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A review by welgan
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (Novel) Vol. 1 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thoughts after the second reading
This time, I read the english version, and all the griefs I had with editing and language levels are gone !
It is indeed a difficult story to review when you don't have the whole story. I must say it is even more enjoyable when you know the rest of the story ! The rereading possibility is a real strength of this volume : it really makes for two very different experiences. The first reading had me discovering the world, the genre, and the realtions between characters, uncovering bit by bit as the story progresses, just as Wei Wuxian rediscovered the world 13 years after his death. It was fun and enjoyable, but the second reading beared so much more emotionnal power !! Rereading passages with the knowledge I have now made the experience much more emotional and powerful. It was especially enjoyable and with the bigger picture in mind, I can say this story truely is part of my favorites stories ever.
When my friend recommended me the books, I was expecting a good romance. And indeed, it truely is, I love every bit of it, and the books are jam-packed with interesting scenes that flow very well. It is an very slow burn romance, but that's exactly what I like. But I wasn't expecting to be an overall exceptionnally good story. This is a narrative where flashbacks put a spotlight on parts of the story and history allowing a better understanding of the whole. The pace is solid and flows well, and there is so much to discover !
The more I read, the more I liked the two lead characters. If Wei Wuxian is -to me- absolutely unsufferable during his 15 years old flashback (as a 15 years old may be), I very much like his adult voice. And Lan Wangji's personnality and hidden intensity really on my heart.
Thoughts after the first reading :
Disclaimer : I read this tome for the first time in its translated French version, which has very poor editing and none of the picture. I am much happier with the english version.
As it is the first part of a larger story rather than a first volume (it has been translated as such), I'd rather review the story as a whole.
It is very interesting to me to read this genre, because as I don't have the codes for the genre, it feel like discovering high fantasy for the first time ! I am really enjoying the cultural discovery.
The style can been unusual for a unused reader (frequent sudden changes in point of view, abrupt variations between humour and seriousness and variations in language in dialogue). > Either I got used to it, or it was less obvious because English is not my mothertongue, or maybe it was just poorly done in the French version, but I didn't have the same feeling with the 4 other books in English.
I can't wait to know more about the mysteries.
Last but not least, I really like the characters and the way their relationship begins to develop.
This time, I read the english version, and all the griefs I had with editing and language levels are gone !
It is indeed a difficult story to review when you don't have the whole story. I must say it is even more enjoyable when you know the rest of the story ! The rereading possibility is a real strength of this volume : it really makes for two very different experiences. The first reading had me discovering the world, the genre, and the realtions between characters, uncovering bit by bit as the story progresses, just as Wei Wuxian rediscovered the world 13 years after his death. It was fun and enjoyable, but the second reading beared so much more emotionnal power !! Rereading passages with the knowledge I have now made the experience much more emotional and powerful. It was especially enjoyable and with the bigger picture in mind, I can say this story truely is part of my favorites stories ever.
When my friend recommended me the books, I was expecting a good romance. And indeed, it truely is, I love every bit of it, and the books are jam-packed with interesting scenes that flow very well. It is an very slow burn romance, but that's exactly what I like. But I wasn't expecting to be an overall exceptionnally good story. This is a narrative where flashbacks put a spotlight on parts of the story and history allowing a better understanding of the whole. The pace is solid and flows well, and there is so much to discover !
The more I read, the more I liked the two lead characters. If Wei Wuxian is -to me- absolutely unsufferable during his 15 years old flashback (as a 15 years old may be), I very much like his adult voice. And Lan Wangji's personnality and hidden intensity really on my heart.
Thoughts after the first reading :
Disclaimer : I read this tome for the first time in its translated French version, which has very poor editing and none of the picture. I am much happier with the english version.
As it is the first part of a larger story rather than a first volume (it has been translated as such), I'd rather review the story as a whole.
It is very interesting to me to read this genre, because as I don't have the codes for the genre, it feel like discovering high fantasy for the first time ! I am really enjoying the cultural discovery.
I can't wait to know more about the mysteries.
Last but not least, I really like the characters and the way their relationship begins to develop.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia