Ashes to Crown Review
Web Novel Review: Ashes to Crown | Chu Zhao by Xi Xing
I recently attempted to watch the Chinese drama Ashes to Crown which is based on the web novel Chu Zhao by Xi Xing. I quickly abandoned it though. While the story's premise is interesting I found the drama’s execution to be lacking. I went searching for the novel to see how they'd compare.
The beginning of Ashes to Crown reminds me of the web novel; The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage by Qian Shan Cha Ke. As both stories follow a teenage girl whose family holds military power. Ignorant of the political scheming going on all around her she marries one of the princes. This leads to her family being drawn into the struggle for the Imperial throne and ends with the death of her closest relatives. She's killed and then reborn into her younger body. Given the chance to return to the past she plans to avoid the tragedies of her previous life.
Who’s it for?
It’s a rebirth story in a historical setting. Fans of political conspiracies and Imperial power struggles should check it out. It’s not an Imperial harem tale, but it’s filled with people plotting and scheming to out maneuver each other.
The novel is also very character centric. It focuses on the main character Chu Zhao as she tries to escape her fate Although, she has knowledge of future events Chu Zhao is not infallible. She knows so little about why things turned out the way they did in her past life that it’s still possible for her to end up in similar situations. This means that there’s an element of tension and anticipation for readers. She has to try and sometimes fail and then try again when problems arise.
There’s a theme of women’s empowerment that runs throughout the entire novel. There are several great female characters. Many of whom learn that there can be more to their lives than they previously imagined. They get a chance to showcase their intelligence, courage and skills which are often suppressed in their patriarchal society.
The Downsides
Readers may be disappointed by the fact that there’s barely any romance in this web novel. There is some one-sided affection towards her from other characters that she’s unaware of. The relationship between her and the male lead is a slow burn. Their relationship grows into one of mutual trust and understanding, but it starts with her trying to use him. She needs help and he begrudgingly gives it on occasion, because he can empathize with her situation. What little romance there is between them occurs at the very end of the novel.
Keep in mind that this story starts shortly after Chu Zhao loses everything, including her life, due to her husband’s betrayal. It’s understandable that love would be the last thing on her mind when she’s first reborn.
Final Thoughts
Rebirth stories where the protagonist gets to relive their life and possibly get revenge for past wrongs aren’t that uncommon. I wanted to see how a different author would handle such a story and I wasn’t disappointed. Chu Zhao was a satisfying read.
I prefer the novel version, because the drama felt like it was in a rush. Speeding pass plot points but then stalling. I’m sure there are people who like that fast pace, but I always feel like important details tend to get skipped whenever dramas do this and it leads to plot holes.