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Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) #3
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) Vol. 3
CAPITAL UNDER SIEGE
With the Westerners and their allies pressing in on all sides, the empire of Great Liang enters its darkest hour. Under these desperate conditions, Gu Yun leads the beleaguered Black Iron Battalion to hold the borders. Meanwhile, Chang Geng makes his move in the imperial court, sweeping corrupt officials aside in an effort to stabilize the nation before it's too late.
As the two struggle to hold the tattered pieces of the empire together, Gu Yun uncovers a shocking truth about the curse slowly tightening its grip on Chang Geng's mind. But are the deepest secrets of Cheng Geng's past enough to move even the iron heart of the nation's most fearsome general?
With the Westerners and their allies pressing in on all sides, the empire of Great Liang enters its darkest hour. Under these desperate conditions, Gu Yun leads the beleaguered Black Iron Battalion to hold the borders. Meanwhile, Chang Geng makes his move in the imperial court, sweeping corrupt officials aside in an effort to stabilize the nation before it's too late.
As the two struggle to hold the tattered pieces of the empire together, Gu Yun uncovers a shocking truth about the curse slowly tightening its grip on Chang Geng's mind. But are the deepest secrets of Cheng Geng's past enough to move even the iron heart of the nation's most fearsome general?
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2024
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July 2, 2024
Desperation breeds honesty and so volume three of “Stars of Chaos” opens with Chang Geng ardently kissing Gu Yun on the ramparts of the city in the heat of battle. Unlike their first kiss, there is no deniability anymore, which does rather complicate matters as the book unfolds. “Submitting to a momentary impulse was easy, but dealing with the aftermath was an entirely different matter” (p. 55).
This third volume in the series opens in the middle of a battle, where Cheng Geng and Yu Gun are fighting to defend the city from western invaders. Indeed, the majority of the plot is devoted to the machinations of the court trying to defend itself from these foreigners. As Prince Yan, Chang Geng, proves to be an excellent politician and strategist while secretly dealing with the effects of the wu’ergu poison whose origins are explained in gruesome detail in chapter 70.
The steampunk elements of this historical fantasy world have become normalized by now so the violet gold and mechanical weaponry seem perfectly natural by now. These technological elements balance out the supernatural poisoning that afflicts Chang Geng and which threatens his sanity if he loses control. So even though the machinery seems to dominate the setting, it is really only the backdrop for the complicated relationship of the main couple.
This book sees them confess their feelings as well as act on them without the excuse of alcohol or battle. However, it is not plain sailing, because both of them have their inner demons and are also plagued with emotional insecurity. Gu Yun now admits the true nature of his feelings when he thinks that, “From now on, this person is mine” (p. 157) and there are plenty of scenes where Shen Yi is a third wheel, because they feel no need to hide their relationship in front of him. Chang Geng has been open about his feelings all along and it sounds very intimate when he calls Gu Yun “Zixi” which is his courtesy name. The shift in name signals a shift in the status of their relationship.
It is, however, by no means a walk in the park, because they are both vulnerable characters whose inner turmoil makes their relationship tricky. They trust each other, but they bicker and misunderstand each other constantly. In that respect the bumpiness of their relationship is fairly realistic, because life does not suddenly become uncomplicated just because your partner has reciprocated your love. So much of the book sees them teeter between saccharine love and brutal honesty. This becomes increasingly clear as the book comes to a close, because the jade flute is wielded as an instrument of punishment even though it is a symbol of Chang Geng’s love for Gu Yun. It is both in Gu Yun’s hands, because he uses it to try to make Chang Geng respect himself more. It is more than a little sad that Chang Geng truly does not know his own worth and needs someone to make him see sense. “Zixi, in all my life, I’ve never been able to treasure anything else; it was all you. If you would take this from me, you may as well tell me how to die and I’ll go at once” (p. 381). The scene is upsetting, though, because Chang Geng misreads the situation and thinks that Gu Yun is withdrawing his love while in fact the exact opposite is the case.
The book ends with the nation in peril and their relationship hanging in the balance …
This third volume in the series opens in the middle of a battle, where Cheng Geng and Yu Gun are fighting to defend the city from western invaders. Indeed, the majority of the plot is devoted to the machinations of the court trying to defend itself from these foreigners. As Prince Yan, Chang Geng, proves to be an excellent politician and strategist while secretly dealing with the effects of the wu’ergu poison whose origins are explained in gruesome detail in chapter 70.
The steampunk elements of this historical fantasy world have become normalized by now so the violet gold and mechanical weaponry seem perfectly natural by now. These technological elements balance out the supernatural poisoning that afflicts Chang Geng and which threatens his sanity if he loses control. So even though the machinery seems to dominate the setting, it is really only the backdrop for the complicated relationship of the main couple.
This book sees them confess their feelings as well as act on them without the excuse of alcohol or battle. However, it is not plain sailing, because both of them have their inner demons and are also plagued with emotional insecurity. Gu Yun now admits the true nature of his feelings when he thinks that, “From now on, this person is mine” (p. 157) and there are plenty of scenes where Shen Yi is a third wheel, because they feel no need to hide their relationship in front of him. Chang Geng has been open about his feelings all along and it sounds very intimate when he calls Gu Yun “Zixi” which is his courtesy name. The shift in name signals a shift in the status of their relationship.
It is, however, by no means a walk in the park, because they are both vulnerable characters whose inner turmoil makes their relationship tricky. They trust each other, but they bicker and misunderstand each other constantly. In that respect the bumpiness of their relationship is fairly realistic, because life does not suddenly become uncomplicated just because your partner has reciprocated your love. So much of the book sees them teeter between saccharine love and brutal honesty. This becomes increasingly clear as the book comes to a close, because the jade flute is wielded as an instrument of punishment even though it is a symbol of Chang Geng’s love for Gu Yun. It is both in Gu Yun’s hands, because he uses it to try to make Chang Geng respect himself more. It is more than a little sad that Chang Geng truly does not know his own worth and needs someone to make him see sense. “Zixi, in all my life, I’ve never been able to treasure anything else; it was all you. If you would take this from me, you may as well tell me how to die and I’ll go at once” (p. 381). The scene is upsetting, though, because Chang Geng misreads the situation and thinks that Gu Yun is withdrawing his love while in fact the exact opposite is the case.
The book ends with the nation in peril and their relationship hanging in the balance …
March 6, 2025
down bad for shen yi where are you my wife
December 15, 2025
5 'All is fair in love and war' stars
Vol 3 has been my favorite SPL volume so far. I really don't get why priest is not more popular. I adore her stories and her couples. I admit my mind sometimes wanders when there's too much politics talk but otherwise I'm never bored.
This vol starts with attack on the capital and these chapters were the hardest to read. The fighting is described very vividly; you could just feel, what everyone is feeling - fear and despair but also courage and persistence.
I was really emotional reading this. Truly one of the most heartbreaking scenes in this book. And I can only applaus priest for breaking me becuase of a death of a certain charachter that I only knew for two pages. I actually had to take a little break after that chapter. But before I get too depressed, let's move on to happier moments.
After the battle Gu Yun finally starts to think about his feelings. He almost dies in that battle and despite courting death many times before, I think that was the closest he was to actually dying. And it shows how in truth he's humanly fragile in spite of often seeming to be like a war machine. So, I think it was the combination of unexpected kiss and him almost dying that made him realize life is too short, and too unpredictable, and that every missed moment will never come back. Therefore, he decides to indulge Chang Geng's feelings and desires and also indulge his own. I think it's the first time that he puts himself first and allows to be selfish.
Fanart by 域说的年记
This volume really seems dedicated to changgu's relationship. Yeah, I know, lots of very important political things happen but I don't much care to discuss those. It's not just their relationship that is growing but also both of them have great charachter development. In Chang Geng's case it might have been more prominent in previous vol, since he grew up from teenager to adult and changed his views a lot. As for Gu Yun, he starts to change his views alongside his relationship with Chang Geng. For the first time in his life, he actually starts thinking about having a future - that doesn't include only dying for the empire.
This made me so mushy!! My poor darling really thought that the best he can do is die for the nation and if I didn't already liked Chang Geng before, I would definitely start adoring him now for being the reason Gu Yun realized his worth. However, it's also the other way around. Chang Geng has his own insecurites as well, maybe even more than Gu Yun, and he hides them so good he's going crazy because of them. Silly kid should just talk it through with Gu Yun because it's not like his yifu would ever abondon him. But wu'ergu poison in his body is sometimes too strong and often totally clouds his mind.
Fanart by 头铁功夫深
It's really not a priest's book if nobody gets bitten, lol. Priest's couples all show love through biting. And as I said, no matter what Change Geng does, Gu Yun would never leave him.
Their relationship might be a little rocky but they are still in love. And it's not like Chang Geng doesn't enjoy when Gu Yun is strict with him. At least that flute is good for something. Also, I just remembered a video from audio drama recording of this scene, where they are trying to get a good smacking sound, and they just kind of start hitting each other with the flute 🤣🤣🤣
Well, Gu Yun is definitely not ready for that kind of role-playing, hahaha. For all his flirty nature, he can't keep up with Chang Geng's kink exploration.
Fanart by szyszkeh
Fanart by 域说的年记丶
Gif by guzhufuren
Honestly, I think it's karma - all Gu Yun's teasing came back to bite him in the ass, lolz. Also, his reaction to Chang Geng'sdaddy yifu kink is hilarious. It's usually Shen Yi's job to clucth his invisible pearls at indicent stuff or with priest's words 'his meddling inner-court auntie's heart roiling in his cheast'. However, no matter how shaken Gu Yun was because of Chang Geng's seductive skills, his shamelessness is still strong.
I almost can't believe I haven't heard about his 'wearing nothing at all' before. Is SPL fandom really that small that no one mentioned it? I've probably heard for every single baobei Mo Ran calls Chu Wanning, and here we have Gu Yun casually talking about being nude for Chang Geng and fandom hasn't gone feral for this. Changgu is really undeservedly underrated couple. Just look at them, they are so adorably playful with each other.
Now, I should finish my review before I start blabbering too much but of course, I can't finish yet if I haven't really mentioned Shen Yi. His and Gu Yun's antics are always a pleasure to read.
5 'His little yifu' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'Gu Yun needs all the hugs' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'All is fair in love and war' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 'War and love' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'changgu in love' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vol 3 has been my favorite SPL volume so far. I really don't get why priest is not more popular. I adore her stories and her couples. I admit my mind sometimes wanders when there's too much politics talk but otherwise I'm never bored.
This vol starts with attack on the capital and these chapters were the hardest to read. The fighting is described very vividly; you could just feel, what everyone is feeling - fear and despair but also courage and persistence.
Countless windslashers, now ownerless, were loaded onto parhelion bows. At Prince Yanbei's command, these legendary weapons were launched over the walls like the most disposable of iron arrows. Their blades spun like dandelions blooming in midair, rending the wind itself with their passage, carrying the names of the fallen as they pelted toward the incoming waves of Western hawks.
I was really emotional reading this. Truly one of the most heartbreaking scenes in this book. And I can only applaus priest for breaking me becuase of a death of a certain charachter that I only knew for two pages. I actually had to take a little break after that chapter. But before I get too depressed, let's move on to happier moments.
Gu Yun pulled Chang Geng into the safety of his heavy-armored embrace as a giant chunk of falling stone smashed down behind him. The two were mere centimeters apart, practically breathing the same air. They hadn't been this close since Chang Geng had begun deliberately keeping his distance.
Chang Geng's pupils contracted. He reached into the heavy armor to pull Gu Yun down by the neck and, throwing all caution to the wind, pressed a kiss to those wind-chapped lips.
It was the first time he had tasted Gu Yun while they were both sober. The kiss burned, as if he were about to self-combust, and carried the faint tang of blood.
[...]
The moment felt as long as hundreds of centuries, yet shorter than the blink of an eye.
After the battle Gu Yun finally starts to think about his feelings. He almost dies in that battle and despite courting death many times before, I think that was the closest he was to actually dying. And it shows how in truth he's humanly fragile in spite of often seeming to be like a war machine. So, I think it was the combination of unexpected kiss and him almost dying that made him realize life is too short, and too unpredictable, and that every missed moment will never come back. Therefore, he decides to indulge Chang Geng's feelings and desires and also indulge his own. I think it's the first time that he puts himself first and allows to be selfish.
This time was different from the farewell kiss they shared at the capital ramparts; it lacked the intensity of desperation. Gu Yun felt as though a corner of his heart had collapsed, offering up the softest spot in his chest. From now on, this person is mine.
Fanart by 域说的年记
This volume really seems dedicated to changgu's relationship. Yeah, I know, lots of very important political things happen but I don't much care to discuss those. It's not just their relationship that is growing but also both of them have great charachter development. In Chang Geng's case it might have been more prominent in previous vol, since he grew up from teenager to adult and changed his views a lot. As for Gu Yun, he starts to change his views alongside his relationship with Chang Geng. For the first time in his life, he actually starts thinking about having a future - that doesn't include only dying for the empire.
He'd always imagined that he was destined to be buried in the borderlands, that he would become a sacrifice of the nation. He regarded himslef as a bundle of fireworks - by the time he fizzled out, he would have successfully upheald the Gu family's reputation for devotion and sacrifice. But when it had truly come down to it, Chang Geng had appeared out of thin air, and with a slap of his hand, sent Gu Yun's plans spiraling away form their original trajectory. Gu Yun couldn't help but indulge in wild fantasies and yearn for more - after wearing himself down for the sake of the nation, he wanted to give what remained of his hale and hearty years to Chang Geng.
This made me so mushy!! My poor darling really thought that the best he can do is die for the nation and if I didn't already liked Chang Geng before, I would definitely start adoring him now for being the reason Gu Yun realized his worth. However, it's also the other way around. Chang Geng has his own insecurites as well, maybe even more than Gu Yun, and he hides them so good he's going crazy because of them. Silly kid should just talk it through with Gu Yun because it's not like his yifu would ever abondon him. But wu'ergu poison in his body is sometimes too strong and often totally clouds his mind.
Before the breath could fully escape him, Chang Geng made a grab for his throat. "I won't let you leave!"
[...]
By contrast, Gu Yun was afraid of accidentally hurting him. On the verge of breaking a sweat, he cursed furiously, "I just fucking got back - where the hell would I go?"
Suddenly, Chang Geng stilled. Gu Yun withdrew the hand he had pressed against Chang Geng's neck and rapped him lightly on the chin with his knuckles. "Wake up!"
Perhaps this strike was too weak - not only did it fail to rouse Chang Geng, it made him narrow his bloddy eyes. Like an enraged leopard, he turned his head and bit down on Gu Yun's arm.
Fanart by 头铁功夫深
It's really not a priest's book if nobody gets bitten, lol. Priest's couples all show love through biting. And as I said, no matter what Change Geng does, Gu Yun would never leave him.
Gu Yun's expression was grim as an overcast sky as he sat by the bed. "Get the hell over here."
Chang Geng was lost. "I..."
"Walk through that door today and I'll break your legs," Gu Yun said, an audible chill in his voice. "Even His Majesty won't be able to save you. Get back here - don't make me say it a third time."
Their relationship might be a little rocky but they are still in love. And it's not like Chang Geng doesn't enjoy when Gu Yun is strict with him. At least that flute is good for something. Also, I just remembered a video from audio drama recording of this scene, where they are trying to get a good smacking sound, and they just kind of start hitting each other with the flute 🤣🤣🤣
Gu Yun snatched his reaching wrist and forced him to open his hand, then pulled out an object and smacked it hard across Chang Geng's palm. Chang Geng shuddered - His Highness Prince Yan, whose palm had never been slapped by a teacher in his life, was so shocked he forget to struggle.
"Also..." Gu Yun paused. "Put some medicine on your hand when you get a chance."
Chang Geng turned away with dificulty. He seemed to struggle with himself for a time. He quietly said. "Yifu, I want you."
For a moment Gu Yun thought his ears had aquiried some new affliction. "What did you say?"
Well, Gu Yun is definitely not ready for that kind of role-playing, hahaha. For all his flirty nature, he can't keep up with Chang Geng's kink exploration.
Fanart by szyszkeh
"Don't be scared," Gu Yun coaxed him. "I'll take good care of you."
If the half-blind man could've seen Chang Geng's face just then, he probably wouldn't have said that.
Chang Geng leaned down and kissed him, and Gu Yun grew impatient once more. Yet just as he was about to press Chang Geng onto his back and get down to business, for some unfathomable reason, Chang Geng suddenly blurted out, "Yifu..."
Gu Yun froze.
[...]
"Stop calling me that."
Chang Geng paused and gazed at him for a few beats in silence. Then he leaned in and murmured into Gu Yun's ear, "Yifu, if you can't see clearly, then close your eyes, okay?"
No matter how hard of hearing Gu Yun might be - and he wasn't even all that deaf yet - he could tell Chang Geng was doing this on purpose. "... You're into this, aren't you?"
Fanart by 域说的年记丶
Gu Yun pushed at Chang Geng's shoulder, caught that disrespectful hand, and twisted it behind Chang Geng's back. Chang Geng didn't resist, his body yielding as he allowed Gu Yun to manhandle him as he pleased. Tilting his head back to reveal the vulnerable line of his neck, he murmured coyly, "Do you want me, Yifu?"
Gu Yun hesitated; the instant his grip loosened, Chang Geng slipped free like a loach and once again pressed in. He embraced him, running his hands along Gu Yun's spine as he breathed into his ear, "In that case, why not allow this dutiful son to attend to Yifu's needs?"
Gu Yun didn't know what to say.
Gif by guzhufuren
Honestly, I think it's karma - all Gu Yun's teasing came back to bite him in the ass, lolz. Also, his reaction to Chang Geng's
Chang Geng looked at Gu Yun and spoke not a word as he pressed a trail of kisses over his cheek.
"You look really good in court attire."
Gu Yun lazily wrapped his arms around Chang Geng. "What don't I look good in?"
[...]
Chang Geng loved Gu Yun's self-righteous shamelessness. He quietly laughed at his response. "If only you wore it for my eyes alone. Court attire for my eyes alone, armor for my eyes alone, casual clothing for my eyes alone as well. No one else would be allowed to cast their greedy eyes on you..."
There was a core of truth to his words, but Gu Yun, with his eyes closed, thought he was merely joking and making pillow talk. He chuckled mischievously and replied, "The rest may not be possible, but wearing nothing at all can be for your eyes alone."
I almost can't believe I haven't heard about his 'wearing nothing at all' before. Is SPL fandom really that small that no one mentioned it? I've probably heard for every single baobei Mo Ran calls Chu Wanning, and here we have Gu Yun casually talking about being nude for Chang Geng and fandom hasn't gone feral for this. Changgu is really undeservedly underrated couple. Just look at them, they are so adorably playful with each other.
"Chang Geng, come here I'll play a little something for you."
An earnest attempt to play was exactly what Chang Geng most feared. He strode over and wrapped his arms around Gu Yun, pulling him off his pearch atop the railing. He leaned close to his ear and murmured, "Save your mouth for other things."
Now, I should finish my review before I start blabbering too much but of course, I can't finish yet if I haven't really mentioned Shen Yi. His and Gu Yun's antics are always a pleasure to read.
"I came all this way because I was worried for you, and here you are acting like a man who's lost his head to lust. Gu Zixi, I finally understand what people mean when they say it takes time to get the measure of a man."
"What part of a man are you trying to measure? Why are you so indecent?"
[...]
Shen Yi started and thought back over the last few words he had carelessly said. By the time he figured it out, he was certain Gu Yun was a lost cause. "You're the indecent one!" he roared.
5 'His little yifu' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'Gu Yun needs all the hugs' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'All is fair in love and war' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 'War and love' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 'changgu in love' stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 7, 2024
How am I supposed to survive until September when the next volume is out?
Gu Yun and Chang Geng are so cute. I'm not sure I understood all the convoluted politics and scheming, but these two make the story for me. :') They're so sweet, though Chang Geng can be such a brat. Maybe silly, but my favourite scene was Gu Yun hitting Chang Geng's palm with his jade flute, to warn him about the dangers of his future plans and to always keep the wellbeing of the nation and his good name in mind.
Gu Yun and Chang Geng are so cute. I'm not sure I understood all the convoluted politics and scheming, but these two make the story for me. :') They're so sweet, though Chang Geng can be such a brat. Maybe silly, but my favourite scene was Gu Yun hitting Chang Geng's palm with his jade flute, to warn him about the dangers of his future plans and to always keep the wellbeing of the nation and his good name in mind.
December 6, 2025
This was by far my favorite volume in the series up to this point. Fortunately, I feel like each installment of Stars of Chaos has proven to be better than the last. Each one seems to clear up most, if not all, of the concerns I had at the end of the previous volume. My one gripe about this volume was just the fact that I got a little lost in the politics at certain points. That may just be a me problem, maybe other people followed it just fine but there were a few points where I was a little bit confused. All in all though, I was able to follow the plot fairly easily.
It shouldn’t be any surprise to anyone that my favorite part of this volume was the romance between the two main characters finally taking off. In previous volumes, a lot of my concerns revolved around me feeling like the relationship between Chang Geng and Gu Yun was very one sided. It seemed to me like Gu Yun had absolutely no romantic interest in Chang Geng and that he wasn’t even interested in men in general. Fortunately, this volume did a good job of addressing that. It explained the reasons why Gu Yun was acting the way that he was towards Chang Geng before and also what made him change his perspective. I really enjoyed seeing these two get together and I love their dynamic for the most part. I really don’t understand why many people seem to say that Stars of Chaos is not a romantic novel. Chang Geng is so deeply devoted to Gu Yun. I find his level of care and commitment deeply touching. There were a lot of sweet and tender moments in this volume that I would consider to be highly romantic.
Another thing that I loved about this volume was how both the reader and Gu Yun were finally given more information about the Wu’ergu and about Chang Geng’s past with his despicable mother/aunt. More than anything else in this story (outside of the romance of course) I’m deeply interested in Chang Geng’s past and what his true ancestry actually is. The shamanistic ritual performed by Xiu-niang was both deeply disturbing and fascinating. It makes me wonder what her end goal actually was in performing it. Either way, I hope that Gu Yun is somehow able to help Chang Geng overcome the wu’ergu.
This volume was also full of plenty of action. It picks up where the last volume left off, with the capital of Great Liang under siege by the Far Western army. Much of this book deals with war and is split between actual fighting and the politics going on behind the scenes. I really enjoyed seeing how Chang Geng was working as support from behind the scenes in court while Gu Yun was fighting on the front lines.
One aspect that I didn’t particularly enjoy about this book was the fact that I sometimes felt like Gu Yun wasn’t behaving very honorably on the battlefield. It bothered me how he lured enemies into a trap by agreeing to peace talks and then attacked an army that had already surrendered. That’s more like something that a villain would do. I kept hoping that there might be some reason or explanation, but this just seemed to be quietly swept under the rug and accepted. In some ways, it was even treated like a good thing. Obviously, there are no real good guys in war and maybe that’s what the author was going for. Still, I feel like there need to be some standards and moral codes of conduct. Faking an attack on your own men and using it as an excuse to slaughter soldiers who have already surrendered seems like extremely bad form. I have to admit that this decreased my opinion of Gu Yun somewhat.
I also feel like the people of Great Liang in general are very xenophobic and often act like they are a superior race with a divine right to rule over the people of the western regions. Once again, conflicts like this are never black and white. There are no good guys or bad guys. Even so, I sometimes find it difficult to root for Great Liang and find myself wondering if the “barbarian” tribes are justified in their vengeance. I can certainly understand why they wouldn’t want to be vassal states forced to pay exorbitant amounts of tribute to their conquers.
Overall, I did very much enjoy this volume. I loved seeing Chang Geng and Gu Yun finally get together. I enjoyed many of the main characters, particularly Shen Yi and Ge Chen. And though I had certain moral qualms with Gu Yun’s methods and with the position of Great Liang itself, I can’t deny that this gives the story a more realistic feel. As a depiction of war and political maneuvering, it seems fairly accurate.
I’m very curious to see where the story goes from here. What will end up happening with the plots that are taking shape in the shadows behind the scenes? Chang Geng’s political enemies seem to be closing in. I wonder how he will end up handling it and what will be the result of all his scheming.
It shouldn’t be any surprise to anyone that my favorite part of this volume was the romance between the two main characters finally taking off. In previous volumes, a lot of my concerns revolved around me feeling like the relationship between Chang Geng and Gu Yun was very one sided. It seemed to me like Gu Yun had absolutely no romantic interest in Chang Geng and that he wasn’t even interested in men in general. Fortunately, this volume did a good job of addressing that. It explained the reasons why Gu Yun was acting the way that he was towards Chang Geng before and also what made him change his perspective. I really enjoyed seeing these two get together and I love their dynamic for the most part. I really don’t understand why many people seem to say that Stars of Chaos is not a romantic novel. Chang Geng is so deeply devoted to Gu Yun. I find his level of care and commitment deeply touching. There were a lot of sweet and tender moments in this volume that I would consider to be highly romantic.
Another thing that I loved about this volume was how both the reader and Gu Yun were finally given more information about the Wu’ergu and about Chang Geng’s past with his despicable mother/aunt. More than anything else in this story (outside of the romance of course) I’m deeply interested in Chang Geng’s past and what his true ancestry actually is. The shamanistic ritual performed by Xiu-niang was both deeply disturbing and fascinating. It makes me wonder what her end goal actually was in performing it. Either way, I hope that Gu Yun is somehow able to help Chang Geng overcome the wu’ergu.
This volume was also full of plenty of action. It picks up where the last volume left off, with the capital of Great Liang under siege by the Far Western army. Much of this book deals with war and is split between actual fighting and the politics going on behind the scenes. I really enjoyed seeing how Chang Geng was working as support from behind the scenes in court while Gu Yun was fighting on the front lines.
One aspect that I didn’t particularly enjoy about this book was the fact that I sometimes felt like Gu Yun wasn’t behaving very honorably on the battlefield. It bothered me how he lured enemies into a trap by agreeing to peace talks and then attacked an army that had already surrendered. That’s more like something that a villain would do. I kept hoping that there might be some reason or explanation, but this just seemed to be quietly swept under the rug and accepted. In some ways, it was even treated like a good thing. Obviously, there are no real good guys in war and maybe that’s what the author was going for. Still, I feel like there need to be some standards and moral codes of conduct. Faking an attack on your own men and using it as an excuse to slaughter soldiers who have already surrendered seems like extremely bad form. I have to admit that this decreased my opinion of Gu Yun somewhat.
I also feel like the people of Great Liang in general are very xenophobic and often act like they are a superior race with a divine right to rule over the people of the western regions. Once again, conflicts like this are never black and white. There are no good guys or bad guys. Even so, I sometimes find it difficult to root for Great Liang and find myself wondering if the “barbarian” tribes are justified in their vengeance. I can certainly understand why they wouldn’t want to be vassal states forced to pay exorbitant amounts of tribute to their conquers.
Overall, I did very much enjoy this volume. I loved seeing Chang Geng and Gu Yun finally get together. I enjoyed many of the main characters, particularly Shen Yi and Ge Chen. And though I had certain moral qualms with Gu Yun’s methods and with the position of Great Liang itself, I can’t deny that this gives the story a more realistic feel. As a depiction of war and political maneuvering, it seems fairly accurate.
I’m very curious to see where the story goes from here. What will end up happening with the plots that are taking shape in the shadows behind the scenes? Chang Geng’s political enemies seem to be closing in. I wonder how he will end up handling it and what will be the result of all his scheming.
May 11, 2024
Some reunions feel instantaneous, while others seem to have taken a lifetime. Two people who had parted in anger or who had a strained relationship would feel that they had been separated for a mere blink of an eye. But for two who had parted with so many uncertain truths yet unraveled and lingering, with ambiguous feelings between them—those separations felt like they had lasted an entire lifetime.
I was not prepared to eat my words since my last review. I wholeheartedly and with confidence thought that Gu Yun would not reciprocate Chang Geng’s feelings or attraction for at least another whole book. BUT?! CHANGGU KISSED?! THEY HAVE DONE THE NASTY?! THEY ARE SICKENINGLY ADORABLE TOGETHER?! ALL IN JUST THE THIRD VOLUME?!
This time was different from the farewell kiss they shared at the capital ramparts; it lacked the intensity of desperation. Gu Yun felt as though a corner of his heart had collapsed, offering up the softest spot in his chest. From now on, this person is mine.
I swear I didn’t have a moment to breathe since the complete 180 of Gu Yun of the last book and Gu Yun of this book but you know what? I’m not complaining. Though I think all my fellow readers know that the main couple being together?? And seemingly happy?? Still only halfway through the series?? That spells coming ✨angst✨ to come. And I am ready and willing.
But when it had truly come down to it, Chang Geng had appeared out of thin air and, with a slap of his hand, sent Gu Yun's plans spinning away from their original trajectory. Gu Yun couldn't help but indulge in wild fantasies and yearn for more—after wearing himself down for the sake of the nation, he wanted to give what remained of his hale and hearty years to Chang Geng.
The way I was giggling like a gremlin bouncing off the walls during this book. This volume was like 50% convoluted scheming and politics that had my poor dumb brain fried, and 50% Changgu being the most adorable and chaotic pair. And I ate that shit up.
"My esteemed doctor, don't tell me you faint at the sight of blood."
Chang Geng was as stiff as an iron rod. "I faint at the sight of your blood."
Not to mention how absolutely different Chang Geng is from that stubborn little teenager of the first book. Before my very eyes he’s turned into a cunning manipulative little schemer and I support that. I support Chang Geng’s rights, but most importantly, I support Chang Geng’s wrongs. And after all his little scheming I get the feeling that the results are all for a certain someone…
”Do you trust me? Zixi, as long as you say the word, I will climb any mountain of swords and wade through any sea of flames."
And in this volume, more and more secrets being revealed between the two?? Yes please. The plot is hurtling by at a rapid pace but it is also fascinating to behold. And my beloved Shen Yi seems to be caught up in his own plot? As long as my husband gets more scenes I’m down (also Chen Qingxu x Shen Yi. Am I right or am I right?) And Shen Yi’s nightmare of third wheeling Changgu coming out in full force. I don’t know how I’m gonna wait for the fourth volume <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
all i can say is: Gu Yun and Chang Geng never failed to lift up my mood😍😍 and I LIVE AND BREATH FOR CHAPTER 79!!!
December 23, 2024
Reading this book I can’t help but imagine a writer with a gun to their head forced to write a romance when they’d rather focus on military stories and political intrigue. In an act of rebellion they write the most messed up and confusing romance I’ve ever read. Not even messed up in the usual ‘spicy books being problematic way’, they do it in a whole new way that leaves you wondering if these people are even friends, let alone anything more. Everyone has to keep SAYING how deep the bond is between these characters, because working off the scenes where they are together (few and far between) they don’t seem close at all. One has a creepy obsession, the other bounces between being completely disinterested and willing to go along with it out of some strange duty that dosnt make sense. They arnt compatible, may not even be working towards the same goals and the main thing they seem to have in common is they’re both racing each other to the grave.
The writing can also be super confusing, jumping between POVs at the drop of a hat. Laying out everything you need to know in the most boring way one minute and then being super vague and confusing in the next. Several times I reread pages just to conclude they’d probably deleted a section, forgotten and then referred to the thing I never got to read. It’s not even a hot mess, a tepid one I guess but vaguely enjoyable sometimes.
The writing can also be super confusing, jumping between POVs at the drop of a hat. Laying out everything you need to know in the most boring way one minute and then being super vague and confusing in the next. Several times I reread pages just to conclude they’d probably deleted a section, forgotten and then referred to the thing I never got to read. It’s not even a hot mess, a tepid one I guess but vaguely enjoyable sometimes.
October 2, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. Our main couple reached their important milestone here, so yay, and some battle scenes had kept me on the edge of my seat. Yet at other times, the book bored me, and the romance & intimacy... hm, what can I say about it? You can argue they're perfectly in character, and I'll be pressed to agree, but I wish... I wish it had been, I don't know... different.
I guess it's how it is with Priest and me. She wrote some of my favorite couples (Can Ci Pin & Mo Du! And Qi Ye isn't bad, either), and other times they just left me unsatisfied.
I guess it's how it is with Priest and me. She wrote some of my favorite couples (Can Ci Pin & Mo Du! And Qi Ye isn't bad, either), and other times they just left me unsatisfied.
November 4, 2025
“Zixi, as long as you say the word, I will climb any mountain of swords and wade through any sea of flames.”
Rereading Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 3 only deepened my appreciation for how well Priest develops her characters and the complexity of their relationships. Chang Geng’s transformation is the heart of this volume—he’s no longer the boy who simply wished for peace. Instead, we see him fully step into his role as a manipulative, cunning prince, willing to use every trick at his disposal for the sake of the person he loves. His decision-making is top-notch, but what’s even more striking is how his emotions manifest in ways he can’t control, like his multiple Wu’ergu attacks while Gu Yun is unconscious. He’s changed so much, yet every move he makes is still tied to Gu Yun in some way, and it’s fascinating to watch that devotion shape his actions.
Gu Yun, on the other hand, is completely at a loss. He’s been through countless wars and life-threatening battles, but nothing terrifies him more than facing Chang Geng. Their dynamic in this book is so intense—Gu Yun struggles to process the shift in their relationship, constantly making excuses for Chang Geng’s actions, even when he’s literally being harassed in his weakened state. It’s both hilarious and heartbreaking to see him, this shameless and arrogant general, suddenly so unsure of himself. And of course, his usual teasing doesn’t stop—his back-and-forth with Shen Yi, where he jokes that Shen Yi must be in love with him too, had me laughing out loud. Speaking of Shen Yi, he really does feel like an overworked old auntie, constantly trying (and failing) to manage the chaos surrounding him.
The political intrigue in this volume is as intricate as ever, and while there were moments I had to really focus to keep up, it was all worth it. Chang Geng’s ability to read people and manipulate situations is truly next-level, and it’s no wonder everyone blames Gu Yun for their relationship when, in reality, Chang Geng is the one pulling all the strings. Meanwhile, we also get small but meaningful moments with side characters like Ge Chen and Shen Yi, adding even more depth to the story. Gu Yun remains my favorite—he may seem untouchable, but underneath all his confidence, there’s regret and self-blame that makes him feel so real. This volume had everything: humor, tension, politics, and heartbreak, and it solidifies why Sha Po Lang is one of my favorite danmei novels.
Date Read: 2024.05.28
Re-read: 2025.20
Rereading Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 3 only deepened my appreciation for how well Priest develops her characters and the complexity of their relationships. Chang Geng’s transformation is the heart of this volume—he’s no longer the boy who simply wished for peace. Instead, we see him fully step into his role as a manipulative, cunning prince, willing to use every trick at his disposal for the sake of the person he loves. His decision-making is top-notch, but what’s even more striking is how his emotions manifest in ways he can’t control, like his multiple Wu’ergu attacks while Gu Yun is unconscious. He’s changed so much, yet every move he makes is still tied to Gu Yun in some way, and it’s fascinating to watch that devotion shape his actions.
Gu Yun, on the other hand, is completely at a loss. He’s been through countless wars and life-threatening battles, but nothing terrifies him more than facing Chang Geng. Their dynamic in this book is so intense—Gu Yun struggles to process the shift in their relationship, constantly making excuses for Chang Geng’s actions, even when he’s literally being harassed in his weakened state. It’s both hilarious and heartbreaking to see him, this shameless and arrogant general, suddenly so unsure of himself. And of course, his usual teasing doesn’t stop—his back-and-forth with Shen Yi, where he jokes that Shen Yi must be in love with him too, had me laughing out loud. Speaking of Shen Yi, he really does feel like an overworked old auntie, constantly trying (and failing) to manage the chaos surrounding him.
The political intrigue in this volume is as intricate as ever, and while there were moments I had to really focus to keep up, it was all worth it. Chang Geng’s ability to read people and manipulate situations is truly next-level, and it’s no wonder everyone blames Gu Yun for their relationship when, in reality, Chang Geng is the one pulling all the strings. Meanwhile, we also get small but meaningful moments with side characters like Ge Chen and Shen Yi, adding even more depth to the story. Gu Yun remains my favorite—he may seem untouchable, but underneath all his confidence, there’s regret and self-blame that makes him feel so real. This volume had everything: humor, tension, politics, and heartbreak, and it solidifies why Sha Po Lang is one of my favorite danmei novels.
Date Read: 2024.05.28
Re-read: 2025.20
June 15, 2024
CG is a little freak and GY better be on his guard or he's going to get himself eaten alive🤭
July 26, 2025
The absolute chaotic dynamic between these two MCs gets me laughing and face-palming every time.
Despite the tornado of events of constant military warfare and scheming, this is the most emotional, comedic, and poetic book by far. The heart-to-hearts and vulnerabilities shared were endearing, with their personalities really shining and being fleshed out here. These MCs are some of the most unashamed, stubborn, and masochistic characters ever, but also so so sweet to each other.
After all the headaches, what a guy Chang Geng is. He's a fighter through and through.
"Life in this world was like trudging through icy sludge; it was inevitable that one would struggle to make progress. Over time, one naturally froze through and through. How difficult it was to maintain a heart that shed hot blood, that pressed ahead despite knowing one faced the impossible. If, on top of all of that, someone should place more obstacles in their way-if even their closest friends and family did so- wouldn't that be far too sorrowful?"
"I want there to come a day when the nation is thriving, and the common people have worthwhile work. When the whole country is at peace, and my general need not defend our borders to the death... I want every person to be able to live with dignity." - Chang Geng
Despite the tornado of events of constant military warfare and scheming, this is the most emotional, comedic, and poetic book by far. The heart-to-hearts and vulnerabilities shared were endearing, with their personalities really shining and being fleshed out here. These MCs are some of the most unashamed, stubborn, and masochistic characters ever, but also so so sweet to each other.
After all the headaches, what a guy Chang Geng is. He's a fighter through and through.
"Life in this world was like trudging through icy sludge; it was inevitable that one would struggle to make progress. Over time, one naturally froze through and through. How difficult it was to maintain a heart that shed hot blood, that pressed ahead despite knowing one faced the impossible. If, on top of all of that, someone should place more obstacles in their way-if even their closest friends and family did so- wouldn't that be far too sorrowful?"
"I want there to come a day when the nation is thriving, and the common people have worthwhile work. When the whole country is at peace, and my general need not defend our borders to the death... I want every person to be able to live with dignity." - Chang Geng
June 23, 2025
I'm still not convinced about this pair , but the intrigue and the revelations were fantastic in this volume. I'm so glad the next one is available!
July 24, 2025
This series is continuing to just steadily be okay. This book has been my favorite so far but it's still just not hitting like i wanted it to. We also just need more shen yi page time. Much like the other books so far, 3.5⭐️
November 22, 2025
after this volume, the novel officially becomes one of my favs
May 17, 2024
I'm still trying to process everything that happened between Chang Geng and Gu Yun in this volume. I'm excited yet so worried for both of them (the Yifu aspect of this story has me 😬). Everything seemed to happen so fast and true to Seven Seas editing, we get another weird and abrupt ending. I am still a little confused about a few things so a full re-read will have to be done before Vol. 4 comes out. I do like that Shen Yi seems to be getting his own story but WTH happened at the end of the book??
November 7, 2025
I actually want to shut my mouth about this volume because it’s so peak that I just want people to experience it themselves, but I can’t help it! I have to yap about this!
Volume 3 is literally everything! From the war, the kiss, the gradual acceptance, the secrets, the heartbreak, and the inevitable convergence of love and duty. Gu Yun and Chang Geng is literally walking that thin line between devotion and destruction. And as the plot deepens, their relationship becomes all the more raw, flawed, and consuming.
I remember Chang Geng saying that back when they weren’t together yet, when he was just admiring his godfather in secret, everything about Gu Yun was comforting. But now that they’re truly together, Gu Yun brings out nothing but the boundless greed and feral feelings he's been painfully trying to hide. They fight and their love burns and devours each other, and I think that's really beautiful because it shows how complex and human they are. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. And Chang Geng, who can be perfectly composed in court, brilliant in strategy and politics, still shows his most vulnerable, ugly sides to Gu Yun, because that's what love does! You bare your soul to the one person who makes you feel seen. And Gu Yun, for all his restraint, ties himself to Chang Geng willingly! I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. They both lie to protect each other, both work toward a future where they can finally rest, that is where they're together, away from all this chaos.
And god, the parallels in their words just kills me:
“Do you trust me? Zixi, as long as you say the word, I will climb any mountain of swords and wade through any sea of flames.” —Chang Geng (CH78)
“The natural order and the laws of ethics come first, but those aside, if you asked for the stars, I wouldn’t fetch you the moon. Rain or shine, I’d climb a ladder to pluck them from the sky. How’s that for you?” —Gu Yun (CH83)
It’s love reflected back—selfless and consuming, each willing to burn for the other.
Aside from the amazing romance, there’s the political side. And my god, it’s so rich. The rebellion setup, the corruption, the power plays. (Speaking of power plays, I can't wait to see and explore the power dynamics between Chang Geng and Gu Yun on the next parts, IYKYK). Chang Geng’s growth here is mesmerizing. He’s deeply flawed, yet painfully brilliant. And near the end, Shen Yi realizing what the coup could mean for Chang Geng and Gu Yun just raises the stakes even higher. The entire thing feels like standing on a precipice, watching fate tighten around them, and yet desperately hoping that they’ll find peace. Even if knowing that peace might destroy them just as much as this war could. I just can't wait for the next volume! I'm so excited for what's to come!
Volume 3 is literally everything! From the war, the kiss, the gradual acceptance, the secrets, the heartbreak, and the inevitable convergence of love and duty. Gu Yun and Chang Geng is literally walking that thin line between devotion and destruction. And as the plot deepens, their relationship becomes all the more raw, flawed, and consuming.
I remember Chang Geng saying that back when they weren’t together yet, when he was just admiring his godfather in secret, everything about Gu Yun was comforting. But now that they’re truly together, Gu Yun brings out nothing but the boundless greed and feral feelings he's been painfully trying to hide. They fight and their love burns and devours each other, and I think that's really beautiful because it shows how complex and human they are. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. And Chang Geng, who can be perfectly composed in court, brilliant in strategy and politics, still shows his most vulnerable, ugly sides to Gu Yun, because that's what love does! You bare your soul to the one person who makes you feel seen. And Gu Yun, for all his restraint, ties himself to Chang Geng willingly! I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. They both lie to protect each other, both work toward a future where they can finally rest, that is where they're together, away from all this chaos.
And god, the parallels in their words just kills me:
“Do you trust me? Zixi, as long as you say the word, I will climb any mountain of swords and wade through any sea of flames.” —Chang Geng (CH78)
“The natural order and the laws of ethics come first, but those aside, if you asked for the stars, I wouldn’t fetch you the moon. Rain or shine, I’d climb a ladder to pluck them from the sky. How’s that for you?” —Gu Yun (CH83)
It’s love reflected back—selfless and consuming, each willing to burn for the other.
Aside from the amazing romance, there’s the political side. And my god, it’s so rich. The rebellion setup, the corruption, the power plays. (Speaking of power plays, I can't wait to see and explore the power dynamics between Chang Geng and Gu Yun on the next parts, IYKYK). Chang Geng’s growth here is mesmerizing. He’s deeply flawed, yet painfully brilliant. And near the end, Shen Yi realizing what the coup could mean for Chang Geng and Gu Yun just raises the stakes even higher. The entire thing feels like standing on a precipice, watching fate tighten around them, and yet desperately hoping that they’ll find peace. Even if knowing that peace might destroy them just as much as this war could. I just can't wait for the next volume! I'm so excited for what's to come!
May 30, 2024
This one was better lots going on but some of it still quite hard to grasp and stay focused on. That’s not a slight on the author it’s probably just my tastes on genre.
I now love Gu Yun he’s funny, witty, he has a temper when driven to it but deep down he’s a bloody sweetheart.
I want to believe in Chang Geng but to be honest she’s got him shrouded in mystery still at this point.
I want Shen Yi to marry Chen Qingxu too.
I now love Gu Yun he’s funny, witty, he has a temper when driven to it but deep down he’s a bloody sweetheart.
I want to believe in Chang Geng but to be honest she’s got him shrouded in mystery still at this point.
I want Shen Yi to marry Chen Qingxu too.
June 12, 2025
"Sha Po Lang Vol. 3 by Priest plunged me deeper into its chaotic yet utterly compelling world, solidifying its place as a standout series. If the first two volumes set the stage, this one ignited a full-blown inferno of war, political intrigue, and profoundly surprising character development.
This volume immediately picks up the intensity. We witness the full brunt of the war, with Gu Yun leading the fight against Western forces on the battlefield, while in the capital, Chang Geng grapples with a spiraling economic crisis and rampant corruption. The kingdom is on the brink: people are losing hope, vital 'Violet Gold' fuel dwindles, and the Black Iron Battalion suffers devastating losses. Adding to the tension, Chang Geng's debilitating "wu'ergu" condition worsens, painting a grim picture of a world truly in chaos, living up to its namesake.
Amidst this palpable devastation, one of the most unexpected and powerful developments unfolds: Gu Yun's realization of his love for Chang Geng. This pivotal moment felt incredibly earned, even astonishing. Here is Gu Yun, burdened by war, his own failing senses, and the immense responsibility for Chang Geng (whom he’d previously regarded as a godson), yet his heart bypasses all logic to fully embrace this deeper connection. Priest masterfully portrays his surprising emotional depth; despite his often-perceived lack of empathy, he demonstrates profound understanding of Chang Geng's inner turmoil, fighting against his self-deprecation and calmly supporting him through his wu'ergu attacks. Gu Yun’s steadfast care and the unconditional affection he offers Chang Geng, elements his own parents never provided, are truly heartwarming.
Equally compelling is Chang Geng's profound character arc. Initially, his involvement in the capital's internal affairs stems from a mere desire to alleviate boredom in Gu Yun's absence, coupled with his ingrained hatred for the imperial family. Yet, he becomes unexpectedly and deeply immersed. His intelligence, dedication, and strategic prowess shine through as he tackles corrupt officials, revitalizes the economy, and provides crucial wartime assistance. Chang Geng transforms from a reluctant participant into a vital force, discovering his true capabilities and purpose. While his ultimate motivation remains tied to Gu Yun, his dedication to the kingdom's well-being becomes undeniable, showing a beautiful duality of devotion.
This volume truly encapsulates the essence of 'chaos' – not just in the world, but in the characters' lives and relationships. As the narrative powerfully conveys, a 'fault in the stars' seems to apply to everyone here, pushing them to their limits and revealing their hidden depths. Priest's writing continues to be exquisite, balancing epic-scale conflict with intricate character psychology. It's a testament to how love and growth can blossom even in the most desperate of circumstances. Highly recommend to anyone following the series; prepare for emotional turbulence and brilliant storytelling.
This volume immediately picks up the intensity. We witness the full brunt of the war, with Gu Yun leading the fight against Western forces on the battlefield, while in the capital, Chang Geng grapples with a spiraling economic crisis and rampant corruption. The kingdom is on the brink: people are losing hope, vital 'Violet Gold' fuel dwindles, and the Black Iron Battalion suffers devastating losses. Adding to the tension, Chang Geng's debilitating "wu'ergu" condition worsens, painting a grim picture of a world truly in chaos, living up to its namesake.
Amidst this palpable devastation, one of the most unexpected and powerful developments unfolds: Gu Yun's realization of his love for Chang Geng. This pivotal moment felt incredibly earned, even astonishing. Here is Gu Yun, burdened by war, his own failing senses, and the immense responsibility for Chang Geng (whom he’d previously regarded as a godson), yet his heart bypasses all logic to fully embrace this deeper connection. Priest masterfully portrays his surprising emotional depth; despite his often-perceived lack of empathy, he demonstrates profound understanding of Chang Geng's inner turmoil, fighting against his self-deprecation and calmly supporting him through his wu'ergu attacks. Gu Yun’s steadfast care and the unconditional affection he offers Chang Geng, elements his own parents never provided, are truly heartwarming.
Equally compelling is Chang Geng's profound character arc. Initially, his involvement in the capital's internal affairs stems from a mere desire to alleviate boredom in Gu Yun's absence, coupled with his ingrained hatred for the imperial family. Yet, he becomes unexpectedly and deeply immersed. His intelligence, dedication, and strategic prowess shine through as he tackles corrupt officials, revitalizes the economy, and provides crucial wartime assistance. Chang Geng transforms from a reluctant participant into a vital force, discovering his true capabilities and purpose. While his ultimate motivation remains tied to Gu Yun, his dedication to the kingdom's well-being becomes undeniable, showing a beautiful duality of devotion.
This volume truly encapsulates the essence of 'chaos' – not just in the world, but in the characters' lives and relationships. As the narrative powerfully conveys, a 'fault in the stars' seems to apply to everyone here, pushing them to their limits and revealing their hidden depths. Priest's writing continues to be exquisite, balancing epic-scale conflict with intricate character psychology. It's a testament to how love and growth can blossom even in the most desperate of circumstances. Highly recommend to anyone following the series; prepare for emotional turbulence and brilliant storytelling.
January 27, 2025
I would start jumping for joy every time Chang Geng and Gu Yun opened up to each other 😭💓💓
October 17, 2025
I did kinda get annoyed at all the political mumbo gumbo. I know it makes up the plot but I just do not care…
May 11, 2024
”In all my life, I’ve never had such a wonderful dream…If only I never woke up.”
chang geng, main character of the year, i personally think.
as over my head i feel with some of the political content in this series, i’m always so intrigued with every scene—every building block, every sneaky deception, every uproar in the court room, every battle between wits and innovative weapons. all of it makes this steampunk fantasy feel so alive and rich with its cast.
the characters are all so versatile and charming in their own ways, and chang geng & gu yun’s bond feels so comforting in light of the court’s deception. the progression of their relationship has made me smile since the beginning, but it struck even harder in this volume.
i love priest’s writing a lot, but in this steampunk fantasy world, it shines even better for me. this volume and the 31 tabs i left in my physical copy made it pretty obvious.
content warnings:
major: graphic descriptions of death & violence, war, poison-induced mania & delusions, and injury/injury detail
moderate: body horror
chang geng, main character of the year, i personally think.
as over my head i feel with some of the political content in this series, i’m always so intrigued with every scene—every building block, every sneaky deception, every uproar in the court room, every battle between wits and innovative weapons. all of it makes this steampunk fantasy feel so alive and rich with its cast.
the characters are all so versatile and charming in their own ways, and chang geng & gu yun’s bond feels so comforting in light of the court’s deception. the progression of their relationship has made me smile since the beginning, but it struck even harder in this volume.
i love priest’s writing a lot, but in this steampunk fantasy world, it shines even better for me. this volume and the 31 tabs i left in my physical copy made it pretty obvious.
content warnings:
major: graphic descriptions of death & violence, war, poison-induced mania & delusions, and injury/injury detail
moderate: body horror
June 26, 2024
I think the plot lost me at this point. I don't think I can take another 3 vols of this.
I think Gu Yun is interesting and his moments of comedic relief were entertaining, but that's about it. The romance part is really just meh. I just don't find it believable. The only reason these two are knocking boots is because priest says they should, not because it feels like they naturally gravitate towards each other.
Also, what the heck is happening with the illustrations. The level of sloppy hit a new low...or high? Idk. I think I'm done with this for now.
I think Gu Yun is interesting and his moments of comedic relief were entertaining, but that's about it. The romance part is really just meh. I just don't find it believable. The only reason these two are knocking boots is because priest says they should, not because it feels like they naturally gravitate towards each other.
Also, what the heck is happening with the illustrations. The level of sloppy hit a new low...or high? Idk. I think I'm done with this for now.
September 2, 2024
“Yet every time he jolted awake from the nightmares Xiu-niang had branded into his bones, the only person he could think of, yearn for, anticipate, and believe in was Gu Yun.”
June 10, 2024
This volume didn’t flow as smoothly as the other two did. At least for me. I felt like it jumped around a bit with people and actions.
One example is the fact that Chang Geng and Gu Yun had sex. I didn’t even know they had sex until Gu Yun was thinking about Chang Geng’s boldness after having sex one time. I was like hold on a second, when did they have sex?! Lmao It didn’t feel like a fade to black moment. Not like a Danmei such as TGCF where you knew when Hua Cheng and Xie Lian were doing the naughty. This was more of a yeah they’re kissing and laying down but Gu Yun is thinking about being tired so I guess they went to sleep. No. They had sex. WHAT.
Not just with their intimate relationship, but there was a lot going on in this volume with all the secret meetings happening in regard to ‘rebuilding’ the nation. It just jumped around too much and gave additional detail in between conversations that threw the moments out of whack.
I still enjoyed it of course. I do like this story, but this volume is probably my least favorite so far.
One thing I did love more than anything - people throwing themselves on top of others to protect them. I’m always weak for people that sacrifice their lives for others.
One example is the fact that Chang Geng and Gu Yun had sex. I didn’t even know they had sex until Gu Yun was thinking about Chang Geng’s boldness after having sex one time. I was like hold on a second, when did they have sex?! Lmao It didn’t feel like a fade to black moment. Not like a Danmei such as TGCF where you knew when Hua Cheng and Xie Lian were doing the naughty. This was more of a yeah they’re kissing and laying down but Gu Yun is thinking about being tired so I guess they went to sleep. No. They had sex. WHAT.
Not just with their intimate relationship, but there was a lot going on in this volume with all the secret meetings happening in regard to ‘rebuilding’ the nation. It just jumped around too much and gave additional detail in between conversations that threw the moments out of whack.
I still enjoyed it of course. I do like this story, but this volume is probably my least favorite so far.
One thing I did love more than anything - people throwing themselves on top of others to protect them. I’m always weak for people that sacrifice their lives for others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
This series is very well written. The palace intrigue and war scenarios are very entertaining. Outside of it being a danmei, people who enjoy plot heavy fantasy would love this series. I’ve rated all of the novels a five star so far except this one.
This isn’t a problem with the story, I still think it’s 5/5 but my hesitation comes with the relationship with Gu Yun and Chang Geng. At certain points I was kicking my feet and smiling, then others.. I kept asking myself: does gu yun act intimately with Chang Geng out of pity?
I know this feeling is coming from Chang Geng and his ability to make the reader feel his paranoia, so I do like it. But also, some of Gu Yun’s commentary makes it seem true. I’m not saying he should coddle gu yun and love bomb him, that’s just not the general. But sometimes it feels like there’s a lack of empathy that I think Chang Geng deserves.
Although, this might be because Chang Geng is my favorite character and I’m severely protective of him..
Overall, I love this series and can’t wait for the next volume. :) I think feelings will develop on a deeper, more respectful level as the story goes on.
This isn’t a problem with the story, I still think it’s 5/5 but my hesitation comes with the relationship with Gu Yun and Chang Geng. At certain points I was kicking my feet and smiling, then others.. I kept asking myself: does gu yun act intimately with Chang Geng out of pity?
I know this feeling is coming from Chang Geng and his ability to make the reader feel his paranoia, so I do like it. But also, some of Gu Yun’s commentary makes it seem true. I’m not saying he should coddle gu yun and love bomb him, that’s just not the general. But sometimes it feels like there’s a lack of empathy that I think Chang Geng deserves.
Although, this might be because Chang Geng is my favorite character and I’m severely protective of him..
Overall, I love this series and can’t wait for the next volume. :) I think feelings will develop on a deeper, more respectful level as the story goes on.
February 23, 2025
I was not expecting anything that happened in this book. It was full of revelations. From Chang Geng finally expressing his love for Gu Yun to Gu Yun finding out about wu’ergu, I was thrown by every secret being pushed into the light. Not to mention, I never thought Gu Yun would reciprocate Chang Geng’s feelings like this, at least not right away. I guess those feelings had been there for a while, which is slightly concerning, but considering that Chang Geng is actively going crazy, I guess that’s not the main problem they face at the moment.
This book made me realize why people like this series so much. The political intrigue is well thought out, giving the illusion that the protagonists are blocked from all sides, and the steampunk element never fails to be cool. Also, the characters are starting to expose all the dark parts of themselves, and it makes you realize that Chang Geng is not the only crazy one here.
This book made me realize why people like this series so much. The political intrigue is well thought out, giving the illusion that the protagonists are blocked from all sides, and the steampunk element never fails to be cool. Also, the characters are starting to expose all the dark parts of themselves, and it makes you realize that Chang Geng is not the only crazy one here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
4.75 stars
In this volume the relationship between Gu Yun and Chang Geng makes huge leaps and bounds even though those two are more often separated than together. Both have to deal with the fact that there are not only feelings of love between them but also a passionate desire for the other person. With Chang Geng trying to fight of the grip of the Wu’ergu that’s a challenge in itself for him. One that doesn’t become easier when he should refrain from any physical acts I’m balancing his Qi on Miss Chen’s order when he’s been yearning for Gu Yun for years.
That they are both a bit constipated when it comes to talking about feelings makes for some funny scenes. Yet, they are matured enough around each other that they do talk which results in some swoon-worthy moments between them.
I had forgotten how handsy (bitey) Chang Geng gets around Gu Yun and there were some fun moments with play-fighting and real fighting because of it. I also didn’t remember how dire not only the situation of Great Liang is but also what a dilemma it puts these two in. No retirement in sight at all even though they both have that plan together. I’ve been trying to remember how that gets resolved in the end and think I’ve got an idea.
I’m looking forward to some scenes I do remember in the next volumes and to see some characters again - there was a distinct lack of Chang Geng’s friends in this volume and I immensely enjoyed seeing Ge Cheng for a short time (he and Cao Chunhua are just such fun characters).
Admittedly, the chapter count in this volume makes no sense to me and I don’t get how 7Seas decided on those but it doesn’t hamper my reading experience. Onwards to volume four.
In this volume the relationship between Gu Yun and Chang Geng makes huge leaps and bounds even though those two are more often separated than together. Both have to deal with the fact that there are not only feelings of love between them but also a passionate desire for the other person. With Chang Geng trying to fight of the grip of the Wu’ergu that’s a challenge in itself for him. One that doesn’t become easier when he should refrain from any physical acts I’m balancing his Qi on Miss Chen’s order when he’s been yearning for Gu Yun for years.
That they are both a bit constipated when it comes to talking about feelings makes for some funny scenes. Yet, they are matured enough around each other that they do talk which results in some swoon-worthy moments between them.
I had forgotten how handsy (bitey) Chang Geng gets around Gu Yun and there were some fun moments with play-fighting and real fighting because of it. I also didn’t remember how dire not only the situation of Great Liang is but also what a dilemma it puts these two in. No retirement in sight at all even though they both have that plan together. I’ve been trying to remember how that gets resolved in the end and think I’ve got an idea.
I’m looking forward to some scenes I do remember in the next volumes and to see some characters again - there was a distinct lack of Chang Geng’s friends in this volume and I immensely enjoyed seeing Ge Cheng for a short time (he and Cao Chunhua are just such fun characters).
Admittedly, the chapter count in this volume makes no sense to me and I don’t get how 7Seas decided on those but it doesn’t hamper my reading experience. Onwards to volume four.
February 13, 2024
Dnf.
Sorry, but the story grew too complicated for me and a fell out of it. There are some other issues that I was already not very happy with. Like the relationship with Gu Yun and how it changed etc. I wasn’t exactly feeling it..
Sorry, but the story grew too complicated for me and a fell out of it. There are some other issues that I was already not very happy with. Like the relationship with Gu Yun and how it changed etc. I wasn’t exactly feeling it..
November 23, 2024
Chang Geng is not special, I would call Gu Yun daddy too.
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