This book is described as being an epic tale of love, betrayal, and destiny that spans centuries and continents – and that is precisely what it delivers. It’s a beautiful mix of historical fiction, fantasy, Chinese mythology, and M/M romance. The novel intricately weaves together three different timelines, following the lives of two men who are reborn over and over again, always finding their way back to each other. I can honeatly say I’ve never read anything like this book and I really enjoyed it! It’s a tough one to review, though, so I’ll try to be as coherent as possible.

As I mentioned, the book flips between three different timelines, focusing on two men in each. As the book progresses, we realize that these men exist in each timeline, constantly reincarnated, always finding their way back to each other’s hearts. In one timeline, we are transported inside the walls of an ancient palace in 4 BCE, and in yet another, we are deep in an Asian forest in 1740, and finally, we visit the gay scene in modern-day Los Angeles. In each timeline, these two men cross paths, forever changing one another’s lives in dangerous, exciting, and very sexy ways.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps readers captivated the entire time. Huang’s writing is bold and captivating, drawing readers into several different worlds where blood, sex, and intrigue reign supreme. It is also an exploration of the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space. As the two men find themselves drawn to each other lifetime after lifetime, they are forced to confront the depths of their feelings and the consequences of their actions. The emotional journey they go on is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating, leaving readers wanting more.

The characters in the novel are complex and richly developed, each with their own motivations and desires. The young emperor, the ambitious courtier, the lonely innkeeper, the fox spirit, the talented artist, and the innocent college student (and several others) all come to life on the page, creating a mosaic of interconnected lives and side characters that span centuries. The way Huang ties these characters together, showing how their actions ripple through time and impact each other’s destinies, is beautiful and captivating.

I really loved Huang’s narrative style; it is incredibly immersive. The author has a beautiful way of painting vivid pictures of each time period and setting. Whether he is describing the opulent halls of an ancient palace, the pulsing energy of a modern-day rave, or a modern-day art heist, his prose is lush and atmospheric, drawing us into the world of the story and making us feel as though we are right there with the characters.

This book is definitely something worth experiencing. I found it to be a captivating read that will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and contemporary M/M romance. Huang’s skillful storytelling and intricate plotting combine beautifully to create a novel that is both sweeping in scope and deeply personal in its exploration of soul mates, love, destiny, and fate. If you’re looking for a non-conventional gay romance this Pride month, you should definitely add this one to your list!