[★★★★☆/4 out of 5 stars]... more>>

Spoilers ahead, you've been warned...

This is one hell of a heavy sci-fi themed novel and I didn't think I'll liked it but I did! There are AIs, clones, androids, mechanical creatures, robots, etc., and the story was filled with terms that most of the time just past over my head. In all honesty, the plot is actually pretty complicated for my taste, but the execution of the author definitely helped a lot to make the story more engaging for me personally. 

The plot is very interesting. Ruan Xian woke up 12 years after he was supposed to 'die' and his body that should be plague with incurable diseases, looks as good as new. And he found out that the world he once knew is now being controlled by an AI called MUL-01 or Mainbrain. He has no idea what exactly happened after he 'died' and the fact that there's another 'Ruan Xian' walking the surface of the earth even after he 'died', he has the strong urge to know the truth. Then he meets Tang Yibu, whose only goal is to finish the project given to him by his creator before the 'doomsday' happened. He has to observe and absorb as many information as he can and answer the final question his creator left him a few years ago. Both their goals are something personal and they both didn't want to get involve with the issue of overthrowing the Mainbrain, but since they have to find the same person to reach their personal goals, they were forced to cooperate to 'defeat' the Mainbrain. 

What amused me the most is how Ruan Xian and Tang Yibu handled the situation. I just want you to know that despite having a strong attraction and love for the other person, they really don't trust each other. They have a very complicated relationship that will be tackled as you read the novel, and that's where the lack of trust comes from. And the fact that they fight the war between the Mainbrain and the rebels not because they wanted to help regain humanity but because they want to test their love and trust so that they can completely let down their vigilance against each other. It was so absurd but so like them, and I'm loving it so much!

Now, let's talk about the MC Ruan Xian and the ML Tang Yibu. I've always been looking for novels with manly gay couples in love ever since I've started reading BL novels. It's here and I loved it so much! Though I'm telling you, they're no ordinary manly gay couple! As I said, their relationship is actually so complicated, as complicated as the plot itself. They both want to be the one in control of the other and no one is willing to lose. Even in expressing their own love and affection, they would show it through their killing intent and the more mu*derous they felt towards the other, the more intense their feelings are. Ridiculous, right? But it was so fun to read! The frequency of Ruan Xian and Tang Yibu beating up each other black and blue is the same frequency of their intimate moments and I am absolutely so into it. 

Ruan Xian is a cold, calculating and a not very compassionate guy. He's not the 'saving the pitiful ones' kind of person. There would be an injustice happening right in front of him and he would not even bat an eye, unless he got dragged into it. He has an extremely high intelligence and he was closely monitored (happened a few years before the actual plot took place) because he was considered a dangerous person for basically being a 'psychopath'. But that same psychopath is the one who fell in love first! And you'll be surprised on how intense his burning desire is with the android beside him.

Tang Yibu is an advanced AI with an intelligence higher that any human being ever exist, well maybe except his creator himself. Having lack of empathy and being indifferent when dealing with human being most of the time, but in reality, he's just basically a big baby whose curiousity reached the highest peak. He's good at observing people and absorbing new information and adding it into his system. He always has an explanation to everything, which is pretty much pulled up from the knowledge inputted into his system when he was created. That's why when he met Ruan Xian, who made him see a lot of illogical things and made him feel many unexplained emotions, which even his system can't seem to comprehend, he immediately associated the guy as someone dangerous that cannot be contained, thus has to be eliminated. Laughing out loud with this android's way of thinking. And from there, the threatening-attempted killing-hugging-kissing-smexy scenes routine starts. But he's incredibly adorable whenever he's being clingy and sticky and whenever his curiousity is practically leaking out of every pore of his body, he looks like an innocent little child. He's definitely a big baby!!

I also appreciates that the supporting chacters are not there just to make up for numbers but because they actually have a purpose, especially Yu Le and Ji Xiaoman. And of course I'm not going to forget the MVP of this novel, our cute and adorable little π. It was basically Ruan Xian and Tang Yibu's child that was being tossed around and used as a tool to fight LMAO But seriously, I didn't even think that an iron bead could stole my heart, but it did! If it only has a squishy cheeks, I would have love to pinch it, especially when it's throwing a tantrum and biting its parents' heels out of anger. It also got its own POV in the novel and it's so hilarious! And it's so cute that both Ruan Xian and Tang Yibu, who has no care for any human, has a soft spot for π. 

There are lot of things going on in this novel and I seriously want to recommend this to everyone for you to find out for yourself, but honestly speaking, I think this is something that not all people would really love. You might consider this kind of boring, or that the plot is much more complex than you expected, but I personally really loved this novel so much. Maybe give it a try? <<less

★★★☆☆ [3/5 stars]... more>>

In my opinion, this is pretty a forgettable one, both the plot and even the side characters. It has nothing very unique going on but it sure is very entertaining to read. I rated it based on how much I enjoy my time reading it, and it was quite okay personally, plot-wise.

What I liked about this the most is the character development of both Ye Jia (MC) and Ji Xuan (ML). It's not a huge development but a subtle one, and you might not even noticed it unless you especially go back to the beginning and realized the small changes. It's that smooth transition that really got me.

Take note that if you're looking of a Unlimited/Infinite Flow danmei, this might not be what you're looking for. This leans more towards horror in a real world. It's more focused on the aftermath of the game/instance world where the MC spent his years and after escaping the cruel games, now living in a seemingly peaceful reality. No instances involved. <<less

★★★☆☆ [3/5 stars]... more>>

Another sci-fi danmei I've now added to my pitifully small pile. I've always wanted to read more sci-fi danmei, but I'm always reluctant to pick one up. The only sci-fi danmei I've really love so far is Mist by Wei Feng Ji Xu, and it's about time travel. I really loved it so much that I was afraid I wouldn't like another sci-fi danmei. I've seen this novel a lot of times and read good reviews about this so here I am.

This can be considered shorter than average novel, but it doesn't feel like it. A lot has happened in a short span of time I was reading it and it definitely didn't have any unnecessary scenes. All happened purposefully and the foreshadowing is strong from the very beginning.

Though it might not be the best and wouldn't be included in my top favorite, I had fun reading this one. But the last part kind of ended abruptly. I wanted atleast a chapter or two more to wrapped things up nicely, but the climax and the ending all happened in just two chapters. I think this is the disadvantage of an action-packed novels with a shorter length. It would be harder for the author to end the story that would give a solid and satisfying ending in a short amount of time.

But nevertheless, it's a good story. Many complicated sci-fi terms but easy to understand, atleast for me. This is a danmei so it's natural to have a BL subplot. The relationship between the MC and ML is actually adorable to follow. Despite their banter, the full trust they give each other is still evident. But I really want to rant about them not having enough moments after the 'reunion'. I would have loved to see their interactions together after all the issues are resolved. I don't like the subtleness of that reunion part, as if the author was like: you know what will happen, no need for me to elaborate. I was like, NO, I want you to elaborate!

But, I still recommend this. It wouldn't take a lot of time whether you end up liking it or not. I definitely didn't regret picking this up. <<less

★★★★★ [5/5 stars]"Let us end today's gathering here"The Tarot Club members couldn't help but feel a baffling sense of sorrow. It was as though a... more>> grand ball was coming to an end.I thought I was emotionally prepared when I picked this final volume up, but no preparation is enough. I can still feel my heavy heart. Maybe because I'm so much invested with this novel that I'm not yet ready to say goodbye. I want more, but I know I wouldn't get it so soon.I know that Klein entering his slumber for an indefinite time isn't equivalent to him perishing. It was his way to stabilize his control over his own body and mind and not be able to lose himself to the old Lord of the Mysteries. But despite entering his slumber that can last for a long time, he's still fighting for his life and for his chance to protect the people he cared about, alone. With no one but himself to rely on. And it's still not clear if he would be able to completely stop the awakening of the LotM in him.Klein leaving different tasks for the members of the Tarot Club before going into slumber and trusting them to wake him in the future, seriously made me so emotional. And Leonard getting so sincerely worried when he learned about Klein going into a slumber just hit so hard. Leonard is really the best friend Klein could ever have.The whole scenario of Klein advancing into an Above the Sequence and his final showdown with Amon is just so freaking epic and intense. I wouldn't wish to meet Amon because he's seriously terrifying. No matter how good looking he is, I don't want to see him around Klein anymore in the future. He's unbelievably overpowered. But being overpowered doesn't mean he's without weaknesses. And that loophole was what Klein used to defeat the seemingly undefeatable God of Deceit. 'The Fool's Gambit' is really an accurate title for this volume.The one who wasn't afraid of true death would yield the absolute advantage. Clearly, Amon wasn't prepared to sacrifice himself for this matter.This volume cannot be considered as the end of the story. Actually, it can be regarded as a massive prologue before the apocalypse happens sixteen years in the future. The story is just getting started, is what this is. It's like the journey of how Mr. Fool came to be, the Mr. Fool who I know would play a big role in the apocalypse. I've learned that the sequel of this novel wouldn't have Klein as the main protagonist. There would be a new main character, but I know that Klein and the Tarot Club members would appear again in the future. There are a lot more of the plot left untouched so I know that the continuation of the story involves not only the OG characters here in LotM but more equally important characters that will get introduced in the sequel. I think that the new main character in the sequel would become a strong ally of Klein when the apocalypse comes. I'm not too sure if they will really become Klein's ally, but I'm sure that they will also play a huge part in the future events. Within sixteen years before the apocalypse, many more events will occur. I just hope that Klein will get out of his slumber at least in the second part of book 2. I already missed him a lot."From the beginning, you've been a guardian. You mimicked others until you were mimicked by others"And that last chapter about Melissa and Benson's daughter praying to Mr. Fool! That was so unexpected that I was literally left speechless for a few minutes. So she knew that Mr. Fool is his 'dead' brother?? Because that was what my puny brain interpreted! And if so, I really want to know how she was able to discover that!!I've said this in my review in the volume 1 of this series, but I'll say this again. Klein Moretti is easily one of my most favorite fictional characters I've ever known. And Lord of the Mysteries is definitely one of my favorite series I've ever read, not just this year. This is a masterpiece I'm glad I discovered. This series also introduced me to more webnovels that I'll sure be trying in the future. Unfortunately, the sequel of this novel titled Circle of Inevitability is still currently ongoing and just started last month, and I don't think I'll pick it up soon. I just want to stack more chapters before I start it.I highly, HIGHLY recommend this novel to every fantasy reader out there. This is has a massive and has a rather intricately detailed and slow world building. There are people who have asked me about my opinion of this novel because they personally think this is boring, but please take note that this has a total of 1430 CHAPTERS. You won't be able to take a glimpse of the whole picture of the plot in just mere 100 chapters. Just give the first arc a try (213 chapters). If you still couldn't get into it after finishing the first arc, then you can choose not to continue this. Maybe this isn't your cup of tea. But I swear, this is so good!!! No words can express how much I love this series!!PS. I would love to have a chat to those LotM readers out there! <<less

★★★★✩ [4/5 stars]... more>>

I really enjoyed this novel a lot. Not the best rebirth story but it was still a really good one. It has a straightforward plot and not very complex. The face-slapping moments will always satisfy me. I especially loved the fated lovers and unconditional love trope, and also the doting and devoted lovers. Those are a few of my favorite tropes and I'm glad to see those here.

Also, it's rare to see a sincere love and care between the royal siblings in a historical novel. And I mean, all the siblings, no exceptions. No pitting each other and wanting each other dead just to achieve power. Li Xiao might be cold and a tyrant, but he never harmed his own siblings. I really praised the emperor for raising his children in a way that he did. He never let the mothers of his children do the raising, but instead let the empress dowager to look after them herself, which is a very wise decision. They grew up literally together, and that's what builds the sincere feelings between them. If it's not for the poison situation that happened to Li Xiao, they could have continued that kind of relationship. But still, I can clearly feel the respect and love.To be honest, there are actually some loose ends that I hoped got resolved. I was a bit disappointed but nothing really major that affected the overall plot. Also, the one thing that puts me off is Li Xiao's jealousy over his own son. I mean, he's a yandere who's obsessed with his lover, but jealous over his son? For real? Unlike some people, I don't really mind yanderes but to this point? I loved Li Xiao but definitely not that part of him regarding his son. I especially don't like the extra chapter because that chapter really brought out that part of himself.

Overall, this is still a worth read. It's not very angsty, it's even on the lighter side in my opinion, but I teared up a few times, not gonna lie. It's not very long, only 80 chapters and I even finished it in less than two days. Recommended, but not to those not really into yandere characters. <<less

★★★✩✩ [2.5/5 stars]... more>>

probably the most inferior among the meng xi shi novels i've ever read, in my opinion. i was excited at first when i saw that it has some time paradox/time travel element because i always loved some good time travel (the danmei titled 'Mist' is a pretty good one, highly recommended), but to be honest, this isn't it. thought meng xi shi's recipe for her novel is still here, i felt like this was written by other people.

the start was actually good, but the more the story goes on, the more i detached myself from it. my interest gradually lessen and it's kinda sad since i actually liked the power couple. there's also this random perspective from some minor characters that was very detailed when it doesn't need to be, and that took me out of the story. if i'm being honest, there are a couple of parts that i skipped. even the climax itself is kinda dull and i was wishing for this novel to end as soon as possible. this ended with so much plotholes and questions left unanswered, i really wasn't satisfied

very disappointed because i assumed that i'll like this as much as meng xi shi's other two novels, or even more. <<less

★★★★✩ [4/5 stars]... more>>

trigger warnings: animal abuse, child abuse, h*mophobia

i know that this novel felt heavy based from the trigger warnings above, and it does sometimes, but i swear, this mostly has sweetness and wholesomeness that makes me grin from ear to ear, albeit having some bits of painful angst sprinkled in it. this is more of a healing novel and a pretty good one.what i loved the most about this novel is the healthy relationship between qing ji and shen yan. no unnecessary miscommunication, misunderstanding and toxicity. they're both precious human being that needs to be protected at all cost! two of the greenest flags i've ever read!! both of them struggled from their own trauma and they find the comfort and healing that they needed with each other. despite their own pain, they both have an incredible personality but still feel realistic. i loved how they handled their own 'ghosts from the past' and how they overcame it. saying that they're perfect for each other is probably an understatement.this also has some satisfying 'face-slapping' moments that i thoroughly enjoyed. i also loved the heartwarming friendship dynamic among the characters. though it appeared almost halfway through the novel, but it's there and it's so good to see. the side characters have their own charm too and they added their own flavor to the story.

objectively, this novel is not perfect and it has its own flaws, but i actually really loved this from the bottom of my heart and i would highly recommend this to literally anyone despite the trigger warnings. <<less

★★★★★ [4.5/5 stars]... more>>

i never expected to love this novel as much as i did but this is actually a pleasant surprise.

the synopsis of this is pretty much clear and straightforward. the lazybone but smart ML will experience death twice and will transmigrate three times in different bodies, and he will be married with the MC in those three times. it was constructed in a lighthearted and funny way so here i thought i was prepared emotionally and could take it lightly. but those 'death scenes' broke me.

this is overall not a very heavy novel. with the MC and ML's bickering and their entertaining interactions with each other, i sometimes forgot that this has some heavy themes. but when it wants to get emotional, tears are to be expected. i actually spent midnight reading with swollen eyes.

the characters, especially the MC, are not the typical kind-hearted, 'seeking justice' kind of characters. the mc is smart, manipulative, ruthless and a black-bellied beauty who holds a grudge even in the most simple matter. he was never the one who starts the issue but provoke him once and you'll definitely stay in his book of revenge forever and you'll never be able to live in peace. he's indifferent to most people, except his own family and people. the ML on the other hand is a young man transmigrated in this world and considered himself a salted fish. i've never encountered such lazy character in my life, lazy to point that he only tried 'jerking off' once when he was a teenager and never did it again because it was too tiring lol only the MC can pull him out of his bed. but despite being a salted fish, he's also clever and can be quite powerful when he really puts an effort. he's a little less 'evil' than the MC but he LOVES watching his baobei do ruthless things with other people who triggered him, even lending him a hand most of the time.

i swear, their character and relationship dynamic is the peak of this novel. a power couple doing bad things together? of course i'll love it! the side characters are also quite interesting, especially shen huaishi. he deserves the whole world! he's such a precious cinnamon roll in a body of a dangerous assassin and i'm glad the author gave him a satisfactory ending. i also loved the extra chapters where the three of them transmigrated in the modern world. i want more of their antics!!

i would love to recommend this to anyone, as long as you're fine with black-bellied characters. <<less

★★★★★ [5/5 stars]i just literally finished the last chapter and here i am, writing this review without waiting for my emotions to settle down. my... more>> feelings are still fresh, my emotions are still raw, my eyes are still swollen, my heart is still aching.i've started watching the chinese drama adaptation of this novel a few years ago and i clearly remember how much i loved it, but life got in the way and i didn't manage to finish it. just a few days ago, i was looking for a novel with court intrigues and i suddenly remember this. without hesitation, i picked this up right away.reading this novel is painful. undoubtedly a masterpiece, but a painful masterpiece. this is not just a story about fighting for the throne, revenge, betrayals, scheming, plotting and court politics that will make your blood boil, but also a story of a poignant reunion, a strong and deep friendship and loyalty and the sacrifices that will make you feel the warmth and the heartbreak at the same time.i'm always attracted to clever characters, no matter what genre i read, and i especially look forward to seeing them in this setting. and mei changsu as the main character is what i'm looking for. he's now definitely one of my most favorite 'sexy brain' characters that i've ever come across in my life. he's very smart and he backs it up in 1001 different ways. mei changsu isn't described as a prodigy just for the charisma factor, and then do the most idiotic things very uncharacteristically in the most simple situation, or because emotions got in the way. he's legitimately and consistently rational, shrewd and calculating while still being realistic. he always has a plan and ten more backup plans whenever he attacks. he's not called a strategist for nothing and i wholeheartedly loved his character so much.the way this story just hit right in the feels is not something i remember from the episode that i started. reading the novel is quite different, more elaborate i think. reading how much unspoken words of grief, sorrow and heartache the characters have in their minds that weren't fully captured in the drama, this novel impacted me so much more.the ending can be considered as bittersweet but i would like to categorize it more as sad and heartbreaking. the amount of tears i've spent in this novel is unreal. i didn't just shed a tear, i literally sob a couple of times. i actually don't want to go through the pain again but i think i would start watching the drama again and finish it this time. <<less

★★★☆☆ [3.5/5 stars]... more>>

This danmei novel is quite plot-heavy and the romance is kind of a sub-plot, so anyone looking for a romance-focused plot, this might not be for you. The romantic relationship is a great anchor for both the MC and ML's stance in the situation, but it's not what drives the whole plot.

But even though the romance is just a subplot, what I love about this novel the most is the MC and ML's relationship dynamic. Both of them are standing on different side of the conflict and literally everyone is convinced that one of them would just betray the other. But the thing is, their level of trust for each other is not something anyone would understand. From the perspective of the outsiders, they are just collaborating for the sake of their personal gains, that they just clearly met and betrayal is very possible. What they didn't know is how much they rely on each other since they were kids, that even though Shu Jun lost his memories of A Yan, that instinctual trust he gave the other is very natural, how deep their feelings for each other are despite the growing hostility of their respective 'race'. No one is aware of their sincere love other than themselves. And I loved how nonchalant they are in their response when other people kept on provoking their trust on each other, because they're confident that backstabbing would not happen in their relationship. I love that relationship dynamic so much and for me, that's the best part of this novel.

I can't say I'm very into the plot itself, but it was still good. I just stayed here for both the MC and ML and their display of affection, regardless of the plot. I've read another novel of this author a few months ago (Happy Doomsday) and I can see how much she's focused on the complicated plot, but her characters and their dynamics are undoubtedly the best aspect of her works in my opinion, both in this novel and in Happy Doomsday. I will definitely read more of her novels in the future. <<less

★★★☆☆ [3.5/5 stars]... more>>

I can definitely see why people who have read this reminded them of FOD. In terms of the aspect of quick transmigration, world-hopping and face slapping moments, this novel and FOD really shared some similarity. But that's where the similarity stops.

Unlike FOD, every arc in this feels more chill and the plot more smooth sailing, to the point of being anticlimactic at times. Both MC and ML are OP characters that's why the arcs aren't as intense. They completed their tasks a bit too easily but it saved me so much stress knowing that the MC and ML can solved each world without sweat. The face slapping moments are good, though. Even though Bai Lixin and Dijia aren't the most kindhearted and morally upright characters, they're not as black-bellied as the MC in FOD.

Every arc has different settings and though the pattern on each arc is quite repetitive - Bai Lixin transmigrating, finding his lover, changing the original plot, saving his lover's soul fragments, proceed to the next world - this novel is still very enjoyable. There's no deeper substance in the plot itself, it's even quite tr*shy, but I was undoubtedly very into it that I've read all 317 chapters in less than 5 days. Very entertaining, in my opinion. And you know the thing I liked about this novel more than FOD? That the MC easily recognized his lover in every world, not mistaking him for another man. I still feel cheated and betrayed whenever I remember how the MC in FOD kissed another man because he thought it was his lover.

The last part is all over the place though and the ending is quite rushed. When I read the very last chapter, I actually thought that I was missing a few more chapters but since I learned that it has a sequel, it comforted me a bit.

This is not something I would recommend because I'm fully aware that this novel is objectively not the best thing, but personally, I really had blast reading this. <<less

★★★★☆ [4/5 stars]... more>>

I came here to read a spooky story and I actually got it. Though in my opinion, the spooky vibe in every arc is kind of tamed than I actually hope for, but that's on me because I typically have a higher tolerance in horror. For someone who doesn't usually get scared reading or watching ghosts stories, this might not exactly the level of scare I was looking for, I can still say that I am satisfied with what I got.

This focuses more on investigating cases. Since there are deaths in the crimes committed, that's where the 'ghosts' came in. Instead of a typical crime investigation stories that rely more heavily on the physical evidences, this novel makes the horror element the center of solving the cases. Different small cases in every arc and there's a huge plot of case that connects all of them. I personally enjoyed every one of them and I'm very satisfied with where the story ended.

I'm a sucker for stories with found family, and I was so happy to see it here. Adopting a teenager with a traumatic and brutal past into the warm home of the Yu family, I was already happy with that basic character setting. The slowly developing brotherly relationship between Yu Yin and Shaodi Yu makes my heart melt. Ah Yin slowly transitioning from being an insufferable guy who disliked the fact that his fathers adopted a teenager without informing him to being an absolute protective older brother who's willing to die for him just to take Xiao Yu's pain away. The Yu twins treating Xiao Yu like their own kid and never forcing him to bare his mind and heart out, letting the child move on his own pace, but still there to support and worry about him. There might not be a maternal warmth in the family, but the love and care inside the family is glaringly obvious. And that's actually the best part of this novel in my honest opinion. The supporting characters are also very fun to follow and I enjoyed reading them.

In regards with the plot, I admit that Ah Yin is infuriating at times whenever he's being meddlesome and reckless, acting on his own instead of looking for his two fathers' help, who are both a police officer, and always ended up with a lot of injuries and even on the verge of death more than once. There is absolutely no arc/case where he left unscathed. I totally understand why Yu Xia has the need to discipline him with violence at times (note: not a domestic violence in any way, this is more of a very Asian way of disciplining a child). He never learns and he just go straight into the danger, worrying both his parents and Xiao Yu. I couldn't even count how many times he almost died, the kind of situation where without s split second external help, he wouldn't be able to keep his life. His recklessness is not my favorite part of this novel, it makes me so frustrated. But the thing is, this personality of him is what drives the story forward, so I couldn't say anything more.

Since this novel isn't really a professionally accurate and scientific one, I didn't mind some things that didn't go according to common sense, like the police letting Ah Yin know about the ins and outs of the cases when he is basically an outsider (and a college student at that) regardless of his parents being part of the police force, letting him inside a crime scene, chasing after the criminal even knowing that he's being baited into danger when in fact his parents and the police are just beside him and he could have just inform them about it. I let all of those slide because I enjoyed my overall reading experience.

I'm actually glad to know about this novel. If it weren't for me digging hidden gems in Novelupdates, I wouldn't have known this one. I sincerely hope that more people will know about this. There are some trigger warnings so anyone who plans to pick this up should be aware of it. I will definitely pick the sequel of this once the translation is completed because I need more of the dynamics between all the characters.  <<less

★★★★★ [4.5/5 stars]... more>>

When I read the synopsis above, I seriously fell in love with the premise. That's why even though this novel only has a few chapters translated, I decided to read it through MTL. I had the itch to continue it even knowing that MTL sucks most of the time. This is not my first time reading MTL and fortunately it is still 60-70% readable and I finished it in 3 days. 

This is definitely a plot-driven story. The story is very intricate and complicated and it's very heavy on the police/crime investigation aspect. I love both the MC and ML and their relationship dynamic. There pretty much have tons of truth concealment between each other that made up the angst but that part of the story is inevitable because of their real identity. But the fact that despite all the obstacles, their love for each other never waver. The more they love each other, the more they have to temporarily sacrifice their feelings for the safety of the other. I love them so much! Also the plot itself is so intense!

If you're not into heavy crime investigation, huge age gap romance (8 years) and if you're uncomfortable with brothers turn romantic (they're not related in blood and Ying Wan isn't legally adopted either), you might want to stay away from this. But if you're alright with it, I highly recommend this! <<less

★★★☆☆ [3.5/5 stars]Though I expected something more profound, this novel is still a fun read. Full of face-slapping moments which I always loved but the... more>> best part of this might be the MC and ML themselves. Zhao Zhao, a very precious sunshine that gives so much energy and Ting Ting, a gloomy but very generous and doting lover, both equally needs a proper protection. I loved them both so much. And though it is still a slow burn romance, the crumbs of dog food from them are scattered from the beginning so there's no shortage of sweetness. there are some trigger warnings you need to be aware of but this story is overall not that darktw: depression, child abuse, bullying, su*cide <<less

★★★★☆ [4/5 stars]... more>>

I think I liked this more the Very Happy which was written by the same author with the same theme in terms of the whole ambiance. To be honest, this novel and Very Happy are pretty similar in a lot of aspects but I think I would choose this a bit more.

Gongxi Qiao, even though not as powerful and rich as Xi Qing, he can still hold his own and I don't really believe that without Xi Qing, he would be nothing. I can actually see how he can handle everything with his own skills. It was actually Xi Qing's insecurity that he thought Xiao Qiao is very independent to the point that he's no use for him. I loved how the transition from them being strangers to being friends and eventually being lovers, it's smooth and very natural. I also loved the way the confession was handled. It can actually be called a failed confession in Xi Qing's perspective because he was rejected but I do think that it wasn't a failure at all. His confession was rejected by Xiao Qiao but his actual feelings weren't. I loved that Xiao Qiao didn't accept him right away not because he doesn't have feelings for him but because he thought Xi Qing doesn't know him well enough and has given him time to know him more first, that if Xi Qing still choose to be by his side even after knowing the real him, he would be the one to take the initiative to step forward and hold his hand. Those parts were actually conveyed very realistically.

Though the plot is still very simple, it was portrayed better in this novel than in Very Happy, so I'm pleased. But I still highly recommend both novels because both are fun and easy to read.

There are a few trigger warnings though, such as su*cide, discrimination and s*xual assault, nothing foreign when it comes to the real entertainment business. <<less

★★★★★ [5/5 stars]... more>>

Content warnings: h*mophobia, slurs, gender stereotyping, forced coming out (past event), s*xual acts done to a minor (past event, brief mention), self harm/attempted su*cide (past event), financial troubles, severe injuries to close family, bullying (past event), offhand comments on skin tone and body weight. (copied from the translator's note)

There's an intense h*mophobia in here and the story's main obstacle revolved around this specific aspect. I have to say that this novel is quite heavy and so realistic that it's a hard for me to read sometimes. Considering that I am not homos*xual myself and I don't dare put myself in the shoes of these characters and says something insensitive, but for me to specially feel the pain and trauma of these characters, I couldn't imagine the impact this novel would make the people who experienced this firsthand feel.

I definitely cried more than once reading this. Both Qiao Fengtian and Zheng Siqi are undoubtedly flawed but they are so fleshed out as well that made it hard for me to think that they're just fictional characters. They felt so real that I can feel how they courageously struggled through their lives and how they handled it so bravely. They have a very strong heart to be able to face twice the hardship of a 'normal' person and still able to love and care so genuinely and passionately. They're definitely each other's anchor and pillar of support.

I love their mature way of handling their relationship even before they've confessed to each other, the proper communication that they've put into their relationship, them considering the pros and cons before making decisions. They're not impulsive in their actions, especially knowing that they have to put more careful effort in every actions they make. They're not those typical hot-blooded, passionate lovers that put their emotions in front of everything and think that their love can solve anything. That notion is a wishful thinking and it couldn't always apply in reality, specially in their case. I love the realistic approach to it. It's not that they not love each other enough that they couldn't put each other as their first and only priority, but it's because they love each other so genuinely that they have to think not just about their feelings for each other but also their extra baggage and responsibilities in order to make their relationship work without sacrificing important things. Maybe it's the beauty of having a couple of their age (29 y/o QFT and 35 y/o ZSQ) that I witnessed such a mature love and relationship that I really admired and it makes me want to fall in love. 

I actually want to recommend this novel to everyone but I also know that the heavy topic on this would make a lot of people uncomfortable. Please read at your own discretion. You just have to know that I love this novel so much and this definitely entered my favorite danmei list. <<less

★★★☆☆ [3.5/5 stars]... more>>

Rebirth? Enemies to lovers? Master and disciple couple? Yes, please.

This is such a fun and light read. I really loved the connection and the relationship between the MC and the ML, whether what's shown in the surface or the actual bond between them. I've always been in love with doting and devoted lover so this is a plus for me. The plot itself is quite interesting, especially the rebirth part but nothing new and spectacular overall. There's no fixed 'big villain' as the main antagonist but more like a combination of small to mid villain sprinkled through out the story.

Still good and fun and it's also on the shorter side so it's a quick read. <<less

★★★☆☆ [3.5/5 stars]... more>>

This reminded me of one of my favorite danmei 'The Wife is First' in terms of second chance love after rebirth. I loved the relationship between the MC and ML, so much sweetness without being cringe and the mutual understanding between the two of them is top notch. Also the communication in their relationship is perfect.This is pretty simple plot wise and the antagonists are the kinds of characters that are not too smart, actually they're ridiculously s*upid most of the time who, instead of doing their antagonistic things against the MC and ML, they're just tripping over their own foot. But despite being not the greatest antagonists, they're entertaining to read. They served their purpose.Because of this, my love of rebirth novels reignited, that's why I'm now on my mission to look for similar novels! <<less

★★★☆☆ [3.5/5 stars]... more>>

I've been in a rebirth danmei marathon and this has been my third consecutive read!I didn't expect this to have a touch of fantasy, especially at the end part regarding the MC's background. I was caught off guard but it's not specifically a bad thing. I'm actually more on the relationship between the MC and ML. Maybe what I loved the most about these rebirth novels is the way the MC and ML cherishes their relationship more genuinely and realizes how they deeply loved each other. I loved the sweetness that they gave me from reading their interactions. I'm so into their relationship so much!I've read the MTL almost halfway through the novel and even though it's manageable to read, I think I still missed a lot of things. If not for that, I think I would have rated this novel higher.I highly recommend this to anyone, especially who loved historical and rebirth danmei! <<less

★★★★☆ [4/5 stars]This novel definitely left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I want at least one more chapter for a definite ending but the author obviously left it like that to let the readers continue the story in their own way, the way this novel has always been operating. It was like telling us that Kim Dokja switched from being the 'reader' to being the 'protagonist' and us, the readers, are responsible for continuing his story by thinking of him.... more>>

The ending felt satisfying but it also felt not at the same time. The emptiness in my heart maybe sprung from not having Kim Dokja's perspective in the last 30% of the ending. Not hearing his inner monologue clearly portrays his soul scattering and his memories losing. I felt like I was part of the gang who 'mourns' Kim Dokja's absence. And I also experienced the anticipation they felt when a small hint of Kim Dokja coming back appeared and it also gave me a sliver of hope.

This novel might not be perfect but it definitely holds a special place in my heart. Being invested in a long novel like this, a novel that gave me so many different emotions and even felt like I am part of the group, is not something I always encounter as a reader. I loved and sympathized with the characters. I laughed and cried and despaired with them. I felt all their defeats and victories and I lose hope and celebrated with them. Feeling all these emotions, despite draining at times, I am really grateful to discover this novel and be able to know these wonderful characters.

I fully understand the hype for this novel. Now I wonder if the live action could bring enough justice for this. <<less

★★★☆☆ [3/5 stars]... more>>

I actually expected more from this novel, but unfortunately, it didn't lived up to it. Maybe because I MTLed the whole novel, it affected my experience a lot. The political side of the plot is nothing meticulous, the antagonists are just brainless cannon fodders. I kept going because of the romance, but even that part is kind of lacking for me. I still enjoyed it while reading it, but I do think that this is quite unforgettable for me. That actually makes me sad because I really thought I would loved this when I first read the synopsis. Maybe I would blame some of it to the fact that I read the MTL and it influenced my whole reading experience. <<less

★★★★★ [5/5 stars]... more>>

This novel might be the same length as TGCF, or maybe a bit longer, that's why it took me more than a week to finish reading this. I thought it would be such a stretch to have 282 chapters of historical politics and war but no, I realized that even though this is long, the length is just right because of how intricate the plot is.

If you're planning on picking this novel up because you're looking for a fluffy romance, or you're expecting this to focus on the romance, or you've heard that the main couple here might be one of the best pairs in all of danmei but you're not a plot-driven reader, please, this is your chance to turn around and walk away. The plot might not be the same without the romance, but I can say that this novel can be considered as having the romance as a subplot, not the main plot. This is more about the politics and war, and if you're not into that kind of topic in your story, this might not be for you.

Both the MC (Shen Lanzhou) and the ML (Xiao Ce'an) are deserving to have their own fandom. Their characters shine so much in this. They're very well written, with their own flaws and shortcomings but also realistic. They have so much charisma that no matter how flawed they are, you couldn't help but still love them and root for them.

Shen Lanzhou is a son of a traitor and was implicated in the rebellion. He was condemned and tortured to the point where he almost died a couple of times, and one of them was because of a fatal blow by Xiao Ce'an himself. On the other hand, Xiao Ce'an is the second son of a retired general and the brother of the current general of the Libei Armored Cavalry that guards the northern border against the Baisha tribes. Because of the successive win of the army against the Baisha, Xiao Ce'an was sent to the capital as an 'assurance of loyalty' to the emperor if we're going by euphemism, 'hostage' if we're being blunt, to control the army. Both Lanzhou and Ce'an are prisoners of their own fate and in that moment of their lives, they got to meet each other. But not in a pleasant way.This might be one of the best enemies to lovers that I've read. A fatal kick as a greeting in their first meeting is such a memorable way to introduce them with each other. Their own circumstances made them loath each other. They not just bicker and pit the other person, they literally tried to kill each other. But after their mutual hate comes the mutual attraction, which makes them hate each other even more. Having the same fate of being in a 'cage', they gradually become reluctant allies that turns into something deeper that even they didn't want to get out of. The way their romance progressed is so smooth that you wouldn't even tell when it starts, but it still feels natural.Lanzhou and Ce'an are capable characters, both as a couple and as individuals. They even have this period when they have to do their own things and have to be apart, and that shows their development as an individual. And I loved it! They can be the power couple, but they can also prove themselves separately.This novel also has a lot of great side characters and the antagonists are no brainless cannon fodder. The author made it so easy to get attached to them. There is no black and white, good and bad, in this story. They all have their own principle and no one can define who is right and who is wrong. It all depends on the perspective or where you stand.The story of overthrowing a century old dynasty is not something easy to convey. There are a lot of things to consider, whether the internal and external conflicts, the politics and war. They are so intricate and written so well, and the author didn't try to skip things to move forward. The characters have their own part to do. It's all there and that's what makes this so good. The only historical Chinese novel that comes to mind with this kind of intricate, detailed plot with full of great characters is Nirvana in Fire. The only thing is that NiF was focused on the internal conflicts and the struggle to change the ruler but QJJ doesn't only change the ruler but the dynasty itself and also touches the issue of war and all the things that comes with it, with also some intense battle scenes.The author also wasn't afraid to kill off characters. Dying in this sort of setting isn't unusual and it makes more realistic to have death in this story, but because the characters are so easy to get attached to, it was difficult to accept. The overall goal might have been achieved in the end, but not everyone got their own happy ending, even the characters from the protagonists' side and that's worthy of the tears I've spent. No matter who they are (because I won't spoil it), my heart ached for them. That's why even if the ending is satisfactory, it left a tiny hole in my heart.Overall, this is a new favorite danmei for me, and also a new favorite couple! I would have loved to recommend this to anyone, but I know this is not a cup of tea for everyone because of the heavy plot. But I swear, if we're talking about the plot and the characters, this is definitely a masterpiece! <<less

★★★★★ [5/5 stars]This novel has one of the most heart wrenching scenes I've ever read in my whole life, and that specific scene was not... more>> even the fifth of the way through the story. I literally bawled my eyes out, I actually had a splitting headache for hours. The first arc of this novel gave me so much sincere familial warmth and love but also also gave me the most heartbreaking parting, and just by thinking about it, I can already feel my eyes stinging.The betrayal of a certain character in this novel hurts so much, that I really have a complicated feelings about him. I hated him, but I felt that there was more to his actions than straight up deception, so I don't exactly know what to feel about him. That's why I fully understand the MC's indecisiveness to judge him but also not willing to be near him. For once, I was actually glad to be spoiled about who the ML is from the start because I think that betrayal would have been so much worse if I thought 'he' was the ML when it happened. But it still stung, nevertheless, especially when they have this irrefutable bond that no one, not even the MC's father and the ML themselves can cut off.The ML is actually very unexpected for me. He didn't fully appear until the second arc, but his appearance in MC's life is very much fated. I can actually say that both their initial and official encounters are pretty much in the right place and the right time. The event that both changed their lives connected them and they found the comfort in each other despite all the pain. I loved their relationship so much, and I admire their growth both individually and as a couple.This historical danmei is actually quite different from all the historical danmeis I've come across. This is not the typical imperial brothers fighting for the throne or protagonists overthrowing the cynical but incompetent emperor or the emperor's harem using their imperial sons to fight for the power or some revenge plot. It is actually very unusual to have the royal clan very likeable in this kind of setting. It's rare to have the imperial brothers, who are both worthy of the throne, pushing the position to the other. They were like, 'You be the emperor' 'No, I don't want it. You be the emperor'. They have this sincere familial bond that even the treacherous officials couldn't severe. Rather, this story is about the protagonist claiming his rightful position as the crown prince after someone stole his identity, crawling his way up to prove his identity.This novel managed to become one of my favorite danmei, maybe up there with QJJ, when it comes to plot and characters. This has my most favorite father-son relationship that absolutely broke me, even much more that the father-son relationship in QJJ. The actual difference is that here, we actually get to see the details of their relationship from the start and it makes us loved every single scene of the MC and his father together, so it's much more impactful. This character only appeared very briefly but gave me the most impact, and both his existence and absence affected the story so much. But not just this specific character, all characters have their own role to play in the plot and each has their own charm. Fei Tian is very intricate with his plot and characters that I almost have no major complains. There are some nitpicks, but nothing serious that can lower even a half of my rating. This hit me so much right in the heart, I don't know if I can even recover from this.I would like to recommend this to anyone who loves historical novels, but I just want to remind that this has an age gap romance, maybe 6 or 7 years gap, and the romance started when MC is 16 years old, so the ML is around 22 or 23 years old. I saw some people complaining about this issue and it makes me want to complain about them instead. Since this is a historical setting where people are already engaged when they're 13 years old and married when 16, very much normal back in this time period, the couple's set up is hardly unusual. This is a kind of setting where a rich man in his 40s can get a 16-year-old maiden as a concubine. It's sometimes aggravating, but it's a historical fact. Someone who frequently reads historical novels should have been used to this setting, so stay away if you're not. It personally didn't trigger me since I'm used to reading historical fictions, so that's that. If you still want to continue because of the plot, you can stay but try to swallow your complaints about the age gap romance because you've been warned. <<less

★★★☆☆ [3/5 stars]... more>>

Most of the time, I'm more of a slow burn romance girly, but sometimes, insta love would also do for me, especially when it's done right. Unfortunately, this is only a decent one, nothing remarkable.

I didn't actually realize that the whole main plot happened in a span of a little more than 2 weeks until i quickly came back again at the start after reading. It felt like everything happened for months the way they're deeply in love. I think feeling that way as a reader is both a good thing and a bad thing. A good thing because it felt like I've spent time with them for a long time and i can feel my attachment with the characters, but a bad thing because when i think about the things that happened in just 2 weeks, it's actually quite rushed to consider everything seriously.

Honestly, the interaction with the adorable little darling bubu and the whole childcare theme might be my most favorite part of this. The romance is not really bad, it just happened really quickly that it put me off, though the banter between the MC and the ML is cute and it's fun to see the ML teasing the MC. I also love the author and the translator's writing. The narration is very humorous without forcing it and the occasional sarcasm made it even more funny.

There's a bit of heavy themes here so proceed with caution if you're planning on reading this. It's just a small portion, but it's definitely there. I might not be the right person to express my opinion when it comes to properly handling mental health issues, but I felt like the author glossed over the topic. Even the translator put a note that says not to take the issue seriously and to remind everyone that this is just fiction because it really might trigger a lot of people.

Overall, I had fun reading this novel. It's fluffy, sweet and heartwarming. If you're looking for a quick read without expecting something astounding, you can pick this up. <<less

★★★★☆ [4.5/5 stars]... more>>

TW: r*pe/ s*xual assault, mental health issues, attempted su*cide

Before I reached the end, I already decided to give this danmei a solid 4 stars. But the last there or four chapters, that explanation at the end about where everything started? That deserves a 4.5 stars!! Still not quite a 5 stars, but almost!!

I've already read quite a few transmigration novels and most of them didn't bother giving an explanation as to why and how the transmigration happened. I have nothing against those novels because I enjoyed most of them and not that it bothered me, I still liked the flow of the plot regardless. But this novel coming back around at the end, making even the tiniest details make sense is what made me give this another half a star rating!!

I actually want to list some of the things that seemed one thing but in reality, they weren't just that simple. THESE ARE A LITTLE BIT SPOILER-Y:

I was actually not a big fan of love triangles because of so many reasons, and I didn't realize this novel also has one. I thought it was a bit unnecessary, that the plot can still do without it. But it was revealed that the second love interest's existence served an entirely different purpose than just being the love rival, and I loved that so much!

There are a lot of reviews from NU about not wanting to finish this because they said that the MC is too 's*upid'. Song Qingshi is not really s*upid as they say, he's actually very smart, but his intelligence is mostly focused on his specific field, especially in medicine. He is more like having a very low EQ, not really good at picking up social cues, very ignorant to the things that doesn't concern his work and he didn't really know how to deal with people. He has social anxiety (and usually stutters when talking to other people, except when talking about his medicines) and that drew the line between him and the outside world. Because of that, he seemed very slow in the head. He's very naive and gullible most of the time. But that part of him actually has an unexpected explanation that those SQS haters didn't get to know because they chose to drop this novel halfway because of the reason that the MC is too 's*upid'.

And for someone with a very low EQ and not good with words, Song Qingshi can sometimes deliver the most beautiful lines:You once wished me good luck for the night and now, I want to wish you good luck your entire life.Song Qingshi gently placed his palm on his chest and said gently, "Wuhuan, your heart is sick" Yue Wuhuan bowed his head and asked, "My heart?" His heartbeat was speeding up. His body was burning hot, as if it was calling out to something. Song Qingshi raised his head. "Does it hurt every day?" Yue Wuhuan looked at him for a long time, and finally nodded. "It hurts" Song Qingshi took him into his arms, patted him and comforted him softly, "Don't be afraid. I'll hurt with you"

"Don't give up and don't persuade me to give up either. I have the world's most stubborn heart, even if I hit a wall thousands of times, ten thousands of times, I will never look back. If you really can't bear the pain and despair and decide to abandon this world, then I will accompany you"

Song Qingshi's love for watching the clouds as a hobby. It seemed like something the author would randomly threw as the MC's pastime, especially as a loner, but there's more to it than that.

All the dreams about the phoenix. We all know who that phoenix is, and that there's something important about the dreams, but once the significance of those dreams was revealed, re-reading those dreams makes so much sense.

The ML Yue Wuhuan has an special attachment with different stones, especially the beautiful ones. His hobby of collecting stones is tied to his real identity and after knowing his identity, it revealed why he has a natural affinity with Song Qingshi. And that actually makes my heart so soft!

The MC saying that 'my heart is born for you' to the ML, you might think it's only for romantic appeal? NO!! There's a deeper meaning to that!!

The ML also has a yandere personality that some of the readers didn't really like but just so you know, he's the type of yandere that knows his own boundaries and limitations. He is self-aware. He might be the best yandere that I've read in a while that never forced himself to the MC. And his yandere personality didn't just come out of nowhere either. You might say that his yandere personality comes from his trauma, but him trying to control his possessiveness so that he wouldn't suffocate the MC is also making his mental health issues more severe, hence the stalemate.

There are a lot more, but I won't list all of them. You can pick this up if you want to learn more. Just know that:

This novel certainly has some heavy topics. Trigger warnings are there for a reason. There are chapters that are really hard to read. Fortunately if a chapter gets really heavy with trigger warnings, the translator has this note at the start of that specific chapter that provided a summary of it so you can choose to skip it without losing the importance of that chapter. I personally read the whole chapters so I know how heavy it got sometimes, so proceed with caution if you plan on reading this.

Thinking back about how this novel started, I was surprised how much the plot grew from just a simple transmigration to something much more than that. I never expected all of it to happen just from the first few chapters and I loved where the plot took me. <<less