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Wish of the White Tiger
The mystical, floating city of Mèngjìng is a haven separated from the world. Within its borders, two sadistic kings govern the nations of Pallava and Ming. Here, anything goes. Lust, decadent food, drugs, and murder are on the menu around the clock.
Baihu—an elite guard sworn to protect the Ming Dynasty—dreams of freedom and love, knowing he'll never have either as a lowly guard. After years dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of his sadistic emperor, he decides to flee the palace at the risk of his life.
Rummaging through his master's treasure for a trinket to sell in the city's black market to fund his escape, Baihu comes across a mysterious white light unexpectedly gleaming from a dusty object in the dark—a bejeweled golden lamp.
With a gentle rub on the lamp, a Genie awakens from another world, ready to indulge in Baihu's every whim.
But can he indulge his whims when his life and the lives of everyone around him are in danger of the fatal consequences of a sadistic tyrant?
Baihu quickly learns everything he knows is not as it seems, and maybe freedom and love are within his reach.
Baihu—an elite guard sworn to protect the Ming Dynasty—dreams of freedom and love, knowing he'll never have either as a lowly guard. After years dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of his sadistic emperor, he decides to flee the palace at the risk of his life.
Rummaging through his master's treasure for a trinket to sell in the city's black market to fund his escape, Baihu comes across a mysterious white light unexpectedly gleaming from a dusty object in the dark—a bejeweled golden lamp.
With a gentle rub on the lamp, a Genie awakens from another world, ready to indulge in Baihu's every whim.
But can he indulge his whims when his life and the lives of everyone around him are in danger of the fatal consequences of a sadistic tyrant?
Baihu quickly learns everything he knows is not as it seems, and maybe freedom and love are within his reach.
- GenresFantasy
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 2, 2024
I was very invested in Baihu’s hero quest. He was a guard for the young emperor but wanted to escape after being strong armed into having relations with him. This Aladdin retelling is in a world that has a little bit of everything from evil sultans, Greek and Hindu gods, amazons, mythical creatures, the Reaper and a female genie. Baihu falls for Div who is already spoken for by the Sultan. What a mess. This story goes on and out of the spirit realm as our hero starts to control his chi and powers as the White Tiger. This book has some spicy scenes in it too. So it has great adventure and romance. What would you do with 3 wishes while the world is falling apart?
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January 8, 2024Thank you, Mr. Harkreader, for allowing me to ARC read this book for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to ARC read for you again. I do apologize for my review being late.
In this story, we follow Baihu, a young man who grew up, trained as a guard in the city of Mèngjìng, and who is looking for freedom and love. Something happens, and Baihu decides that he needs to escape before his life turns in a direction he doesn't particularly like. What happens afterwards is absolutely astounding, and we're pulled along for the ride.
I truly enjoyed the whole book. Not only do you get action and love scenes, you get to watch Baihu battle foes, as well as his self-doubt, and see him grow. Not only do we get characters we love (can Div please be my best friend?) but we also get characters we loathe (it's obvious when you read it,) and I particularly loved the blending of different cultural beliefs, from Arabia, China, Greek, and Hindu. The story is fascinating and complex, filled with anxiousness, regret, doubt, and heartbreak. I'm not ashamed to say I balled like a baby, but that last chapter ... *sigh* Perfect! If you're looking for a fantastic, MM romantasy, Aladdin-re-imagined story, look no further. Mr. Harkreader has you covered.
In this story, we follow Baihu, a young man who grew up, trained as a guard in the city of Mèngjìng, and who is looking for freedom and love. Something happens, and Baihu decides that he needs to escape before his life turns in a direction he doesn't particularly like. What happens afterwards is absolutely astounding, and we're pulled along for the ride.
I truly enjoyed the whole book. Not only do you get action and love scenes, you get to watch Baihu battle foes, as well as his self-doubt, and see him grow. Not only do we get characters we love (can Div please be my best friend?) but we also get characters we loathe (it's obvious when you read it,) and I particularly loved the blending of different cultural beliefs, from Arabia, China, Greek, and Hindu. The story is fascinating and complex, filled with anxiousness, regret, doubt, and heartbreak. I'm not ashamed to say I balled like a baby, but that last chapter ... *sigh* Perfect! If you're looking for a fantastic, MM romantasy, Aladdin-re-imagined story, look no further. Mr. Harkreader has you covered.
January 14, 2024
loved the characters!
Harkreader has done a beautiful job in this Aladdin retelling. I really enjoyed this one. The story and characters are beautiful.
Harkreader has done a beautiful job in this Aladdin retelling. I really enjoyed this one. The story and characters are beautiful.
February 4, 2025
Wish of the white tiger is a dramatic retelling of Aladdin but don't expect any disney princesses here. This Action packed adventure tells the love story of Baihu and Div two men trapped in servitude to evil masters. There is spice which is very well written. expect a full cosmic unfolding a war among gods heroes and a promise to uphold the greater good.
January 20, 2024
EPIC adventure with a touch of romance
This story is an enormous, sweeping quest following Baihu, a royal guard serving a dictator. After his authoritarian orders lead him to service his boss with dubious consent, he steals treasure and flees.
Little does Baihu realize that his loot is actually a magic lamp containing an ancient genie with sophisticated magic governed by its own rules.
There are about 3 pretty spicy scenes scattered throughout with a romance B plot, but the majority of the story is Baihu’s adventure.
This story is an enormous, sweeping quest following Baihu, a royal guard serving a dictator. After his authoritarian orders lead him to service his boss with dubious consent, he steals treasure and flees.
Little does Baihu realize that his loot is actually a magic lamp containing an ancient genie with sophisticated magic governed by its own rules.
There are about 3 pretty spicy scenes scattered throughout with a romance B plot, but the majority of the story is Baihu’s adventure.
April 26, 2024
Good story
"Wish of the White Tiger" takes readers into a mystical world. The book features strong characters, a vibrant setting, and a compelling mix of genres, offering an escape to a magical place where dreams come true and love triumphs.
"Wish of the White Tiger" takes readers into a mystical world. The book features strong characters, a vibrant setting, and a compelling mix of genres, offering an escape to a magical place where dreams come true and love triumphs.
June 7, 2024
Joseph brings a new vibe to a classic story
February 7, 2024
We have got to discuss the difference between writing a world that is inspired by a different culture and writing a world that *is* that culture but is handled terribly. This confusing retelling of the Aladdin story amateurishly stumbles through a bizarre amount of cultures without establishing a strong world of its own. I rated this book 2 stars and would not recommend.
Baihu (Aladdin) is a palace guard thrown into a cosmic battle when he tries to escape sexual slavery. He stumbles across Div (Jasmine), Div’s familiar Tiki (Rahja), and a golden lamp containing a purple genie, Lian. The group must work together to overcome Mohan (Jafar), an evil sultan who wants to conquer the Dreamland.
When I started the book, I forgot Wish of the White Tiger was marketed as adult romantacy and thought I was reading a middle-grade fantasy. The world-building is childishly simple and explained through some unforgivably clunky exposition. The writing style is repetitive (get used to the phrases “jasmine aura” and honey eyes” when Div is being described) to the point of being distracting. Then you hit the explicit sex scenes, curse words, and weak attempts at writing “violent” action and are reminded this is supposed to be an adult novel.
The pacing of this novel is... not good. The story constantly interrupts itself by yanking Baihu out of his world and into the “spirit world” for him to keep learning about his “chi” power. Seriously. The number of times we’re tossed back and forth between realms is nuts. You know what else is nuts? How poorly the characters were written. Everyone is a one-dimensional character who rarely displays more than the 3 personality traits given to them. The genie flips between caring for the main characters and not trusting them, Baihu is such a flat, boring character it hurts and Tiki... is a guy? I don’t know man, this was not a good novel.
Now... we’ve got to talk about the strange amount of cultures Harkreader steals from. Aladdin is a Persian/Arabian/Indian story, so you would think that those are the cultures that Harkreader would focus on, right? Nope. Baihu is Chinese-coded; his name is Chinese, he wields “chi” like a weapon/magical power, he taps into the power of a white tiger god. Div and the kingdom he is from is Indian. Lian, the genie, has a Chinese name but is a mix of Arabian/Indian interpretations of Jinn. The bad guy has an army of undead samurai (that show up once), which are from Japan. They fight Wendingo’s, which are from Native American lore. They fight the Grim Reaper, who takes on the 14-13th century Germanic appearance. GREECE AND IT’S PANTHEON ARE JUST HERE. GREECE IS REFERENCED. ALONG WITH THE ENTIRE INDIAN PANTHEON OF GODS. AND HINDUISM. IS THIS OUR WORLD OR HARKREADER’S ORIGINAL CREATION? It started feeling offensive near the end, because this wasn’t a world inspired by the culture of 1001, this was a poor reskinning of real-life cultures.
If you are making a world inspired by actual cultures, you need to be careful of how you’re going about doing that. RF Kuang’s The Poppy War Trilogy takes Chinese history and culture, and makes something original and interesting. Catherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale is so clearly inspired by Russian culture but again, still gives it an original twist. Harkreader gives up on creating an original world halfway through the novel and just regurgitates real life mythos and uses actual religions instead of building his own. This novel was definitely a letdown in many ways, from the childish/amateur writing, to the lazy and occasionally offensive world-building.
Baihu (Aladdin) is a palace guard thrown into a cosmic battle when he tries to escape sexual slavery. He stumbles across Div (Jasmine), Div’s familiar Tiki (Rahja), and a golden lamp containing a purple genie, Lian. The group must work together to overcome Mohan (Jafar), an evil sultan who wants to conquer the Dreamland.
When I started the book, I forgot Wish of the White Tiger was marketed as adult romantacy and thought I was reading a middle-grade fantasy. The world-building is childishly simple and explained through some unforgivably clunky exposition. The writing style is repetitive (get used to the phrases “jasmine aura” and honey eyes” when Div is being described) to the point of being distracting. Then you hit the explicit sex scenes, curse words, and weak attempts at writing “violent” action and are reminded this is supposed to be an adult novel.
The pacing of this novel is... not good. The story constantly interrupts itself by yanking Baihu out of his world and into the “spirit world” for him to keep learning about his “chi” power. Seriously. The number of times we’re tossed back and forth between realms is nuts. You know what else is nuts? How poorly the characters were written. Everyone is a one-dimensional character who rarely displays more than the 3 personality traits given to them. The genie flips between caring for the main characters and not trusting them, Baihu is such a flat, boring character it hurts and Tiki... is a guy? I don’t know man, this was not a good novel.
Now... we’ve got to talk about the strange amount of cultures Harkreader steals from. Aladdin is a Persian/Arabian/Indian story, so you would think that those are the cultures that Harkreader would focus on, right? Nope. Baihu is Chinese-coded; his name is Chinese, he wields “chi” like a weapon/magical power, he taps into the power of a white tiger god. Div and the kingdom he is from is Indian. Lian, the genie, has a Chinese name but is a mix of Arabian/Indian interpretations of Jinn. The bad guy has an army of undead samurai (that show up once), which are from Japan. They fight Wendingo’s, which are from Native American lore. They fight the Grim Reaper, who takes on the 14-13th century Germanic appearance. GREECE AND IT’S PANTHEON ARE JUST HERE. GREECE IS REFERENCED. ALONG WITH THE ENTIRE INDIAN PANTHEON OF GODS. AND HINDUISM. IS THIS OUR WORLD OR HARKREADER’S ORIGINAL CREATION? It started feeling offensive near the end, because this wasn’t a world inspired by the culture of 1001, this was a poor reskinning of real-life cultures.
If you are making a world inspired by actual cultures, you need to be careful of how you’re going about doing that. RF Kuang’s The Poppy War Trilogy takes Chinese history and culture, and makes something original and interesting. Catherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale is so clearly inspired by Russian culture but again, still gives it an original twist. Harkreader gives up on creating an original world halfway through the novel and just regurgitates real life mythos and uses actual religions instead of building his own. This novel was definitely a letdown in many ways, from the childish/amateur writing, to the lazy and occasionally offensive world-building.
January 19, 2024
Wish of the White Tiger, authored by Joseph Harkreader, emerges as a compelling narrative set in the mystical realm of Mèngjìng. This ethereal sanctuary, resplendent with luxury and excess, is governed by formidable rulers. The story follows Baihu, an elite guard who harbors aspirations of freedom and love. His life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a mystical golden lamp, which, upon a gentle touch, releases a white light and summons a Genie from another world, ready to grant Baihu's deepest wishes.
Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of disaster, Baihu's story weaves a delicate balance between personal desires and the looming threat posed by a tyrannical ruler. Harkreader's narrative style is a fusion of magical realism and detailed world-building, creating a vivid and tangible universe that engrosses readers with its authenticity and rich imagery. The story is an invitation to a bygone era, adorned with emperors, cherry blossoms, and samurais, and is underscored by a keen eye for detail.
Central to this tale is Baihu, a character whose depth and complexity captivate the reader's imagination. His journey from a lowly guard under the Ming Dynasty to a figure challenging his destiny is both moving and profound. Baihu's character development is skilfully portrayed, reflecting a natural progression as he grapples with the harsh realities of his world and the possibility of achieving freedom and love.
A notable aspect of Wish of the White Tiger is its exploration of a male-to-male relationship, presented not as a mere subplot but as a pivotal element of the story. Harkreader approaches this theme with sensitivity and depth, offering an authentic and inclusive portrayal of love in its many forms. The book's strength lies in its immersive world-building and the seamless blend of fantasy and historical elements. Baihu's character serves as a compelling focal point, encouraging the reader to invest emotionally in his journey. The resolution of the love story is both satisfying and impactful, underscoring the narrative's overall success.
Joseph Harkreader's Wish of the White Tiger is a standout novel for readers who appreciate a blend of fantasy and historical elements, and for those who value diverse and nuanced portrayals of relationships. It is a story that remains with the reader, resonating long after the final page is turned. This novel is more than just a tale; it is an experience that invites readers into a world both enchanting and profound.
Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of disaster, Baihu's story weaves a delicate balance between personal desires and the looming threat posed by a tyrannical ruler. Harkreader's narrative style is a fusion of magical realism and detailed world-building, creating a vivid and tangible universe that engrosses readers with its authenticity and rich imagery. The story is an invitation to a bygone era, adorned with emperors, cherry blossoms, and samurais, and is underscored by a keen eye for detail.
Central to this tale is Baihu, a character whose depth and complexity captivate the reader's imagination. His journey from a lowly guard under the Ming Dynasty to a figure challenging his destiny is both moving and profound. Baihu's character development is skilfully portrayed, reflecting a natural progression as he grapples with the harsh realities of his world and the possibility of achieving freedom and love.
A notable aspect of Wish of the White Tiger is its exploration of a male-to-male relationship, presented not as a mere subplot but as a pivotal element of the story. Harkreader approaches this theme with sensitivity and depth, offering an authentic and inclusive portrayal of love in its many forms. The book's strength lies in its immersive world-building and the seamless blend of fantasy and historical elements. Baihu's character serves as a compelling focal point, encouraging the reader to invest emotionally in his journey. The resolution of the love story is both satisfying and impactful, underscoring the narrative's overall success.
Joseph Harkreader's Wish of the White Tiger is a standout novel for readers who appreciate a blend of fantasy and historical elements, and for those who value diverse and nuanced portrayals of relationships. It is a story that remains with the reader, resonating long after the final page is turned. This novel is more than just a tale; it is an experience that invites readers into a world both enchanting and profound.
February 15, 2025
This is the Aladdin-esq retelling you didn’t know you needed. If you like the story of Aladdin, a multitude of mythological references with Gods and a female genie, heroes you will love and villain’s you will love to hate, battle scenes, spirit realms and a sprinkling of spice, then this is for you. This MM romance is a wonderfully enthralling multicultural story of self-doubt and self-love, self-discovery and self-growth.
This story follows Baihu, a palace guard who is looking for love and freedom. However, that a wrench is thrown into mix when he finds himself in a less than desirable situation that he would rather not be a part of. Looking for an escape, he runs into Div and is captivated that all he is. With the golden lamp, he meets Lian, the genie that may offer the solution to all of his problems. The group, bonded over a common goal, must work together to take on the malicious and vile Sultan, Mohan. Through the spirit realm, Baihu discovers his inner magic and must come to grips with his found powers or suffer a fate worse than death.
Reading this book definitely put me all in the feels, highs and lows, you will feel them all. Easy to read and well written, I breezed right through the story. Some of the descriptors did become a little redundant but did not take too much away from the story. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author.
This story follows Baihu, a palace guard who is looking for love and freedom. However, that a wrench is thrown into mix when he finds himself in a less than desirable situation that he would rather not be a part of. Looking for an escape, he runs into Div and is captivated that all he is. With the golden lamp, he meets Lian, the genie that may offer the solution to all of his problems. The group, bonded over a common goal, must work together to take on the malicious and vile Sultan, Mohan. Through the spirit realm, Baihu discovers his inner magic and must come to grips with his found powers or suffer a fate worse than death.
Reading this book definitely put me all in the feels, highs and lows, you will feel them all. Easy to read and well written, I breezed right through the story. Some of the descriptors did become a little redundant but did not take too much away from the story. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from this author.
January 31, 2025
Wish of the White Tiger is the 9ay fever dream you had in your World Mythology class while seated 3 rows back and one row over from the college man-crush you were too shy to flirt with. This is not a negative statement! (Not even from this cis man's jilted point of view, which I must include as a disclaimer to assert my straight male manliness.)
This adventure is a joy to read as it bounces between hot springs, mysterious realms, and cosmic planes on its dick-twitching journey through unexpected twists and turns, un-straight through to your heart!
Magic carpet and a genie in a lamp? Check!
Chi, shakras, martial arts, and mysterious magic? Check!
Gods, heroes, monsters, and unstoppable villains? Check!
Get the guy in the end (in more ways than one)? Check!
Shut up, take my money and skip the Tylenol! I'm in, again and again!
This adventure is a joy to read as it bounces between hot springs, mysterious realms, and cosmic planes on its dick-twitching journey through unexpected twists and turns, un-straight through to your heart!
Magic carpet and a genie in a lamp? Check!
Chi, shakras, martial arts, and mysterious magic? Check!
Gods, heroes, monsters, and unstoppable villains? Check!
Get the guy in the end (in more ways than one)? Check!
Shut up, take my money and skip the Tylenol! I'm in, again and again!
February 16, 2024
An Asian tale.
(At 3% murmurs)
Maps can be useful when describing fictitious places. I’m afraid this novel didn't appeal to me on a number of levels especially the gay sex scenes.
I get the feeling that the book was targeted at an Indian audience as many words throughout the text were definitely Asian.
On the plus side the author can definitely write and did to be fair warn against the violence and sex.
I’m going to leave it at a 3.
(At 3% murmurs)
Maps can be useful when describing fictitious places. I’m afraid this novel didn't appeal to me on a number of levels especially the gay sex scenes.
I get the feeling that the book was targeted at an Indian audience as many words throughout the text were definitely Asian.
On the plus side the author can definitely write and did to be fair warn against the violence and sex.
I’m going to leave it at a 3.
April 1, 2025
It’s a little different from my normal reading but it wasn’t half bad.
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