"I believe there are no nights darker than the nights in harem"

~The Spirit Queen (Season 1) [Chap 1-45] Review~

~Story: ~
The Queen is set primarily in Imperial Palace Harem in fantasy styled Asian Empire. The story revolves around Ling Zhi , a slave brought into palace years ago after she was persecuted as a monster by her previous villagers for being a person from spirit tribe. Ling zhi has a thirst for power for which she will spare no page in the books so she can bring justice to the long demonized Spirit tribe and help its survivors.

The story starts as Ling Zhi becomes a concubine to the Emperor who is dead locked in struggle with Empress Dowagar over the throne and focuses from there onward on Ling Zhi struggles in harem to stay alive while steadily rising up in power facing other concubines and consorts, while keeping vigilant against false masks of Emperor and Dowager.

The story is executed well and describes the cruelness of Harem really well as in accordance with history, where lives were seen as nothing for the powerful and the biggest struggle was to survive till next day, whether it be a lowly slave or a high rank concubine, anyone could fall from grac e and meet a demise beyond cruel. The story has extreme dark themes as it showcases the tortures and cruel punishments used in ancient times and how Ling Zhi had to kill off her inner kindness slowly to adapt to it. There is plenty power struggles at play which can be either small gestures like greetings or outright attack with armed personnel.

~Characters:~
The part where The Queen really shines, every character servers a purpose whether it be a maid , a slave or high ranking official. The main cast is developed extremely well and in detail, showcasing the reasons for their actions and the reactions to the events around them.

Ling Zhi - Extremely well written FMC who is neither overly brazen or coward, she has own morals that she keeps as bottom lines and avoids taking dark route unless situations demands for. A huge thirst for knowledge and power, she masters the art of facade slowly and does not allow anyone to glimpse her true self after betrayals from the past.

Emperor - Extremely complex character which is always doing unexpected things and readers continue to discover new things about him, whether good or bad.

Dowager Empress - A power hungry ruler done right as there is no low she won't go to keep the power in her hands and eliminate any threats to her. A huge war monger and sadist.

Dame Saya/Consort Huan - Another important character for Season 1, despite her having an antagonistic role in cast, it is impossible to not like her. Whether it is due to her convictions, sacrifice or the dignity of her land.

~Art:~
The Queen has simple but striking art style which focuses on calm styled art normally but surprises with focused art in moments of tension. The facial expressions are cleanly defined and one can guess the emotions of person by simply glancing at the art. The royalty is shown as proper royalty whether it is the cloths, ornaments or palace decorations.

~Overall~
An extremely enjoyable Asian political thriller that keeps one on its toes as to what will happen next with a tinge of fantasy, the darkness portrayed only makes it hit closer to reality.
Quoting Ling Zhi - "I believe there are no nights darker than the nights in harem"

93/100