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The Forbidden City #4
The Cold Palace
Chosen against her will. Elevated to Empress. Accused of madness.
18th century China. Ula Nara is a happy sixteen-year-old, in love and betrothed. But before she can be married, she must attend the Imperial Daughters’ Draft. Chosen as a bride to the heir to the throne, Ula Nara now faces a lifetime of regret inside the walls of the Forbidden City.
Determined to make her pain worth something, she aims for the pinnacle of success: to become Empress. But at what cost?
As grief for her lost love spirals down towards something darker, Ula Nara finds herself teetering on the brink of madness. Perhaps her only chance of sanity lies in the Cold Palace and what she will find there.
The Cold Palace is the poignant finale to the Forbidden City historical fiction series. If you enjoy tales of bittersweet love and dark rivalries, as well as discovering the lives behind history’s unexplained events, then you’ll be gripped by Melissa Addey’s emotionally wrenching but ultimately uplifting novel.
Prepare to experience the dark side of the Forbidden City. Buy The Cold Palace today.
18th century China. Ula Nara is a happy sixteen-year-old, in love and betrothed. But before she can be married, she must attend the Imperial Daughters’ Draft. Chosen as a bride to the heir to the throne, Ula Nara now faces a lifetime of regret inside the walls of the Forbidden City.
Determined to make her pain worth something, she aims for the pinnacle of success: to become Empress. But at what cost?
As grief for her lost love spirals down towards something darker, Ula Nara finds herself teetering on the brink of madness. Perhaps her only chance of sanity lies in the Cold Palace and what she will find there.
The Cold Palace is the poignant finale to the Forbidden City historical fiction series. If you enjoy tales of bittersweet love and dark rivalries, as well as discovering the lives behind history’s unexplained events, then you’ll be gripped by Melissa Addey’s emotionally wrenching but ultimately uplifting novel.
Prepare to experience the dark side of the Forbidden City. Buy The Cold Palace today.
Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2019
292 people are currently reading
330 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 51 reviews
September 30, 2025
In this installment of The Forbidden City, we see things from the perspective of Step-Empress Ula Nara. This was an interesting book, and I found myself frustrated and disgusted by Ula Nara's actions throughout the novel. I despised and reviled her, yet I was invested in her story.
In this book we see Ula Nara go from a happy and secure young girl to a bitter and cruel empress. Instead of trying to make the best of her circumstances, Ula Nara becomes a bottomless pit of cruelty, every action worse than the previous. Yet, I found myself rapt and interested in her well-being. It takes a great author to write a character I can hate and feel invested in simultaneously. Ula Nara's narrative is as engrossing and riveting as she is deplorable and vicious.
This was a compelling and surprisingly cathartic story. I was initially ambivalent about reading this knowing the little I knew about Ula Nara. At times she frustrated and enraged me but I also felt sympathy and empathy for her, all emotions warring with one another with no one emotion staying with me long until she would prompt me to feel another way about her. It makes for an engrossing story that held my attention throughout. If you've even a passing interest in the Qing dynasty then this is worth reading.
In this book we see Ula Nara go from a happy and secure young girl to a bitter and cruel empress. Instead of trying to make the best of her circumstances, Ula Nara becomes a bottomless pit of cruelty, every action worse than the previous. Yet, I found myself rapt and interested in her well-being. It takes a great author to write a character I can hate and feel invested in simultaneously. Ula Nara's narrative is as engrossing and riveting as she is deplorable and vicious.
This was a compelling and surprisingly cathartic story. I was initially ambivalent about reading this knowing the little I knew about Ula Nara. At times she frustrated and enraged me but I also felt sympathy and empathy for her, all emotions warring with one another with no one emotion staying with me long until she would prompt me to feel another way about her. It makes for an engrossing story that held my attention throughout. If you've even a passing interest in the Qing dynasty then this is worth reading.
March 10, 2020
Ula Nara lives a contented life in her small village. She’s in love with Niu Lang and they plan on getting married soon but before they marry, she must do her duty and take part in the Imperial Daughters’ Draft. Disaster strikes when she is chosen to be one of the Prince’s brides. When she goes home to say good-bye to her sweetheart, he vows to never marry and become a monk. Ula’s life is meaningless to her until she discovers an outlet for her pain and suffering. She becomes a vengeful bride, doling out punishments wherever she sees the slightest transgressions. The thing she can’t abide is happiness so she finds victory when she can squash it with a glance, a word or even through physical force. All this turns Ula into someone she can’t recognize, and, on a whim, she cuts off all her hair. The Emperor, upon seeing her in such a state of madness, exiles her to the cold palace. Destitute and alone, will she find happiness in her new surroundings or will she end her life in despair?
The Cold Palace is a riveting piece of historical fiction that needs to be read by everyone. Melissa Addey reveals through this story what life was like for women in 18th century China. The Imperial Daughters’ Draft and the ins and outs of court life are a lush backdrop for young women like Ula. Every scene is rich in historical accuracy with an impressive cast of characters, each with their own wants and needs. I connected with many of the characters, but my compassion went out to Ula. I found the Prince turned Emperor a complex yet astute man who truly wanted the best for his brides and concubines. The ending was so emotional for me, I cried. Not since Memoirs of a Geisha , have I read such a mesmerizing, honest historical fiction taking place in Asia. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
Ula. She is such a fascinating character, one who had her beloved stripped from her and made everyone pay for her unhappiness. The more fury she possessed, the easier it was to slip into madness. Her journey is unforgettable and an example to all those who harbor regret in their souls.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The Cold Palace is a riveting piece of historical fiction that needs to be read by everyone. Melissa Addey reveals through this story what life was like for women in 18th century China. The Imperial Daughters’ Draft and the ins and outs of court life are a lush backdrop for young women like Ula. Every scene is rich in historical accuracy with an impressive cast of characters, each with their own wants and needs. I connected with many of the characters, but my compassion went out to Ula. I found the Prince turned Emperor a complex yet astute man who truly wanted the best for his brides and concubines. The ending was so emotional for me, I cried. Not since Memoirs of a Geisha , have I read such a mesmerizing, honest historical fiction taking place in Asia. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
Ula. She is such a fascinating character, one who had her beloved stripped from her and made everyone pay for her unhappiness. The more fury she possessed, the easier it was to slip into madness. Her journey is unforgettable and an example to all those who harbor regret in their souls.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
December 29, 2021
It's ok in terms of fiction but the author's attempt to capture historical events is what's off putting. Lady Ula Nara actually didn't come to the palace til two years after the Prince Bao and his primary wife were married. The storyline of the previous concubines going to the back palace areas where they didn't have luxuries anymore after their emperor/husband died is also inaccurate. During the Ming Dynasty, concubines were sometimes forced to die when their husband passed. This ritual was abandoned. Often times concubines were sent to live their sons, provided they had any. The sons were given land to start their lives. Other concubines were given money and sent home to marry someone else. Later on during the Qing Dynasty in which this story takes place, those who bore children were often left to live peacefully in the forbidden city after their husband dies. Those who didn't have children, were sent home. The first empress didn't die from chill, she died from a boating accident on the Southern Tour. Consort Ling also wasn't the one to stand against Ula Nara for the title of Empress either, it was Consort Jia. I'm a bit sad that the author completely forgot about Consort Jia. Now this backstory of blackmail being used to get the Empress Dowager to elect Ula Nara as the next empress is also incorrect. The emperor is the one who titled her, the Empress Dowager was completely against Ula Nara being named the next empress. The other issue I'm having is when Ula Nara is stripped of her title. The emperor didn't do it right away. He sent the empress back to the forbidden city and then she was stripped of her title. This "Cold Palace" isn't a place or remote landscape. It's what happens when someone isn't favored anymore by the emperor and they've been demoted or locked up. This person is treated like a commoner. If you're going to try making a historical fiction piece, the least you could do is try to make it as accurate as possible. I know a lot about Ula Nara was destroyed from records which leaves only assumptions about her, but the surrounding details of other concubines and the emperor could have been accurately better.
September 5, 2019
This is a wonderful story of 18th century life in China. An Empress that cuts her hair and being locked up. I couldn’t read it fast enough.
August 10, 2022
"...there is not a jewel I might command that I have not worn. Anything and everything that is mine by right of my position, I take. When I dress each morning a third of my own bodyweight is added to my frame in the form of heavily embroidered robes, cloud-climbing shoes so high no other concubine can wear them, the crowns and jewels that adorn me. The weight is a comfort to me, it is like a burden I must bear each day, but one which can be supported physically rather than in my heart and mind. I wonder whether perhaps I have found a way to continue this life, balancing the emptiness within with the weight of clothes and jewels and rituals on the outside. Perhaps this is the best I can hope for, to keep this balance, to feel as little as possible, to act as a hollow adorned shell of a woman."
It's very rare that I embark on a series journey. Seldom do I venture past Book Three; the exception being standalones. I stumbled across Melissa Addey on a blog, signed up for her emails, and got a free novella, The Cup, that which I devoured. In the last year, I slowly fell in love with Addey's storytelling. The fourth (and last) book in the China series is aptly titled. This is a much-loved series.
How does one manage a life not chosen, a life that is dictated? Imagine a loss that engulfs and consumes the soul, leaving one with an unquenchable hunger and thirst. Ula Nara, in all her glory, ceases to find peace or happiness. Ripped from a comfortable life brimming with hopes and dreams, Ula Nara's story is a haunting tale likely suffered by many daughters of the 18th century and beyond. The series follows the imperial consorts of three emperors of China's Qing dynasty – Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Quianlong (father, son, grandson). The lives of these women, primarily selected for their beauty and grace, must have been lonely. Living in the Forbidden City may seem appealing to a social climber, but overly-ambitious women are suspect. Rivalries, and a jealous nature, can lead to a cold, indifferent existence.
Books One - Four are considered standalones. Recurring characters and historical aspects are better understood when read in order. That said, I kinda goofed the sequence. In hindsight, my OCD persona would have preferred the proper order but each story's character is memorable and instantly recognizable when appearing in another book.
September 8, 2019
A beautifully written but sorrowful tale of a woman who cannot choose to be with the love of her life and instead is forced to become one of many brides to a prince-later emperor.
Ula Nara is easily hated in prior books but in this one we learn she has good reason to be bitter and unhappy. I wanted things to go differently for her but this is a historical fiction (and even then events or ideas could only go so far).
Looking forward to see what else Melissa Addey writes.
Ula Nara is easily hated in prior books but in this one we learn she has good reason to be bitter and unhappy. I wanted things to go differently for her but this is a historical fiction (and even then events or ideas could only go so far).
Looking forward to see what else Melissa Addey writes.
February 19, 2020
Regular readers of Discovering Diamonds' reviews will know that I have read a lot of Melissa Addey's books and enjoyed every one of them. This is no exception. Yet reading this book with a review in mind put me in a bit of a quandary, which I'll explain shortly. But first, to the book. As usual, Ms Addey is adept at painting the scenery, placing her characters precisely in their time frame and place in the world, and then describing their actions so that we don't so much read about them as see them up close. Her world-building is superb.
I've 'met' Ula Nara before, and in earlier books she is presented as the enemy, a bitter woman who takes any opportunity to 'dish the dirt' on her rivals, often for no apparent reason. Here, she tells her own story. The environment is strange: women are chosen to become the emperors' wives and concubines and live a sort of cloistered life. They make friends and forge alliances where they can, and intimacy is found in unusual circumstances. Bereft, forced to leave her life and love behind and enter the Forbidden City, Ula Nara finds that comfort and closeness can take many forms. Whether Ms Addey is writing about a lesbian affair, or that between an imperial consort and a eunuch, she ensures that the scenes are delicate; full of love, tenderness and - oddly - despair, in equal measure.
And now to my quandary: at one moment in The Cold Palace, Ula Nara witnesses an intimate moment between Lady Niuhuru (the emperor's primary consort) and a Jesuit priest. This becomes important later on and answers a question I'd had after reading The Garden of Perfect Brightness. (In fact, it was a real 'a-ha!' moment for me.) We also see Ula Nara interacting with the main characters from The Consorts, and at this point I made a note that really readers should read these two books first before approaching The Cold Palace. But, towards the end of the book, the woman known as the Fragrant Concubine makes an appearance, having a radical effect on Ula Nara's life and I realised that, although I haven't read The Fragrant Concubine, it made no difference to my enjoyment and understanding of The Cold Palace. So, should I recommend that readers start somewhere else rather than here? I solved my quandary by deciding that no, because while The Cold Palace can be viewed as a companion piece to the other other novels in the series, it doesn't really matter where you start; such is the quality of Ms Addey's writing, and skill with inter-weaving story-lines, that each book can be read as a standalone whilst knowledge of any other books in the series provides deeper insight.
In other words, if you know what's happened in the other books, you'll have those 'a-ha' moments but if you don't, it really won't detract from the main narrative.
