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rtaire's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia and Alcohol
Minor: Torture and War
toopunkrockforshul's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Really enjoyed this book and I think the translation is pretty well done, all things considered. It is cool to get the full story after watching the show adaptation, and I'm excited to read the rest of them!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Genocide, Gore, Homophobia, Incest, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: War
becah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Going into this book I expected an info dump, and that's exactly what I got. I am having some issues with the writing style: there's indeed a lot of info, some of the character interactions feel stilted, and I'm not used to double (and sometimes triple) exclamation marks in a row.
It could be a cultural thing? It could also be a translation issue? I am not Chinese nor have I read a lot of Chinese novels so I can't comment on that. Either way, despite my issues I still looked forward to reading every day, so I'm still going to give it a 3 star. The plot and characters were interesting enough, I found the romance lacking but I am hoping it's just very slow burn and the next book will have more of it. Yes, I am intrigued enough to continue with the second book!
Additionally, the cover is beautiful and the art inside enhances the story in a nice way, I have stopped many times just to look at all the pieces again.
It could be a cultural thing? It could also be a translation issue? I am not Chinese nor have I read a lot of Chinese novels so I can't comment on that. Either way, despite my issues I still looked forward to reading every day, so I'm still going to give it a 3 star. The plot and characters were interesting enough, I found the romance lacking but I am hoping it's just very slow burn and the next book will have more of it. Yes, I am intrigued enough to continue with the second book!
Additionally, the cover is beautiful and the art inside enhances the story in a nice way, I have stopped many times just to look at all the pieces again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Torture, War, and Injury/Injury detail
katsintrees's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
These books are a lot of fun upon rereading, after the flashbacks reveal more and more about the characters and their relationships and unique motivations. The mood whiplash between lighthearted to suddenly heart-wrenching emotional beats are super interesting, but also exhausting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Body horror and Blood
Minor: Alcoholism and War
particledamage's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I decided to give the novels a try after watching the drama, CQL.
And after reading just volume 1, I will say, I appreciate the novel for expanding and clarifying the lore, but I think my "canon" will be the drama.
MXTX truly struggles to relay exposition in a smooth manner, instead choosing random info dumps that derail the plot and make it very unclear who knows what. I have no idea what information Wei Wuxian knows (or how he knows it, after coming back) and what information is included just for me, with him unaware.
This story is a diamond in the rough. Knowing what I know about how this ends (and also how much has been changed from original text to adaption, as I have also read the manhua and also several posts comparing the drama to the novels), I think the drama improved this story which lays down an amazing foundation. Great ideas, intriguing characters, but so much mess in between.
And after reading just volume 1, I will say, I appreciate the novel for expanding and clarifying the lore, but I think my "canon" will be the drama.
MXTX truly struggles to relay exposition in a smooth manner, instead choosing random info dumps that derail the plot and make it very unclear who knows what. I have no idea what information Wei Wuxian knows (or how he knows it, after coming back) and what information is included just for me, with him unaware.
This story is a diamond in the rough. Knowing what I know about how this ends (and also how much has been changed from original text to adaption, as I have also read the manhua and also several posts comparing the drama to the novels), I think the drama improved this story which lays down an amazing foundation. Great ideas, intriguing characters, but so much mess in between.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Blood, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death
i_island's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol and War
illiteratenerd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
taroroot's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
5.0
i love this series so much! loved reading it in a novel format <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Torture and War
morebedsidebooks's review against another edition
2.0
In 2021 North American publisher Seven Seas announced licensing for English publication multiple novel series by Chinese author Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù (MXTX). My initial reaction to this was both excited and a little uneasy. The latter because it marked the launching of an entirely new venture. The first time this publisher would be bringing over any kind of such works at all. Anyone therefore might expect challenges and minor setbacks. Let alone added tests due to acquiring one of the author’s juggernauts the Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mó Dào Zǔ Shī (MDZS). Then too I felt a bit of apprehension because of previous history (only in 2020 and updated editorial policies also leading to other plans for re-editing ) involving certain Japanese light novels Seven Seas does have more experience publishing. These concerns felt small in the face of such a big announcement though. I at least put The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation on my wishlist. When December of 2021 came, the first English volume release was the biggest debut in Seven Seas’s history and to bestseller status. I among the hundreds of thousands of readers fortunately did get it as a gift.
These concerns felt small in the face of such a big announcement though. I at least put The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation on my wishlist. When December of 2021 came, the first English volume release was the biggest debut in Seven Seas’s history and to bestseller status. I among the hundreds of thousands of readers fortunately did get it as a gift.
Unfortunately, my early fears seem to have some foundation. First try as I might, I could not help stopping to reread passages frequently. Pause for the wrong reasons at parts of the supplementary materials to aid readers when it comes to communication, context, and culture. Distractively thinking about publishing, translation theory and certain discourse while at it. To the point my eyes hurt, setting the book down time and again. Not exactly the experience I was expecting or hoping for. Nor an experience that paralleled those whom I previously knew talked of and praised MXTX over the years.
Unfortunately, my early fears seem to have some foundation. First try as I might, I could not help stopping to reread passages frequently. Pause for the wrong reasons at parts of the supplementary materials to aid readers when it comes to communication, context, and culture. Distractively thinking about publishing, translation theory and certain discourse while at it. To the point my eyes hurt, setting the book down time and again. Not exactly the experience I was expecting or hoping for. Nor an experience that paralleled those whom I previously knew talked of and praised MXTX over the years.
A couple of months later, in the middle of my still mulling the English edition over, came the publisher Seven Seas addressing growing rumblings regarding proofreading to mistranslation errors. Members of the localisation team previously expressing also regrets and dedication. Thinking back, it was something of a feat that this edition of MDZS arrived when it did. However, I wonder at what cost. These issues do still cause one to wonder exactly about internal goings-on at Seven Seas. Immense workloads and crunched timelines are a recipe for… exactly this trouble. Revising the book naturally should also take some time.
More months passing of course. The promised errata listed on the publisher’s danmei novel website still reflecting only a small number of concerns. A An updated version of the first English volume with an August 2022 third edition copyright set in print. Likewise, the updated eBook at some nearer point available too. I would stress readers and those interested in the English edition to exercise a lot of patience, in all matters. Although it is the handling of this series in English that moved me from my usual discreet stance when it comes to danmei. Sad and frustrating that sharing a review that represents the most words I have ever said about MDZS, apologetically probably says more about its North American publisher Seven Seas.
So, if one has not done already, especially first try a sample. Then my recommendation is to purchase the books digitally if able, which are more easily updated and can be redownloaded. (Available in Canada, Germany, France, Great Brittan, Ireland, Italy, Philippines, US, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden & Finland). Otherwise delaying more costly print purchases until a later date. Moreover, considering even then, this translation may just not work or be trying to work for you.
More months passing of course. The promised errata listed on the publisher’s danmei novel website still reflecting only a small number of concerns. A An updated version of the first English volume with an August 2022 third edition copyright set in print. Likewise, the updated eBook at some nearer point available too. I would stress readers and those interested in the English edition to exercise a lot of patience, in all matters. Although it is the handling of this series in English that moved me from my usual discreet stance when it comes to danmei. Sad and frustrating that sharing a review that represents the most words I have ever said about MDZS, apologetically probably says more about its North American publisher Seven Seas.
So, if one has not done already, especially first try a sample. Then my recommendation is to purchase the books digitally if able, which are more easily updated and can be redownloaded. (Available in Canada, Germany, France, Great Brittan, Ireland, Italy, Philippines, US, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden & Finland). Otherwise delaying more costly print purchases until a later date. Moreover, considering even then, this translation may just not work or be trying to work for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, and War
samugranjo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Confinement, Torture, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail