The Desolate Era

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Fate had never been kind to Ji Ning. Wracked by illnesses and infirm his entire life on Earth, Ji Ning knew early on that he would die as a teenager. What he didn’t know was that there really was such a thing as life after death and that the multiverse was a far larger place than he thought.

A lucky twist of fate meant that Ji Ning was reborn into a world of Immortals and monsters, of Ki Refiners and powerful Fiendgods, a world where Dynasties lasted for millions of years. A world which is both greater… and yet also smaller… than he ever could imagine. He would have the opportunity to join them, and in this life, Ji Ning swore to himself, he would never let himself be weak again! The Era he was born into was a Desolate one, but Ji Ning would make it his era.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Age of Desolation
Jade Sword (official English title of drama and anime version)
Mãng Hoang Kỷ (Man Huang Ji)
Records of Barbarian Ji of the Primeval Era
العصر المقفر
莽荒纪
Related Series
Coiling Dragon (Shared Universe)
Recommendations
Coiling Dragon (23)
Stellar Transformation (12)
I Shall Seal the Heavens (10)
Swallowed Star (9)
The Nine Cauldrons (8)
Tales of Demons and Gods (7)
Recommendation Lists
  1. china
  2. Best Novels I Read in years (Must read for you)
  3. My Gem Collection
  4. For the chuunibyou guy inside us all: male centric...
  5. Wow there's a manhua version (ML)

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/08/15 World of Watermelons v1c18
03/08/15 World of Watermelons v1c17
03/07/15 World of Watermelons v1c16
03/06/15 World of Watermelons v1c15
03/06/15 World of Watermelons v1c14
03/05/15 World of Watermelons v1c13
03/05/15 World of Watermelons v1c12
03/04/15 World of Watermelons v1c11
03/04/15 World of Watermelons v1c10
03/03/15 World of Watermelons v1c9
03/03/15 World of Watermelons v1c8
03/02/15 World of Watermelons v1c7
03/02/15 World of Watermelons v1c6
02/28/15 World of Watermelons v1c5
02/28/15 World of Watermelons v1c4
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198 Reviews sorted by


Angel K
Angel K rated it
May 31, 2018
Status: --
One of the best webnovels I have ever read.

Desolate era represents what a xianxia chinese webnovel really means.

The MC is reincarnated from earth to the cultivation world. He is extremely talented, and of course gets overpowered over the course of the novel.

The author did a really good job describing the world, the characters, and the plot development.

Overall very satisfied and even though it is a really huge novel with many chapters I never got bored.

Itadakimasu!!!
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ddzhalev
ddzhalev rated it
May 15, 2018
Status: afterword
Rating: 8.5/10

Hey,

Let me start by saying that this is, without a doubt, one of the three best web novels I've ever read.

The writing is good (or it might just be the translation), the story has some actual twists and turns (no smooth sailing for the MC here), the MC is powerful, but not untouchable, a lot of the supporting characters are likeable (even if they get almost no "screen" time). The author even tried to include actual character and romantic development (although these parts could be better). Frankly, it's... more>> just not boring at any point!

Still, it does suffer from a lot of the general problems of Chinese web novels - a training system that's pretty much the same in every novel, lots of filler content, frankly ridiculous scales for time/distance/etc., almost no exposure for the secondary characters (especially the romantic interest) and a general lack of surprises when it comes to the sudden appearance of the next batch of baddies or the next "fortuitous encounter".

Still, if you can ignore these things (or, like me, are pretty much numb to them at this point) this novel is excellent! It has drama, suspense, action and a little bit of everything else! Objectively, it deserves a 8.5/10 as far as web novels go.

So why the hell don't I like it then... well, I can list a few reasons. Bear in mind, however, that they are, for the most part. purely subjective.

This web novel is a lot less kind towards the characters than most. A lot of people, both good and bad, have unpleasant things happen to them (although this is generally more in the first half of the novel). It's never graphic, but a few things do go beyond what I enjoy reading (although it's nowhere near as bad as Against the Gods or Warlock of the Magus World, for example).

Another issue, for me, was with the romantic partner of the MC. While romance isn't really a major focus of the story (not really) the author could have done better to make the partner of the MC more likeable. We get a few short POVs from her, then a ho*kup between the two, then a very short sob story and that's pretty much it as far as their interactions go. It was incredibly underwhelming and I honestly couldn't care less about her or what her fate is. Usually, I wouldn't mind much, because this is basically the template for most "cultivator" type novels, but seeing as how the author tried to make her a major influence on and motivation for the MC's development later on, this part should have been handled better. As it is, it makes the MC's journey feel a little pointless.

The biggest problem I have, however, is with the world building. Most of it is actually pretty good, however, the first part of the novel focuses on making the larger universe seem incredibly mysterious and it actually does a very good job at doing that. There was a sense of mystery and adventure to the entire story that was really great. I was honestly impatient and curious to see what the author had thought up for the "larger world". Sadly, when the MC started to really travel around, it just turned into more of the same - sects, schools, major powers and a ridiculous number of supposedly powerful cultivators who turned out to be mediocre. The worst thing was the entire buildup of almost awe and curiosity that the author stretched over hundreds of chapters that was later on ruined in a single book.

I could list a few more minor issues I have with the story, but these three are my major gripes. Overall, The Desolate Era is a web novel that is very good in almost every way that matters, but still lacks something to make me really like it. Honestly, it's probably a case of betrayed expectations more than anything else...

tl;dr It's really really good, but I don't like it.

Cheers,

D <<less
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LeiFeng
LeiFeng rated it
May 10, 2018
Status: afterword
If you like big numbers, this is something you'll definitely like.

Despite any cons I can think of, it was a pleasant read, from the beginning till the latter half of the story.
The world building from the start which started off amazing and stayed true to it's quality till near the end [which started to become relatively random] still managed to keep my interest.

The world building is immersive, an enjoyable read throughout with easy to recall details - as you progress with the story, which is usually poorly executed for... more>> lengthy novels.

My only misgiving that I will bring up with this novel is that the supporting cast or important side characters [many in fact] are forgotten by the author even after being fleshed out for many chapters or arcs, which is a pity.

The translation quality really shined through on this novel, which made this novel better than it probably was.

TL;DR
I would recommend this novel to anyone who simply wants to read for pleasure and not for those who like to over-complicate any and everything.
The sheer amount of chapters only adds onto the pleasant experience - a long lasting joy ride.

However it also needs to be said that this novel is not meant for those who're excessively casual with their reading experience [wants to get straight to the point at the shortest amount of time]. <<less
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The guy behind the curtain
The guy behind the curtain rated it
May 5, 2018
Status: afterword
So lets do a quick review for all that dont like to read much reviews

Cultivation great alot of levels/realms, starting cultivation is very fun to read

Main character is very interesting the man is always in pursute of perfection of his sword which makes me love him for that since many MC will go for 20 different sh*t and than use like 3

optional read> (Also his pursuit of the sword makes him learn different stuff to integrate it into his use of the sword which is an amazing concept others should... more>> try it :D)

Side characters who cares about them some people complain about side characters in other novels but they are side characters for a reason, there to forward story not be second MCs

Story is good I liked it very fn except
Spoiler

that wife part I mean for real his wife that betrayed em is his motivation to strive forward and try to revive her I dont buy into that f*ck her betraying ass, kill the dude that killed her the end

[collapse]

Also the story later is happening in a HUGE scope an I mean HUGE its insane, I mean at one point ji ning uses hundreds of millions of years just to meditate I MEAN DAMN he must be the oldest MC out there haha, the World is also huge and very fun to get to know about

IN SHORT HELLA GOOD READ THE NOVEL NO POINT IN READING REVIEWS< mostly because mine is the best > AND A LITTLE RANT DONT READ NOVELS FOR ONLY LIKE 20 CAHPTERS AND THAN DROP YOUR BENCHMARK SHOULD ALWAYS BE 100, UNDER THAT IS JUST DUMB ESPECIALLY IF THE NOVEL IS 700+ CHAPTERS <<less
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Cold_fire
Cold_fire rated it
April 29, 2018
Status: Completed
I started reading chinese novel with COILING DRAGON, one of IETs work... And now desolate era has ended too.. If you like normal story with straight charcter & with no s*upid harem or r*pe then this is the novel for you.. It is not a total masterpiece but it is worth reading as it will lead you to a incredable journey.. It may lack in some parts but dont believe in those who write bitter words about it.. Believe me, its worth a try
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Deamon
Deamon rated it
April 20, 2018
Status: v45c17
Well what can I say, it's been a journey seeing Nings rise from a lowly mortal to what he achieved. It was an amazing journey though some parts were a tad bit slow. So if your looking for a good novel I recommend this one. Oh and if you do start the novel then your he'll of alot luckier then me, I've had to wait for the next release just to know what happens at a cliff hanger. While you'll get to read it straight away, thanks to the awesome... more>> and tenacious Translator for the great quality and great amount of releases.

ITS A GOOD NOVEL, MUGHT NOT BE FOR EVERYONE BUT IT PICKS UP AFTER A WHILE, I DO RECOMMEND <<less
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Fankadas
Fankadas rated it
February 28, 2018
Status: v42c2
I've been following this series for quite some time, and all I can say is that i've really been enjoying it so far. This novel gets really good after you get through the pretty average start.

10/10 would read again
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Feuer Frei
Feuer Frei rated it
January 4, 2017
Status: v21c28
This is the first novel by IET that I've read. That being said.

Characters: The novel focuses almost entirely on the MC. Non-MC characters get no character development. Bad guys are either cannon fodder or dime-a-dozen villains with no development that the MC mows down in a few short chapters. Non-baddy characters are mostly temporary companions and completely forgettable, there is zero relationship building done in the novel between the MC and theses people who he's supposedly deeply attached too. The MC's own daughter got little more than a few paragraphs... more>> and she's like over a hundred years old now.

World-building: Shits big, characters travel near the speed of light all over the place. Little is done to set a "stage" for this novel beyond, "MC is in a forest, MC is in the mountains, MC is on a different planet/dimension/etc". Story: I actually enjoyed most of the story despite my criticism of the above, right up til the end of the Grand Xia Relmwar. The story has gotten progressively worse and less believable after that, the MC becomes progressively more evil yet the author continues to present him as the "good guy". <<less
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rapture_edge
rapture_edge rated it
July 4, 2016
Status: v14c16
Another great IET novel. If you enjoyed Stellar Transformations, Coiling Dragon, this is another novel to enjoy. It has its similar IET style flow with stories that parallels ST. I enjoyed ST and CD so obviously I enjoyed this one too. If you are new to the CN xianxia genre, then this is a good casual place to start.
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Devilsfruit
Devilsfruit rated it
June 6, 2016
Status: v45c17
So, I've just read everything and I have to say, Desolate Era is quite entertaining to read. Sadly, it inherits some of IET's usual downfalls as witnessed during the ending of Coiling Dragon.

All and all, it is better and less generic than other similar novels (like Chaotic Sword God), but (IMO) not as entertaining as Coiling Dragon.
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Ark-End
Ark-End rated it
March 19, 2016
Status: --
I've felt back and forth about this story.

I absolutely love his other stories, Coiling Dragon and Stellar Transformations. This one is a bit less exciting.

MC rarely meets opponents that pose a strong challenge to him. There's also a lot less drama than CD and ST.

That doesn't mean it's a bad story though. There are still some incredibly epic moments, so I recommend you give it a try.
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oezsoyb
oezsoyb rated it
February 15, 2016
Status: --
Different settings, different names, different skills, yet feels like an alternative version of CD. Im not saying that this is a bad thing, seeing as CD is a very good novel. If you liked CD, you will notice similarities in the writing and in the atmosphere of the world, and u will be delightfully surprised.

Nonetheless, there are flaws. Just as usual for the author, this novel focuses to 99% on cultivation methods, combat styles etc. It is heavily based on cultivation, thus barely leaving out any room for emotions and... more>> character development. The side characters feel very flat and unfortunately very half assed. I also dont get why people tag this one as “Romance”; please stop tagging untruthful tags on this novel just to attract readers: this novel BARELY involves any sort of remote romance, which is why this tag is misplaced here.

