List of danmeis that threw me off orbit, rated and given commentaries by a picky reader.
Rating components: 50% romance / chemistry / dynamic, 20% technical writing, 20% MC and ML characterizations, 10% plot. Reviews may contain spoilers (rest assured, I will put a warning).
Edit: Added a song recommendation to some novels for funsies xD
20/10 - Song rec: I Wanna Be Yours - Arctic Monkeys... more>>
Before anything else, I would first like to say: f*ck YEAH WE FINALLY HAVE SOME LESBIAN REPRESENTATION IN A DANMEI NOVEL!! I am SO tired of having straight couples as side CP, and lesbians are far and few in between in this genre, so yeah, let me celebrate this thing!!
All right, next, let's talk about our main characters. MC is a hooligan, but not the type who would pick fights for the sake of fighting, and a skilled swimming athlete. He has principles, is strong-willed, and is very capable. ML is an aloof top student during the day and an art prodigy at night. He is also one very smooth motherf*cker. Put these two together and you'll get a power couple that will get you believing in soulmates. What really sealed the deal for me for this ship are the confessions. [Spoiler]
I love love LOVE how both their confessions are emotional outbursts and was done on the spur of the moment. The rawness of it all is SO f*ckING GOOD!! Especially ML's confession, I swear my jaw dropped to the f*cking floor! [End of spoiler]
Furthermore, I don't know how the author did it, but several of their scenes are portrayed so poetically? [SPOILER?] The marking, the make-out sessions, the underwater kiss, that one trophy cabinet scene, even the goddamn estrus were all CINEMATIC MASTERPIECES! [END OF SPOILER] Sometimes, I would pause reading and sigh, and think, "This is art", and admire the writing in silence for several more minutes.
Of course, what is life without suffering? Our Main CP came across many hurdles, but hand-in-hand they prevailed and faceslapped the disbelievers around them. Individually, they are already so strong, but together, they're practically invincible. Ah, the power of love.
All in all, this novel is teeth-rottingly sweet, with underlying themes of chasing-your-dreams, wrapped in top-tier humor, and presented to you through rhapsodic narrations. In its core, it is a story of expression, passion, freedom, and unyielding love (the kind you wouldn't want to miss out on. So go read it right now, go go go xD)
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9/10... more>>
After 4 months, I finally have the guts to pick this book up again. Why did I stop reading it before? The writing is amazing, the humor is magnificent, the characters are authentic — so why exactly did I stop? ...It's because of the romance AH!!! Poor me, who was new to the world of danmei, was suddenly handed a plate of dog food three times my size!!!!! Fluff of such magnitude is NOT GOOD FOR MY HEART — for the sake of my health, I had to timeout!! But now that I've braved through countless storms, my face has grown thick enough to resume this novel, and as expected, IT'S SO, SO f*ckING GOOD AH!!!! Our Main CP is SO SWEET, REALLY SWEET, THE SWEETEST CP OUT THERE!! I ADORE MC as a person, and am absolutely amused by ML's jealousy level. MC's best friend and ML's lil cousin are also very funny—cough—supportive, it warms my heart QAQ There's not much drama at all, no homophobic parents and whatnot and I'm so thankful to the author for that. Also, while writing this review, I have yet to read the extras so I'm stopping here xD Read this novel, guys!! It will definitely sweeten up your day!! ;D
Edit: f*ck, the Side CP are GLORIOUS I'm gonna f*cking WEEP :crying emoji 10x: Also, I've noticed that the author loves putting the angst in the extras? I'll never forget what their ICDI extras did to me, so I mentally and emotionally prepared myself for this one... but I STILL CRIED f*ck HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (Btw, it's a HE, don't worry!!) Jiang Zi Bei-sama, have mercy on your side CPs ah :crying laughing:
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7/10... more>>
Cute and hilarious. Marxist, socialist, upholder of science and justice MC and his future Sect Leader boyfriend. This comparison would be a disservice to our Main CP but their power balance reminds me of Saitama and Genos. MC is so OP and he's not even aware of it LMAO instead of ML saving him from ghosts, it became ML saving the ghosts from MC XD Okay but MC is actually very sweet, he just wants to help his "students", and by doing so, he unknowingly helped their souls move on :")
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9/10... more>>
You can tell by now that I read novels primarily for the romance — everything else is just secondary. That's not to say that I don't care ah — I can impart leniency towards all the other aspects as long as the romance is good. That remained true until this novel. I've already read for about 50 chapters when I realized... there's barely any dog food! But I didn't crave for them at all! I was completely mesmerized by our MC and was too busy theorizing about ML's background to have noticed anything amiss. Only after 40 or so chapters did the romance start picking up. This might be a turn off to others, but I think I enjoy the slowburn. It's also befitting to the type of character our MC is — a grim reaper is intrinsically cool-headed, composed, and somewhat unfeeling; I don't expect him to fall in love easily. ML, though showing signs of falling, has also been a single dog all his life; it might take a while for him to digest everything. Besides, I would also prefer if the romance starts budding after ML's and MC's true identities were revealed to each other. Their current dynamic is very wholesome, but the possibilty of them being a deathly power couple soon is more appetizing.
