Scan barcode
A review by biscuitgale
Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 2 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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
Xie Lian is questioned about his red-clothed companion from the events of the last volume. Later he is sent off on a mission to investigate a distress call near Ghost City, Hua Cheng's territory. There is adventure, tenderness and some of Xie Lian's past surfacing. Many questions are still left unanswered and there are now even more questions.
I've been enjoying the build up on the relationship between the two leads, but want to mention that there are dark themes and situations in this story. There is more world building with the ghost realm revealed to us in this volume. This time Xie Lian has different companions. It was exciting to see his dynamic with new people. We also get to witness Hua Cheng being himself. I'm looking forward to more developments in their relationship.
The pacing was exciting at the beginning, started to trail off as we approached the end and immediately picked up at the last second. But then the story pivoted to a flashback arc suddenly. Some of the language and dialogue choices in this translation feel unexpected and there is noticeably more cursing.
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Gore, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment