The Grandmaster Strategist

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This is an alternate history. Decades after the fall of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the world is still in chaos, although there is hope for reunification.

Of poor background, Jiang Zhe, styled Suiyun, has finally, after ten years of hard work, passed the imperial examinations and become a scholar within Hanlin Academy. Unwittingly, he becomes involved in the succession dispute of the Great Yong Dynasty. He faces conspiracies and machinations and countless battles of strength and wits. Intending to avoid court politics, he ultimately has no choice but to become involved. With no alternative, Jiang Zhe can only follow the crowd, joining the chaotic political turmoil. In this conniving world, he uses his intelligence and knowledge to provide for himself and his companions a stable environment to survive.

Watch nations fall, great men rise, and supreme martial artists kneel before the quiet whispers of a frail, unassuming scholar.

Associated Names
One entry per line
TGS
一代军师
随波逐流之一代军师
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Nirvana In Fire (8)
Ze Tian Ji (7)
Dungeon Defense (4)
Everlasting Immortal Firmament (3)
Release that Witch (3)
Joy of Life (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. china
  2. Let's use our heads
  3. Best Novels I Read in years (Must read for you)
  4. My Library Of Treasures
  5. My roman empire

Latest Release

Date Group Release
11/28/16 Wuxiaworld v1c20
11/27/16 Wuxiaworld v1c19
11/27/16 Wuxiaworld v1c18
11/23/16 Wuxiaworld v1c17
11/22/16 Wuxiaworld v1c16
11/29/16 Wuxiaworld v1c15
11/22/16 Wuxiaworld v1c14
11/22/16 Wuxiaworld v1c13
11/18/16 Wuxiaworld v1c12
11/17/16 Wuxiaworld v1c11
11/17/16 Wuxiaworld v1c10
11/15/16 Wuxiaworld v1c9
11/13/16 Wuxiaworld v1c8
11/13/16 Wuxiaworld v1c7
11/12/16 Wuxiaworld v1c6
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67 Reviews sorted by


Tang Ning777
New Tang Ning777 rated it
March 13, 2024
Status: Completed
One of the best novels I've ever read!

There's so much to say that I am finding it hard to trace all my thoughts about it to properly pen it down.

After finishing it, I am filled with melancholy and sadness. One, because I wouldn't be able to read this novel for the first time again. Second, though it was easy to deduce the tragic ending of some side characters early on, when I am finally faced with their ending I couldn't help but shed tears.

The writing style of this novel is... more>> one of a kind. At least, I haven't encountered this style yet. It felt like I was flipping through pages of actual history and was witnessing the events that took place hundreds of years ago with my own eyes.

There's also so many inclusion of poems. I reckon that for actual Mandarin speakers, it'd be even more enjoyable to read considering all the classics the translators included in the footnotes to help better understand the implications.

Interestingly enough, it is mostly written in first person pov but we're unable to really see the depth of our master strategist as the story progresses. Sometimes even feeling that he's such childish character whereas his emotions are portrayed perfectly while seeing his maturity in his actions. His machinations and vicious plotting is one of a kind, even Fan Xian from Joy of Life falls short.

Every character was three-dimensional. Even when the supposed antagonists were opposing our MC, it was hard to feel any hate or frustration a reader normally feels.

The first thirty percent of the novel, at least, may seem a bit misogynistic at times. But I would say to have patience because this issue that tickled the back of my mind didn't last long. There were valiant and heroic female characters who gave as good as they got.

If I talk about every side characters one by one, it would take a long time leaving alone the fact that it'd potentially spoil the novel. But the bond between Xiaoshunzi and our main character is truly one of a kind.

If I have to criticize one thing about this novel, then it is the rapid development between our MC and Piaoxiang which was at best unrealistic, at worst choppy. Other than this, I cannot really find any fault.

It is tagged tragedy in Novelupdates. Though, the MC didn't have a tragic ending along with his family members and close friends, there's certain tragic undertone at the end. Especially, I can't help but mention Lu Can. The bond he and the MC had and their ending drenched my pillow with tears.

This is one of the best novel out there. Similarly, our protagonist, Jiang Zhe, Jiang Suiyan, would always have a place in my heart. He was humorous, vicious, kind but also tragic at times.

P.S:

There cannot be a better cover than this! It truly suits the novel as a whole. <<less
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Shaiole
Shaiole rated it
January 2, 2017
Status: v5
Don't get me wrong, I love this novel. However there are many points about this novel that are not so great. But it may be the reason why it is unique and great. Other reviews already said how great this novel is, I don't see why I should focus on the good points.

When I first started reading it, it was very confusing. Info dumps here and there. Unlike your average CN novel where chapters are full of "fluff" where you could totally skip a few pharagraphs and chapter but still... more>> understand what is happening, this novel is the opposite. I need to carefully read it to not miss out any detail. Chapters are very long, but also informative.

Also, It is written in the first POV, but the scene sometimes shift to a place where the MC isn't present. This sometimes confuses me plus all the chinese terminology. However, I totally understand why it is so. The prolouge is like the ending where he reminise the past. The style is a bit spoilerish, but its not anything bad. You'll know what I mean when you see it.

The romance is... well idk? Bad. At least in the 58 chapters I have read, the romance is no good. But this isnt even a romance story so who cares. At least, this is still so much better than some other novels where MCs are picking up peerless beauties a smooth as jade as if they grow on trees. The only love I like seeing is loyalty between the MC and his servant/friend. No homo.

Many many poems. Sadly, because of translating to a different language, it couldnt be help despite the translator trying his best, some meaning are lost in translation. However, it is still nonetheless amazing.

This novel has a unique story telling. The characters are well implemented. The pace is nice as it doesnt drags on. The strategies used are witty. Since the chapters are very long, these 58 chapters could entertain you for a while. The translation is great and fast. About a chapter a day for a large amount of text per chapter as of now. <<less
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Krazyguy75
Krazyguy75 rated it
February 21, 2017
Status: v1c10
This novel might be great. It might not. I'll never know. I couldn't make it through the first 10 chapters.

It wasn't vapid, light fluff, which is good. But it was just boring to me. Info dump after info dump. For 10 chapters. It was lots of content, interesting poetry, and deep political complexity. But it wasn't interesting. It introduced too many concepts too early in too much of an infodump style fashion to make me feel any immersion, and completely took me out of the story. I couldn't absorb the... more>> info because I lacked any interest in it, and because of that I couldn't grasp the whole situation, and because of that, I lost even more interest.

It probably gets better, looking at other people's reviews. But as I said, I couldn't continue, because it failed to draw me in at all. I was just sitting here thinking that it felt like a first person version of a college history course. And any novel that doesn't make me want to continue reading (or in this case, actively make me want to stop) can't get more than 3 stars. <<less
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Benitora
Benitora rated it
January 29, 2017
Status: v2c22
This is the first time I've ever bothered to leave a review, I'm not great with word as my thoughts are always scattered when typing / writing but here goes.

This is by far the best eastern novel that I have read to date. The drama is very intensive and most of the actions are behind the scenes.

Every chapter has me hooked and wanting more this novel is slow at the start and moderately picks up, the twists and turns and view points of all the characters is especially pleasing.

I implore... more>> anyone that hasn't read this novel yet to give it a good and honest try! <<less
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doomeye1337
doomeye1337 rated it
December 1, 2016
Status: c19
A very pleasant surprise. Truly a genius MC, unlike how that term is often used. Intrigue, foresight, and passion are the best descriptive words for the impression I have thus far. The chapters are relatively long as well. Downsides are probably that there are mini infodumps on current events at the start of a lot of chapters and the story starts off sounding dry because of the narration style (translator style?). Some people may also not like the unbelievable nature of the romance. I started reading this intending to... more>> sleep after I breezed through the 20ish chapters, but here I am still not done 1.5 hours past my expectation. Once again, may not be everyone's thing, but anyone interesting in court intrigue stories that aren't overly cliche should def check this out. <<less
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jkmessah
jkmessah rated it
December 8, 2016
Status: c30
Oh my. Within the 30 chapters that I read, all I could think of was how well-written and well-paced this novel is. Truly, this is a great novel worth reading for anyone who wants a thoughtful story where characters too have flaws that make them more real, more relatable. The first person POV is also quite interesting and well done!

I absolutely enjoy the characters in this novel. Our MC is not OP in a typical sense, but he is gifted. If you've read Nirvana in Fire (also a wonderful novel... more>> and tv series) then you know what I mean in that the strategist himself is physically weak, but his mind is truly bright. He has doubts, he has strength and he sounds like a very real person going through some very real problems. Each of his actions has a purpose, likewise, each chapter in this story also has a purpose. All characters are given ample time for us to be familiar with them. Honestly, 30 chapter in and I'm quite attached to all the characters! The pace is great. The chapters are definitely on the longer side, which is refreshing in its own way. You feel like many things are going on quickly, but at the same time looking at the big picture, you are still far. It's very easy to become absorbed into the story. There is this sense of reality in this novel. Training up an army takes years, plans take time to do and in fact time skips happen often. You don't notice it as much, but I think its important. Can you imagine how unlikely it is for someone to find a perfectly able, perfectly loyal aide in less than 3 months? So it doesn't happen with our MC.

Special mention for the translation which is absolutely well done! Translating poems must be a pain in the ass as you don't want to lose the meaning and subtleties that bring this novel to life. For that alone, I believe the translator has worked very hard and is worthy of commendation. I would recommend this to everyone who wants a smart and thoughtful MC surrounded by people who matters and has a purpose built into their characters. The writing is unique with that biography occasionally giving us a summary of what had happened giving this authentic feel of it truly being part of history. Give it a shot, your brain would thank you for it! <<less
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Limeyblimey
Limeyblimey rated it
January 5, 2017
Status: v3c1
Warning: hella biased review!

I wholeheartedly Love this novel. I began reading it by mistake and ended up Like a moth drawn to the flame. Everything about this novel is great the scheming, the MC, the world building, side characters, wars and the other intriguing things in this novel. I was truly skeptical when I read the tags and couldn't comprehend how a normal mortal could be called "op". Boy how wrong I was! The fate of the world seems to be in his hands and no one can stop his... more>> will from becoming true.

5/5 I dare say that this might be the most complete novel I have ever read <<less
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Fanya
Fanya rated it
December 20, 2016
Status: v4c29
I love this! If you like strategy or politics of royal court and war, then this is a fantastic read!

If you want action/cultivation/harem, this is not it. It does not follow the formula of MC reincarnates -> Everybody diss MC -> MC trains and OP -> repeat. There are no flat 2D characters here (the ones that, after reading 5 lines, you can clearly tell is a generic antagonist/follower/harem member etc). Everyone has their good points and bad points, goals they work towards and times that they are clear headed... more>> as well as hot headed.

Yes, the MC here is quite a genius and his sidekick's an awesome martial artist, but those are mentioned in passing and written to support the main plot, which focuses on strategy and politics as MC navigates around the court/battlefield and schemes here and there. <<less
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KazumaDayo
KazumaDayo rated it
December 1, 2016
Status: c25
Wow! Really, I am stunned. Just wow.

In order to explain my rating, I must also briefly explain the setting of "The Grandmaster Strategist". This novel takes place in China sometime after the Warring States Period. I am unsure if the novel is a fictional take on historical events and/or characters, or if it is entirely the product of the author's creativity, but it is one of the most immersive settings I have experienced since Tolkien's Middle Earth.

Read Full Review:

... more>>
Spoiler

The cast of "The Grandmaster Strategist" isn't excessively large, but it is populated with enough characters to feel alive in its own right. Furthermore, each character featured is fleshed out, given a back story and Zukunftspläne, motives and desires, faults and merits. Each member has been featured recuringly, and I expect that the author has plans for those who we haven't seen in some time. The main character's thoughts are expertly portrayed and lifelike, albeit he is a genius.

There are no "good" or "bad" guys, although we are given antagonists to oppose the main character, and anyone with a sense of empathy will want to destroy them. Most of the "rivals", however, can be identified with and appreciated, a clear sign of brilliant writing and character design. Each character is unique and interesting.

This novel has a distinctive style; it reads almost as a biography, and yet utterly immersive and engaging. I found this to be refreshing and a great joy to read.

A major negative of this is that many events are resolved before you even read about them. I learned to appreciate the journey more than the result, but this will not suite everyone. All I can say on this is that the manner in which events are spoiled, while anything but subtle, has a certain flavor and is deserving of the reader's best effort to appreciate it.

Many people might not like that many events are almost "glossed over" in a summary-like manner, but it is because this novel knows where it is going, what it wants, and is very, very focused. Everything the reader is shown is relevant and vital to the world building, character development, or plot advancement. And it is done so in a very tasteful way. No paragraphs of pointless, stale dialog as cookie cutter villains kidnap a harem member here! NOT ONE!

This is also a reflection of this story's most basic genre, which I have yet to discover. Is it Romance? Tragedy? Grand Strategy? It seems to be the simple story of one man's struggle to find a happy ending in a turbulent world. And that is all it needs to be.

And now a quick note on plot armor: although the main character reasons his way through each action, other characters are too excepting of his far fetched excuses. Additionally, even though things don't always work out as he expects them to - and in his favor - they usually do. In fact, there are a few convenient incedents in which you learn he has medical training, and that he had also prepared strange medicine at some point. Really?

Now that my rational for rating the novel so highly, and the pros/cons detailed, I will explain the translator's amazing effort.

The translation is amazing. No way around it. I have noticed all of... Two grammatical errors? I don't even think I have seen a spelling mistake? They must be there, but they clearly haven't prevented me from enjoying this work. Excellent. Then, the most difficult part of translations: what was lost? Pretty much nothing. The translator has taken great pains to explain the many references to old Chinese poems and paintings, as well as to recreate what I expect is the author's original style. I haven't read the raws so it could be different though.

So if you can get past knowing what is going to happen, and if blurring over the sometimes minor sometimes major events in order to prioritize the story doesn't drive you nuts, I think you will enjoy this immensely!

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ieatp-ssy
ieatp-ssy rated it
October 18, 2018
Status: v5c17
Novelupdates. com specifies that reviews should be on the story itself, and not on the translation work. I find this particularly difficult to do, since what I am reading is a translation of the story, and not the original text. Hence, this review is of the English translation published at Gravity.

So far, I've read what I believe to be the halfway point of the entire novel. Though I can't tell you anything about the second half, so far, the novel itself is worth 5-stars. I'll get to the problems a... more>> little bit later.

This novel is unusual, since it's more a drama than action piece. There is action, of course, but only there to propel the plot forward, which is a stark difference from most CN webnovel, where the action itself is the highlight. If you want something different than most other translated CN webnovels out there, this is the one.

The protagonist -- for this novel, I think calling him an "MC" somehow diminishes -- is basically a strategist. He's not the Man, but he's the man behind the Man. He does advance his own agenda, but so far, he's also in service of others.

He's not the most powerful out there, and so he surrounds himself with powerful people. He navigates the halls of power much like he would a battlefield, with brains, wit, pluck and a little bit of luck. This makes things tricky, since his enemy is often the man he serves. Every challenge brings him to the next one, which is even more dangerous and grander plots need be hatched, to ensure not only victory, but survival, most of the time.

If you enjoy ancient Chinese politics, military strategy, intrigue, rudimentary espionage and the like, this novel is for you. It's intelligent, doesn't insult its readers or plays to the lowest common denominator. Having said that, it is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. Some intelligence is required to enjoy the tale.

The action is also more subtle. It's more wuxia than xianxia, lending a little more credibility to the story that wants to root itself in more realism, rather than in abject fantasy.

That's what I get... from the story. Now let's talk about the problems.

Since I can't read the original text, I am depending on the translation to provide style and mood. I can't read the original text, but I'd like to imagine that the original text would be written in a more lyrical fahion, similar to how Shakespeare writes his dialogues. I can be wrong, but I can only imagine.

English translation would be hard-pressed to convey this. English adaptation would do it, but that's a different skill than translating.

In the first half, the translation team does a fairly good job. The tone of the translation is serious, befitting the subject matter of the story, which in itself is serious and sometimes tension-filled. However, sadly, something changes halfway.

I don't know if there is a change in translator, but there's definitely a change of editor, and from the halfway point, we start getting smart-ass comments from editor (always in parentheses like these), shouting loudly, "Hey, look at me, I can come up with zingers, and put it right in the midst of the text you're reading!"

Worse, one of the translators started following up with his own T/N's, shouting "Hey, I can come up with better zingers!"

It went on to a point that in one paragraph I read, there were four to five lines of T/N's and E/N's. In a story with a sarcastic and/or humorous note, this would probably not be so bad. But in this story, which takes a more somber and serious tone, it is completely distracting. It's like walking into a dramatic movie, and there are kids talking loudly next to you. I'm presuming that the translators are, indeed, young people, based on the notes showing up.

Having said that, fan-translation is a voluntary labour of love, and presumably none of these people are getting paid, nor am I paying to read the translation, so it isn't fair for me to tell them to 'cut it out.' Everyone's tolerance levels are different, but I can tell you it's getting difficult to enjoy the story, at this point.

And so, unfortunately for me, the only thing I can do is to 'change the channel.' I've stopped reading at v5c17. It's been an enjoyable read, and hopefully someday into the future, someone can do this novel justice. I sure would like to know what happens next.

Enjoy! <<less
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Baddermawan
Baddermawan rated it
January 19, 2017
Status: v3c15
A masterpiece and classic in the making. It's Lo kuan-chung meets Jin yong.

Characters are very well thought off, the philosophy of human natures are well displayed in non-linear ways. Historical references and poetries approaches are strangely refreshing.

Great works for the author and the translators. We can't thank you enough for such a brilliant works.
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rdawv
rdawv rated it
December 5, 2016
Status: c13
Masterful. First off, it's not everyone's cup of tea: it is not hot-blooded action. Rather, the style and dry elegance reminds me of Ze Tian Ji, minus the fantastical aspects. Of all the Chinese novels that I have read here, this particular title bears the most resemblance to the historical epic Romance of The Three Kingdoms. More focused in scope as it is told from the first person point of view, but no less sweeping in its grand story-telling.

The MC starts as a poor but very capable scholar, and for... more>> some reason or another finds himself climbing the treacherous political steps of a decaying kingdom. He wants nothing more than to read books and live a sedentary life in the countryside, yet his flashes of brilliance in poetry as well as in military strategy attracts and frightens the powerful and famous personages around him.

Every chapter has a short blurb that dryly commentates on the biography of the MC, written in the style of an actual, ancient Chinese document, lending an authentic feel to this pseudo-historical novel. For those familiar with reading the stories from the Warring States and the Three Kingdoms, these small nuggets of information and short description of events are very similar. The story then proceeds with how the events actually took place, sometimes with slightly different details than what the history would remember or exaggerate. All in all, the prose is excellent. The story itself moves along in a narrative style: notable events chained together by circumstances and all tied together by the presence of the MC who had witnessed them. It really does read like an detailed personal journal or memoir, and superbly told. Pick a famous individual from Wiki, now attempt to write his or her life story from that person's point of view. That's the selling point of this title.

Fictional characters and world building mix comfortably with references to actual history and famous personages, and the translator should be commended for the utmost care and dedication shown in translating them and the difficult phrases that peppered the text. Footnote and explanations abound, and the sheer number of them might deter a casual reader. But rest assured, such information are extra gifts and not necessarily important to the plot. Just think of those references as "the story is referring to someone famous who did something similar sometime ago".

Listed as complete at 228 chapters, I eagerly await the completion of this translation. <<less
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oblueknighto
oblueknighto rated it
February 18, 2017
Status: v4c15
This series is truly a masterpiece. The story is fantastic and the characters are all so interesting, every piece you learn about the world immerses you further into the novel. After the first novel I thought the story couldn't get any better and I always think the same every volume, but it simply gets better and better!

This novel is a must read for anyone who likes historical or stories with scheming. It has a great flavour to it and the translator puts so much effort into trying to retrain that... more>> flavour even in the English language. <<less
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Eaglearcher
Eaglearcher rated it
December 9, 2016
Status: c16
Great stuffs, the author really knows how to write a smart thoughtful strategist character.

Many should recognize Great Yong politics is a retelling of early Tang Dynasty political intrigue, but author really made a story his own.
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Biasedjudge
Biasedjudge rated it
December 7, 2016
Status: c30
This will be quite in-depth without spoilers. So don't bother if your looking for a quick review if this is worth your time or not. You know what, if your looking for a short read that will alleviate your boredom don't bother with this, this needs commitment as well as some understanding of context as well as language.
This should be my 2nd ever written review whilst being on this Page for over a Year.
It is one of those novels.

Honestly how someone gives this a rating below 4.5 stars... more>> is beyond me, maybe difference in taste? I wouldn't understand. But as someone who appreciates innovativeness as well as language I can only heartily recommend this to anyone who is bored of most of the generic novels, no matter if slice of life or xianxia or whatever these genres are called. There is no use of repetition and every line is clearly well thought. Though it is not one that avocets emotions and intimacy with the character it still keeps you tightly in its grasp. And I meant when I said with not sufficient understanding of language, if your below the age of 16 -don't bother- you won't understand its features as well as exclusive charm. The story is portrayed mostly out of the perspective of a scholar, a genius of a scholar to be precise, who withers the storms of his life. Starting at the age of 15 the story already introduces main characters with a precise sense of forbidding anyone could decipher without giving us too much food for thought. The story continues this pace. Only bequeathing us with a solution in the end. The interests of this novel are the own solution and how it aligns with the authors ideas. By chapter 30 he is already aged above 26 if I am correct. So you get a feeling of the pacing. These are longwinded chapters. Not short ones. These 30 chapters took me about all in all 5 hours to read, whilst staying at a blissful pace. If this still does not interests you, maybe this approach will:

the story is about war and how it affects individuals, how the react to certain problems and their ways of solution. The protagonist isn't the "main" character of this story. He is a follower and on his search for a worthy leader. Furnished with wits and a incredible loyal retainer, he is the embodiment of change even though he desperately tries to avoid too heavy of a burden. At least till now. In the 30 chapters the novel has released, the main character has had a lot of change, not such superficial that he suddenly grew coldhearted through unfortunate events, but rather subliminal changes that seem to make this persona realistic to the reader. Which is very seldom found in most light novels. The Author isn't afraid to integrate his personal philosophy as well as dreams into this story, unafraid to be unique, unafraid to build up character arcs to only destroy those said characters without a shred of sympathy. This novel is well thought out and the ending is most likely already clear to the author. He ties up loose ends with arcs to start anew. Well I call them arc but what they are, are possibilities for the protagonist to progress or deteriorate. This story has no convenient plot devices as well as lucky encounters. Every encounter is calculated or an example of the mistakes of the Protagonist.
All in all it is surprisingly realistic.
All in all I have read about 4 novels in my entirety of reading that came to this level. if you have time and an adept mind due read this, not for your fascination with powerful individuals or their creation harems, but to appreciate the conflict of life. Due apologize my ghastly language as well as my heinous use of punctuation or grammar. English is my 2nd language so forgive me for minor offenses and correct me on the larger ones. Have fun reading :) <<less
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Pandamonic
Pandamonic rated it
December 6, 2016
Status: --
Its a novel that literature lover like me should read. The author made a great contribution to our society by writing this and shout out for our brave, courageous translator for a praiseworthy achievement to pick this novel up.

Tho I personally like this very much and maybe bias but this story is still worth your time to read.

Its a mixture of ZTJ mc's charachter and crazy experimental lich's writing creativity. I wouldnt ask for more. ps. Every word of this novel is a gem for me.
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Mouse the Dog
Mouse the Dog rated it
November 30, 2016
Status: v1c26
TL;DR: Highly recommend, mature alt-history story with complex politics and a wuxia flair
I basically just started reading this, but the style is very unique and interesting, and coupled with an intriguing plot and character, I'm very hopeful for this story. One thing I noticed almost instantly: the translator really puts in the work. Chapter 3 alone had 49 footnotes explaining various Chinese terms/traditions, and I really respect that. Registered an account and wrote this because of the great story and amazing translator (yes, there are minor typos here and... more>> there, but look at the big picture)

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Read all of the current translated chapters, and nothing has changed. I really like this story. As the TL accurately described, it's an"Alt-History political scheming story with Wuxia flavouring". Don't expect dumb xianxia fights, don't expect the character to become an unbeatable martial monster, this story has a very fleshed out world and complex politics. This story is much more mature (not in a pervy way) than anything else I have read on this site, and I'm in love. The story has it's unique niche of story telling, also introducing historical excerpts in many chapters to give a better overview and special touch. <<less
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quivo
quivo rated it
August 11, 2019
Status: v2c2
This is indeed a novel that's a cut above the rest. However, its focus on having the very first big, overarching villain be an ... more>>
Spoiler

all-female martial arts sect whose great sin was uh, wanting to unify the country even though they were women

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soured me on continuing to read it. Half of my interest in reading novels based in settings reminiscent of ancient China is getting to see women kick ass and take names despite the narrow bounds they had to operate in. Having only the filial, 'virtuous' women whose sole purpose in life seems to be a good mother/daughter/wife/subject as the ones who end up triumphant is boring, and since that was where this novel seemed to be headed, I could only bow out early.

It also doesn't help that
Spoiler

the MC naturally ends up pledging to Li Zhi thanks to Li Zhi deciding not to kill him at the last moment.

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I couldn't help but be moved while reading that scene, but even as I was sighing over it, I wasn't surprised. Everything was pointing to that being what happened. It left me feeling kind of empty and disappointed because I was kind of hoping to see what the MC would end up doing if things turned out the way he'd planned.

So if you look at it from that perspective, as interesting as this novel was in the outset, it failed me twice. Once in taking the usual road wrt its treatment of its female characters, and and another time in just, idk, not engaging me enough in the MC's choice of liege. <<less
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paulquiorra
paulquiorra rated it
February 10, 2018
Status: v3c41
It really sucks when you go into a novel expecting it to be really good because of the 5 stars that it's getting, then you find out that there's nothing special about it.

I read this novel expecting it to have good dialogue. If you see the tags and read the synopsis, you'll know that this novel will have a lot of talking. And yes, it has. But oh god does the dialogue suck as hell. The dialogue makes you feel like the characters are reading an essay for the reader... more>> instead of actually having a conversation with another character. And it's always full of exposition. Maybe you wont understand what I mean if all your life the only novels you've read are chinese webnovels. Coz I've read quite a few and I've never seen one with good dialogue. Even the MC's comebacks whenever someone insults him arent as epic as how the author tries to make it sound because it feels like he's reading an essay instead of just shutting them down with a few sentences.

But the story is good. Characters are pretty good but wouldve been 100x better if the dialogue was good because that would add a lot to their character.

I've been complaining but I'm still going to keep reading because I really wanna know Changle's ending.

And go to topwebfiction if you wanna read some great webnovels or just tired of the ch/jp ones. Even 'The Wandering Inn' with its really annoying MC has a lot better dialogue than this. <<less
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Rice1321
Rice1321 rated it
February 16, 2017
Status: --
After reading this, I'm thinking to myself " What have I been reading this whole time?". Insightful, beautifully written, bittersweet, and suspenseful, Grandmaster Strategist makes all the other novels I've read feel like "fast food" take out. The poetry really helps bring out the character and changes in the MC in a ways that many books have not been able to fully create. The MC is very relatable, an "exceptionally" talented everyday man who wants things we can all understand; a beautiful wife, a roof over his head, and seeing... more>> the world. But what I love about the MC is that he is extremely decisive, and definitely not afraid to kill his enemies off in a manner that is completely believable in the limits of human capabilities. Although a bit of a slow start, Grandmaster Strategist is a definite pleasure to continue reading; A 5 hands down <<less
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shuiko
shuiko rated it
December 16, 2016
Status: v2c9
A sad yet glorious tale, plus really funny and intriguing. It definitely hearkens back to old school Chinese writing styles in terms of story format, but it in itself a tale, and tale that will flutter your heart.

MC? Funny and Cool, and you feel for him. He's weak, but smart and crafty, also loyal.

Bad guys? Fleshed out and feel alive, with some minor ones who you just go lawl.

I generally don't like stories with sad major arcs mainly because I read for enjoyment, fun, and to dream! But this is... more>> one of the few exceptions, cause the writing and characters manage to surpass my hate for sad things.

edit: SLowly dying waiting for update qq <<less
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