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Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) #3
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 3
CAPITAL UNDER SIEGE
With the Westerners and their allies pressing in on all sides, the empire of Great Liang enters its darkest hour. Under these desperate conditions, Gu Yun leads the beleaguered Black Iron Battalion to hold the borders. Meanwhile, Chang Geng makes his move in the imperial court, sweeping corrupt officials aside in an effort to stabilize the nation before it’s too late.
As the two struggle to hold the tattered pieces of the empire together, Gu Yun uncovers a shocking truth about the curse slowly tightening its grip on Chang Geng’s mind. But are the deepest secrets of Cheng Geng’s past enough to move even the iron heart of the nation’s most fearsome general?
With the Westerners and their allies pressing in on all sides, the empire of Great Liang enters its darkest hour. Under these desperate conditions, Gu Yun leads the beleaguered Black Iron Battalion to hold the borders. Meanwhile, Chang Geng makes his move in the imperial court, sweeping corrupt officials aside in an effort to stabilize the nation before it’s too late.
As the two struggle to hold the tattered pieces of the empire together, Gu Yun uncovers a shocking truth about the curse slowly tightening its grip on Chang Geng’s mind. But are the deepest secrets of Cheng Geng’s past enough to move even the iron heart of the nation’s most fearsome general?
436 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 2, 2024
Desperation breeds honesty and so volume three of “Stars of Chaos” opens with Chang Geng ardently kissing Gu Yun on the ramparts of the city in the heat of battle. Unlike their first kiss, there is no deniability anymore, which does rather complicate matters as the book unfolds. “Submitting to a momentary impulse was easy, but dealing with the aftermath was an entirely different matter” (p. 55).
This third volume in the series opens in the middle of a battle, where Cheng Geng and Yu Gun are fighting to defend the city from western invaders. Indeed, the majority of the plot is devoted to the machinations of the court trying to defend itself from these foreigners. As Prince Yan, Chang Geng, proves to be an excellent politician and strategist while secretly dealing with the effects of the wu’ergu poison whose origins are explained in gruesome detail in chapter 70.
The steampunk elements of this historical fantasy world have become normalized by now so the violet gold and mechanical weaponry seem perfectly natural by now. These technological elements balance out the supernatural poisoning that afflicts Chang Geng and which threatens his sanity if he loses control. So even though the machinery seems to dominate the setting, it is really only the backdrop for the complicated relationship of the main couple.
This book sees them confess their feelings as well as act on them without the excuse of alcohol or battle. However, it is not plain sailing, because both of them have their inner demons and are also plagued with emotional insecurity. Gu Yun now admits the true nature of his feelings when he thinks that, “From now on, this person is mine” (p. 157) and there are plenty of scenes where Shen Yi is a third wheel, because they feel no need to hide their relationship in front of him. Chang Geng has been open about his feelings all along and it sounds very intimate when he calls Gu Yun “Zixi” which is his courtesy name. The shift in name signals a shift in the status of their relationship.
It is, however, by no means a walk in the park, because they are both vulnerable characters whose inner turmoil makes their relationship tricky. They trust each other, but they bicker and misunderstand each other constantly. In that respect the bumpiness of their relationship is fairly realistic, because life does not suddenly become uncomplicated just because your partner has reciprocated your love. So much of the book sees them teeter between saccharine love and brutal honesty. This becomes increasingly clear as the book comes to a close, because the jade flute is wielded as an instrument of punishment even though it is a symbol of Chang Geng’s love for Gu Yun. It is both in Gu Yun’s hands, because he uses it to try to make Chang Geng respect himself more. It is more than a little sad that Chang Geng truly does not know his own worth and needs someone to make him see sense. “Zixi, in all my life, I’ve never been able to treasure anything else; it was all you. If you would take this from me, you may as well tell me how to die and I’ll go at once” (p. 381). The scene is upsetting, though, because Chang Geng misreads the situation and thinks that Gu Yun is withdrawing his love while in fact the exact opposite is the case.
The book ends with the nation in peril and their relationship hanging in the balance …
This third volume in the series opens in the middle of a battle, where Cheng Geng and Yu Gun are fighting to defend the city from western invaders. Indeed, the majority of the plot is devoted to the machinations of the court trying to defend itself from these foreigners. As Prince Yan, Chang Geng, proves to be an excellent politician and strategist while secretly dealing with the effects of the wu’ergu poison whose origins are explained in gruesome detail in chapter 70.
The steampunk elements of this historical fantasy world have become normalized by now so the violet gold and mechanical weaponry seem perfectly natural by now. These technological elements balance out the supernatural poisoning that afflicts Chang Geng and which threatens his sanity if he loses control. So even though the machinery seems to dominate the setting, it is really only the backdrop for the complicated relationship of the main couple.
This book sees them confess their feelings as well as act on them without the excuse of alcohol or battle. However, it is not plain sailing, because both of them have their inner demons and are also plagued with emotional insecurity. Gu Yun now admits the true nature of his feelings when he thinks that, “From now on, this person is mine” (p. 157) and there are plenty of scenes where Shen Yi is a third wheel, because they feel no need to hide their relationship in front of him. Chang Geng has been open about his feelings all along and it sounds very intimate when he calls Gu Yun “Zixi” which is his courtesy name. The shift in name signals a shift in the status of their relationship.
It is, however, by no means a walk in the park, because they are both vulnerable characters whose inner turmoil makes their relationship tricky. They trust each other, but they bicker and misunderstand each other constantly. In that respect the bumpiness of their relationship is fairly realistic, because life does not suddenly become uncomplicated just because your partner has reciprocated your love. So much of the book sees them teeter between saccharine love and brutal honesty. This becomes increasingly clear as the book comes to a close, because the jade flute is wielded as an instrument of punishment even though it is a symbol of Chang Geng’s love for Gu Yun. It is both in Gu Yun’s hands, because he uses it to try to make Chang Geng respect himself more. It is more than a little sad that Chang Geng truly does not know his own worth and needs someone to make him see sense. “Zixi, in all my life, I’ve never been able to treasure anything else; it was all you. If you would take this from me, you may as well tell me how to die and I’ll go at once” (p. 381). The scene is upsetting, though, because Chang Geng misreads the situation and thinks that Gu Yun is withdrawing his love while in fact the exact opposite is the case.
The book ends with the nation in peril and their relationship hanging in the balance …
May 7, 2024
How am I supposed to survive until September when the next volume is out?
Gu Yun and Chang Geng are so cute. I'm not sure I understood all the convoluted politics and scheming, but these two make the story for me. :') They're so sweet, though Chang Geng can be such a brat. Maybe silly, but my favourite scene was Gu Yun hitting Chang Geng's palm with his jade flute, to warn him about the dangers of his future plans and to always keep the wellbeing of the nation and his good name in mind.
Gu Yun and Chang Geng are so cute. I'm not sure I understood all the convoluted politics and scheming, but these two make the story for me. :') They're so sweet, though Chang Geng can be such a brat. Maybe silly, but my favourite scene was Gu Yun hitting Chang Geng's palm with his jade flute, to warn him about the dangers of his future plans and to always keep the wellbeing of the nation and his good name in mind.
May 11, 2024
Some reunions feel instantaneous, while others seem to have taken a lifetime. Two people who had parted in anger or who had a strained relationship would feel that they had been separated for a mere blink of an eye. But for two who had parted with so many uncertain truths yet unraveled and lingering, with ambiguous feelings between them—those separations felt like they had lasted an entire lifetime.
I was not prepared to eat my words since my last review. I wholeheartedly and with confidence thought that Gu Yun would not reciprocate Chang Geng’s feelings or attraction for at least another whole book. BUT?! CHANGGU KISSED?! THEY HAVE DONE THE NASTY?! THEY ARE SICKENINGLY ADORABLE TOGETHER?! ALL IN JUST THE THIRD VOLUME?!
This time was different from the farewell kiss they shared at the capital ramparts; it lacked the intensity of desperation. Gu Yun felt as though a corner of his heart had collapsed, offering up the softest spot in his chest. From now on, this person is mine.
I swear I didn’t have a moment to breathe since the complete 180 of Gu Yun of the last book and Gu Yun of this book but you know what? I’m not complaining. Though I think all my fellow readers know that the main couple being together?? And seemingly happy?? Still only halfway through the series?? That spells coming ✨angst✨ to come. And I am ready and willing.
But when it had truly come down to it, Chang Geng had appeared out of thin air and, with a slap of his hand, sent Gu Yun's plans spinning away from their original trajectory. Gu Yun couldn't help but indulge in wild fantasies and yearn for more—after wearing himself down for the sake of the nation, he wanted to give what remained of his hale and hearty years to Chang Geng.
The way I was giggling like a gremlin bouncing off the walls during this book. This volume was like 50% convoluted scheming and politics that had my poor dumb brain fried, and 50% Changgu being the most adorable and chaotic pair. And I ate that shit up.
"My esteemed doctor, don't tell me you faint at the sight of blood."
Chang Geng was as stiff as an iron rod. "I faint at the sight of your blood."
Not to mention how absolutely different Chang Geng is from that stubborn little teenager of the first book. Before my very eyes he’s turned into a cunning manipulative little schemer and I support that. I support Chang Geng’s rights, but most importantly, I support Chang Geng’s wrongs. And after all his little scheming I get the feeling that the results are all for a certain someone…
”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."
And in this volume, more and more secrets being revealed between the two?? Yes please. The plot is hurtling by at a rapid pace but it is also fascinating to behold. And my beloved Shen Yi seems to be caught up in his own plot? As long as my husband gets more scenes I’m down (also Chen Qingxu x Shen Yi. Am I right or am I right?) And Shen Yi’s nightmare of third wheeling Changgu coming out in full force. I don’t know how I’m gonna wait for the fourth volume <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
all i can say is: Gu Yun and Chang Geng never failed to lift up my mood😍😍 and I LIVE AND BREATH FOR CHAPTER 79!!!
June 15, 2024
CG is a little freak and GY better be on his guard or he's going to get himself eaten alive🤭
May 30, 2024
This one was better lots going on but some of it still quite hard to grasp and stay focused on. That’s not a slight on the author it’s probably just my tastes on genre.
I now love Gu Yun he’s funny, witty, he has a temper when driven to it but deep down he’s a bloody sweetheart.
I want to believe in Chang Geng but to be honest she’s got him shrouded in mystery still at this point.
I want Shen Yi to marry Chen Qingxu too.
I now love Gu Yun he’s funny, witty, he has a temper when driven to it but deep down he’s a bloody sweetheart.
I want to believe in Chang Geng but to be honest she’s got him shrouded in mystery still at this point.
I want Shen Yi to marry Chen Qingxu too.
May 14, 2024
Reading this book I can’t help but imagine a writer with a gun to their head forced to write a romance when they’d rather focus on military stories and political intrigue. In an act of rebellion they write the most messed up and confusing romance I’ve ever read. Not even messed up in the usual spicy books being problematic way, instead in a whole new way that leaves you wondering if these people are even friends let alone anything more. Everyone has to keep SAYING how deep the bond is between these characters because working off the scenes where they are together they don’t seem it at all. One has a creepy obsession, the other bounces between being completely disinterested and willing to go along with it out of some strange duty that dosnt make sense. They arnt compatible, may not even be working towards the same goals and the main thing they seem to have in common is they’re both racing each other to the grave.
The writing can also be super confusing, jumping between POVs at the drop of a hat. Laying out everything you need to know in the most boring way one minute and then being super vague and confusing in the next. Several times I reread pages just to conclude they’d probably deleted a section, forgotten and then referred to the thing I never got to read. It’s not even a hot mess, a tepid one I guess but vaguely enjoyable sometimes.
The writing can also be super confusing, jumping between POVs at the drop of a hat. Laying out everything you need to know in the most boring way one minute and then being super vague and confusing in the next. Several times I reread pages just to conclude they’d probably deleted a section, forgotten and then referred to the thing I never got to read. It’s not even a hot mess, a tepid one I guess but vaguely enjoyable sometimes.
May 17, 2024
I'm still trying to process everything that happened between Chang Geng and Gu Yun in this volume. I'm excited yet so worried for both of them (the Yifu aspect of this story has me 😬). Everything seemed to happen so fast and true to Seven Seas editing, we get another weird and abrupt ending. I am still a little confused about a few things so a full re-read will have to be done before Vol. 4 comes out. I do like that Shen Yi seems to be getting his own story but WTH happened at the end of the book??
May 11, 2024
”In all my life, I’ve never had such a wonderful dream…If only I never woke up.”
chang geng, main character of the year, i personally think.
as over my head i feel with some of the political content in this series, i’m always so intrigued with every scene—every building block, every sneaky deception, every uproar in the court room, every battle between wits and innovative weapons. all of it makes this steampunk fantasy feel so alive and rich with its cast.
the characters are all so versatile and charming in their own ways, and chang geng & gu yun’s bond feels so comforting in light of the court’s deception. the progression of their relationship has made me smile since the beginning, but it struck even harder in this volume.
i love priest’s writing a lot, but in this steampunk fantasy world, it shines even better for me. this volume and the 31 tabs i left in my physical copy made it pretty obvious.
content warnings:
major: graphic descriptions of death & violence, war, poison-induced mania & delusions, and injury/injury detail
moderate: body horror
chang geng, main character of the year, i personally think.
as over my head i feel with some of the political content in this series, i’m always so intrigued with every scene—every building block, every sneaky deception, every uproar in the court room, every battle between wits and innovative weapons. all of it makes this steampunk fantasy feel so alive and rich with its cast.
the characters are all so versatile and charming in their own ways, and chang geng & gu yun’s bond feels so comforting in light of the court’s deception. the progression of their relationship has made me smile since the beginning, but it struck even harder in this volume.
i love priest’s writing a lot, but in this steampunk fantasy world, it shines even better for me. this volume and the 31 tabs i left in my physical copy made it pretty obvious.
content warnings:
major: graphic descriptions of death & violence, war, poison-induced mania & delusions, and injury/injury detail
moderate: body horror
June 10, 2024
This volume didn’t flow as smoothly as the other two did. At least for me. I felt like it jumped around a bit with people and actions.
One example is the fact that Chang Geng and Gu Yun had sex. I didn’t even know they had sex until Gu Yun was thinking about Chang Geng’s boldness after having sex one time. I was like hold on a second, when did they have sex?! Lmao It didn’t feel like a fade to black moment. Not like a Danmei such as TGCF where you knew when Hua Cheng and Xie Lian were doing the naughty. This was more of a yeah they’re kissing and laying down but Gu Yun is thinking about being tired so I guess they went to sleep. No. They had sex. WHAT.
Not just with their intimate relationship, but there was a lot going on in this volume with all the secret meetings happening in regard to ‘rebuilding’ the nation. It just jumped around too much and gave additional detail in between conversations that threw the moments out of whack.
I still enjoyed it of course. I do like this story, but this volume is probably my least favorite so far.
One thing I did love more than anything - people throwing themselves on top of others to protect them. I’m always weak for people that sacrifice their lives for others.
One example is the fact that Chang Geng and Gu Yun had sex. I didn’t even know they had sex until Gu Yun was thinking about Chang Geng’s boldness after having sex one time. I was like hold on a second, when did they have sex?! Lmao It didn’t feel like a fade to black moment. Not like a Danmei such as TGCF where you knew when Hua Cheng and Xie Lian were doing the naughty. This was more of a yeah they’re kissing and laying down but Gu Yun is thinking about being tired so I guess they went to sleep. No. They had sex. WHAT.
Not just with their intimate relationship, but there was a lot going on in this volume with all the secret meetings happening in regard to ‘rebuilding’ the nation. It just jumped around too much and gave additional detail in between conversations that threw the moments out of whack.
I still enjoyed it of course. I do like this story, but this volume is probably my least favorite so far.
One thing I did love more than anything - people throwing themselves on top of others to protect them. I’m always weak for people that sacrifice their lives for others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
This series is very well written. The palace intrigue and war scenarios are very entertaining. Outside of it being a danmei, people who enjoy plot heavy fantasy would love this series. I’ve rated all of the novels a five star so far except this one.
This isn’t a problem with the story, I still think it’s 5/5 but my hesitation comes with the relationship with Gu Yun and Chang Geng. At certain points I was kicking my feet and smiling, then others.. I kept asking myself: does gu yun act intimately with Chang Geng out of pity?
I know this feeling is coming from Chang Geng and his ability to make the reader feel his paranoia, so I do like it. But also, some of Gu Yun’s commentary makes it seem true. I’m not saying he should coddle gu yun and love bomb him, that’s just not the general. But sometimes it feels like there’s a lack of empathy that I think Chang Geng deserves.
Although, this might be because Chang Geng is my favorite character and I’m severely protective of him..
Overall, I love this series and can’t wait for the next volume. :) I think feelings will develop on a deeper, more respectful level as the story goes on.
This isn’t a problem with the story, I still think it’s 5/5 but my hesitation comes with the relationship with Gu Yun and Chang Geng. At certain points I was kicking my feet and smiling, then others.. I kept asking myself: does gu yun act intimately with Chang Geng out of pity?
I know this feeling is coming from Chang Geng and his ability to make the reader feel his paranoia, so I do like it. But also, some of Gu Yun’s commentary makes it seem true. I’m not saying he should coddle gu yun and love bomb him, that’s just not the general. But sometimes it feels like there’s a lack of empathy that I think Chang Geng deserves.
Although, this might be because Chang Geng is my favorite character and I’m severely protective of him..
Overall, I love this series and can’t wait for the next volume. :) I think feelings will develop on a deeper, more respectful level as the story goes on.
June 14, 2024
I'm really enjoying this, and as much as there's comparatively small things I wasn't vibjng with as much, the overall concept is just so cool and unique feeling that I was able to move past quite a few things that are typically deal breaker for me in any other book.
One example would be timeskips. There's a few win this book, and to be entirely fair, there are a lot of politics and complicated things to move through. However, for me, especially at the very fast pace that I read, there ends up being, or at least it feels like there's comparatively few moments between the major progression in the relationship that occurs in this book. I still enjoyed seeing how things progressed, but I was honestly expecting more of a slow burn. Guess that's what Cdramas has done to me over time, lol.
Anyways, the cover of this particular volume and dare I say is probably one of the best out of all the seven seas covers so far. Like I've found myself just starting and examining the art of the robes, especially quite a few times.
The politics are incredibly intricate and really the well thought out. Wasn't exactly expecting war time economic theory in a gay Chinese book, but you know it's the unexpected things that make Danmei really interesting as a genre. I'm only hanging on following it by a thread cause I spend a lot of time trying to acquire as much knowledge of chinese history as possible.
I'd certainly recommend this series to someone who's looking for a new Danmei to read. What I will say is that this isn't a good one of your first Danmei novel ever series. It's also probably going to be a case of you will realky vibe with it and enjoy yourself or you won't.
One example would be timeskips. There's a few win this book, and to be entirely fair, there are a lot of politics and complicated things to move through. However, for me, especially at the very fast pace that I read, there ends up being, or at least it feels like there's comparatively few moments between the major progression in the relationship that occurs in this book. I still enjoyed seeing how things progressed, but I was honestly expecting more of a slow burn. Guess that's what Cdramas has done to me over time, lol.
Anyways, the cover of this particular volume and dare I say is probably one of the best out of all the seven seas covers so far. Like I've found myself just starting and examining the art of the robes, especially quite a few times.
The politics are incredibly intricate and really the well thought out. Wasn't exactly expecting war time economic theory in a gay Chinese book, but you know it's the unexpected things that make Danmei really interesting as a genre. I'm only hanging on following it by a thread cause I spend a lot of time trying to acquire as much knowledge of chinese history as possible.
I'd certainly recommend this series to someone who's looking for a new Danmei to read. What I will say is that this isn't a good one of your first Danmei novel ever series. It's also probably going to be a case of you will realky vibe with it and enjoy yourself or you won't.
June 26, 2024
I think the plot lost me at this point. I don't think I can take another 3 vols of this.
I think Gu Yun is interesting and his moments of comedic relief were entertaining, but that's about it. The romance part is really just meh. I just don't find it believable. The only reason these two are knocking boots is because priest says they should, not because it feels like they naturally gravitate towards each other.
Also, what the heck is happening with the illustrations. The level of sloppy hit a new low...or high? Idk. I think I'm done with this for now.
I think Gu Yun is interesting and his moments of comedic relief were entertaining, but that's about it. The romance part is really just meh. I just don't find it believable. The only reason these two are knocking boots is because priest says they should, not because it feels like they naturally gravitate towards each other.
Also, what the heck is happening with the illustrations. The level of sloppy hit a new low...or high? Idk. I think I'm done with this for now.
September 2, 2024
“Yet every time he jolted awake from the nightmares Xiu-niang had branded into his bones, the only person he could think of, yearn for, anticipate, and believe in was Gu Yun.”
February 13, 2024
Dnf.
Sorry, but the story grew too complicated for me and a fell out of it. There are some other issues that I was already not very happy with. Like the relationship with Gu Yun and how it changed etc. I wasn’t exactly feeling it..
Sorry, but the story grew too complicated for me and a fell out of it. There are some other issues that I was already not very happy with. Like the relationship with Gu Yun and how it changed etc. I wasn’t exactly feeling it..
May 18, 2024
Well. That did not go in the direction I thought it was going to go…
I have to say Priest is really a great writer. Her humor is subtle but hilarious, her characters are interesting and distinctive from each other (even the background characters) and, so far, this story is intriguing and unpredictable.
I can’t wait for more volumes, though I do hope Chang Geng stops calling Gu Yun “dad” at some point… 😬
I have to say Priest is really a great writer. Her humor is subtle but hilarious, her characters are interesting and distinctive from each other (even the background characters) and, so far, this story is intriguing and unpredictable.
I can’t wait for more volumes, though I do hope Chang Geng stops calling Gu Yun “dad” at some point… 😬
May 20, 2024
De verdad yo no sé si en este danmei hay alguna trama definida, aparte de que el protagonista se está muriendo por dentro
September 9, 2023
melhor livro da série até agora pra mim, amei a guerra e o desespero q eu senti lendo as situações (e o jeito q eles terminam esse livro 👁️👄👁️) to gostando muito de ler as estratégias, e como to lendo em inglês, eu to até surpresa com o quanto eu entendi da história e das ligações e enredos dos personagens kkkk
May 16, 2024
This volume was so damn good, and I'm so sad that the fourth book doesn't come out for a few more months. I'm half tempted to go and find a fan translation of the rest of the series just to know what happens.
Our boys have finally gotten their heads out of their asses, and are now a couple, even having their first time together. Gu Yun is not sure how to cope with Chang Geng's Yifu kink, but it just has me laughing my ass off. I have a feeling he's going to discover that he has more kinks in common with his lover than he thinks he does.
Chang Geng is succumbing more and more to the wu'ergu and I'm scared to see the inevitable snap when the old god is released in his body. I imagine that the only way to bring him back properly is going to have something to do with Gu Yun. And we're seeing more of his background with the Linyuan Pavilion now that he's been given their sacred tablet. His brand of politics is one I can get down with based on what I saw in this book. I just hope he doesn't take too big of a bite and incur his brother's wrath.
Gu Yun is finally feeling the effects of his times at war with all of the injuries starting to catch up with him. Miss Chen is really gonna put him in the grave if he doesn't take a break soon. He deserves that farmstead in the country. He's still coming to terms with the fact that he's in a romantic relationship with his godson, but he's slowly coming around to it. I just need him to be a little nicer to Chang Geng cause our boy is going through it.
I am so glad I decided to read this volume as soon as I finished the second one. I'm super excited for the fourth book later this year!
Our boys have finally gotten their heads out of their asses, and are now a couple, even having their first time together. Gu Yun is not sure how to cope with Chang Geng's Yifu kink, but it just has me laughing my ass off. I have a feeling he's going to discover that he has more kinks in common with his lover than he thinks he does.
Chang Geng is succumbing more and more to the wu'ergu and I'm scared to see the inevitable snap when the old god is released in his body. I imagine that the only way to bring him back properly is going to have something to do with Gu Yun. And we're seeing more of his background with the Linyuan Pavilion now that he's been given their sacred tablet. His brand of politics is one I can get down with based on what I saw in this book. I just hope he doesn't take too big of a bite and incur his brother's wrath.
Gu Yun is finally feeling the effects of his times at war with all of the injuries starting to catch up with him. Miss Chen is really gonna put him in the grave if he doesn't take a break soon. He deserves that farmstead in the country. He's still coming to terms with the fact that he's in a romantic relationship with his godson, but he's slowly coming around to it. I just need him to be a little nicer to Chang Geng cause our boy is going through it.
I am so glad I decided to read this volume as soon as I finished the second one. I'm super excited for the fourth book later this year!
July 30, 2024
"Si es por ti haré que todo arda hasta que queden solo cenizas. Incluso si me repudias o me temes por estos salvajes sentimientos. Solo quiero crear un mundo donde seas feliz."
Ya he acabado esta tercera parte, ¿será tan buena como el segundo tomo?
Para empezar, se ha dado un gran avance, tanto de trama como en la relación amorosa principal. Todo se está conectando, ofreciendo ya varias respuestas a preguntas planteadas en la trama. Aunque todavía queda mucho por delante.
Con respecto a las relaciones personales, a pesar del gran paso que se ha dado, me gusta que no se hayan solucionado los conflictos internos de los protagonistas por el poder del amor. Al contrario, han surgido nuevos miedos y conflictos a raíz de todo, haciendo esta parte más interesante.
Hay bastantes conceptos, planteados en los primeros dos libros, que en esta parte se explican con mayor detalle. De esta forma, se aclaran varios puntos clave que antes eran bastante liosos, y podían ser confusos.
Sin embargo, la parte estratégica y militar de este libro es bastante densa. De forma que se puede hacer algo pesado o incluso aburrido de leer. Aunque, en mi caso, fue solo en un momento especifico de la trama.
Así que no creo que haya superado a ese segundo libro, pero siento que es una especie de introducción de lo que está por venir en el cuarto volumen.
Ya he acabado esta tercera parte, ¿será tan buena como el segundo tomo?
Para empezar, se ha dado un gran avance, tanto de trama como en la relación amorosa principal. Todo se está conectando, ofreciendo ya varias respuestas a preguntas planteadas en la trama. Aunque todavía queda mucho por delante.
Con respecto a las relaciones personales, a pesar del gran paso que se ha dado, me gusta que no se hayan solucionado los conflictos internos de los protagonistas por el poder del amor. Al contrario, han surgido nuevos miedos y conflictos a raíz de todo, haciendo esta parte más interesante.
Hay bastantes conceptos, planteados en los primeros dos libros, que en esta parte se explican con mayor detalle. De esta forma, se aclaran varios puntos clave que antes eran bastante liosos, y podían ser confusos.
Sin embargo, la parte estratégica y militar de este libro es bastante densa. De forma que se puede hacer algo pesado o incluso aburrido de leer. Aunque, en mi caso, fue solo en un momento especifico de la trama.
Así que no creo que haya superado a ese segundo libro, pero siento que es una especie de introducción de lo que está por venir en el cuarto volumen.
June 14, 2024
2.5⭐ rounded down
I'm wondering if I just don't jive with priest's writing. When the couples get together they lose any tension they had and it just doesn't feel as interesting?
For this series, I never really felt like Gu Yun was worth falling for compared to Shen Yi but Chang Geng's feelings felt really strong until they got together. Now it's like we're viewing their relationship at arms distance. And I'm not a fan of the plot. The war feels strangely weak for something that's threatened their entire country but now is a distant threat. That tension also leaked out of the plot.
Anyway I guess what I'm saying is that I've lost interest in the characters and the romance and the plot and so I'm dropping the series.
I'm wondering if I just don't jive with priest's writing. When the couples get together they lose any tension they had and it just doesn't feel as interesting?
For this series, I never really felt like Gu Yun was worth falling for compared to Shen Yi but Chang Geng's feelings felt really strong until they got together. Now it's like we're viewing their relationship at arms distance. And I'm not a fan of the plot. The war feels strangely weak for something that's threatened their entire country but now is a distant threat. That tension also leaked out of the plot.
Anyway I guess what I'm saying is that I've lost interest in the characters and the romance and the plot and so I'm dropping the series.
June 15, 2024
please don't ask. just read it. straight up.
economical, political, and discourses surrounding ancient china's monarchy in this book is amazing. but do you know what else is amazing? the romance. what else? the engineerings. i swear. LoL. Lingshu Institute is likely a place I will be in.
Also their relationship!!!!!!!!! Steamy, and sincere, and deeply devoted. They are each others ride or die, and they WILL be at each others back when things goes south. They are SUPER ROMANTIC.
PLEASE JUST TUNE IN TO SHA PO LANG PLSPLSPSLS I SWEAR IT'S WORTH ALL YOUR MONEY AND TIME.
economical, political, and discourses surrounding ancient china's monarchy in this book is amazing. but do you know what else is amazing? the romance. what else? the engineerings. i swear. LoL. Lingshu Institute is likely a place I will be in.
Also their relationship!!!!!!!!! Steamy, and sincere, and deeply devoted. They are each others ride or die, and they WILL be at each others back when things goes south. They are SUPER ROMANTIC.
PLEASE JUST TUNE IN TO SHA PO LANG PLSPLSPSLS I SWEAR IT'S WORTH ALL YOUR MONEY AND TIME.
May 18, 2024
"But there is someone who loves me and treats me with sincerity...right? Just now, it was you who brought me back to myself."
4.25 stars - really great read. It was great seeing how Chang Geng and Gu Yun's relationship progressed, especially as Gu Yun learnt about Chang Geng's condition. Again most of the political side of the plot did fly over my head. My only issue really was the fact that they seemed to take one step forward then several steps back in their relationship by the end of the book, but Gu Yun's words were slightly reassuring. Can't wait to see what happens in the next volume.
4.25 stars - really great read. It was great seeing how Chang Geng and Gu Yun's relationship progressed, especially as Gu Yun learnt about Chang Geng's condition. Again most of the political side of the plot did fly over my head. My only issue really was the fact that they seemed to take one step forward then several steps back in their relationship by the end of the book, but Gu Yun's words were slightly reassuring. Can't wait to see what happens in the next volume.
May 19, 2024
I enjoyed this latest volume of Stars of Chaos in which the two main characters finally came together romantically. Their relationship is a fun one, especially with some of Chang Geng's kinks that Gu Yun struggles with. This volume also saw some interesting advances in the general plot which left me keen to see what would happen in the next volume. I am giving it 4.5 stars.
June 23, 2024
Incredible!! I am a priest STAN now, there’s no going back. I adored the way the main couple subverted tropes and communicated through everything — it was soo refreshing. I did not expect the romance that fully blossomed in this volume, and I’m so glad to see Chang Geng’s years of pining finally rewarded lmaoo He deserves the world (and Gu Yun 🤫🤭).
May 16, 2024
This volume lost me. I won't be continuing.
May 17, 2024
3.5⭐️
May 29, 2024
Ґу Юнь це мій краш😭 slay king в буквальному та переносному значеннях💅🏻 а від політики голова йде обертом
August 12, 2024
I enjoyed this one more than volume 2 so I feel weird giving it the same rating, but there’s some parts that kind of lose me at times, and it takes my head out of the story. However, it was great to see Gu Yun and Chang Geng’s relationship evolve here, and to have that as more of a focus in this one. It’s definitely heading in a direction that spells heartache/possible tragedy, though.
June 17, 2024
This one is pretty dense, it took me a while to get through, but had a lot of rewarding scenes
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