Dragon Talisman
By divine dreamwalker, ecstatic dream machine, meng ru shen ji, 梦入神机
1149 chapters
2015
Description
Skyseal Emperor Gu Taxian is perhaps the greatest Emperor in all of history. He crushed the Hundred Empires and brought them to heel, built the vast Great Stone Wall to keep out the deadly wilders, relocated mountains and rivers to promote commerce, set up roads and highways, and even promoted free academies of learning for the common man in an attempt to uplift them. But the Skyseal Emperor’s ambitions involve more than just this – he is preparing to launch a great campaign to stamp out all pagan religions, wishing to allow all men to become like gods instead of merely worshiping them. Deities, demons, and immortals alike tremble and rage at the Skyseal Emperor’s ambitions. Gu Chensha is the nineteenth son of the Skyseal Emperor. His mother had been of the royal Chen clan of the Xian Dynasty, one of the Hundred Empires, which had betrothed her to the Skyseal Emperor in an effort to strengthen ties between them. When they refused to submit once the Skyseal Emperor began his grand campaign, he crushed them along with the rest of the Hundred Empires. Chensha’s mother then committed su*cide, leaving him alone and friendless at court. For years, Chensha played the part of a fool to avoid being targeted by the other princes… but by accident or design, he one day discovers the long-lost scroll containing the ancient technique only meant for the Sons of Heaven, the ‘Son of Heaven’s Consecration’. This technique supposedly gave the ancient Sons of Heaven the power to make mortals into gods… or strip the gods of their godhood. Finally, Chensha had the power to change his destiny, but he still needed to be careful – his imperial siblings have spent years building up their powerbases, and neither they nor the maternal clans supporting them will take kindly to Chensha pushing his way into their ranks. Moreover, if anyone discovered that he held onto the Rites of Celestial Sacrifice instead of offering them to his imperial father, the punishment would undoubtedly be death! Only time will tell if he can make use of this opportunity to rise up to become a dragon amongst men, or just become a footnote to the grand history of the Aeternal Imperium.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- zongheng
- Original Language
- chinese
- Type
- Web Novel
Dragon Talisman Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Dragon Talisman
I dove into Dragon Talisman with high expectations, especially seeing its popularity on its original publishing site. While it definitely has its moments, and I ultimately found it an enjoyable read, it wasn't without its flaws.
First Impressions
The initial setup is compelling: a neglected prince, burdened by his mother's origins, navigating a treacherous royal court. I was immediately drawn to the promise of political intrigue and the unique cultivation system, which the author apparently based on classic Chinese texts. The strong female characters, particularly the prince's supposed fiancée, who has her own ambitions, were also a breath of fresh air.
What Works Well
The world-building is definitely a strong point. The author paints a vivid picture of the xuanhuan world, and the plot development kept me engaged. The characters, for the most part, felt well-developed, and I appreciated how the female characters were portrayed as complex individuals with their own agency. I also found the drama compelling, as the story unfolds with the protagonist having to make difficult choices.
Areas of Concern
However, I can't ignore some of the criticisms I've seen. The main character's moral compass felt inconsistent at times, particularly early on. I struggled with the justification of certain actions, especially when it came to the treatment of other races. It felt a little hypocritical, and I can see why some readers found it off-putting. Also, the protagonist's initial reluctance to leave the palace, even with his growing power, felt a bit contrived and plot-driven.
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Final Verdict
Overall, Dragon Talisman is a mixed bag. It has a compelling premise, solid world-building, and interesting characters. However, the inconsistencies in the protagonist's morality and some questionable plot decisions hold it back from being truly great. While the story is complete, the translation is ongoing, so I suggest approaching with caution and an open mind. I would give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's worth a read if you enjoy xuanhuan with political intrigue, but be prepared for some moral gray areas.
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