Overall, a good novel for people who like fighting and cultivating. A bad novel for people who prefer character development and emotions. <<less
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Fluffy
Fluffy rated it
December 11, 2015
Status: --
Loved this novel it was my first Chinese novel I have read. Though it has some times of repeated dialogue it was still great reading Ji Ning grow up and how he overcomes hardships. Though I read ahead... Being this case almost finishing but I didn't want to read on if a huge fate turning chapter and stopped. So I am waiting for it to get translated which will take a very long, long time. So this is a good novel to read by IET and if you're like me... more>> who unknowingly read the book after Stellar Transformation. <<less
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Mskomek
Mskomek rated it
November 28, 2015
Status: --
i believe best plot that made by IET. Not have unnecessary drama MC is going to be strong accordig to storyline and not s*upidly op
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Asakura
Asakura
November 3, 2022
Status: Completed
This novel is a fun read to waste your time.

you dont feel any strong emotion with this novel but technically its a very good novel just the emotional connections are clearly like a silencer upon a 9 mm aka not alot compared to an actual shot
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Kelroar
Kelroar rated it
October 4, 2022
Status: Completed
For me the novel started very well, good world building, interesting characters and cultivation system, plus an opening plot that makes one want to read more. I loved all of this but since the end of the tournament arc, I think the series was falling in quality.

The increasingly boring plots, many forgettable secondary characters, strange and incoherent cultivation systems, weapons and artifacts with little or no impact, power levels without logic and that vary depending on the author's narrative need, all these made reading the novel It was more a... more>> commitment to finish the novel than a pleasure, I feel that the author in the middle of the novel did not know what to do and improvised without thinking much about the future consequences, which later caused all these inconsistencies in the story.

It's a shame because I liked Coiling Dragon and Stellar Transformation a lot, I hope the author's other novels recover their level. <<less
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titan2028
titan2028
October 7, 2020
Status: afterword
A must read for fans of chinese novels. This is one of the ones that started it all, an OG novel so to speak. While it has very many noticeable flaws, plot armor/BS, it is a story of epic proportions.

4/5 stars.
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Jusbored
Jusbored rated it
March 20, 2020
Status: Completed
Highly recommend it!

It's like Coiling Dragon, Martial World, Against the Gods, etc. Solid story with great Main Character and some side characters.
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NakuyKi
NakuyKi
February 17, 2020
Status: c16
Current Score: 3/10 [Mind-Numbing]


over 11k pages wow.

I understand that the story is fast paced due to the scale of the world (s) as mentioned in the beginning, so this review will be changing over time as I'm reading this as a time-killer.


Pros

  1. Interesting concept
  2. See Point One
  3. Refer to Point Two
Cons

  1. Stereotypical "tragic backstory/event" being used as justification for OP Status leading to what seems to be "arrogance."
  2. The "world building" for the MC's current world has absurd scaling
  3. MC already made a fan-club out of his new family
  4. Author is clearly going for word count, so a lot of paragraphs are just reiterating what was said before (Which is a large reason why I think this novel is "mind numbing."

My understanding of the story so far:

... more>>
Spoiler

Some old dude tells the MC in the afterlife to remember some bit*h from a painting to automatically become strong once he regains his memories at the age of 16... that will supposedly get wiped out by a potion prior to being reincarnated in the heavenly realm.

Right before he gets said potion, some random ass event happens that distracts the old lady in charge of the potions and he dives into the tunnel leading to the mortal realms... And so he is reborn as a mortal with his previous memories, which includes the bit*h that'll make him stronger.

And then at the age of two (or four), he then tells his dad that he wants to become an immortal and his dad is like "ok, " and proceeds to train his toddler son.

And right now where I'm at, he is an OP-ass 10 year old that can slay god beasts and regenerate limbs.

[collapse]


There is honestly no point to introducing the MC as a Mother-Teresa-level kind person with lots of good karma when his attitude (with his memories intact no less) makes a 180 into arrogance EXCEPT to provide some sort of excuse for why he receives an OP-ass advantage over other people. <<less
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Kamuizin
Kamuizin rated it
January 2, 2020
Status: Completed
This is my first review and the only one I intent to bother write for a while.

The sole reason is, I got in love with this novel.

It’s not because of a awesome history (it’s good) or truly indepth secondary characters (that’s a bitting lacking), but because for the very first time I got a nom hypocrite and coherent MC behavior throughout the whole novel!

... more>> As a plus, while secondary chatacters rarely got so much in-depth personality (they exist, but are few) MC tend to not forget anyone that marked his journey.

Btw, lemme put up in front that MC is the righteously kind of guy, the own scenario of the novel prompt him to be. While I don’t have any preference for this kind of alignment (loved warlock or the magus word) this one is done withot the common chinese hipocrisy (with all due respect), wherethe author narrate an angel, justifiyng the unjustifiable, and the behavior of MC is of a devil. <<less
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