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The Forbidden City #1
The Consorts
China, 1700s. Lady Qing has spent the past seven years languishing inside the high red walls of the Forbidden City. Classed as an Honoured Lady, a lowly-ranked concubine, Qing is neglected by the Emperor, passed over for more ambitious women. But when a new concubine, Lady Ying, arrives, Qing’s world is turned upside down. As the highest position at court becomes available and every woman fights for status, Qing finds love for the first time in her life…if Lady Ula Nara, the most ambitious woman at court, will allow her a taste of happiness.
If you loved Memoirs of a Geisha and enjoy books by Anchee Min, Lisa See and Pearl S. Buck, then the Forbidden City series is for you. Based on real women in 18th century China who became concubines to emperors of the Qing dynasty and spent their lives in the Forbidden City, this is historical fiction at its most intriguing, gripping and romantic.
If you loved Memoirs of a Geisha and enjoy books by Anchee Min, Lisa See and Pearl S. Buck, then the Forbidden City series is for you. Based on real women in 18th century China who became concubines to emperors of the Qing dynasty and spent their lives in the Forbidden City, this is historical fiction at its most intriguing, gripping and romantic.
123 pages, ebook
First published September 11, 2016
866 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Addey
24 books116 followersI mainly write historical fiction: my first novel, The Fragrant Concubine, was Editor’s Choice at the Historical Novel Society, my latest, The Cold Palace, won the 2019 Novel London award.
I was the Leverhulme Trust Writer in Residence at the British Library and now run regular workshops there. I have a PhD in Creative Writing and have self-published 13 books.
I live in London with my husband and two children.
If you’d like to try my writing, visit my website www.melissaaddey.com to pick up a free novella, The Cup.
I was the Leverhulme Trust Writer in Residence at the British Library and now run regular workshops there. I have a PhD in Creative Writing and have self-published 13 books.
I live in London with my husband and two children.
If you’d like to try my writing, visit my website www.melissaaddey.com to pick up a free novella, The Cup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
July 14, 2024
This sapphic romance is a must read. It’s also a quick read, I read it in one sitting. I loved the historical setting and the two main consorts. I highly recommend this one.
August 13, 2019
Really 4-1/2 Stars!! Exotic & Taboo Coming-of-Age Story
I read this as part of my commitment to #IndieAugust to read and review 10 Indie Authors.
This tale had all the elements of a beautiful historical fiction set in a taboo coming-of-age story with enough heart and heat to keep you going in a novella. From the Forbidden City in 1700's China, we follow Lady Qing, as she works her way through the cattiness of the court, and the utter loneliness of her position. When she befriends a new Lady of the court, the friendship morphs into much more.
With those set out to humiliate and embarrass her, her friendship miraculously blossoms into a love affair of scandalous degrees. The author introduces it in such a seductive and taboo way, the reader won't be able to tear their eyes from the pages. (Avoiding spoilers at all costs here, so sorry if I'm being cryptic.)
If you like historical romance with definite erotic suspense, this is a MUST READ!
I read this as part of my commitment to #IndieAugust to read and review 10 Indie Authors.
This tale had all the elements of a beautiful historical fiction set in a taboo coming-of-age story with enough heart and heat to keep you going in a novella. From the Forbidden City in 1700's China, we follow Lady Qing, as she works her way through the cattiness of the court, and the utter loneliness of her position. When she befriends a new Lady of the court, the friendship morphs into much more.
With those set out to humiliate and embarrass her, her friendship miraculously blossoms into a love affair of scandalous degrees. The author introduces it in such a seductive and taboo way, the reader won't be able to tear their eyes from the pages. (Avoiding spoilers at all costs here, so sorry if I'm being cryptic.)
If you like historical romance with definite erotic suspense, this is a MUST READ!
February 25, 2021
A stunning short story of love and rivalry, set in 18th century China, between two honoured ladies of the Emperor. Both Qing and Ying were great characters, and I love how they made an ally out of Lady Ling. Ula Nara was a formidable villainous character as well, despised but very well written and portrayed. Bao was one of my favourites. Really enjoyable, and would recommend to those who enjoy historical wlw fiction. This isn't my usual genre but I picked this one up for free and I'm glad I did!
April 28, 2022
Nice but ho-hum (unexciting) romance between two concubines in the Forbidden City. So much more possible.
