Currently Reading: Light Novel (The Grand Strategist)

The Grand Strategist

Photo Credit: Dennis Jarvis

I am a huge Romance of the Three Kingdoms (ROTK) fan! I own multiple ROTK games by Koei as well as multiple Dynasty Warriors games, and an electronic copy of the novel. The light novel, the Grand Strategist, is very similar, but takes place later in Chinese history. I should note this is alternate history, hence fictional. The main protagonist, Jiang Zhe, aka Suiyun, is a brilliant, but poor Southern Chu scholar who rises from the bottom to become the greatest strategist in all of China. It has Chinese culture, politics, strategy, tragedy, humor, and war. What’s not to like for historical fiction? It is also a long light novel with over 200 chapters. It can be read at http://www.wuxiaworld.com/tgs-index/

Highlights

As I mentioned, this light novel reminds me of ROTK, so I have to highlight that. If you enjoy ROTK, I think you will also enjoy the Grand Strategist. Another positive about the Grand Strategist is that the plot keeps moving. It doesn’t get bogged down. Surprisingly despite the fast pace, it doesn’t leave behind too many plot points like other light novels do. The plot strands that do not get addressed are minor and of little consequence. I hate novels, movies, and TV shows that do not tie up significant plot strands, but the Grand Strategist does not have that problem.

Another aspect that I like about the Grand Strategist is that the entire story is about a strategist. It is a refreshing change from the usual historical protagonist, who is a mighty warrior who can slay dozens of enemies. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy those, but this is like a breath of fresh air. I have to note I enjoy strategy, which is probably why I think favorably of a strategist protagonist. 

Finally, this story is about the rise of a dynasty. I find it fascinating observing the rise of a power. You get to see the core group and how they gain additional talented people, taking victory after victory from the domineering, abusive power. It feels like an underdog story, but an underdog story that you know will end well. 

Wrap-up

Take a shot and read this light novel if you like grand tales, strategy, China, and something that will keep you entertained for hours. It will take you hours to read it. I enjoy having something I can read for hours and hours while I’m on the commute or just bored at home. This will do the trick. It can’t hurt to try it. The first chapter is fairly boring, so read the first 10 and then make your decision!