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Shackles: A Historical Romance set in Ancient China
Twice, I chose to leave you. Twice, I broke your heart.
In the next life, please break mine instead. ~ 2nd runner-up of Neovel's Stronger Together Contest ~
When warriors from hostile neighbouring nations kidnap Empress Dowager Xu Xieqing, a man from her past, Li Wai, is dispatched to save her. As they embark on their dangerous journey back to TianDi palace, Xieqing finds herself at war with both enemies from within her own country and outside. But her biggest adversary will prove to be her own heart for she hides a soulmate tattoo that will poison her if her heart ever strays. Her spirit is indomitable, her will is undefeatable, but her heart isn't impervious to love as she thinks it is. As her long-lost feelings for Li Wai are uncovered, she must make a cruel decision.
Will she surrender her ambition and rediscover her life as a normal woman or will she dedicate her mind and body to her people and lose her soul?
Prepare to be captivated from start to finish by a mix of adventure, political tension, and character-driven storytelling as you follow Xieqing's journey to reclaim her life and reconcile her ambitions with her heart.
In the next life, please break mine instead. ~ 2nd runner-up of Neovel's Stronger Together Contest ~
When warriors from hostile neighbouring nations kidnap Empress Dowager Xu Xieqing, a man from her past, Li Wai, is dispatched to save her. As they embark on their dangerous journey back to TianDi palace, Xieqing finds herself at war with both enemies from within her own country and outside. But her biggest adversary will prove to be her own heart for she hides a soulmate tattoo that will poison her if her heart ever strays. Her spirit is indomitable, her will is undefeatable, but her heart isn't impervious to love as she thinks it is. As her long-lost feelings for Li Wai are uncovered, she must make a cruel decision.
Will she surrender her ambition and rediscover her life as a normal woman or will she dedicate her mind and body to her people and lose her soul?
Prepare to be captivated from start to finish by a mix of adventure, political tension, and character-driven storytelling as you follow Xieqing's journey to reclaim her life and reconcile her ambitions with her heart.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 10, 2023
This is a short book that is so well written that it feels like reading a much longer historical epic. There are elements of political intrigue, magical soul bonding, female emancipation, kidnapping, murder, war, that are all expertly interwoven into the central story of two childhood friends meeting as adults who need to depend on each other for survival.
I appreciated that the characters were mature as so much romantic interaction seems to be focused on younger people. These are protagonists who have experience of the world, have had previous lovers and have responsibilities beyond the desire for each other.
Although there are darker elements, this is a warm tale and it was a nice place to spend my reading time in.
I appreciated that the characters were mature as so much romantic interaction seems to be focused on younger people. These are protagonists who have experience of the world, have had previous lovers and have responsibilities beyond the desire for each other.
Although there are darker elements, this is a warm tale and it was a nice place to spend my reading time in.
August 29, 2023
Shackles is a brilliant novella that weaves action, political intrigue, and profound inner conflict together into a compelling and engaging narrative. The character development of the main character, Xieqing, was like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. Even the supporting characters came to life on the page, each of them contributing to the intricate web of alliances and conflicts in this historical story. This novella is a true gem that showcases the transformative power of love and resillience and I strongly recommend it to anyone seeking a gripping tale that tugs at the heartstrings while immersing them in a world of danger, passion, and self-discovery.
August 30, 2023
What I really enjoyed about this book is the Empress dowager's inner struggle - should she let her desires rule over her or should she fulfill her responsibilities to her people? The moral dilemma she faces adds so much depth to her character and I can't help but empathize with her as she journeys back to the palace with a man who she can't help but love, yet that very man is killing her (in a way). The whole book ended too soon for me but this is definitely one book that I will re-read over and over again.
October 19, 2025
An enchanting masterpiece. Would recommend to people who enjoy historical Chinese dramas.
September 26, 2023
People can change, but change always has a cost.
Lark Cayling (aliases Ivan Skilling, Isla O’Hare as illustrator) offers a punchy romance in her third novella, ‘Shackles’. Weighing in at 112 pages, this historical offering, set in ancient China, is her longest book to date by a factor of two, and it’s a pleasure to romp through (note that the illustrations are limited to cover and about-the-author artwork).
Cayling and her alter egos offer a bit of politics, some intrigue and a smattering of action, all deliciously wrapped in classic themes of love, honour and a little risk. ‘Shackles’ is presented as a first-person past tense account (including that awkward moment when we find out who the narrator is: “I don’t think that would be necessary, Empress.” This is, we realise, an issue because in the prologue lies a clue to Cayling’s story as Prime Minister Lu Bei muses: “Ascending the throne would be a cinch. All he needed to do was wait. When the sword fell on the Empress’s neck, everything would be his.”