Ula Nara is a deeply unhappy albeit self-aware woman and at first I found it harder to sympathise with her than with some other women featured in the series. Yes, she's bitter about being forced to leave her betrothed, but the other women are in similar situations and they react differently, less viciously indeed. But herein lies the strength of the Forbidden City series, for even though these women live their lives behind high walls, sequestered, we are shown that, human nature being what it is, people react differently to the same set of circumstances. By the end of the book I was almost cheering for Ula Nara and the closing pages left me with a little tear in my eye.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
#DDRevs
I've 'met' Ula Nara before, and in earlier books she is presented as the enemy, a bitter woman who takes any opportunity to 'dish the dirt' on her rivals, often for no apparent reason. Here, she tells her own story. The environment is strange: women are chosen to become the emperors' wives and concubines and live a sort of cloistered life. They make friends and forge alliances where they can, and intimacy is found in unusual circumstances. Bereft, forced to leave her life and love behind and enter the Forbidden City, Ula Nara finds that comfort and closeness can take many forms. Whether Ms Addey is writing about a lesbian affair, or that between an imperial consort and a eunuch, she ensures that the scenes are delicate; full of love, tenderness and - oddly - despair, in equal measure.
And now to my quandary: at one moment in The Cold Palace, Ula Nara witnesses an intimate moment between Lady Niuhuru (the emperor's primary consort) and a Jesuit priest. This becomes important later on and answers a question I'd had after reading The Garden of Perfect Brightness. (In fact, it was a real 'a-ha!' moment for me.) We also see Ula Nara interacting with the main characters from The Consorts, and at this point I made a note that really readers should read these two books first before approaching The Cold Palace. But, towards the end of the book, the woman known as the Fragrant Concubine makes an appearance, having a radical effect on Ula Nara's life and I realised that, although I haven't read The Fragrant Concubine, it made no difference to my enjoyment and understanding of The Cold Palace. So, should I recommend that readers start somewhere else rather than here? I solved my quandary by deciding that no, because while The Cold Palace can be viewed as a companion piece to the other other novels in the series, it doesn't really matter where you start; such is the quality of Ms Addey's writing, and skill with inter-weaving story-lines, that each book can be read as a standalone whilst knowledge of any other books in the series provides deeper insight.
In other words, if you know what's happened in the other books, you'll have those 'a-ha' moments but if you don't, it really won't detract from the main narrative.
Ula Nara is a deeply unhappy albeit self-aware woman and at first I found it harder to sympathise with her than with some other women featured in the series. Yes, she's bitter about being forced to leave her betrothed, but the other women are in similar situations and they react differently, less viciously indeed. But herein lies the strength of the Forbidden City series, for even though these women live their lives behind high walls, sequestered, we are shown that, human nature being what it is, people react differently to the same set of circumstances. By the end of the book I was almost cheering for Ula Nara and the closing pages left me with a little tear in my eye.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
#DDRevs
June 29, 2020
An uphappy royal bride
No not every girl wants to be Cinderella. In old China a girl is chosen to be a royal concubine but she hates it.
It is a sad story with a happy ending.
No not every girl wants to be Cinderella. In old China a girl is chosen to be a royal concubine but she hates it.
It is a sad story with a happy ending.
September 8, 2019
Ula Nara, the eldest daughter, must undergo the Imperial Daughters’ Draft. Only the most exquisite and we'll connected are chosen as consort or concubine for the Emperor and the prince. Ima Nara is only mildly concerned, as she is neither well connected nor stunningly beautiful. She simply wants the selection over, so she may return to her family and wed her beloved, Niu Lang.
But Fate has different plans for Ula Nara, as she is chosen to become a concubine to Prince Bao. Devastated, Ula begs to be excluded, thereby reigning shame and dishonor upon herself and her family. It's up to Ula Nara to try and undo the grave damage wrought by her thoughtless words....
But Ula's path to contentment isn't an easy one. Tears fall unbidden each time Prince Bao sends for her; nothing he says or does prevents them. Ula Nara continues to mourn the loss of her beloved Niu Lang, becoming closed off, isolated, and bitter...
The unexpected death of the Emperor sets the court into a turmoil. Prince Bao is to become the Emperor Qianlong, and his entire court is moving to the Forbidden City. Once there Ula Nara becomes even more isolated... Until the day she decides... No more...
"I will be paid, I whisper to myself as I stand in the blackness of the night and feel my bare feet grow cold on the stone paving of my palace courtyard. I will not be one of many. No matter what it takes, I will be chosen from the crowd, the sacrifice I made will be recognised. What I gave up is worth a great price, and it has not been paid. I will be paid." - Ula Nara
Ula Nara trods a dark and dangerous path, seeking out hidden joys and secrets of the ladies of the court, turning innocent joy into soul shaking terror. She finds herself even more isolated, as shuttered whispers of her malevolence circulate throughout the Forbidden City. Yet in spite of her actions, she yearns... Yearns for something out of reach, something more....
