A review by deep_sea_horror
Qiang Jin Jiu: Ballad of Sword and Wine [将进酒] by Tang Jiu Qing

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective 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? No

5.0

This just rewired my brain. God it was so! Love that it starts out very game of thrones like, very much about the scheming and political plots as foreplay and an  almost bodice ripper like way of writing the main relationship and then just delivers a classic epic by the end it was so good. The relationship between Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye is incredible, there is such a natural affinity between them from the start and they have such a natural and sensual way with each other without being forced or hastily built up that is unlike any other danmei or even any other romance I've ever read. There is not a single dull character, everyone is fleshed out and fascinating.