It is said that Garlan, believed to be the child of destiny, returned to his distant past life in order to break the curse that ensured his death upon reaching adulthood. He valiantly battled his arch-enemy, vied for the throne, and sought to save a kingdom on the brink of destruction. However, he was defeated by his arch-enemy four times. Upon being reborn once more, he felt incapable of defeating his nemesis and was determined to escape, yearning for a life of freedom and happiness.
Yet, in this lifetime, his former arch-enemy became a loyal follower. Pushed by the people around him, he unwittingly embarked on the treacherous and glorious path to the throne, filled with thorns and honor. A millennium later, the song of the “Wise King” still echoed throughout the land.
This story depicts the journey of a reborn youth who, with the support of numerous followers and the protection of his once-enemy-turned-loyal-ally, gradually transformed from a young prince into a wise and noble ruler.
The writing in this text is delicate, with an intriguing and captivating plot that maintains a sense of grandeur. It subtly carries the style of ancient European and Eurasian epic legends, with meticulous descriptions of scenes and emotions, creating vivid imagery. Through the words, one can experience the distinct charm of the fantasy Eurasian era.
Each character in the story possesses distinct traits, and the interactions between the protagonist and his ally are filled with sweetness and charm.
The plot is another highlight – every twist and turn kept me engaged, from heart-wrenching moments to joyful ones. The story's emotional depth, despite some minor inconsistencies, thoroughly satisfied me as it unfolded, capturing the essence of kingdom-building and the loyalty among its inhabitants. It even managed to tug at my heartstrings in certain parts.
While the ending left me slightly disappointed, I can understand that a reunion might serve the characters better. And let's not forget how much I admire Camos for his leadership and brotherly qualities.
In summary, this book is a fantastic read, full of engaging characters and a compelling plot that kept me hooked until the end.
Now, addressing the technical aspect: There are instances where the consistency of character names appears unclear, whether due to the translator or the author. Names fluctuate between Kamos, Camus, Keimus, Heymus, and Haymus, causing confusion at times. For instance, a spoiler follows:
In one chapter, Garlan is kidnapped, and when the main lead (ML), Heymos, discovers this through interrogation, the text mentions Garlan's dilated pupils. But how could this be, since Garlan wasn't present? It raises questions about consistency.
The translator's work seems to lack coordination, either through outsourcing or multiple contributors using the same pen name, leading to errors and inconsistencies. These minor details make the reading experience slightly challenging and perplexing. Despite this, the novel remains outstanding and a top priority for me. If these discrepancies were corrected, it would greatly enhance the story. If you can overlook them, I highly recommend giving it a read; you won't be disappointed.
Although the plot might appear clichéd at first glance, it's anything but! There's far more to Galland's quest for revenge against Hymos than meets the eye. And let me rave about the character development – Prince Galland, King Camos (my heart aches), Hymos, and Nega... When Galland finally ascended, I couldn't help but imagine it like Simba's triumphant climb to the Pride Rock in 'The Lion King.' The emotions were overwhelming!
King Camos' storyline... well, you'll just have to read it for yourself. This novel has set the bar high, and I fear I won't find another like it anytime soon. If anyone knows similar novels, especially shounen-ai or even well-written het romances with male protagonists, but open to female leads too, please do share! I need to collect myself after this emotional rollercoaster."
At first, the male lead might seem like your stereotypical possessive and strong alpha, but as the story unfolds, his depth and vulnerability become evident, thanks to the way the main character (MC) brings out his true self. The MC, although seemingly like a Gary Stu, is necessary for the plot, and I couldn't agree more with that assessment. Despite his significant role, he is well-written, acknowledging his flaws and past traumas that shape his character.
Though I typically prefer a quicker pace in romance, this story struck the right balance, and I remained engaged without feeling impatient. The plot was filled with events and revelations, and the interactions between the leads created a seamless, satisfying progression.
Reading this story evoked a wide range of emotions – joy, sadness, laughter, and tears – making it a highly recommended and a book I would happily reread.