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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Re: Review of The Wheel

Post by SophiaNd »

Raymond K. Li's "The Wheel" vividly portrays a tumultuous era in early imperial China, centering on the immediate aftermath of Emperor Yíng Zhèng's death and the shocking conspiracy by three individuals to conceal it, igniting a dangerous power struggle fueled by ambition and deceit.
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Post by Magdalyne chebet »

"The Wheel" by Raymond K. Li explores power, betrayal, and ambition during China’s shift from the Qín to Hàn Dynasty. With hidden deaths, forged documents, and gripping intrigue, it promises a riveting dive into ancient politics—I’m eager to read it. Congratulations on being BOTD!
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Post by Bertha Jackson »

This book will be intriguing for anyone interested in Chinese history. Thank you for your review.
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Post by Faith amisi »

The reviewer made me want to know more about the book I sampled some pages , Reading The Wheel by Raymond K. Li was an unexpectedly personal experience. The story unfolds with such emotional depth that I often found myself pausing—not because I was confused, but because something in a scene or a line would hit a little too close to home. Lena’s quiet strength and Elias’s internal struggle between duty and desire felt deeply relatable. They’re not just characters,they feel like people you’ve known, or versions of yourself in different moments of life. What Li does so well is show how the pull between fate and free will isn't just a philosophical idea,t’s a daily tension we all live with, even if we don't name it. This book didn’t just entertain me; it left me with a lingering sense of reflection I didn’t expect, and I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time.
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Post by Macel A »

Great review. I've always been intrigued to learn about China's history especially the building of the great wall and this book will give me that chance.
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Post by Nazma P »

From the review summery, the book certainly piqued my interest. I always get fascinated learning about world history and to mix fiction with it, it's a perfect blend for me. China without a doubt has an intriguing and fascinating history. I will definitely dive into this book.
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Post by Kaitlyn Canedy »

Even though the story is complex, the author explains who each character is and what they do. For someone like myself who has a hard time following complex stories, especially those with historical backgrounds, this is a great help. Thanks for the review!
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Post by Omneya Shakeep »

I'm not familiar with Chinese history and its various eras, but I'm always eager to learn about a new culture and historical events. The combination of historical accuracy and a good plot in "The Wheels" makes this an intriguing book for me.
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Post by India Wilks »

"The Wheel" is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of one of humanity’s most iconic inventions. Rather than just tracing the technical development of the wheel, He dives deeper into the cultural, geographic, and economic factors that influenced its spread—or lack thereof—across civilizations.



What stood out most to me was how the book challenges assumptions. It’s not just a story of linear progress; it’s about choices societies made based on their specific environments and needs. The comparisons between wheel-using and non-wheel-using cultures are especially eye-opening.



The writing is accessible for general readers yet packed with enough insight to interest historians and technologists alike. He brings a fresh perspective to an ancient topic and prompts readers to consider how technological “inevitability” is often anything but.



Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, innovation, or anthropology.
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Post by Amos Osinya »

Quite an interesting story. Anxious to follow up on the rule of Emperor Ying Zheng and the consequent battle for the throne after his demise. A captivating one indeed. Thumbs up to Raymond K. and congratulations book of the day
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Post by Love Ukaegbu »

This is really a beautiful story, and I can't wait to find out what his second son did about his father's death. This power struggle will be one hell of a battle. Congratulations on the book of the day.
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Post by Christopher Mundi »

The novel takes an intriguing turn with the sudden death of Yíng Zhèng. Only three individuals—his prime minister, his loyal eunuch Zhào Gào, and his second son—witnessed his death. This trio, however, chooses to conceal the emperor’s demise, creating a riveting power struggle. Zhào Gào, in a bid to seize control, hides the rotting body of the Emperor and forges documents to legitimize his claim. The prime minister, reluctant to see a battle for the throne, aids in keeping the decaying body a secret. This well-crafted storyline is both shocking and fascinating, pulling readers into a world of deceit, ambition, and treachery.
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Post by Christopher Mundi »

"The novel takes an intriguing turn with the sudden death of Yíng Zhèng. Only three individuals—his prime minister, his loyal eunuch Zhào Gào, and his second son—witnessed his death. This trio, however, chooses to conceal the emperor’s demise, creating a riveting power struggle. Zhào Gào, in a bid to seize control, hides the rotting body of the Emperor and forges documents to legitimize his claim. The prime minister, reluctant to see a battle for the throne, aids in keeping the decaying body a secret. This well-crafted storyline is both shocking and fascinating, pulling readers into a world of deceit, ambition, and treachery." My favourite part ✌️
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Post by Ukaegbu Confidence »

"The Wheel" by Raymond K. Li is an intriguing book. One thing with old Asia, once a person commits a crime, the whole family pays for it. Congratulations on BOTD.
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Post by Alissa Deann Devargas »

'This well-crafted storyline is both shocking and fascinating, pulling readers into a world of deceit, ambition, and treachery.'
I'll like to read more about this Chinese historical thriller.
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