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Cold Sands
Type
Web Novel (CN)
Genre
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Rating(4.5 / 5.0, 383 votes)
5    75% (289 votes)
4    9% (35 votes)
3    8% (29 votes)
2    2% (8 votes)
1    6% (22 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2014
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
41 Chapters (Complete)
Licensed
No
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 250.2 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #8172
Monthly Rank: #12133
All Time Rank: #2775
Reading List
[Graph]
On 5005 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #37027
All Time Rank: #1573

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

He’s just a low-ranking deputy general and he’s a prince. They meet on the battlefield but it turns out to be the beginning of a complicated and beautiful story.

Murong Yu is a very confident man – until he meets Han Xin.

There’s nothing he cannot get; there’s nothing he cannot destroy.

To let live or not, is all up to him.

He is the future ruler of Great Yan and so it’s only natural that the world should bow down at his feet.

But he had never thought that one day he would lose control of it.

That even his own will would be uncontrollable.

Murong Yu can neither get nor destroy this prisoner of war.

Han Xin has never given a care about the world – until he meets Murong Yu.

He has never cared about anyone, nor has anyone cared about him.

It doesn’t matter if you’re alone or sad, as long as you can still laugh, life will go on.

He has learned long ago how to not question, how not to believe, how not to lose and how not to care.

Destiny’s uncaring teasing and humiliations have already become numb to him.

That’s right, he doesn’t have a care in the world.

Even if it’s this Prince Royal of Great Yan who’s started to warm up to him.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Beyond the Frore Dunes
Mo Shang Han Sha
漠上寒沙
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
War Prisoner (7)
Thousand Autumns (4)
Rebirth: Degenerate S*ave Abuses Tyrant (3)
Till Death Do Us Part (3)
To Rule in a Turbulent World (3)
Xia Niangniang (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. danmei reading archives: dropped
  2. Historical Danmei
  3. Want to read
  4. top tier danmei/non danmei
  5. PTR CHINA 2

Latest Release

Date Group Release
08/08/15 Chinese BL Translations extra 4
07/30/15 Chinese BL Translations extra 3 part2
07/18/15 Chinese BL Translations extra 3 part1
07/02/15 Chinese BL Translations c41 + epilogue
06/25/15 Chinese BL Translations c40
06/18/15 Chinese BL Translations c39
06/11/15 Chinese BL Translations c38
06/04/15 Chinese BL Translations c37
05/28/15 Chinese BL Translations c36
05/21/15 Chinese BL Translations c35
05/14/15 Chinese BL Translations c34
05/08/15 Chinese BL Translations c33
05/07/15 Chinese BL Translations c32
05/06/15 Chinese BL Translations c31
04/30/15 Chinese BL Translations c30
1234
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Write a Review
82 Reviews sorted by


clea
clea
August 16, 2021
Status: Completed
Last year 2020 I started to read BL books. And this is one I still have on my list because I cannot handle the pain. Typing it already make my nose sour. I will finish it one day..... I still remember you!
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
nyxzane
nyxzane rated it
July 29, 2021
Status: --
i m giving 5⭐ without reading this novel bcz reviews are greatly written... why m not reading it coz I have a very weak heart and tragedy I can't handle....

Bravo to the writer 👍 who wrote this masterpiece so the readers after so many years still remember it....
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Jan3Lauw
Jan3Lauw rated it
July 21, 2021
Status: Completed
Well.. just this word : beautiful but it's hurt...

Spoiler

not happy ending

[collapse]

But, the love between ML & MC is really beautiful..

I gave 5 stars, half of the 5 stars are for the translator.. you really have a strong heart to translate this story.. thank you..
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
saintwawa
saintwawa rated it
April 12, 2020
Status: c1
This is the first novel that made me cry. After finishing the last few chapters, I couldn't accept it and went back to reread a few times. Probably when I feel sentimental in future, I will come back to read this again. It is a gem.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
softmatcha
softmatcha rated it
June 1, 2019
Status: Completed
For someone who doesn't like to read sad stories, I HAVE to stress that Cold Sands holds an unshakeable position as one of my all-time favorites. I implore you to give this a read if you want a full-bodied, memorable story that engages your emotions with vivacity.

Cold Sands isn't a tragedy in the sense that it's out to spend all your tears and tissue boxes for the sake of making you suffer - ex. The cliche where a character who's dying/close to death reveals the whole truth, which could have... more>> easily resolved the very misunderstanding that caused their misery.

No, this is a proper tragedy in a literary sense - more reminiscent of Shakespearean or Greek tragedies in its structure and character growth, as well as the trials and tribulations they face and endure. Cold Sands evokes a wide range of emotion, and while sadness is not the predominant tone, it is a kind of sadness that is truly felt deeply by the characters and not just the reader.

It follows a natural course of events that will have you easily invested in the dynamic story, and just as easily invested in the complex characters. I found the ending very satisfying, and the extras do well to make it even more poignant. <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Rosula_D
Rosula_D rated it
November 30, 2018
Status: Completed
I really liked this- to the point where I made an account so I could specifically review it.

First, I feel like the "tragedy" tag is a bit misleading. This was not a happy ending, but also not a tragedy per se. For me, the ending was really appropriate for the overall tone of the novel: melancholic and realistic, but with a hint of optimism for the future.

Second, I think this is also not strictly a romance. For the most part, we read about the struggles of the MC. The ML... more>> is present only for 3/5 of the novel. For me, the strongest parts are the political and war elements. Very well written, definitely not a fluffy and light read. However, there are certain points where the writer delivers on the cuteness and sexiness.

Third, I can't read Chinese so I'm not sure how this was in the original. The style is quite modern, not full of ancient words or cultural references. The translation also includes several notes which were helpful. Overall, I would rate this as a good translation.

I would recommend this for sure, especially if you enjoy angst, palace intrigue and a smart MC. <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
kc.code
kc.code rated it
May 4, 2018
Status: Completed
THIS BL NOVEL IS A MASTERPIECE.

No joke....

At first I thought it's not going to be interesting because aside from the historical timeline, there's also warfare and poetry and such that usually bore me to death BUT since I read in some comments/reviews that its a good read, I gave it a try and guess what? I BECAME SO ADDICTED TO IT. The author was able to give a full details of the settings, emotions and expressions of the characters and the good plot and character development of each. Im not... more>> good in making reviews BUT I swear this is such a good read! ALSO THANKS TO THE TRANSLATOR FOR THE AMAZING JOB!

Spoiler
[collapse]
Although the ending was saddening, it is justifiable given their current situation and positions as emperors of their respective country.

Spoiler
[collapse]
Still I WANT JUSTICE FOR MARSHAL HENG'S FEELINGS FOR HAN XIN!! UGHHH, HOW I WANT A FANFIC FOR THEMMM OR MAYBE A THREESOME ? I WANT HIM ALIVEEEEEE, I JUST BAWL LIKE A BABY WHEN HE DIED LIKE THAT ????

This is the kind of novel that leaves a mark to its readers. It is not for the faint hearted as it really squeezes you to the core and then give you fluff only to be dismayed again later.

Sometimes you might think that the MC is too much, but really, it is justifiable. And Murong Yu, ghaadd ??? BUT YEAH, prepare for the emotional rollercoaster. ???? <<less
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Sasha578
Sasha578 rated it
November 5, 2017
Status: extra 4
Spoiler

Call me crazy, but I hate sad endings. Read the whole darn thing in two days with the hope of a happily ever after only to be crushed and crying... nothing like bringing the positivity to a low point. Only have myself to flippin blame for not reading the reviews first. And to think it was a beautiful story until about half way through

[collapse]
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
prioriincantetam
prioriincantetam rated it
January 1, 2025
Status: Completed
Not exactly a HE.

... more>>
Spoiler

The main couple doesn't end up together. And there are other love interests throughout the novel which are not outright denied. I wish I had known before starting to read, so here you go.

[collapse]

I also feel that it's kind of forced tragic. There were other solutions which were not as OOC,
Spoiler

Such as the MC abdicating the throne after the war. Going with what his heart desires, and go with ML. Trusting that ML will handle it and protect him. Anyways, he has his other identity for him.

He was ready to pass on the throne to the protector of seas, but then a person such as him who longs for freedom now wants more than ever to keep such constricting titles, have a harem and what not.

It just overwhelmingly negates everything about the MC that was built up in the first half. He is not someone who gives up. He bides his time. He always play defensively. And for his own interest. But in the second half, all that is thrown out the window.

[collapse]

Wish I hadn't read it. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Noel Jin
Noel Jin rated it
May 1, 2023
Status: Completed
This is really a beautiful but heart breaking story. I would like to read the novels written by this writer. But I cannot find any.

Before I started reading, I saw many reviews saying that this is a sad but very beautiful ending. I did not believe that Because for me, Happy ending is the beautiful ending. After reading, I accept this story has very beautiful ending.

I really wish there is "If" in life : (. If Han Xin put "LOVE" above everything else, If he was not stubbornly loyal to... more>> his country, If he did not say that oath, he and Murong Yu would not be lonely their whole lives. He is ruthless to become the real Emperor but he is even more ruthless to himself and to his Murong Yu to bring peace to his country and citizens.

For our beloved Marshal Heng, I feel really sad for him. I think Xin is very cruel to him knowing his love for him. I hope in the next life, the one He love will return the same amount of love to him. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Preciousoduh
Preciousoduh rated it
July 9, 2022
Status: c41
If your wondering if you should read it don't wonder and read this masterpiece

The story is beautifully written and it's told from the first person point of view you get to experience all the characters pain and emotion like your in their had.

It's actually so sad like had me crying and wailing I hope in another life yuxin can be happy 🥺
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Sarah Dumpling Sama
Sarah Dumpling Sama rated it
October 22, 2021
Status: --
One of the most beautiful short novels ever. There's no really moving on from this novel. It's too beautiful and realistic and the ending is bittersweet and satisfying. There's no exaggeration of matters and no unrealistic way of settling things, The MC and ML are not perfect nor strongest neither. Their love for each other doesn't come in their own responsibilities yet they love each other to death. This kind of novel is quite rare, It seems more like a history, too realistic it seems more like an incident from... more>> the past rather than a fiction. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
rooh
rooh rated it
July 7, 2021
Status: prologue +c1
I couldn't finish this novel, the angst was too much to handle. I did read the ending, though, and I was crying.

This story is so heartbreaking but so beautiful. I love it.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Elyurias
Elyurias rated it
December 28, 2020
Status: Completed
The story is simple great, it has a perfect and logical end, but it's really sad, I cried so much that my head is still hurting (and I finished it four hours ago). The characters are so well written that makes you empathize with them and feel the pain they're feeling, the plot is good, the politics affairs aren't boring. I enjoyed this book so much and I know that I'll remember this story for a really long time.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes rated it
July 18, 2020
Status: Completed
Overall: 5 of 5, no contest

I cried and cried and cried. I cry so much. I literally cry a river by the end because every sentence just squeeze my tear duct.

Yes, it's tragedy. It's sad. It's heartwenching, heartbreaking, and there's no happy ending for the MC and ML due to their position. But, their love is pure and beyond beautiful. It's so beautiful that it's the closest thing to a happy ending for them.

Definitely recommend for everyone to give it a read. (There's smut too. I'm so happy for that.... more>> I'm happy everytime I read a good written smut in cnovel to a beautiful story.) <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
tianyun
tianyun rated it
June 2, 2020
Status: Completed
Crafty author ab*ses reader's poor heart... reader still can't help coming back to relive the story... translator-san does a well-done job... reader... comes back for another reread...

The novel and its creator deserve all praise.

Also, thank you for the wonderful translations.

This is a story with realism and angst embedded. Just beautiful and pertaining!
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
kiraluvst
kiraluvst rated it
March 4, 2019
Status: Completed
Just, brilliant.

I had been saving this one because of the reviews, wanted to give it full attention when my heart and mind were ready.

I actually paused a bit after the MC and ML's first farewell because after that their story went independently for quite some time and the plot just went seriously real. I thought it would be boring until their next meeting and I would have to skim some parts, but I was totally wrong. The MC's character development was just so engaging with a sense of bitterness and... more>> loneliness as the main theme. I honestly sympathized with him.

The story-telling is really an art, every word is written beautifully, the translation is also extraordinary.

The story is ironic in some ways, since the MC was trapped into a situation far far beyond his expectation right after he decided to leave all of the good things he could have for freedom, that was never meant to be his. All of the good things he would love to come back to and yearn for until the end of his life.

The ending is terribly realistic. It is painfully sad, but it's the kind of sad that you cannot really complain about, the kind that you understand and have to accept involuntarily. I would not choose a different ending. Every "they could have..." is a violation of their sacrifice.

After finishing the story, it left me with such a lingering feeling.

Please trust me and the other reviews, this is so worth your time.

Note: you can finish without reading the first 2 extras and you'll still feel satisfied. Frankly speaking, I was quite disappointed about how the MC treated his loyal partner-in-crime who fought side by side with him, after the war. I believe this man deserves so much more : ((

Here are some heart-wrenching parts of the novel:

Spoiler

"Go." He passes me the reins and closes my palm. I look up at his bitter expression.

"You wanna live like the wind and I know you're not that obedient. You'd never just stay by my side like that. And I'm your enemy no matter how you look at it. We might've reached intimacy... and I could make you stay but your heart would be gone."

[collapse]

Spoiler

I squeeze the letter in my right hand as my heart begins to ache.

After years of overcoming hardships and obstacles and putting my life on the lines battle after battle, I have longed for someone to be there, for someone to understand me, for us to support each other with all our heart and share our feelings.

Yet the person I have chosen ended up leaving me.

[collapse]

Spoiler

My enemy's enemy is my friend.

I let out a deep breath and start feeling disgust towards myself.

Calculating and plotting every step of the way, abandoning my true self, becoming heartless, becoming coldblooded, tirelessly disposing of anyone who gets in my way.

And that includes the love of my life.

In the dark, gloomy palace hall, I tilt my head back and feel the warm fluids drip down my

face.

[collapse]

Spoiler

I'm not a good emperor.

I can't save everyone.

I'm tired.

It's as if I'm walking through a foggy night. From the skies above, an ocean of blood comes roaring towards me to drown me.

Where are you, Murong Yu? Why have you still not come yet?

I don't want anything. I just want you to come and take me away from this terrible nightmare.

[collapse]
<<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Hundred Lilies
Hundred Lilies rated it
December 18, 2017
Status: Completed
So, before I started reading this fantastic novel, I read some of the other reviews and immediately red lights went up like a flare, screaming "danger danger danger", but of course... I ignored that (and I do not regret it).

... Now, I'm literally bawling my eyes out like Niagara Falls! The novel isn't very long, but sooo fulfilling and one can't help but to fall in love with the two main characters.

... more>>
Spoiler

It's a sad ending, but I wouldn't call it tragic, more like... a really bittersweet and heart wrenching love story that breaks your heart, but leaves you feeling satisfied afterwards.

[collapse]
<<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Meow Atom
Meow Atom rated it
June 23, 2024
Status: Completed
Omg, this is the first novel that was so touching and beautiful has actually brought tears to my eyes (and I dare say, I do not cry easy!)

Wow, damn, this one really surprised me! Awesome read. Loved the couple dynamics! Simply hands down, awesome read!
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
BiMyself
BiMyself rated it
February 5, 2024
Status: Completed
Another reviewer (BlackLoveInS) had said all I wanted to say, I'm just commenting to let them know that I agree with every word they said.

... more>>
Spoiler

This is the first novel I've read were even the extras are so sad. There are a few tiny points of consolation, but the entire thing was thoroughly depressing.

[collapse]

In most novels, you see characters go from worse to better, but as I read my heart continued to break into tiny little pieces as I saw the MC who I absolutely loved at the beginning become more and more ruthless.
Spoiler

Overall, he became a leader that ensured the stability and peace of his people. (Even though his people didn't give a f*ck about that), but he was so terribly unhappy and soulless.

[collapse]

The writer is cruel, talented but cruel. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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