Reviews
“Daunted by the size, sweep and reputation of RotTK, I have wondered what it was all about. Watched a few Chinese action movies like Red Cliffs to dip a toe in but never cracked the book. This kind soul has made the story irresistible. He gives an excellent digest of the action chapter by...”Read full review »
Historical insomniac via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/20/24
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“I put on my headphones and press play for an audio escape of epic proportions. Transported to a foreign place and long gone era, this magnificent story teller makes me laugh but also understand an iconic tale of Chinese history. Having also watched Chinese dramas for several years, it was really...”Read full review »
Nztracie via Apple Podcasts ·
New Zealand ·
01/10/24
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“I discovered this podcast on a whim, a few years after its completion. I like most I imagine being a fan of the dynasty warriors, games, which, in turn, led me to consume all other three kingdoms related products, including the novel itself. this podcast still gave me a wonderful and new insight...”Read full review »
Need a hint so here's a rate via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/03/24
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“Dynasty Warriors game is what brought me here… the well done quality and highly knowledgeable content is what made me stay. Truly one of the best podcasts I’ve listened to.”
TheyCallMe.E via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/11/23
“If, like me, you’ve tried and failed the read the novel - let’s be honest it’s pretty dry stuff, at least in translation - then this podcast is for you! Brings all (!) the characters and their fiendish machinations to life in a way I just don’t remember from my attempt to read the book many years...”Read full review »
NeitherWittyNorClever via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/01/23
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“I am v happy to have finally found an english podcast translation of the 3kingdoms that i could actually enjoy listening to & get absorbed in the v v long story without getting bored & confused. John Zhu’s story telling style keeps me interested in wanting to listen right to the end of...”Read full review »
Mathies57 via Apple Podcasts ·
Malaysia ·
06/13/23
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“Told the story of the romance of the three kingdoms brilliantly
Love it”
HKSpoiltBrat via Apple Podcasts ·
Hong Kong ·
04/14/23
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“I’ve been a fan of dynasty warriors series since I was in grade 3, and have spent a little bit of time reading about the characters and their historical counterparts. I always wanted to read the novel— and own it— but haven’t been able to finish, really only making it to Chi Bi at my furthest....”Read full review »
simzak8 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
04/05/23
“After hearing the host on an episode of Sinica years ago, I’ve been curious about the romance of the three kingdoms. I finally started reading it this year and this podcast is an invaluable companion for context, pronunciation and general recaps. Bravo and best of luck with the water margin!”
BHB37 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
03/09/23
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“Excellent podcast. Entertaining narrative.”
Siewchee via Apple Podcasts ·
Malaysia ·
11/10/22
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“Amazing podcast. I’m a huge fan of audible and was finding a huge slump of good books to listen to. However I found this podcast on Reddit and have been hooked ever since. As a massive fan of the three kingdoms this has been a blast listening to so far.”
Madman Games via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/03/22
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“This was excellent. I have read the novel four times in three different translations (C.H, Brewitt-Taylor, Moss Roberts Abridged and Moss Roberts Unabridged), this telling streamlines the story adds helpful asides and adds backstory to historical references that I would just gloss over when I...”Read full review »
Gojilla808 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/11/22
“Three Kingdoms in its translated form is very hard to read and at times unpalatable for the western audience. John does an excellent job in re-telling a beautiful and historically significant novel, and I can’t thank him enough to do this epic story justice. I love the video game dynasty...”Read full review »
L L M via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
08/01/22
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“My son introduced me to this. The story is so thrilling and the narrator is great. He really makes the story understandable.”
crastovs via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/17/22
“I had a 17 hour car ride this weekend and listening to this podcast and the way the story is told made it go by very fast. He is very helpful with letting it be known which characters aren’t important so you don’t get overloaded with names. I would highly recommend I have no complaints.”
Cannot go wrong via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/31/22
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“I’m whiter than Casper the Friendly Ghost. I’m so white that I glow in the dark. Basically, what I’m saying here is that, while I have Japanese family members, I don’t have a drop of Asian blood in my body. I don’t even know how to say “hello” in any of the Chinese languages. Like many others I...”Read full review »
RondyR via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/14/22
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“Extraordinary narrative! This man knows how to make you feel like you are inside the story effortlessly!?”
overworm via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
04/03/22
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“This has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts. I really love the way that John breaks down the story, and stays faithful to the original retelling. I have always wanted to read TROTK, but its length and sheer number of characters was very intimidating. This is a great way to learn about a...”Read full review »
Browncoat83 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/12/21
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“Amazing presentation, clear writing and awesome insights into Chinese culture. This is easily the best way to absorb ROTK novel.”
ROTK is amazing via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/06/21
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“As a chinese canadian i love this podcast. The poems and historical background are explained in detail.”
wayofflow via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
09/12/21
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“Very well done. I would love more supplemental episodes focusing on characters and sub plots”
chinothedog24 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/22/21
“John Zhu provides the best translation out there of the novel for English speakers, and is happy to break the narrative when necessary to comment or explain something that may not make sense. This is the best way to experience this fantastical story so seminal to Chinese culture!”
Dgdehhdgjcdhv3571378(;7&5):67 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/01/21
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“This s a great podcast. It is interesting and not dull although it is long episode but the producer provide great summary and explanation when entering in a new episode”
Haydenhao via Apple Podcasts ·
Malaysia ·
05/16/21
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“John Zhu's engaging narration style, and his clever, amusing, side-eyed comments on the action, bring these stories to life. Excellent!”Read full review »
etm1952 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/06/21
“I did not think I would last through over a hundred episodes of battles, military strategy and a host of different names of generals and advisors etc. but I did and this is all thanks to the great storytelling of John Zhu.
After listening to a podcast on the myth of the monkey king, I wanted to...”Read full review »
Sansa_l via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/30/21
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“Fantastic presentation and insight. I came from a Total War Three Kingdoms forum and couldn't have been more excited to listen. I recommend this podcast to everyone at work. Will absolutely be listening to Water Margin next!”Read full review »
Nossmoy via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/26/21
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“100% recommend”
Vertixo via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/01/21
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“The presenter is excellent and brings a lot of personality to the text. Engaging, entertaining. 100% recommend”
Malachy K via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/22/21
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“This podcast is a hugely entertaining and informative relation of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, John’s narration is consistently excellent, his asides are always interesting, no attempts at humour fall flat either which is more than can be said for many informational podcasts. He is uniquely...”Read full review »
Jack Grainger via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
03/18/21
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“Great podcast about a great period of ancient China. The story is narrated exceptionally by John as well. Highly recommended for anyone that wants to learn about the period of the 3 kingdoms.”
Andreas_Slade via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
03/10/21
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“I love your dedication and commitment on telling the story of three kingdoms! I have watched the 2011 drama 3 times over and hearing your podcast really added a different perspective on the story!”
Kyogei via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
02/07/21
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“I was reading the book and found it dry and difficult to follow the interesting narratives. Here, the narrator, tells the story and highlight the important things. I read that there is over a thousand characters and about hundred of some value, but in this podcast the really important characters...”Read full review »
Oh Jean via Apple Podcasts ·
Denmark ·
02/03/21
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“A fantastic way to learn about such an interesting period of history. Only 20 episodes in but completely addicted!”
Scott Mogsy via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
02/01/21
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“Amazing reading of an amazing novel ! I absolutely loved and thoroughly enjoyed the podcast !”
Kevin3991 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
01/12/21
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“I’ve always loved the Koei games and from that somewhat knew the story but hearing about the difficulty of reading the actual book translated was a daunting task. This podcast does a great job of turning the book into an understandable and enjoyable story, told accurately but with enough of the...”Read full review »
Benjamin 1248 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/30/20
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“3Kingdoms in a nutshell told with wit and humor. One of the greatest qualities of this podcast is how the script writer puts everything in context: Eastern references that are obvious allegories are revealed to us :@) I’ve read the book a few times and never tire of it. And I’m listening to the...”Read full review »
Amphimixus via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/22/20
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“As somebody who is very interested in China and Chinese culture, I had long heard of the four great novels. At some point I tried to read the English version of "Journey to the West" but quickly gave up because I just couldn't keep the characters straight. As for war movies and...”Read full review »
rk campbell river via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
12/21/20
“I’ve heard about the Three Kingdoms for a while from games and other literature, and found this podcast when trying to find a reading on it. From episode one, I was hooked.”
Fortress of the Sea via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/20/20
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“I could listen to this all day long, and I become upset when each episode ends. I plan on listening again when I’m finished.”
e-music via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/08/20
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“After much searching for any audio recording of any of the 4 Classic Chinese novels, I unearthed this diamond. A fantastic retelling!
I came across this pod cast after realizing that of all the hundreds of books I have read and listened to for school and pleasure, not one was from as Asian...”Read full review »
Hfggghgfffg via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/08/20
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“An awesome way to get to know the story that isn’t overwhelming at all. The website is great as well as the storytelling style. If you are interested in Chinese history in the slightest, look no further than this incredible podcast.
P.S. love the phrase “country bumpkin” 😂”
Yduuvudhvtcc via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/20/20
“This podcast is awesome! I also recommend that listeners take advantage of the materials provided on the podcast website — they really help you keep the characters straight and gain a better understanding of events in the story.”
ROT3KFan via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/05/20
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“This podcast is a compelling retelling of one of the greatest historical novels of all time, based on a true historical period in Chinese history. John Zhu sets out to bring new life to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms story, and he accomplishes this in style by bringing emotion, humor, and...”Read full review »
DKulbok via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/10/20
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“My whole family is hooked. Now we listening to it as a family and the characters and events become the topics during our meals together! The witty treatment at times make us all smile. Thank you very much.”
Mike of comx via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/06/20
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“This podcast is fantastic. Great story telling and passion.”
jimmytinyweiner via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/23/20
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“Fantastic storytelling - John Zhu is the man!”
Anydaynow6969 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/12/20
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“The best rundown of the novel available without the fluff.”
earl shi via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/07/20
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“I have listened to this podcast twice now. If you’re even here thinking about it, just listen, it’s fantastic.”
RJayzzzzzzzz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/22/20
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