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The Three Kingdoms Chronicles #5
Shields of the Empire
Han China, 200 CE
Even the greatest plans need brave men to hold the line.
A nervous peace settles over northern Jing. Liu Bei and his loyal men race to prepare their army while Cao Cao wages war in the north, for when the dust settles, the Hero of Chaos is bound to march south at the head of the greatest force the empire has ever seen.
To stand a chance, Liu Bei needs more than soldiers and bravery. He needs a mind to match Cao Cao’s.
Enter Xu a brilliant and enigmatic scholar whose bold reforms shift the balance of power. But Xu Shu carries a shadowed past, one that threatens to erupt and unravel everything Liu Bei has built.
It now falls to Liao Hua and his Blood Riders to slay the ghosts of Xu Shu’s violent history before the armies gather at Bowang Po. The fate of the war depends on their blades, the future of the empire on their shields.
Even the greatest plans need brave men to hold the line.
A nervous peace settles over northern Jing. Liu Bei and his loyal men race to prepare their army while Cao Cao wages war in the north, for when the dust settles, the Hero of Chaos is bound to march south at the head of the greatest force the empire has ever seen.
To stand a chance, Liu Bei needs more than soldiers and bravery. He needs a mind to match Cao Cao’s.
Enter Xu a brilliant and enigmatic scholar whose bold reforms shift the balance of power. But Xu Shu carries a shadowed past, one that threatens to erupt and unravel everything Liu Bei has built.
It now falls to Liao Hua and his Blood Riders to slay the ghosts of Xu Shu’s violent history before the armies gather at Bowang Po. The fate of the war depends on their blades, the future of the empire on their shields.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 21, 2025
A wonderful little novella that continues the awesome Three Kingdom Chronicles from Baptiste Pinson Wu.
There are two major standouts from this book. The characters and the battle.
This book finally introduces my favourite character in Three Kingdoms history in Xu Shu and brings him to life in a wonderful way. I could never fully explain why this guy is my favourite. I simply gravitated towards him and see him as a crucial lynchpin in the story the sets Liu Bei free later on. His character here is just as I see him as well when I read the original story. He's cheeky, confidant and has a secret that might get him in trouble.
Zhao Yun is also great here I think. Originally his portrayal in the previous novella put me off a little I think but it has seriously grown on me. It was a unique way to introduce him to the story and gives him plenty of room for growth as we go.
The battle is also epic. For such a small battle in history that was more probably just a raid that went wrong, it's written here in such a great way it feels like it's the most important moment so far. A mad rush, fake retreat and a fire trap all within a few pages is awesomely fast-paced. I loved it.
Bring on more Three Kingdoms Chronicles Baptiste! I'm loving it!
There are two major standouts from this book. The characters and the battle.
This book finally introduces my favourite character in Three Kingdoms history in Xu Shu and brings him to life in a wonderful way. I could never fully explain why this guy is my favourite. I simply gravitated towards him and see him as a crucial lynchpin in the story the sets Liu Bei free later on. His character here is just as I see him as well when I read the original story. He's cheeky, confidant and has a secret that might get him in trouble.
Zhao Yun is also great here I think. Originally his portrayal in the previous novella put me off a little I think but it has seriously grown on me. It was a unique way to introduce him to the story and gives him plenty of room for growth as we go.
The battle is also epic. For such a small battle in history that was more probably just a raid that went wrong, it's written here in such a great way it feels like it's the most important moment so far. A mad rush, fake retreat and a fire trap all within a few pages is awesomely fast-paced. I loved it.
Bring on more Three Kingdoms Chronicles Baptiste! I'm loving it!
November 7, 2025
This was a great, short, Novella that adds a lot to the story taking place in the Three Kingdom Chronicles. It tells the story of the battle of Bowang Po, and introduces us to a new character that I really enjoyed in Xu Shu. I’ve loved going through this journey of Liao Hua’s life as he fights in many different battles serving under different leaders. His development from kid in a band of rebels to what he is in this book has been amazing to read. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
December 31, 2025
As usual with the rest of books written by Baptiste, it was hard to put down once started. Such a fun story and character to follow through the 3 Kingdoms Era China. Cant wait for the next installment and I highly recommend this series and all his other works!
October 27, 2025
Another fantastic addition to the series, found it hard to put down! The whole series just has a way of being so engaging.
April 19, 2026
A fast paced, yet immensely immersive and interesting novella set in the, quite frankly, exceptionally fascinating seties by Baptiste Pinson Wu. Continuing the story of Liao Hua, we meet Xu Shu, and follow his dramatic moments in the history of the Three Kingdoms. This has always been a bittersweet moment in the history for me but it, as well as Baptiste, shows the strategic mindsets on point during this era. Once again, I was absorbed by Baptiste's amazing storytelling.
June 18, 2026
Great novella to get ready for the next book in the series. Couple of cool new characters were introduced. Well worth the read if you are interested in historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews