(Actively updated.) When I first started reading on NU, I wished that there was a rec list with long descriptions of the novels so I knew what I'm getting myself into instead of having to check the synopsis of each individual novel. Couldn't find any, so I created one. Here it is. Arranged from best > worst > boring reading experience.... more>>

Disclaimer; my "reviews" are my own personal, biased opinions. I'm terrible at being systematic & putting my thoughts into effective sentences, so 90% of the novel descriptions in here are just me rambling. I usually only drop & rate novels after I've read at least until c.35. Also, I like to change my ratings & reviews sporadically. Feel free to suggest more novels and/or argue with me.

[5/5] - Truck-kun would shed real man tears at these masterpieces.

Below [4.4/5] - Truck-kun would shed tears of a disappointed Asian parent.

[3/5] - Truck-kun would hit them (again), maybe then they'll transmigrate and become a better story. Replaceable at any time.

("|| STATUS: [ ]" is my reading status as of typing the novel's description.) <<less

The bl novels that have good stories *only from the novels I read before*

BL novels that has cute children. Also check out my part 2 - BL CHILDCARE. I've put some mpreg novels in there that are not... more>> included here. Tho I've reached the 100 novels limit in this list, I will replace them with more fluffy children novels. So be sure to follow. <<less

Novels translated by Chrysanthemum Garden translation team. For novels I've read, I put on higher list and give a bit comment.
Their translation is good and the pace also great. And many enjoyable story there.... more>>

Due to the limitation of the list, I delete some novels which has rating less than 4.1

Due to the limitation of the list, I put the short stories on another list: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/35706/

> Totally recommended: super duper good great story that you'll regret if not read it
> Recommended: a good story with good plot and has certain charm
> Average: not a bad story but has an average plot or some generic stuff but still good
> Not my cup of tea: I wont say it bad, but it's not my taste. Feel free to try to read it tho :) <<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

As it says on the tin.... more>>

My personal 'Best of BL'. It is in order. <<less

If you love all those then this list is for you, I’m just too lazy to separate them. I’ll add more when I get through all the ones I’ve read.They are all completed. Some are great, some are okay, some are just not for me. ... more>>

PS: so far I’ll only put what I’ve read and completed. If you have any suggestion, feel free to drop it here!

Link to part2: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/82961/ <<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

First got married or got pregnant  before falling in love... more>>

If there are novels that don't fit the description please do tell....

If you have novels in mind then please do share

I hope you all enjoy it.... <<less

To satisfy my rotten heart....
Including those books which doesn't have smut tag but contain NSFW scenes..

Perfect for us masochistic fools who just wants to experience pain 'cause thus is living *sigh*

No description.

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

Angst is mandatory... more>>

HE is required

Here’s to the sadomasochists~!  <<less

AAAA SO MANY UNDERRATED BL NOVELS♡\(>\\\<)/♡
School life: #1 - 9
Historical: #10 - 20
Sci-fi: #21 - 25
Fantasy: #26 - 28
Martial Arts: #29... more>>

 *Created; May 1st 2021 <<less

Novels with royalty tag..... more>>

Does not include QTs

Ancient settings, interstellar, omegaverse etc etc.... <<less

Just some rebirth novels I find interesting. Feel free to leave suggestions!

can't stop going back and reading them again and again, that's how good they are

Most have the following trope: pretty boy captured by the emperor/prince and forced to be a concubine.  Others marry due to imperial decree.
Some harems. Some dubious/non-consent, but not always. I will note if it's consensual.... more>>

I annotated the ones I read. Those are on top. The most recent books I found are on the bottom.

Also Recommended: "The Captured Crown Prince" aka "The Prisoner of the East Palace" aka   东宫阶下囚 by 作者:六妖.  https://www.sto.cx/mbook-186546-1.html. (dubious/non-consent).

Do a Google search of Chinese name in Chrome so you can read with Google translate.

My other danmei list: https://www.novelupdates.com/viewlist/54013/?ft=yes

Enemies to lovers; arranged marriage; forced marriage  <<less

REBIRTHHH, REBORN!, AND/OR. . REVENGE (wait, what?) or just live without regrets. . . OR LIVE WITH YOUR DYING WILL!!... more>>

just some rebirth, reincarnation, transmigration, and second chances novels or any novels that involve living again after dying and all that good stuff :)

(Will not include world hopping.) <<less

My Favorite Chinese Historical  Novels >.< This list consists of both BL and Straight novels with a rating above 4.0~... more>>

Note: Recently, some of the translation teams have taken their works down (dead links on the content section)  from NU (because NU has grown a lot) however most of them if not all have their own sites and the novels are still available there! So if you search the novels online you can still find them! ;)

P.S. There is also a part 2 with more novels and hidden gems for everyone to read! If interested the second list can be found on my account :)  <<less

Lots of scheming and imperial drama with exceptionally 'wise' emperors, more often than not. ... more>>

[Read the tags.] <<less

I read hundreds BL novel on novelupdates and now dare to make this list. The greatest, most wonderful BL novel to read :))

From my limited experience and knowledge, some of the best or most unique plots, storylines and/or writing in BL.... more>>

Or, I just really really like them, and hope you will find them just as enjoyable as I did.

 In no particular order, but my favourites and biggest recs are definitely near the top. <<less

This contains BL novels which have MC as wifes or in other words, male empress/queen and consort/concubine as well as wangfei and main/first/official wife of... more>> the generals or court officials in the ancient times. There are also some novels that have ML as wifes as well. <<less