The Consorts

Forbidden City, Book 1

By: Melissa Addey

Narrated by: Caroline McLaughlin

China, 1700s. Lady Qing has spent the past seven years languishing inside the high red walls of the Forbidden City. Classed as an honored lady, a lowly ranked concubine, Qing is neglected by the emperor, passed over for more ambitious women.

But when a new concubine, Lady Ying, arrives, Qing’s world is turned upside down. As the highest position at court becomes available and every woman fights for status, Qing finds love for the first time in her life...if Lady Ula Nara, the most ambitious woman at court, will allow her a taste of happiness.

©2016 Melissa Addey (P)2021 Melissa Addey

Enjoyed this book alsoC

I had a really hard time being able to hear this narrator even when I had to turn the volume up all the way. Other than that I loved the book, especially with Qing and Ying falling in love and becoming a couple!! Well done, Ms. Addey!

Pleasantly Surprised

I adored the growing romance developing in secret. This is the first book I’ve read that has given a glimpse into the lives of concubines, and I appreciate that the author used real women in history to base this novel on. There is a squee moment at the end that is just so heartwarming. Highly recommend!

Interim review

Circumstances right now prevent me from writing an extensive review. I will update my review as soon as I am able.

What an awesome authentic love story

When I decided to read this book the furthest I got in the summary was that it was about consorts to an emperor in old China and I was in. I love stories about anything from the past historical romances on my favorite. Having said this let me say I knew nothing of what the story was about and as it trotted along and I continued to read it because it was very interesting we were first introduced to Ying and learn she has been at court seven years and is still a lowly concubine. Everyone thinks our bad luck because she is it favored by the having only been called to his emperors chambers three times in seven years. Because of this she lives a lonely existence walking by the lake sitting in her favorite garden or swinging on her favorite swing in the garden all under the watchful eye of her first attendant Bow. At least that is all she existed until the daycare came that the new concubines were brought to court. It is on this day that she gets her first look at a new concubine who is of Mongolian dissent a rarity in the Emperor‘s court, but they eventually soon become fast Friends. This is where Eleonora comes into the picture she is a mean devious social climber who only wants to become the next empress despite the current empress is alive and well. Little does Elleonora know but it is her back stabbing that will help Cling and Ying gain their best gift since coming to court and it is a gift that is never ending. This was a beautifully written genuine authentic falling in love I can’t even express how emotional I got during this book. It is an awesome book and if you love people falling in love you’re going to love this book. I highly highly recommend it.

Ver interesting yet enjoyable

I do very much enjoy novels about foreign countries, especially Asia. Quite eye opening Re the concubines.