Thank you very much for taking the time to read my book and to leave such a thoughtful review. I’m glad the historical backdrop caught your attention — the 1626 Beijing explosion and Zheng He’s expeditions are indeed drawn from real history, not alternate history or time-travel fiction. My aim with this series isn’t to write a “thrill-ride” story but to use real events and real figures as a mirror for our own time.
Even when the plot and characters are fictional, many of the details — like the opening scene with Edward and Shen Tianyi’s secret meeting interrupted by the imperial guards — are inspired by actual records. If there’s one thing I hope readers take away, it’s the sense that whether it’s China in 1626, America in 2025, or anywhere else, similar patterns repeat.
I know that makes the story different from conventional action or romance-driven novels, but I want to be that rare writer who dares to do it. Thank you again for giving it a try — and if you do come back for the next volume, I hope some of its surprises will feel even more rewarding.
Even when the plot and characters are fictional, many of the details — like the opening scene with Edward and Shen Tianyi’s secret meeting interrupted by the imperial guards — are inspired by actual records. If there’s one thing I hope readers take away, it’s the sense that whether it’s China in 1626, America in 2025, or anywhere else, similar patterns repeat.
I know that makes the story different from conventional action or romance-driven novels, but I want to be that rare writer who dares to do it. Thank you again for giving it a try — and if you do come back for the next volume, I hope some of its surprises will feel even more rewarding.