Review of The Wheel

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Chi Chiu Michael Mak
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Re: Review of The Wheel

Post by Chi Chiu Michael Mak »

I've studied Chinese History (including the Qin and Han dynasties), and I agree that power struggles were very, very common. Zhào Gào was an especially infamous person. Eunuchs had a bad rep for good reason. Chinese history enthusiasts already know how the story will end, but it's the "how" that matters.
Last edited by Chi Chiu Michael Mak on 07 May 2025, 09:13, edited 1 time in total.
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Amarachi Stephanie Ejike
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Post by Amarachi Stephanie Ejike »

A facinating historical novel set during one of China's most pivotal periods, "The Wheel" by Raymond K Li explores China's ruling icons and history, from the Qín's Dynasty to the early years of the Hàn's Dynasty. The story draws readers into a world of political intrigue, deceit, ambition and treachery. Fans of historical fiction wouldn't want to miss this book.
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Ena van den Berg
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Post by Ena van den Berg »

Chinese history is so alluring in its complexities and exotic foreign flavour to us in the West. But it can feel too thick to penetrate. This review makes me excited to read this book if rich historical events can be easily digested and enjoyed.
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Kibet Hillary
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Post by Kibet Hillary »

My knowledge of the era I guess would only go as far as Great Wall, and hence it would be great to delve into this tale of political intrigue, treachery, and greed for power. I am wondering what happened at the end, especially how long it took for the lie to be exposed. The book is already on my to-read shelf.
Many thanks for the informative review, @Shanesha Sammerson.
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Pradeep T M
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Post by Pradeep T M »

"The Wheel" by Raymond K Li it's about a man who built Great Wall Of China. Emperor Yíng Zhèng ruled with an iron fist, made his name remarkable in China's History. Even his death pawned as power gambling element.
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Post by Sharon Francis 5 »

The Wheel" by Raymond K. Li
I downloaded the book, because the topic of the Chinese dynasty sounds exciting and intriguing. With a mix fictitious characters and history. My expectations for this book is high. I think it will be a good read!
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Post by Rupali Mishra »

Congrats on BOTD.
A covert cover-up, political intrigue, and a brutal struggle for control are all sparked by the unexpected death of Emperor Yíng Zhèng in the compelling historical novel "The Wheel," which is set in ancient China. This enduring plot is propelled by intrigue, deceit, and ambition.
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Post by Mr Benj »

The Wheel" by Raymond K Li., a book that features emperor Ying, the Qin and Han dynasty. It will be interesting to read about the customs during this historical period. This is an attractive book to read.
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Post by greeneyedgirl27 »

"The Wheel" by Raymond K. Li is a historical novel following China's Reign of emperors from Qin Dynasty to Han Dynasty. It has the customs and laws and the brutal punishments. This book of power battles is sure to be fascinating for historical readers. A great review and a 5 star rating is high praise. Great BOTD.
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Post by MWITO JOSEPH KAMYA »

After reading this review, am now more than determined to take a walk down Chinese history and engage in the drama meticulously described therein.
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Post by Judy Burr »

Thank you for your review. I sampled the book. The interesting layout of lists of characters and easy-to-read vignettes to tell the story. This is a book to delve into the history of early China.
Judy
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Post by Harshitha G B »

The Wheel" by Raymond K Li is China's historical book featuring Emperor Yíng Zhèng, a strong Ruler who built Great Wall of China. This books gives glimpse of his ruling, how power shift happened and about his Dynasty.
With Warmest Regards,
Harshitha
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Post by rusyalana »

That sounds like a tremendous work, and the number of pages proves that, that focus on various aspects of human experience such as morality, the meaning of life, corruption, economic theory and others along with a fascinating plot that will make it difficult to put the aside. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!
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Post by Anu Anand »

"The Wheel" by Raymond K. Li is a gripping historical novel set during China’s Qín to Hàn transition, diving into the chilling cover-up of Emperor Yíng Zhèng’s death. A brilliant pick for fans of political intrigue. Congrats on BOTD!
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Post by Wamboi Susan »

Thank you for the compelling review! The intense events that are unfolding after the death of Ying Zhèng are truly mind-boggling, and i am eager to discover how they reshaped the fate of the empire.Congratulations on being BOTD!
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