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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
vigil's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
translation issues aside (odd wording, awkward sentences, phonetic laughter rather than simply saying a person is laughing, and the constant and jarring pov changes that switch from 3 person limited, to third person omniscient, or to third person limited again, but this time for another character) i enjoyed myself.
it doesn’t take very long to get going, but i did meander a bit with it until the middle portion. i appreciated the way that the flashbacks are done in the the novel rather than the other adaptations, as it gives a better look into wwx’s headspace and his thought process. and it doesn’t shove you into a completely story after setting up the first one. we are nearly as knowledgeable and as confused as he is at any given time, and it make the book more immersive. though wwx is the definition of an “unreliable narrator” so take it with a grain of salt.
the characters are different from the adaptations but far from as unrecognizable as i think is played up. generally if you liked them in the adaptations you’d probably like them in the novel, or at least give them some leeway.
i should reiterate, the translation is very very questionable. it doesn’t sacrifice overall clarity per se, but it certainly makes some choices for the narrative.
it doesn’t take very long to get going, but i did meander a bit with it until the middle portion. i appreciated the way that the flashbacks are done in the the novel rather than the other adaptations, as it gives a better look into wwx’s headspace and his thought process. and it doesn’t shove you into a completely story after setting up the first one. we are nearly as knowledgeable and as confused as he is at any given time, and it make the book more immersive. though wwx is the definition of an “unreliable narrator” so take it with a grain of salt.
the characters are different from the adaptations but far from as unrecognizable as i think is played up. generally if you liked them in the adaptations you’d probably like them in the novel, or at least give them some leeway.
i should reiterate, the translation is very very questionable. it doesn’t sacrifice overall clarity per se, but it certainly makes some choices for the narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Death, Homophobia, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol
l_ander's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Homophobia, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
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
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
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.rensreading's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
oh i loved everything about mdzs and i was over the moon about finally having a physical copy in my hands.
wwx is the same lovable, oblivious idiot who keeps sticking his foot in it whenever possible. lwj is the same unmovable, tender man who feels too much and hides those feelings to keep himself safe. together, they are so wonderful.
the amount of times i called wwx a clown while i was reading is uncountable. don’t ask me how often it happened, just know that it did lmao
this new translation though… i had to keep checking the OG translation because this new translation had so many differences (i am wary of claiming these as errors since i am not chinese, do not understand mandarin or cantonese, and i do not have the right amount of knowledge nor right to have a say in that particular argument either way). this new translation added many details that were either kept vague in the OG translation or were not mentioned. this new translation also changed many of the terms that older mdzs fans were more familiar with when it come to the text. this new translation also removed many lines that were probably not important plot-wise but were fundamental when it came to the relationship development between wangxian.
i will keep my pre-order of vol 2 intact, but i do hope the translation is cared more about in the future.
simply because of the translation differences, i will be rating this 4 stars instead of 5 😌
wwx is the same lovable, oblivious idiot who keeps sticking his foot in it whenever possible. lwj is the same unmovable, tender man who feels too much and hides those feelings to keep himself safe. together, they are so wonderful.
the amount of times i called wwx a clown while i was reading is uncountable. don’t ask me how often it happened, just know that it did lmao
this new translation though… i had to keep checking the OG translation because this new translation had so many differences (i am wary of claiming these as errors since i am not chinese, do not understand mandarin or cantonese, and i do not have the right amount of knowledge nor right to have a say in that particular argument either way). this new translation added many details that were either kept vague in the OG translation or were not mentioned. this new translation also changed many of the terms that older mdzs fans were more familiar with when it come to the text. this new translation also removed many lines that were probably not important plot-wise but were fundamental when it came to the relationship development between wangxian.
i will keep my pre-order of vol 2 intact, but i do hope the translation is cared more about in the future.
simply because of the translation differences, i will be rating this 4 stars instead of 5 😌
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia and Murder
Minor: War
corpses are brought up a lot and included in many scenesem_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
miss_sunshine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Gore, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body horror, Child abuse, Homophobia, Blood, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol