Golden Terrace: Volume 1 Paperback – November 15, 2022

"Rivals to lovers" is the simplest way to explain the main love story in this book, but it so much more complex and beautiful than that. So much pining, so much miscommunicated love, and so so so much devotion without being unbelievable. Everything is in small gestures that are actually huge when placed against personalities, making them that much sweeter.Reading the development of the main character's love for each other is so satisfying (unfortunately not too explicit but it makes sense with the elegance of the prose). I ended up finishing this monster of a book in one day because the mystery and politics aspects of the book was fantastic and the love was so toothachingly addicting.If I had something to gripe about, it'd be that I wish the book had a glossary type part so it'd be easier to follow who's who (lots of name dropping + courtesy names etc). Also sometimes the foot notes are so oddly placed, sometimes I think the explanation is actually missing? Idk, I think it'd be much easier to have the notes on the same page they're explaining. (Also wish we had a picture of our main duo, but that's just a wish).I hope readers of other danmei novels give this one a go. Might not be as tooth rotting as heavens officials, but gosh I'm on the second book and just can't stand how sweet the two men are to each other while still being men. Also hope the company does a digital version, sometimes it's much easier to read electronic. I just randomly decided to buy this book and the next one (with some thanks to the elegant covers) but usually I only buy electronic nowadays for ease of reading anywhere.Nice to see another publishing company picking up Chinese novels especially danmei novels. Something about these books are just so gorgeous and I'm enjoying all the ones in the market now and eager for more.

i am blown away by how lovely this tale is of two men vindictively ordered by the emperor to marry because 1; they apparently don't get along and 2; he wants to prevent them from having children who might vie for the throne later. alas for the emperor, while they have their differences, their relationship is not terrible and they gradually begin to fall in love. there is an epic quality to this story, including separation through war; drug addiction; murder; and abdication. both heroes are compelling, their individual narratives are strong but their overarching love story is beautiful, moving and deeply satisfying. it helps that the translator is sensitive to the prose, which is rendered in gorgeous, flowing style. i am reading now for the third time and i doubt it will be my last.

Love this novel, so well written. It really makes you invested in the characters and their relationship. Its dramatic, romantic, moments that really made me laugh

I loved the smell of brand new of the book. The priting is paperback and the pages texture was soft but good quality. However, the best part was the content. The story is well built, engaging and beautifully written.I loved the flow of the story and the relationship between the main characters. This is one of the best danmeis I've read so far. I can't wait to read the 2nd volume!Totally recommend it!

My book arrived mostly undamaged. The political plot is a bit confusing at first - I had to go back through the chapters and reread many times - but it gets better as the story progresses. The romance happens fast as it is based on an arranged marriange. The main couple is one of the sweetest out all of danmei/BL I've read. Very wholesome and fluffy. This helped me heal from the more depressing books I read prior.

What a beautiful story, beautifully written.

I've already read both this first book and the second, final book as well, and I had such a good time with them both. If you're a fan of historical settings or sweet, respectful romances, this is definitely a series for you!I do have to preface the recommendation by saying that I think if you're not someone already used to reading Chinese webnovels and familiar with its terminology and naming convdntions that it might be a bit confusing at first. The glossary at the back of the book doesn't give you information on a lot of things because it assumes you're already in the know of it all. That's the only caveat I have though, so if it sounds like something you'd enjoy reading, I urge you to at least give the first book a chance! :)These books have a great balance of romance and plot, and even with all the political intrigue, it always felt like a comfortable read. Shoutout to the translator - they did a wonderful job!

So I'm almost finished reading this and it's really good- alot of the fancy talk goes over my head sometimes but the story is so beautiful and interesting. Not to mention the cover is gorgeous! Unrelated to the book the publishing company makes the best quality books and covers, it looks so nice on a shelf!

I loved this book so much. I couldn't put it down. I'm so glad I found it.

Todavía no lo he terminado porque no soy buena con los cliffhangers, así que decidí esperar a que llegara el volumen II para continuar, pero puedo decir que el ritmo es muy ameno. Me encantan ambos protagonistas, y tengo la sospecha de que el gong lleva mucho tiempo sintiendo interés por el shou, pero lo oculta por alguna razón. Por lo que entiendo, él siempre ha sido manga cortada, pero ¿quizá duda que el general también lo sea? Lo averiguaremos, cuento los días para que llegue la segunda parte.

I am always interested in a good story and I fell across this by accident when reading other people's appraisals of it. It really is a great read. Set in a fictional time scale of the Great Zhou Empire (which would equate to the middle Bronze age in the UK) it is a political and social thriller. A paranoid emperor decrees a marriage between his able minister Yan Xiaohan the head of the Feilong Guard (essentially his secret police/hit squad) and young noble General Fu Shen. I have some sympathy with the emperor because real world history is littered with capable generals who decided to bring their armies home. This is an attempt to keep control and to break the Fu family's traditional loyalties with the army.This book has been well received world-wide and is considered the author's signature work. It truly is a beautiful tale.

I have reviewed in details in the second part review section after finishing the entire series..