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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
This first book is an English translation of a Chinese webnovel series that falls in the Wuxia (ancient Chinese warrior era capable of superhuman feats) as well as Danmei (similar to Japanese Boy's Love genre not to be confused with LGBTQ+ genre, which is a more realistic representation of queer relationships) with a steampunk type twist. I found that putting the steampunk genre in China changed the feel of the setting as the elite soldiers and martial artists relied on this technology to augment their battle skills. There's a lot going on in this first book to set up the series so it's hard to sum up. So far it's a story of political intrigue, fearsome battles, and heroic deeds along with quieter times of angst over one's identity and sexuality.
The world building is fantastic and I love how different each character has been developed. Everything from a gender bending teen, fake lost prince, to an older character that is at times arrogant but yet clueless in how to deal with the teen in his charge simply because he just doesn't know how to show care for others due to his upbringing. It also helps that you see the points of view and thoughts of both the main characters. This showcases how the same situation can cause misunderstandings as well as how refusal to acknowledge emotions can cause them.
Chang Geng is a teenager who is the godson of Gu Yin, an elite warrior. However, initially Chang Geng didn't realize the true identity of his godfather who is only in his 20s since the last 2 years he thought his godfather was both nearly deaf and almost blind. Yet at times he wasn't sure if the latter was true. Chang Geng doesn't have a good relationship with his "mother" as in reality he believes she is not his mother due to her consistent abuse she dumps on him when others aren't watching. All the secrets begin coming out when the woman all others think is her mother tells him that not only is she not but she's poisoned him with a chemical that will drive him mad. Things get worse when the Kite (a steampunk type of air ship) arrives and it has been taken over by enemy barbarians. During the initial battle he discovers that his lazy, nearly blind and deaf godfather of whom he has developed a crush upon is actually the elite warrior Gu Yun. He beings to doubt everyone and everything because how could Gu Yun be an such a strong warrior and have difficulty with sight and hearing? Top it all off he's told he's the missing "Prince", which he doubts since he know his mother had injured him as a child so that he would have the same genetic physical deformity the emperor does. He tries to tell them this but they don't believe him. The only ones that he feels haven't hidden who they were are a few other teens from the town that have vowed to stay by his side. However, as his feelings grow stronger for his godfather he is also dealing with the surging "madness" caused by the poison lingering in his system. How can he he cope with this, can he prevent it from getting worse, and most of all he wonders how well he really knows Gu Yun.
The world building is fantastic and I love how different each character has been developed. Everything from a gender bending teen, fake lost prince, to an older character that is at times arrogant but yet clueless in how to deal with the teen in his charge simply because he just doesn't know how to show care for others due to his upbringing. It also helps that you see the points of view and thoughts of both the main characters. This showcases how the same situation can cause misunderstandings as well as how refusal to acknowledge emotions can cause them.
Chang Geng is a teenager who is the godson of Gu Yin, an elite warrior. However, initially Chang Geng didn't realize the true identity of his godfather who is only in his 20s since the last 2 years he thought his godfather was both nearly deaf and almost blind. Yet at times he wasn't sure if the latter was true. Chang Geng doesn't have a good relationship with his "mother" as in reality he believes she is not his mother due to her consistent abuse she dumps on him when others aren't watching. All the secrets begin coming out when the woman all others think is her mother tells him that not only is she not but she's poisoned him with a chemical that will drive him mad. Things get worse when the Kite (a steampunk type of air ship) arrives and it has been taken over by enemy barbarians. During the initial battle he discovers that his lazy, nearly blind and deaf godfather of whom he has developed a crush upon is actually the elite warrior Gu Yun. He beings to doubt everyone and everything because how could Gu Yun be an such a strong warrior and have difficulty with sight and hearing? Top it all off he's told he's the missing "Prince", which he doubts since he know his mother had injured him as a child so that he would have the same genetic physical deformity the emperor does. He tries to tell them this but they don't believe him. The only ones that he feels haven't hidden who they were are a few other teens from the town that have vowed to stay by his side. However, as his feelings grow stronger for his godfather he is also dealing with the surging "madness" caused by the poison lingering in his system. How can he he cope with this, can he prevent it from getting worse, and most of all he wonders how well he really knows Gu Yun.
weird ass racism, transphobia, fatphobia, imperialistic jerk off session and incesty relationship for what purpose
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was VERY hesitant the moment I realized who the love interest was, but I’m glad I decided to stick through because the actual story line is amazing. The historical steampunk setting is seamlessly done and the political intrigue is fascinating without being overwhelming. Additionally, Cheng Geng and Gu Yun are both fantastically written characters and while I’m still hesitant about the love aspect, I do love their relationship as it is written so far and it’s honestly not the worst or most questionable relationship I’ve seen in danmei.
I also really like the side characters, although I wish a few were treated better - Cao Niangzi in particular as I’m not fond of how his crossdressing and feminine interests are treated throughout.
I also really like the side characters, although I wish a few were treated better - Cao Niangzi in particular as I’m not fond of how his crossdressing and feminine interests are treated throughout.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes