If you are into something as epic, complicated, and plot-heavy as Game of Thrones, then the Chinese classic, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, is a tour de force that you should not overlook.
Although the word romantic is in title, we very seldom see love in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Based on real person and events that took place during the 3rd century, this historical masterpiece is a gritty, sprawling tale glutted with both gore and strategy.
Best known as "三国演义" in Chinese, the saga is hailed as one of China's Four Great Classical Novels. Its influence on Chinese society is the equivalent of the influence that Shakespeare has in the western world.
However, despite the popularity of the abundant TV shows, movies, and video games inspired by Romance of the Three Kingdoms, people seem to pay less attention to the original book.
Chinese-American John Zhu refuses to let it slide.
Since 2014, this communication professional at Duke University has produced more than 100 podcasts to retell the legend of the three kingdoms.
In today's Ink&Quill, our reporter Shiyu talks with John Zhu, to find out what fuelled his interest and how he bridges this classic novel with non-Chinese audiences.