As of now, only 101 out of 199 chapters have been translated. I like reading chapters in bulk (and I can't read MTL), so it may take an entire year before I could come back to this post X"D
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9/10... more>>
This novel almost killed me. How do I explain this... All right, let's change it up a little. I'm going to discuss the technicalities first. 1) World-building: 7/10 - somewhat whimsical, could use a bit more foundation, but it's also fine the way it is since it's not the focus of the story anyway. 2) Writing: 8/10 - it's good. It delivered the dialogues and the narrations smoothly, but the pacing gets extra slow at times. 3) Side characters: 8/10 - some were loveable, few were Just There, and some you want to personally strangle with your own hands. 4) Plot: 8/10, then -100/10, then 8/10 again. I have to separately score different parts of the novel because my opinion on the climax is significantly harsher than the rest. Long story short, it was the most agonizing experience I've ever had in my 3 years of reading light novels. I fell into indescribable despair -- call me overreacting, but the palpable boiling of my blood and painful breathing were circumstances I don't want to be in ever again. I also seldom get angry to the point of considering mu*der, but if given the chance, I will really kill MC's parents, Chi Yu, and Chi Yu's father.
All right, I'll stop there. Let's talk about our Main CP. MC is ridiculously smart, neither passive nor aggressive — an eye-for-an-eye type of person — and a walking cheat code, but also has a tendency to overwork. Before his character development, he's truly just a mecha (and money)-obsessed nerd. ML, on the other hand, is your typical Unbothered King: aloof and reticent with godly mecha skills; probably a billionaire as well; and omegaphobic (or at least, that's what everyone thought.) But after getting to know MC for a while, he's not so Unbothered anymore lmfao. Put them together and you'll get a power couple who plays rock-paper-scissors in the middle of a competition. I would normally complain at having dog food thrown at my face, but they went through so much sh*t before officially joining hearts, and I, too, was deprived of romance, so they can be as unrestrained and sickeningly in love as they want to make up for lost time.
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20/10 - Song rec: Hurts Like Hell - Fleurie; Song rec #2: Don't Blame Me - Taylor Swift... more>>
I've only read 90 chapters so far but I decided to write a review lest I forget the plot. Okay, here we go.
First order of business: MC. The moment he first opened his mouth, I knew I would love him for a long time. Sharp, hilarious, cunning, creative, thoughtful, unhinged, steady, and loyal to a fault. I don't know how these traits managed to mesh together but he somehow makes it work. He has a devotion (to a particular someone) the size of a billion suns and burning just as bright. How he could fit such boundless affection into that heart of his without it combusting is beyond me.
Moving to the recipient of said devotion: ML. Oh I love him very much, too. He's the embodiment of comfort. Caring, indulging, protective as well as smart, witty, and sly — like a sentient sword and shield. [!! SPOILER !!] Also got memory issues lmfao. Let's be real, is it even an unlimited flow novel if the System God doesn't forcibly extract ML's memories because he violated a rule for the sake of Love? [END OF SPOILER].
Third, the plot. The individual plots of each arc is basically Scum Gongs And How To Deal With Them: A Guide by Chi Xiaochi, while main plot is just pain, pain, and even more pain.
I'm only on the 4th arc so this is all I could say at the moment. I'm really hoping for a slowburn because if they get together not even halfway through the story (cough G*me L**ding, cough S**zing Dr**ms) I'll quickly lose interest :crying:
Edit: Just read chapter 73. I want to die lol
Edit: Chapter 84... I WANT TO CRY. I WANT TO CRY SO BAD. I'M GONNA SCREAM.
Edit: Just finished chapter 121 (Arc 5)! I am physically shaking with rage at Pig Brain please FAWK OFF ALREADY i cannot bear the pain of reading about CXC's and LY's past ANY LONGER RAAAAHGGGGHHHH LET THEM FREE
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7/10... more>>
I've been looking for ABO novels that isn't alpha-omega-centric and here it is!! It's a short story (much shorter than you think) about two alpha army generals just doing Normal Bro Things that aren't actually normal at all, it's just that these two are so slow on the uptake it took 90+ blind dates for them to realize their feelings. Sweet and fluffy, no angst.
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8/10... more>>
Very cute! MC is loveable, ML is admirable, and they're both adorable. Novel is brimming with sweetness and dog food, but that's about it. Nothing else really stood out for me mostly because I've already read several School Life danmeis before and they all have the same plot points/elements lol. But I finished this within a day. It flows extremely smoothly, and it's a good palate cleanser + mood stabiliser that you can read between longer, heavier novels.
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11/10 - Song rec: Here With Me - d4vd... more>>
The one thing that all sci-fi danmei share in common is that the chemistry of their main couples defies ALL laws of science. Their pre-relationship interactions are laden with s*xual tension so thick you can cut it with a knife! And then the plot goes absolutely tragic and distressing (sci-fi authors run on pain and suffering, this is a scientific fact) and your gut instinct is telling you one of them will not make it out alive, but... will also make it out alive? IFYKYK but you still cry anyway, and you read the explanations behind the abnormal phenomena through your tears which needed a degree in biology, chemistry, and physics to understand, so you cry even harder HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ahem I digress.
But yeah! I LOVE the Main CP — their dynamic makes me go rabid. They are amusing and profound individuals on their own, and together they are even more entertaining. Side characters, too, have depth and distinct personalities so it very much felt like a real world. The overall writing is SO GOOD — excellent pacing, refreshing humor, comfortably spanned dialogues, and IMPECCABLE narration and imagery (yes, that includes the gore and the many graphic scenes). Truly deserves to be called one of the best danmeis ever written. Plotwise, I don't think it was very mind-blowing, or more precisely, I find the panacea underwhelming. Though, my judgment might be flawed because I just glossed over the whole thing (sci-fi has never been my forte LMAO). Ultimately, it has been an enjoyable rollercoaster ride and I regret putting this off for 5 months. Highly recommended!!!
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10/10 - Song rec: Fire on Fire - Sam Smith... more>>
As a reader who mostly reads trope-heavy novels, getting exposed to a story stripped of rose-tinted filters, raw and realistic—a story that portrayed life in its crudest form—is one hell of a Culture Shock. Every single character possessed depth and qualities unique to their own. The world didn't revolve around the two main characters. It continued to spin regardless of how the characters are faring. It was especially cruel to MC and his family, but maybe it was feeling merciful when it introduced ML to MC's life. They are very much like the phrase "right person, right time." What I'm about to say next is contradictory to my previous words, but they are meant to be, soulmates, destined, whatever you call it. No, it doesn't have any love-at-first-sight or "I'll devote/destroy my life to/for you", none of that exaggerated stuff. Their love was unhurried, gradual; it was on full bloom the moment they knew each other best. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, and it produced one of the healthiest dynamic I've ever seen.
I'm stopping here, I don't know where I'm going with this anymore. Probably because I've still yet to digest everything I've read. As a parting word, I would like to comment on the author's writing. The way they articulated the story feels like an immersive multi-sensory experience. Adding on that the story is true-to-life, my emotions while reading was magnified 30x. It was a truly beautiful read. Thank you for making this masterpiece.
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--/10 [still reading]... more>>
MC travels back in time to have a redemption + revenge arc. He and ML are both smart and sensible. I don't usually enjoy dogblood drama but with this i'm interested. As of the 36th chapter, our Main CP has yet to be lovey-dovey, but the sparks are there. Just waiting for the rest of the novel to be fan-translated now ^_^
edit: Last read: ch 67
had to pause reading again because of uni :(
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8/10... more>>
There's a lot of things going on... but there's also not much going on? I just skimmed through some of the chapters halfway through because they feel like filler plots. The ML and MC are interesting, though. At first glance, MC is like the naive, overly-positive type, but he's actually just very good at holding back. He's like the meme: "looks like a cinnamon roll, could kill you" but only to those who are the scums of the earth. He is exceptionally kind but not to the point of being a self-sacrificing martyr. He is by far one of the most sensible, controlled, and stable (mentally and emotionally) MC I've met. Also unintentionally funny. ML, on the other hand, is like a quiet, big puppy (because traumaaa); he's very supportive and protective. What stuck out to me concerning his character was during the scene where MC joked about not acting anymore and just play with ML, and ML replied with something like, "no, you should not live such a degenerate lifestyle" ; that was so precious to me. He's not at all possessive, he wants MC to grow organically and not be too dependent on him... I truly admire this couple. They value hard work, because, for decades, it was all they've ever known. The impact they have on each other was like a thunderstorm clearing up, followed by the realization "ah, so the sky could be this bright." My only problem is... did you two really have to take 90+ chapters to get together? XD But it's fine, it's fine. As I've said before, if the romance is high quality (which you guys have provided me with), I am 100% sold.
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9/10... more>>
It could've been better if it were longer. Both MC and ML have the potential to be more expounded upon. They are nearing their thirties, both very mature (and they communicate!) so you don't get that childish love, but surprisingly, you'll find that the fluff is way sweeter? They aren't the typical domineering CEO and rigid University professor, in fact, they are very playful towards each other. I find this dynamic very refreshing.
Really, the only downside of this story was that it was too short, so things had been resolved quite abruptly. If it were 100 chapters long and was allowed to be explored in more thoroughly, no doubt it woud be one of the highest rated danmeis out there. Alas, it's only an au from another danmei, Golden Stage, and I assume the author wrote this just for fun, so I could kind of understand. But still. The potential is too evident to be ignored.
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7/10... more>>
Rivals-to-lovers! Just my cup of tea! I'm just a bit disappointed, though, because I wanted to see MC take first place even just once. Speaking of MC, it was a nice surprise that for such a cliché character, it didn't feel cliché at all to read. ML as well. It was as just what that one commenter had said: "the author took the most cliché danmei school life characters and gave them depth."
I have no qualms about our two major characters, but the side characters are a different thing. The entire school is way too invested in the personal lives of our MC and ML, going as far as forming feudal superstitions over the two study gods' vehicle. It was uncomfortable and unrealistic. MC's friends make the decisions for him without his consent and I don't find that comedic at all. They all felt 2D -- there was no depth except for maybe MC's brother. But since this is a feel-good novel, I won't scrutinize these details too much.
My biggest problem is... they act like high schoolers. I keep forgetting while reading that they're supposed to be college students. I don't think college students have that much free time on their hands.
Well. That's about it. I got sweet and delicious dog food from our Main CP and am quite satisfied.
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7/10 - Song rec: When I Met You - Apo Hiking Society... more>>
This story tickles my heart. There are lots of doting and teasing and cuteness. I was smiling giggling kicking my feet because our main CP is just the sweetest. The reason I did not give it a perfect score was because, plot-wise, it was not thrilling. The conflict was resolved early on. But I am an enemies-to-lovers fanatic, so please disregard this particular opinion! This novel is all about healing, comfort, settling down, and ML getting showered with the love he used to only dare dream about. I feel sad that had to acquiesce to MC's pampering in the early chapters because he had never been treated gently before :(( but MC is so understanding and patient, and stays by ML's side as ML struggles to find worth in himself again. It gets exponentially adorable later on when ML finally learns how to be possessive and proactive, and to love himself, above all.
Very healthy and progressive relationship. This novel's an exceptionally good choice if you need to relax.
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9/10 - Song rec: double take - dhruv... more>>
There's just something so refreshing about a story of youths being youths, you know? Just silly boys and their silly antics. As someone who just had become of age, this novel is brimming with familiarity. I guess that's why I got so attached with the characters here, because I can relate to the hot-bloodedness and vigor and a little bit of childishness, as well as their reservations towards their parents. It all just feels natural. I gotta applaud author for that. I've never felt this refreshed reading a novel before.
As of now, Christmas Day of 2022, 58 out of 127 chapters have been completed. Barely halfway through. I'll be picking this up again probably next year summer.
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I'm back and, as promised, I finally finished this novel today, 11th of June 2023 !! Oh, I missed this a lot! As for my review, i still pretty much hold the same sentiment as last year but with the addition of newfound knowledge that Kou Chen and Huo Ran are EXTREMELY bad for my heart. From the time their touches and teasing were still platonic; to the time their words and actions were urged by *something else* entirely, something *more*; up to their tipping point and all the events after, best expect and prepare for a frequent onslaught of butterflies -- and ants -- because they are THAT sweet. Seriously, folks, their chemistry is just too good! I want more!! The extras aren't enough! I still need 20 or so more chapters of them blatantly flirting in my face!!! And I guess that's one downside to this novel -- the romance is good in essence but the amount is too low! I can't get enough of them........
ANYWAY I forgot to mention that there's something different with this novel and I suspect it's due to the fact that it's dialogue-heavy -- each chapter is approximately 70% dialogue and 30% narration -- not to mention that the conversations sound casual and natural and something you could hear on a daily basis, so it feels more like you're watching an indie coming-of-age film rather than reading a book, which is so interesting! I like this aspect of it.
Plot-wise, this is the epitome of slice of life and school life. It really is just that, so it kinda gets boring towards the last quarter of the novel, and the major conflict is more confusing than anything (I still can't understand the type of person Kou Chen's dad is. His personality change is too sudden -- or did I just read him wrong?). It's very light to read but I'm thankful anyhow because it was the one that got me out of my reading slump (FINALLY!!!). I feel so content now. And refreshed! All thanks to Qing Kuang ^_^
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15/10 - Song rec: I Think I'm in Love - Kat Dahlia... more>>
This novel had a grip on my heart and never once loosened it from start to finish. It's just absolutely insane how they could cram as much emotions as a typical 100-chaptered drama danmei into 31 chapters — AND THE CHARACTERS DON'T EVEN HAVE NAMES! It's very, veeery short, as I read all of it in an hour, but the emotional impact was way beyond what I was expecting. That, or I'm just weak for studious MCs whose self-esteems are in the depths of hell and MLs whose brains melt into a pile of goo from being too in love like ARGHUUGHHH they are so dear to me!!!!! :crying screaming throwing up: I'm so relieved there where no unnecessary drama—I thought it would follow one of those routes where the ex crush and the "unsupportive" mother cause problems beyond salvation, but that was not the case! Really, the most nerve-wracking, heart-stopping, gut-punching moment is watching the MC make a decision after having the biggest realization of his life. I almost had a breakdown because of it, I think.
The emotional factor, paired with the S grade technical and narrating skills of the author and the translators, truly magnified everything this novel could offer. I could still feel the pang in my chest as I'm writing this review LMAO
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7/10... more>>
ABO + online gaming + college life with standard formula grumpy cat MC and I-have-nothing-else-in-my-eyes-except-MC ML. Expect majority of the elements of a typical modern danmei. If you've read several novels now, this one will look bleak in comparison. It was draggy at the first 20 chapters or so, then it began to pick up the pace, and then became draggy again around the 50th. Standard plot, no-depth characters (with the exception of the MC, but even his flare diminished when he got togther with the ML), anticlimactic... I don't want to say it's boring, because it's not, just lacking substantial conflicts. The Main CP's chemistry is crazy, in my humble opinion, and the world-building is shockingly solid, but, overall, it failed to bring out any strong emotion in me, save for the frequent laughter and butterflies. There's plenty of dog food, though, and that's what prevented me from dropping it, but what I'm really looking for is more drama (that is not easily resolved within a day, please) and in-depth characterization. It has the potential, but author kept it strictly comedic, which is fine, because I laughed a lot reading this :] *happy mental health noises*
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8/10... more>>
This reads like an old fairytale so I held it up to the standards of one and I must say, though there was nothing extraordinary about it (except for a scene that really caught me and will CERTAINLY catch you off guard), that was unbelievably cute.
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9/10 - Song rec: House of Memories - Panic! at the Disco... more>>
Heh. Furries.
I'm joking. IIRC, this is the first novel I've read centered around yao characters, specifically China's mythical beasts. In fact, I learnt so much about these beasts that this might as well be called "Basic Introduction to Chinese Mythology." However, the novel's weakness lies on the fact that it is informative -- it introduced many characters only for them to be discarded in the end because another important figure showed up. A Big Boss appears --> MC and ML check it out --> Big Boss wants to harm the humans --> MC and ML subdues Big Boss --> Big Boss either becomes friends with MC or perishes --> MC and ML level up. This trend creates a monotonous plotline. I didn't feel the climax build up; the tension is weak; and everything felt comfortable because you know MC and ML will win every fight. So what kept me interested? In time, I realized the crux of the matter was the truth about MC's past and identity, and soon I was having fun collecting hints and clues scattered throughout the chapters, waiting for the reveals whether my conjectures were correct or not, and getting genuinely shocked when they are. And just when I was about to lie down and relax, author pulled out a Little Mushroom in the last two chapters and extras and I was like "...." That was not funny I'm gonna need you danmei authors to stop putting angst in the extras because that sh*t can KILL. God knows how many times I got so depressed and can't enjoy the remaining extras anymore even if it's a happy ending because of your little stunt. (I'm not mad btw this is just how I cope with angst.)
Enough about that, let's talk about things I DO love about this novel. 1) humor — it's so DEADPAN i love it! :crying laughing: 2) the main characters — they are cliché and fit the naïve young'un x cold ceo trope ON THE SURFACE LEVEL but a closer look will reveal the multiple layers and facets the author has carved onto these characters that set them apart from the vast majority of characters who share the same personality baseline. They've never gone OOC, even throughout their character development. Their complexities as individuals just make sense (except for the fact that they're OP and MC being a walking cheatcode). I appreciate the care and attention given to their characterization, because amidst the unrealistic setting, they very much felt REAL. 3) romance — I have a love-hate relationship with slowburn; accordingly, I have a love-hate relationship with this novel's romance. It took roughly 45 chapters for feelings to bud; before that, there was absolutely NOTHING. I was looking for CRUMBS of the MAIN COUPLE in the NOVEL ITSELF. But ML pulled through with the dog food ten chapters later because he fell lmfao00o0oo and then it snowballed from there... they gradually became so domestic and soft and cute and were practically spewing old-married-couple vibes without the label (everybody knows they're dating except for them). And- and after ML confessed- *throws up five liters of sugar* ....um ....when they got together- *vomits out rainbows* ..............................yes :thumbs up:
I think I've said enough! I'd like to leave a last comment and that is: DDAS should be adapted into a donghua because it has all the elements to become a big hit — flashy action scenes, great humor, magical beings, entertaining, heart-palpitating story, insane main couple chemistry, and most importantly, PRETTY MEN AYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEE
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9/10... more>>
idek what to write here. I just know I bawled my eyes (and my heart) out. Was it because of the author's soul-stirring writing? Because MC and ML led miserable lives and I ached for them? Because amidst the torrents, they found each other and became each other's pillar of strength? Or is it that I've never seen a love so pure until I read this? And that I'm relieved for them, seeing as they now live comfortably and are still so madly in love with each other after a decade? Or did I cry because of the amalgamation of all of these together? Who knows.
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i really liked your list, earlier i had finished some novels from this list and I had liked them so I decided to read other novels from your list I thought we had the same taste and I'm so lucky to find this list so far I have read 3 novels based on your recommendations and I liked them. Your recommendations are the best and I find it cute that you give some song recommendations I have been listening to You and I by PRVIS for days on repeat. Just wanted to say you have immaculate taste and thank you for this excellent list.
AWWW thank you, thank you so much, your comment made me smile so hard!! I'm glad you liked both the novel and song recommendations >O< Btw, is that beomgyu on your pfp? If you're also a MOA, then our taste really is quite similar! xD
i really liked your list, earlier i had finished some novels from this list and I had liked them so I decided to read other novels from your list I thought we had the same taste and I'm so lucky to find this list so far I have read 3 novels based on your recommendations and I liked them
. Your recommendations are the best and I find it cute that you give some song recommendations I have been listening to You and I by PRVIS for days on repeat. Just wanted to say you have immaculate taste and thank you for this excellent list
