readerbot_lou 's review for:

Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang Vol. 1 by priest

adventurous dark funny medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Did I like it? Yes
Do I recommend it? Yes

Positives

I really like the silkpunk world and politics (even though I have to pay attention to things more closely). Chang Geng as a main character is so fun because he’s smart but also flawed (like his emotional repression). But it’s more complicated than that because his history has created the desperate need to trust and have someone who cares for him, which is at odds with his perception of masculinity and the independence he feels he needs to survive. 

I also like the writing style priest uses a bit more than MXTX. 

Negatives

I felt that a lot of the representation was questionable at times, specifically for Cao Niangzi and “the barbarian tribes”. I just find the “barbarian” archetype uncomfortable and distasteful. With regard to Cao Niangzi, it isn’t clear what their gender is, only that people don’t take them seriously especially because of their flirtatious nature. 

Lastly, I still just find the series’ romance really questionable. While Chang Geng clearly doesn’t view Gu Yun as his father figure (mostly because he’s not been allowed any safe spaces for emotional vulnerability), Gu Yun does reflect on his thoughts on and experiences with fatherhood when considering his relationship with Chang Geng. Knowing where the series is going, I still find elements of their relationship concerning at this point and I’m not sure I’ll continue the series.