#danmei reviews

[danmeiarchive]

Danmei Recs (more plot / character driven)

Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know - Cyan Wings

NovelUpdates [link] My review [link]

Every Day the Protagonist Wants to Capture Me - Qing Duan

NovelUpdates [link] My review [link]

His Little Deer Wife is Very Fierce - Little Baldy

NovelUpdates [link]

How to Survive As a Villain - Yi Yi Yi Yi

NovelUpdates [link]

Silent Reading - Priest

NovelUpdates [link] My review [link]

The General’s Vampire Omega - Little Baldy

NovelUpdates [link]

The Last Dragon in the Cultivation World - Marshmallow Bunny

NovelUpdates [link]

The Virtuous Omega Disguised as the Vicious Colonel - Little Baldy

NovelUpdates [link] My review [link]

Where is Our Agreement to be Each Other’s Arch-Rivals? - Poplar Breeze

NovelUpdates [link]

Non-Human Sub-district Office - Drunk Long Song

NovelUpdates [link]

Peerless Immortal Surrounded by Demonic Disciples - Dao Xuan

NovelUpdates [link]

Record of the Missing Sect Master - A Lifetime Of Beautiful Clothes

NovelUpdates [link]

The Whole World Is My Crematorium - 比卡比

NovelUpdates [link]

They All Say I’ve Met a Ghost - Cyan Wings

NovelUpdates [link]

A Real Man Isn’t Afraid of a Little Demon - Little Baldy

NovelUpdates [link]

My Junior Still Hasn’t Killed Me - Zi Lu

NovelUpdates [link]

Something's Not Right - Cyan Wings

NovelUpdates [link]

Today Prime Minister Also Wants to Bang His Head on the Pillar - Bazaodashe

NovelUpdates [link]

It’s Not Easy Being a Master - Jin Xi Gu Nian

NovelUpdates [link]

The Omega Can’t Pretend to Be a Beta After Accidentally Witnessing the Major General’s Susceptible Period - Fei Tang

NovelUpdates [link]

Worship Me, I Can Make You Rich - 向远飞

NovelUpdates [link]

The General Loves to Collect Little Red Flowers - Kun Cheng Xiong Mao

NovelUpdates [link]

More Danmei Recs (lighter reading / more fluff)

A Guide to Raising Your Natural Enemy - Jue Jue

NovelUpdates [link]

Transmigrated As a Villain, I Rely on Sand Sculpture to Survive - Ma Hu Zi Jun

NovelUpdates [link]

Carrying a Hoe to Cultivate - Little Baldy

NovelUpdates [link] My Review [link]

The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish - Xue Shan Fei Hu

NovelUpdates [link] My review [link]

After Being Turned Into a Dog, I Conned My Way Into Freeloading at My Rival’s Place - Zi Jin

NovelUpdates [link]

Number One Lazy Merchant of the Beast World - Shuishan

NovelUpdates [link]

Transmigrated as the Villain’s Cat - Xishan Fish

NovelUpdates [link]

Do You Want to Touch My Fish Tail? - 系辭上

NovelUpdates [link]

Live Broadcasting Raising Dragons in the Interstellar - Yu Zhi Shui

NovelUpdates [link]

My Vampire Faints at Blood - Three Thousand Big Dreams To Narrate One's Life

NovelUpdates [link]

The Film Emperor’s Daily Live Cooking Broadcast - 砚楚

NovelUpdates [link]

((this post will be updated as I continue reading and if I write any reviews about specific series I'll link them here too))

#danmei #danmei recs #transmigration #webnovels #xianxia #wuxia #danmei webnovels #danmei reviews #danmei reading #ila reads

[jammyjacketpotato]

Seizing Dreams Review

Title: Seizing Dreams 夺梦

Author: Fei Tian Ye Xiang非天夜翔

Link To Original: https://seizingdreams-info.carrd.co/

Link To Translation: https://www.chickengege.org/novels/duomeng/

Link To Carrd: https://seizingdreams-info.carrd.co/

Status: Original complete, Translation complete, extra chapters incomplete (if anyone knows where I can find translations of the extras, please tell me!)

Tags: modern fantasy/scifi, dreams, slice of life, trauma

Rating:  8.75/10

 Story Summary: When accused of a crime he did not commit, college student Yu Hao, broke and at the end of his rope attempts to take his own life. As a result, he falls into a fantastical dream where he meets his guardian, General, and takes back control of his conscious from his dark self. Upon waking in the hospital Yu Hao truly has a new look on life and the much-needed strength to fight for control of his own life. While hospitalized he meets Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun, two other students at the school who found him before he could die from his suicide attempt and Chen Yekai, a teacher who is willing to fight the university administration for Yu Hao. Even with his new found support network Yu Hao can’t forget General and soon finds himself once again brought face to face with him in the dreamscape. This story follows Yu Hao as he falls in love, helps others through trauma, and learns the secrets to the dreamscape.

This book has some trigger warnings as it deals with deep psychological trauma. These topics include: child sexual abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, homophobia, cults/pyramid schemes, metal illness and suicide.

 My Thoughts: This story is such a good blend between fantasy, slice of life, and psychology. The dreamscapes are fantastical and reflect the dreamer’s self in really interesting ways. The way the novel flowed between real life problems like choosing a career and paying rent and the fantasy word of the dreams was really refreshing and kept the story from ever going stale. I never felt like “lets just get through this part.”  

One of the best things about this novel was the abundance of secondary characters who were all flushed out well and had development! It makes sense, seeing as the central focus of the plot was about character development through the dreamscapes. There were four main secondary characters, and the author gives a clear picture of each of their personalities and troubles. A lot of the time with Danmei novels we are given a slew of secondary characters who lack so much personality that you can’t even remember their names. With Seizing Dreams I can remember ever name, even more minor characters.

This was not the first novel I’ve read with an openly gay main character, but this is definitely the first I’ve read that deals realistically with homophobia and sociopersonal relationships within the gay community. The main character Yu Hao, who is very introverted but has been outed by his dormmates as gay, faces homophobia regularly throughout the novel starting from his dorm mates and school consular and later Zhou Shengs father as well as others who interact with him (such as the main villains).

One of the things I really appreciated is that the homosexual characters were not straight men later bent (though Zhou Sheng sort of thinks he is) but brought together because of their similarities in sexual orientation. This is how the gay community works! When faced with a society that can’t accept a fundamental part of who you are, you gravitate towards others who are in the same boat. This should be obvious, but the trope of a group of straight men all coupling up with each other is quite predominate within the BL genre, especially in manga. Chen Yekai approaches Yu Hao because he is young gay many who just attempted suicide and he has an emotional connection to that. Ou Qiheng approaches him because he is also gay and sees a potential ally in him. His boss later on in the story when he goes to work considers him for the job because they are both gay (among other things).

I really connected with this story on a personal level too, as Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng as well as their relationship really remind me of my own relationship with my husband (who is basically Zhou Sheng incarnate). I don’t usually see myself or my personal situation reflected in the novels I read, but I really did with this one. This is also because of the way real life struggles, such as poverty and overwork and mental illness are truly explored within the novel and real barriers. I think the effects of poverty are very predominant throughout the novel, even later on when Yu Hao becomes financially stable he is still very much effected by his poor upbringing. When I first thought about it, I thought it felt a little bit Cinderella cliché for his financial troubles to go away, however when I really thought about it and how it paralleled to my adult life (living through poverty and eventually working towards middle-classdom) I think it made the most sense. Poverty is a shackle, but these characters were not shackled by other elements that tend to keep one in poverty (family obligations, disabilities, mental illness, children etc.) so their upward mobility made the most sense. I really loved how they attempted the Cinderella story in Zhou Sheng attempting to take over his father’s company, but that it eventually failed due to his fathers inability to accept his and Yu Hao’s relationship.  

My personal favorite character was Mama Zhou. She was so flawed and a drain to be around, but when Zhou Sheng comes out to her and his father she GOES TO BAT for Zhou Sheng and throws all her weight behind supporting him. Let her have a lover younger than her son and go play majong every night! She got the shit beat out of her by Zhou Sheng’s dad for years and she deserves to live her life her way.

I also want to say that the way Shi Ni’s (a young girl who Yu Hao tutors) situation and abuse is addressed within the novel is so well done. Shi Ni as a character is not used for shock value the way I often see child sexual abuse depicted, but from the perspective of a girl taking back her life after seeking help. The trial where her father’s attorney tries to mount a defense is the most sickening moment, even though it was very cut and dry and it still never makes me feel like Shi Ni is being used as a display.

I think if I were to try to pinpoint where the novel could be lacking (and I’m really trying here) I would say somewhat in the writing itself. Please don’t get me wrong, it is not bad, just not Queen Meat Bun level good. I could read through the novel without making too many head corrections, but I noticed often repeated descriptors throughout and areas where things could have been described better but in less words. This could also be somewhat a translation issue as well. It was not bad though and definitely not enough to deter me from enjoying the story.

  Characters:

Yu Hao: The main character, and one with a lot of growth throughout the series. He starts out extremely introverted and suicidal. His poverty is like a shackle around his neck that prevents him from socializing in college and his outing as gay solidifies his introverted status. After General helps him take back his dreamscape and he meets Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun, he begins to come out of his shell and is able to explore who he really is. Once able to explore himself, he is revealed to be a thoughtful man with an interest in social problems and helping people. He also picks up skateboarding which really fits him in a weird way. His dream persona is the Arc Angel and he has the power to heal in most dreams (stemming from others perception that he had the power to heal himself when at his lowest). His weapon is his grandmother’s laundry fork which he can turn into duel knives or a staff. He can use his wings to fly.

Zhou Sheng: Is the main lead. He seems like he does what he wants without thinking and is hot headed, but he is actually an extremely intelligent and calculating person. He is a sports major because he enjoys physical activities, but doesn’t really like competition. His family life is turbulent and abusive, with divorced parents who both put a lot of pressure on him. His father is wealthy and owns a successful restaurant chain that he wants Zhou Sheng to take over and his mother wants him to have nothing to do with his father. After saving Yu Hao from his suicide attempt, he basically imprints on him and won’t let him out of his sight. He struggles throughout the first half of the novel with his feelings for Yu Hao but once he decides on it, he never waivers. SPOILER: His dream persona is General/Sun Wukong. His original weapon was his great sword, but later is Yu Hao’s totem that he gives him in the form of a Jinggubang (power pole)/shield. He also has a Jindouyun (flying cloud), which he can ride. Oh, and a dragon that represents his “urges”.

Fu Liqun: He helps Yu Hao get work study before he even really knew him because he noticed he had to drink tap water (cause he’s too poor to buy bottled water). He is Zhou Sheng’s best friend and everyone’s Gege. He is a person who seems like he has it together, but he really has no plan for the future after college and this is something that really bothers him. He is in a long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart Cen Shen, whose wealthy father does not approve of their relationship. His dream persona is a knight and his weapon is a halbert. He rides a mystical stead.

Chen Yekai: Yu Hao’s advising teacher. Chen Yekai is the first person in authority to tell Yu Hao he believes him about not stealing and helps him get through this ordeal when others within the school are trying to have him expelled. Chen Yekai gravitates towards Yu Hao because he is gay and dealing with the backlash around him, which as another gay man Chen Yekai understands. He went to college in the USA and lived there for many years with his now deceased lover. He was disowned by his family for being gay, but is very wealthy because he invested in a start up in college. He develops feelings for Yu Hao, but he never really understands what those feelings are and is very aware and respectful of his relationship with Zhou Sheng.  His dream persona is the Great Chieftain and his weapon is the scalpel he attempted to murder his former teacher with and the gun that his former lover used to kill himself. He has a serpent god that he can ride.

Ou Qiheng: A boy that Yu Hao meets when he is trying to find a boyfriend. He notices that string of cases being solved around Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng and attempts to get Yu Hao’s help to reveal the conspiracy surrounding his father’s suicide. He is still in high school, but a few months older than Yu Hao because he had to repeat his final year (I am confused about this, because he does really well in school. I am assuming it is because he must have missed so much school due to his dad’s suicide). He originally likes Yu Hao, but later hints heavily at wanting to court Chen Yekai. SPOILER: His dream persona is pilot (I actually really don’t know if I’m remembering that right and correct me if I’m wrong) and he has a Gundam that he can ride.

Hua Ting: Chen Yekais childhood friend and a police officer who helps Yu Hao with his theft case. He is very smart and notices more than people think. He is kind, but overworked and is always in a hurry and tired. After Ou Qiheng’s suicide attempt he makes sure to keep a close eye on him and becomes his Gege when they both move to Beijing. He is the only character to figure out what is going on before entering a dreamscape. His dream persona is the Arch Mage, his weapon is his magic “book of law.”

I literally could go in to all the side characters here as well, they are so well fleshed out! But that would make this waaaaay to long so I only did the Dream Warriors.

 Relationships:

Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng: They meet after Yu Hao’s suicide attempt and imprint on each other and are basically best friends from then on. Yu Hao catches feelings pretty quickly, but understands that Zhou Sheng is straight and does not pursue it and instead engages in some hilarious attempts at online dating. Zhou Sheng on the other hand struggles, but not because Yu Hao is a man, but because his own parents were so abusive towards each other he doesn’t want to get into a relationship with anyone out of fear of being like them. Once he gets over it though, he is all in and Yu Hao becomes top priority. I really appreciated that they got together less than halfway through the novel. This novel didn’t just focus on the build up to the relationship, but also on its growing pains. Zhou Sheng can be jealous, and Yu Hao can get frustrated, but they are still solid. I really appreciate the way their relationship is depicted as it feels more real and less idealized than a lot of danmei.

Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun: true sworn brothers! Even once get together, their dynamic as a trio and so good! They all support each other and are always there. I loved how when we were in the arc where Yu Hao is working himself to death as soon as Fu Liqun is in trouble he just takes leave for him. I also love how at no point do the roles within their friendship feel solid. They are to each other what they need to be at the time.

Fu Liqun and Cen Shen: They have a turbulent relationship as Cen Shen’s father does not approve. It is a major source of worry for Fu Liqun throughout the novel. They break up more than once, but it is more due to Fu Liqun’s lack of self-confidence than anything else. This relationship was a great representation of the difficulties faced by people of different socioeconomic status.

Final Thoughts: Like I said, this book really hit home personally and I really loved it. It was a great example of representation of experiences and the trauma people face through life. I would definitely recommend it for a read.  

#seizing dreams #夺梦 #danmei #danmei reviews #cnovels #chinese novels

[overshelter]

A very simple explanation of why SV, The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System, doesn't contain Noncon or any of that shit

WARNING: It's full of SPOILERS, so CAUTION!

I decided to come and waste my time making this thread/post because I've seen a lot of discussions about it. I'm even doing it in English and not in my official language for the simple reason that I've seen more foreigners talking about it than Brazilians.

Well, let's start by making something clear. SV is a BIG, HUGE, SCANDALOUS satire on novels with harem in which EVERYTHING can be solved with SEX.

Did we get that point? Good.

Moving on.

SV, for having this as a central point, often brings criticism and scenes that prove it. I could easily take several, but at the moment I only have the novel in Portuguese with me, and I'm not going to go after the English version just for a thread/post. So you can go and get it for me if you think I'm talking shit. We'll discuss it if necessary.

Back to the point... These parts are scattered throughout the reading and are easily found if you just pay the slightest bit of attention.

Now, you might be asking yourself: "Why the fuck is this crazy woman bringing up all this talk?"

Context, my dear. Context.

Context to talk about the problem I've been seeing: the issue of noncon, lack of consent and 500 other issues.

It's been said that Shen Qingqiu says no and asks Binghe to stop at various points in the novel. And, indeed, he does.

Only he does it at moments that don't involve ANY, I REPEAT, ANY SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP! In fact, if you go back and read it again, and if I'm not remembering wrongly, in their first kiss, he pushes Binghe away and Binghe himself doesn't insist, he just complains a bit, saying that it was unfair that he couldn't do something like that even in a dream. In other words, he basically RESPECTED and didn't FORCE Shen!

Another part to comment on is that, most of the times when Shen scolds or pushes Binghe away, these are times when they are fighting like two primary school children. Their actions, words and everything else carry an incredible childishness.

That scene of them fighting in the demon realm shortly after Binghe finds out that Shen is alive is one of them. (bonus: in it we also have the narrative of Shen UNILATERALLY hitting Binghe, and at NO point does he hit back. He just threatens, trying to scare, but always without actually doing anything.)

The second kiss I honestly don't remember very well when it happened, but I do know that Shen didn't say no or even push Binghe away completely. I vaguely remember him scolding a little, but not explicitly denying it. Which, in my opinion, shows that he himself was perhaps confused by this possible new dynamic in their relationship and was a little afraid of how such uncertain feelings could end up affecting them both.

Now let's move on to the central point: Maigu Mountain.

My novelistic trauma and also SV's most suffocating chapters, where you see just how human, broken and entirely unstable Binghe is. Both thanks to his own mind and Xin Mo's corruption.

The whole Maigu Mountain scene is made to be uncomfortable. It's not supposed to be something nice, something memorable or even enjoyable, whether for Luo Binghe, Shen Qingqiu or anyone reading.

This scene is the pinnacle of satire and criticism, making it clear how unrealistic it is to expect sex to magically solve all problems. But the important thing here is the fact that Shen Qingqiu KNEW what was going to happen and was WILLING to go through it. Only because he BELIEVED it would work and also because the system pushed the whole situation in that direction.

And please don't even bring Luo Binghe into this discussion. He is one of the biggest victims in this scene. He has NO conscience whatsoever and is completely screwed up and lost in Xin Mo's corruption, even going so far as to ask Shen why he didn't kill him, drive him away or something. In fact, he was completely willing to die, both because of this and because he thought Shen would sacrifice himself for him again.

Apart from that, we also have an extra where the author brings back The Resentments of Spring Mountain and the fanfiction made by the three sisters, making BingQiu read it and bringing us a scene where Luo Binghe himself and Shen Qingqiu themselves read it and say that it's TOTALLY OOC and impossible for Luo Binghe to force Shen Qingqiu to have sex with him. Luo Binghe even makes it clear that he would walk away or kill himself at any sign of discomfort or denial that Shen Qingqiu showed, in whatever form it came.

So, in short... NO NONCON IN SV, RAPE OR ANY OF THAT SHIT! LUO BINGHE IS A CHUNNY WITH TRAUMA AND A BEAUTIFUL CRYING LADY! NOTHING BUT THAT!

I believe we're clear? (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

#mxtx #mxtx novels #novel #danmei #gay #luo binghe #novel recommendation #novel review #the scum villain's self saving system #scum villain #svsss #mxtx svsss #luo bingmei #shen qingqiu #bingqiu #shen yuan #book recommendations #book review #books #books & libraries #yaoi #yaoi bl

[drawulan]

Wenren E and Yin Hanjiang from Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

you can read my review on the novel here👇

#Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know #魔尊也想知道 #cyan wings #chinese fandom #chinese novel #novel review #novel recommendation #fanart #danmei #danmei novels #danmei recs #danmei fanart

[gm-bl-cult]

The BL novels with such excellent plot, that you are sad it has BL in it, otherwise you would force just everyone to read it.

#1.  The Earth is Online

Great Sci-fi novel with ‘alien intervention’ theme. Usually such plots has big problems with endings, but The Earth is Online managed to get a nice wrap for this very difficult theme. High-passed and absolutely interesting. What to expect: super smart MC, super sick brainteasers, unlimited flow, manly couple, twisted fairytales, uncommon special abilities. 

Warning: this novel has very weak romance line (you could probably just made it a friendship and almost nothing would be lost), but this is a great book nevertheless.

#2. Supernatural Movie Actor App

Best horror BL-novel I read. Every movie plot is stunning and quite uncommon and ingenious. Movies never has only one main theme - author interweave several into complex, deep, interesting narration with unexpected reveals and explanations. The overall plot is great too - it is type of the book where everything mentioned have a reason and place in a plot. Absolutely superior read. What to expect: super smart MC (explained in the plot), great horror stories, quite a bit of gore, unlimited flow, love between two personas in multiple personality disorder (explained beautifully in the plot), mysteries solving, manly couple.

Warning: the BL part is rather small, but really warm and nice to read.

#3.  Mist

The plot is insane - it is very smart, atmospheric and has great ending. Also it has a really strong balance of the plot and romance. There is CONSENT! And respect! FINALLY! Seriously, when ML asks MC even before hugging and they actually have conversations - even without supreme plot I would already loved this novel to the moon and back. It really hard to say anything about this novel without spoilers - it is mind-blowing. Period. What to expect: time agents, time loops, time paradox, complex plot, a bit (?) of gore, smart MC, great couple, a bit of ‘from enemies to lovers’ mood.

Warning: expect to burn a lot of your braincells to understand the time loops.

#danmei #chinese bl novel #bl novel #supernatural movie actor app #the earth is online #mist novel #bl review #bl recommendation #horror novels #underrated bl novels #unlimited flow

[akatsuki-shin]

Review: 将进酒 Qiang Jin Jiu by 唐酒卿 Tang Jiuqing

My second Tang Jiuqing novel and honestly, I didn't expect to discover such a masterpiece out of the blue.

This is honestly the best danmei I've read so far and currently on top of my favorite list!

Note(s):

(Very) long post ahead

May contains spoiler

This is my personal review and does not represent the entire audience

Summary:

During the reign of Emperor Xiande, the nation of Da Zhou came under attack from their mortal enemy, the Biansha Tribes. The Prince of Jianxing, Shen Wei, retreated his troops as the enemy advanced, causing the total destruction and massacre of the entire prefecture of Zhongbo. Shen Wei was thus deemed a coward and a traitor of the nation suspected of colluding with the Biansha Tribes, yet he immolated himself and his entire family perished, save for his estranged eight son of common born, Shen Zechuan.

Now carrying the burden of his father's sin on his shoulders, young Shen Zechuan was dragged to the capital city of Qudu to face a death sentence. A political twist taking place among those in power allowed Shen Zechuan to narrowly escape death, only to receive a near lethal kick that crippled his health for life from a young wolf from Libei, Xiao Chiye.

Xiao Chiye was the youngest son of Libei's "King of Wolves," Xiao Fangxu, a famed general who had defended Da Zhou's northeast border from Biansha attacks for many years. His eldest brother was one of the heroes who halted the Biansha Tribes from advancing further into Qudu following Shen Wei's retreat, thus rising the Xiao clan's fame and reputation.

However, it was exactly for this reason that the power-thirsty noble clans in Qudu feared that the Xiao clan's influence would grow beyond control. Thus, they conspired to force the Xiao clan to leave their second young master in Qudu in guise of bestowing upon him a great position in the capital, when in truth, he was being taken prisoner as a warning to the Xiao clan.

The son of an irredeemable criminal and a free soul who was trapped far away from home, Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye both found themselves "imprisoned" with no way to escape. They saw each other as a mortal enemy, but that hostility was also the string that drew them toward each other.

Five years later, political arrangements brought the two young men to meet each other again, who were now determined to stand their ground, each with their own reason. Unbeknownst to them, this meeting would not only change the course of their relationship but also unravel the darkest conspiracies that had been lying deep beneath the powerful country named Da Zhou.

STORY: 10/10

At a glance, Qiang Jin Jiu seemed to be a typical "fight for power" political drama added with war as the cherry on top. However, just a few chapters into the story and it proved to be so much more than that.

Qiang Jin Jiu is an epic historical fantasy with complicated and deep conspiracies enveloping everything like a spider web, combined with intense confrontations against a powerful foreign enemy who is actually not at all "foreign."

282 chapters might seem daunting at first, but it was in fact the perfect length to reach the ultimate resolution that would overturn the whole nation after going through countless unexpected twists and revelations along the way. It invites the readers to think and pay close attention to even the smallest detail, as the cleverly planned foreshadowing would turn into surprises after surprises as the story unfolds.

This was further embellished with absolutely epic and cinematic battle scenes that were so intense it would keep you gripping the edge of your seat the entire time. It was so visually vivid that one could almost see and hear how their blades were clashing, how people and horses were trampling on the battle ground as they slaughter one another.

The main characters' journey from being a pair of helpless youths being looked down upon into an unstoppable force that would change the fate of the whole nation was written in such a way that it could be fierce, suspenseful, bittersweet, fun, full of anguish, and invigorating—all combined into one grand saga worth to follow until the very end.

In addition, it contains a heart-wrenching but sweet and complex romance not only between the two main characters, but also several other supporting roles. Some got their happy ending, some did not. It was the kind of story that would give full satisfaction and a sense of regret at the same time to the readers once we reach the last page.

CHARACTER: 10/10

One must really appreciate the author for successfully creating a complex story with so many intersecting characters, yet still managed to put everything in a neat line, leaving all the mysteries and truth to be unraveled one by one.

Everyone, and by this I really mean EVERYONE, has proportional roles and sufficient time under the spotlight to fill that role. In many other stories of similar genres, most of the time we can pay less attention to the majority of the side characters as they usually served as cannon fodders. But that was not the case in Qiang Jin Jiu since even a seemingly insignificant minor character who died in the early chapter might end up being the key to answer the biggest mystery.

Granted, it might be hard to remember each and every single character who'd appeared, especially to readers who aren't familiar with Chinese names. But give it a bit more time and you'd realize all of these characters are given enough opportunity to showcase themselves, so that you would still recall who they were when they appeared again much later in the story.

When it comes to the two main characters, Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye, their "mortal enemies to devoted lovers" dynamic was an absolute delight to follow. They were the kind of couple who complemented each other; they would become strong with the other's presence and crumble without it. They held fierce hostilities at each other in the beginning, yet ended up being unable to live without one another.

Naturally, there were lots of romance (and sexy times). But it was not to the point of being too "over the top" and disturbed the mood/feels of the story. Personally-speaking, I feel that the moment Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan were able to spend time together with all their antics and passionate desire was like a moment of respite to take a breather after going through an intense story arc. It was hard not to cheer for them and at the same time feeling worried if one of them seemed to be about to fall into big trouble.

Another plus point of Qiang Jin Jiu's characterization is that everyone has a clear motive to do what they do, be it the protagonist and his allies or the antagonists whom they were fighting along the way. This is not to say that there are no unlikable character, but it just means that even the despicable villains have their own reason that can make us go "Oh, so that's why they commit a crime."

TECHNICAL ASPECT: 10/10

A slapping opening that will get you hooked at once.

Perfect pacing, sufficient information and explanation about the complex matters without being redundant.

Impeccable narration, character interactions, mood building, and visualization.

Well-written romance, including the building of sexual tension.

Well-planned foreshadowing and hints that could make you gasp once you realized that a not-so-important thing that took place in Chapter 10 turned out to be a major turning point in Chapter 100++.

In short, I can't find any flaw in it.

OVERAL SCORE: 10/10

As I put down the book after finishing the last chapter, I felt exhausted. But it was a good kind of exhaustion a.k.a. that total satisfaction when you finished a story so good you are still overwhelmed in it and not sure what to do now that it's over. There's even some feelings of wanting more, and wanting to re-read it again to experience the whole epic saga a second time after understanding all the mysteries.

The major and minor characters are well-developed and placed. The supporting character truly supports the major characters without being overshadowed that we can sometimes laugh and weep because of them.

I usually avoid rating anything with a "10-out-of-10" because I believe nothing is perfect. But I really can't find any fault with Qiang Jin Jiu, no matter how hard I tried to scrutinize it.

It was intense, it was suspenseful, it was funny, it was full of love, it also has bittersweet aspects that left you with some regret, but it was part of a big great story.

I can't wait to find some spare time to read this whole book one more time. <3

#Danmei #Review #Qiang Jin Jiu #QJJ #Tang Jiuqing #Shen Zechuan #Shen Lanzhou #Xiao Chiye #Xiao Cean #CeZhou #将进酒 #唐酒卿

[bubbletecito]

𖤐 — Can Ci Pin .

Carrd

Autor: Priest.

Capítulos: 197 + 6 extras.

Género : Ciencia Ficción espacial, acción, mechas, romance bl, política.

Mi calificación : ★★★★★

" Incluso si tuviera una razón para irme un tiempo, regresaré mientras sigas aquí. "

¿Por qué deberías leer Can Ci Pin te preguntarás? Porque si eres un amante de la ciencia ficción espacial, mechas con un plus de gays, es totalmente para ti.

Can Ci Pin es una novela escrita por Priest y mi primera lectura de ella. La construcción de mundo que tiene es compleja, dividida en 8 galaxias principales que forman la Unión Interestelar, hay piratas espaciales, militares divididos en grupos y cuestiones políticas. Su mundo de primeras puede resultar difícil de entender y más aún debido al vocabulario de cosas mecánicas y de mechas, pero les juro que Priest logra asombrarte, los detalles y la historia que hay detrás, la complejidad que tiene es parte del encanto que te sumerge totalmente en esta historia.

Nos presentan al MC que es Lu Bixing viviendo en la Octava Galaxia (piensen en ello como la galaxia marginal) y con el sueño de fundar un colegio donde pueda educar a los niños del planeta Beijin, él es un genio mecánico con grandes ideales y sueños, acompañado del ML Lin Jingheng, quien inicialmente solo era un ganster en Beijin y resultó ser el Comandante del Yin Yaosai (Fortaleza Plateada, una de las más poderosas dentro del ejército de la Alianza), quien supuestamente estaba muerto. Los dos, poco a poco van descubriendo el secreto detrás del Sistema de Eden y viejos proyectos que afectaron terriblemente a la humanidad, la historia oculta detrás del control.

Es una power couple muy potente y llena de tensión, no es una relación que se de desde un inicio sino que va desarrollándose y ves cómo ambos van mutando debido a las vicisitudes. Es muy real la forma en que van enfrentando sus sentimientos debido a sus personalidades, cuestiones políticas y distancia, eventualmente tu único deseo es que huyan ellos dos y Zhan Lu (el IA asistente de Lin Jingheng) a una galaxia lejana y tengan una casita con mascotitas robots viviendo tranquilos y felices.

No solo sufres (mucho) por la pareja principal, también debido a los secundarios, todos son creados de tal manera que cada uno tiene su chispa y encanto, nadie es totalmente blanco o negro, todos tienen sus tonos de grises debido a las adversidades que han vivido, con sus propias filosofías e ideales. Realmente todos los personajes tienen su noséqué especial que te hace amarlos demasiado, son humanos y se equivocan y crecen y cambian.

Así que háganse el favor y embárquense en el vórtice que este mundo te hace entrar, fantasía espacial, política, drama, tensión, romance. No te das cuenta cuando apartas la vista y regresas a este mundo aburrido sin naves ni robots ni IAs asombrosas.

Plus, son muy golden retriever x black cat energy, su relación está llena de tensión y ellos son el peak del romance. Lin Jingheng es el verdadero sugar daddy que le compraría las galaxias enteras a Lu Bixing si pudiese.

#ccp #can ci pin #cnovel #danmei #lulin #novel #book blog #danmei recs #review #reseña

[huasahyo]

I have read Qiang Jin Jiu and honestly think I'll never recover

(Spoilers ahead!)

Oh god, where to start this? Maybe I should start with the very begging: I didn't understood shit. I just saw a kid being tortured and lots of information. When I felt it was too much, I went after the translated map and OMG that was so helpful! Bless the translators for that. After looking carefully at the map, things started to make sense.

As the story went, before the end of book one I was not very familiar with all the characters. I kept mistaking Hai Liangyi for Hua Siqian lol. But during my reading I started to take some notes and was never confused again. The thing is, this book has A LOT of characters and some of them are introduced early but only become major players later (Yao Wenyu, Hua Xiangyi...)

Even though this huge ensemble would make characters easy to forget, this doesn't happen. The author managed to create likeable and rememberable characters pretty easily??? I fell in love with many of them at first read, even if they didn't show up a lot. And there were characters that got me completely off guard, I wasn't expecting them to be so cool and relevant, BUT THEY WERE (Fei Sheng, Kong Liu)! And the antagonists were also brilliant, I love a good story where everyone has a point and no one is actually evil: People from Biansha had their truths and in a war there are no right sides, Xue Xiuzhuo wanted the best for Dazhou (even though I can't forgive what the did to my baby Yuanzhuo), and Li Jianting??? WHAT A LEGEND! Also, Feng Quan plot twist left me speechless, what an interesting character. Every character was very human (in the good and bad way), everyone had their own goals and beliefs. I actually might do a second post screaming about every character because I have a lot to say about them. (hello hasen my love)

The Plot??? Perfectly done. AND WELL EXPLAINED! I was always a little afraid of reading novels with a lot of politics, but I really dug this one. The problems with grains, provisions, registry, army and BRO THERE WAS EVEN SOME AGRARIAN REFORM SHIT

The way this author write the MOST well written battles I have read, without using any magic... it's just... I never thought I would be so enthusiastic about cannons, rocks and GRAINS.

The conflicts in Zhongbo could be all repetitive, but they weren't at all. Each prefecture that Lanzhou took back had a interesting story.

The war with Biansha was also brilliantly written. The way Amu'er was attacking Dazhou from the inside out and the scorpions with those hammers??? My man was a genius. Sadly, he could never have predicted Bai Cha and her son.

Talking about that, the family relationships are a great point in this. Seeing flashbacks about Lanzhou, Ji Mu, Ji Gang and Hua Pinging made me CRY! They were so happy... And seeing Xiao Chiye with his brother and HIS DAD LIKE... Xiao Fangxu and Ji Gang best daddies. Fei Sheng and Yin Chang too, what a beautiful chapter the one that they talk after Fei Sheng has a fight with Qiao Tianya.

Talking about Qiao Tianya, it was refreshing to see a novel with more LGBT characters. The secondary pairings were great, they didn't steal the spotlight from cezhou, but were very enjoyable (even though THAT happened between Songyu). I just wished we could have seen more Qihua moments and OH GOD KONG LIU AND LUO MU??? That got me truly off guard, wasn't expecting at all. Also, I found really interesting how Lanzhou basically got a LGBT parade following him at the end, that was truly the gayest empire ever. I have so many headcanons here, let me scream them: Xue Xiuzhuo is AroAce, Li Jianting is a non-binary legend and Huo Lingyun a Bi King. Also, Fei Sheng is not straight. Said it.

The little animals in this??? I WAS TERRIFIED WHEN LANG TAO XUE JIN FELL IN THAT HOLE YALL I THOUGHT HE WAS GONNA DIE. But luckily he didn't. Meng, Hunu, Feng Shuang Ta Yi were all the cutest, I need more novels with cats.

THE CHILDREN - Ding Tao, Li Xiong, Xiao Xun and Jiran. They served chaos, humor and cuteness. I really liked whenever they showed up.

THE LADIESSS - If you have read my other posts you know I love some powerful women. This story did not disappoint me in that sense. Hua Hewei had some despicable acts, but she really got everyone on her hands despite never leaving the inner palace, good for her. Hua Xiangyi is a way better version of her aunt, my girl was smart and cared for the people, an amazing woman. QI ZHUYINNN owns my life, I really adored the fact that she was a badass and that she never hated the fact she was born a girl, slay. Bai Cha was really out there helping women that were sold and their children, that is some real sorority there. Lu Yizhi was so kind, loved seeing her interactions with Lanzhou. Li Jianting was everything, her story was one of the saddest and yet she was doing her best to become a ruler. Duo Er'lan was amazingly brave, even more than Hasen, mad respect for her.

And last, but definitely not least, there is cezhou. I have no words to explain how much I adored these two. The way both of them got their own development and had their own private goals and went after them, so good. They are so well written that I wanna scream. The chapters that are focused on Lanzhou's feelings are not big in number, even when he is the main character, his feelings are shown in discreet ways (the handkerchief!) and most of the time we don't know what he is plotting or thinking. But when we take a peek at what's going inside of his heart, it's... astonishing. And I love seeing how he actually cared for the side characters, even though he doesn't show a lot.

And Ce'an kind of caught me off guard, I thought he was going to be a totally different character but he went and delivered

Xiao Chiye was a perfect fit for Lanzhou and Lanzhou was a perfect fit for Xiao Chiye: they were both in similar situations where only them could understand each other's suffering, and after they leave Qudu we see how much of a match made in heaven they are (not just romantically, but strategically).

THE SEXUAL TENSION AT THE BEGINNING YALL... They were scheming/fighting and flirting at the same time. Iconic.

Read this, you won't regret it!

By the way, I started reading the story in December and finished by March, but I completely forgot to post this! College has been frying my brain these days.

Hopefully I will resume my Sha Po Lang reading and come back here to tell my opinions on the book. (Not sure when though.)

See ya!

#qiang jin jiu #qjj #将进酒 #qjj spoilers #danmei #danmei recs #nana rambles about novels #bl novel #book review #novel review #novel recommendation

[biwenqing]

i’ve been reading Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know (魔尊也想知道) and 1) have been really enjoying it and 2) i support women’s wrongs

#this is the first danmei i've read that has several main & POV women characters #the demon sect ladies are the best at being the worst i support them sooooo much #i'll try and write a little review when i finish if it stays good!!! #devil venerable also wants to know #a talks

[web-novel-polls]

Less Popular Danmei Character Tournament - Round 1 Bracket

Side A

Yan Hao vs. Xiao Chiye

Shen Zechuan vs. Wang Zhi

Gu Mang vs. Yan Zhengming

Side B

Wenren È vs. Song Qingshi

Yin Hanjiang vs. Wu Xi

Li Yu vs. An Zhe

Cui Buqu vs. Helian Ye

Exempt from Round 1: Yue Wuhuan

Side A of the Popular and Less Popular Danmei Character Tournaments will take place on the same day (Thursday, June 8, 2023) around noon CST and will remain open for 1 week.

Side B Polls will open on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, at noon CST and will remain open for 1 week.

Character Information under the cut (subject to change) - CWs: sex mention, death mention, murder mention, slavery, sexual slavery, rape mention, animal mention, animal death mention, pet death/murder

Side A

Yue Wuhuan from Mistakenly Saving the Villain

A villain saved by the MC who is focused on revenge. The story seems to focuses on trauma recovery from his life as a s*x slave and handles mental health pretty well 

Technically a “yandere” character, but the Novel Updates reviews describe his possessiveness and dark thoughts as byproducts of his trauma that he heals from, realizing that he shouldn’t be thinking of the MC that way and growing

“Our ML’s journey embodies a major theme of MSTV, which is about redemption and rebirth. His tragic past shaped him into a cunning, ruthless, manipulative, and obsessive individual. His past and continuing struggle will make your hearts break. It’s a difficult and painful journey of overcoming past trauma, letting go, and subsequently achieving freedom and happiness.” - blackkoi on NU

Yan Hao from Vicious Male Counterpart Isn’t Competing Anymore

Submission: He’s p cute

Yan Hao was jealous of and competed with his younger brother, who seemed to be loved more by their parents. After he dies, however, he realizes he was a villain meant to contrast his kind younger brother and be slapped by the male protagonist. Once he’s reborn, he decides to ignore his brother entirely

“High IQ, low EQ” - Sugaminny on Novel Updates

Honestly, the story sounds super cute and interesting. Yan Hao seems to be a character “hated by everyone” in his past life who can’t figure out how to be loved but does love others a lot, especially in his second life. Skite on NU describes him as autistic and villainized due to his neurodivergency / attempts to be loved and praised (their review words it better, but it sounds super interesting). 

Xiao Chiye from Qiang Jin Jiu

Submission: Also an absolutely insane character but somehow not as deranged as his husband, shen zechuan, although he comes pretty damn close. i just wanna cause problems by putting them in the same poll 

“VERY cocky and arrogant (sexy of him), but also an extremely talented leader and fighter” - QJJ Carrd

Initially kicks Shen Zechuan, the MC, due to SZC’s father’s treason, but starts to fall in love with him (Enemies → Lovers)

Shen Zechuan from Qiang Jin Jiu

Submission: he just serves absolute cunt and is absolutely insane. like we joke about characters being crazy but shen zechuan is the 1st one where ive paused reading and said outloud oh bitch you are absolutely out of your mind. Give it up for ruthless chronically ill schemers with a sense of loyalty so strong it becomes a fatal flaw and who are also at all times 100% devoted to the ppl they care about

The son of the Prince of Jianxing, who betrays the empire out of cowardice, that must survive when his entire family is to be killed for treason. There’s actually a scene at the beginning of him losing his brother in a battle and (I believe) returning to realize his father has run away

Another of the “chronically ill schemers” type and incredibly ruthless when necessary

Refuses to die or despair; he WILL survive and will turn things around - fate can be damned

Wang Zhi from Fourteenth Year of Chenghua

Submission: Wang Zhi is the emperor's eunuch-assassin who spends the entire book and show crashing the main character's brunches. There's a scene where someone gets confused because they can't fathom why Wang Zhi would show up at someone's house if it's not to murder them. In the series he has a tiny gun. 

Gu Mang from Stains of Filth / Yuwu

Submission: He’s my little guy

He’s the tragic ML who betrayed the MC while also being the biggest fucking clown / the comedic relief

He truly believes he’s a fucking wolf at one point. 

Essentially, Gu Mang was a slave in Murong Lian’s household, which led him to meet the MC, Mo Xi, who is a noble of similar standing to the Murong clan. He eventually becomes the General-in-Chief of the Wangba Army (later renamed to the Northern Frontier Army bc it was a funny name) and fights for the Chonghua Empire. However, since the Wangba Army was made of slaves, not a single of his fellow soldiers were given a proper burial, which - along with other reasons - led to Gu Mang defecting to an enemy nation (that also killed Mo Xi’s father and may or may not be cannibals).  

The story begins when said enemy nation trades Gu Mang back to Chonghua as a prisoner of war with parts of his soul gone, causing him to believe he’s a majestic blue wolf. The summary is a tiny bit misleading, albeit not wrong - “they’ve slept together before” is actually more “they slept together multiple times while Mo Xi, at the very least, is incredibly in love with Gu Mang.”  

Gu Mang’s also pretty funny, even with his memories gone, albeit the inherent tragedy is overwhelming. Idc what “evils” he committed… the Lotus Pavilion thing or whatever was fucked up. The author is so brutal to him, and for what? Funsies? (<--mainly joking, but it’s a SAD story… I’ve cried so many times) 

Anyway, Gu Mang Did Not Deserve This 2023 

Yan Zhengming from Liu Yao: the Revitalization of Fuyao Sect 

Submission: Winner of the award for highest number of times I’ve called a man a “pretty princess” 

Apparently has a fantastic character development into the Sect Leader (I’m not that far), but he’s also just a pretty princess <2

He’s the eldest disciple of Han Muchun / Fuyao Sect who was born into a rich family. He ran away at age seven and became Han Muchun’s first apprentice/disciple. He’s similar to a spoiled young master character, but he doesn’t really bully anyone; he may try to bully/clash with Cheng Qian, but I don’t think he wins (been a while since I started it - he’s like 15, and Cheng Qian is ~9-10 at this point) 

“Strict with others but lenient on himself” → responsible Sect Leader pipeline, More at 10 pm

Side B 

Wenren È from Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

The MC of Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know, Wenren È, finds a book that details the world around him where he’s the second male lead / love interest who dies to protect the Female Lead / protagonist. He is not in love with her, and he can’t imagine dying for her as is; he also doesn’t understand why his subordinate, who supposedly likes her as well, tried to kill her after his death. I think he’s tasked with addressing readers’ concerns with the novel, but there’s also a lot more going on lol

Submission 1: unhinged, no idea what romance is, has a feral dog with rabies for a boyfriend and thinks that boyfriend is super cute. Also, middle aged man. I love middle aged men.

Submission 2: Because Look, he is trying to get two characters to fall in love for Important Plot reasons and a: him and his main Minion have to look up what love is like in the shitty romance novels they're characters in, and then b: decide to make the two characters fall in love through the Cunning Use of Bugs. Also he got a copy of the book he is a character in, found out his fate, and was like I Think The Fuck Not. 

He also has pretty good morals, if not personality. He’s a much better guy than I expected him to be tbh 

Song Qingshi from Mistakenly Saving the Villain

A medical student who chooses to transmigrate into a sad Danmei novel to save the protagonist. He does not save the protagonist - he saves a cannon fodder villain named Yue Wuhuan. 

“Has a lack of understanding of social situations/an odd personality” - past submission (Danmei Tournament)

Very intelligent but dense to love and s*x; book smart; passionate about what he likes

Yin Hanjiang from Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

Submission 1: He’s my little scrunkly

Submission 2: He’s my evil wife.

Yin Hanjiang is the second-in-command of the current Demon Lord Wenren È and the fourth male lead of Abusive Romance: You are the Unchanging One in My Heart, a novel Wenren È reads. In the novel, Yin Hanjiang blackens and tries to kill the female lead after Wenren È’s death. 

You would think Wenren È would be the craziest mf in this story, but it is, in fact, Yin Hanjiang. In the original novel, he tortured/chased the FL for quite a while to the point of being one of - if not the most - hated villains in the story; he was originally masked and revealed in a completely unseen twist, I believe. 

He was saved by Wenren È as a child and is obsessed with him, although their relationship changes more to friends than boss-subordinate WAY before they get together. 

Wu Xi from Lord Seventh / Qi Ye 

Submission: He is the roundworm in my stomach

Qi Ye tells the story of Prince Jing Beiyuan’s seventh life, which is a repeat of his first life. Wu Xi is the Great Shaman’s Shamanet and the Empire’s captive from Nanjiang who did not appear in Jing Beiyuan’s first life. 

From what I remember, he uses something similar to magic to make a court official become aroused / see a beautiful woman and embarrass himself in front of the entire court. As a child. 

He also has a vast array of dangerous and venomous animals, one of which he gifts to Jing Beiyuan after they become friends. 

Li Yu from Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish 

Submission: He’s infuriating and I love him, also helped create equal rights in ancient china

Li Yu transmigrated into a carp tasked with stealing a mute tyrant’s heart (by the system). He does not know how he’s supposed to do this, but the tyrant - Mu Tianchi - is waiting for him to transform into a human, already in love(?) with him.

The reviews on Novel Updates are… mainly unflattering… but he appears to be a naive and sweet character with in a fluffy love story with the ML, Mu Tianchi 

An Zhe from Little Mushroom 

Submission 1: honest to god, he’s just a little mushroom

Submission 1: he’s just a little mushroom

An optimistic mushroom mutated into a human trying to find his stolen spores

“An Zhe is the only person who wholeheartedly believes in Lu Feng [the ML]” - Carrd 

Cui Buqu from Peerless

Submission: He’s mean, he’s disabled and unapologetic about it, he’s a genius and all his braincells escape him when faced with his rival, he’s a secret agent and has no martial arts, he’s deeply in love and will never say so unless pushed, he will liken his rival to his sun and then tell him he’s the most annoying person he’s ever met. He’s a bastard little fox <3 

Helian Yi from Lord Seventh / Qi Ye 

Qi Ye tells the story of Prince Jing Beiyuan’s seventh life, which is a repeat of his first life. All of his first five lives have been tied to Helian Yi - he helped him ascend the throne in their first life, he was an insect crushed by Helian Yi in his second life, he was a beloved dog killed to feed Helian Yi’s family in his third life, he was a neglected jasmine plant in his fourth life, he was a fox skinned by Helian Ye in his fifth life - but in the first and seventh lives, Helian Yi’s the Crown Prince of the Jin Empire while Jing Beiyuan is the Prince Nan’ning (a title; he’s not related to Helian Yi as far as I know). In their seventh life, Helian Yi seems to be treating him very well (from what I’ve read), but he’s not the love interest. 

He’s also in Faraway Wanderers (for, like, one chapter) and technically is Prince Jin in Word of Honor (but they’re pretty much completely different characters). Zhou Zishu is his most trusted aid who formed Heaven’s Window and then left. 

Idk, I haven’t gotten that far in Qi Ye; he sounds like the villain, but he’s really just Sad - Idk if he’s in love with Jing Beiyuan or what, but he’s SAD, okay? From what I can tell, he cares for Jing Beiyuan but can’t be with him because of his position as Crown Prince, but don’t quote me on that

“In that instant, Helian Yi suddenly wanted to take him into his arms, suddenly wanted to wholly throw out and disregard the home, nation, and world that weighed down on his mind and body, no longer brooding on and wishing for a liaison he didn’t dare to have. He wanted to say, from now on, come earthly blades of wind and swords of frost, I will do everything I can to block them or you. There is only one person in this life and this world for me, even without this extensive, partially mountainous, mostly oceanic king’s land.” - Source 

Feel free to submit propaganda in the notes or in my ask box!

#less popular danmei character tournament #danmei character tournament #I tried to be as detailed as possible but some of the submissions really said all that I thought needed to be said lol #also my memory is SUPER bad so stories that I read a long time ago & don't have my notes for got the short end of the stick #mistakenly saving the villain #vicious male counterpart isn't competing anymore #<-definitely wanna read that one. that one NU reviewer who described the MC as autistic REALLY upped the property value #qiang jin jiu #fourteenth year of chenghua #stains of filth #yuwu #liu yao #liu yao the revialization of fuyao sect #devil venerable also wants to know #dvawtk #lord seventh #qi ye #disabled tyrant's pet palm fish #little mushroom #peerless #wushuang #brackets #danmei character polls round 1 side a #danmei character polls round 1 side B

[fi-lo-b]

REVIEW: Mo Dao Zu Shi

AVISO: Tá cheio de SPOILERS, então CUIDADO!

Vou começar esse aqui sendo bem sincera e deixando claro que já faz um bom tempo que li, portanto, a maior parte já ficou meio embaçada e perdida na minha memória. Mas vou tentar o meu melhor! MDZS é, sem uma melhor colocação, uma jornada política com certo romance. Você vai se encontrar em meio a esquemas, tramas e alguns momentos tão gays que vão te dar vontade de dar um soco na parede. Tipo, estou falando sério. A cena da declaração não sai da minha mente até hoje. Não consigo superar o fato de que o Wei Ying escolheu JUSTO aquele momento incrivelmente tenso para finalmente cuspir o que tanto estávamos esperando. O melhor nisso tudo é o "vilão", que ficou apenas de lado nessa hora e meio que incentivando tudo, como se ele próprio já estivesse de saco cheio e quisesse juntar aqueles dois de uma só vez, não importando o custo ou o que. Isso realmente me pegou demais. Agora, deixando isso de lado… MDZS também faz um trabalho incrível com toda a descrição de cenário e emoções dos personagens. A escrita foi muito bem dividida em todos os momentos e te faz conseguir sentir com clareza o quanto a autora se dedicou ao longo do caminho. Algumas pessoas podem acabar se sentindo desmotivadas ou até mesmo confusas graças a quantidade de flashbacks. Mas, por favor, não ignore ou passe apenas o olho neles. Alguns podem até parecer irrelevantes, mas no final, você vai acabar descobrindo que todos e tudo nessa história estão ali por um bom motivo. Outro ponto atrativo nessa leitura foram sem dúvidas os personagens. E não estou falando dos principais! Claro que eles são importantes e MUITO interessantes, mas eu realmente gosto de como os secundários conseguiram me fazer prender a respiração algumas vezes. Além de também terem feito a proeza de mexer demais com as minhas emoções, me fazendo querer chorar muito e começar toda uma revolução por causa deles. Acredite em mim, essa é uma verdadeira vitória. Não sou das mais emocionadas, muito menos costumo sentir muito quando não é nada relacionado aos principais, então foi bem curioso… Resumindo, é uma ótima novel que recomendo para qualquer um. Mas não como uma primeira leitura se você nunca leu nada parecido. Isso porque você pode acabar se sentindo facilmente perdido e desanimado com a quantidade de informações, os nomes de cortesia e toda a balela de cultivo com o bônus político. É preciso ter alguma paciência para essas coisas. Então é bom ter uma certa determinação ou muita dedicação se você quiser ler MDZS e ele for seu primeiro contato com esse gênero. Acho que disse tudo o que eu queria. Espero que você leia e goste!