" My long -overdue payment is about to be made. The hungry ghost inside me is waiting to be fed. "- Ula Nara
Haunting... A tale of young love denied, twisted, turned into a miasma of misery and discontent. The machinations of the royal court, the secrets and hidden deeds, the uncaring demands of tradition... And one woman's battle for love and acceptance…. Found in a most unexpected place…
"I myself am the hungry ghost, who searches and searches for what will fill the gaping belly of my loneliness and grief and yet cannot, will not, ever find it." - Ula Nara
But Fate has different plans for Ula Nara, as she is chosen to become a concubine to Prince Bao. Devastated, Ula begs to be excluded, thereby reigning shame and dishonor upon herself and her family. It's up to Ula Nara to try and undo the grave damage wrought by her thoughtless words....
But Ula's path to contentment isn't an easy one. Tears fall unbidden each time Prince Bao sends for her; nothing he says or does prevents them. Ula Nara continues to mourn the loss of her beloved Niu Lang, becoming closed off, isolated, and bitter...
The unexpected death of the Emperor sets the court into a turmoil. Prince Bao is to become the Emperor Qianlong, and his entire court is moving to the Forbidden City. Once there Ula Nara becomes even more isolated... Until the day she decides... No more...
"I will be paid, I whisper to myself as I stand in the blackness of the night and feel my bare feet grow cold on the stone paving of my palace courtyard. I will not be one of many. No matter what it takes, I will be chosen from the crowd, the sacrifice I made will be recognised. What I gave up is worth a great price, and it has not been paid. I will be paid." - Ula Nara
Ula Nara trods a dark and dangerous path, seeking out hidden joys and secrets of the ladies of the court, turning innocent joy into soul shaking terror. She finds herself even more isolated, as shuttered whispers of her malevolence circulate throughout the Forbidden City. Yet in spite of her actions, she yearns... Yearns for something out of reach, something more....
" My long -overdue payment is about to be made. The hungry ghost inside me is waiting to be fed. "- Ula Nara
Haunting... A tale of young love denied, twisted, turned into a miasma of misery and discontent. The machinations of the royal court, the secrets and hidden deeds, the uncaring demands of tradition... And one woman's battle for love and acceptance…. Found in a most unexpected place…
"I myself am the hungry ghost, who searches and searches for what will fill the gaping belly of my loneliness and grief and yet cannot, will not, ever find it." - Ula Nara
September 3, 2019
The Final Episode
This is the final book in the series. It tends to tie all of the books together and complete some of the stories. This series is best when read in order. I think that I will now re-read the series and re-absorb it. China in the 1700s has always interested me. It was such an old culture that was suddenly bombarded with Western influences. A fascinating period for certain. These books are fiction based on fact. There is much women's history that has been lost to time. These books are an acceptable and plausible look at how it might have been. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
This is the final book in the series. It tends to tie all of the books together and complete some of the stories. This series is best when read in order. I think that I will now re-read the series and re-absorb it. China in the 1700s has always interested me. It was such an old culture that was suddenly bombarded with Western influences. A fascinating period for certain. These books are fiction based on fact. There is much women's history that has been lost to time. These books are an acceptable and plausible look at how it might have been. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
December 8, 2019
A slow and scary descent into the madness of a woman robbed of her happiness. The story grips your heart and squeeze with every new chapters of Ula Nara life. I felt pity, compassion and horror all at the same time as she searched to fill the void in her heart by any means. Finally, I cried so much at the end of the book and even more when she admitted what she did, what could have been. It was so strange to think about what might really have happened to the real woman and made more grateful to be born here and now.
September 9, 2019
Wow! This started off great (as usual with Melissa Addey) yet as I kept reading, it got darker and darker. This wasn't what I was used to with her books. Of course I stuck it out to the end because as dark as it seemed to me, it was still getting more and more intriguing. I was so happy with the ending and with the entire book. She has consistently written great stories that pulled me into the time zone as well as with the people. Keep it coming please!
November 3, 2019
The character was not nice and they could have ended it better.
June 20, 2021
I read this last out of the four books and unfortunately I found it to be the least enjoyable.
Like the other books, rather than there being solid worldbuilding that throws you deep into the story, its the usual patina of Qing culture spread thin over a story of personal transformation. If you're thirsty for any books written in english that feature some element of asian culture then it might be enough for you to hear about jade ruyi and golden nail guards. There's so much interesting history to explore, so many ways to approach the story and instead we get evil consorts and despair. Even that has no depth to it - the reason behind it is never really developed, we're basically told what's happening but not shown. I think that is in the end the main issue with this book. As readers we're told what happens, we're told how Ula Nara feels, what she does, but we're never given a chance to see the events happening, to feel what she feels.
That said, the book has obviously been edited well, the author doesn't make any glaring historical mistakes and is aware of incidental details like Qianlong's clocks. Writing a book is difficult and I appreciate that this author made a well polished work, but in the end it fails to grab your emotions and get you invested in the story. Even the backup of the unsual setting fails as the detail is very light, and if you took out a few references, and refered to the various consorts as mistresses then it could be a novel about Henry the 8th. It might not be the author's fault, its possible in the editing process they decided that all the different naming convetions should be removed (they kept the garden of perfect brightness which was nice, but there's so many implications with the naming of the palaces that each of the cosorts live in, their ranks and the titles they were given).
In the end I felt like I'd get more out of reading the historical record if I wanted to get a sense of the history and culture, and a better romance/personal development journey if I stuck with a regular romance/personal development story. This novel suffers from a bad case of telling instead of showing.
If you're looking for a popular rendition of the history of Ula Nara then I'd suggest watching the TV series Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. If you'd prefer her as an antagonist then The Story of Yanxi palace is good and is shown from the pov of Consort Ling
Like the other books, rather than there being solid worldbuilding that throws you deep into the story, its the usual patina of Qing culture spread thin over a story of personal transformation. If you're thirsty for any books written in english that feature some element of asian culture then it might be enough for you to hear about jade ruyi and golden nail guards. There's so much interesting history to explore, so many ways to approach the story and instead we get evil consorts and despair. Even that has no depth to it - the reason behind it is never really developed, we're basically told what's happening but not shown. I think that is in the end the main issue with this book. As readers we're told what happens, we're told how Ula Nara feels, what she does, but we're never given a chance to see the events happening, to feel what she feels.
That said, the book has obviously been edited well, the author doesn't make any glaring historical mistakes and is aware of incidental details like Qianlong's clocks. Writing a book is difficult and I appreciate that this author made a well polished work, but in the end it fails to grab your emotions and get you invested in the story. Even the backup of the unsual setting fails as the detail is very light, and if you took out a few references, and refered to the various consorts as mistresses then it could be a novel about Henry the 8th. It might not be the author's fault, its possible in the editing process they decided that all the different naming convetions should be removed (they kept the garden of perfect brightness which was nice, but there's so many implications with the naming of the palaces that each of the cosorts live in, their ranks and the titles they were given).
In the end I felt like I'd get more out of reading the historical record if I wanted to get a sense of the history and culture, and a better romance/personal development journey if I stuck with a regular romance/personal development story. This novel suffers from a bad case of telling instead of showing.
If you're looking for a popular rendition of the history of Ula Nara then I'd suggest watching the TV series Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. If you'd prefer her as an antagonist then The Story of Yanxi palace is good and is shown from the pov of Consort Ling
March 12, 2023
Despite the rating, I had fun reading this book. It is, though, tropetastic, feeling at times like a mash-up of Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace and Tales of Yanxi Palace, two Chinese dramas from 2018 which cover the same period.
It is, however, not necessarily a good book. While there are elements I liked , it is cast as a tale of fall and redemption, and it is in that the book fell apart for me. The telling isn't warm, always feeling slightly academic, and I wonder if part of that is because it is told in first person. When the main character is always suffering and refusing to let go of her pain, it's hard to feel sympathy. As we reached the final section, I could see the end coming at least three chapters away. Worse, I
What I had fun with in the book was all the tropes, and there were a lot. I snorted more than a few times because it sometimes felt like the mashup, and I was entertained. But if one's looking for solid historical fiction? No. There are better pieces out there, many written by authors of Asian descent.
It is, however, not necessarily a good book. While there are elements I liked , it is cast as a tale of fall and redemption, and it is in that the book fell apart for me. The telling isn't warm, always feeling slightly academic, and I wonder if part of that is because it is told in first person. When the main character is always suffering and refusing to let go of her pain, it's hard to feel sympathy. As we reached the final section, I could see the end coming at least three chapters away. Worse, I
What I had fun with in the book was all the tropes, and there were a lot. I snorted more than a few times because it sometimes felt like the mashup, and I was entertained. But if one's looking for solid historical fiction? No. There are better pieces out there, many written by authors of Asian descent.
July 29, 2020
I received this book free as an ARC reader for review.
Ula Nara is a heroine you can both pity and hate. Driven by her own disappointment, dissatisfaction, grief and hate; she makes those around her miserable and afraid. Then she turns her vitriol against herself and, slowly starving herself, drives herself to madness.
It is only in her banishment and exile that she begins to heal and started to care for those around her. In the simplicity of her mountain top prison Ula Nara finally learns peace, contentment, and happiness.
I was expecting to slog through a novel full of historic drivel, but this was an enjoyable read that reminded me of the Korean Drama tv series that are a not-so-secret love of mine. With sweeping visuals and carful attention to detail it’s easy to get wrapped up in life in the Forbidden City.
Ula Nara is a heroine you can both pity and hate. Driven by her own disappointment, dissatisfaction, grief and hate; she makes those around her miserable and afraid. Then she turns her vitriol against herself and, slowly starving herself, drives herself to madness.
It is only in her banishment and exile that she begins to heal and started to care for those around her. In the simplicity of her mountain top prison Ula Nara finally learns peace, contentment, and happiness.
I was expecting to slog through a novel full of historic drivel, but this was an enjoyable read that reminded me of the Korean Drama tv series that are a not-so-secret love of mine. With sweeping visuals and carful attention to detail it’s easy to get wrapped up in life in the Forbidden City.
June 11, 2022
Addey excels at finding the human element in historical fiction and in making unfamiliar cultures accessible (unfamiliar to many of her readers and certainly to this one). It had been a while since I read the rest of The Forbidden City series; I'd honestly forgotten how nasty Ula Nara was to the other characters. I was unpleasantly surprised when the young woman I was rooting for essentially turned into a sadist. But polygamy and the court system broke her, so I was glad when Addy allowed Ula Nara some happiness at the end.
I loved the use of the magpie myth. I grew up in Colorado, where magpies are pretty despised. This is one of the joys of learning about other cultures: having your expectations flipped on their heads. I also enjoyed Addey's Author's Note. And what a pleasure to hear narrator Amelia Fei saying all those Chinese words with beautiful precision.
I loved the use of the magpie myth. I grew up in Colorado, where magpies are pretty despised. This is one of the joys of learning about other cultures: having your expectations flipped on their heads. I also enjoyed Addey's Author's Note. And what a pleasure to hear narrator Amelia Fei saying all those Chinese words with beautiful precision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2019
This review will not give out any spoilers! This is the 4th book in the Forbidden City series. A few characters from the previous book have some appearances in this one but no knowledge is needed of previous books to understand and enjoy the 4th book. I found the storyline compelling. One night I couldn't put it down and was up into the wee hours reading! I like how the author has researched the historical aspects of this novel. It is an interesting time period to read about, so different!! I also like how the author isn't afraid to have her main character in this book (and her other books too) to have their flaws. I find myself not wanting them to make a bad choice or get bitter! Her characters really come alive, they are so human and real! I always feel like I am right there with them, living their life with them. Melissa Addey is a talented storyteller! Enjoy!
I received an advanced readers copy and am providing an honest review of my own.
I received an advanced readers copy and am providing an honest review of my own.
July 9, 2021
The Cold Palace seemed to be a very accurate account of a bitter concubine's journey to becoming Empress and then to her subsequent fall into disgrace, with some expected fictional creative embellishments. The author brings Ula Nara's experiences to life.
However, this story, with the exception of the first and last chapters, is extremely dark and depressing. As a reader, I could not pity Ula Nara, as she had no strength of mind, willingly cocooning herself in misery, self pity and depression. Her only character development involved her spiraling angrily deeper into madness. If you are looking for a book about human resilience, this book is definitely not for you.
I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
However, this story, with the exception of the first and last chapters, is extremely dark and depressing. As a reader, I could not pity Ula Nara, as she had no strength of mind, willingly cocooning herself in misery, self pity and depression. Her only character development involved her spiraling angrily deeper into madness. If you are looking for a book about human resilience, this book is definitely not for you.
I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
June 21, 2025
Based on a real concubine Ula Nara was presented at court and hoped to not be chosen as a bride for the Emperor as she was in love with a boy from her city and he was in love with her. She of course is chosen and hate is planted in her heart and mind. She is jealous of some of the other concubines and uses her maids and eunuchs to spy on them. She has one son but doesn’t raise him as she is too busy with court duties. She still thinks about the boy she left behind and imagines him dead or married to someone else. In a story book ending… she is banishes to a remote village in the mountains and guess who the local monk is?? Other than that sappy ending I really enjoyed this book and this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
china series 01/08/21 5:36am
I just finished the China Series : Forbidden City. I highly recommend this series. I found it comforting and entertaining. Melissa Addey is very talented. I read all four books in about six days.
During this difficult time of covid and Donald Trump Melissa brought me exactly what I need to get a break from bad news and even worse health concerns. She is excellent company during this isolation and state wide lockdown. If you like historical fiction written in excellent form you will not be dissapointed.
I am off to Morocco now!
I just finished the China Series : Forbidden City. I highly recommend this series. I found it comforting and entertaining. Melissa Addey is very talented. I read all four books in about six days.
During this difficult time of covid and Donald Trump Melissa brought me exactly what I need to get a break from bad news and even worse health concerns. She is excellent company during this isolation and state wide lockdown. If you like historical fiction written in excellent form you will not be dissapointed.
I am off to Morocco now!
April 21, 2022
Though the fairy tale ending is predictable, it is emotionally satisfying. I love that the bitter, twisted character of the Empress finally lets go of the darkness within her, that the dreaded cold palace becomes a place of healing for her. Miserable in the splendors of the Imperial court, she finds peace in the simple pleasures of nature and villagers who are poor in in material goods but rich in kindness. The prose becomes poetic as she is freed from the past. This may be my favorite book in the series.
March 25, 2021
Sad & Distrubing
In stark contrast to the title of my review, I loved this book with it's slow plunge into depression & madness. The characters leap from the pages into your consciousness, eventually capturing your imagination & ultimately your heart. I progressed through so many emotions while reading this book, something only very few authors are capable doing. Thank you, MS. Added, for a most compelling read.
In stark contrast to the title of my review, I loved this book with it's slow plunge into depression & madness. The characters leap from the pages into your consciousness, eventually capturing your imagination & ultimately your heart. I progressed through so many emotions while reading this book, something only very few authors are capable doing. Thank you, MS. Added, for a most compelling read.
March 23, 2020
I love the characters in the book! I felt as if as if I was there. I have read all of the other books in the series ! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history and China. Make us realise how lucky we rd to choose our own mate for love!
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history and China. Make us realise how lucky we rd to choose our own mate for love!
July 18, 2020
This one definitely had me turning pages. I loved the descriptions of life in the Forbidden City. Ula Nara must find a way to render justice as she cannot accept that she’s given up her old life for naught, but her quest leads to surprisingly dark places. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
May 8, 2022
This is the third book I have read in this series and so far one of the best. I have always been fascinated by the Far East and if I could visit anywhere, it would be China. I would love to see The Forbidden City and The Great Wall. These books are about real people and that makes them doubly fascinating to me.
September 13, 2022
Remarkable
I have now completed all of the books in this series and I can honestly say that I have been enchanted by them all! Such detail and descriptions, I felt as though I had been transported to these historic times in China. The books made me smile and cry. Absolutely recommend this series. A fantastic remarkable read!
I have now completed all of the books in this series and I can honestly say that I have been enchanted by them all! Such detail and descriptions, I felt as though I had been transported to these historic times in China. The books made me smile and cry. Absolutely recommend this series. A fantastic remarkable read!
January 31, 2025
Lost in time
I loved this book as much as I loved and enjoyed the other three. Melissa makes you feel the silks the jewels taste the food and smell the delicious perfume of the flowers. These books are the best I have read in a long time. I highly recommend them.
I must admit I cried for Ula Nara
But what a beautiful ending.
I loved this book as much as I loved and enjoyed the other three. Melissa makes you feel the silks the jewels taste the food and smell the delicious perfume of the flowers. These books are the best I have read in a long time. I highly recommend them.
I must admit I cried for Ula Nara
But what a beautiful ending.
July 11, 2025
It really annoyed me that the majority of this book was like reading the same thing I’d already read in the other 3 books of this series. Ula Nara was so unlikable that it made for a miserable read, on top of the boredom of reading the same things happening all over again! I was happy that the ending happened as it did but this should have been an epilogue instead of a stand alone story.
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