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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
dioscorea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Abandonment and Alcohol
Minor: Cursing
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
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
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
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.