Growing up, Empress Xu Xieqing endured the bloody death of her parents, but with a bit of help from Li Wai, she found a way to survive. Yet, when she finally attained the throne, she realised she had abused the people who helped her ascend. With this device, Cayling presents the Empress’s struggle meaningfully for her readers: we all experience conflict between duty and our selfish goals. But Xu’s trials are epic in proportion to ours, not just because of her exulted position. Pleasingly, the supporting cast is, for the most part, well-realised, but as Empress Xu’s subjects, sometimes fall unexpectedly away. What is great is the interplay between the steadfast, not always pleasant, characters, helping to cement this as a historical drama.
The novella has an easy style, urging the reader on from vignette to vignette, although the slight dabble with magic in the first act is probably unnecessary. It might have benefitted from a few more pages, as the ending was slightly unexpected (timing-wise). Yet the message is clear: people can change, but change always has a cost.
Lark Cayling (aliases Ivan Skilling, Isla O’Hare as illustrator) offers a punchy romance in her third novella, ‘Shackles’. Weighing in at 112 pages, this historical offering, set in ancient China, is her longest book to date by a factor of two, and it’s a pleasure to romp through (note that the illustrations are limited to cover and about-the-author artwork).
Cayling and her alter egos offer a bit of politics, some intrigue and a smattering of action, all deliciously wrapped in classic themes of love, honour and a little risk. ‘Shackles’ is presented as a first-person past tense account (including that awkward moment when we find out who the narrator is: “I don’t think that would be necessary, Empress.” This is, we realise, an issue because in the prologue lies a clue to Cayling’s story as Prime Minister Lu Bei muses: “Ascending the throne would be a cinch. All he needed to do was wait. When the sword fell on the Empress’s neck, everything would be his.”
Growing up, Empress Xu Xieqing endured the bloody death of her parents, but with a bit of help from Li Wai, she found a way to survive. Yet, when she finally attained the throne, she realised she had abused the people who helped her ascend. With this device, Cayling presents the Empress’s struggle meaningfully for her readers: we all experience conflict between duty and our selfish goals. But Xu’s trials are epic in proportion to ours, not just because of her exulted position. Pleasingly, the supporting cast is, for the most part, well-realised, but as Empress Xu’s subjects, sometimes fall unexpectedly away. What is great is the interplay between the steadfast, not always pleasant, characters, helping to cement this as a historical drama.
The novella has an easy style, urging the reader on from vignette to vignette, although the slight dabble with magic in the first act is probably unnecessary. It might have benefitted from a few more pages, as the ending was slightly unexpected (timing-wise). Yet the message is clear: people can change, but change always has a cost.
September 19, 2023
“Shackles” is a historical romance set in ancient China. The protagonist is a de-throned empress who had worked her way to the top in search of both power and revenge … leaving blood in her wake. As a child, she had witnessed the murder of her parents. Through the help of a young man, she managed to escape and survive. But she left him behind in order to reach her own selfish goals. Many years later, it is this same young man who rescues her and helps her return to the throne.
The book is beautifully written, and the characters are well developed, even if initially not very likeable. But people can repent and change their ways. Selfishness can be replaced with benevolence, even when it means sacrifice of one’s own desires. Some characters are dropped, making me wonder what happened to them.
The story moved quickly from one action-packed scene to the next and you will keep turning pages until the end.
The book is beautifully written, and the characters are well developed, even if initially not very likeable. But people can repent and change their ways. Selfishness can be replaced with benevolence, even when it means sacrifice of one’s own desires. Some characters are dropped, making me wonder what happened to them.
The story moved quickly from one action-packed scene to the next and you will keep turning pages until the end.
August 16, 2023
I love me a good romance and damn, this one certainly hit me right in the feels. Childhood friends to lovers is like one of my weak spots and even though I normally only read stories with happy endings, I would make an exception for this one. So much sparks and tension that made me wanna scream at the characters and tell them to kiss already! I did feel the ending was kinda rushed cos there were so many things I wanted to see happen but maybe there will be a sequel? Anyway, if you want to read something that will sweep you off your feet and force you to stay up all night thinking you're escaping enemies, then THIS IS THE ONE TO BUY. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR!
P.S. I got this free advanced copy from the author to review.
P.S. I got this free advanced copy from the author to review.
September 27, 2025
Love this thrilling story! I was holding my breath from page one until the very end. There were so many suspenseful twists and turns, political scheming and fast-paced action. Kinda wish the author had expanded more on the events within the palace though. But by the end, I think I even shed a tear. Kudos to the author!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews