Review of The Wheel

[Limpho Mojakisane]

Thanks for the detailed review. I found the part about hiding the emperor’s death and forging documents really interesting, it shows how intense the power struggles were. I also like that the book makes complex history easy to follow. It sounds like a great read for anyone who is into historical fiction.

[Dayana Alvarado 1]

The death of Emperor Yíng Zhèng is the breaking point that shows the dark side of power how people can become ruthless in order to keep control.🫧

[Tars]

It is always interesting for me to get a glimpse into the past of events that lead to great creations, and "construction of the Great Wall of China" is certainly one of the most impressive human monuments in the world. I am not surprised at the level of tyranny or intrigues of court but am more interested in the emotions behind the actions of people, and this "blend of history and drama" seems to provide just that. Congratulations on BOTD!

[Chinazo Anozie]

I'm fascinated by China's rich history and culture, so I'm sure I'll enjoy The Wheel by Raymond K Li. The Qin dynasty really left a lasting impact on Chinese history, so it'll be great to see the author's spin on this.

[mrlefty0706]

"The Wheel" by Raymond K Li is a historical novel set during one of China’s most pivotal periods, from the reign of Emperor Ying Zheng, the first emperor of a unified China and founder of the Qin Dynasty to the early years of the Han Dynasty from (221 BCE to 81 BCE). Zheng abolished the feudal system, created cities, townships, villages and counties. He ruled China with an iron fist, introduced laws that shaped the nation’s future and he began the construction of the Great Wall of China. He was a tyrant like Kim Jun Yung, Putin and Xi. He brutally punished people that disobeyed his laws often alongside their families. Just like North Korea. He banned hundreds of schools of thought and made legalism the mandatory ideology. He had the Great Wall of China built to keep warring tribes out of China. He also had thousands of dissenters killed for protesting his laws. Inn 210 BCE he was touring the country and he became sick so his group hurried back to the capital for medical care. His health failed him on the journey and he died suddenly. His prime minister, eunuch and his second son witnessed his death. The three of them decided to keep it a secret to prevent bloody battles by the princes but thus created a thrilling power struggle. Zhao Gao, Zheng’s eunuch, tried to seize control and he hid the decaying body of the emperor, and forged documents to make the ascension of the second son Ying Hu Hai to emperor as proclaimed in Zheng’s altered will. The forged documents made the second son the new emperor. The prime minister goes along with the coverup because he did not want to see a battle for the throne. Since many of the princes continued to recognize the first son as the crown prince. Ying Hu Hai unleashed a wave of terror and had the nobles that did not support him executed. Thousands of innocent people were killed every month. The author blended historical facts with creative dialogue to enhance the story. This book in an exciting political thriller with intrigue, deceit and treachery. I have read the sample and the official review and I agree with the 5 out of 5-star rating. Each chapter begins with a list of the main characters and what their responsibilities. There are many Chinese names that without the list at the beginning of each chapter readers would mix them up and no remember who was a friend and who was a foe. The remainder of the book should be very exciting.

[Bethel Saint Bright]

This book seems to x-ray and important historical narrative of China. It seems to contain an exciting story thatI find fascinating. I have never read about the first emperor of China and the history behind the Great Wall. This book will be a starting point for me.

[Gayatri Tripathi]

Thank you for such an insightful review! I was especially intrigued by your mention of how the novel manages to balance historical complexity with accessibility. The way you described the concealment of Emperor Yíng Zhèng’s death and the resulting power struggle makes the book sound like a gripping political thriller, even though it's rooted in real history. I appreciate that the author introduces each section with clarity to help readers keep track of the characters—it shows thoughtful writing. It’s also impressive that the story dives into both the broader political events and the emotional dimensions of its characters. This review has definitely convinced me to give The Wheel a read!

[Idah_Kenei]

This is a very descriptive review that catches the essence of the book while not spoiling it at all. I love how that it makes the book interesting for any reader especially historical enthusiasts. It surely is something one should aim to read if they are curious about the Chinese history. Adding it on my bookshelf.

[Sonya Nicolaidis]

This sounds like a very different sort of book, but you seem to have enjoyed it thoroughly. I like the attention to detail and the accuracy of these historical novels, and this one seems to have both. Many thanks for your comments.

[Wayne Njoroge]

This is a great historical novel that captures the political intrigue around some Chinese dynasties.

[Amy_Jackson]

Power surely intoxicates. Hiding a decaying body just to keep power? This is what happens when people are ruled with an iron fist and a rebellion is sure to break out at the slightest chance. I've always wanted to know about the building of China's Great Wall. This will surely be a fascinating read.

[Karylle Patricia Cubilla]

What a great trailer! It thrills the readers and leaves them intrigued by the whole story.

[Atieno Magero]

The Wheel is a fascinating historical fiction novel. I like that people get to learn about the Qin Dynasty and Chinese history in general from reading this book. I'm fascinated by how the power struggle plays out and other events that unfold after Ying Zheng's death. Congratulations on making botd!

[Yorktha Mallon]

This review of the Wheel is great. Without knowledge about the book, I'm beginning to grasp some ideas about the dynasty, power, betrayal etc. I am captivated and l will love to add the book to my shelf.
Thanks to book of the day

[Soma Ezenwanne]

I would love to read "The Wheel" by Raymond K. Li because it is full of drama, and the fact that only three people witness the death of Emperor Yíng Zhèng and choose to conceal it makes me curious about what they are up to.