The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang is a sexy, unapologetically queer, and deeply cultural masterpiece that deserves recognition. As a fan of historical fiction, I was particularly drawn to the vivid flashbacks to the Emperor's palace. Huang's imagery was breathtaking, transporting me to another time with its ornate palacial descriptions.

One of my main gripes with contemporary romances is their tendency toward unrealistic dialogue and characters who feel disconnected from reality; however, Huang skillfully avoids this pitfall. He captures the essence of West Hollywood's gay nightlife with authenticity and nuance. I especially appreciated how he portrayed an Asian gay man as fully dimensional and not a stereotype—his voice feels natural and lived-in, much like his white counterparts after generations in the U.S. (Side note: I listened to the audiobook while reading, and the narrator did a phenomenal job bringing this voice to life. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I resonate with this detail of sounding like my peers, and I imagine it might go unnoticed by those who don't share a similar experience.)

The only reason I hesitated to give this book five stars was the sl*ve/knife portions of the flashbacks. While integral to the story and the character's development, those parts weren't entirely to my taste. That said, this is more of a personal preference than a critique of Huang's storytelling.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It's perfect for readers who enjoy fantastical romances that transcend generations and timelines, Achillean love stories that tug at your heartstrings, and tales rich with Chinese culture and folklore. I think Huang has an extremely unique point of view, and his voice to the romantasy genre is entirely needed. What an amazing story to debut with--I anxiously await more by Huang in the future.

So many elements of this story were masterfully crafted--but it still fell flat for me, as I didn't really connect to any of the pairs (in any of the timelines). I felt that their relationships, dynamics, and internal/emotional lives needed to be explored much more for me to find them engaging. Which was a shame, because truly this story--especially the ending!--was beautiful and powerful in so many ways.

***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book to review.***

I love danmei and had very high hopes for this book. While I was engaged the entire time it did not deliver on any romance plots. I was expecting something closer to Cloud Atlas with the multiple lives intertwined but instead got... whatever this was. An overwrought, sex first, feeling never, pretentious book. The narrative needed more meat to it to accomplish the sweeping scope of the premise.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting tale about reincarnation and it took me a bit to figure out how the three timelines connected. I really enjoyed two of the three timelines and really enjoyed those two characters the most. I enjoyed the story this book was telling and how all the lifetimes intertwined.

Fun reincarnation fantasy that involves three gay lovers, at least two distinct time periods besides the modern LA club scene, and a winding path between all of them as they uncover it. Full of longing and melancholy, and a lovely read besides. Are there some unfortunate turns of phrase? Yeah, absolutely. Debut novel though, and Harlequin, so I'm willing to give it some leeway.

BRO THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOOOOOOD. I FEEL LIKE THIS BOOK FILLED A WHOLE THAT IVE BEEN MISSING RECENTLY. It just had everything i could possibly want out of a story like this. I just. Chefs kiss. I wish i could reread it again for the first time cuz i dont think i appreciated it enough. I need to take my time with it. Also everyone is this book was unapologetically horny on main. Would recommend 💯💯💯💯

The plot for this book was so convoluted. It felt like the author had a basic idea of what they were going for but didn't know how to follow it out well. There was no investment in the characters, and the different time periods, while an interesting idea did not play out well. I think if this book had taken a little more time fleshing out the story versus designing a gorgeous cover it could be a much better book.

DNFed around the 25% mark.
I wasn't a fan of the writing style.
this is definitely a case of "it's me, not you"

DNF.

Stylistically, this book just wasn't working for me. The modern approach to an POV in an older timeline came across as flippant in a way that didn't endear me to the characters. The attempts at building intrigue felt a little info-dumpy to me as well.

Overall, I just think this wasn't for me, but I do think it has an audience that will love it. Good luck to the author's future endeavors!

In 4 BCE, an ambitious clerk is asked to seduce the young emperor, as treachery and deceit lie around every corner. Machinations are at play that could cost both clerk and emperor their lives and their love for one another.

In 1740, an innkeeper agrees to help a young man to find a rare medicine for his grandmother. But, the doctor he asks for help (who is unrequitedly in love with the innkeeper) is worried about who the boy and his grandmother truly are.

​In present day Los Angeles, a college student meets a mysterious stranger at a rave that he is sure he has met somewhere before.

This book was a trip as the reader falls through a dreamlike three books in one. The reader is trying to figure out the truth of who these men are and how they have been connected to one another throughout multiple lifetimes as you collide from one story to another and back. It is a story of love and beauty, but also of betrayal, cruelty, and pain.

Each timeline is so distinct and different with characters that stand out and grasp the reader. I was intrigued by each lifetime and wanted to rush to find out the truth. Some of the story is beautiful, richly woven with images of grandeur, opulence, and an Emperor who is adored. While other parts were visceral, gory, grotesque, and almost too strange to believe. You feel for the clerk as he tries to gain power in a life where he has felt powerless, but then meets the Emperor and falls in love with his quiet strength and the deep love he has for his kingdom. But this courtier is mistreated and used by all those around him in order to gain leverage over the man he loves.

The second story is about an innkeeper who has travelled many years, only to finally settle down and run an inn in a small town far from others. He meets a young man that he feels a strong connection too, who makes him feel as though he can make a difference. This young man reminds him of the feelings he had as a child when he would go searching in the woods for his calling. His family could never understand him and threw him out when they found out he was attracted to other men. He has been searching for his purpose ever since, even so much as having a relationship with a local doctor.

Meanwhile, in present day you meet a young man who recently came out who is trying his hardest to understand himself and the life before him. He wants to embrace his sexuality and therefore goes to a rave. But, at this rave he feels overwhelmed by the newness of everything and when he tries to collect himself he meets a beautiful stranger who he feels an immediate spark with and wants to know more about. This leads to the oddest encounter of his life, an art gallery opening where the art is all too familiar, and a shared past he finds too hard to believe.

​This book is full of extravagance. From a rich Kingdom ruled by a benevolent Emperor and his terrifying Grandmother. To a fox spirit trying to destroy the hold his Grandmother has on him with the use of fables and a shady doctor. To the Los Angeles rave and art scene, where the rich thrive and prostitution is an everyday occurance. There is lots of sex in the novel, used both as a means to gain wealth and power, but also as a form of love and connection between the Emperor and his consort. Sex is shown to be both a weapon and a balm, as something to fear and something to possess. It can be both dangerous and empowering and often can make strong men weak and give weak men leverage over those who would hurt them.

Each explored lifetime also has a setting that feels lifelike unto itself. To the opulent palace of the Emperor, with riches and weavings and all the delights of a kingdom. To a humble inn and the forests on the outskirts where strange animals may roam. To Los Angeles, where flamboyance and art paint a vivid picture of life now. All of those settings ingrain themselves into the story unfolding and you feel yourself shifting from one location to another, from one character to another as they unfold their tale and their lifetime and things begin to connect and reveal themselves.

All in all this was honestly such a trip and the way this ended implies there may be more to the story...or it is left up to fate (wink wink). A powerful look at love, but also ambition and dominance, at how much we are willing to sacrifice to feel strong. How easy we are persuaded away from the things we love in order to gain knowledge, power, or just to follow our lust. This book is all about betrayal and the burden that betrayal lays on someone for lifetimes.

This was a stunning romantasy, something I've been hungry for for a very long time. The story is as colourful and engaging as the cover, and I think that for a debut novel, this book has excellent character and plot development. I'll be watching for more from this author.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

A BEAUTIFUL story of finding your love in every lifetime! This book made me feel all the feelings. Justinian Huang outdid himself for this being a debut novel, I can't wait to see what he does next!

"*The Emperor and the Endless Palace* is a lush, imaginative dive into the world of romantasy. Justinian Huang has crafted a breathtaking setting—a sprawling palace with secrets around every corner—that feels almost like a character in itself. The romance between the emperor and his love interest is compelling, filled with tension and moments of genuine tenderness.

That said, while the world-building is fantastic, at times it overshadows the plot, which can feel a bit slow or meandering. There were moments where I wanted more action or deeper character development instead of so much focus on the palace’s many intricate details. Still, the magic system is unique, and the political intrigue adds depth, making it a captivating read.

Overall, if you're in the mood for a romantic fantasy with rich descriptions and a slow-burn romance, *The Emperor and the Endless Palace* offers an enjoyable escape, even if it could use a little more narrative punch to match its dreamy setting."

I… am very conflicted about this book. On one hand, it has a lot of potential. I’m a sucker for reincarnation stories so I love the ancient-past-present timeline, how their story intertwined and who’s who. I think it’s very unique, intriguing, and the short chapters keep me engaged. However, I also wish it was deeper. I totally miss the erotica tag (which I don't think it was even tagged?) and I wish the story actually had more substance because it placed so many puzzle pieces that *could* work, but it seemed like the author had no intention of completing the story.

A captivating debut that weaves romance, fantasy, and historical fiction. The story explores the metaphysical concept of love as a form of soul recognition. It is a beautifully written tale.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A story spanning multiple timelines woven together by fate. The power of love transcends time and threatens to destroy them all.

A beautiful, sexy story filled with mystery, magic, and love.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Going to DNF this for now. Really enjoyed the writing style and the synopsis but I just haven't been able to get into the book to finish.

OMFG…..🙀

You are NOT ready for this one 👀😈 I highly suggest you listen to the audiobook! The narrator was awesome!