December 7, 2018
Having never read anything by this author, I read the blurb with excitement. What a fabulous premise and it’s based on facts. I am fascinated by the Chinese Dynasties so happily stared reading. I was not able to put it down, finishing two hours later. The characters were described so beautifully, as was the world that they lived in, it was almost like being there with them. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2019
This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. I don't normally start books mid-series but I saw this one advertised as free so nabbed it. To be honest, I didn't realise it was part of a series and feel it can be read as a standalone.
It grabbed my attention from the getgo and held it to the very end.
Fabulous read.
It grabbed my attention from the getgo and held it to the very end.
Fabulous read.
February 10, 2018
This was a most unusual read. Qing and Ying are two of the Emperor of China's concubines and live in the Forbidden City. Unfortunately, there are always younger, prettier concubines coming through the ranks and competition for the Emperor's affections is fierce. Gossip and bitchiness between the concubines is an everyday occurrence, as is loneliness. A bird in a gilded cage springs to mind when I think about these women.
Never have I read a story about concubines before and the fact that this story is actually based on fact, fascinated me. I tried to put myself in the position of these women: chosen as teenagers, without any say in their lives at all, they seem to spend their lives bored and frustrated, waiting for the Emperor to summon them to his bedchambers. Their only function is to look as beautiful as possible, at all times, and to bear children to the Emperor.
The novella focusses specifically on Qing and Ying, and how they get through their everyday lives. Then something catastrophic happens, which starts a chain of events that they must deal with the best way they can.
**This book contains some explicit descriptions**
Never have I read a story about concubines before and the fact that this story is actually based on fact, fascinated me. I tried to put myself in the position of these women: chosen as teenagers, without any say in their lives at all, they seem to spend their lives bored and frustrated, waiting for the Emperor to summon them to his bedchambers. Their only function is to look as beautiful as possible, at all times, and to bear children to the Emperor.
The novella focusses specifically on Qing and Ying, and how they get through their everyday lives. Then something catastrophic happens, which starts a chain of events that they must deal with the best way they can.
**This book contains some explicit descriptions**
January 14, 2022
3.5
Вісімнадцяте століття, правління імператора Цяньлуна, гарем. Наложниці, яких імператор до себе кличе раз на п'ятирічку, намагаються знайти хоч якусь радість і сенс у житті та потихеньку закохуються одна в одну. Але тут всі всих підсиджують, щоб видертися повище, а тому зв'язок між ними використають дві амбітні дружини імператора. І як не дивно за таких обставин, навіть буде хеппі-енд.
В цілому я люблю гаремні інтриги і десь до середини це було дуже класно, але потім прийшов штамп "в нас перемагають самі розбещені, зараз покажемо секс", і воно якось виглядало надто gratuitous, бо і без все нормально складалося. Ну або я не цільова аудиторія. А ще б трохи більше подробиць про повсякденні ритуали та родинні зв'язки, і взагалі було б чудово.
Вісімнадцяте століття, правління імператора Цяньлуна, гарем. Наложниці, яких імператор до себе кличе раз на п'ятирічку, намагаються знайти хоч якусь радість і сенс у житті та потихеньку закохуються одна в одну. Але тут всі всих підсиджують, щоб видертися повище, а тому зв'язок між ними використають дві амбітні дружини імператора. І як не дивно за таких обставин, навіть буде хеппі-енд.
В цілому я люблю гаремні інтриги і десь до середини це було дуже класно, але потім прийшов штамп "в нас перемагають самі розбещені, зараз покажемо секс", і воно якось виглядало надто gratuitous, бо і без все нормально складалося. Ну або я не цільова аудиторія. А ще б трохи більше подробиць про повсякденні ритуали та родинні зв'язки, і взагалі було б чудово.
June 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
September 29, 2020
3.5 Stars - interesting fictionalized historical romance based 1700s China between concubines of the Emperor
This is the first book of a very well researched series about the Emperor's of China, their concubines and the goings on in the Forbidden City during the 1700s. I enjoyed the story and the characters. While they were real people, the author took some liberties putting them in a relationship as in her research she could find no evidence they were romantically linked. The next book sounds interesting, but it's a m/f romance and this girl spent enough time reading those back in the dark times before she discovered lesfic and she don't got time for that now. ;)
A short and interesting read that I would recommend if you want a small peek into the Forbidden City and stories based on real people and events.
This is the first book of a very well researched series about the Emperor's of China, their concubines and the goings on in the Forbidden City during the 1700s. I enjoyed the story and the characters. While they were real people, the author took some liberties putting them in a relationship as in her research she could find no evidence they were romantically linked. The next book sounds interesting, but it's a m/f romance and this girl spent enough time reading those back in the dark times before she discovered lesfic and she don't got time for that now. ;)
A short and interesting read that I would recommend if you want a small peek into the Forbidden City and stories based on real people and events.
June 24, 2019
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of The Consorts. The love story was beautifully written with a very wonderful love story.
January 3, 2020
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Addey excels at painting pictures with words, and in making ancient worlds come alive on the page"
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Addey excels at painting pictures with words, and in making ancient worlds come alive on the page"
June 14, 2022
do you like gay woman? of course you do! now, have you ever read about gay woman, but the story is set in 1700s china? you haven’t, but here it is!
this is meant as a prequel to a series, though it can be read as a standalone. this was okay. there was nothing really exciting that happened in the novella. however, that’s what i expect from a story only 70 pages in length.
it was a nice lesbian story set in china forever ago. that’s all i can really say about it. i’m not really sure what else to comment on. i might check out the rest of the series, if i can get a hold on the next book. who knows?
at least i know how to use a kindle now.
=
i am a boomer who doesnt know how to work a kindle. reading this novella is my kindle test run.
this is meant as a prequel to a series, though it can be read as a standalone. this was okay. there was nothing really exciting that happened in the novella. however, that’s what i expect from a story only 70 pages in length.
it was a nice lesbian story set in china forever ago. that’s all i can really say about it. i’m not really sure what else to comment on. i might check out the rest of the series, if i can get a hold on the next book. who knows?
at least i know how to use a kindle now.
=
i am a boomer who doesnt know how to work a kindle. reading this novella is my kindle test run.
November 3, 2025
This book was devastatingly short yet enrapturing all the same! Truly felt for the characters and adored the historical moments and ideas brought into each moment described. If you’re looking for a short read to get you out of a reading slump then this is definitely your best bet! Descriptions were vivid, sentences thoroughly constructed with great quality. I absolutely loved this read, the four stars being for the length rather than the substance.
March 21, 2019
As a lowly concubine she is overlooked all the time by those who have more ambition. A new one arrives and she finally have a chance of love it this new woman will allow her. Will she get that love? See if she will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
October 30, 2020The historical notes were interesting. The development of the characters' friendship and love was gentle and grew slowly, much likeke I imagine must have occurred in real life. It was heartbreaking - and poinient - to read of the year's spent without love or even meaningful human touch. While the sex scenes almost bordered on gratuitous, Addey did a great job in keeping them from tipping over into that.
August 23, 2022
I liked this book But then it ended very abruptly which was very disappointing.
February 9, 2024
the shortest little novella but somehow so painfully sweet oooooh im in love
June 30, 2025
Beautifully written and researched historical romance set in Imperial China.
December 5, 2025
A freebie novella I got off Amazon! I haven't read much from this specific time period and setting before, but it was highly interesting. Especially with it being queer. I found the author's note in the back of the book of the time period and people very enlightening – wouldn't have expected at all that this was actually based on real people!
February 18, 2024
I am a big fan of East Asian period court drama. The hierarchies and political machinations typically paired with strong female characters make for a good story! Unfortunately, this book didn’t really provide those things.
The book’s synopsis is a bit misleading. The book isn’t really about an unfavored concubine getting swept up in the plans of higher ranking courtesans, but rather more about her falling in love with another concubine and briefly getting caught into a…voyeuristic tryst. It wasn’t really what I thought I was signing up for, and it was a bit jarring.
The writing, too, is rough around the edges. I think the book is self published, and it feels like it. There are grammatical errors in it that distracted me while reading. The pacing is also bizarre - ending so suddenly that I almost wondered if my book was misprinted.
This book is a prequel to a series by this author, but it is listed as book 1 in the series. I chose to start with this book, and I’m now hesitant to continue the series.
I suppose I should mention the positive: for me, the story struck as unique in its genre. I may not have found the characters to be very deep, but I was rooting for their relationship. That’s…about it.
The book’s synopsis is a bit misleading. The book isn’t really about an unfavored concubine getting swept up in the plans of higher ranking courtesans, but rather more about her falling in love with another concubine and briefly getting caught into a…voyeuristic tryst. It wasn’t really what I thought I was signing up for, and it was a bit jarring.
The writing, too, is rough around the edges. I think the book is self published, and it feels like it. There are grammatical errors in it that distracted me while reading. The pacing is also bizarre - ending so suddenly that I almost wondered if my book was misprinted.
This book is a prequel to a series by this author, but it is listed as book 1 in the series. I chose to start with this book, and I’m now hesitant to continue the series.
I suppose I should mention the positive: for me, the story struck as unique in its genre. I may not have found the characters to be very deep, but I was rooting for their relationship. That’s…about it.
November 25, 2021
It was an okay read, but it was too quick and i didn`t get to get to know the characters before it was over, almost.
April 21, 2025
I can't speak for the historical or cultural accuracy of this novella, unfortunately, and there are some things I didn't love -- for instance, .
But overall, this was a transporting read that made me curious about life in the Forbidden City at that time.
I do wish it had been a bit longer -- that also could have helped with developing certain relationships and dynamics -- but I guess the author had her reasons. Either way, it's a mostly appealing start to this four-book series. I've added the other three books to my TBR.
But overall, this was a transporting read that made me curious about life in the Forbidden City at that time.
I do wish it had been a bit longer -- that also could have helped with developing certain relationships and dynamics -- but I guess the author had her reasons. Either way, it's a mostly appealing start to this four-book series. I've added the other three books to my TBR.
April 12, 2025
China in the 18th century:
Since the tender age of thirteen Lady Qing has been living behind the luxurious walls of the Forbidden City as one of the Emperor’s many concubines. The Emperor rarely seeks her attentions and she doesn’t want to be part of the scheming and jealous power games some of her rivals are playing, so she spends her days in bored solitude, with eunuch servant Bao as her only confidante. Until the day the bold and unconventional new arrival Lady Ying catches her eye, and soon the women become inseparable. But Lady Ula Nara watches the friendship with jealously, eager to use any fault she can find to her own advantage. Lady Ula Nara starts dropping accusing comments, and Lady Qing has to acknowledge in her heart, that those accusations are not entirely unjustified…
Since the tender age of thirteen Lady Qing has been living behind the luxurious walls of the Forbidden City as one of the Emperor’s many concubines. The Emperor rarely seeks her attentions and she doesn’t want to be part of the scheming and jealous power games some of her rivals are playing, so she spends her days in bored solitude, with eunuch servant Bao as her only confidante. Until the day the bold and unconventional new arrival Lady Ying catches her eye, and soon the women become inseparable. But Lady Ula Nara watches the friendship with jealously, eager to use any fault she can find to her own advantage. Lady Ula Nara starts dropping accusing comments, and Lady Qing has to acknowledge in her heart, that those accusations are not entirely unjustified…
September 24, 2017
This was a free short novella (e-book), so I thought I'd give it a read. What was there to lose, right! A third of the way in and it took off like a roller-coaster..... the subplots, intrigue and emotional pull had me spell-bound to the last page. The writing is easy to read, the characters and dialogue are developed, the story line and subplots are plausible, the description of the culture and times is just enough to be interesting, without being too much. If you have an hour or so of 'me' time, I highly recommend you cuddle up somewhere comfortable with your favorite beverage and this book.
February 28, 2017
This story provided an interesting look into court life in China. I especially loved how much history was intertwined with this story. This love story was fiction, but the characters were real. And even better, it could have happened. There just is no proof.
December 31, 2018
Sex, politics, and a real "game of thrones"
CAVEAT: Do books with themes of lesbian sexuality bother you? Walk away quietly; we're done here.
Do books with intriguing tales of all-powerful Dowager Empresses set your imagination on fire? Do you crave tales of spoiled Emperors with hundreds of concubines who jockey for favor? Do you enjoy political thrillers where scheming opponents vie for power behind the throne? Does the hand that rocks the cradle rule the world - at least, the world of China's Forbidden City? Do you care what happens to the sad women who cannot compete successfully in the Imperial sexual games, and how they must find a way to live in isolation behind the Imperial walls? If any of this piques your interest, Melissa Addey's historical novel, The Consorts, is totally your cuppa tea! I read it in one go, fascinated by this tale of love, power, and protection set in the Chinese Imperial court. Superb research underpins Addey's narrative as she "fills in" the details of these actual historical figures' lives and loves, deftly bringing the glamour, danger and privilege of the ancient Chines court to life. It's a thriller, a love story, and a history lesson in one must-read package.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and this is a voluntary, independent and uncompensated review..
CAVEAT: Do books with themes of lesbian sexuality bother you? Walk away quietly; we're done here.
Do books with intriguing tales of all-powerful Dowager Empresses set your imagination on fire? Do you crave tales of spoiled Emperors with hundreds of concubines who jockey for favor? Do you enjoy political thrillers where scheming opponents vie for power behind the throne? Does the hand that rocks the cradle rule the world - at least, the world of China's Forbidden City? Do you care what happens to the sad women who cannot compete successfully in the Imperial sexual games, and how they must find a way to live in isolation behind the Imperial walls? If any of this piques your interest, Melissa Addey's historical novel, The Consorts, is totally your cuppa tea! I read it in one go, fascinated by this tale of love, power, and protection set in the Chinese Imperial court. Superb research underpins Addey's narrative as she "fills in" the details of these actual historical figures' lives and loves, deftly bringing the glamour, danger and privilege of the ancient Chines court to life. It's a thriller, a love story, and a history lesson in one must-read package.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and this is a voluntary, independent and uncompensated review..
April 8, 2019
This is a historical novel set in China in the 1700, which centres around life in the Forbidden City, where the Emperor, known as the Son of Heaven is the only man surrounded by his Empress, Consorts, all his Concubines and Eunuchs. Life in the Forbidden City is very boring for the women, some no older than children, when forced to leave their families forever, to become one of the many concubines and many are hardly ever sent for by the Emperor especially the current one who has eyes only for Lady Fuca, his beloved Empress. Other women though are vengeful and ambitious and seek to gain recognition and status, some like Lady Ula Nara scheme and plot to try to gain favour by vilifying the other women. When Empress Fuca dies all hell is let loose as women vie for the attentions of the Emperor, two in particular, Lady Ling and Ula Nara. Who will be the next Empress? and who will bear the much needed son and heir to the throne? Yet not all women were ambitious some just wanted to live a peaceful life away from the limelight of the Emperor's court and all its back stabbing. two such women were Lady Ying and Lady Qing and this is their story of ambition, heartache, loneliness and fear yet also one of hope, tranquility and so much love. A beautiful book which is a delight to read and so very well researched bringing the China of the 1700 true to life for us the lucky readers!
April 11, 2019
This is a historical novel set in China in the 1700, which centres around life in the Forbidden City, where the Emperor, known as the Son of Heaven is the only man surrounded by his Empress, Consorts, all his Concubines and Eunuchs. Life in the Forbidden City is very boring for the women, some no older than children, when forced to leave their families forever, to become one of the many concubines and many are hardly ever sent for by the Emperor especially the current one who has eyes only for Lady Fuca, his beloved Empress. Other women though are vengeful and ambitious and seek to gain recognition and status, some like Lady Ula Nara scheme and plot to try to gain favour by vilifying the other women. When Empress Fuca dies all hell is let loose as women vie for the attentions of the Emperor, two in particular, Lady Ling and Ula Nara. Who will be the next Empress? and who will bear the much needed son and heir to the throne? Yet not all women were ambitious some just wanted to live a peaceful life away from the limelight of the Emperor's court and all its back stabbing. two such women were Lady Ying and Lady Qing and this is their story of ambition, heartache, loneliness and fear yet also one of hope, tranquility and so much love. A beautiful book which is a delight to read and so very well researched bringing the China of the 1700 true to life for us the lucky readers!
May 27, 2020
The story follows life in the Emperor’s court in 18th Century China. The Emperor is surrounded by concubines of various ranks, and the women are afflicted by all kinds of intrigue, self-doubt and jealousy. However, the women with the most power in the empire are Empress - the Emperor’s primary partner and mother of his son, and his own mother - the Empress Dowager, the only person to whom even the Emperor has to bow.
As the other concubines jostle for power, particularly the favoured but gentle Lady Ling and the cruel and ambitious Lady Ula Nara, the barely noticed Lady Qing finds her attention diverted by new concubine, Lady Ying. As their friendship grows stronger, and cruel insinuations are made by Lady Ula Nara, Ladies Qing and Ying are summoned to the Emperor’s chamber.
A gorgeous, slow-burn love story, The Consorts is written in plain but beautiful language, with compelling characters, stunning scenery and deeply rich emotions.
I do love reading about women like me, from times when they weren’t allowed to be women like me. It’s not easy to do well - historical accuracy must be respected - but I loved this one.
As the other concubines jostle for power, particularly the favoured but gentle Lady Ling and the cruel and ambitious Lady Ula Nara, the barely noticed Lady Qing finds her attention diverted by new concubine, Lady Ying. As their friendship grows stronger, and cruel insinuations are made by Lady Ula Nara, Ladies Qing and Ying are summoned to the Emperor’s chamber.
A gorgeous, slow-burn love story, The Consorts is written in plain but beautiful language, with compelling characters, stunning scenery and deeply rich emotions.
I do love reading about women like me, from times when they weren’t allowed to be women like me. It’s not easy to do well - historical accuracy must be respected - but I loved this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews