A review by hello_lovely13
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (Novel) Vol. 3 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

dark emotional 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

4.0

We got a lot more insight into Jiang Cheng through Wei Ying's adolescence with the Jiangs (it was weird, but also interesting to see Jiang Cheng getting along with Wei Ying; it was nice to get a bit more of an insight into his character.
seeing him both in the cave with the Xuanwu beast as well as the whole fallout with the Lotus Pier and him losing his golden core to Wei Ying taking care of him (they really made Wei Ying feel like he had a debt to pay the Jiangs for basic human decency, which is trash, during that point, not to mention everything with Madam Yu (yes, she is iconic--her DEMOLISHING Wang Lingjiao was SO SATISFYING, but I do NOT condone the abuse and her resentment towards Wei Ying; I understand to a certain point in a political sense, but no more))
). We also got to see the backstory with the Wens, in regards to the war, as well as the origins of Wen Ning (our precious boy!). As a consequence of both, we finally got to see Wei Ying as the Yiling Patriarch (and wow...he definitely goes far;
I mean, skinning Wen Chao alive and then making him eat his own skin, though he was horrible indeed, was a bit too far and I see why some people are afraid of him...he's still my precious boy and I will protect him forever
). The adventure of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian defeating the Xuanwu beast was epic (we love a protective Wei Ying). We see the progression of the relationship between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian in present day, all of which was super solid and definitely my favorite parts of the book (I honestly wish it occurred earlier in the book; more than half the book occurred until we picked up where we left off from the last book...something that is a bit of a trend in this series). I love Lan Zhan and Wei Ying working together as a team, and they do it so well! The farm house scene was also super cute (
"Lan-er-gege"
)! We end the book on a bit of a bittersweet note because of non-consensual content (
Wei Wuxian has his first kiss ever, with Lan Zhan and it is while he is blindfolded and held against the tree...is it too much to ask for them to have a romantic moment with physical intimacy that isn't at least dub-con? I couldn't even be happy that they had a moment together because the commentary inside Wei Ying's head made me feel slightly uncomfortable
. I love all the characters--all of who are really fleshing out so well!--and the story, so I am so hyped for the next book!
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