#mxtx #mxtx novels #mo xiang tong xiu #danmei #gay #gay men #gay man #gay couple #gay love #yaoi bl #yaoi #novel reading #novel review #novel recommendation #novel #books & libraries #books #book quotes #books and reading #mxtx mdzs #the untamed #wei wuxian #lan wangji #wei ying #lan zhan #wangxian #mo dao zu shi #the grandmaster of demonic cultivation #lgbtqia

[danmeiarchive]

The Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish by Xue Shan Fei Hu -- a brief review (VAGUE spoilers under the cut)

Novel length: 156 chapters

My Rating: ♥♥♥♥½ / 5

This novel is a fun silly romp with plenty of face-slapping and courtroom drama. Overall, this is a fun one and while I enjoyed it very much it is perhaps not one for everyone. Our main character is pretty OP and seemingly able to overcome any and all trials with his powers of being a CUTE MAGIC FISH.

Content warnings and some VAGUE SPOILERS in regard to the disability and representation under the cut.

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What kind of story is The Disabled Tyrant's Pet Palm Fish?

DTPPF is a transmigration story. So anticipate all sorts of transmigration shenanigans and tropes. It's also a story that is clearly meant for fun and not to be taken seriously. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't have heart -- there were a few times I teared up and cried as I got hit right in the feels. This is also a story with mpreg -- something that I hadn't anticipated just from the title and synopsis.

(If you are worried about the mpreg just know that it is vaguely referenced and kinda handwaved in a 'it just works' way. The novel does not go into the how or physiology. It just happens.)

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What about the disability? The tyrant is mute -- and there are some genuine moments of how he struggles with it. There's even a couple moments when he sort of uses his muteness to his advantage. It is an integral part of his character as it has changed how others treat and perceive him. It also affects his life in the imperial palace and his right of inheritance as one of the emperor's sons. It does not feel like an afterthought. That being said please check below the cut to see some more of my thoughts on this matter.

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Overall while this story does have a good amount of courtroom intrigue, drama, and backstabbing I'm still left feeling that it's a fairly lighthearted and fluffy story. I think this is mostly due to how seemingly easily and consistently our main character and his love interest are able to solve the problems they run into. It was also terribly endearing as the reader to see the tyrant falling desperately in love and just wanting to tell the main character that he is loved and that he accepts him no matter what kind of creature he is.

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Who are the main characters?

Without going into details here's a little bit about our main squad:

Li Yu aka Xiao Yu - the main character of our tale, he is a modern young man transmigrated into a webnovel he had been reading... but as the protagonist's fish! He is tasked with helping the tyrant but how can he help when he is but a small fish? He gets creative and gains some special abilities that allow him to help cause chaos and help the tyrant before eventually he is able to regain his human form for a certain amount of time. (He is referred to as "Xiao Yu" at first by the tyrant as he is a "small fish" (xiao = small, yu = fish.))

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Mu Tianchi aka Jing Wang - the protagonist of the novel Li Yu had been reading. His name is Mu Tianchi but is often referred to by his title "Jing Wang" especially at the beginning of the novel. He is said to have been born mute and as such he is not considered as a viable heir to the throne. This does keep him out of some courtroom drama but certainly not all of it. As the other brothers are fighting, scheming, and taking each other out Mu Tianchi does continue to prove to be very capable and difficult to manipulate. He also goes above and beyond when it comes to spoiling both "Xiao Yu" (the fish) and Li Yu (his human form).

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Wang Xi - protagonist's eunuch / advisor / assistant / caretaker. He's incredible and deserves so many props. He would do anything to help Mu Tianchi and Li Yu. I don't have much to say about him other than I don't know what Mu Tianchi and Li Yu would have done if Wang Xi had turned against them.

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Chu Yanyu - the original love interest of the tyrant in the novel. I won't spoil things but I will say I wanted to yeet this character every time he showed up. Just when you think you've seen the last of him he. keeps. showing. up.

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What is the plot of The Disabled Tyrant's Pet Palm Fish?

The plot of The Disabled Tyrant's Pet Palm Fish follows Li Yu's journey on regaining his human form, helping prevent certain events he knows about from the novel, uncovering the conspiracies and mysteries from Mu Tianchi's past, and securing Mu Tianchi's place as crown prince. Meanwhile Mu Tianchi and Li Yu fall in love with each other of course.

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Small critiques

I've only read this title once (so far) but unlike Silent Reading and Heaven Official's Blessing, I feel like DTPPF doesn't really have clear arcs in terms of where one book would end and the next would start -- I will be curious to see how Seven Seas splits this one up into volumes.

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There are some characters that never get names. This is not the only webnovel I've read where this happens but every time it happens I'm a little disappointed. Like, on one hand it can be hard to keep track of a ton of characters and their names but... it also is just so weird to me whenever a character continues to show up but is only referred to as "the scarred man" or in the case of this novel "the princess of JinJue." She's a pretty great character but she never got a name!

I do hope that when Seven Seas releases their translation that they will include a character list like they have in other books to help keep track of everyone. Because when the emperor's sons are mentioned sometimes it's by their birth order or title and sometimes it's by name. And of course they all have similar names (they even share a generation name -- Mu TianZhao, Mu TianMing, Mu TianChi, Mu TianXiao, etc).

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Click 'keep reading' to see more on the disability (VAGUE SPOILERS) and trigger warnings.

Disability representation in the novel

Without going into the HOW and WHY I feel it is important to mention that Mu Tianchi's disability is CURED pretty late in the novel. While I did find the outcome touching (when the main character hears the tyrant's first words and how the tyrant feels upon finally being able to speak) I think that this could be a touchy subject. I think that the novel could have not had the tyrant be cured and I would have enjoyed it just as much. And I imagine that if you're a person with a disability and or chronic illness that is reading a story where a main character struggles with his own -- only to end up magically and conveniently cured of his disability -- that it could be frustrating.

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There is also discrimination against Mu Tianchi for his disability -- he isn't considered a viable heir for the throne because he is mute, even if he is the best choice. Also since he has this disability the other characters (and the tyrant himself) worry that his children would also be disabled.

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content warnings: there's several times when jokes are made about bestiality (and a couple characters assume that Mu Tianchi's feelings towards his fish are not strictly platonic).

There is also various attempts of harm towards young children that might inherit the throne including poison, kidnapping, and threat of physical harm. Similarly, there are attempts at drugging (with aphrodisiacs, getting someone overly drunk, etc) and dubious consent situations -- (however this does not occur between our main couple). This is done in hopes of earning someone's favor, forcing them to take responsibility, and or moving up in rank and society.

There is also a character that was taken as a concubine (against her will) after her kingdom was defeated in war. All of this seems fairly standard to courtroom drama stories but I figured it would be good to mention. If you've also read this novel and think I've left some cw out let me know and I'll add them to this list.

Another user pointed out that the character of the JinJue princess is 16-- so there's some setting compliant marriages / relationships with folks who are under 18 years old. I would be surprised if she was the only character this applied to but I can't remember others right at this moment.

#danmei recs #danmei reviews #danmei webnovels #danmei reading #ila reads #The Disabled Tyrant's Pet Palm Fish #tdtppf #dtppf #mpreg #mpreg webnovel #disability in media #disability in webnovels #Fat Snow Mountain Fox #Xue Shan Fei Hu #Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong #The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish

[jammyjacketpotato]

Short review of Mist

#mist #danmei #cnovels #danmei reviews #chinese novels #unlimited flow

[overshelter]

REVIEW: Heaven Official's Blessing

WARNING: Contains numerous SPOILERS, so CAUTION!

<< REFERS TO THE UNREVISED VERSION >> This is the author's third work and also her longest. TGCF, unlike SV which seems to focus more on the emotional and MDZS which focuses more on themes such as forgiveness and overcoming, seems to pay more attention to the feelings and relationships between the characters. The fact that the MC, Xie Lian, has lived for just over 800 years is definitely not something that can be easily overcome. Having lived, felt and related to numerous types of people over such a long period of time, it's completely natural that he would end up making extremely difficult decisions or be driven to almost irreparable psychological damage. In fact, I still find it incredible and truly admirable how he managed to overcome and move on even in the midst of many things. Even if there were moments in the current timeline when you can see that some of those wounds were merely treated, but never truly and completely healed. Most of his relationships in the beginning are completely in ruins, and don't seem to have any chance of recovery. But even with all that, he has still managed, not to mend, but to patch up many wounds that have emerged over the years. The other characters were also written and developed in a very human way, which was an unparalleled point of attraction in my opinion. What really stuck with me was that no one in this story can be described as entirely good or evil. Everyone walks a fine line between these two sides, fighting and doing the best they can for themselves, their loved ones and for a hope of happiness. All their decisions, actions and emotions are extremely relatable if you simply put yourself in their shoes without having any kind of prejudice in mind. They show that we can all reach a point of no return if we are pushed to the limit. Moving on, another crucial point in this story is undoubtedly the romance. It was developed in a very sweet way. So sweet that you end up melting with every interaction. HuaLian really is that fairytale couple, who have an enviable and perfect love, with a true sense of eternity. It's completely impossible to look at them and not feel like you're floating or have that warm feeling in your chest. To tell you the truth, I think they're the couple with the cutest vibe out of the three by this author. I'd say they're like that teenage romance or the taste of first love. That love that burns, that warms you, that won't let you forget it. A gentle love that makes you feel complete and totally welcomed. With this person, you feel like the whole world could turn its back on you and everything would still be fine. Because that person, that person alone is enough. That person you know and feel will never, ever abandon you and will always be there for you, supporting you no matter what. That's how HuaLian makes you feel. That's how they are. A simple, sweet and engaging definition of the word love. TGCF is also a very good story in terms of holding your attention. There are lots of things happening all the time, well-developed schemes, backstories to be discovered, new characters and a whole range of extremely attractive contexts that you can't take your eyes off. Everything was very well written and crafted, with nothing that seemed tedious or unnecessary throughout. MXTX, for me, is an author with a real talent for writing. Everything is very captivating and can hit you hard if you choose to give it a chance. Well, I'll stop here, as I feel I have nothing more to say. I hope you give this baby a try!

#heaven official's blessing #tian guan ci fu #tgcf #mxtx novels #mxtx tgcf #mxtx #mo xiang tong xiu #hua cheng #xie lian #hualian #san lang #danmei #yaoi #gay #novel recommendation #novel review #novel #book recommendations #book review #yaoi bl

[yuexuan]

[Review] 破云

Title: 破云 (Breaking through the clouds)

Author: 淮上

Length: 155 chapters + 6 extras

Tag: Crime and mystery, action, thriller

Summary [taken from novel updates]:

Foreboding clouds raced across the skies above the city.

Three years ago, as a consequence of Commander-in-Chief Jiang Ting’s error in judgment during an anti-drug operation in Gongzhou, a chain of explosions occurred at the scene and caused the Narcotics Division to suffer heavy casualties. Now three years later, Jiang Ting, whose flesh and bones should’ve faded from existence after dying at the line of duty, actually miraculously woke up from a vegetative state.

His heroic soul could not rest – he must return to the mortal world from the depths of hell and exert all that he has in order to bring the bloody and inconceivable truth to light.

Novel | Novel[translated] | Audio drama | Manhua

Comments **Contain spoilers**:

Ok, this is the second time I am reading the novel: the first time in 2021 with the full uncensored version and the second time with the censored physical version. But honestly? The censored version still has so much fluff and sweetness, and I’m reminded once again why this is one of my favorite danmeis.

First off, a little bit more about the novel: The story starts off with former Commander-in-Chief of the drug task force Jiang Ting recovering from his three-year coma. He was discharged and started living at the KTV ran by one of his former informants. It was just his luck that a body was found in the KTV’s freezer and the cause of death attributed to an overdose of drugs. This led to the unfolding of a series of drug, kidnap, and murder cases that were related to Jiang Ting’s troubled past, and his meeting with Yan Xie, the eventual love of his life. 

Highlights:

I’ll say it again, in spite of the censored version, there were still tons of tooth-aching fluff. Jiang Ting and Yan Xie living together? Check. Jiang Ting cooking for Yan Xie and teaching him how to cook? Check. Yan Xie acting as a personal training coach for Jiang Ting? Check. They were so domestic when not working on cases and their chemistry was just *chef kiss*, the right balance of action versus mellow, brash versus stoic.

Talking about characters, the gong - Yan Xie - can come off as being too much of an overbearing ‘straight man’ when treating his underlings, but he reserved all his softness for Jiang Ting and helped the latter heal from his past traumas. He liked to think of himself as boyfriend material, despite the amount of time people want to ‘slap his face with a shoe’ and how often he got jelly of Yang Mei lol. I love how action-oriented and confident he is, and yes, there’s a reason why Yan Xie is known as one of the four coquettish gongs (‘四大骚攻’) in danmei.

When it comes to plot, Poyun presents an engaging read, filled with all sorts of plot twists and heartaches (Up until the end, we had cause to believe that Jiang Ting might be the villain). The cases are logically sound and the pacing is tight, but leaves enough room to balance the plot with the right amount of fluff. 

Another thing that I appreciated was the amount of research put into the novel. I’m actually taking notes along the way for future reference when (and if) I eventually write my crime-related fanfic~ There were just so many details, such as the different types of police and their roles, the laws, information on the drug market etc etc. And it’s integrated really well into the narrative, not just thrown as exposition. 

Also, can I talk about the female characters? It’s sort of a common critique that danmeis don’t have great female characters, but I’ll say that Poyun has a strong female cast: there’s the almighty Madam Zeng Cuicui, who was so disappointed in her son Yan Xie’s love life that she started studying up on same-sex marriage laws lol; then there’s the street smart Yang Mei, the source of Yan Xie’s envy but overall a great informant; and also the eager Han Xiaomei, who, despite her small stature, actually had a stand down against J and survived; and finally, let’s not forget Chief Yu, who was ready to retire but still managed to provide support in so many cases. Even the bad guys (gals?) such as Bu Wei were quite smart and cunning. Definitely a good selection of female characters!

Now this is probably the controversial part, but when it comes to pairings, I also shipped K and Q. Hard. Heck, add in J too, I don’t mind a KQJ threesome hehe. I loved the whole drug lord and police dynamic, their constant cat-and-mouse chases, their enemy-childhood friend relationship, and how gentle but also cruel K treated Jiang Ting. It just scratched my dark ship itch <3

#danmei #recommendation #review #破云 #breaking through the clouds

[mylittlecomfortplace]

There Is No Afterlife [Danmei Review]

➺ 4/5 🌟

This might not be without flaws, but I really had such a good time reading this novel. I picked this up because I wanted to read a danmei in space with robots and mechas, but I stayed because of the unique found family theme with a lot of scenes presenting a very touching and warm family bond.

This novel felt a little bit like an autobiography in a sense where the story starts from when the MC and ML are basically babies and the story slowly guided us to how their lives where lived to reach their current position as two of the most powerful people in the empire. But also not really a full autobiography as the perspective wasn't only fixed to the main characters. It's so much fun to read this because it felt like I was literally with them while growing up and I experienced all the years they've lived.

There are so much familial love here that melts my heart, the loyal and caring uncles, dad and brother who are all robots, the amazing and loving neighborhood grandpas, grandmas, aunts and uncles who are all crouching tigers and hidden dragons (term for those seemingly ordinary people but actually hidden masters with astounding identities). There are so many interactions here that I really loved so much, from the bottom of my heart. I didn't realize I'll be loving a very wholesome robot-human interactions this much before I started this, but here I am. This is so pure, so cozy and fluffy but there's also some heartbreaking and tragic scenes from time to time. But overall, a really lighthearted and fun read.

At first, the MC and ML reminds me so much of Gon and Killua, if Gon and Killua are having their adventures in space with their robot family. This is supposed to be a danmei, but the BL part is very little and the author even said that this is not a romance story, which I agreed. The romance came late and in a very subtle way as well, but the love and care have always been there since the beginning. It's just that labelling their relationship as romantic is not the best way, not until the last part. I want to label this as more of a slice-of-life, which is one of my favorite genres if done right. Slow and more focused on the emotions conveyed in a specific moment than having a rough, action-packed scenes.

This is such a healing novel for me. I can't even describe how peaceful my heart felt while reading this. The relationship of all the characters really did it for me. I got attached with literally all of them and I love them with all my heart! If you want a Sci-Fi with a slow-paced plot and you want to just relish the steady and relaxed atmosphere, I highly recommend this.

#danmei #danmei review #danmei review 2024 #books #book review #there is no afterlife #february 2024 review #BL review