors tie up everything with a bow on top, but I really liked The Last Concubine's short epilogue. Also, I actually did like the first 70% of the book, despite the poorly-executed insta-love. I felt that the issue of Lan's identity and his cross-dressing were handled quite well. And I enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Ning, Wen, Jiang and Mei Ju.
Overall, it wasn't a bad read, and there were parts that I really enjoyed. Mish gave the book four stars, so maybe I'm just being too hard on it. I would recommend this for anyone who likes insta-love, some hot sex with a hint of D/s , and doesn't mind suspending disbelief when authors take odd yet creative turns in their writing.
This review may contain spoilers!
Mishyjo and I have been planning on buddy-reading this book for a few months, and we finally got around to it. I was really looking forward to reading it, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.
The Last Concubine started off great. Lan is the cross-dressing princess of a small province, and has lived mostly in seclusion for most of her life . The story begins with Lan being sent to a neighbouring warlord's palace, as a gesture of goodwill, to become a concubine. For the first 30% or so this was a 4-star read, but then it started getting a bit wonky. Near the 30% mark is when Hui Wei, the tough fearsome Chinese warlord, finds out that the newest addition for his harem, Lan, is actually a man dressed as a woman. Given the situation, I was expecting some serious shit to go down. At the very least, I thought Hui would stay away from Lan, if not because of the deceit, then because of his, presumably, unwanted surprise attraction for a man:
But instead, Hui, the supposedly straight macho general who's only ever slept with women, had an almost instant gay epiphany and became the poster-child for insta-love. Any anger he may have had towards Lan was minimal and blew over very quickly.
So after that very underwhelming reveal of Lan's identity, I was a bit put off. But the story wasn't bad, and I was still thinking 3.5 stars. The sex was hot, the side story with Ning, Lan's eunuch and only friend, and Captain Wen was sweet, and Hui and Lan's often fumbling attempts at building a relationship were very believable. The two have to learn how to be in a committed relationship, while also working around Lan's hidden identity and Hui's position as a politically-important leader and his responsibilities to the rest of his harem.
I really liked the harem politics. Lan is Hui's seventh wife, so there is, of course, competition between the wives for Hui's attention and their position in the household. The second wife in particular, Cian, turns out be a nasty piece of work. But around 70%, the whole situation with Cian got weird and very ridiculous. I won't go in to details, but I find it very unbelievable that Cian could have carried out certain actions for years without anyone finding out. After all, she had guards posted right outside her house and had servants inside the house. What follows in the last 30% is one unbelievable event after another.
As the book was nearing the end, I thought that I might end up giving it 2-2.5 stars. But what convinced me to bump up my rating was the epilogue. I know some folks don't like it when authors tie up everything with a bow on top, but I really liked The Last Concubine's short epilogue. Also, I actually did like the first 70% of the book, despite the poorly-executed insta-love. I felt that the issue of Lan's identity and his cross-dressing were handled quite well. And I enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Ning, Wen, Jiang and Mei Ju.
Overall, it wasn't a bad read, and there were parts that I really enjoyed. Mish gave the book four stars, so maybe I'm just being too hard on it. I would recommend this for anyone who likes insta-love, some hot sex with a hint of D/s , and doesn't mind suspending disbelief when authors take odd yet creative turns in their writing.
November 27, 2013
I just finished this and I'm left pretty speechless. I truly enjoyed this and found it an amazing story of true love. I can't even find the words to clearly express how I feel but it was somewhat of a grand sweeping adventure and I feel like I did when I first saw Lawrence of Arabia on a huge movie screen.
As the story begins, Lan'xiu, the princess who was gifted as a concubine to General Hui Wei is revealed to be a male. But instead of killing her as he first thought to do, Hui falls in love with her as he finds that she's beautiful both on the outside and in where she's sweet and kind and selfless. Lan is also brave and fearless and willing to fight by Hui's side when her despised brother plots Hui's downfall.
I had trouble putting this down because it was so well-paced and so full of intrigue throughout the entire story. I loved the way the author introduced the tale as if it was a saga handed down through history, and ended the story in the same narrative voice. I rarely tear up, but I had an overflow of happy tears as I read the final narrative outlining the balance of their lives together.
If you are looking for an interesting adventure with deep love and affection and lots of drama, you should love this one. I sure did.
As the story begins, Lan'xiu, the princess who was gifted as a concubine to General Hui Wei is revealed to be a male. But instead of killing her as he first thought to do, Hui falls in love with her as he finds that she's beautiful both on the outside and in where she's sweet and kind and selfless. Lan is also brave and fearless and willing to fight by Hui's side when her despised brother plots Hui's downfall.
I had trouble putting this down because it was so well-paced and so full of intrigue throughout the entire story. I loved the way the author introduced the tale as if it was a saga handed down through history, and ended the story in the same narrative voice. I rarely tear up, but I had an overflow of happy tears as I read the final narrative outlining the balance of their lives together.
If you are looking for an interesting adventure with deep love and affection and lots of drama, you should love this one. I sure did.
September 23, 2014
4.5 Stars
Wow! I loved this book. For some reason, it made me think of the movie "Raise the Red Lantern" ... because of the concubines, the vying for favor, the political backstabbing, and the unfortunate desperation ... not, obviously, for the m/m. Any who, I digress.
Princess Lan'xiu and General Hui Wei were a match made in heaven. I. Loved. Them. I loved that Lan'xiu was so effing courageous and honorable despite all the crap that happened to her. I love that Hui Wei loved her, honored, her, and ultimately did right by her. I loved the political intrigue. I loved the extended cast of characters. I loved the riveting storyline. I ... I ...
Bottom line: I loved this book. Highly recommend!
Wow! I loved this book. For some reason, it made me think of the movie "Raise the Red Lantern" ... because of the concubines, the vying for favor, the political backstabbing, and the unfortunate desperation ... not, obviously, for the m/m. Any who, I digress.
Princess Lan'xiu and General Hui Wei were a match made in heaven. I. Loved. Them. I loved that Lan'xiu was so effing courageous and honorable despite all the crap that happened to her. I love that Hui Wei loved her, honored, her, and ultimately did right by her. I loved the political intrigue. I loved the extended cast of characters. I loved the riveting storyline. I ... I ...
Bottom line: I loved this book. Highly recommend!
June 1, 2016
I am not sure how to rate this. It's a solid 3.5 and I really don't feel like lowering it to 3 or upping it up to 4.
One of the MC's names amused me to no end - Hui Wei. I mean, honestly, no person with a decent Russian can ignore the fact. Could it be a reason I insist on 3.5? It's hard not to giggle every time Hui Wei is around.
http://youtu.be/kuIXYwOIAkc
I am sorry, I was so concentrated on Hui Wei's curious name translation, that I let myself disregard the writing, the instalove and the fact that Mr. Hui was absent days on end, leaving us in all female company.
Bringing the stars down to 3.
sorry for the mess again.
One of the MC's names amused me to no end - Hui Wei. I mean, honestly, no person with a decent Russian can ignore the fact. Could it be a reason I insist on 3.5? It's hard not to giggle every time Hui Wei is around.
http://youtu.be/kuIXYwOIAkc
I am sorry, I was so concentrated on Hui Wei's curious name translation, that I let myself disregard the writing, the instalove and the fact that Mr. Hui was absent days on end, leaving us in all female company.
Bringing the stars down to 3.
sorry for the mess again.
August 16, 2012
Ok, I’ll say it up front that this book is schmoopy. So if you like schmoop you are absolutely guaranteed to like this.
But it’s also a damned good story, with wonderful characters, a good plot and an adventure to boot. So if you don’t like the over-schmoopy, which I don’t, much, then you won’t be disappointed with the rest of it, so give it a go.
Oh dear, I seem to have done my summing up paragraphs at the beginning. You’ll want a review now. Ok. Here goes.
I hadn’t read the blurb at all when Dreamspinner sent me this book for review, and it was with a couple of other gay historicals so I was about three chapters in and I thought “Where is the gay in this gay historical?” I was getting sort of annoyed about having read something that I thought was het (nothing against het, it’s just that I have such limited reading time) when all became clear and boy, didn’t I feel stupid.
The description of a medieval Chinese society is well done. Ford is clever, having most of the action taking place within a palace and further in, within the locked and gated women’s quarters where only enuchs, women, guards and the General himself can visit. With this device she can concentrate on the relationships within those walls, the paranoia and fear of the women and the way they interact without having to do much about the ever shifting allegiances within China itself.
I’m not sure when this is set–there’s a mention of Sun Emperor Ju, and the only Ju I could find was around the 600AD time, so that would seem to work. I know absolutely nothing about the country other than from Pearl S Buck’s books and the few gay historicals there are, but this reads every believably, but I assume
it’s AU rather than historical as I couldn’t find any mention of the General either, sp if that is important to you, you might want to avoid.
The characters, as I said were pretty great all round. There’s a rather unfortunate Dragon Lady stereotype and perhaps I’d like to have seen more motivation for her general evilness than simple jealousy and obvious madness, but First Wife Mei Ju, Fifth Wife Bai and all the other concubines and wives we meet are individual and interesting in their own way. The deference and customs are shown gently and without tub thumping exposition and I really did fear for Lan’Xiu’s life, both before her denouement and afterwards. It also shows a good blurring of genders, as Lan has been brought up one way and prefers to act and dress like that, and Ning, her eunuch – who I would really like to have seen a lot more of, because I think he may have a fascinating back story, and we were teased with it, and then it was snatched away–is referred to as the third sex, but is really not that at all, but perhaps something else. It makes you think, which is a good thing in a book.
The uber-schmoopyness comes in after Lan and Hui Wei have consummated their relationship. There’s instant lust and instant love for both of them which I could easily believe from Lan, because she had been starved of physical contact and affection, but I wasn’t so convinced as to why Hui became quite so besotted quite so quickly. He had one night with Lan, and then stayed away for quite some time, so it didn’t seem very realistic. Plus of course he really should have questioned why he was in love with Lan when for so long he’d been heterosexual and (as far as we are told) has never fancied men, despite being surrounded by them 24 hours a day. He does question it a little, but it’s brushed aside. The sex scenes are rather over-blown because of this over-romantic, lovey-doveyness, and although I could understand the use of the “mine, mine” “yours yours” claiming trope because of the nature of literal ownership of women by men at the time, I can’t say I’m won over by it, however true to the time.
The parts I liked the best were the action scenes, one of which is towards the beginning and the major one towards the end. I could really see this as a Chinese action film, one of those legendary ones where everyone jumps impossible distances, hair flying in the wind and gorgeous costumes. Oh yes, and for costume buffs, the descriptions of the Chinese ladies’ outfits are to die for.
So yes, to sum up again, thoroughly enjoyable and I recommend that you give it a go. I could have done without the over-lovey-dovey, but it fitted the story.
But it’s also a damned good story, with wonderful characters, a good plot and an adventure to boot. So if you don’t like the over-schmoopy, which I don’t, much, then you won’t be disappointed with the rest of it, so give it a go.
Oh dear, I seem to have done my summing up paragraphs at the beginning. You’ll want a review now. Ok. Here goes.
I hadn’t read the blurb at all when Dreamspinner sent me this book for review, and it was with a couple of other gay historicals so I was about three chapters in and I thought “Where is the gay in this gay historical?” I was getting sort of annoyed about having read something that I thought was het (nothing against het, it’s just that I have such limited reading time) when all became clear and boy, didn’t I feel stupid.
The description of a medieval Chinese society is well done. Ford is clever, having most of the action taking place within a palace and further in, within the locked and gated women’s quarters where only enuchs, women, guards and the General himself can visit. With this device she can concentrate on the relationships within those walls, the paranoia and fear of the women and the way they interact without having to do much about the ever shifting allegiances within China itself.
I’m not sure when this is set–there’s a mention of Sun Emperor Ju, and the only Ju I could find was around the 600AD time, so that would seem to work. I know absolutely nothing about the country other than from Pearl S Buck’s books and the few gay historicals there are, but this reads every believably, but I assume
it’s AU rather than historical as I couldn’t find any mention of the General either, sp if that is important to you, you might want to avoid.
The characters, as I said were pretty great all round. There’s a rather unfortunate Dragon Lady stereotype and perhaps I’d like to have seen more motivation for her general evilness than simple jealousy and obvious madness, but First Wife Mei Ju, Fifth Wife Bai and all the other concubines and wives we meet are individual and interesting in their own way. The deference and customs are shown gently and without tub thumping exposition and I really did fear for Lan’Xiu’s life, both before her denouement and afterwards. It also shows a good blurring of genders, as Lan has been brought up one way and prefers to act and dress like that, and Ning, her eunuch – who I would really like to have seen a lot more of, because I think he may have a fascinating back story, and we were teased with it, and then it was snatched away–is referred to as the third sex, but is really not that at all, but perhaps something else. It makes you think, which is a good thing in a book.
The uber-schmoopyness comes in after Lan and Hui Wei have consummated their relationship. There’s instant lust and instant love for both of them which I could easily believe from Lan, because she had been starved of physical contact and affection, but I wasn’t so convinced as to why Hui became quite so besotted quite so quickly. He had one night with Lan, and then stayed away for quite some time, so it didn’t seem very realistic. Plus of course he really should have questioned why he was in love with Lan when for so long he’d been heterosexual and (as far as we are told) has never fancied men, despite being surrounded by them 24 hours a day. He does question it a little, but it’s brushed aside. The sex scenes are rather over-blown because of this over-romantic, lovey-doveyness, and although I could understand the use of the “mine, mine” “yours yours” claiming trope because of the nature of literal ownership of women by men at the time, I can’t say I’m won over by it, however true to the time.
