I really enjoyed this novel. Thanks so much to turtle for translating it. It doesn't have that much BL but its such a nice cherry on top for those of us who enjoy it. The focus is primarily on the survival games which I really enjoyed and theres a lot of thoughts and smarts involved. The explanations can be kind of confusing. There have been times in the translations where the turtle used another name instead of one meant to be used so it doesn't really make sense, but I... more>> do think this is one of my favorite Chinese BL novels. <<less

This novel is one of the best I've read even if its BL and I can guarantee that it is worth the read just for the plot. Even those who hate BL can try to read this since there are no detailed smut scenes in the story (Even when they did 'that', it was written in an analogy of guns (lol) and many readers even missed it) and the romance like what others said can be summarized in just one paragraph.

Background: The world-building of the story is very well done... more>> albeit a bit confusing at first. The story is set in an apocalyptic setting where the humans are forced to play the games of the black tower where failure usually means death. The bosses of these games are mostly fairytale characters with a twist that they like to eat humans.

Story: The plot itself is very interesting with many twist and turns. The games presented by the tower are mind-boggling and I even doubt my own IQ while reading this. Some games even have hidden conditions where the MC magnificently completed it while outsmarting the other characters.

Characters: The characters feel real and they are not 1-dimensional. There are no s*upid characters that only exist to serve as a foil for the MC. Each character is depicted as vividly and realistically possible. Even the villains, both humans and black tower monsters have another side to them aside from their usual selves that the readers will grow to love.

Conclusion: I can't write more on the review since it will possibly spoil the whole story so just try to read it and enjoy the ride :). <<less

This story was so stunning! It was a roller coaster ride adventure and I enjoyed reading every chapter so much I still crave for more. 💙 Edited: (11.22.20) I still think this is one of the best that I've read so far.

Really like the concept.. the games in it are really interesting.

Be prepared for some character deaths here and there - this is not a spoiler - it is kind of expected due to the nature of the story and the games involved.

But I feel kind of sad that

... more>>

Spoiler

Mu Huixue died. I don't want her to die! She's really a good person... her interaction with Bai Ruoyao is so funny..I kind of want her to be with him...

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The romance part is very very slow though... and if you add up all the romance scenes together it will only amount to few sentences. But it is still sweet.

The couple are a perfect match -both are strong and they complement each other nicely, that's why they make a good team in the games.

Spoiler

I like the extra AU chapters though where the black tower is not there and how the characters behave in the normal world..

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Overall this novel is really very good. highly recommend !! <<less

This book was a fun ride. Read it for the survival games and action. The BL in this series is almost negligible, and I would recommend this to readers who are not into BL as well.

The strong point of this series are the games, especially the first few ones that show up. Later games aren't as clever as the first few but are still a fun ride. The author often incorporates small items or clues from previous chapters into subsequent games.

This series has weak characterizations and relationships. You will learn... more>> the characters' names and who they are because the author will stress out certain character names over the chapters, but the characters themselves aren't strongly articulated. Even the MC and ML. That's also why I think this series is palatable for non-BL readers though. It doesn't hinder the story too much since the focus is on the game elements and the action, but it is rather disappointing to be expecting a character to show up for 30 chapters only for the character to end up flat as a board.

The ending is also kind of feels so-so, but that's often the case with apocalyptic series. Again though, I was in it for the games and action, and the book delivered in that aspect. Solid 4/5. <<less

After this one I started to carefully check novels' tags carefully XD

Still games are memorable. Most of them have all sorts of tricks carefully masked by rules. This one is a very solid story.

... more>> Yaoi comes in latest chapters and it doesn't affect story much. Moreover it's more readable than few harem novels I encountered where after nth chapter the only thing u ll see would be incessant bickering of harem members

One of the instances (example) - monopoly game. To finish it you needed to end the loop. 160 (?) squares, 7 (?) players. You roll 2 dices and teleport on corresponding number of steps. You never know which effect unvisited square will have for you in stock. Some of listed effects were: get a rare artifact/ fight a monster/ get a magic property shroom that will last until you roll dice again/ teleport (on any number of steps behind or up 20 steps ahead) /unavoidable death square. All effects with exception of teleport square were bound by the rule "first come first served" so other players won't get anything. The first player to reach finish will get a special prize and the game will naturally come to the end. If two characters end up on the same square death battle will commence. So where does trick lies? Last two dozens of steps were death squares. So usually strongest players who persevered through the whole game ended up simply eliminated while finish line was in the eye's reach. The first square of monopoly had a unique effect. The one who steps on it will be teleported to the endgame square. As there were 2 dices least number one could possibly roll was 2 so no one will be able to get there unless one will use teleport square special effect. But who will teleport back when finish line glimmers with desirable treasures?.. <<less

Really-really-really good novel!

The world, games, MC, ML, and all secondary characters, everything is amazing!

Though it is BL, there are no explicit scenes, and overall not many BL scenes. So, I hope more people will read this novel. It deserves more love and appreciation!

I finished everything at 5am in the morning and this webnovel helplessly made me stay awakes for days now. But I'm really glad to met this novel.

For those who are hoping for BL content, you will be disappointed that the most they will go (explicitedly described) is holding hand and kiss, where I question why the BL tag is there but I don't mind at all since Earth is Online focus more at survival and action.

Putting everything aside, it is a personal 10/10. I would recommended it to everyone I... more>> know to be honest. <<less

Very beautiful and a riveting story. The writing is exquisite and plot is good. Even the extra parallel world chapter was an ode to the main story. Hats off to the writer absolutely wonderful work. Translation work has to be credited as well.

Highly recommend!!!

It's BL but the romance is barely there. The story was written well and most importantly the ending isn't that forced or contrived which is a fallacy a lot of novels in this survival genre face. I would be happy to read a spinoff about the Black Tower monsters. I think they all have a story to tell.

It takes its time to develop, the games are interesting and every main character is basically a genius. I love the main couple, and their understanding of each other but the romance is sloooooow, and I got frustrated in the middle. But such a good novel!
You never know who’s gonna die, and it feels like everyone besides the protas are in constant danger. You don’t get a full cast until the very end. Explores interesting topics, morality and gives you hope besides it’s gory and bleak beggining.
As someone who doesn’t really read strategy based books, it took a toll on me and I felt s*upid. Every game is well though out and the result is always unexpected. Totally worth it if you’re looking for a more plot drive story and don’t mind op characters. Totally recommend !!

The novel was amazing and heartbreaking I love it and it became one of my favorites. I just wish

loved it!

Will recommend for those who enjoy suspense and mystery and even those who do not enjoy BL can read this as the relationship is mainly hinted at around haf way and does not actually show any developemnets until near the end.

Love! Absolutely love! It certainly creates a rather invigorating world that is unique amongst its genre. The romance isn't quick at all, but develops over time and trust. Sure, there is an initial attraction, but if there isn't in the first place, how the two even get in a relationship?

I found the games super intriguing and fun to follow along. The characters were quirky, and I found myself enjoying the side-characters and their efforts rather than bypassing them for the MC and ML. The progression of the plot and the... more>> climax of the novel really melded together well and showcased a well, though-out plot on the author's part. It was easy to tell where weaknesses lied within characters and how working together covered up their holes to finish games.

What made it even better were the little moments of quirkiness from MC's book which just sweetened the world and the tower itself. It just made the world that much better and quirkier. It made the novel more memorable.

If you enjoy problem solving, survival games, a slow-burn romance, and a slow developing plot that finds its pace quickly once instigated, you'll quite enjoy this novel! <<less

A shining 5 stars!

This novel makes me use my brains so much (in a good way). I fell in love with the unique ideas of the author. Especially why the Black Tower does nothing for a period of time when it appeared. The puzzles and all those characters are well defined.

And the MC and ML is just right to my liking!

... more>> Mosaic, what a lovely baby girl! Burn my heart, baby. ?? The author of this novel is really good! His Card Room is another hit to my reading preferences.

Although it was tagged as Yaoi, its still a must recommend to any friend. Even if that friend is a straight-as-a-pole man, this novel will really mesmerize his (virg*n) eyes. This will surely captivate anyone who loves to use their brains!

Hope others will also appreciate this shining, shimmering, gem of a novel! <<less

It's a story with plot! Every game is challenging and makes you use your head. Mind-blowing! I really love this. The romance is a slowburn but it should be like that because they're busy trying to save their lives. I really like how MC and ML interact. Somehow, their little interactions made me go crazy. Highly recommended to people who likes good plot.

At the time of writing this ive lost interest in the novel. I really like the ML and MC but the entire novel felt like build up to their relationship getting closer only for nothing to really happen or change, which was disappointing. However the plot and world building is really good and well thought out, it keeps you on the edge of your seat eventhough you know the MC wont die. I might go to finish the novel just to see how the plot is resolved, but for now... more>> I stopped because the characters got dull. 4 stars because I only started to feel uninterested 20 chapters from the end and everything else about the story is really good. If you read expect more plot than romance (there was next to no romance as far up as I read). Also really like the side characters and was genuinely shocked and sad when one of them died. <<less

This novel needs you to read it to the end to know whether it is good or not. The beginning part of this novel might be boring but it gets better as you read more chapters.

Earth is online is my most favourite novel out of all my favourite novels. I like the characters (the MC is monotonous but he's smart), the plot twists which make the story more interesting and mind blowing (i don't get why some people find the plot twists are ridiculous when they are the ones spicing... more>> up the story), the puzzles and games which blown my mind away and the romance even though it's very slow which makes the story more realistic. Some people said that the romance seems forced and unrealistic because it didn't seem to be progressing. I admit that the romance is moving like a snail because it starts at ch 100+ or maybe 200+ (i don't really remember cuz I finished reading this novel long time ago and only writing this review now). But let's be real, how could the MC and ML find the time to fall for each other when all they have to do is think how to survive?

Even though I like it so much, I must admit that it has flaws too but that doesn't make this novel bad. At most, it only deserves to lose one star. You really should read this novel to the end. Don't just say it's boring when you haven't even reached any of the good parts. Have fun reading! <<less

A good and satisfying read.

The plot, the progress of the story, the characters development, the characters.. Everything's so good. But if you're looking for the BL elements, you'll be disappointed since the romantic element is so little and slow building (remember the shounen ai tag).

Also, you may find that some of the settings are complicated, like, really brain wracking, which, honestly bore me at times, but overall, I really, really like the story. The ending is well wrapped, and I'm happy that I picked this up.

It's a suuuper interesting survival book. If you came for the romance you will be disappointed, but it is a really good read.