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ara02's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Torture, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
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
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
annies_welt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
4.5
Ich hatte die Story schon öfters in der englischen Fan Übersetzung gelesen, daher war für mich eigentlich klar das es 5☆ werden...
Allerdings hatte mich die Formatierung gestört (wer fängt auf der linken Seite an?👀) und was mich am allermeisten gestört hatte war, dass Namen Übersetzt wurden😭 (Cloud Recesses, Burial Mounds, Fairy, Sunshot Campaign, Cutsleeve). I mean ich kann verstehen das man es übersetzen könnte aber es sind immerhin wichtige Namen und da fand ich es eher unpassend das diese übersetzt wurden (absolut meine persönliche Meinung und Präferenz)
Allerdings hatte mich die Formatierung gestört (wer fängt auf der linken Seite an?👀) und was mich am allermeisten gestört hatte war, dass Namen Übersetzt wurden😭 (Cloud Recesses, Burial Mounds, Fairy, Sunshot Campaign, Cutsleeve). I mean ich kann verstehen das man es übersetzen könnte aber es sind immerhin wichtige Namen und da fand ich es eher unpassend das diese übersetzt wurden (absolut meine persönliche Meinung und Präferenz)
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Homophobia, Incest, Physical abuse, Torture, and Murder
atlanticgiantpumpkin'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I read this book in four days cause my crush really wanted me to read this, and even though my crush is in vain I persevered, though this book made it so enjoyable. I haven’t read a book that fast since high school (Divergent of all things). This was very enjoyable, and while slow burn really gets to me because for the love of god y’all need to kiss already, I sqeed like a fan girl when the little tidbits of romance DID pop up. I’m still mixing up characters because so many people have the same surname, but I’m getting there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Self harm, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Body horror, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Outing, and Sexual harassment
Any homophobia and abuse is short lived.thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
4.0
After seeing this all over bookstagram, I had to try it! Plus, look at that gorgeous cover <3 There are also several black-and-white illustrations throughout.
I enjoyed this! Wei Wuxian was not what I expected at all, which was a vengeful (if hot), evil sorcerer, basically. He's the sunshine one in the trope. XD I'm looking forward to reading more of MXTX's work!
There is also a convenient glossary/name guide at the back.
I enjoyed this! Wei Wuxian was not what I expected at all, which was a vengeful (if hot), evil sorcerer, basically. He's the sunshine one in the trope. XD I'm looking forward to reading more of MXTX's work!
There is also a convenient glossary/name guide at the back.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror and Physical abuse
Minor: Death
em_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Genocide, Physical abuse, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Abandonment
tiredtori's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If you're after a book about complex characters with a rich magic system and an interesting plot with LGBT rep then this is the book for you. It is so easy to lose yourself in the pages of this book that the time flies by without you realising. I think this is fast becoming a comfort read for me.
I've read a fan translation of this online before it was released in English so this is technically a re-read for me but it was so nice to get back into this world again. I understand why they have had to break the story up into separate books but when you reach the end you can tell that this is not where it was meant to be stopped.
I've already pre-ordered the next two books in the series and can't wait to read them again, for the time being, though I'll just rewatch The Untamed on Netflix.
I've read a fan translation of this online before it was released in English so this is technically a re-read for me but it was so nice to get back into this world again. I understand why they have had to break the story up into separate books but when you reach the end you can tell that this is not where it was meant to be stopped.
I've already pre-ordered the next two books in the series and can't wait to read them again, for the time being, though I'll just rewatch The Untamed on Netflix.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Violence, Blood, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Genocide, Hate crime, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment
mustnotblink's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
5.0
I am a western reader with no language knowledge beyond English so I can not attest to the quality of the translation. However, as someone new to this genre, I did read some cultural guides (provided by the non-western portion of fandom) and some general xianxia background and tropes so that I would have a better understanding of the novel. I'm a big fan of fantasy and sci-fi so I am used to being thrown into the deep end of new worlds, but I firmly believe that having this background knowledge made my reading experience 100% better.
Mo Xiang Tong Xiu is very talented at crafting characters that people love. I can attest to that; it was very easy to start loving Wei Wuxian. His narrative is very much unreliable but there is a careful balance between his humorous antics, telling bouts of intelligent problem solving, and the extremely insightful moments of darkness that makes him a joy to read. Lan Wangji holds his cards much closer to his chest, yet allows enough glimpses over time that soon he too became a treasured addition to the shelf of characters I would fight a bitch for.
Do l desperately wish that this book was not split into three volumes so I could read the rest? Absolutely! However, I do think volume 1 did a good job balancing world/character introduction with the mystery plot progression AND flashbacks.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Gore, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Grief, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse and War
mathsaerie's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail