Triumph

War Prize #1

by E.H. Lee

A war-forged duke meets the one woman who can shake his resolve.

Seven-year-old 'God of Death' Zhou Mingzhi earns his sinister epithet after his struggle for survival against rebel forces results in a grisly victory, framing a life of brutality and ambition without the warmth of family. Clawing his way from pawn to kingmaker, he establishes himself as a legendary figure—deadly, cold, and completely untouchable. When his path collides with military prostitute Ren Yujia, a woman whose quiet strength and haunted past threaten to unravel his iron resolve, their connection ignites a silent battle of wills, obsession, and impossible hope.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2025

About the author

Indie author obsessed with writing complicated relationships tinged with darkness

Follow me on instagram @authorehlee

Reviews

[Dangermousie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

This was a great read - dark and intense and not really a romance but a story of regret and lost chances. May not be for everyone but was for me.

I don’t want to spoil anything but the conclusion was both utterly unexpected for the genre and utterly fitting for the story.

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Idgaf about men (this is 100% male pov)

Triumph has absolutely shit marketing because this is NOT a historical novel

you guys this is clearly a Ten Thousand Miles of Peach Blossoms / Ashes of Love kind of C-Drama. It has reincarnation and stuff!!

So really this needed an anime cover and an R-19 warning, because this is a Xinxia Smut Webnovel (which is a good thing, for the record)

now, the actual content:

in every single way this felt like a prologue to the actual story which I guess begins in book 2 (don't worry tho the main characters meet and one of them falls in love lmao) because of karma shenanigans.

now I hate to read a prologue but to be fair, I hate a flashback more. So maybe this had to be a prologue. But the lengthy introduction, the war effort that lacked a significant side cast, and the way everything was shot from the ignorant lens of the MMC (he does not understand women, even less his own concubines) was mildly offensive and tiring. I kinda wish there was a second POV from one of the concubines or even the maids because this bro lives with his head up his own ass the entire time.

funny thing is I believe the author fully intended for us to be annoyed with the MMC and he deserves a lot of karmic justice in the upcoming books. It just wasn't particularly fun to read.

Now, for the good stuff: I loved the FMC, she's great, I am also in love with her, and I wish we could understand her better from her POV, even though I get why that wasn't done in this book. Second, the setting, court politics and even the warfare details were on point. If we had 3-5 side characters that were bearable to witness this would have been a 5 star book easily. Idk, flesh out the Emperor more, add an officer, give one of the concubines a voice and then give the MMC a secretary and you're golden. C-Dramas do this all the time in the many lifetimes that are portrayed. I shiver at the prospect of watching Ashes of Love with just two named characters. Pure torture.

I really like the way this author writes. I have preordered everything and I will be reading this entire series (I am certain books 2 and 3 will deliver). Can't wait for her alien romance

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, gritty world with stolen moments of beauty as seen through the eyes of a brilliant, ruthless and broken genius. A fascinating character study of power and how it affects those who have it and those who don’t, how it affects their humanity and their perception of others’ claim to personhood. The more Zhou Mingzhi discovers about this insignificant, stunningly beautiful, tiny woman that’s claimed his heart —a feat long thought impossible by the citizens of Da Xin — the more you can see his mind show its cracks and the more he is resolved the reforge the world anew.

Some characters bleed and you cheer; others bleed and you bleed with them. This story will capture you and hold you hostage till the very last page — and long after you’ve finished reading.

I can’t wait for the sequel!

[Dani Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and Breathtaking

First off, this is beautifully written. If you're interested in ancient Chinese history or historical romance, you have to read this book. The language and descriptions are just gorgeous. Second, I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this story. It’s definitely a slow burn, but I’m totally hooked for the rest of the series. This is unlike other romance novels that you often see being put out these days.

So refreshing. And the character growth!!
I'm rushing to start book 2 now!

[Alina Haris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I was in for a treat after I read Lacrima by the same author. I had this series downloaded ages ago and finally found time to get started. I love the Chinese representation, as east Asian myself, I am always hyped when I read a good romance with east asian settings and characters. Going straight to the sequel

[Lisbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just recently discovered this author. I like her descriptions and thoughts of the main characters. This installment of a series doesn't end with a cliffhanger. But more questions arise with book 2, surrender. I am running to read it!

[Trish Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very picky about historical fiction. This was so good! The details and the way the writer spoke was so pretty.