I don't like abusive, dog-blood drama, and weak characterization. I don't like Imbalanced Couple where the Seme/Gong is too Overbearing. I don't like weak, femininized, Uninteresting/Lackluster Uke, or bratty/silly Shou whose IQ drop drastically when encountering the Gong.  ... more>>

So these are a few novels with good plots, and mainly consist of interesting MC and good ML I strongly recommend. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NOVELS IN THIS LIST IS RANDOMLY LISTED WITHOUT FIXED RANKING, and also these are only novels that I HAVE READ. 
This list will randomly be updated if I find another worth noting novel. <<less

Chinese BL novels/manhuas  + some Korean manhwas/novels getting adapted to live action (that I've read/heard of/know of) in 2022 (and some are later)... more>>

Let's read them all before the adaptations are here~~~ 

(01/22 edit: ahaha it might be hard now cuz of that situation with the translators, but at least here's a list for (potential) adaptations) <<less

These novels are ranked according to the amount of readers they have. If you're suprised by the ranking, then trust me, I'm also suprised to begin with lmao. I thought some novels, such as 2ha and Silent Reading (because I hear about them EVERYWHERE), would rank a bit higher but the number of readers said otherwise. ... more>>

Not sure about Silent Reading, but in 2ha's case I believe it could be because, compared to other higher-ranked novels (like The Legendary Master's Wife, Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil etc etc), it's pretty new and once its popularity sky-rocketed, it got published with eng translations and the fan translation was removed, so about 40% of readers of this novel probably bought the novel instead of reading it on NU — which is why they didn't add it to their reading list and those readers weren't counted.  <<less

2023 updated list bio:
variety of genres, including but not limited to: historical, sci-fi, unlimited flow(thriller/horror), xianxia/wuxia/xuanhuan, (e)sports, mystery, psychological, supernatural, slice of life, school life, comedy, transmigration. PLOT HEAVY>>>... more>>

enjoy relatively balanced power dynamics between the two leads - especially in the more enemies to lovers novel e.g. ML insanely obsessive paired with a MC who knows his worth and will beat the sh*t out of ML if he tries anything weird

⚠️ NO MPREG, NO “UWU” MC, NO SEME PROTAGONIST, NO SHITTY TRANSLATION, NO BELOW 4.2 STARS

recs are welcomed!

notw: most reviews r very old and cringe… sorry <<less

Novels that I have been following for quite some time. The crème de la crème of BL. I sifted through numerous novels to find these... more>> diamonds in the- okay enough analogies... <<less

Otherwise why are you checking this list huh?  •ิ ֊ •ิ... more>>

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Recommended raws: 

美人挑灯看剑 — It's chaotic lmao. MC transmigrated into a beautiful troublemaker who died 800 years later in his life but instead of trying to change it he's just like "why should I behave when I can live freely for 800 years?" 

And here's a few of my similar lists in case you're interested. 

But even if you aren't interested, I'm going to do my shameless self-promo anyways. Want to get rid of these ads? Buy spotify premium or maybe sacrifice that one annoying kid in your neighbourhood who always emits such inhuman noises while playing outside, making it impossible to discern whether it's his gleeful laughter from playing with his friends or anguished cries after witnessing Elmo devour his brother. 

Shizun + Disciple | Every danmei with this trope I could find: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/40623/

ML so obsessed it makes you wanna dial 911 for the MC: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/68585/

Gay harem so big they can march at a pride event: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/51511/

Ps: It's 3am. I had too much coffee. And this kind of situation always results in me cackling at the dumbest things possible, so please ignore it if any of my jokes here are weird. I'll either fix them and move on, or keep them and live with the shame.  <<less

All of these are, IMO, must-reads. Hands-down some of the best novels here. I've also included my own personal ratings and opinions of each of these novels. Well-written stories, great plots, characters, etc. I have relatively high standards for these to be my favorites, so these are all really high quality. I can't recommend them enough! coincidentally, all of them also have very high ratings (4.3-4.8)... more>>

Actively being updated. I haven't finished writing reviews/ratings for all of them yet, but I will in time. Meant to be ordered by highest personal ratings -> lowest personal ratings, but haven't had time to fix it yet. These are also my own opinions and feelings regarding each novel, so they won't be particularly eloquent, and you can definitely disagree. It's just me rambling.

Also added some ones I haven't read but will read and I know i will love. Feel free to recommend any danmei too!

...somehow, this also turned into a list of danmei I also want to read, not just a review of the ones I've read. I really can't control myself from looking for good danmei. Though, I'm sure I'll get to reviewing all of these someday <<less

My comments and ratings on the BEST BL out there that I've read over the past 5 years.  Completed as of January 2024 and will start part 2 list soon. ... more>>

I have a soft spot for strong MCs, unusual relationship dynamics, plotty action, and a well-developed side character cast. I tend to prefer feel-good stories over dark, overly complex ones. These stories don't have everything I like, but they're all great for at least one aspect. 4/5 = like it, 5/5 = love it! MXTX novels not included because they are classics. 

Let me know what you think or if you have MTL recommendations! <<less

Just a bunch of reccs :) please beware of the TW for some novels! The novels in this list are mainly on the angsty side and some fluff. Contains both historical and modern day novels. Some novels in this list are completed while some are close to being completed OR i MTL’d them and thought they were good. ... more>>

PS; i actively try to avoid things that portray characters as ‘small and innocent and childish’ (they usually describe the shou like this) so this list may not have novels like that! <<less

For personal reference/rereading. Mostly plot focus & serious favs, with solid writing/characterisations/overarching plot. Any pairings (mostly bl/het), but not many harem/stallion novels. Mostly CN/KR novels for dialogue. Roughly sorted, many genres, no/low spoilers.... more>>

I prefer wuxia over xianxia, tragedy over fluff, etc. Some less serious/non-plot-focused novels included/marked for their definitive traits.
Personal genre/trait favs: comedy, tragedy, historical, mystery, psychological, scifi, realistic, mature, bittersweet, wuxia, delinquents, strategies/war, empire building, betrayal, food.   <<less

If you're looking for bl without all the abuse. Please note that not all novels will be fluffy or without uncomfortable content, because this list instead focuses on the main couple and how they interact with each other (i.e. healthy main romance).... more>>

Does not include: unequal power dynamics like student/teacher or in*est, pe*ophilia or predatory age gaps, manipulative or controlling love interests, r*pe/s*xual assault/dubious consent, physical or emotional abuse

List will update as I get far enough into the novels to be sure of their content. 

Please let me know if you have any suggestions or disagree and I will rethink my additions!

edit: sorry for any confusion about the list recently! updates to the list system knocked out my description and I hadn't noticed <<less

The rank is unsorted some r rlly good some r just for passing/doesn't leave any much remarks/ very enjoyable/Classic types... more>>

I'm excluding the ones I read from flying Line Novels except for some Novels

UF (This means I haven't read it/I haven't finish reading it/Currently reading)

P.S the current list you're seeing is not every BL I've read, I haven't added the others because this is all I can come up with ATM/there r incomplete ones that I don't feel like adding/ something that I just don't really feel like adding <<less

Many fan translators have removed their work. So read these before they disappear! I'm worried because a lot of the novel I was reading are... more>> already gone. <<less

*in my opinion... more>>

Kinda but not really in order. If you've got similar taste, rec me stuff in the comments! 

I read a pretty wide range of genres, but in general I avoid harem, bad-end/tragedies (real life is depressing enough lol), and yandere (they creep me out). You might find some of the above on this list, but they'd have to be really good.

Updates whenever I read something good (fairly often bc I read an insane amount), but I'm pretty selective about what goes onto this list specifically. Check my reading list for the others that aren't quite at the this level. <<less

Wuxia, xianhuan, xianxia has some of the best danmei. While it may be hard to grasp at first if you’re not familiar with the setting, I highly recommend you try it out! (This was me when i read victorian steampunk for the first time)... more>>

I’ve tried to include everything: Healthy, power couple; character development; intriguing plots.

Would appreciate recs as well!

—will update— <<less

Ancient or Cultivation BL reads that will make you feel you didn't waste your time. This list is apart of a series classified by genre; other lists of this series include Thriller/Action, Fluff, and Modern/Transmigration novels. I tried to include both known and unknown novels to give more diversity to the reading list. Honest note--not a big fan of ancient settings. I've judged quality by reviews and seeming plot. ... more>>

So what is my subjective version of a quality BL of this list?

-No/little plot holes & well developed plot

Capable MC and ML  (not aggravatingly s*upid and knows when to respect each other but also put their foot down at the right moments). 

 -Lasting impression. I made this list by memory so if it's not on here...Chances are it's not worth remembering for the list.

-Makes me think--especially applies to this genre since I usually read this genre for the court schemes and palace intrigues. 

-Make me cry, laugh, yell or gasp. Perhaps all at the same  time. 

*****I have also included BL novels that have high expectations from me. The higher the expectations, the higher the stars. Hence, "***, **, *."

PS. Novels I've read are the only ones rated according to number. The rest (unread) are just listed randomly.

 PSS. There are always exceptions on this list that don't fit the requirements. But it's not bad to explore out of your comfort zone.  <<less

danmei novels i dropped (aka me fighting a losing battle w/ priest's prose*)... more>>

i rly do want to finish some of these works so i might come back to them in the future

(not you, 2ha or yuwu. not you)

*i'm getting braver day by day n this list no longer has sm of her works i'm so proud <<less

why do you even look for knife bro. treasure your life more. treasure your kokoro more. QAQ... more>>

Warning:
- I don't read BE (some might be BE-ish tho :haroldface:)
- I only add titles where I've experienced the knife, or know there would be knife for sure (ex: mudaoli's novel)
- degree of knife sharpness varies for each person. you might agree with this list, you might not. 
- I have low pain tolerance :haroldface: 

my scale of pain, ranged from 'not really hurts' to 'it haunts me every time I see kite': 
1-3: wooden rice spoon (getting hit by one hurts okay)
4-6: paper cut (hidden but suddenly you feel pain)
7-8: knife. be wary. 
9: you're almost ascending via 刀道
10: machete. you've already reached godhood of 刀道. congratulations.  <<less

Part 2 : https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/2925/

Here's my daily reading novel so i can read it anytime if i forget the tittle, i'll coming back here :3... more>>

Fluff, fluff, fluff mwehehehehehe....................

I'll leave some notes for each novel, to remind myself................... <<less

You're at the right place if... more>>

↬You're tired of: Non-con | Major power imbalance | Romanticisation of toxic, manipulative, and controlling behaviour. 

↬And you want: Novels that put emphasis on consent | Mutual respect, trust, and understanding between the main cp | Forehead pecks | Character development | Couple growth | Misunderstandings that get resolved through proper communication. 

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Please make sure to first check the tags on these novels before starting them though, as some of them talk about sensitive matters (Mistakenly Saving the Villain for example) 

Also, aside from Saye — which holds a special place in my heart, rest of the list isn't arranged by my personal preferences but rather the covers, as I like to keep my lists colour-coordinated. However, if you were to ask me, my favourite healthy relationships out of these would be — Saye, Mistakenly Saving the Villain, Restricted Area, Heaven Official’s Blessing, and To Rule in a Turbulent World.

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Please let me know if there's more novels with healthy relationships or if I accidentally added a novel which doesn't have one ( ˊᵕˋ ; ) <<less

Master x Disciple / Elder disciple(shixiong) x Younger disciple(shidi)... more>>

I have a preference for MCs raising a bun thinking it's a white rabbit when it's actually a h**ny wolf-pup gong who just wanna push them down and "cultivate" feelings~ 

But this contain 4or5 older gongs/seme MCs too (mostly cause my lazyass can't bother to sort it all out and make another list)~

Very very incomplete list cause I've only added novels that I've read/am reading... Will update as i find new ones.

⚠️ be warned. Most of the MLs need therapy, of varying degrees, but unfortunately that's a non-existent concept in cultivation worlds.. So we've got a lotta Yanderes in here and all their associated red flags!⚠️ <<less

bl stories i hated or dropped, mostly because they were too long for me or had unhealthy relationships. Or were just way too boring... more>>

i’ll only write ”dropped it” if i don’t even remember the story anymore <<less

[Some of these I have not completed (or are ongoing) so the list is subject to CHANGE at ANY TIME]... more>>

Notes contain mini introductions of the MC (with information from the first few chapters) and what I like about them. I also add novels that have potential to be great reads with promising MCs. But if they repeatedly annoy me, they are off the list.

(Despite the continued list, I am still updating this rec list (as some are still ongoing, and some I have yet to add notes for). <<less

✿ A refined collection of the most illustrious novels to date. Most, if not all, include a series of the precursor elements below:... more>>

- A primarily homos*xual theme. 

- Fully translated, or at least semi-translated. (MTL perhaps)

- Takes place in a xianxia, wuxia, or similar fantasy-esque settings. Historical and militaristic settings are quite abundant as well. Modern--maybe only a select few.

- Good relationships and even better drama. 

- The more dark, problematic themes, the better.

(I also want to make it clear that although I do rank the novels on this list based on how much I liked them, even if I give a book a low rating they still made it to this list so they're still worth reading! i have only come across ONE novel that was so unbearable to read that It couldn't even be listed here lol)

a WIP list. I will succumb to jjxwc sooner rather than later.  <<less