The parts I liked the best were the action scenes, one of which is towards the beginning and the major one towards the end. I could really see this as a Chinese action film, one of those legendary ones where everyone jumps impossible distances, hair flying in the wind and gorgeous costumes. Oh yes, and for costume buffs, the descriptions of the Chinese ladies’ outfits are to die for.
So yes, to sum up again, thoroughly enjoyable and I recommend that you give it a go. I could have done without the over-lovey-dovey, but it fitted the story.
August 13, 2012
There are very few books I read that once I’ve finished I want to immediately read again. I love M/M romances, and when an amazing book like The Last Concubine by Catt Ford came to an end, that’s exactly what I did. I loved every minute of this book! Between the intrigue, adventure, romance and the uniquely written characters, I was swept up into the lives of these fascinating heroes and I hated to see it come to an end. Since the blurb does an outstanding job at describing the story, I won’t rehash it. But I will talk about why I adored every minute I spent reading about these characters lives and the adventurous and romantic ride they took me on.
I liked the mysterious past of one of the main heroes, Lan’xiu. The reason why he has to dress as a woman was a realistic one. I understood why his mother did what she did, and I also understood why dressing like a woman became appealing to him. But even though he may portray himself as a woman, he’s all man. He can be physically tough at times as well as the inner strength Ms. Ford gave him, made him a hero to be admired. He has spunk, a big heart and ended up being extremely sexy. I loved his relationship with his servant and friend and enjoyed his quick wit and loving heart.
Also, there’s a lot more to General Hüi-Wei than meets the eye. On the exterior, he looks to be almost cold and calculating, but as the story starts progressing, I quickly began to see what an intelligent, warm and thoughtful person he was. He’s not one to make hasty decisions, instead choosing to think things through before he takes action. He ended up being a very likeable hero and I quickly became almost as fascinated with him as I did with Lan’xiu.
The chemistry between Lan’xiu and Hui-Wei was intense and sizzling hot! I loved the deep emotional connection they had together, and felt like they were truly meant to be together. Not only do they love each other, but there is a kinship and a deep respect that flows between them, and I enjoyed every scene they had together in this book.
Another great thing about The Last Concubine was the mixed array of characters that revolve around Hui-Wei and Lan’xiu’s life. Each character brought something into the storyline and I found as the plot continued, it became more intriguing and interesting to read. If you enjoy a romance with a different twist with the storyline as well as well-written characters that will live long within you after the story has ended, The Last Concubine is definitely a read for you! Highly Recommended!
February 7, 2019
“Chi… cosa sei tu?” chiese infine.
“Il mio nome è Lan’xiu” rispose il ragazzo.
Adesso Hui capiva l’intrigante timbro di voce della ragazza… ragazzo. “Bellissima orchidea,” considerò Hui con sdegno. “Un nome femminile.”
“È il nome che mi ha dato mia madre,” insistette Lan’xiu.
Per la principessa Lan’xiu, essere offerta in dono dal fratello al generale Hui Wei sembra rappresentare una condanna a morte: cresciuta per ragioni politiche dalla madre come una donna, in realtà la principessa è un ragazzo, perfetto nella propria bellezza eterea. Insieme al fedele eunuco Ning, l’unico a conoscere il suo segreto, Lan’xiu attende serena la fine, decisa a non perire in modo codardo e a guardare negli occhi il generale, quando la passerà a fil di spada. La scoperta della verità, però, porterà inaspettati sviluppi nelle vite di Lan e Hui, che saranno travolti da un amore voluto dal destino, inarrestabile e potente.
“Mi hai fatto un incantesimo?”chiese Hui in tono dolce, come perso nello stesso sogno. “Sei forse qualche strega mandata a rubarmi l’anima? Perché sento di essere un uomo a metà quando sono lontano da te. Quando dormo, tu sei nei miei sogni, ma non riesco a prenderti. Mi sporgo verso di te e tu scompari come la nebbia mattutina, come un bellissimo fantasma, per sparire nella luce dorata del sole.”
“Non sono un fantasma, mio signore. Abbracciami, senti la mia pelle contro la tua. Sono reale.”
Il mondo dell’harem, tuttavia, con le sue mogli e concubine, non è pacifico e Lan, favorita dal generale, dovrà sfoderare tutta la forza del proprio animo maschile per difendersi, dimostrando di essere un’indomabile principessa guerriera.
Attorno a Lan e Hui, ruotano molti altri personaggi: l’eunuco guerriero Ning, lo scaltro capitano delle guardie Wen, Jiang, amico e braccio destro del generale, Wu Min, il crudele fratellastro di Lan, più tutte le abitanti dell’harem. Questo universo sfaccettato di volti contribuisce a creare un quadro interessante della Cina feudale, caratterizzata da sanguinose guerre tra province e lotte non meno pericolose che si svolgevano all’interno delle mura protette degli harem.
In questo romanzo, Catt Ford dimostra una discreta abilità nel muoversi all’interno di un quadro storico preciso, seguendo norme e consuetudini che regolavano la vita sociale dell’epoca, che non disdegnava relazioni tra uomini, sfruttandole a vantaggio di una storia d’amore impetuosa ma nel medesimo tempo dolce, come l’animo della delicata protagonista Lan. È interessante la sua scelta di utilizzare sempre il genere femminile quando scrive di Lan: la madre e Ning, infatti, si sono sempre rivolti a Lan come a una femmina per proteggerla dal fratellastro e mantenere il segreto della sua identità. Questa abitudine continua al palazzo di Hui per il medesimo motivo, ma anche perché Lan pensa a se stessa come a una principessa, essendo sempre stata quella la sua identità.
“L’ultima concubina. Non ne avrò mai un’altra, perché ho tutto quello che mi serve tra le mie braccia, principessa del mio cuore.”
Una storia appassionante, ricca di colpi di scena, che vi intrigherà come lo sguardo che Lan’xiu lancia da sotto le ciglia a Hui Wei: anche voi sarete stregati dalla principessa guerriera sin dal primo istante.
“Il mio nome è Lan’xiu” rispose il ragazzo.
Adesso Hui capiva l’intrigante timbro di voce della ragazza… ragazzo. “Bellissima orchidea,” considerò Hui con sdegno. “Un nome femminile.”
“È il nome che mi ha dato mia madre,” insistette Lan’xiu.
Per la principessa Lan’xiu, essere offerta in dono dal fratello al generale Hui Wei sembra rappresentare una condanna a morte: cresciuta per ragioni politiche dalla madre come una donna, in realtà la principessa è un ragazzo, perfetto nella propria bellezza eterea. Insieme al fedele eunuco Ning, l’unico a conoscere il suo segreto, Lan’xiu attende serena la fine, decisa a non perire in modo codardo e a guardare negli occhi il generale, quando la passerà a fil di spada. La scoperta della verità, però, porterà inaspettati sviluppi nelle vite di Lan e Hui, che saranno travolti da un amore voluto dal destino, inarrestabile e potente.
“Mi hai fatto un incantesimo?”chiese Hui in tono dolce, come perso nello stesso sogno. “Sei forse qualche strega mandata a rubarmi l’anima? Perché sento di essere un uomo a metà quando sono lontano da te. Quando dormo, tu sei nei miei sogni, ma non riesco a prenderti. Mi sporgo verso di te e tu scompari come la nebbia mattutina, come un bellissimo fantasma, per sparire nella luce dorata del sole.”
“Non sono un fantasma, mio signore. Abbracciami, senti la mia pelle contro la tua. Sono reale.”
Il mondo dell’harem, tuttavia, con le sue mogli e concubine, non è pacifico e Lan, favorita dal generale, dovrà sfoderare tutta la forza del proprio animo maschile per difendersi, dimostrando di essere un’indomabile principessa guerriera.
Attorno a Lan e Hui, ruotano molti altri personaggi: l’eunuco guerriero Ning, lo scaltro capitano delle guardie Wen, Jiang, amico e braccio destro del generale, Wu Min, il crudele fratellastro di Lan, più tutte le abitanti dell’harem. Questo universo sfaccettato di volti contribuisce a creare un quadro interessante della Cina feudale, caratterizzata da sanguinose guerre tra province e lotte non meno pericolose che si svolgevano all’interno delle mura protette degli harem.
In questo romanzo, Catt Ford dimostra una discreta abilità nel muoversi all’interno di un quadro storico preciso, seguendo norme e consuetudini che regolavano la vita sociale dell’epoca, che non disdegnava relazioni tra uomini, sfruttandole a vantaggio di una storia d’amore impetuosa ma nel medesimo tempo dolce, come l’animo della delicata protagonista Lan. È interessante la sua scelta di utilizzare sempre il genere femminile quando scrive di Lan: la madre e Ning, infatti, si sono sempre rivolti a Lan come a una femmina per proteggerla dal fratellastro e mantenere il segreto della sua identità. Questa abitudine continua al palazzo di Hui per il medesimo motivo, ma anche perché Lan pensa a se stessa come a una principessa, essendo sempre stata quella la sua identità.
“L’ultima concubina. Non ne avrò mai un’altra, perché ho tutto quello che mi serve tra le mie braccia, principessa del mio cuore.”
Una storia appassionante, ricca di colpi di scena, che vi intrigherà come lo sguardo che Lan’xiu lancia da sotto le ciglia a Hui Wei: anche voi sarete stregati dalla principessa guerriera sin dal primo istante.
January 2, 2023
2,5. La historia es entretenida y no la solté hasta casi el final. La escritura es sencilla y llana, ningún doble sentido ni uso de demasiadas metonimias o metáforas. Lectura ideal para traslados o entre medio de mucho trabajo y necesitas distraerte y despejarte. Lo único que no me convenció en todo el libro fue el romance entre los personajes principales; si bien el primer encuentro fue muy emocionante, de ahí en adelante ya estaban in love y fue como... espera, ya está? Y el desarrollo? Sin duda es un problema de gustos, creo que estoy prefiriendo los slow burn últimamente antes que los instalove. También puede ser que el más malote no me inspiró ningún temor. Lan se consagra como mi personaje preferido. Y Cian como una excelente antagonista.
August 16, 2013
Voici un livre qui sort un peu des sentiers battus traditionnels des livres MM, aussi bien par son sujet que par l'époque où l'histoire se situe. Nous nous retrouvons au Moyen-Âge, en Chine, en pleine période faste des empereurs et des seigneurs de provinces qui se faisaient la guerre pour un oui ou un non.
Afin de conforter la paix - tout en se moquant de lui au passage - le Seigneur Wu Min offre sa sœur, la princesse Lan'xiu au Seigneur Hüi Wei pour qu'il en fasse sa concubine. Seulement, la princesse a un secret qui risque de la faire tuer par son nouveau Seigneur et Maître.
Ce livre est un régal. Véritablement. L'époque est très bien décrite, aussi bien au niveau des relations politiques, que des mœurs et de la vie des femmes dans cet environnement si particulier qu'étaient les sérails chinois, avec tout ce que cela sous-entend de jalousies entre les femmes, d'autant plus si elles avaient mis au monde des enfants, mâles ou femelles. On suit les pérégrinations de la princesse qui n'est ni stupide, ni sans moyen de défense, aidée de son fidèle eunuque. On assiste à tous les complots machiavéliques d'une des concubines pour retrouver son statut, avec toute la force de sa haine et de sa folie. Le roman est tellement bien écrit, que lors de sa lecture, on pourrait se croire dans un film sur grand écran.
A lire absolument pour tous les amateurs de l'Extrême Orient et de cette époque-là.
Afin de conforter la paix - tout en se moquant de lui au passage - le Seigneur Wu Min offre sa sœur, la princesse Lan'xiu au Seigneur Hüi Wei pour qu'il en fasse sa concubine. Seulement, la princesse a un secret qui risque de la faire tuer par son nouveau Seigneur et Maître.
Ce livre est un régal. Véritablement. L'époque est très bien décrite, aussi bien au niveau des relations politiques, que des mœurs et de la vie des femmes dans cet environnement si particulier qu'étaient les sérails chinois, avec tout ce que cela sous-entend de jalousies entre les femmes, d'autant plus si elles avaient mis au monde des enfants, mâles ou femelles. On suit les pérégrinations de la princesse qui n'est ni stupide, ni sans moyen de défense, aidée de son fidèle eunuque. On assiste à tous les complots machiavéliques d'une des concubines pour retrouver son statut, avec toute la force de sa haine et de sa folie. Le roman est tellement bien écrit, que lors de sa lecture, on pourrait se croire dans un film sur grand écran.
A lire absolument pour tous les amateurs de l'Extrême Orient et de cette époque-là.
July 29, 2012
3.5 stars
It's well written but if I'm reading an m/m romance book, I kind of like to read about men getting together, here more than 50 pages and only other concubines, wife and Pricess Lan, who is always refered as she, Lan thinks as she about herself. I get security reasons but truly most of the time we read about a princess and the manly attribut was that Lan could wield a sword.
Lan behaved like someone from a Harlequin novel,pining for the lord, sweet, demure. Of course she fell in love with the lord, he with her, he didn't care that she was a man underneath the kimono and her beauty was always mentioned as exceptional.
A really sweet, with emphasis on sweet like sugar, if one likes forced marriages with HEA's and an asian setting, which is not done often in m/m books, if they are not manga. Just leave reality at home and go for the sugar rush.
It's well written but if I'm reading an m/m romance book, I kind of like to read about men getting together, here more than 50 pages and only other concubines, wife and Pricess Lan, who is always refered as she, Lan thinks as she about herself. I get security reasons but truly most of the time we read about a princess and the manly attribut was that Lan could wield a sword.
Lan behaved like someone from a Harlequin novel,pining for the lord, sweet, demure. Of course she fell in love with the lord, he with her, he didn't care that she was a man underneath the kimono and her beauty was always mentioned as exceptional.
A really sweet, with emphasis on sweet like sugar, if one likes forced marriages with HEA's and an asian setting, which is not done often in m/m books, if they are not manga. Just leave reality at home and go for the sugar rush.
July 20, 2012
They say one should never judge a book by its cover but in the case of The Last Concubine, you can rest assured that this novel is as unique and as enjoyable as the lovely cover the author (who is also the illustrator) created. There may well be an element of insta-love but given the time and setting of this story I expected nothing less. The general was either going to lop off Lan’s head for his deception or fall on his knees. In this case, it was the latter, and it appealed to my romantic streak. I also appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions of clothing, jewelry, and setting in this Asian historical. It made everything come alive. Even the violence was vivid and appropriate for the times. Highly recommend.
June 4, 2016
Sweet m/m love story about a general and his seventh concubine who turns out to be a cross-dressing male.
"We have found something to celebrate between us, and that is all that matters. I love making love to you as I have never done with any woman. I will love you until the day I die."
"We have found something to celebrate between us, and that is all that matters. I love making love to you as I have never done with any woman. I will love you until the day I die."
September 30, 2015
A charming, instalove romance that is somewhat reminiscent of Raise the Red Lantern but with less angst and way more man-love.
Absolutely enjoyed it.
Absolutely enjoyed it.
Read
June 24, 2013DNF
May 24, 2015
La última concubina es una novela que me ha colmado de alegría y que me ha hecho transitar por todos los sentimientos que una buena lectura podría provocarme. Es el segundo libro que leo de esta escritora, libros de temática completamente distintas y escritos magistralmente. Es notorio que Catt Ford se adentra en el entorno, en darle personalidad a cada uno de los personajes que crea, y que estudia meticulosamente el tema antes de lanzarse a la aventura de escribir.
Catt Ford logra una mezcla de sensaciones extrañas que me hacen sentir en conflicto conmigo misma. En un mismo capítulo puede llevarme a la locura de querer avanzar rápidamente, para saber más pero, a su vez, quiero ir despacio porque el sabor que me dejan sus palabras es casi orgásmico y el placer se quiere sostener por más tiempo. Eso sólo lo logran grandes escritores, aquellos que saben escribir con el corazón en la mano, entregando parte de sí mismo en sus palabras.
Esta novela ha sido toda una revelación. Situada en la antigua China, en una época donde los nobles y ricos tenían un harén, donde era moneda corriente poseer varias concubinas, la trama se desenvuelve ágilmente, tejiendo las intrigas, los complots y la historia de amor de tal manera que se entremezclan de una forma deliciosa para el lector.
Catt ha forjado personajes entrañables como la princesa Zhen Lan’xiu y el general Qiang Hüi Wei. Lan es entregada como un preciado regalo por su malvado hermano al general, queriéndose deshacer de ella y usándola como una pieza fundamental en sus intrigas para lograr más poder. Wu Min es un hombre lleno de ansias de poder y con una ambición desmedida que permanecerá en las pesadillas de Lan porque ella sabe que él no se detendrá ante nada para conseguir su objetivo.
Pero el destino tiene planes para Lan y Hüi. Lan oculta un secreto que sólo su eunuco Ning conoce. Y, la noche en que Hüi decide poseer su último regalo, descubre con asombro y ¿placer? el secreto tan fielmente guardado por Lan. ¿Esta princesa ha llegado para tenderle una trampa o habrá sido el destino el que quiso colocar a este etéreo y a la vez fuerte ser en su camino para que pudiera conocer el amor verdadero?
Dos hombres que deben luchar por sus ideales pero sobre todo por el amor incondicional, ese que llega una sola vez en la vida, que te saca el aliento y que te oprime el corazón cuando no estás con la persona amada.
Debo mencionar que la trama no hubiera sido tan maravillosa sin los personajes secundarios que toman su protagonismo sin opacar a los personajes principales.
El atrevido y entregado Ning, el eunuco incondicional al servicio de Lan.
El mejor amigo de Hüi, Jiang, a quien el general graciosamente llama bufón, que aconseja sabiamente a su amigo y le revela un secreto celosamente guardado que ayudará a Hüi a no sentirse tan incómodo con sus sentimientos hacia otro hombre.
La primera esposa de Hüi, Mei Ju; abnegada madre, gentil y servicial, será la que ayude a Lan a pasar sus días en el harén de una manera más cómoda y a aceptar de alguna manera su destino.
Pero también están los malvados, que hacen que el suspenso sea creado a la espera de saber en qué momento y cómo darán el zarpazo.
No quiero adentrarme más en la trama para no arruinar la emoción de la lectura. Sólo decirles que DEBEN leer esta historia, es uno de esos libros que son imperdibles y que se convertirán en sus favoritos, ya es uno de los míos.
¿Alguien ha visto Esposas y concubinas o también llamada La linterna roja? Bien, la película no tiene nada que ver con esta historia de amor, pero los tejes y manejes del harén les harán ver con sus propios ojos lo que la pobre Lan ha tenido que transitar al ser incluida como una concubina dentro del harén de Hüi.
Catt Ford logra una mezcla de sensaciones extrañas que me hacen sentir en conflicto conmigo misma. En un mismo capítulo puede llevarme a la locura de querer avanzar rápidamente, para saber más pero, a su vez, quiero ir despacio porque el sabor que me dejan sus palabras es casi orgásmico y el placer se quiere sostener por más tiempo. Eso sólo lo logran grandes escritores, aquellos que saben escribir con el corazón en la mano, entregando parte de sí mismo en sus palabras.
Esta novela ha sido toda una revelación. Situada en la antigua China, en una época donde los nobles y ricos tenían un harén, donde era moneda corriente poseer varias concubinas, la trama se desenvuelve ágilmente, tejiendo las intrigas, los complots y la historia de amor de tal manera que se entremezclan de una forma deliciosa para el lector.
Catt ha forjado personajes entrañables como la princesa Zhen Lan’xiu y el general Qiang Hüi Wei. Lan es entregada como un preciado regalo por su malvado hermano al general, queriéndose deshacer de ella y usándola como una pieza fundamental en sus intrigas para lograr más poder. Wu Min es un hombre lleno de ansias de poder y con una ambición desmedida que permanecerá en las pesadillas de Lan porque ella sabe que él no se detendrá ante nada para conseguir su objetivo.
Pero el destino tiene planes para Lan y Hüi. Lan oculta un secreto que sólo su eunuco Ning conoce. Y, la noche en que Hüi decide poseer su último regalo, descubre con asombro y ¿placer? el secreto tan fielmente guardado por Lan. ¿Esta princesa ha llegado para tenderle una trampa o habrá sido el destino el que quiso colocar a este etéreo y a la vez fuerte ser en su camino para que pudiera conocer el amor verdadero?
Dos hombres que deben luchar por sus ideales pero sobre todo por el amor incondicional, ese que llega una sola vez en la vida, que te saca el aliento y que te oprime el corazón cuando no estás con la persona amada.
Debo mencionar que la trama no hubiera sido tan maravillosa sin los personajes secundarios que toman su protagonismo sin opacar a los personajes principales.
El atrevido y entregado Ning, el eunuco incondicional al servicio de Lan.
El mejor amigo de Hüi, Jiang, a quien el general graciosamente llama bufón, que aconseja sabiamente a su amigo y le revela un secreto celosamente guardado que ayudará a Hüi a no sentirse tan incómodo con sus sentimientos hacia otro hombre.
La primera esposa de Hüi, Mei Ju; abnegada madre, gentil y servicial, será la que ayude a Lan a pasar sus días en el harén de una manera más cómoda y a aceptar de alguna manera su destino.
Pero también están los malvados, que hacen que el suspenso sea creado a la espera de saber en qué momento y cómo darán el zarpazo.
No quiero adentrarme más en la trama para no arruinar la emoción de la lectura. Sólo decirles que DEBEN leer esta historia, es uno de esos libros que son imperdibles y que se convertirán en sus favoritos, ya es uno de los míos.
¿Alguien ha visto Esposas y concubinas o también llamada La linterna roja? Bien, la película no tiene nada que ver con esta historia de amor, pero los tejes y manejes del harén les harán ver con sus propios ojos lo que la pobre Lan ha tenido que transitar al ser incluida como una concubina dentro del harén de Hüi.
February 12, 2014
Quelle splendeur que ce roman historique ! Au dela d'un roman MM, c'est un magnifique souffle romanesque qui nous emporte avec délice dans un univers chatoyant et cruel, à l'image des romans de Pearl Buck comme Pivoine ou Pavillons de femmes, ou des superbes films Epouses et concubines ou encore Adieu ma concubine. Revisitant la légende de la Princesse guerrière, Catt Ford nous raconte la magnifique histoire d'amour entre le beau général Hüi Wei, puissant gouverneur, et sa septième concubine, la cadeau empoisonné du retors Seigneur Wu Min, la princesse Lan'Xui. Qui s'avère être un homme. Et c'est tout le talent de l'auteur que d'arriver à nous faire vibrer avec la romance inattendue de ces deux étonnants personnages. D'un côté le guerrier devenu homme politique, qui règne d'une main de fer sur sa province comme sur son palais, fort, viril autoritaire, mais que l'on découvre aussi homme bon et généreux avec ses épouses, dépassé par ses sentiments pour Lan'Xiu, et ouvrant les yeux sur la servitude de ses femmes et les contraintes qui le ligotent tout autant. Et de l'autre, le jeune Lan'Xiu, "garçon fille a l'allure stupéfiante", comme le chantait le groupe Indochine. Car il est homme, brave et courageux, entrainé à l'épée, bon cavalier et fin stratège, mais femme aussi, ayant toujours vécu comme tel, aimant les robes, les beaux bijoux et la soie sur sa peau qui le font se sentir "joli", une âme douce, aimable, et tendre, et docile devant les volontés de son seigneur et maître, comme toute princesse bien éduquée. L'ambiguîté est telle que l'auteur passe indifférement du masculin au féminin pour parler de Lan'Xiu, sans que cela choque à aucun moment. Et cette étonnante histoire d'un amour de légende se déploie sur un fond de complots, meurtres, intrigues, trahisons et batailles qui ne laisse jamais en repos, avec des personnages secondaires savoureux, et un univers magnifiquement décrit.
J'avais déja adoré le précédent roman de Catt Ford paru en VF, Un poigne de fer, il y manquait juste un tout petit supplément d'âme pour être parfait. A celui-ci, il ne manque rien.
J'avais déja adoré le précédent roman de Catt Ford paru en VF, Un poigne de fer, il y manquait juste un tout petit supplément d'âme pour être parfait. A celui-ci, il ne manque rien.
May 4, 2013
Like a fairy tale from an ancient land far, far away - that's what this story is to me. The historical setting is a mere scenography, but gives a different scent to the romance from the usual contemporary and/or set in western cultures.
Much of the story is set in the women's/wives'harem and had me thinking of Yimou Zang's film Raise the Red Lantern (1991), especially with the procedure of just that - lighting the lantern through which the wives and concubines knew who would receive their husbands attention tonight.
Focus in the book is the almost instant love/attraction between Lan'xiu and general Hüi Wei, and other large part takes place in the harem between the seven wives/concubines and gives an interesting and at times a little suspenseful reading. The different personalities of the wives, the mostly meaningless and to the most part very boring life within the harem walls along with rivalry between the women assures an entertaining reading and a glimpse of a polygamous culture and the difficulties this undoubtedly brought for the women forced into it.
Another important part of it is the crossing dressing element. Lan'xiu is a man, but he prefers to wear women's clothes, partly because of his personal background, and partly because of his own preferens.
The story is told in multiple, third person POV:s, which works fine. The dominating voices are those of Lan'xiu and Hûi Wei, but I found the other persons just as interesting, and in particular I would have enjoyed reading more about Ning, the eunuch. What is in his history, how did he become a eunuch etc.?
The story begins and ends in chronicle style, that is someone - a fictional scribe maybe - introduces and closes the story for us, instead of the characters doing it. I think it fit the setting and the style of the story, and it also let us know what became of all the characters I've come to care about.
Much of the story is set in the women's/wives'harem and had me thinking of Yimou Zang's film Raise the Red Lantern (1991), especially with the procedure of just that - lighting the lantern through which the wives and concubines knew who would receive their husbands attention tonight.
Focus in the book is the almost instant love/attraction between Lan'xiu and general Hüi Wei, and other large part takes place in the harem between the seven wives/concubines and gives an interesting and at times a little suspenseful reading. The different personalities of the wives, the mostly meaningless and to the most part very boring life within the harem walls along with rivalry between the women assures an entertaining reading and a glimpse of a polygamous culture and the difficulties this undoubtedly brought for the women forced into it.
Another important part of it is the crossing dressing element. Lan'xiu is a man, but he prefers to wear women's clothes, partly because of his personal background, and partly because of his own preferens.
The story is told in multiple, third person POV:s, which works fine. The dominating voices are those of Lan'xiu and Hûi Wei, but I found the other persons just as interesting, and in particular I would have enjoyed reading more about Ning, the eunuch. What is in his history, how did he become a eunuch etc.?
The story begins and ends in chronicle style, that is someone - a fictional scribe maybe - introduces and closes the story for us, instead of the characters doing it. I think it fit the setting and the style of the story, and it also let us know what became of all the characters I've come to care about.
October 23, 2014
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Sospesa nel tempo e nello spazio, in una Cina lontana e leggendaria, ecco la storia di Lan’xiu, la principessa guerriera venuta dal nord come tributo e alibi per tradire il nemico, e del suo signore, il generale Hui Wei, per sempre legati da un amore che durò tutta la vita e oltre.
Nonostante sia per lo più ambientato in uno spazio chiuso e ristretto, come può essere l’harem di un potente signore feudale, con una prima moglie e uno stuolo di concubine, tutte sottoposte a una rigida gerarchia e in lotta per spartirsi i favori del signore (basti dire che ogni notte una lanterna viene accesa davanti alla porta della prescelta, e da lì scaturiscono gelosie, rancori e vendette), Catt Ford riesce ad offrire una trama ricca di colpi di scena e personaggi straordinari. Io li ho amati un po’ tutti: da Lan, la bellissima principessa-ragazzo, prima acerbo e poi appassionato, al generale, sorpreso per primo dal suo amore inaspettato, sino a Niang, il fedele eunuco spadaccino, e alla prima moglie Mei Ju, splendidamente regale nella sua dignitosa obbedienza e devozione alle regole del casato.
Non ho le conoscenze per giudicare l’accuratezza storica di fondo, ma certo è che questa storia porta il lettore al centro di un mondo particolare, anche attraverso la bellezza e i dettagli degli abiti, dei tessuti, dei gioielli, dei semplici segnali del corpo, riempiendoci di passione e magia.
Un libro stupendo, da non perdere.
C’era qualcosa di così attraente e affascinante in lei che sorpassava la semplice avvenenza.
Voleva guardare in quegli occhi e vedervi riflessa la stessa passione che lui provava. Hüi si sorprese quando capì che voleva il suo amore, e ancora non la conosceva e ancora non la amava lui stesso.
Sospesa nel tempo e nello spazio, in una Cina lontana e leggendaria, ecco la storia di Lan’xiu, la principessa guerriera venuta dal nord come tributo e alibi per tradire il nemico, e del suo signore, il generale Hui Wei, per sempre legati da un amore che durò tutta la vita e oltre.
Nonostante sia per lo più ambientato in uno spazio chiuso e ristretto, come può essere l’harem di un potente signore feudale, con una prima moglie e uno stuolo di concubine, tutte sottoposte a una rigida gerarchia e in lotta per spartirsi i favori del signore (basti dire che ogni notte una lanterna viene accesa davanti alla porta della prescelta, e da lì scaturiscono gelosie, rancori e vendette), Catt Ford riesce ad offrire una trama ricca di colpi di scena e personaggi straordinari. Io li ho amati un po’ tutti: da Lan, la bellissima principessa-ragazzo, prima acerbo e poi appassionato, al generale, sorpreso per primo dal suo amore inaspettato, sino a Niang, il fedele eunuco spadaccino, e alla prima moglie Mei Ju, splendidamente regale nella sua dignitosa obbedienza e devozione alle regole del casato.
Non ho le conoscenze per giudicare l’accuratezza storica di fondo, ma certo è che questa storia porta il lettore al centro di un mondo particolare, anche attraverso la bellezza e i dettagli degli abiti, dei tessuti, dei gioielli, dei semplici segnali del corpo, riempiendoci di passione e magia.
Un libro stupendo, da non perdere.
C’era qualcosa di così attraente e affascinante in lei che sorpassava la semplice avvenenza.
Voleva guardare in quegli occhi e vedervi riflessa la stessa passione che lui provava. Hüi si sorprese quando capì che voleva il suo amore, e ancora non la conosceva e ancora non la amava lui stesso.
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September 16, 2016A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Ford does a great job immersing the reader in feudal China, into the machinations of warlords striving to keep the peace in their territories, and describing life in a rich household. I was transported back in time and to a different country, and I was so pleased at how well this aspect was done.
I’m going to also mention here that this is one of Dreamspinner’s Timeless Dreams titles, and that means that the book is not historically accurate in regards to the romance. Of course, a love like this could never have survived as easily and as perfectly as it did in the story. There was a downplay of any stigma attached to a same sex relationship, but it was believably done, as if this story takes place in a step outside time.
In addition to the wonderful sense of place, Ford gave us some great characters. Lan’xiu was particularly well drawn. Yes, his mother chose a female name and persona for her son to keep him safe, but it fits perfectly with the man he is. He likes dresses and feeling pretty, and he is comfortable portraying himself as a woman, but there is no doubt that he is a gay man. I found Lan to embody aspect of being gender fluid, and I loved seeing him be so comfortable in himself. His relationship with his friend and servant, Ning, is fantastic. Their banter is wonderful, and it’s clear how much they love one another. Through Ning we got to see a whole other side to Lan that gave him real depth. In fact, the author does a good job throughout the story using secondary characters to show us the depth of the MCs.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Ford does a great job immersing the reader in feudal China, into the machinations of warlords striving to keep the peace in their territories, and describing life in a rich household. I was transported back in time and to a different country, and I was so pleased at how well this aspect was done.
I’m going to also mention here that this is one of Dreamspinner’s Timeless Dreams titles, and that means that the book is not historically accurate in regards to the romance. Of course, a love like this could never have survived as easily and as perfectly as it did in the story. There was a downplay of any stigma attached to a same sex relationship, but it was believably done, as if this story takes place in a step outside time.
In addition to the wonderful sense of place, Ford gave us some great characters. Lan’xiu was particularly well drawn. Yes, his mother chose a female name and persona for her son to keep him safe, but it fits perfectly with the man he is. He likes dresses and feeling pretty, and he is comfortable portraying himself as a woman, but there is no doubt that he is a gay man. I found Lan to embody aspect of being gender fluid, and I loved seeing him be so comfortable in himself. His relationship with his friend and servant, Ning, is fantastic. Their banter is wonderful, and it’s clear how much they love one another. Through Ning we got to see a whole other side to Lan that gave him real depth. In fact, the author does a good job throughout the story using secondary characters to show us the depth of the MCs.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
July 11, 2017
It's not a terribly written book, actually it flows quite smoothly but it's just too rapey for me. Yes, it's culturally sanctioned rape, yes, the person getting raped actually likes it quite a bit after all but really? I don't give a shit. I could have gotten behind it if Hui Wei had at least gotten an incling that it's probably not cool to rape somebody even if - after the fact - the person you just raped actually wants to submit to you. What a surprise.
Not. It's Romance(tm).
And that old chestnut that "men don't break as easily as women"? Really?
I'm probably not quoting verbatim but I read this book a while ago - before GR - and there was just a tiny bit of outrage left in me when I put it on my no-memory-no-rating shelf but I just re-read it and I'm rather furious.
So, yes, Lan'xiu gets her/his own agency in the end as the Warrior Princess but all the implications that it's just fine to bed a woman because submission is implicated but it's really so much better to fuck a man and break down those walls because there is somebody who could actually fight back? This rubs me the wrong way in so many, many ways.
It's a well written book which I actually finished but even days after I've finished it, I'm still livid. So - no I didn't like it. I respect that other people see it in a different way and I commend the author's skill but I didn't like it. Hence, two stars because from a simple story telling point of view it's well done.
Not. It's Romance(tm).
And that old chestnut that "men don't break as easily as women"? Really?
I'm probably not quoting verbatim but I read this book a while ago - before GR - and there was just a tiny bit of outrage left in me when I put it on my no-memory-no-rating shelf but I just re-read it and I'm rather furious.
So, yes, Lan'xiu gets her/his own agency in the end as the Warrior Princess but all the implications that it's just fine to bed a woman because submission is implicated but it's really so much better to fuck a man and break down those walls because there is somebody who could actually fight back? This rubs me the wrong way in so many, many ways.
It's a well written book which I actually finished but even days after I've finished it, I'm still livid. So - no I didn't like it. I respect that other people see it in a different way and I commend the author's skill but I didn't like it. Hence, two stars because from a simple story telling point of view it's well done.
July 14, 2012
Just finished reading this book: to be honest, I had my trepidations after reading the Chapter 1 excerpt (provided on the publisher website). However I was glad that my fears were unfounded as the story unfurled. The historical element in this book really just serves as a backdrop -- a mood setter -- and the author avoids fact dumping the reader.
Instead the book focuses more on the romance between the two main characters and the relationships (some familial, some bitter) between cloistered women forced to share one man as a husband. I think this was a wise choice on the part of the author and she pulled it off well, using a light touch on the delicate interplay between the women of the harem and suitably sweeping language to describe the passion between the main men.
Although I appreciated that the author didn't cram facts down our throat, I do have to warn that some suspension of disbelief may be called for and occasionally I had to make myself ignore small plot holes. In the whole however, I much more prefer her decision to write a good romantic novel rather than a dry history book with a few characters thrown in.... so I'll suck up the few things that irritated me and just say that, on the whole, I recommend this book. ;)
If you enjoy this book, I think you'll also enjoy Over the Mountain of the Moon by Reiko Morgan.
Instead the book focuses more on the romance between the two main characters and the relationships (some familial, some bitter) between cloistered women forced to share one man as a husband. I think this was a wise choice on the part of the author and she pulled it off well, using a light touch on the delicate interplay between the women of the harem and suitably sweeping language to describe the passion between the main men.
Although I appreciated that the author didn't cram facts down our throat, I do have to warn that some suspension of disbelief may be called for and occasionally I had to make myself ignore small plot holes. In the whole however, I much more prefer her decision to write a good romantic novel rather than a dry history book with a few characters thrown in.... so I'll suck up the few things that irritated me and just say that, on the whole, I recommend this book. ;)
If you enjoy this book, I think you'll also enjoy Over the Mountain of the Moon by Reiko Morgan.
May 31, 2015
Questo è il primo libro di Catt Ford che leggo; avevo trovato pareri entusiasti e mi era stato caldamente consigliato, quindi mi sono fidata.
L’impressione complessiva è senza dubbio positiva, devo dire che la trama è veramente coinvolgente, lo stile è pulito, curato, le descrizioni sono così ben delineate che sono rimasta avvinta, tanto da leggerlo in meno di un giorno - non riuscivo proprio a staccarmi!
Ho apprezzato la minuzia con cui è avvenuta la ricostruzione storica, le abitudini - usi e costumi del tempo - sapientemente illustrate e spiegate senza essere pesanti.
Ci sono tuttavia alcune cose che mi hanno fatta storcere il naso, per esempio l’ambiguità di pronomi e aggettivi con cui ci si riferisce a Lan dopo aver scoperto la verità. La cosa non crea confusione nel lettore, ma lo trovo un mescolamento fastidioso e inutile, soprattutto quando è presente nella stessa frase.
Alcuni passaggi di trama mi hanno lasciato un po’ perplessa (per esempio l’inattesa forza di Lan dopo l’avvelenamento e la lotta), ma non pregiudicano una storia che rimane comunque valida.
Mi sento di consigliarlo a chi ama le ambientazioni storiche, in particolare l’Oriente e l’antica Cina feudale, gli intrighi, i segreti e le battaglie. Le scene di sesso sono esplicite, talvolta un po’ rudi e tal’altra dolcissime. Alla fine, quel che resta è una bella storia d’amore.
L’impressione complessiva è senza dubbio positiva, devo dire che la trama è veramente coinvolgente, lo stile è pulito, curato, le descrizioni sono così ben delineate che sono rimasta avvinta, tanto da leggerlo in meno di un giorno - non riuscivo proprio a staccarmi!
Ho apprezzato la minuzia con cui è avvenuta la ricostruzione storica, le abitudini - usi e costumi del tempo - sapientemente illustrate e spiegate senza essere pesanti.
Ci sono tuttavia alcune cose che mi hanno fatta storcere il naso, per esempio l’ambiguità di pronomi e aggettivi con cui ci si riferisce a Lan dopo aver scoperto la verità. La cosa non crea confusione nel lettore, ma lo trovo un mescolamento fastidioso e inutile, soprattutto quando è presente nella stessa frase.
Alcuni passaggi di trama mi hanno lasciato un po’ perplessa (per esempio l’inattesa forza di Lan dopo l’avvelenamento e la lotta), ma non pregiudicano una storia che rimane comunque valida.
Mi sento di consigliarlo a chi ama le ambientazioni storiche, in particolare l’Oriente e l’antica Cina feudale, gli intrighi, i segreti e le battaglie. Le scene di sesso sono esplicite, talvolta un po’ rudi e tal’altra dolcissime. Alla fine, quel che resta è una bella storia d’amore.
July 16, 2012
This was well-written. I have to say that because lately, I've come across so many that are not, which disturbs me. When I read for pleasure, I don't want to be jarred from the story by errors and typos. I just want to read and enjoy. No jarring in this book! Kudos to the writer and editors.
The pace was good, and I enjoyed the characters, especially when the women got together to dish. I would have liked more background on the crazy lady, but she was drawn well enough.
Not a spoiler, as it's mentioned in the blurb: The moment when Hui finds out Lan is a man, not a woman, could have used a little more depth. Hui accepted the situation too readily, all things considered. Since this was an important scene in the story, a little dwelling upon would have been good. :)
A nice, entertaining read. I'll check out more of this author's books based on how good this one was.
The pace was good, and I enjoyed the characters, especially when the women got together to dish. I would have liked more background on the crazy lady, but she was drawn well enough.
Not a spoiler, as it's mentioned in the blurb: The moment when Hui finds out Lan is a man, not a woman, could have used a little more depth. Hui accepted the situation too readily, all things considered. Since this was an important scene in the story, a little dwelling upon would have been good. :)
A nice, entertaining read. I'll check out more of this author's books based on how good this one was.
August 14, 2019
Rating: 5 stars
I love this book. It's been years since I've read it but it has stayed with me all this time. I will definitely be re-reading it soon.
I love this book. It's been years since I've read it but it has stayed with me all this time. I will definitely be re-reading it soon.
September 11, 2021
This book is amazing. The love story between princess Lan'xiu's and General Hui Wei's is so beautiful. I love them so much. The ending made me cry. And Shu Ning is great, I love him.
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