Kaleidoscope of Death

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It started off peculiarly; first, his domestic cat refused to let him cuddle it.

Lin Qiushi soon found that a sense of disharmony and incongruity began to pervade everything around him.

Then, one odd day, he pushed open a door, and he discovered that the hallway he was familiar with turned into a boundless corridor.

At both ends of this corridor were twelve, identical iron gates.

He pushed one of the doors

Thus, the story begins.

Ruan Nanzhu said to Lin Qiushi, “When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss will also gaze back into you.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Qiushi sank into deep contemplation. He then pulled down the zipper of his trousers and aimed at the abyss…

Ruan Nanzhu: “…Put your pants on properly!”

Super shameless, ill-pampered gong X Shameless, calm shou; a combination of double [or extreme] shamelessness.

Associated Names
One entry per line
KOD
Kính vạn hoa chết chóc/Tử vong kính vạn hoa
Sǐwáng wànhuātǒng
The Spirealm (Drama)
Калейдоскоп Смерти
ฝ่ามิติประตูมรณะ
死亡万花筒
死亡萬花筒
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Global Examination (13)
The Earth is Online (13)
Escape the Infinite Chamber (6)
Supernatural Movie Actor App (6)
The Trial Game of Life (6)
Paintings of Terror (5)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Chinese Novel and Danmei
  2. The consequence of my BL binge
  3. Greatest Unlimited Flow - BL (long reviews+ratings...
  4. Unlimited Flow BL
  5. BLs Adapted into Dramas ( live action )

Latest Release

Date Group Release
07/11/18 Taida Translations c6
07/10/18 Taida Translations c5
07/08/18 Taida Translations c4
07/04/18 Taida Translations c3
06/30/18 Taida Translations c2
06/25/18 Taida Translations c1
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272 Reviews sorted by


Lighthouse Snail
New Lighthouse Snail
March 20, 2024
Status: Completed
Despite having some details that got me disappointed in this novel, it was still an amazing read!

First of all, don't be deceived by the description, because the MC is not shameless at all, he's just pretty chill and easygoing (but not a pushover). He doesn't mind spoiling ML and indulging in the things he likes. He's really really chill. The ML, however, is one hell of a funny guy and is really shameless. I fell in love with his dramatic and over the top personality inside the doors, and most... more>> of the times he stood out more the MC himself.

I really like stories with survival games. Plus, when there's a horror element, it becomes even better. This is exactly what this story is. I was really excited reading some of the doors the characers go through. Only the first door got me hugging my kness because I read it at night and didn't know what to expect, so imagination about the ghost inside the doors went wild. Inside the doors we can taste a bit of terror, a bit of sadness, a bit of hopelessness, and these elements got me going through it, mainly when MC got on the last doors.

The whole problem I have with this book lies within two aspects of the narrative.

First of all: At some point, I felt that the doors were too repetitive. They each had different ghosts and mysteries to solve, but the course of action in all of the doors was pretty much the same. Enter the door, sleep, investigate, sleep, oh no somebody died, investigate, sleep, find the key, open the door. End. There wasn't much of a feeling of dread, the type you get when people's life are hanging by a tread. There were only a few doors in which I felt a real sense of danger for MC and ML, and though the mysteries were fine, I wish we had different dynamics going for each door.

The second thing is that plot twist by the end of the novel. I honestly don't understand why people would decrease their rating on this novel because of that plot twist. It wasn't anything that destroyed the happy ending and, to be honest, I believe that it barely has some weight on the rest of the novel. However, I understand why some people disliked it. I myself didn't like it, because I thought it was an unecessary and useless twist that had no real impacts on the events of the novel. For this reason, I believe I can ignore the chapters in which the author had the not-so-brilliant idea of adding such a weird plot twist and make my own head cannon (in which there was not plot twist).

In terms of romance, everything is just fine. It doesn't stand out much, and sometimes I even forgot that ML and MC started dating, but they are really sweet to each other and the whole thing of "I want us to die together" between them wasn't anything forced or out of place, because their growing dependency on each other is well developed and lovely to see. <<less
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At0mik
New At0mik rated it
March 18, 2024
Status: --
Ah I actually wanted to give it 4 stars, but it doesn't let me change it.

! This. was. too. scary. wtf !

I have to admit I did speed read some parts that were too much for my little heart...

Where to start ?! The characters are so well written, I was too attached and therefore I suffered greatly. Ofc it is a book about death, so death really did come, even for the most loveable characters.
The scenery and stories within the doors are extraordinary! So spooky and so immersive, too... more>> immersive and scary at some points lololol but I do not enjoy horror in general. The horror improved for me, as it became more about tension than about gore, as the doors passed by. I found the fact that this is based of folklore quite cool, it adds something for me... as well as the cat-agenda, that kept me smiling. There are also quite a lot of moments with humor and little romance breaks that balance out the story quite well (if not I would have found it unbearable).
I feel like I wished I was more into horror to appreciate this, but I am indeed a scaredy cat (I have watched 1 horror film in my life and it traumatised me lol).
About the twist, the only thing that bothers me is that it is an extra and not part of the main body. That does not make sense to me. I actually quite liked the twist, even though it is quite sad.
Spoiler

I kind of suspected that RN was not human and once the 11th door started I kind of guessed he was the door and I kind of was disappointed with the end but then the extra gave it back to me... although I really hoped this to be included along the main story

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Additionally, the story does feel rushed after the 11th door, to the point I had to go back to check if I skipped chapters or something. So I agree with others when they say it feels quite different from the rest of the book. However, I feel like I do not have issues with the twist or what the final door are, the issue is more about pacing and development for me. Added to that, I never understood why authors add to the story through extras because for me extras are like little mini theaters to show either different perspecitves or just cuteness. Having such a good twist there felt a bit like not wanting to fully write it out. Which I think it is a shame as I quite liked the twist and hoped it would be better developed.

Anyways!!!!! I recommend this, loved it. <<less
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dontbotherlovingme
dontbotherlovingme rated it
July 7, 2018
Status: Completed
Oh My God!! This is freaking awesome!!

I read this without any pause because this novel is too good!

The author is the same as I am Incomplete Without You, which is also a horror-yaoi genre. Tired of transmigrating MC's, systems, cultivation world, ABO world, typical I return to time and I'll get my revenge MC's, possessive ML that doesn't makes sense why he is possessive in the first place, then I advice you to read this!!! This is a hundred times better.

I advice you to read this if you want:

A.) good plot

B.) intelligent MC & ML

C.) suspense and horror

D.) mystery

E.) good romance

F.) mind-blowing story lines

G.) good comedy

Basically the MC and ML are dying in the real world. Because of this, for them not to die, they need to solve mysteries and find the bronze key to unlock the gate and return to the real world. There are a total of 12 doors they need to pass. And the higher the door, the higher the difficulty. Also, this is very important:

If they die inside the door, they would die in the real world.

In the MC's case, if he died inside the door, he would die due to liver cancer in the real world. That's why inside the door, you can trust no one unless he is your teammates whom you can really trust because everyone is desperate to live.

If you read the first translated chapters, you would notice something special regarding the MC, through which ML also noticed and reason he recruited the MC to his organization in the real world.

Spoiler

Regardless of the situation, the MC is very calm and can adapt well. For a first timer in entering the door, he is regarded as special. Because those who would enter the door for the first time, would have a major breakdown and would cry. They won't accept the reality of entering the door. The MC, however did not even cry but was very calm. Also, in a group of desperate people, he was the most selfless. So ML, who already entered several doors became interested in him. Also, the MC has good hearing ability which is very useful and he is also intelligent.

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ML is someone who is also very intelligent and leader of an organization through which they help people pass the door and earn a living. He is very beautiful and often cross-dresses when he enters the door so that it will not give out his identity.

Regarding the romance: what can I say? It's just right. The MC and ML's love is so unconditional. In a life and death situations, they won't leave each other and tried to overcome them together. Once, the MC sacrificed himself to bring out the key and locked himself in a burning room, but the ML still entered the room and brought him out.

"I just thought that if it was I who was in that situation, he would also do the same." said the ML.

Also, DO NOT FORGET TO READ THE EXTRAS! This is very important. There is a very big revelation that would make your mind blown up to the milky way galaxy!! This novel is considered as number one in my favorites. If you read this, you can't help but value your life more. I just don't get why this novel has a very low rating. It's a masterpiece!!!

Just read this people!!! I assure you, it's worth it!
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Celissiye
Celissiye rated it
September 22, 2020
Status: Completed
KoD is a key example of one of the 'it was really good until it was bad' stories. All in all I can't say I hated it (actually I REALLY liked it), but it definitely left me dissatisfied.

The key issue lies in how the author decided to end the book.

I honestly think that the author must have gotten tired to writing the doors and thus created a cliche, slapstick ending to wrap up the last two doors quickly, the 11th and 12th, (which were supposed to be the most... more>> terrifying and have been horrifying readers at the thought since the beginning).

This next part will contain many spoilers...

Good things first.

In general I loved the couple dynamic, unlike with some other BL, the 'romance' aspect was like a delicious treat during intervals of peace during the story, while the main focus was on surviving the doors. The author also did a nice job at slowly increasing the tension as we realize that lovable side characters CAN and WILL die. The MCs slowly change after going through the loss of these important people, whether it is becoming more detached or having a different personality in the door.

We see LQ (MC) learn to become 'calm' in horrifying situations, unlocking his potential to deal with the dangers within the doors.

Moreover, the relationship of the MC and ML is much more equal than in many other BL, as LQ becomes accustomed to the doors and grows into an important ally of Ruan Nanzhu (ML), where they save each other's lives on multiple occasions. RN cross dresses and often acts as meek to the MC and begs for attention, while the MC is more even-tempered in nature. It didn't come across as too forceful, as there were often times that both RN and LS were uncertain and hesitant about forming a relationship, and they often protect each other.

In the world of the doors, kindness can be fatal, and so the moments of small affection between RN and LQ shined more. The mental breakdown LQ experienced during the 1oth door was honestly the pinnacle of the story. At that time RN also had his own character development.

Each door world was unique and entertaining, filled with puzzles and tricks. Although some seemed much easier than others, all in all it was why I couldn't put the story down and kept binge reading. I wanted to see what horrifying foe would be waiting next, and what insignificant side characters would scheme... etc

The author repeated some of the door 'rules' too often, practically reminding at every opportunity... such as missing people surely being dead or how you can't kill people in the door. Yes yes I've read that 10 other times. Still, I wasn't going to stop reading just because of slight repetitiveness.

Then came the 11th door.

The author set up the situation in a way that, while I wasn't extremely excited, was still willing to work with. After all, since they deliberately put the effort to make puzzles and fun evils in every other door, they wouldn't get lazy with the last ones, right???

I was wrong.

Spoiler

The 11th door literally rehashed old enemies, sent after LQ and RN each night at midnight (who were separated, facing the ghosts they'd met in previous doors). They would be chased for hours until a certain time during the day.

At first, the set up of this door had plenty of potential to be horrifying.

That is, until the entire point of the door became some meta 'alternative reality'. During the day everything is completely normal, and ALL of the people that were supposed to have died in the doors previously are hanging out there, completely ignorant of their own demise.

In the end, the evil creatures that chased LQ and RN slowly appeared for less and less time during the night, until the two lovers were supposedly going to forget about each other in this 'alternate reality' during the day. Basically, once the monsters stopped appearing during the night, there is also no worry for one's life, but just the fear of being trapped in this 'other reality' forever.

The tension built up over countless chapters was LOST.

WHY? Because the whole point of this 11th door became LQ and RN just being worried that they would be separated from each other, like star crossed lovers. It was no longer about preserving their lives. Moreover, since side characters who were supposed to have DIED TRAGICALLY in the past arcs have reappeared as 'possibly real people' that were given 'compensation from the door by being able to live in this happy alternative reality', this erases the punishment of dying within the door to begin with.

Everyone who goes into a door might as well die, because everyone's ghost can live happily in the alternative reality of the door, with all the regular people who are not involved in the doors at all still present. They will not even remember what horrifying door experience they had, it will be like it never happened. That way, everyone could skip the horrifying experiences of door 1-10!

... see the issue?

Surviving the doors was meant to be for the very few skilled and lucky souls that could manage it, and there was a bittersweet feeling for the reader with of all those that died, unable to make it. This 11th door completely ruins that, as we see these characters again in the alternative reality -and they seem happy.

It weakens the consequence of failing the doors.

Anyway, so LQ and RN use their gay power of commitment to each other to eventually find the key for this door, which was honestly not hard to find at all. LQ returns to the real world first, but because RN couldn't find the key as easily (despite it being in such an obvious place), LQ waits ONE YEAR for him thinking ML chose to stay in the alternative reality FOREVER (because ppl who died in the doors are there).

These few paragraphs don't feel dramatic at all because if you have half a brain you already know RN is dedicated to LQ and won't want to live a false life without him.

So boom he's back eventually, LQ recovers after a few drinks of alcohol. No psychological damage.

And then the author decides they are too lazy to even do the 12th door. In fact, they'd left details on the 11th and 12th door vague the whole time.

The biggest hints were 'no solution' and 'Don't be malicious to others'. Both of which broke previous door methods. Anyway...

To get rid of the 12th door, the authors randomly makes up the explanation that RN (ML) was supposed to be the NPC for the 12th door in the past, but because he got bored of that or something, he wiped all his memories and decided to go through the doors himself. He met LQ and now wants to quit his job as 12th door NPC to be happy with his BF???? RN being an NPC, or the '12th' door was entirely unnecessary. He showed human traits from start to end, and even had a family backstory, so why make him seemingly some 'inhuman god' of the 12th door??

Let me just say that every other ghost within the doors has much less 'pure' interests than going snu snu with their beloved. They like to kill folks with lots of suffering as a cherry on top. In NO way does RN being part of the door's schemes make sense.

But that is what happened.

And so the 12th door is sealed by ML who has conveniently decided not to do that line of work anymore. No more 12th door. GONE. POOF.

And they all lived happily ever after.

??????????????

Where is the horror of the last two doors? What are these other side characters even working towards?? Conveniently, the door does not allow anyone to speak of the 11th door's content, so MC and ML cannot SPOILER the others about how dumb it is.

The change in tempo of this last arc is just too stark.

All the previous situations and doors gave a melancholy, tense vibe. It was only broken by flirting comedy and other comments once and a while. Nevertheless, RN and LQ always proved to be keen and attentive when searching for clues, until the situation would sink into desperation as last minute calls were made to preserve their lives and escape the doors. On the other hand, this last arc felt like one big comedy, LQ and RN were like blubbering and confused fools who only want to hug each other. There was no tension. It was just dog blood love and hand waving, which the entire rest of the story had not focused on at all...

I won't accept the argument of 'oh its a BL at heart so ofc the ending was romantic and cliche', because for 110 chapters out of the 136, the BL romance was more of a side note.

There was no 'gay panic'. Once LQ learned he was interested in RN, and RN accepted that they were both going to have to be prepared for the other's potential death (in a door), they were a couple. Done. Before that, they were already acting like an old married couple anyway and there was not much shift in their relationship afterwards.

The fact that the last door was entirely focused on them and their potentially broken love, involving no side characters or new enemies, made it incredibly bland.

In fact, if the last door had done a few different things, for example, if its goal being to make the MC go insane, it would make more sense. The clue would be 'no solution', so the MC would think that could be true. What if the people that were supposed to have died in the alternative reality were clearly 'fake', and he'd be trapped with these creepily smiling fakes forever? Or what if in the 11th door the ghosts that came out at night would start appearing for LONGER until LQ would be chased by them 24/7. These all sound perfectly horrifying to me.

In any case, I would have also been fine if the author just made two more super dramatic tense doors like all the rest, where only LQ and RN only barely survived, and did not try to do anything 'special'.

I wouldn't have cared if the doors were never explained, and that each person who completes all 12 simply got their life extended, while those who failed died on the spot, just like how it had worked previously.

What I find much more dissatisfying is to read an ending that makes all the previous door experiences lose their significance, and that it is anti-climatic to boot.

Anyway this is a rant and too fking long so I put it in a spoiler

Edit 2022: I see that I didn't understand the entire plot line (I can read other reviews xd). In the extra chapters (that I didn't read), it is revealed that the MC is actually the 'boss' of all the doors (and yes RN is still the NPC of the 12th door). But even with this development, the story with all its 'real and fake' realities still seems more convoluted than necessary, and it still doesn't negate the fact that people who died still get to live on in an illusion world. It also leaves tons of open questions like 'how come MC gets to cheat the system, or why does RN erase his memories? etc'. In the end, I still would have preferred if MC and ML were normal people thrown into this horror scenario, and not that it was all entirely an illusion of the 12th door to begin with.

Also despite my big complaints about the ending the story is still good over all.

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teagsho
teagsho rated it
March 12, 2021
Status: Completed
This is really good, the MTL is really easy to read. Honestly I really itching to give spoiler. I see there are a lot of readers who got the plot wrong, especially when it comes to the last 10 chapters + extras.

Here is the clarification:

... more>>
Spoiler

Actually, the whole 1-11 doors is all fake, not the reality. Basically, all the arcs until eleventh is not a "real" reality.

Yes, it's all part of 12th door. All of them. The 12th start since the beginning of this novel, the 1st chapter.

What I mean is, there are REAL door in REAL REALITY. But the door that been through by LQS etc from chapters 1 is NOT THE DOOR FROM REALITY.

In reality, Lin Qiushi is actually the Boss of Obsidian. Not Ruan Nanzhu.

Ruan Nanzhu is the boss of Obsidian in the 12th door's life, in reality the real leader is Lin Qiushi.

Ruan Nanzhu is the keeper NPC of the 12th door, and Lin Qiushi is the human who survive through all the 1-11th. Then, LQS come to the 12th door.

Everything start when Lin Qiushi enter 12th door. After that, the story begin (the 1st chapter).

Actually, Ruan Nanzhu do not know about it too, because he — himself erasing his own memories. He only found out when they (LQS and RNZ) enter the 11th door, and Nanzhu found out everything. He actually planned every nook and cranny— so freaking detail. He even added the fact that LQS and himself can died inside the door (1-11th door inside fake reality of 12th door). Even though they are basically still in the 12th door.

In reality, LQS family still good, he is the boss of obsidian, he is friend with Bai Ming, and etc that belong to RNZ is actually LQS's.

I should said it again, the family of RNZ, the past of RNZ, everything about RNZ is not real, because those things are happen in 12th door.

But, doesn't mean Qianli. Wu Qi, Zaozao, etc still alive. No, they aren't. Make sure to remember that the odd or the one who is not in the line with reality is the EXISTENCE OF RUAN NANZHU ONLY.

If you want to imagine the REAL reality, just think there is no RNZ, and the boss is LQS. That's it. Everything beside that is the same.

The existence of the door, like why the door appear, what is the purpose? It did not get any explanation. Honestly I do not really mind though. It's not that deep anyway.

Oh, the people who died inside the door, the soul will remain inside it too, not in the specific door they died though. It was proven when RNZ and LQS goes to 11th (inside 12th door ofc) and they saw a lot of their death friends still exist and helping them escape from the monster/ghost in that door.

But then again, this happen in 11th door —a fake door that is part of 12th door (the door inside the door). I do not really know if it's working in reality's door but I think it's the same. You know, Ruan Nanzhu is really plan the life inside the 12th carefully and like 99% close to reality. That's why a big detail like this —i think it's same.

About the twins, Yixie and Qianli. They are not even 16 yet, but ended tragically.

Not really though.

Many reviewers said that it's really sad and angst, but for me, I am not even feel uncomfortable, because the scene it's not that deep and saddening. I read the detailed explanation in the extras about them and feel nothing. It's not angst, do not be scared haha.

Maybe another thing that makes it angst and tragedy is, because there are a lot of close side character who died inside the door. But it's logical anyway, the door is really hard and you can't deny it.

The ending of the twins, after Yixie quitting Obsidian, he's wandering through door to door until reached 11th door.

I forgot to tell but inside the 11th door is an illusion, where all the people who died (inside the door) come to live again. But at the night, it's all (the illusion) dissapear and become nightmare where all the ghost/monster that they (human) meet in door coming out chasing human into their death. This activities happen continously until the ghost depleted, and finally gone, and the illusionary world is perfect, except the "still alive" human did not get a copy inside the illusion, only the "dead".

Remember that the dead people who are alive inside the illusion is basically stranger and not real. So, even though the human meet them, these "dead people" did not recognize them, and must start the relationship from the stracth.


Actually, you can choose to stay in the illusion (11th door), or go back to reality. Of course, Yixie choose to stay in the illusion so he can live with brother (Qianli) again.

Some people said this part is sad but for me, it's not. Just, normal?
After a person completed all the 12th door, then what?

The answer is, you are liberated from "must going" into the door. You can still going in and out of the door, but if you don't want to, it's okay. Of course, all the severe illness that person have will be annihilated so they will get a brand new life without any injuries and illness.

I got this conclusion by seeing how Lin Qiushi do after he completed 12th door.

It's just, I do not know if this still the case since Ruan Nanzhu did not go back to the 12th door, so the 12th door is sealed.

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Everything (plot, characters, etc) is rational and logical for me. It's just click? The plot until the end is good. Everything uncovered well, with a clear relation between this and that

I think this is enough. You know, because I read some misleading reviews, it took me a long time to decided reading this: (

Come on, do not believe and scared of some reviews! Read this!

Absolutely reccomended,

100/10 <<less
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Hals
Hals rated it
July 12, 2018
Status: c7
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

MYYYYYYYYYYYYY

GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

... more>> THIS NOVEL IS HONESTLY SO SO GOOOOOOD

I dont even know where to start omg Its immediately engaging and gets right into it. If youre a fan of horror and thrills, DO NOT PASS THIS UP. The decriptions are unlike anything ive read before, but granted I dont really read this genre much lmao I picked this up cause I trust the translator and boyyyy was I not disappointed. I dont know if I regret not reading this earlier so I would know how fantastic it is or if I regret not reading it later so I would have more chapters to binge lmao Updates are pretty regular and quick though and thats a blessing :")

But fr lol Im living in my aunts huge house for the summer rn and I wake up at 4 and that time before the sun rises and everyone else wakes up freaks me out a little I half expect the monster lady to come out through one of the windows or sliding doors FML lmao

But okay for real like, on to the actual story

The MC (who ill just call LQ) is pretty calm just as the summary says, hes an all around likeable guy lmao Hes a great main character

The ML is hilariousssssssss The interactions between these two are comedy gold but still somewhat sweet/meaningful. As you learn in the summary, the ML (who i'll call RB) is a crossdresser and its pretty funny beung He is also of course, both shameless and pampered.
Spoiler

LQ and everyone else doesnt know RB is a man and spoils him but like, RB really enjoys it haha

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. Somehow, the crossdressing works amazingly. I was thinking about how if this wasnt Danmei and hetero instead then it wouldnt be as fun. But likewise if LQ knew straight away or quickly found out RB was a guy then that would really reduce the fun too lolol

RB also mentions once that he can read fortunes (not a spoiler cause im p sure it happens in the first chapter lol) and although its not mentioned afterwards you can really see it come into play, and if youre quickwitted (or even if youre not haha) you can tell when RB is figuring something out. He doesnt seem like a reliable guy but unexpectedly he's pretty dependable haha

And super shameless LMAO Take my word for it and dont read this 'review' but read the actual work. Its incredibly funny. Im honestly gobsmacked how little people have this on their reading lists but I feel like it may be because of the cover haha I cant read chinese or even mtl (nor have I tried) but when I think about LQs reaction to finding out the model-like sweet RB is actually male, I honestly feel like the cover is quite apt looool

Its really fun though, watching LQ dig a pit for himself while we as readers know RB is a crossdresser ?

Im probably missing out on stuff that ill remember later, but its only 7 chapters and I am so soooo hooked. The storyline is super interesting, the comedy is amazing, dialogue makes you cry and both MC and ML are awesome and incredibly likeable.

Of course, translations are amazing also, but that doesnt need to be said. Anything from Taida comes with a quality assurance mark lol I just really want to thank her for picking this up its definitely one of my new favourites!

From me, Kaleidoscope of Death is ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ And I would hiiiiighly encourage everyone to add it to their Reading Lists and open chapter 1 straight away ♡ <<less
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TheLadyWhoLikesBoyLove
TheLadyWhoLikesBoyLove
March 27, 2019
Status: Completed
f*ck f*ck f*ck!! This is the third bl horror that I f*cking love so much. DAMN IT. I FEEL SO EMPTY, I feel so lost, I feel so lifeless... this story, I wish I hadnet finished reading it in one day, I wish I never read its ending, I wish I never read it at all, because I fell for it, I fell for the story's beauty, I stared at the abyss and it stared at me. I couldn't look away now this is what I get.

This story is definitely... more>> takign the first place on my bl horror lost, and even my bl list. Just- f*ck, what should I say, my mind is a mess. This story messed me up, I'm crying, I'm crying because from the beginning to end, I felt that the characters were alive, I felt the lofe of the story. Omfg

If you've read the other reviews, the 8 extra chapters f*cked up our minds. It literally did, we dont know if we should cry or laugh or be angry.

Question that hasnt been answered

1. What is the 12 doors and how did it came to be?

2. What is its real purpose?

3.
Spoiler

if you choose the illusionary world will you stay there for eternity?

[collapse]

4.
Spoiler

it was proven that our MC found out ml's real identity but tf is really happening?

[collapse]

5.
Spoiler

when you die while inside the doors, why do u have to stay in the illusionary world?

[collapse]

The only thing that made me disappointed is the story of the twin, its so f*cked up that
Spoiler

zhen stayed to the illusionary world to be with his brother

[collapse]

Damn it!!! I wish the author could've made a sequel to answer our question while focusing on the
Spoiler

plot where they slowly unveil the mystery behind the 12 doors and ml's identity

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DONT MISS OUT ON A GREAT STORY AND READ THIS !! im gonna read a fluffy story to soothe my aching heart that was broken thousand of times

Edit: MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD. READ AT UR OWN RISK. IM WARNING YOU, REAS ONLY TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO LIKES SPOILER.

Spoiler

the whole story was actually the 12th door battle, our MC was actually supposedly obsedian true inheriter, and also the one who grew up fighting every doors (the role of ninian our ml) and he's also actually/or assuming the first to encounter sa 12th door in the first chapter.

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Spoiler

ML is the 12th door npc wtf, fck my life

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Questions:

1.
Spoiler

since they lived together and the 12door was sealed, does our MC achieved his mission? How was the ML allowed to go outside (assuming that its the real world) and be with mc

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bakamusume
bakamusume rated it
August 9, 2020
Status: Completed
It was a good horror story that kept me on my toes and gave me goosebumps especially when I read it at night. Our protagonist was very ordinary, his actions and behaviour are nothing special albeit having gained a skill inside the door. He had great chemistry with the characters around him and his relationship with the male lead is very natural. I just found the interest the ML is showing him kinda forced for the reason I mentioned above. Though it was kinda explained in the ending why he... more>> is interested in the MC in the first place.

Now comes the ending, it was terrible and in poor taste because of the twist the author wrote. Don't get me wrong, it was a happy ending, but the "idea" put into it was really too much it gave a stark contrast to the overall feel the novel gave itself in the beggining. It was badly inserted, forcedly shoved in your throat because the author suddenly gets an idea of well, spoilers!
Spoiler

the author just think it was brilliant to have an extraordinary nonhuman male lead in the picture.

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It defeats the purpose of human struggles and the horrors they faced in the earlier arcs. I just wish the author didn't include that twist in the first place 'cause if it wasn't for that reason, the novel would have been perfect. <<less
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sugar.garden
sugar.garden
October 24, 2021
Status: Completed
this novel. THIS NOVEL. YOU NEED TO READ IT.

also, for all the reviews saying the author got lazy at the 11th door, theyre clowns and also dumb.
Spoiler

its literally the most terrifying door, with all the monsters of the previous doors coming back together

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and for those saying all they cared about in that door was finding each other
Spoiler

rnz went through hundreds of doors, he had a LOT of monsters after his ass. LQS wasnt sure if he would make it, and he wanted to die together with him

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dont be persuaded by the mixed reviews, please, I myself almost gave up on this gem bcoz of them. Please read this.

the worldbuilding is magnificent, way too good tbh, the characters are also fleshed out so well, the plot never lacks or drags, it keeps you on your toes and its paced well. And the plot twist, woooo just read it, trust me. You can yell me in dms if you hate it, personal guarantee.

the romance, its subtle but its also not subtle. The feelings are there from quite early on and their dynamic is literally old married couple, but yes it becomes official quite later in the book bcoz LQS is a dense mf.

yall best read this. Im telling you, youll thank me.
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Achiless
Achiless rated it
August 28, 2020
Status: c46
So I just finished writing a review on how bad another horror novel is, so I gotta relieve my stress here by writing about how amazing this one is.

First off, the horror is just amazing. C'est parfait. Parce que it's scary af. It's also really original; the writer has her own take on clichés. Not only is the horror done rly well, it's also rly good that the MC isn't OP. He's still smart cause it's a survival theme after all, but he's not so smart and powered up that... more>> he's able to face all the scary stuff behind the doors, which is EXACTLY WHY this novel is so GOOD because that's what makes this story terrifying and disturbing-the actual effect horror is supposed to give you. If the MC were OP, there'd be nothing horrorfying about it anymore since the MC (through whose eyes you see the story) is able to counter everything. Also, how do you expect someone who just started a "survival game" to be OP lmao. He's already rly smart, calm and quick-witted for a newbie.

BUT DON'T WORRY because it doesn't go too extreme with the scariness it delivers, because we have the ML for that, who happens to be OP (but reasonably OP, he's a veteran with the doors). So the ML is basically the grip for both the MC and us readers so it doesn't get too out of the hands that we won't be able to sleep at night.

To conclude, it's scary af, but since there's the ML we'll be able to avoid getting a panick attack. Amen.

If you really want to enjoy this to the max, remember to look up everything that's mentioned *cough cough painting 4th arc cough cough*. You'll either thank me or hate me.

Spoiler

If I have to knitpick anything, it's how in the first arc the ML had such a useful note but in the other arcs it's basically minimal information. Like how does that even work. It's clearly done so that the in other doors of the MC where the MC knows the notes from, the MC will still have a hard time. That just doesn't make sense logic/storywise. But maybe it'll make sense later on...?

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Ow also CP moderately cute in my opinion (though they have a lot of awesome interactions). It doesn't get in the way of the story. You have to read it even if you don't like BL.
Spoiler

Honestly, who even has times to think about the romance lol. I'm too busy worrying about whether there are skinless people on my ceiling and whether there's a scary woman outside the window.

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I have to mention that the MC isn't as shameless as the synopsis describes him. The synopsis just confuses me. <<less
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sigma
sigma rated it
August 1, 2018
Status: Completed
I'm actually quite conflicted about how I feel about this novel. It was an absolute blast to read, chock-full of absolutely brilliant (and very, very nauseating) imagery, especially ones about people getting skinned alive. I actually think this author has a thing for people getting skinned alive, because that appeared quite a few times. And that's quite a few too many in my feeble and weak-stomached opinion. But don't let that stop you, because this novel is definitely worth getting a few nightmares over! The riddles are well thought-out and... more>> quite creative, having been lifted from real folktales, though some of the stuff traumatised me a bit. The main couple is amazingly cute and the supporting cast doesn't disappoint either, satisfying in both depth and size (more on this later). I'm way too much of a wimp to go back and have another more detailed read (the author's control over the atmosphere was excellent!) but there were no significant plot holes that stood out to me. It is a webnovel after all, and this offers the author all the flexibility they need to patch any errors that spring up.

Now the criticisms. Remember how I said that the supporting cast is satisfying in both depth and size? That depends on what you're after. Don't get me wrong - the portion of the cast that gets enough screen time to be at least semi-important are all nicely explored as people in their own right, and that portion is more than big enough - but one scene in particular stood out to me and that is the first group of people the protagonist meets, at the conclusion of the first arc. All these characters were introduced by name and were all given a few lines of introduction to characterise them a little, but most never progressed beyond that. They were present, though given how well the protagonist seems to know them by the end (i.e. Decently, because he's a bit quiet) my knowledge of them as a reader was painfully lacking. The main characters were also a bit too Mary Sue for my tastes, but that's quite subjective and honestly I enjoyed myself even with this opinion.

My other complaint is a bit spoilery, but I won't be giving anything much away.

Spoiler

The final twist at the end of the novel was, in my opinion, incredibly forced. It was a very interesting idea that probably involved a bit too much planning to have been tacked on at the last minute, but the execution was quite lacking. There was little coherent foreshadowing given for such a big twist, leaving me feeling slightly confused after the somewhat anticlimactic reveal. I actually got spoiled at the start of the novel (thanks jjwxc comments), which theoretically should have made the foreshadowing all the more obvious now that I was actively looking for it but after reading the novel I can safely conclude that I didn't see much.

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Despite its shortcomings, I don't by any means regret reading this at all! It was so much fun to read, keeping me up at nights as I frantically tried to finish the entire novel in three days while Taida (who recommended it) just laughed at my panicked 3am messages. I'd definitely recommend it if you like horror - and maybe even if you don't, because the suffering is totally worth the fun you'll have. I think. <<less
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P2wo
P2wo rated it
July 16, 2021
Status: Completed
JUST READ THE BOOK!!!

I'll just dive right into the pros and cons.

PROS

Realism
What I especially liked about this novel is the sheer realness of it. There is no fabrication of anything whatsoever. There is no OP ML who is hard as steel and can solve everything with just a snap of his fingers. There is no meek MC who can't even make decisions for himself. There are no "friends" that are just there for decoration. Everything is so real. If this world truly had "doors" like in the novel, the... more>> story told by the author is really something that would happen in the real world. The friendship, romance, fragility of human life, terror before death, revenge, conspiracy and basically everything has a touch of realism. Compared to so many other popular BL novels, this is superior not only due to the story but due to its characters who are so life-like. Both the main characters have real personalities. They really feel like humans in every way.

Also, when the word "friends" is used in other Chinese novels, I never felt like lead characters were friends with the said person. This seems to happen in many Chinese novels. I know why this happens. Its because Chinese authors love to make at least one of the main characters extremely possessive to the point that they really don't let the other party be friends with anyone. And even if there really are friends, the so-called friends are just side characters that are used to showcase how strong the lead characters are. Or they are simply lackeys who are given the title "friends". This is the thing that doesn't happen in "Kaleidoscope of Death". I mean just think about it. Even our sweet sweet Lan Zhan was dead jealous of a dead man. Seriously what can one expect? I had long lost hope on some genuine depictions of friendship in Chinese novels because even just a more normal human interaction was hard to find. However, I finally found one.

Healthy Relationship
Another thing I really liked about KoD is definitely the romance. The novel doesn't follow the usual route of other BL novels but depicts the relationship that is well-suited to the novel's setting as well as the personal characteristics of MC and ML. And their relationship is also extremely realistic. It really feels like a romance of two real people who are in a new world where they can die at any moment. Their worries, insecurities, and even the way of flirting just feel like something normal people would do/have.

Cross-dressing ML
No, I think the best thing of this novel is cross-dressing ML. Man, when he cross-dresses, he becomes an entirely different person. He gets into the role of drama-queen so quickly; it's hilarious! Definitely one of the most memorable MLs ever! On a side note, MC also cross dresses. What a perfect pair!

Good Plot
Although I wouldn't say the arcs were as good as "The Earth is Online' and "Supernatural Movie Actor App", they are still nice. I would say the world building is super well-done. The last arc is definitely the best one and I personally think the ending is perfect. I am not talking about the extras.

The story is really good not only because of good arcs but because of real ups and downs MC, ML and their group went through. You know, in many Chinese novels with horror theme, you don't get the thrill. You just feel like MC and ML and their group of friends are invincible, right? You never feel the threat of death looming just behind them. But KoD has it. I was scared so many times, not because of the ghosts but because of the situations. The things that usually don't happen in many other similar novels happen here. This also added substantiality to the story.

CONS

St*pid Plot Twist
I really didn't like the plot twist in the extras. First of all, why put the plot twist in the extras? And then what the hell was that plot twist? I swear I have never read such a s*upid plot twist. Why would I call it s*upid? Because there was not much hint leading to that plot twist. It was just bomb the author dropped at us. And that was also in the f*cking extra chapters!!! Well, if there were some hints the author had scattered around in the story, the twist wouldn't have felt so unnatural. Although it didn't affect the storyline in any way, it still left a bad taste in my mouth. The plot twist wasn't unreadable though. It was just unnecessary.

Extras
Oh I don't like other things in the extras as well mainly because in the extras MC and ML become the typical couple in every BL ever. You know the type where they totally disregard their friends and family and only shove dog food in everyone's mouth, but in a cringey way. I was so happy throughout the novel that their relationship with their friends was so solid. But it crumbled in the extras. Argh I wish I never read the extras. Most of the other extras are sad as well.

CONCLUSION
You should totally read this awesome story. Just avoid the extras if you could. But may be you would like it. Who knows. <<less
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limejuice890
limejuice890 rated it
June 22, 2021
Status: Completed
Most of what I have to say has been covered by other reviewers so I'll just add on what I haven't seen so far, which is mostly about the ending.

Spoiler-free TLDR: a good ending IMO, and one that is consistent with foreshadowing from the rest of the novel. Reccomended even for pickier readers or readers who aren't fans of horror - each arc is themed, self-contained and representative of the rest of the novel. Just start at chapter titles like "the nth door".

Detailed commentary on ending for anyone hesitating to... more>> read because of that:
Spoiler

11th Door:

  • From the perspective of the Doors' world, this door isn't about MC & ML's romance or arguably, even about relationships in general. Across the whole novel, the question of what is the ethical, obligatory, or wise choice in various terrible situations is explored. The last few chapters explicitly spell it out through MC's comment that this door stacks up those who want to harm you against those who want to help/ignore you, as well as ML (the "Door God", albeit with amnesia) 's criticisms of various actions/characters like Cheng Yixie - the best approach in the long-term is to not harm people willy-nilly even if you don't care about them. The 11th's meant to be the day of reckoning or the final test of a player's moral fiber - just imagine how those characters who repeatedly schemed to kill others would fair had they made it that far. It's even more obvious when you consider what was implied to happen in the 2 instances without ML - MC's real/original timeline, and Cheng Yixie's still plays out by the exact same rules.
  • From my perspective as a reader, the 11th Door isn't about just romance either; I was satisfied with the author's balancing act between romance/plot/world-building/etc, though of course, every reader judges for themselves. In particular, I still found it quite scary, only its less visceral and more existential horror - the BOSS isn't the monsters and the way to escape isn't solving the mysteries, they're both human nature, especially that of the player themselves. Previous arcs had already varied in style and technique, eg emotional, suspense, gore etc.

There's quite a lot of foreshadowing, so I'll just give a few major ones in rough narrative order, you can see if you might react the same way as me:

  • 11th/12th being drastically different in nature rather than neccesarily in difficulty: ML passing his 10th is portrayed as being extremely impressive and unique, there're no stories of successful 11/12ths and 2 hints for the 11th were identical. These doors already broke pre-established rules before players entered, and readers had the duration of MC's 10th door to digest that ML thought either the hint was wrong or the 11th door's rules were completely different before they went in.
    • I saw enough foreshadowing to expect this point by the time MC/ML entered the 11th.
  • 12th door's world being the real world: 11th door giving a green bronze etc key identical to previous door worlds, but nothing indicative of an exit door or even any universally significant areas among the players in the same instance, descriptions of exit doors in previous door worlds being identical to descriptions of the 12 entry doors (ie large black and iron), the meaning of the keys' engravings
    • I hadn't looked at chapter counts and legitimately thought there'll still be a 12th and the MC was just going to use the key on his flat's door to leave, and then he just... swung it open... and walked up to 12 doors with the key... and then I finally woke up when the novel started describing the keyhole lmao
    • not sure if the problem is with my iq or with the novel - in retrospect it's suspicious that the doors have the same appearance when the author doesn't skimp on adjectives elsewhere, and all the necessary info is there, but I would need the analytical skills and motivation of the characters in this novel to put it together before the answer was already revealed (in a few paragraphs)
  • MC/ML's uniqueness/real identity: pretty much all off the reccuring characters or the narrative repeatedly commented on MC/ML's talents being extraordinary eg hearing/sight, manner, improvement speed, "light" etc, special mention goes to that tbh unbearably creepy line abt being born for the doors lmao
    • expected there to be a reason, started expecting something increasingly shocking as the novel progressed into the last chapter without reveal as per webnovel convention.
    • however, definitely surprised by the specific identities, bcos the doors even having consciousness or life of its own outside the setting of individual doors, especially in an independant way in the real world was never mentioned
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kaoruharuna
kaoruharuna rated it
June 21, 2021
Status: Completed
I read this story a while ago, maybe a few weeks now, and I am still hung up on this story because it is just SO GOOD. I'm absolutely terrified of horror. I hate it, I don't even play horror games, and some of the creatures in this story still haunts my brain till now, but if that is what's keeping you from reading, then just do yourself a favor and read it. It's worth it.

For this review, I just wanted to put together what was my understanding of the... more>> ending in case it might help a few people (or just as another perspective), but please only read it if you already know what the ending is, otherwise, it really isn't the same as finding out the first time and it probably won't make much sense:

Spoiler

As you should already know, Ruan Nanzhu is the NPC of the 12th door. From what I understand of rereading the last couple chapters and the extra, Ruan Nanzhu had viewed Lin Qiushi's entire life prior to his entering the 12th door, which was him watching Lin Qiushi through that TV with Satchan, and he thought, "why am I not by his side?" And so, Lin Qiushi's entire 12th door was a rerun of all his doors from the first door, but with Ruan Nanzhu by his side. Ruan Nanzhu had not only altered Lin Qiushi's memories, but also erased his own memories and basically became a "human" to accompany Lin Qiushi and to gain his affection. Satchan confirms that, had Ruan Nanzhu failed to pass those doors, he would've actually died even though he was an NPC.

The key that Lin Qiushi found behind the clock was not the key to the 11th door, but the key to the 12th door, again which was his entire journey that began from the first chapter and the day Ruan Nanzhu decided to insert himself into Lin Qiushi's life. This is why, when he stepped out and asked which door he just came out of, the people in Obsidian said the 12th. His life had turned back to the one that we viewed through the TV with Ruan Nanzhu, and this was the original story of Lin Qiushi, who had lived without Ruan Nanzhu. I'm assuming, when Ruan Nanzhu made an appearance in the human world to be with Lin Qiushi, the memories of everyone involved were also altered to include him.

This is my gist of the ending. I have many unanswered questions about who Ruan Nanzhu was as the NPC before he met Lin Qiushi, but I don't think we'll ever figure that out since the character himself doesn't even know anymore. He definitely is someone who is intelligent and OP since his human version should be no less of who he was as an NPC, but I'm also curious as to what kind of powers it enabled him, to be able to alter memories and step into the human world (imagine if any of the monster NPCs were allowed to step out? That's terrifying). This could be because he had completely given up his NPC status and actually became a human after stepping out of the 12th door (?), which made it sealed. If that was the case then it could explain a future of him growing old together with Lin Qiushi and living his life as a human, rather than returning to the 12th door after Lin Qiushi is gone, but we'll never know. I'm assuming, they grow old together as humans and the 12th door is forever sealed.

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I hope this summary of a breakdown was helpful (or a nice insight if you have a different perspective). I tried to find more people's thoughts/inputs on the ending but I didn't find any so I decided to write mine in the reviews. I feel that this ending completely made up for all the sleepless nights I had and it makes me rethink about the whole story from the first chapter from time to time. It's absolutely adorable what Ruan Nanzhu is willing to do for Lin Qiushi and vice versa. I wish there was more dog food I could eat for extras, but that's a personal thing :) <<less
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yasiixiao
yasiixiao rated it
July 10, 2018
Status: Completed
Well, the first review says it all :D totally worth it. It is mind blowing and scary (for me) the author writes vividly to the tiny details in the plot just like imagining yourself at the scene it will really affect your mood. Sometimes I don't want to click the next chapter hehe= that is for Horror.

Comedy= Well the both the MC and the ML are shameless to some extent which adds to the comedy and their chemistry. Also, the ML likes to crossdress and bullies the MC to crossdress... more>> when entering the door.

Chestnut (cat) and Toast (dog) lightens the mood in the story as well - chestnut is with the MC and toast with the twin bro.

Just read it totally worth.. It is also popular on jjwc and when you're about to reach the end just prepare some tissues. Tearjerking scenes alert!!!!

Also includes extra chapters with a super revelation. HAHAHA

translator-san thanks for picking this up :D *.* <<less
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BelliedPork12
BelliedPork12 rated it
October 3, 2021
Status: Completed
I love the survival game genre, and I did like a lot of the story, but unfortunately I can’t say that it fully lived up to its potential. I think in some ways it would have been better without the romance. Reading this book and trying to avoid the bad BL cliches felt like trying to ignore the mildew covering the entirety of the ceiling & walls of a 5- star (well maybe 4-star) hotel room. No matter how pretty the furnishings, the smell can’t be covered up with interesting... more>> adventures.

And I enjoyed the tests, even though I wish that some of them were a tad more intuitive. It gets frustrating when the main characters keep pulling solutions out of thin air, and although this novel had less of that than some others, the MCs were still definitely OP. To some extent I liked the side characters more than the mains, because of this. They just seemed more human. Also not a huge fan of the whole “if he had actually been a mute girl then he would have cowered in fear” motto when lots of the women in this story are super successful.

#/Dear Author, you can build up the MCs without putting other people down. I believe in you.

Lastly, like most people here, I think the ending s**ked big time.

Spoiler

Seriously????? The 12th door NPC stole the MC’s life and he’s not bothered by that? I felt so, so, soooooo uncomfy reading the scene where he watched the MC’s life on the TV. I think the ML wanted to be the MC more than be with him. It skewed the power dynamic in their relationship as well, just as it was starting to feel even. Gross.

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Ritsuka
Ritsuka
June 11, 2021
Status: Completed
ABSOLUTELY. FREAKIN. AMAZING!!!!!

Yes, I will start my review just like others with this shout cause it deserves it! You know, a lot of BLs you only read because they are BLs, no matter how much you liked it, you wouldn't have read it otherwise. But this? I guarantee you that this is one of my 2-3 novels that I would have still read and loved even if it wasn't BL!!! I came in from Perfect Destiny and all I was expecting was hilarious comedy and no plot but not only... more>> I got a plot that hooked me and made me go 'whoa' but also this novel has so many points that makes it so unique like despite being an avid reader, I haven't seen such elements used together so skill-fully! I really can't control myself so I just gotta talk!

    • Unlimited Flows are really interesting with the horror and mystery they present but lets be honest, the novelty of horror just dies down eventually and rather than focusing on mystery much, they start focusing on actions/props/OPness but KOD is a perfect choice for mystery lovers. We were always kept on the edge wondering what was happening with our leads and the arcs were of perfect length enough to not make me bored!
    • I must really talk about the MC! Lin Qiushi you best boi! He was such a unique character that I don't think i've seen much characters like him before. He was endearing! Yes, endearing!The MC doesn't even feel like a virg*n mary who is overly kind which make us all annoyed or skeptic nor is he an uncaring guy like most unlimited flow protags are like totally minding their own business (which I have no problem with whatsoever its all cool) but the fact that the MC still helps people he can is super endearing. its like he doesn't act like a hero like I gotta save this person even tho it'll hurt me or smth but I like how he thinks helping someone you can easily do is common sense like yeah thats a freakin normal person right there. Isn't that basic good human nature? If you can help a person in passing and its not burdening you, what's the harm. Obviously I would have been annoyed if he acted like a saint 'gotta save them all', it sounds so fake tbh. But what the MC shows is so endearing like yeah! Whats the harm in helping people if it doesn't inconvenience you even a bit? Thats the reason the ML fell for him too! How he's soft and helping, repaying favours just like how others helped him and his complete trust in the ML! But thats not all, Lets not forget about How calm and rational the MC was everytime he had to deal with things and it was a treat! Like obviously he was scared but he didn't back down in the face of death ever. and the thing totally unique to him was how he had no qualms about dying. Ofc he didn't want to die, but he wasn't really afraid of death whenever it just whizzed past him. The more perilous the situation, the more calm he was. He was really empathetic with people even tho he sometimes couldn't understand their perspective, but he rarely lost his cool whenever something painful happened. That was something that really got me, I liked the complexity of his character so much! Kind, helping but has a bottom line, has stuff that scares him but is calm when he has to face his fears. Even other characters knew how lovely and unique he was, that you couldn't help but adore him!
    • The ML Ruan Nanzhu is what I can say...A one man show! Do I love him? I ADORE HIM!!!! If you haven't read the novel yet, don't read this point further because even tho its easy to infer when you're reading, its still fun when you go in total blind! Anyway, A seme who not only crossdresses but is also a drama queen? COUNT. ME. IN!!! Outside the doors the ML acted all cold but inside the doors he would act like a drama queen, flirting with MC playfully and asking to be spoiled and teasing/messing with girls a lot! Like have I ever seen such a seme? Nope but I absolutely love it! More please! Not only that, his personality was adorable when he started acting spoiled and shameless outside the doors as well! Like OMG!!! So cuteeee and when he always acted jealous of his drag queen self, those were priceless! And his drama scripts? They were the best! I can't stop laughing at the scene when he told someone that he was a married woman with 3 kids but LQ was his side piece because he was good in bed because you know.. xDDDD. We need more fleshed out Semes like this!
    • The relationship and dynamic between our leads is yet another unique point. Nearly in all the BLs i've read, there is actually always some spark between them. Like the MC gotta be either blushy or somewhat possessive of ML and the ML obviously starts pulling extreme moves like kisses and so almost instantly when he realize he's in love. But the relationship between LQ and RNZ is so calm, smooth and cuteeee. Its like butter being cut by a hot knife. Its so fresh and good!Its mature! The MC was dense as a brick wall xDDD but the ML other than just subtly flirting with him, never pulled any moves on him! (Hey we stan consent).I just loved how dense LQ was! It was so entertaining to read his reactions everytime the ML flirted with him! It wasn't even annoying at all! But I loved that after knowing his heart, MC didn't dilly dally and just asked the ML to be with him! And lets talk about the best part of their relationship:The absolute trust the both of them shared! It was to the point that it actually made me tear up while reading. The trust that both of them put into each other is smth atleast I haven't seen before and it was amazing! As quoted by RNZ when he went to save LQ "I don't know about important. All I know if it was me in there, he'd go after me too."Their relationship dynamic is really one of the best i've seen and the extras just make it better!Not only that, their work as teammates was epic too! They worked together so well! Trusting each other and exhanging opinions while leaving their backs to each other. Not ever suspecting and asking about it, when any one of them talked to others because they both knew, the other will tell them about it. They had trust in each other's judgement too!They were the perfect duo! And lets not forget about how LQ always acted along with MLs scripts whenever ML wanted to act like a drama queen!
    • In most Unlimited Flows, they don't tackle the fear of death. Like ML and MC just get together and keep going on being OP without thinking they can die one day and leave the other behind.i loved how this was tackled so well in this novel! They were both scared of dying and leaving the other behind but the way they thought through it was so complex and beautiful!And lets not forget about the most beautiful part about it
      Spoiler

      when RNZ said that they will die together it literally just melted me right there into a puddle! Like yeah thats the best option. sometimes leaving your loved one behind can be way more despairing to them even if you justify it with 'for your sake'.I'm glad they both talked about it!

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    • The doors were in fact a blessing given to people for rebirth and I loved that they were explained really well. The author even took time to explain the rules in the notes and the arc of each door was really fun, unique and interesting having folktales, popular but not common urban legends as themes. It was super interesting to read. And it was always a treat to read MC and ML going thru them. We would get perspectives of cannon fodders death too to know what happened. And MC going thru them alone for his growth was fun too! And the best things that got me was how the doors were fair to all of them! There was no discrimination. There would always be a way to escape and there won't be a dead end. And ofcourse the "what goes around comes around" principle of the doors too. If you do evil unto others, don't think you will leave unscathed. And the thing that really shocked me
      Spoiler

      There was actually another world in the doors where all the dead people who died due to doors were living happily as compensation.

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      These points really made me believe that the doors were not evil or something completely random but were instead a boon to people for rebirth!
    • As I mentioned above, it was more of a mystery so unlike other UFs there wasn't actually face offs between humans and ghosts. You couldn't just go and beat up the ghosts. (even tho I like the face offs, this conforms more to common sense and it was fun too) You had to figure a way to avoid death by them. Some props were present but they were only for little helps. The interesting concept was that instead of ridiculous fantasy powers, each person got one of their 5 senses heightened to superhuman realm for help which was really unique and fun to read about!
    • The amount of screentime/backstory given to side characters was PERFECT! I really grew attached to lot of them and when the deaths occured, believe me when I say I could feel the despair across the screen and had goosebumps. This wasn't just focused on the main leads but it was about all the people struggling thru the second chance the doors gave them to live and it was beautiful yet so sad. Tan Zaozao, Cheng Qianli, Cheng Yixie, Chen Fei, Ye Niao... man I liked all of them! Even minor characters in sone doors were really fleshed out and interesting! Like Xiong Qi, Xiao Ke and Xiao Mei. The author did a good job!
    • As mentioned above, this is from the author of Perfect Destiny. Even thou its not as hilarious as that but rather consists of a heavy epic plot with complex/unique characters, I will admit it was really funny a lot of times! I always had a goofy grin reading the MC's inner monologue, The ML's shameless antics as a drag and drama queen and their banters! It was really funny and hilarious! Tho I do cry for the lack of hot kisses, vague snippets and smut! I know how good smut the author can write from PD but we didn't even get a deep kiss here ;-; but you know what? Its kinda fine too? Like their relationship and dynamic was really so good enough that I have no complaints! Its perfect the way it is!
    • This novel from the start to the Ending was perfect. Some might think that the last doors were rushed but nope I think they were perfect and really angsty making us feel like yeah its nearing the end soon. And the FREAKIN PLOT TWIST IN THE FIRST EXTRA!!!!
      Spoiler

      WOW just wow! Who could've freakin guessed that RNZ was the doorkeeper of the 12th door and fell in love with LQ and made LQ experience everything anew with him in the 12th door while taking all of LQ's experience to construct himself! Then when he came back he just altered everyone's memories according to what happened in 12th door like bravo!! This plot twist managed to answer a lot of questions to as to why LQ was always calm and not afraid of death.i mean bruh no doubt now! He was already a veteran! He was the real leader of obsidian! But I'm glad that even tho LQ had inkling about RNZ identity and what he did, he chose to continue as normal. But it make me giddy with happiness knowing how much RNZ loved LQ that just to be a part of LQ's life he literally did everything including erasing his own memory, getting a human personality from LQ and going through doors in 12th door with him. This just adds so much more to the love story you know!

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      You know some plot twists you can see coming and you don't get shocked. But this? It shocked the hell out of me that I shouted out loud "WHAT?" But it did make me excited that the author pulled out such a big brain moment on us! I didn't expect it but I welcome it! This just increased the novel's worth to a higher level! The next extras were cute with more elaboration on how much LQ and RNZ loved each other, Both of them acting out scripts and RNZ acting spoiled while LQ indulged him! some other extras were angsty yet beautiful, I really enjoyed them a lot!
I don't know if my review has clearly expressed how good this novel is or not because I'm not good at reviews but I did rant a lot because I freakin loved this novel!please bear with me ;-; And I really do hope a lot of people will read this masterpiece! Just give it a try! Its totally worth your time! <<less
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Kopokopo
Kopokopo rated it
May 27, 2021
Status: extra 6
Like I don't even know where to start, but first and the most important for you all who are hesistating to read this - JUST GO AND READ IT!! Believe me, you won't regret, you will be only crying at the end that it doesn't have more chapters. Because this story is a masterpiece, literary it's one of the few books that I just don't want to abandon even in my dreams.

The reasons for you to read this?

1.- The MC and ML are both greatly written characters, the MC is... more>> smart and calm (there is a reason for this which will blow your mind at the end), but it's not the overbearing kind he also has his inner fears and moments when he just can't think of a way out which makes him such a likable person. About the ML he is described as even smarter than our MC and is really calm in the doors and all, but don't think he is too op just because he is the ML, the reason why he is so good at the doors has also an explanation. Also inside the doors he is such a drama queen, you will love him for this.

2.- Side characters are just a whole bunch of silly babies and cool brothers and sisters, like I have many novels where the side characters are either rarely mentioned or they are just some cannon fodders to fill the screen, but here, we can see some side characters stories and let me tell you, it's imposible to not to love them and some of the endings will catch you so much they will break your heart in the end (like they did mine).

3.-The story is absolutely amazing, I fell in love with all the doors, some had really great suspense, and I loved that the monsters were based off of real monsters or horor events, and as for the later doors (meaning 11 and 12), many people tell that the author stopped working hard and just flunked the last doors and that the quality went down, BUT DON'T LISTEN TO THAT, it's just bullsh*t some people who don't have enough brain cells wrote, these who at least try to understand the story a bit will get that the finish of this story was really mind blowing and greatly written.

4.-The relationship between the MC and ML is just so sweet. We don't have too much of an interaction between them throughout the story, because they focus on the doors but thanks to the ML character inside of the doors there is plentyfull of cute moments. Another thing that is great about our ML is that he is extremely respectfull and he places the MC very close to his heart and cares for him as much as he can. Also for these who persist to the end, the last door is full of cute moments and the extras are just pure bliss.

So don't worry about losing time with this story, because it's one that's worth your time. <<less
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Anie
Anie rated it
July 28, 2018
Status: Completed
I just finished raws. This is not very fluffy novel (I usually prefer fluffy and sweet ones) but it is soo good. I loved every world they went in and the MC is the best and ML is... Best as Well. They are so cute and not annoying at all. There is mystery, plot, cute moments, sad moments, interesting other characters and funny moments as well. So, go for it!
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Randomness
Randomness rated it
July 15, 2018
Status: Completed
Omg, omg, O.M.G

This novel is amazing!

I dropped it several times due to the horrors (and my subsequent nightmares cause by it), but man am I glad I finish this!

And the revelation in extra chapter! Mind. Blown.

Beaware of the tragedy, especially near the end of the novel

... more>>
Spoiler

No worries, the MC and ML are safe, sound and HE. Others though... and those extras.. it's so sadly bittersweet

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Many mysteries still remains unanswered

Spoiler

What is the purpose of The Doors, how the ML is.. ML, and who made The Doors?

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But the ending is quite satisfying, so no loss. <<less
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GhostingLibra
GhostingLibra rated it
July 15, 2023
Status: extra10
This was really a lot to take in. I mean...

The story starts out really slow, but not complaining though. I actually liked the doors, the horror, solving puzzles and Ruan Nanzhu's theatrics. Although I did dislike the side doors our MC went through on his own, but now I kind of understand why the author included the doors instead of just breezing through the them like a montage. The side doors not only showed LQ's character growth but also got to see a good side character.

You know for the 11th... more>> and 12th door I really hoped to see something different, I was kind of getting tired of the same old thing over and over again. And the author really didn't disappoint, the twist at the end was really enjoyable.

The twin story really was... Yeah it broke my heart.

Even though I cried through every side character death, I still understand that the deaths were necessary. (After all its not easy being a side character in a horror book that has death in its title)

Well long story short, if you are going to read this book, I strongly advise you to be more patient. Every tag mentioned is in the book! <<less
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peppergum
peppergum rated it
May 1, 2022
Status: Completed
Characters

... more>>
Spoiler

Let me just start by saying that Cheng Yixie broke me. A tragic figure or an antagonist, either is up for interpretation. What made him better than the villains that LQS & RNZ killed off? It's hard to say, yet he was painfully relatable. I just didn't expect the author to have the heart to give so much misery to a character. His extra chapters were a bit of a loophole in terms of timeline placement, but even if you took RNZ out of it and sub LQS in, it'd still be consistent imo. Either way, I can't get CYX out of my head.

Lin Qiushi was an interesting protagonist, because while a bit bland and a good portion of his personality came in reaction to Ruan Nanzhu, I thought he was significantly fleshed out in comparison to other novels in the genre. I interpreted his uncharacteristic calmness as one part reflex due to his subconscious experience, and one part extreme internalization (as seen with how he lost his sh*t when it came to RNZ or CQL). Another reason could be that he's very codependent upon RNZ, and his stability hinged on RNZ's wellbeing. I really enjoyed his subtle cleverness as well.

Ruan Nanzhu...I think I fall into the minority that enjoyed the plot twist. Imagine being LQS and falling in love with the very entity that killed his friends, yet still choosing to stay with RNZ. Maybe that just speaks for LQS's loneliness. I really enjoyed a ML who was bratty and dramatic, who wasn't infallible and made near fatal mistakes from time to time. I just wish the author spent more time exploring RNZ's perspective so we could really get a feel of what things were like for him.

As for the other characters, a couple reviews complained that the deaths were too sudden, but I think that's how it's supposed to be. Death is sudden in their world. They blindly hope for their friends' survival while knowing that door challengers drop dead like flies ten minutes since they've last seen them in the physical world.

But I do wish the author explored other characters more, like that girl from White Deer or Zhuo Feiquan, or even Li Dongyuan. Also Chen Fei/Lu whatever her name was/Yi whatever his name was, were barely covered despite being such central figures in the organization as well as the main characters' lives.

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Story/The Infamous Plot-twist

Spoiler

KoD's strength is that it doesn't give you a series of complex puzzles for its protagonists to solve with logic that came from nowhere (*coughs* Global Examination *coughs*). Rather, it uses its mysteries/riddles to successfully unravel both the story of the door's inhabitants and the psychologies of its challengers. Each solution made sense, and you see how how the protagonists arrive at their hypotheses.

Like I mentioned, I liked the plot twist. There were hints and traces of it along the way, particularly chapter 103 when they foreshadowed the possibility of a Door NPC being sentient. A couple characters mentioned here and there that it was unnatural how fast LQS adapted, and the easy explanation is that he didn't. If the real him hopped between doors since he was a teenager, then he's had roughly almost ten years of experience under his belt. The extras also revealed that LQS was quite amateur in the beginning. If RNZ adapted LQS's backstory as his own, then we could assume that LQS's adaptability came from a subconscious reflex.

This whole time though, I've guessed LQS might've been the NPC, not RNZ lmao.

I think the rough thing to stomach is the thought of RNZ pretty much brainwashing LQS. But at the same time, LQS's one regret in life was his lack of an intimate partner so hey, maybe that cancels out. PEMDAS, amirite?

I just really wish the author spent another five chapters or so exploring how LQS felt after he figured it out. Maybe a little emotional torment at the thought of sleeping with a god of death who lent a hand in killing off his friends ?? Though I'm also a bit confused at that part. The 10th extra was a bit contradictory. While acknowledging that RNZ was the 12th door, I didn't understand how he managed to hover around LQS the whole time. And why weren't there other 'gardeners' if there were eleven other doors ? So yeah, world-building cut a bit short there.

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Romance

Spoiler

I loved, loved, loved the chemistry between the characters. It was there since day one. No cold-faced, play hard to get male leads. Just two people attracted to each other, without hesitation to act upon it. Their banter was so fun, and LQS constantly spoiling RNZ? For someone who usually hates dogfood, I couldn't get enough.

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Complaints

Spoiler

The only main complaint I have is that the author's pretty gender essentialist lol. A lotta women weak, men strong, all that. There were a couple strong female characters in the doors, but they never got their spotlight. And the only woman in the organization was reduced to a mom figure who cooked for everyone constantly.

Like Xiao Mei? Fascinating. That White Deer girl? Don't be shy, tell us her story.

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Also, the translation by Taida in the first couple dozen chapters were magical. I thought I was reading something by a professional.

Update: 3 weeks later, I'm still not over this story. I've still yet to find a novel I've enjoyed more. Probably gonna end up re-reading this by next year. <<less
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