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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Blood, Death of parent
Moderate: Torture, Vomit, Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual harassment
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
adventurous
emotional
fast-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:
Complicated
Reading this book was an unusual experience because I feel like I got what I wanted out of it, but also that it left me wanting so much more. I agree with other reviews here that say this feels like an introduction to danmei, which I have already read a few books in the genre. As such, nothing feels particularly innovative but it gets the job done, and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to get into the genre but is intimidated by the length of the books and/or the series that danmei can be.
I think my favourite thing about the book is how it includes a lot of Chinese culture with concise explanations as to certain customs and what things should look like, and the inclusion of hanzi.
My nitpicks for the book are as follows:
I think my favourite thing about the book is how it includes a lot of Chinese culture with concise explanations as to certain customs and what things should look like, and the inclusion of hanzi.
My nitpicks for the book are as follows:
- The romance feels a bit insta-lovey and feels a little disconnected from the plot compared to other stories in the danmei genre that are able to really synergise the two aspects.
- As much as I said I loved the inclusion of hanzi, I wish that there was pinyin after its inclusion (it was a pain to write out hanzi I didn't know so I could find the sound and tone for each character) and that characters' names were also given tone indicators with pinyin.
- The plot goes a little haywire just over halfway, with many elements popping seemingly out of nowhere for no reason other than "this is a trope in xianxia, we have to include it".
Allegedly Xian felt conflicted over Zhen being the snake that caused his mother's illness but as a result of the rushed writing, it felt more like he did a complete 180 from wanting to be forever with Zhen to hating his guts. And then it feels rushed when he does another 180 back to being in love with him again. I still can't make much sense of how the tortoise spirit and Fahai were the same character because we're given such a vague timeline of what he was doing. It came off as a twist for the sake of a twist rather than a fallen heavenly official trying to re-ascend to the heavens. It seemed like the author originally intended for Zhen to die, and for Xian to go on a quest to reunite with him in a sequel but was afraid of being accused of Bury Your Gays, so she had the 100 day timeskip at the end to avoid such accusations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Torture
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Kidnapping
Minor: Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was pretty good in parts, but quite lacking in others.
I loved the first half of the book - the world building, the characters and the plot, despite not loving one of the narrators. I could picture the beautiful Chinese architecture and surroundings, finding this listening experience very relaxing.
However, from about 60% into the book, the plot seemed to change direction. Things happened very quickly, but resolutions happened quickly too, so it hardly mattered. I felt disconnected from what was going on and grew tired of the drama.
I feel the epilogue was a cop out and wish it just ended beforehand - while I know this would've been sad, it would've left a lasting impact and given some sense of finality.
The romance I liked, but the constant reminder of them being "boys" made me feel uncomfortable. Especially with all the spicy scenes.
Overall, so much potential and a lot of great elements, but not what I'd hoped for
I loved the first half of the book - the world building, the characters and the plot, despite not loving one of the narrators. I could picture the beautiful Chinese architecture and surroundings, finding this listening experience very relaxing.
However, from about 60% into the book, the plot seemed to change direction. Things happened very quickly, but resolutions happened quickly too, so it hardly mattered. I felt disconnected from what was going on and grew tired of the drama.
I feel the epilogue was a cop out and wish it just ended beforehand - while I know this would've been sad, it would've left a lasting impact and given some sense of finality.
The romance I liked, but the constant reminder of them being "boys" made me feel uncomfortable. Especially with all the spicy scenes.
Overall, so much potential and a lot of great elements, but not what I'd hoped for