The Moon in the Palace

The Empress of Bright Moon, Book 1

By: Weina Dai Randel

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

RITA Award winner, Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance, 2017.

There is no easy path for a woman aspiring to power.

A concubine at the palace learns quickly that there are many ways to capture the emperor's attention. Many paint their faces white and style their hair attractively, hoping to lure in the One Above All with their beauty. Some present him with fantastic gifts, such as jade pendants and scrolls of calligraphy, while others rely on their knowledge of seduction to draw his interest. But young Mei knows nothing of these womanly arts, yet she will give the emperor a gift he can never forget.

Mei's intelligence and curiosity, the same traits that make her an outcast among the other concubines, impress the emperor. But just as she is in a position to seduce the most powerful man in China, divided loyalties split the palace in two, culminating in a perilous battle that Mei can only hope to survive.

In the breakthrough first volume in the Empress of Bright Moon duology, Weina Dai Randel paints a vibrant portrait of ancient China - where love, ambition, and loyalty can spell life or death - and the woman who came to rule it all.

©2016 Weina Dai Randel (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

it was ok

I liked this story I just wanted the main character to be stronger and more fierce. She felt like a damsel in distress and relied on everyone else to save her. At the beginning of the story, an astrologer made a prediction about her that made me think she was going to be a badass but that didn't happen.

So bad, I actually returned it for a credit

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, especially Asian, but the story was unbelievable and the narration was so horrible I couldn’t continue. No need for me to go on, there are many similar reviews that go into greater detail.

I loved it!!!

I loved the many different voices she made for all the characters! She did an amazing job at representing each and every one of them . I was lost in a whole new world !!! ❤️ 10/10 would recommend to anyone !! ❤️

Lots of research done in writing this book.

I was humbled on the rough treatment of lower class. And was surprised the villains thought noting o f the consequences of their actions on others lives -i enjoyed the narrator of this book

Young teen novel

I got Tina hoping for a historical novel. It is a kids book read as if for tweens.

Where did Moon come from?

This story was lovely to listen to in two evenings. I am a little puzzled, how did Mei, become Moon or become described as such. I'm just wondering if I missed something while listening. The main character is fortunately lucky.

Historical Chinese story, need I say more?

This book had me from the first chapter. I do love a good historical read. The attention to detail of the inner workings of court were fascinating. I will admit I wanted to grab Mei at times and tell her to focus (Lol). I highly recommend this book if you love Chinese historical stories, you will not be disappointed. I do not write or share a lot of the book in reviews because I want you the reader to enjoy it as I did.

Enjoyed the book

However the narrator was slightly annoying ( sorry) it would have been nice to use make voices for male parts and older female voices for the appropriate characters. I enjoyed the book/reading for entertainment, not so much about how factual it was. I do look forward to book 2 and will endure the narration. I enjoy hearing as I drive too and from work and while cooking. Life gets in the way and audio books helps me catch up on the books I want to read.

Glitches

Great book, but the recording glitched out on two full chapters. Nothing but clicks and static. That is the only reason for 4 stars.

Wonderful book

As former reviewer’s have stated, the reader’s voice took a little getting used to, but given the nature of the story, I felt her voice and inflection matched well. This elaborate tale needed this tone to keep the listener interested. The whole book was filled with beautiful words and scenes that were easy to imagine. Definitely give this book a chance.