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Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) #5
ฆ่าหมาป่า เล่ม 5
ในแคว้นต้าเหลียงอันยิ่งใหญ่ ซึ่งเจริญรุ่งเรืองด้วยสิ่งอำนวยความสะดวก
อย่างหุ่นจักรกลและเครื่องจักรไอน้ำที่ใช้ถ่านหิน
รวมถึงเชื้อเพลิงหายากอย่างทองคำเหลวม่วงในการขับเคลื่อน
เด็กหนุ่มนาม ‘ฉางเกิง’ อาศัยอยู่ในเมืองเล็ก ๆ ตรงชายแดน
เมื่อครั้งฉางเกิงยังเยาว์วัยได้ลอบหนีออกไปเที่ยวเล่น
นอกประตูเมืองตามลำพัง ทำให้พบเข้ากับฝูงหมาป่าจนเกือบเอาชีวิตไม่รอด
ดีที่ ‘เสิ่นสือลิ่ว’ ผ่านมาช่วยไว้ทัน
จึงกราบเป็นพ่อบุญธรรมเพื่อทดแทนบุญคุณช่วยชีวิต
แต่แล้ววันหนึ่งกองทัพอนารยชนนอกด่านลอบบุกเข้ามาโจมตีเมือง
ชีวิตของฉางเกิงเกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงอย่างใหญ่หลวงภายในค่ำคืนเดียว
ราวกับว่าชีวิตในเมืองเล็ก ๆ แห่งนี้เป็นเพียงภาพลวงตา
ยามนี้เขาไม่ได้เป็นเพียงเด็กหนุ่มที่มีชาติกำเนิดธรรมดาอีกแล้ว
กระทั่งมารดา หรือแม้แต่พ่อบุญธรรมน้อยของเขาเองก็มีสถานะเปลี่ยนไป...
อย่างหุ่นจักรกลและเครื่องจักรไอน้ำที่ใช้ถ่านหิน
รวมถึงเชื้อเพลิงหายากอย่างทองคำเหลวม่วงในการขับเคลื่อน
เด็กหนุ่มนาม ‘ฉางเกิง’ อาศัยอยู่ในเมืองเล็ก ๆ ตรงชายแดน
เมื่อครั้งฉางเกิงยังเยาว์วัยได้ลอบหนีออกไปเที่ยวเล่น
นอกประตูเมืองตามลำพัง ทำให้พบเข้ากับฝูงหมาป่าจนเกือบเอาชีวิตไม่รอด
ดีที่ ‘เสิ่นสือลิ่ว’ ผ่านมาช่วยไว้ทัน
จึงกราบเป็นพ่อบุญธรรมเพื่อทดแทนบุญคุณช่วยชีวิต
แต่แล้ววันหนึ่งกองทัพอนารยชนนอกด่านลอบบุกเข้ามาโจมตีเมือง
ชีวิตของฉางเกิงเกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงอย่างใหญ่หลวงภายในค่ำคืนเดียว
ราวกับว่าชีวิตในเมืองเล็ก ๆ แห่งนี้เป็นเพียงภาพลวงตา
ยามนี้เขาไม่ได้เป็นเพียงเด็กหนุ่มที่มีชาติกำเนิดธรรมดาอีกแล้ว
กระทั่งมารดา หรือแม้แต่พ่อบุญธรรมน้อยของเขาเองก็มีสถานะเปลี่ยนไป...
322 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2025
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March 13, 2025
'Rarely have anyone loved each other as much as Chang Geng and Gu Yun.'
perhaps it’s a canon event already that i write long and boring reviews to first and last installments of the series. though most of the time when i really love a novel i find it hard putting my feelings into words. consider that it’s written with the gentlest of love! ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶
you know, there are books that when reread no longer cause the same or at least close to those emotions as when first reading, so most of the time that fear keeps me from revisiting some favorites. but no matter how many times i reread SPL, my emotions only get stronger. i'll start with the setup—steampunk, with a so-called father figure (!) and a young, adaptable son—the ultimate slasher dream. but in fact, this is a very big misconception, because no one is either a father or a son to anyone, and some people apparently read between the lines. i won’t discuss this topic, although if anyone is interested, we can chat in the comments. the writing doesn't indulge in explicit content, but instead uses subtle hints that invite the imagination—sometimes leading straight into fanfiction territory. unlike other novels where overwhelming romance or excessive bed scenes overshadow the story, this one keeps you focused on the plot, the action, and the characters, with tender moments as a welcome bonus. not to forget the Black Iron Camp’s badass armor, trust me the mechs are fully justified in this story.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝
turning to the plot, right from the first pages of the opening chapter, the author transports us straight to a quaint village in ancient China. but don't be fooled by the traditional setting—this is no mere ancient world. we’re also introduced to the era of steam engines, powered by a mysterious fuel called ziliujin. the descriptions of landscapes are refreshingly sparse—just enough to paint the picture, but never overwhelming. the fates of the characters unfold in a way that no American theme park could ever dream of. the perception of our hero, in particular, evolves so drastically by chapter five that it's like discovering the sun isn’t a big lightbulb, but a burning star up there! the text itself is peppered with footnotes—and they're always relevant. i even jotted a few down myself, just to appear the most enlightened in any conversation i would hope to have in my village.
the feelings that every reader must immerse themselves in regarding the main couple—simple tenderness. it's not for nothing that Wangxian and Changgu are my favorite danmei couples :) you don't want to pounce on the characters, they aren't the type you feel compelled to ship with anything and everything, they convey something deeper, something grounded in genuine care. it’s all subtly conveyed—no need for further elaboration. you'll have to read to experience it yourself.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝
gu yun the man that you are…. i love you so much you are so beautiful and majestic and breathtaking i want to put you in my pocket and take you everywhere with me… you're so beautiful. you always make me laugh, you always make me smile. you literally make me want to become a better person... i really enjoy every moment we spend together. my time has no value unless its spent with you. i tell everyone of my irls how awesome you are. thank you for being you. whenever you need someone to be there for you, know that i'll always be right there by your side. i love you so much. i don't think you ever realize how amazing you are sometimes. life isn't as fun when you're not around. you are truly stunning. i want you to be my soulmate. i love the way you smile, your blind eyes are absolutely gorgeous. if i had a star for everytime you crossed my mind i could make the entire galaxy. your personality is as pretty as you are and thats saying something. i love you, please date me. OK I ADMIT IT I LOVE YOU OK i hecking love you and it breaks my heart when i see you play with shen yi or anyone else sending you letters to black iron camp i just want to be your girlfriend and i want to go horse riding with you i want you to teach me swordplay and spend days together in your marquis’ manor but you just seem so uninterested in me it hecking kills me and i cant take it anymore i want to remove you but i care too much about you so please i'm begging you to eaither love me back or kill me and never contact me again it hurts so much to say this because i need you by my side but if you dont love me then i want you to leave because seeing your face on the street would kill me everyday of my pathetic life.
oh. so. Gu Yun is my favorite character.. i’m not really comfortable sharing him with others because he means a lot to me. but it's okay if he's your favorite character too!! but please don't mention him. you can obviously talk about him to me!! but just remember he's mine and mine only. but really, for those of you familiar with my reviews you'll know i'm quite fond of meandering thoughts and casual musings. i write my streams of consciousness whether they make sense or not, so here we are. Gu Yun—Gu Zixi, Marshal Gu, Marquis of Anding, Yifu—whatever you choose to call this mischievous fellow. my knight in shining armour. Gu Yun is like an onion—layers upon layers, each revealing a new facet of his character. at times, he’ll bring a tear to your eye, at others, he’ll have you laughing out loud or blushing in spite of yourself. a half-blind and half-deaf guy in his early twenties becomes a father figure to a boy of about 13. the young "father" seems careless and irresponsible and Chang Geng himself has to keep an eye on him. as events unfold, Marshal Gu turns out to be by no means a weak cripple, but a renowned warrior of the Great Liang.
fate never played fair with Yifu from the very start, leaving him little room to feel the warmth of human connection. his family estate, once a proud symbol, now sits in neglect, much like his soul—lonely and adrift. but then, Marshal Gu steps in offering shelter to a young boy, finding in him not only a duty but a lifeline. this newfound responsibility weighs heavily on Gu Yun, binding him to the child’s future and, for all his military prowess, to a tender care he never expected. for ten years or so he’s caught in a whirlwind of duty—traveling from one end of the Great Liang to the other, quelling disputes, but always with one
another character of special importance (in my heart) is General Shen (because im a girl). this old maiden from a distinguished family chose to ignore the lofty expectations of his relatives and instead dedicated himself to studying and inventing groundbreaking mechanisms. forming an unexpected but deeply meaningful bond with Gu Zixi, Shen Yi found himself making waves in the military world, only to later be prepared to toss it all aside in the name of love and marriage.
the interaction of the two friends always brought a smile to my face. although, it was mostly Shen Yi who had to tolerate Gu Zixi's relentless teasing, mockery, and, let’s say, moments of self-indulgent admiration, because after all, the military hierarchy is no joke!
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝
‘If I had come any later, would I have ever seen you again? All this time, I’ve been off in the capital listening to nobles squabble while happily awaiting the day of your return, so I could finally show you the completed steam railway—so I could talk to you and sew that stupid belt of yours back on—but what about you? Tell me, would that day ever come? I hate you. I hate you to death, Gu Zixi.’
yk i think what's really important about Chang Geng's character evolution is that his development is two-layered. the outer layer i think is pretty obvious to everyone, because it consists of Chang Geng going from a little disenfranchised boy to becoming an emperor. but his inner layer of development is, one might say, completely polar to the outer one. as a child Chang Geng is actually quite a tough guy—cooks noodles with eggshells, doesn't feel pain when he sprains his ankle, can forge Gu Yun's signature, and endures endless sleepless nights haunted by his own mind. he is able to live and survive, being completely alone, without any friends. but who does Chang Geng eventually turn into? into a man who demands a kiss when he cuts himself with a paper, asks his Yifu to help him copy sutras, writes sweet nothings in love letters to Gu Yun, no longer puts eggshells in his noodles. the boy who once treated self-sufficiency as a survival mechanism now surrounds himself with allies, wields influence over secret societies, and—perhaps most tellingly—no longer tolerates eggshells in his noodles.
i think this is a very clear transformation—a child forced into premature adulthood finally allows himself to be young and to be cared for. most importantly he finds people he can now rely on and is no longer completely alone.
‘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.’
‘Why on earth would I want you to climb over a mountain of swords and wade through a sea of flames?’
‘I can do it, Zixi. Let me try.’
i want what they have
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝
team you have to LOCK IN and read it RIGHT NOW to see how beautiful the novel is. im ready to talk for hours about how comfortable the relationship is in the main couple. perhaps the most fascinating thing about the relationship between Gu Yun and Chang Geng is the unique kind of connection they eventually get to, and how well it was written into the story itself. Chang Geng was literally created and raised as a weapon to destroy the Great Liang. and yet, Great Liang, along with its people, is precisely what Gu Yun vowed to defend with his last breath.
but as circumstances passed, fate brought Gu Yun and Chang Geng together. Chang Geng didn't just fall in love with Gu Yun—he began to admire him as a person, his way of thinking, and everything he represented. it was with this dedication, his ardent love for the nation of the Great Liang, that Gu Yun inspired Chang Geng to begin protecting the country he was created to destroy and to make reforms that would make life easier for the people. at the same time, Chang Geng helped Gu Yun realize that he didn't have to sacrifice his life for everyone else, that heroism need not be synonymous with self-destruction—that he, too, was allowed a future, a home, and a love that was his to keep.
in this way, the man who was destined to be the end of an entire nation became the catalyst for its rebirth. and in exactly the same way, another man who saw the meaning of his life in the Great Liang having a happy future, was finally able to see a happy future for himself through the love of another man.
‘You said in your last letter that you had a secret personal wish, but that you’d run out of space. What was it?’
Gu Yun began to laugh.
‘What was it?’ Chang Geng pressed.
Gu Yun tugged him closer and murmured into his ear, ‘I wish…to spend the rest of my life growing old with you.’
pre-read:
can’t believe it’s ending already man i’m gonna miss them (i say already planning the next reread)
December 27, 2025
“Since you’ve fallen into my arms on this world of mortal dust, you can forget about returning to the ranks of heaven.”
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang has been one of my absolute favorite danmei series in print, and rereading Volume 5 only solidified its place in my top five. This book delivers everything I love about the series—intense political intrigue, thrilling battles of wits, and deeply compelling character dynamics. The relationships, whether romantic or platonic, feel so rich and layered, with moments of humor, heartache, and devotion woven throughout. The world-building remains as intricate as ever, seamlessly blending steampunk elements with historical drama in a way that completely drew me in, despite not usually being a fan of the genre.
That being said, while I absolutely loved this volume, I did feel like the ending of the main story was a bit too abrupt. After such a carefully crafted buildup, I wanted more space to fully absorb the resolution, especially in terms of how certain events played out. Thankfully, the extra chapters were a true gift, offering more insight into the characters’ lives beyond the main story and filling in some of the gaps. There’s a wealth of additional content here, which helped ease some of my frustrations with the rushed ending. Shen Yi even got his own chapter, which I especially appreciated since his character arc was one of my favorites.
Even with my minor complaints, this book and the series as a whole remain an absolute must-read. The blend of action, romance, and political maneuvering is masterfully executed, and the characters’ relationships—whether filled with tension, loyalty, or longing—make this a truly unforgettable story. It’s a novel that sticks with you long after finishing, and I know I’ll be revisiting it again in the future.
Date Read: 2025.01.24
Reread: 2025.02.22
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang has been one of my absolute favorite danmei series in print, and rereading Volume 5 only solidified its place in my top five. This book delivers everything I love about the series—intense political intrigue, thrilling battles of wits, and deeply compelling character dynamics. The relationships, whether romantic or platonic, feel so rich and layered, with moments of humor, heartache, and devotion woven throughout. The world-building remains as intricate as ever, seamlessly blending steampunk elements with historical drama in a way that completely drew me in, despite not usually being a fan of the genre.
That being said, while I absolutely loved this volume, I did feel like the ending of the main story was a bit too abrupt. After such a carefully crafted buildup, I wanted more space to fully absorb the resolution, especially in terms of how certain events played out. Thankfully, the extra chapters were a true gift, offering more insight into the characters’ lives beyond the main story and filling in some of the gaps. There’s a wealth of additional content here, which helped ease some of my frustrations with the rushed ending. Shen Yi even got his own chapter, which I especially appreciated since his character arc was one of my favorites.
Even with my minor complaints, this book and the series as a whole remain an absolute must-read. The blend of action, romance, and political maneuvering is masterfully executed, and the characters’ relationships—whether filled with tension, loyalty, or longing—make this a truly unforgettable story. It’s a novel that sticks with you long after finishing, and I know I’ll be revisiting it again in the future.
Date Read: 2025.01.24
Reread: 2025.02.22
May 14, 2025
5 'changgu in love' stars
This was such an amazing ending volume and finale of this book. I'm so very happy that I gave this book a chance because I really didn't expect to love it so much. Looking forward to read more books by priest.
At the beginning of this vol changgu are still separated. Gu Yun is fighting at the frontier and Chang Geng is "fighting" court treasons and battle for the throne. Despite eagerly awaiting for them to finally get reunited (they both worked so hard, they really deserve to be happy together - also, that line above is Gu Yun's), there were still many amazing scenes even with them being apart. I mean, of course you can count on Gu Yun to be his unserious self even in perilous moments.
One of my favorite scenes of this vol was definitely their reunion 🥰 and of course it's the most emotional heartbreaking/hearthealing (is that a word?) scene. Because if no one is suffering, what's even the point 💔❤️🩹
Fanart by Лермелис
Fanart by 益州刺史今天很甜
I'm absolutely feral about them! I can't believe - again - that I had to read 'let me lick your tears' line with my own two eyes without hearing it before. Changgu need more fans!! They are such an amazing couple and I love them so much. Also, I don't get why some readers still insist that Gu Yun is not really in love with Chang Geng. Just look at this scene - they are crazy about each other.
I was very emotional reading the last page (ok, I'm being a drama queen, there are always extras) but it was so good to read about changgu finally being safe and sound and most importantly togehter. They really deserved their HEA.
Fanart by arashy
I immensely enjoyed the extras too. I loved seeing them so domestic and at ease with each other. They rarely had time for simply enjoying time together because there were always things that needed to be taken care of and were more important from their personal wishes.
It's good that Chang Geng had wanted to be with Gu Yun so much he actually changed the whole court politics just to give his general a deserved time off. I know I'm repeating myself but I loved reading their post-canon scenes so much.
Fanart by khaeda
There are so many scenes I want to mention but of course, I can't quote the whole book, (or can I? lol). Anyway, just to mention a few - Chang Geng calling Gu Yun 'his man' and 'his better half', Chang Geng promising Gu Yun's mother that he will take care of him, Gu Yun finally being able to enjoy some luxuries and decorating their home, while Chang Geng indulging him in everything, including letting Gu Yun choose his wardrobe, changgu sneaking around, as if half of the court (and whole Black Iron Battalion) wouldn't be aware of their relationship already. I also really like the dream chapter about Gu Yun's parents and him as a little trouble maker, haha. It was interesting to read about their first meeting from Gu Yun's perspective as well, because at the beginning of the book we met Shen Shiliu from Chang Geng's youthfull point of view but Gu Yun was actually just a teenager himself back then despite already being a marshal too.
Priest is not exactly a smutty writer but I like how she writes intimate stuff even if they are not explicit. And I always found changgu sexual dynamic funny to read, because Gu Yun might be very shameless in words but when it comes to action, he usually becomes shy out of the blue, and it's Chang Geng who needs to take iniciative. Or more likely Gu Yun provoking Chang Geng into taking iniciative. And then Chang Geng needs to be the responsible one as well, lol.
I mustn't forget how happy I was for Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu to fianlly get together!! And they have the cutest children! Also, changgu are the best uncles ever.
Gif by baijingting
Gif by pinardenizs
Yeah, I'm still watching Blossom and these two kind od stuck in my head as Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu.
Ok, let's wrap this up. The last thing I want to mention is how much I adore this found family. The cutest chapters were of all of them together celebrating and it was just so wonderfull to see Gu Yun and Chang Geng being a part of a family - how Ge Chen and Cao Chunhua are still around, Shen Yi and Gu Yun still being best friends, and I imagine Chang Geng and Chen Qingxu sometimes spending time together, when they need some tiem away from their annoying men, haha, and also Chen An wanting to learn about machines and Shen Yan being totally spoiled by her uncles.
And the last thing, I promise, I adore the message by priest at the end to her readers. THANK YOU for giving changgu happy end and us readres a good time reading this amazing book!!
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My dear general, the connections between some people are written in the stars. After the first glance, the rest is inescapable.
This was such an amazing ending volume and finale of this book. I'm so very happy that I gave this book a chance because I really didn't expect to love it so much. Looking forward to read more books by priest.
Our separation has been too long; I miss you dearly.
At the beginning of this vol changgu are still separated. Gu Yun is fighting at the frontier and Chang Geng is "fighting" court treasons and battle for the throne. Despite eagerly awaiting for them to finally get reunited (they both worked so hard, they really deserve to be happy together - also, that line above is Gu Yun's), there were still many amazing scenes even with them being apart. I mean, of course you can count on Gu Yun to be his unserious self even in perilous moments.
"[...] ah, Marshal, why the monocle today?"
"Nice, isn't it?" Gu Yun grinned shamelessly, the corners of his peach blossom eyes curving sharply upward as if about to take flight.
[...]
"If all else fails, I'll personally take to the battlefield and seduce them. I may not be able to fell a million mighty troops, but twenty or thirty thousand should be no problem. Isn't that right, Xiao-Cao?"
One of my favorite scenes of this vol was definitely their reunion 🥰 and of course it's the most emotional heartbreaking/hearthealing (is that a word?) scene. Because if no one is suffering, what's even the point 💔❤️🩹
Gu Yun wanted to reach out and embrace Chang Geng, but after two failed attempts to tug him closer, he simply sat beside him in silence, not daring to make a sound as Chang Geng sobbed out the many grievances he had held back for over a decade all at once.
[...]
Chang Geng turned back to look at Gu Yun. Tear tracks still marred his cheeks; he was the picture of wounded distress. Utterly defenseless against such a face, Gu Yun immediately capitulated.
"Chang Geng, come here," he said softly. "Let me dry your tears."
"What happened to that honeyed tongue of yours?" Chang Geng asked, his voice choked with sobs.
Sighing, Gu Yun obediently lowered his voice to a deep murmur. "Darling, come, let me lick your tears clean."
Fanart by Лермелис
"Beat me or yell at me, whatever you like, but let me hold you a while first, okay? I've missed you so much."
Chang Geng had finally managed to compose himself, yet now his eyes began to sting again. He clung desperately to Gu Yun's waist.
[...]
Gu Yun turned slightly and pressed a kiss to Chang Geng's cheek. Incredibly, he was good as his word, trailing his lips along the tracks left by Chang Geng's tears until he reached Chang Geng's mouth, tasting faintly of salt. Chang Geng's lips trembled - wheter in pain, anger, or anticipation, neither knew - all throught. Gu Yun paused for a heartbeat, then leaned in and licked at the seam of Chang Geng's mouth.
Fanart by 益州刺史今天很甜
I'm absolutely feral about them! I can't believe - again - that I had to read 'let me lick your tears' line with my own two eyes without hearing it before. Changgu need more fans!! They are such an amazing couple and I love them so much. Also, I don't get why some readers still insist that Gu Yun is not really in love with Chang Geng. Just look at this scene - they are crazy about each other.
I was very emotional reading the last page (ok, I'm being a drama queen, there are always extras) but it was so good to read about changgu finally being safe and sound and most importantly togehter. They really deserved their HEA.
Fanart by arashy
"You said in your last letter that you had a secret personal wish, but that you'd run out of space. What was it?"
Gu Yun began to laugh.
"What was it?" Chang Geng pressed.
Gu Yun tugged him closer and murmured into his ear, "I wish... to spend the rest of my life growing old with you."
Chang Geng drew in a sharp breath. After a moment to gather himself, he finally said, "You're the one who said it. A great general's word is worth more than gold."
I immensely enjoyed the extras too. I loved seeing them so domestic and at ease with each other. They rarely had time for simply enjoying time together because there were always things that needed to be taken care of and were more important from their personal wishes.
It's good that Chang Geng had wanted to be with Gu Yun so much he actually changed the whole court politics just to give his general a deserved time off. I know I'm repeating myself but I loved reading their post-canon scenes so much.
Just as Chang Geng thought Gu Yun would behave himself after all, he took the chopstick and sniffed it. Then, cupping Chang Geng’s chin, he swiped the residual wine on the chopstick over Chang Geng’s lips and, swift as a bolt from the blue leaned in to lick them clean before tossing the hindersome chopstick aside. The dumbstruck Chang Geng hadn’t time to react; he was thoroughly taken advantage of in one wine-scented motion.
[...]
The new emperor, a victim of this cruel and inventive new form of teasing, sat frozen for a beat. At last he reached the end of his patience. Chasing afer Gu Yun, he suddenly felt it was of utmost importance that he personally check the progress of General Gu’s physical recovery.
Fanart by khaeda
There are so many scenes I want to mention but of course, I can't quote the whole book, (or can I? lol). Anyway, just to mention a few - Chang Geng calling Gu Yun 'his man' and 'his better half', Chang Geng promising Gu Yun's mother that he will take care of him, Gu Yun finally being able to enjoy some luxuries and decorating their home, while Chang Geng indulging him in everything, including letting Gu Yun choose his wardrobe, changgu sneaking around, as if half of the court (and whole Black Iron Battalion) wouldn't be aware of their relationship already. I also really like the dream chapter about Gu Yun's parents and him as a little trouble maker, haha. It was interesting to read about their first meeting from Gu Yun's perspective as well, because at the beginning of the book we met Shen Shiliu from Chang Geng's youthfull point of view but Gu Yun was actually just a teenager himself back then despite already being a marshal too.
Priest is not exactly a smutty writer but I like how she writes intimate stuff even if they are not explicit. And I always found changgu sexual dynamic funny to read, because Gu Yun might be very shameless in words but when it comes to action, he usually becomes shy out of the blue, and it's Chang Geng who needs to take iniciative. Or more likely Gu Yun provoking Chang Geng into taking iniciative. And then Chang Geng needs to be the responsible one as well, lol.
"You've had such a long and tiring journey, yet the first thing you do is to provoke me. Are you trying to make yourself ill?"
"I've missed you."
Scalp prickling, Chang Geng mustered all his restraint to squeeze out, "I'm not in the mood."
"Oh." A pause. "In that case, what's that rubbing against me?" Gu Yun asked innocently.
"...Shut up and sleep!"
I mustn't forget how happy I was for Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu to fianlly get together!! And they have the cutest children! Also, changgu are the best uncles ever.
Gif by baijingting
Gif by pinardenizs
Yeah, I'm still watching Blossom and these two kind od stuck in my head as Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu.
Ok, let's wrap this up. The last thing I want to mention is how much I adore this found family. The cutest chapters were of all of them together celebrating and it was just so wonderfull to see Gu Yun and Chang Geng being a part of a family - how Ge Chen and Cao Chunhua are still around, Shen Yi and Gu Yun still being best friends, and I imagine Chang Geng and Chen Qingxu sometimes spending time together, when they need some tiem away from their annoying men, haha, and also Chen An wanting to learn about machines and Shen Yan being totally spoiled by her uncles.
And the last thing, I promise, I adore the message by priest at the end to her readers. THANK YOU for giving changgu happy end and us readres a good time reading this amazing book!!
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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 4, 2025
I didn’t have any patience for the court politics. The war, thankfully, was still interesting to read.
On the romance part, Chang Geng and Gu Yun are separated more than they’re together. It doesn’t mean their romance is stagnant, though. We get to see how they’re much opener and dare to show their vulnerability to each other.
“Doesn’t it hurt?”
“It hurts so much I can hardly sleep.” (…) “But it doesn’t hurt as much as seeing you cry.”
The ending felt a bit abrupt, but we have a lot of extras to enjoy the domestic life of Chang Geng and Gu Yun. Not every extra is as interesting, though—I skimmed a lot, and skipped some that aren’t about them. Since I’ve read the the fan tl years ago I allowed myself to do that. 😌
On the romance part, Chang Geng and Gu Yun are separated more than they’re together. It doesn’t mean their romance is stagnant, though. We get to see how they’re much opener and dare to show their vulnerability to each other.
“Doesn’t it hurt?”
“It hurts so much I can hardly sleep.” (…) “But it doesn’t hurt as much as seeing you cry.”
The ending felt a bit abrupt, but we have a lot of extras to enjoy the domestic life of Chang Geng and Gu Yun. Not every extra is as interesting, though—I skimmed a lot, and skipped some that aren’t about them. Since I’ve read the the fan tl years ago I allowed myself to do that. 😌
February 1, 2025
Gu Yun began to laugh.
"What was it?" Chang Geng pressed
Gu Yun tugged him closer and murmured into his ear, "I wish... to spend the rest of my life growing old with you."
Chang Geng drew in a sharp breath. After a moment to gather himself, he finally said, "You're the one who said it. A great general's word is worth more than gold..."
"And lo, I am invincible in battle" Gu Yun finished.
Oh my dear, parting is such sweet sorrow. The ending of SPL brings me immense happiness, but I also cannot believe it’s really over.
The ending was truly sweet and beautiful. Chang Geng has worked and worked to create a world where Gu Yun can just live and love peacefully, and he has finally reached that goal. Priest wrote a wonderful ending followed up by some wonderful extras, where we get to revel in ChangGu just living the sweet, carefree domestic life. Where Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu can get married and have children. Where Gu Yun and Chang Geng can be doting uncles to said little ones. Where Gu Yun and Shen Yi can just joyously reminisce. Where I unashamedly cried my eyes out at Shen Yi and Gu Yun’s hug at the wedding (bestest of friends y'all). Where it’s truly a happily ever after. Where after all that stress and angst, ChangGu can just be.
All of these characters have stolen my heart and attention. The plots, the twists, the setting. Every single thing since the very first chapter has captured me: mind, body, and soul.
My dear general, the connections between some people are written in the stars. After the first glance, the rest is inescapable.
I have no regrets picking up that first volume that one fateful day in the book store. Like Chang Geng and Gu Yun, our meeting was inevitable <3
☆☆☆
Cover Reveal:
The SPL artist is truly a legend because look at this gorgeous cover. I seriously cannot wait for January to get here 🙏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2025
True power is knowing when to wield it and when to relinquish it. This fifth and last volume of “Stars of Chaos” by Priest explores how political power can bring an entire empire to its knees when a weak and incapable emperor is exploited by a court full of self-serving minions. The main couple, Chang Geng and Gu Yun, navigate the nature of their relationship in a sea of court turmoil and foreign invasions, so they find themselves on opposite ends of the country for long stretches of time in this last volume of the series.
The book opens precisely where the last volume ended, which is in the aftermath of the battle at the northern border, where Shen Yi has just rescued Chen Qingxu from a burning building. She had rushed into the flames, because the clue to curing Chang Geng’s wu’ergu curse was inside and as a doctor, she was determined to get her hands on it regardless of her own safety. It is for precisely the same reason that Shen Yi saved her from the flames. Shen Yi is so tongue-tied that he has not declared his love for her, but saving her life at the cost of terrible burns speaks loud and clear. This non-verbal declaration of love lays the foundation for Chang Geng’s future although at the moment he is entirely unaware of this sacrifice or the promise of a better life. It is Gu Yun, who is at the border, who understands the implications but as yet keeps them to himself.
Chang Geng and Gu Yun are geographically apart, but cross paths in chapter 116 when Gu Yun chooses to travel south on horseback rather than fly in a Black Iron Hawk steampunk suit. Gu Yun is a taciturn, military man but he has his moments. Before arranging this meeting, he had sent Chang Geng a letter with just an outline drawing of his hand and the following line, “Attached, a palm to send to Jiangbei, to measure the span of my intended’s waist on my behalf” (chapter 115, p. 22). So, it is not entirely out of character that he would make an effort to engineer an apparently accidental meeting just to see this intended and have an opportunity to measure his waist in person.
This last volume focuses on defeating the foreign invaders and defeating internal enemies in the imperial court. Chang Geng is tangled up in intrigues and uses his wits to outsmart his enemies while Gu Yun fights military battles. They both have health issues and go to great lengths to keep this from each other, but ultimately the truth is revealed, because Chang Geng essentially has a sixth sense that something is not quite right. His mad rush to Gu Yun’s side is romantic and desperate, because it shows that he understands the man and the dire situation. Chang Geng has essentially spent his entire life watching over Gu Yun and so it is entirely logical that he would know when something is off. “In the course of a person’s life, there were always those moments where they felt their heart could fit nothing aside from a single absurd desire, a yearning so strong it could devour their soul in a single gulp” (chapter 122, p. 101).
The series is tied up with a logical ending for both the political situation and the romance between Chang Geng and Gu Yun. The actual plot ends on page 199 and there is a beautiful illustration of a kiss scene as the end plate. The rest of the book is filled with extra chapters that show domestic scenes in the lives of Chang Geng and Gu Yun, but also family life for Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu, who have a son and daughter. There is plenty of sugar in these chapters but also a quiet reflection on the nature of power and how to achieve personal happiness.
The book opens precisely where the last volume ended, which is in the aftermath of the battle at the northern border, where Shen Yi has just rescued Chen Qingxu from a burning building. She had rushed into the flames, because the clue to curing Chang Geng’s wu’ergu curse was inside and as a doctor, she was determined to get her hands on it regardless of her own safety. It is for precisely the same reason that Shen Yi saved her from the flames. Shen Yi is so tongue-tied that he has not declared his love for her, but saving her life at the cost of terrible burns speaks loud and clear. This non-verbal declaration of love lays the foundation for Chang Geng’s future although at the moment he is entirely unaware of this sacrifice or the promise of a better life. It is Gu Yun, who is at the border, who understands the implications but as yet keeps them to himself.
Chang Geng and Gu Yun are geographically apart, but cross paths in chapter 116 when Gu Yun chooses to travel south on horseback rather than fly in a Black Iron Hawk steampunk suit. Gu Yun is a taciturn, military man but he has his moments. Before arranging this meeting, he had sent Chang Geng a letter with just an outline drawing of his hand and the following line, “Attached, a palm to send to Jiangbei, to measure the span of my intended’s waist on my behalf” (chapter 115, p. 22). So, it is not entirely out of character that he would make an effort to engineer an apparently accidental meeting just to see this intended and have an opportunity to measure his waist in person.
This last volume focuses on defeating the foreign invaders and defeating internal enemies in the imperial court. Chang Geng is tangled up in intrigues and uses his wits to outsmart his enemies while Gu Yun fights military battles. They both have health issues and go to great lengths to keep this from each other, but ultimately the truth is revealed, because Chang Geng essentially has a sixth sense that something is not quite right. His mad rush to Gu Yun’s side is romantic and desperate, because it shows that he understands the man and the dire situation. Chang Geng has essentially spent his entire life watching over Gu Yun and so it is entirely logical that he would know when something is off. “In the course of a person’s life, there were always those moments where they felt their heart could fit nothing aside from a single absurd desire, a yearning so strong it could devour their soul in a single gulp” (chapter 122, p. 101).
The series is tied up with a logical ending for both the political situation and the romance between Chang Geng and Gu Yun. The actual plot ends on page 199 and there is a beautiful illustration of a kiss scene as the end plate. The rest of the book is filled with extra chapters that show domestic scenes in the lives of Chang Geng and Gu Yun, but also family life for Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu, who have a son and daughter. There is plenty of sugar in these chapters but also a quiet reflection on the nature of power and how to achieve personal happiness.
June 2, 2025
I'm so behind with my reviews ;__; This was such a great ending to the series. Also most extra stories were so cute and funny. Gu Yun and Chang Geng are amazing together.
January 25, 2025
The story ends on page 209 with 16 extras. Volume 1 was my first time reading anything by Priest and somehow I read seven other Priest novels before the final volume of this series was released. I feel like *maybe* this story would have been better enjoyed as one novel (or at least binging all five volumes) rather than split up waiting on each next release (Vol. 1 was released 1.5 years ago). Personally, I've never read a web novel as the chapters released, so I have no idea what that experience is like. Having said all that, I freaking loved this story. I also loved Priest's Afterword, so if you haven't read it go check it out.
Nice balance of war, politics, and relationship with amazing world building and supporting characters ! I loved the steampunk aspects so much.
Can Ci Pin still is my favorite Priest novel but this is tied with Guardian and Lord Seventh for second!
Spoilers below:
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I was never seriously bothered about the Yifu/godson relationship HOWEVER, I could have done without this one line in the book 🤣
"He was utterly helpless against such charms, and could only give his beloved everything he wanted, allowing his godson to perform every kind of insurrection against him."
♥️ I am so happy with Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu being happily married with two kids that everyone considers their own.
♥️I love the dynamic between CG and GY
♥️I cried so hard when CG was finally able to let emotions and tears out with GY
Nice balance of war, politics, and relationship with amazing world building and supporting characters ! I loved the steampunk aspects so much.
Can Ci Pin still is my favorite Priest novel but this is tied with Guardian and Lord Seventh for second!
Spoilers below:
🧐
🧐
🧐
🧐
🧐
I was never seriously bothered about the Yifu/godson relationship HOWEVER, I could have done without this one line in the book 🤣
"He was utterly helpless against such charms, and could only give his beloved everything he wanted, allowing his godson to perform every kind of insurrection against him."
♥️ I am so happy with Shen Yi and Chen Qingxu being happily married with two kids that everyone considers their own.
♥️I love the dynamic between CG and GY
♥️I cried so hard when CG was finally able to let emotions and tears out with GY
March 27, 2025
I absolutely adored everything about this series and was moved seeing the growth and development of each character. The only problem I had was that I didn’t get to marry Shen Yi myself😞💔
March 2, 2025
5 stars
Sighs happily. What a joy it was to reread these books again.
I remembered some of the extras but not all of them. I also couldn’t recall that the emperor was killed so late in the story. That my brain is such a sieve when it comes to recounting all details of a story (or other information I had learned already) is often embarrassing to me but totally worth it when it comes to rereading books. I usually know the bigger picture but not the intricacies of the plot and am able to discover it all over again.
A superb surprise was the afterword by priest herself. Let’s end this little introspective review with this quote of hers:
“This way, in the handful of hours during which readers immersed themselves in this story, they could forget the trials and tribulations of life and find some small measure of solace.”
Thanks for sharing this story with us!
Sighs happily. What a joy it was to reread these books again.
I remembered some of the extras but not all of them. I also couldn’t recall that the emperor was killed so late in the story. That my brain is such a sieve when it comes to recounting all details of a story (or other information I had learned already) is often embarrassing to me but totally worth it when it comes to rereading books. I usually know the bigger picture but not the intricacies of the plot and am able to discover it all over again.
A superb surprise was the afterword by priest herself. Let’s end this little introspective review with this quote of hers:
“This way, in the handful of hours during which readers immersed themselves in this story, they could forget the trials and tribulations of life and find some small measure of solace.”
Thanks for sharing this story with us!
August 11, 2025
5 ⭐️
In the afterword of book 5 the author writes:
“This story is a fairytale written for kidults”.
And it truly felt that way.
The series felt grand, chaotic, fast, messy and lighthearted.
Yes, it has tons of political intrigues, assassinations, battles upon battles, personal challenges (physical and mental) and lots of other stuff. But the tone of the story is humorous and light. Even if sometimes the one reading it feels sadness and anxiety.
It’s a fairytale. And it’s a good one.
Especially good after reading such books as Erha and Yuwu 😂
So if you want an action packed fairytaly pick me up with grandiose battles, this is an excellent choice :)
In the afterword of book 5 the author writes:
“This story is a fairytale written for kidults”.
And it truly felt that way.
The series felt grand, chaotic, fast, messy and lighthearted.
Yes, it has tons of political intrigues, assassinations, battles upon battles, personal challenges (physical and mental) and lots of other stuff. But the tone of the story is humorous and light. Even if sometimes the one reading it feels sadness and anxiety.
It’s a fairytale. And it’s a good one.
Especially good after reading such books as Erha and Yuwu 😂
So if you want an action packed fairytaly pick me up with grandiose battles, this is an excellent choice :)
January 25, 2025
Stars of Chaos Volume 5 completely wrecked me—in the best way possible. This book takes everything I love about the series and cranks it up a notch. The political intrigue is intense, and the emotional stakes are so high I was on edge the entire time. Watching Chang Geng wrestle with impossible decisions while trying to stay true to himself was both gut-wrenching and inspiring. And Gu Yun? Don’t even get me started. The man’s secrets and sacrifices just broke my heart.
The action is amazing, as always, but it’s the quieter, emotional moments that really got me. The tension between loyalty and love? Perfection. The ending did feel a little sudden, but it still packed such a punch that I couldn’t even be mad. Plus, the physical book is stunning.
This volume had everything: heartbreak, hope, and all the chaos I signed up for. If you’re already a fan, you’re going to love it. If you haven’t started the series yet, seriously, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You’ll thank me later.
The action is amazing, as always, but it’s the quieter, emotional moments that really got me. The tension between loyalty and love? Perfection. The ending did feel a little sudden, but it still packed such a punch that I couldn’t even be mad. Plus, the physical book is stunning.
This volume had everything: heartbreak, hope, and all the chaos I signed up for. If you’re already a fan, you’re going to love it. If you haven’t started the series yet, seriously, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You’ll thank me later.
November 9, 2025
And so... I finished this novel all over again. What a time to be alive! Long live to all of them! There’s something so satisfying about how Priest intertwines the political and the personal. The politics never feel like background noise—they’re the stage where love manifests. The reforms, the diplomacy, the inventions—all of it carries emotional weight because it’s born from genuine feelings. Chang Geng invents, schemes, and governs out of devotion. Gu Yun fights, withdraws, and finally rests out of love. It’s peak romance. Love to the point of invention and reformation? I couldn't ask for more.
“He says even if the sky collapses over the capital, he’ll be there to hold up the pieces.” I love how Chang Geng literally has a sixth sense towards his Yifu (CH119&122). The way Chang Geng slowly takes control of the empire feels inevitable, not out of hunger for the throne, but out of sheer love and desperation to give Gu Yun the peace he’s been denied his whole life. He probably realized that peace for his marshal would come faster if he took the reins himself. That’s love in its most strategic, ruthless form—and it’s intoxicating. And there’s something magnetic about watching him navigate the court with that detached grace, all while quietly making sure no one can ever touch Gu Yun again. He's so sexy being so calculative and scheming. His love moves history, he rebuilds, and he leads an empire toward peace, all for the sake of one man’s rest. It’s love that engineers the future. The empire that was once crumbling now rests in his hands, and yet, his heart, never leaves that little courtyard where Gu Yun waits.
Chang Geng was created and raised as a weapon to destroy the nation Gu Yun guarded with his life. But Gu Yun inspired him to reform and revive that nation instead—even as Chang Geng made Gu Yun realize he could have a family and a future too. They healed each other in ways the world never could. I'M ON THE FLOOR CRYING!
“I wish…to spend the rest of my life growing old with you.” I love the power dynamic between them—how Chang Geng is a control freak when it comes to Gu Yun, and how Gu Yun just lets him. Their relationship becomes this exquisite dance of dominance and surrender—sometimes Gu Yun’s authority cracks through, sometimes Chang Geng takes the lead with quiet ruthlessness. Their power plays are electric. Gu Yun, who once commanded armies and terrified the empire, now softens and sleeps so peacefully under Chang Geng’s hands. Gu Yun has never had a moment's peace and I love how we got to see him really grow old full of idle whimsy with no worries.
And amid all the grandeur, Priest reminds us of the mundanities—the meals, the teasing banters, the lingering stares especially in the extras. It reminds us that even amid chaos and ruin, tenderness can still exist. A story where two lonely souls found solace in each other, and in the end, peace was not a reward—it was a shared dream come true. MY GOD, I AM SO HAPPY. It's a canon that they really are growing old together and we get to see a glimpse of it, huhu. I love each and everyone, and special mention so Shen Yi, I love that man so much! I wish nothing but endless laughters and comfort to all of them!
“He says even if the sky collapses over the capital, he’ll be there to hold up the pieces.” I love how Chang Geng literally has a sixth sense towards his Yifu (CH119&122). The way Chang Geng slowly takes control of the empire feels inevitable, not out of hunger for the throne, but out of sheer love and desperation to give Gu Yun the peace he’s been denied his whole life. He probably realized that peace for his marshal would come faster if he took the reins himself. That’s love in its most strategic, ruthless form—and it’s intoxicating. And there’s something magnetic about watching him navigate the court with that detached grace, all while quietly making sure no one can ever touch Gu Yun again. He's so sexy being so calculative and scheming. His love moves history, he rebuilds, and he leads an empire toward peace, all for the sake of one man’s rest. It’s love that engineers the future. The empire that was once crumbling now rests in his hands, and yet, his heart, never leaves that little courtyard where Gu Yun waits.
Chang Geng was created and raised as a weapon to destroy the nation Gu Yun guarded with his life. But Gu Yun inspired him to reform and revive that nation instead—even as Chang Geng made Gu Yun realize he could have a family and a future too. They healed each other in ways the world never could. I'M ON THE FLOOR CRYING!
“I wish…to spend the rest of my life growing old with you.” I love the power dynamic between them—how Chang Geng is a control freak when it comes to Gu Yun, and how Gu Yun just lets him. Their relationship becomes this exquisite dance of dominance and surrender—sometimes Gu Yun’s authority cracks through, sometimes Chang Geng takes the lead with quiet ruthlessness. Their power plays are electric. Gu Yun, who once commanded armies and terrified the empire, now softens and sleeps so peacefully under Chang Geng’s hands. Gu Yun has never had a moment's peace and I love how we got to see him really grow old full of idle whimsy with no worries.
And amid all the grandeur, Priest reminds us of the mundanities—the meals, the teasing banters, the lingering stares especially in the extras. It reminds us that even amid chaos and ruin, tenderness can still exist. A story where two lonely souls found solace in each other, and in the end, peace was not a reward—it was a shared dream come true. MY GOD, I AM SO HAPPY. It's a canon that they really are growing old together and we get to see a glimpse of it, huhu. I love each and everyone, and special mention so Shen Yi, I love that man so much! I wish nothing but endless laughters and comfort to all of them!
March 31, 2025
Listen. This has its cute moments and when it’s good it’s great…but it’s overall probably my least favorite priest series. The ending in particular pushed this down to 3.5 stars for me because I personally am someone who is very interested in the action and politics and I feel like this dropped the ball on that a little bit. It feels like for the big climax of the book we’re just…told things happen. We don’t get to actually see any of it. It sucks exponentially because I thought the end of the arc with the barbarian tribes was interesting! I think part of my problem was resolved within the extras which I did genuinely enjoy, but I die on the hill that novels should still feel complete and satisfying even without the extras.
January 23, 2025
Final. What a final!
To be honest, it is painful to talk about. Beautifully painful.
"My dear general, the connections between some people are written in the stars. After the first glance, the rest is inescapable."
Sha Po Lang was really a surprising journey from top to bottom. I've had moments in which it frustrated me with the depth of details and political schemes. Then, I've had moments in which I was enjoying the machinations of a steampunk imperial world. Then, I couldn't hold back on smiling while seeing two lovers grow old together.
The extras are not to be missed and honestly they are written in such elegance it's a bliss to read. I found myself rereading 5-10 pages just to get in the whole essence. Just wonderful!
I think I might have acquired a new favorite!
"Gu Yun lay down beside the lake, pillowing his head on his hands.
- The foremen said you gave them free reign everywhere else. I think the truth is you only had the patience to renovate one courtyard.
Chang Geng smiled.
- It's not that I had the patience for only one courtyard. It's because my heart contains only one courtyard."
To be honest, it is painful to talk about. Beautifully painful.
"My dear general, the connections between some people are written in the stars. After the first glance, the rest is inescapable."
Sha Po Lang was really a surprising journey from top to bottom. I've had moments in which it frustrated me with the depth of details and political schemes. Then, I've had moments in which I was enjoying the machinations of a steampunk imperial world. Then, I couldn't hold back on smiling while seeing two lovers grow old together.
The extras are not to be missed and honestly they are written in such elegance it's a bliss to read. I found myself rereading 5-10 pages just to get in the whole essence. Just wonderful!
I think I might have acquired a new favorite!
"Gu Yun lay down beside the lake, pillowing his head on his hands.
- The foremen said you gave them free reign everywhere else. I think the truth is you only had the patience to renovate one courtyard.
Chang Geng smiled.
- It's not that I had the patience for only one courtyard. It's because my heart contains only one courtyard."
November 2, 2025
priest deserves all the flowers. so glad to have read chang geng and gu yun's stories. as well as to have witnessed the many times the great liang has fallen and risen. this is the first work of priest I've read and am so satisfied with it. in awe of priest's writing! can't wait to read more of her works.
April 1, 2025
Based on the way this began, I really never thought they could be so healthy and domestic. With their relationship dynamics in the first book and Chang Geng’s impending insanity, it seemed like they were doomed to toxicity, or at least a repeat of SVSSS where it seems like a happy ending until you take a closer look. However, they massively proved me wrong. Chang Geng and Gu Yun carved a happy life for themselves— they fought to have it, and they kept fighting to keep it.
I still feel like I should have greater issue with how smoothly they switched between dynamics, but somehow I don’t mind so much. Priest does a good job at making you prioritize their happiness over any potential squeamishness. I get now why so many people love this series.
I still feel like I should have greater issue with how smoothly they switched between dynamics, but somehow I don’t mind so much. Priest does a good job at making you prioritize their happiness over any potential squeamishness. I get now why so many people love this series.
March 14, 2025
4 stars. Stuck the landing! A solid ending. Good mix of action and drama. Wraps up all the plot lines in a satisfying way. Overall, a great story. Enjoyed this one a lot.
tsk-i-dnfed
July 24, 2025....yall i can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm dnfing a danmei series...specifically, I'm page 50, 10% into this last book. i feel like i gave this series a fair shot, but i just can't bring myself to continue on to finish it. i just skimmed reviews to figure out the ending, and that's good enough for me. i never really liked chang geng, and while i loved gu yun, i never could get over the whole godfather/son thing. which i mean doesn't really matter when the main couple sees each other like 5 times on the course of the last 2 books anyway 💀. there's also way too much politics that i dont care about. i prob would've cared more if gu yun was with shen yi tbh.
May 16, 2025
Sometimes life just hits you in the face and causes you to set aside a series for a few weeks, only for you to come back and read 80% of the final volume in two days.
I never thought I would come to a point where I'd be so invested in the political side of a series to the point of craving it. If you asked me roughly two years ago, when I first started reading danmei, if I wanted to read something so heavy on war and politics, I would've given you a resounding no. Give me the fluff, give me the romance-focused works. But Priest is Priest. She's skillful enough that she could probably write about paint drying and I would still lap it up. For Sha Po Lang, some of my favorite parts were just reading all about Chang Geng's maneuvers in the capital, and how he met the nobles and opposing ministers blow for blow.
It's also so easy to turn villains - especially in a series about the horrors of war - into caricatures. But while enemy commanders like Jialai Yinghuo and the pope aren't entirely sympathetic, they're still largely tragic characters in their own right. And, though Chang Geng and Gu Yun and their allies are principled, the rest of Great Liang isn't without its own faults. For works with themes such as war and conquest, it's not uncommon for authors to fall back on the black-and-white perspectives of each side. But overall I think Priest has done a great job in showing the gray areas and how Great Liang has fucked up as well.
I'm closing the door on this series with a sense of bittersweet melancholy washing over me. Not just because I finished an epic journey of personal growth and love, but also because of the way the series ended. Don't get me wrong; it's as happy of an ending as it can be. Even if Chang Geng and Gu Yun were more separated than together throughout the series, dealing with their own things, I never felt like the emotions and the romance were lacking. But the extras left me feeling all sorts of ways. Like a condensed version of the rollercoaster of emotions that I felt over the course of multiple volumes of the main story.
What struck me the most were the extras with the prayer beads and Gu Yun's father. Though Gu Yun receives his well-deserved rest and relaxation, those extras make you wonder about what could've been, how his life could've panned out if it had been even a single percent easier or less tragic. Priest doesn't give your heart any time to rest, even in the extras, but it makes you appreciate the happy ending all the more. It's hard-earned, after all.
With Priest, you run the whole gamut of human emotion, all the highs of victory and requited love and all the lows of betrayal and utter tragedy. The setting and the scale may be fantastical, but the human struggle is real and relatable. As Priest herself mentions in the afterword, she hopes to bring comfort with her works, and seeing her characters triumph and receive their happy ending in the end despite all the obstacles - obstacles which we ourselves may face, albeit on a smaller scale, in our daily lives - makes you believe that you, too, can achieve such a thing.
Or maybe that's just me and my romantic side. But either way, this was a masterpiece of a series.
I never thought I would come to a point where I'd be so invested in the political side of a series to the point of craving it. If you asked me roughly two years ago, when I first started reading danmei, if I wanted to read something so heavy on war and politics, I would've given you a resounding no. Give me the fluff, give me the romance-focused works. But Priest is Priest. She's skillful enough that she could probably write about paint drying and I would still lap it up. For Sha Po Lang, some of my favorite parts were just reading all about Chang Geng's maneuvers in the capital, and how he met the nobles and opposing ministers blow for blow.
It's also so easy to turn villains - especially in a series about the horrors of war - into caricatures. But while enemy commanders like Jialai Yinghuo and the pope aren't entirely sympathetic, they're still largely tragic characters in their own right. And, though Chang Geng and Gu Yun and their allies are principled, the rest of Great Liang isn't without its own faults. For works with themes such as war and conquest, it's not uncommon for authors to fall back on the black-and-white perspectives of each side. But overall I think Priest has done a great job in showing the gray areas and how Great Liang has fucked up as well.
I'm closing the door on this series with a sense of bittersweet melancholy washing over me. Not just because I finished an epic journey of personal growth and love, but also because of the way the series ended. Don't get me wrong; it's as happy of an ending as it can be. Even if Chang Geng and Gu Yun were more separated than together throughout the series, dealing with their own things, I never felt like the emotions and the romance were lacking. But the extras left me feeling all sorts of ways. Like a condensed version of the rollercoaster of emotions that I felt over the course of multiple volumes of the main story.
What struck me the most were the extras with the prayer beads and Gu Yun's father. Though Gu Yun receives his well-deserved rest and relaxation, those extras make you wonder about what could've been, how his life could've panned out if it had been even a single percent easier or less tragic. Priest doesn't give your heart any time to rest, even in the extras, but it makes you appreciate the happy ending all the more. It's hard-earned, after all.
With Priest, you run the whole gamut of human emotion, all the highs of victory and requited love and all the lows of betrayal and utter tragedy. The setting and the scale may be fantastical, but the human struggle is real and relatable. As Priest herself mentions in the afterword, she hopes to bring comfort with her works, and seeing her characters triumph and receive their happy ending in the end despite all the obstacles - obstacles which we ourselves may face, albeit on a smaller scale, in our daily lives - makes you believe that you, too, can achieve such a thing.
Or maybe that's just me and my romantic side. But either way, this was a masterpiece of a series.
May 14, 2025
Loved this series as a whole but this final volume kind of dragged a bit in comparison to the previous ones. HOWEVER, I absolutely love Chang Geng and Gu Yun! They are such great opposites and the tactical maneuvers from each in their own spheres made for a dynamic story. I do wish we got a bit more from the Far Westerners because I wanted more detail on their ships/political situation BUT I’m not mad at it in the end. Also wanted a bit more on how Chang Geng was cured… seems like that was resolved a bit too quickly but again not a deal breaker in the slightest
November 2, 2025
4.75* (goodreads really should remake the rating system) for both the fifth volume and the entire series, mainly because i felt slightly underwhelmed by the conclusion of the main story, but it might have been because i expected something different after having stumbled upon spoilers earlier on. still, it made me think about a couple of things i could see as potential flaws in spl, although it ultimately doesn’t take away from how much i enjoyed this novel.
i was briefly leaning towards 4.5* but the extras definitely bumped the final rating up. i could write a whole essay on how perfect they are and i would have gladly read 200 more pages of them. also, i sobbed more than once.
last but not least, miss priest, thank you for giving us the glorious gift that is gu yun. i love him to pieces.
i was briefly leaning towards 4.5* but the extras definitely bumped the final rating up. i could write a whole essay on how perfect they are and i would have gladly read 200 more pages of them. also, i sobbed more than once.
last but not least, miss priest, thank you for giving us the glorious gift that is gu yun. i love him to pieces.
January 27, 2025
Wait so like… are they married?? DOES YIFU GET TO BE THE EMPEROR’S CONSORT??? I. MUST. KNOW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
I liked this political intrigue a lot, but despite liking the main characters, I didn't buy the romance between them. Their relationship started too imbalanced for me to be able to believe that Yu Gun was going to look at Chang Cheng as any different as the little brat he had under his care. It's well done, don't get me wrong, but I don't know exactly why it didn't work for me.
That said, I liked this Ancient China with steam punk world, and the political intrigues were interesting despite sharing elements with other danmei. . Another thing that didn't work very well for me was
The secondary cast of characters was very good. I liked Shen Yi, Ge Chen and Cao Chunhua, but I wish we could have seen more of those last two. The political plot becomes a bit repetitive at times and I think we could have enjoyed seeing how things play out from these two perspective instead of be focused in the Court and the Military.
Still, this was enjoyable and had me entertained and intrigued despite the little time I have to read lately, and the extras that round up the story were very good.
That said, I liked this Ancient China with steam punk world, and the political intrigues were interesting despite sharing elements with other danmei. . Another thing that didn't work very well for me was
The secondary cast of characters was very good. I liked Shen Yi, Ge Chen and Cao Chunhua, but I wish we could have seen more of those last two. The political plot becomes a bit repetitive at times and I think we could have enjoyed seeing how things play out from these two perspective instead of be focused in the Court and the Military.
Still, this was enjoyable and had me entertained and intrigued despite the little time I have to read lately, and the extras that round up the story were very good.
August 1, 2025
It’s with a heavy heart that I bid farewell—once again—to one of my all-time favorite BL novels. Priest never ceases to amaze me with her storytelling, and this book stands out as one of her finest works. A steampunk-infused, historically inspired Chinese setting, layered with a slow-burning BL romance and complex political intrigue—how could anyone deny the brilliance of Priest’s craft?
Though this wasn’t my first time reading it, the long gap since my last read made it feel entirely new again. Somehow, it hit just as hard, if not more. I found myself falling in love all over again with Chang Geng and Gu Yun—two characters who will forever hold a special place in my heart.
If I had one disappointment, it would be with Seven Seas’ edition. The lack of a special edition, and the missed opportunity to deliver artwork worthy of this story, feels like such a loss. Were it not for that, this would have easily earned an enthusiastic 5+ stars from me.
A stunning, unforgettable read that I will no doubt return to in the future.
Though this wasn’t my first time reading it, the long gap since my last read made it feel entirely new again. Somehow, it hit just as hard, if not more. I found myself falling in love all over again with Chang Geng and Gu Yun—two characters who will forever hold a special place in my heart.
If I had one disappointment, it would be with Seven Seas’ edition. The lack of a special edition, and the missed opportunity to deliver artwork worthy of this story, feels like such a loss. Were it not for that, this would have easily earned an enthusiastic 5+ stars from me.
A stunning, unforgettable read that I will no doubt return to in the future.
October 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a bittersweet and powerful finale.
Chang Geng and Gu Yun are torn apart at the start, & their separation aches in every line 🥺 Yet through war, duty, and heartbreak, their bond only grew stronger. When they finally reunite, it felt like a long exhale 😮💨 so tender, earned, and full of love
I found the ending a bit rushed, but the extra chapters surely made up for it, giving the characters the peace they deserved. Truly a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to an amazing series.
Also, reading "Priests" Afterword, brought me to tears 🥹🥹
"This is the kind of author I am. I do not wish to touch the truths of the world, nor do I wish to interrogate anyone's soul. I only wish to comfort you, my readers." 💖💖💖💖
What a bittersweet and powerful finale.
Chang Geng and Gu Yun are torn apart at the start, & their separation aches in every line 🥺 Yet through war, duty, and heartbreak, their bond only grew stronger. When they finally reunite, it felt like a long exhale 😮💨 so tender, earned, and full of love
I found the ending a bit rushed, but the extra chapters surely made up for it, giving the characters the peace they deserved. Truly a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to an amazing series.
Also, reading "Priests" Afterword, brought me to tears 🥹🥹
"This is the kind of author I am. I do not wish to touch the truths of the world, nor do I wish to interrogate anyone's soul. I only wish to comfort you, my readers." 💖💖💖💖
February 9, 2025
Me ha costado terminármelo porque había muchos extras y la historia principal terminaba súper pronto.
No me apetece enrollarme mucho, pero la saga le doy 4 estrellas. Me ha gustado mucho la trama, es dramática pero sin llegar a ser trágica para nada. En palabras de la autora es modo Disney.
La historia de amor me parece muy redonda y muy realista. No hay escenas subidas de tono, solo hay mucha naturalidad y confianza entre ambos.
Recomiendo 👍🏻
No me apetece enrollarme mucho, pero la saga le doy 4 estrellas. Me ha gustado mucho la trama, es dramática pero sin llegar a ser trágica para nada. En palabras de la autora es modo Disney.
La historia de amor me parece muy redonda y muy realista. No hay escenas subidas de tono, solo hay mucha naturalidad y confianza entre ambos.
Recomiendo 👍🏻
January 23, 2025
Ugh such a satisfying ending to the series! This one really did just get better with every book. Would totally recommend if you like steampunk and a good helping of political intrigue and scheming.
November 12, 2025
I'M FINALLY FREE!!!
I'm beginning to strongly suspect that Priest's novels just aren't my vibe.
I'm beginning to strongly suspect that Priest's novels just aren't my vibe.
May 6, 2025
This was my second series by Priest and overall I quite enjoyed it.
When I first picked this up I was concerned with two things:
First being the relationship between Gu Yun and Chang Geng as they initially started of as a godfather/godson duo and having this develop into a romantic relationship definitely seemed weird to me at first. Fortunately, it was a lot more unproblematic than I expected. In contrary, I liked how Chang Geng took some distance from Gu Yun and first maturing on his own before them reuniting. And then having their relationship develop in a way that they are actually equal. I also quite enjoyed their dynamic.
Second thing that I was concerned with was the overall plot. I remember that I had a very hard time while reading Guardian as a lot of things were hard to follow and understand. There were definitely still some details that went over my head, but luckely I was able to understand the greater scheme at all times. The Plot was very well-crafted and intriuging.
When I first picked this up I was concerned with two things:
First being the relationship between Gu Yun and Chang Geng as they initially started of as a godfather/godson duo and having this develop into a romantic relationship definitely seemed weird to me at first. Fortunately, it was a lot more unproblematic than I expected. In contrary, I liked how Chang Geng took some distance from Gu Yun and first maturing on his own before them reuniting. And then having their relationship develop in a way that they are actually equal. I also quite enjoyed their dynamic.
Second thing that I was concerned with was the overall plot. I remember that I had a very hard time while reading Guardian as a lot of things were hard to follow and understand. There were definitely still some details that went over my head, but luckely I was able to understand the greater scheme at all times. The Plot was very well-crafted and intriuging.
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