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A review by ruby_the_gem
Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 1 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Heaven Official's Blessing volume 1 follows Xie Lian, a thrice ascended and twice banished heavenly official, as he solves two mysteries of the ghostly variety. Along the way, he is helped by two suspiciously familiar junior heavenly officials and an oddly knowlegeble young man.
This was my first book is either of the danmei or wuxia genres, so I wasn't too familiar with certain aspects of Chinese culture or Daoism prior to reading this book. Thankfully, there are guides and a glossary in the back of the book that helped explain different concepts and helped me keep different characters straight with all their different names and titles.
I loved Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's world building, writitng style, use of suttle foreshadowing, and use of number or color associations to provide greater insight. She balances the plot and characters connections pretty well. I especially loved seeing the suttle ways in which character's emotions were shown, particularlly the use of "...." or character silence. However, some points in the book felt slow which is why I didn't give this book five stars.
Be aware that this series is a very slow burn romance with a lot of tragedy. This book also ends on a cliff hanger, and the english translation of this series won't be finished until next year. However, there are five elnglish books out, one season of the donghua both subbed and dubbed, and about 80 english chapters of the manhua to help fill the void.
This was my first book is either of the danmei or wuxia genres, so I wasn't too familiar with certain aspects of Chinese culture or Daoism prior to reading this book. Thankfully, there are guides and a glossary in the back of the book that helped explain different concepts and helped me keep different characters straight with all their different names and titles.
I loved Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's world building, writitng style, use of suttle foreshadowing, and use of number or color associations to provide greater insight. She balances the plot and characters connections pretty well. I especially loved seeing the suttle ways in which character's emotions were shown, particularlly the use of "...." or character silence. However, some points in the book felt slow which is why I didn't give this book five stars.
Be aware that this series is a very slow burn romance with a lot of tragedy. This book also ends on a cliff hanger, and the english translation of this series won't be finished until next year. However, there are five elnglish books out, one season of the donghua both subbed and dubbed, and about 80 english chapters of the manhua to help fill the void.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body horror