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vigil's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
such an improvement over the first volume. this actually feels more like the story we should've been getting from the start as it is actually a story. the pacing, plot lines, and character exploration is much better in this installment rather than the previous.
it (mostly) moves past the arduous set up of volume one, while still introducing new plot threads and character information in an organic matter. this one had an actual plot within it that felt like a main story, even when it traveled in different directions. we begin to fill in the outline of xie lian, though much of hua cheng is still left a mystery. i will say it was nice to see him in his element inhis domain, ghost city the side characters are also finally important to the narrative and one actually kicks off another portion of the plot, that is very illuminating for our protagonist, and previously unseen antagonist green ghost, qi rong.
the misogynistic undertones that are present in the first book are largely absent from this one thankfully, but that's only really because there's no women here.
the reason for it getting a 4.0 is the fact that for the last hundred pages of this book (and the next TWO hundred pages of volume three) we're relegated to a clumsily introduced flashback arc. my issue with mo xiang tong xiu's writing is that she will introduce concepts very early on, and when she suddenly decides its relevant to the plot, she shoves you backwards into at least around a hundred pages of flashback exposition, and then immediately tries to pick backup where she left off. this doesn't mean i don't enjoy the flashbacks themselves per se, just i don't enjoy their ham-fisted inclusion, and often unnecessary and odd length. too detailed on things that don't matter, and a paragraph of exposition on things that do.see the beginning conversation during arc two with the state preceptor that could have been cut back, along with the descriptions of xie lian's clothes vs mentioning how he ascended for the first time in a short paragraph at the very end of the volume.
the nature of most web novels is that when they move to trad publishing they could use professional editors. mxtx is absolutely no exception to that, and i'm really beginning to understand why this is eight books long.
as a final, seemingly everpresent disclaimer, translation and related issues abound. please stop saying xie lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry, i got it the first six times.
it (mostly) moves past the arduous set up of volume one, while still introducing new plot threads and character information in an organic matter. this one had an actual plot within it that felt like a main story, even when it traveled in different directions. we begin to fill in the outline of xie lian, though much of hua cheng is still left a mystery. i will say it was nice to see him in his element in
the misogynistic undertones that are present in the first book are largely absent from this one thankfully, but that's only really because there's no women here.
the reason for it getting a 4.0 is the fact that for the last hundred pages of this book (and the next TWO hundred pages of volume three) we're relegated to a clumsily introduced flashback arc. my issue with mo xiang tong xiu's writing is that she will introduce concepts very early on, and when she suddenly decides its relevant to the plot, she shoves you backwards into at least around a hundred pages of flashback exposition, and then immediately tries to pick backup where she left off. this doesn't mean i don't enjoy the flashbacks themselves per se, just i don't enjoy their ham-fisted inclusion, and often unnecessary and odd length. too detailed on things that don't matter, and a paragraph of exposition on things that do.
the nature of most web novels is that when they move to trad publishing they could use professional editors. mxtx is absolutely no exception to that, and i'm really beginning to understand why this is eight books long.
as a final, seemingly everpresent disclaimer, translation and related issues abound. please stop saying xie lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry, i got it the first six times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
vvayl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Libro favorito del año probablemente aunque tambien fue del pasado, el ultimo capitulo especialmente esta entre mis momentos favoritos en toda la saga.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Torture, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Torture and Death of parent
fireswatch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Genocide, Torture, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
atlanticgiantpumpkin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Genocide, Hate crime, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Child death, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Toxic relationship, Cannibalism, Car accident, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Outing, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria
teagstime's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely devoured this book-- like, what an intriguing and wonderfully crafted story all around!!? 😳 I was on the edge of my seat nearly the entire time... Seriously, it's just SO good. There are so many small details that really stuck out to me, and have given me a lot to think abt concerning some of our favorite characters! I just bought transparent sticky notes so I can annotate All The Things!!! I'm really just in awe of MXTX for this one idk!!!!!!
And like, I simply adore Xie Lian... The fact that he tries so hard to be kind & stick to his morals is awesome, especially after learning more about his past!? And he gets some really emotional + badass moments in this volume (though, the crowning badass scene goes to Hua Cheng at the end of ch21 👀 iykyk) ??
The new characters introduced are amazing too! Big fan of Shi Qingxuan (their friendship w Xie Lian!!), and I can't wait to see more of Jun Wu & Lang Qianqiu specifically...Even Qi Rong!? He's horrible but soo interesting !!? The relationship between him & Xie Lian is SO complicated and messy.. I can't WAIT to see them interact again omfg
Aaaaa I dunno !!! I loved volume 1, but I LOVE volume 2... This book is just so quality! Like you can just tell it's been crafted w so much love... This shit is breathtaking bro 🤧 I have absolutely no complaints-- I'm out here about to start kickin my feet & giggling bc of just how much I liked this lmaoo 😭 Heartbroken abt having to wait for the next one to come out cause this one has me 100% hooked on this story now ❤ 10/10 fr
And like, I simply adore Xie Lian... The fact that he tries so hard to be kind & stick to his morals is awesome, especially after learning more about his past!? And he gets some really emotional + badass moments in this volume (though, the crowning badass scene goes to Hua Cheng at the end of ch21 👀 iykyk) ??
The new characters introduced are amazing too! Big fan of Shi Qingxuan (their friendship w Xie Lian!!), and I can't wait to see more of Jun Wu & Lang Qianqiu specifically...
Aaaaa I dunno !!! I loved volume 1, but I LOVE volume 2... This book is just so quality! Like you can just tell it's been crafted w so much love... This shit is breathtaking bro 🤧 I have absolutely no complaints-- I'm out here about to start kickin my feet & giggling bc of just how much I liked this lmaoo 😭 Heartbroken abt having to wait for the next one to come out cause this one has me 100% hooked on this story now ❤ 10/10 fr
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Cannibalism, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Confinement and Medical trauma
kiwi_33's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This just gets better and better.
While the first book takes its time introducing the cast of characters, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng taking up most of the focus as main characters, there is still an air of mystery that surrounds them. While who they are and their relationships to others are explained, their past and the nature of their relationship remains largely unknown. In this second book, we finally get to see more of Hua Cheng and what being a Ghost King entails, and bits and pieces of Xie Lian’s past come back to haunt him, in no time adding great depths to his character.
I absolutely love the side characters in these books. Shi Qingxuan is a genderfluid icon and I love them. We also learn more about Mu Qing and Feng Xin and their shared past. Qi Rong is a bastard. No more needs to be said about him.
Also, the art is absolutely gorgeous.
Once again, I can’t wait to continue reading the officially translated books of this series (and the others). Seven Seas Danmei is doing a fantastic job making this happen, and I hope that the sales show them this is what the fans want.
While the first book takes its time introducing the cast of characters, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng taking up most of the focus as main characters, there is still an air of mystery that surrounds them. While who they are and their relationships to others are explained, their past and the nature of their relationship remains largely unknown. In this second book, we finally get to see more of Hua Cheng and what being a Ghost King entails, and bits and pieces of Xie Lian’s past come back to haunt him, in no time adding great depths to his character.
I absolutely love the side characters in these books. Shi Qingxuan is a genderfluid icon and I love them. We also learn more about Mu Qing and Feng Xin and their shared past. Qi Rong is a bastard. No more needs to be said about him.
Also, the art is absolutely gorgeous.
Once again, I can’t wait to continue reading the officially translated books of this series (and the others). Seven Seas Danmei is doing a fantastic job making this happen, and I hope that the sales show them this is what the fans want.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Torture, and Violence