The Empress of Bright Moon Duology: The Moon in the Palace

EW: Unlike many historical novels, this one is based on history that was well researched, new to me, the critical part of the story, and was not just a convenient backdrop. There were so many twists and turns, I never knew what to expect. I believe the narrator was critical to my enjoyment of the book as she is deft in assuming the voices of the various characters, even the male ones. I highly recommend the Audible version of the book.

United States on Oct 21, 2023

Harry Danchon: A good read ready for the next one

United Kingdom on Aug 27, 2023

Sebastion1: I normally don't read historical books ....I was intrigued by the title...I fell in love with the book and its character's...I loved Mei she was strong willed and determined to prove her worth to her late father and to honor him ....I loved her love interest as well he was a good man & an honorable one at that ....The story is woven over many seasons and time and draws you in....I could imagine the scenery and the beautiful women who served the Emperor....Thank - you for a wonderful read ....I won't soon forget Mei, Plum, Pheasant, Jewel and Noble lady.....🙂M.L.

United States on Jul 17, 2023

LindaMargaret: This is a most intriguing and wonderful story. So well written that it was hard to put down.
So many twists and turns to keep me engrossed. I absolutely loved it.
I will recommend it to my sisters book club.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful story.

Australia on Jun 11, 2023

Tazbeet: I read this book in 3 days, it is such a compelling read, you wont' want to put the book down and make sure you have book two ready to continue after you finis, this is book 1

Canada on Aug 09, 2022

Anne Wise: The author has an excellent grasp of how to weave a story that captures the reader. It’s hard to imagine a world as full of intrigue and murderous politics as ancient China as it is revealed here but I read to the end hoping rather forlornly at times that my favorites would survive and prosper. I will be reading the next in the series.

United States on Jul 16, 2022

Mrs Anne Dewar: Bought this because I enjoyed “The Last Rose of Shanghai” by the same author. This book is clearly well researched and it is well written (apart from some misuse of personal pronouns), but I have stopped reading for the time being, as I was finding it a little tedious. I will probably go back and finish it before long.

United Kingdom on Jan 04, 2022

Joyce MacLaine Pont: The Moon in the Palace is inspired by the story of Wu Zetian, or Empress Wu, who reigned China between 684-705 during the Tang dynasty. It tells the fictitious story of her youth and early years as a concubine in the Imperial Palace in Chang An (present-day Xian), and of her rise to power to become the consort of a prince, and eventually, Empress of China. It is filled with palace intrigue, particularly among the Emperor's four wives and countless concubines, all of whom strive for the Emperor's favor and the power that comes with it. The historical background to the story is well-researched and is certainly fascinating. However, the book does contain some unlikely scenarios and inconsistencies. I think it was a brave thing for the author to write the book in the first person singular from the main character's point of view, as this inevitably leads to overly romantic (fictitious) embellishments. Nonetheless, the prose reads easily enough, and is fairly enjoyable if you like women's historical fiction set in Imperial China. (

Netherlands on Aug 23, 2021

Dave: Previous books I've read of Chinese historical fiction had been from the 17th century forward. It was nice to read something on ancient China. What I didn't like is that she got out of every jam too easily and without much intervention on her part, but I guess it is her destiny. Hopefully in the second book she will take control of her destiny and perhaps bloody her hands a bit in the process.

update: after reading book 2, I am changing my rating to 3 stars. The only reason it is not 2 starts is that they were some interesting characters. But these two books are nothing more than a fairly tale. We learn nothing about the real person, how she achieved power nor how she ruled.

United States on Jul 10, 2020

Jolien: This book was on my Intriguing Debuts list this year. In fact, it’s the only one I’ve read so far from the list. Oops. I’m so glad I read this one. I haven’t read many historical fiction novels, and certainly not many set in China. So that was already exciting to me. This novel managed to captivate me, educate me on a part of Chinese history and the customs, and get me attached to all the characters.

SETTING

As I mentioned earlier, this book is set in China. This is the story of Mei, who will later be known as Empress Wu. I don’t see that as a spoiler, considering it’s both history, and mentioned on the cover of the book. It chronicles her life, which according to Wikipedia was February 17, 624 – December 16, 705. Yes, I used Wikipedia. I’m sorry, okay, I’m just really uneducated on Chinese history!

This book is the first in the duology (can I just say how underappreciated duologies are?). As this is the first, it follows Mei from the time she is a little girl to her time at the palace as a concubine for Emperor Taizong. Mei wants to help her family by becoming the Emperor’s Most Adored -which is of course the concubine he likes best. To...

United States on Nov 08, 2016