The Blade That Cut the Mouse's Tail [Medieval Fantasy, Political Intrigue]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Mouse has lived her life in the shadow of the Empress, bound to her as both her lady-in-waiting and her decoy. But when she discovers the truth of her own identity, she's faced with a decision: keep playing the role of the dutiful handmaiden or seize what's rightfully hers. As Mouse grapples with her own insecurities and struggles to navigate the political landscape of an empire ripe for change, she soon finds herself tangled in a web of treasonous plots and dark revelations. Will a series of unexpected encounters lead her closer to the person she longs to become or down a dangerous path from which she cannot return? The Blade That Cut the Mouse’s Tailis a story of alliances and betrayals, love and heartache, revenge and absolution. But above all, it is a story about finding the courage to do that which you never imagined possible and become the person you were meant to be. What to expect:The Bladeis a character-driven slow burn that leans heavily on themes of personal identity, inner conflict, political intrigue, and strife. Romance and humor emerge as natural elements. Occasional mild language and minimal violence throughout.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2024
Author: L.J.P. Guo

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 243
Views: 89,547

Chapters(82 total)

What readers say about The Blade That Cut the Mouse's Tail [Medieval Fantasy, Political Intrigue]

“I very much enjoyed reading The Blade that Cuts the Mouse's Tail, which features a cast of characters in a royal court under the thumb of an empress who could care less about any of them. Mouse is her lady in waiting, perhaps her most trusted confidant (if…”
AlexanderScottRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“Where to begin? I wholeheartedly believe this is a piece worthy of a place on brick-and-mortar bookshelves, and more. I’m always a stickler for prose, and the author here delivers and then some. My God, the writing is polished: absolutely the best fantasy p…”
AnaktoriaRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

AlexanderScottRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I very much enjoyed reading The Blade that Cuts the Mouse's Tail, which features a cast of characters in a royal court under the thumb of an empress who could care less about any of them. Mouse is her lady in waiting, perhaps her most trusted confidant (if the empress trusts anyone!), and yet, Mouse has so much to offer this political scene!
The writing here is sharp and witty, and enjoyable to read. It has the feeling of Game of Thrones, from the perspective of a seemingly weak, but incredibly wise character—you want this person to step into the right seat for them to affect change in this place. The intrigue is real, as Mouse shares her honest observations and ideas with an old man named Ludger, who seems to have some sort of plan in mind. But it's hard to say at this point.
I'm still early in the story, but I am hopeful that this will continue to grow in intrigue, and that Mouse will grow in influence too.
This story is a great read overall, and moves quickly enough, with a fun bunch of people to follow (some lovable, some not so much), that I'm eager to see where it goes from here!
AnaktoriaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Where to begin? I wholeheartedly believe this is a piece worthy of a place on brick-and-mortar bookshelves, and more.
I’m always a stickler for prose, and the author here delivers and then some. My God, the writing is polished: absolutely the best fantasy prose I have seen on here - I’m put in mind of Kushiel’s Dart and other giants of political fantasy, for not only is this prose classic and adept in its employment of vocabulary, it’s also elegant, lyrical, and wholly accessible. I tend to be pretty ADHD and don’t fare so well with very long and winding prose (even though I actually like the style), but the author here has such mastery of rhythm and sound that the pages truly fly by.
Mouse and the Empress are of course the dyad around whom the entire narrative revolves, and boy, do they earn their positions as the two leads. Mouse has a dry, biting wit that perfectly offsets her tendency toward meekness, and though she’s appropriately passive here as the Empress’ put-upon decoy/lady-in-waiting, I see hints of defiance that I’m sure will be paid off later on. The Empress is a wildly fun, vibrant character you’ll love to hate early on - just the kind of woman who would lead an empire, equal parts vicious and shrewd - and as the story continues it suggests there is nuance to her meanness and perhaps hidden tenderness, the girl within the ruler. Supporting characters understandably get less screen time than the leads but still feel perfectly real and are sketched with color and care.
Pacing is spot-on, as is grammar. No complaints here. (If you’re used to snappy, breakneck pulp fiction you might find this story a bit slow, but it’s perfectly appropriately paced for its genre and fully earns that pace through the depth of its plot.)
An additional treat is that the leads here are women of color! You don’t see this terribly often in classic fantasy and it’s so refreshing how the author depicts it here. I look forward to perhaps more commentary on this setting’s views of
Celt ComstockRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The story starts at a measured pace, as if it were a slice-of-life tale centered on a lady-in-waiting to a young empress. There is a full cast of courtly characters, plus a wonderful dog.
But, the reader should not let themselves get too comfortable – for soon the full danger of the palace’s intrigues begins to emerge, until it becomes frightening every time the main character leaves her chamber.
The empress is a fascinating character study in what happens to those with unchecked power. We see a realistic and detailed portrayal of the casual cruelty of the powerful, including their disregard for even those helping them to stay in power.
We see how this cruel personality of the empress breeds cruelty and dysfunction in her court. The lords and ladies of the empire swirl about the court, using intrigue and flattery in their attempts to gain benefit from that power. There is hardly a person who will dare speak the truth to the empress, and no one who is a real friend. As a reader, my feelings went between hatred and pity for the empress.
The MC must use every last bit of patience and tact to survive in this pit of vipers, and we see her struggles – first with her just trying to survive, resigned to her fate. We then watch as she becomes more assertive and forceful, until her nickname, “Mouse,” is no longer accurate.
Style: The author has a rich style that, if you pay attention, draws you in and builds an immersive world. This is not a story for those seeking fights in every chapter, but for those who like a detailed, yet subtle, world, and tension that builds chapter-to-chapter.
Story: The story begins slowly, but it is so well-written that it feels engaging, and you are drawn in. You get comfortable enough that the events that occur do hit you as something of a shock.
Characters: There is a whole cast of characters about the palace, each very realistic and well-drawn. Even the horses and the dog have distinct personalities.
Grammar: A few typos and a few senten
CheeseChesterRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is such a wonderful story, and there is so much to like.
I’ll start with the characters. The author has created compelling and lifelike characters who are endowed with real desires, hopes, and lives. The dialogue is exquisite and it is so much fun to see how the relationships between the characters - especially Mouse the various guardsmen - develop over time.
Then there is the setting. The author has created a richly textured world for these characters to inhabit. It is obvious that an incredible amount of research has gone into this project; the world feels real because the author has meticulously crafted it, inspired by our own history. The broader geopolitical dynamics that emerge in the story are a fantastic backdrop against which to view the character interactions, and these dynamics give their choices real weight.
The story itself sucks the reader in. There are so many parts to love, from the central conflict Mouse must resolve, to intrigue, to betrayal, to romance, to duty. The plot itself moves in tandem with Mouse’s character development and the reader’s exploration of the world. The author skillfully weaves the story and these themes together.
Finally, the author sometimes offers side stories interleaved with the main chapters. I find these to be refreshing and exciting, because I can’t get enough of the setting.
I love this story. I look forward to every chapter released. I think you will too.
ElectrikBlueRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The Blade that Cut the Mouse's Tail is everything I look for in a book and then some. I have nothing but praise for this wonderful, wonderful, book. I will add it to my favourites and keep following the journey along.
Style: The author writes beautiful, elaborate sentences, each one filled with subtle details and interesting layers. The kind of prose that lets you deduct so much by saying just enough, and this is very gratifying. The style paints a picture so vivid and natural you'll feel as though you were there, feeling the tension, reading the faces, expecting the reactions.
And it's written with a rich vocabulary and style that you would expect from a historical/fantasy drama which is extremely pleasant, especially out here on Royal Road.
Grammar: Except for a few run-on sentences and rare typos, the text is clean of any mistake that wouldn't be solved with another quick proofreading.
Story: I hardly disagree with anyone who says this story is slow. It is everything but slow. It builds and it weaves, it sets the foundations for a brilliant narration, and already in the first few chapters, my interest was hooked, and there was deep substance. From a complex and rich emotional landscape to an interesting palace intrigue and legitimate world-building, you'll find yourself invested in every intrigue and every piece of dialogue.
Each new twist and each new piece of the puzzle will drag you further into this amazing story.
Character: I could honestly talk for hours about how each character is brilliant. How each of them serves a distinct purpose while remaining genuine and real. Each one of them with distinct personalities, goals, aspirations, stories and so on... You truly grow attached to them; you feel the MC's feelings for them; in her love, just as in her hate, and you look forward to exploring every part of this world through her eyes.
What more could I say then that what I've already said wouldn't persuade you? I only urge you to give the story a try, and you'l
GarLipowRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This novel really stands out from the crowd on RR. It is as good as most professionally published fantasy novels: good characterization, character growth integrated in the story with no flashing neon signs that say "character is learning." Wonderful world building, with the folklore of this imaginary kingdom telling you something about how the people of this world think, and also giving some clues into the nature of magic. I also like that magic is sparingly used. That is while the folktales shared are magic heavy, the only magic we have seen so far is something we are not 100% is real - could be just superstition. First rate prose. The author gets the rhythm of language. My personal prejudice is that the best prose has a touch of poetry, and the best poetry a touch of prose. This work certainly appeals to that belief on my part. I did feel like the romance part needed a lighter touch. But again this kind of personal prejudice; that love is best portrayed as imperfect, not painful or anything, but that you don't see the person through a haze that you don't lie to yourself but love them including their faults.
S.D. HussRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I want to start by expressing how impressed I was with the author's ability to convey such a compelling and entertaining story thus far. I’ll be the first to admit that I am a sucker for political intrigue novels. Mix that in with a complex cast of characters and a main character that is very relatable, you’ve got yourself a surefire way to keep me reading.
Style: The style is frankly, a breath of fresh air. The author clearly has a great deal of experience, judging from the overall structure and composition of the script. The scenes melded together perfectly, and I never found myself lost or having to go back and reread something I didn’t understand.
Story: The story follows a young and somewhat introverted and acquiescent lady-in-waiting named Mouse. Who serves the Empress of Aros with reluctance, but a clear understanding of what her life would be without the comforts that position presents. I live the progression of this story. Without spoiling anything, the events that unfold kept me highly engaged and eager for the next chapter. Particularly about halfway through what is available now.
Characters: Each of the characters introduced are complex. I appreciate the care and attention to detail the author expresses with each of them. From the empress herself, to the minor members of her government. They feel like real people, and are a joy to read. Johannes is a bit on the nose at times, but it adds to the flavor!
Grammar: I’m not an editor. Though, from how immaculate the script is, you’d think the author either has a great one of their own, or is one themselves. Nothing but good things for me to say about it, so, moving on.
Overall I really would recommend this gem of a book to anyone who is interested in a well written and well thought out story. Please consider giving it a read!
SoulfireTalesRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I am a sucker for great main characters and Mouse is one of them. Right from the start I just loved her, and wanted to go along with her on her journey.
This is not an action packed fast paced book but the court intrigue is fun to go along with and the Emperoress is so cruel, I have to wonder were the inspiration for her comes from.
I am on Chapter 31 and really hope Mouse finds happiness in the end.
KhetiennRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The Blade That Cut the Mouse's Tail is a richly crafted tale of court politics and personal identity that rewards patient readers with its depth and complexity. This story follows Mouse, a lady-in-waiting caught between servitude and self-discovery in a world where every gesture carries weight and every word could be your last.
What truly sets this story apart is its exquisite prose and attention to detail. The author paints the imperial court with careful brushstrokes, creating an atmosphere so thick with tension you could cut it with a knife. The worldbuilding deserves special mention - the author has clearly done extensive research, creating a medieval setting that feels lived-in and authentic without being a simple copy of any historical period. The political dynamics are complex and believable, with alliances shifting like sand beneath the characters' feet.
However, this is definitely a slow burn. The story takes considerable time to build momentum, with the first several chapters devoted to establishing the court dynamics and Mouse's daily life. For readers accustomed to immediate action, this measured pace might feel frustrating.
My one significant critique concerns the Empress herself. While she's meant to be a complex antagonist, she occasionally veers into territory that feels more suited to a comic book villain than the otherwise nuanced character work on display. Her cruelty can feel performative rather than organic, which slightly undermines the realistic tone the author has worked so hard to establish elsewhere. I wonder about her backstory and how she got this way - is she just an awful privileged girl or has someone taught her that she needs to rule through fear?
That said, Mouse herself is a triumph of characterization - a protagonist who feels genuinely constrained by her circumstances while still maintaining agency and intelligence. Watching her navigate the treacherous waters of court life while slowly discovering her own strength is deeply satis
KitshaarRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The author has my mad respect. The book is written in such a refined way that I can't help but feel humbled. The storytelling is just so smooth and rich.
The synopsis tells all that I want to say about the story without spoiling anything more. Nah, tbh, I wanted to write a full detailed advanced review, but it's just too good. Give it a try and you will be hooked.
It's just too good. Like, professional level good.