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A review by gwenolabarr
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun (Novel) Vol. 1 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou
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? It's complicated
5.0
This series is still ongoing, and my review of the overall series is subject to change.
The Husky and His White Cat Shizun, or 2ha, by Meatbun Doesn't Eat Meat, combines intricate world-building, multi-faceted characters, and a deep exploration of themes like redemption, trauma, and love. The story is an emotional rollercoaster, with a gripping and intriguing plot.
At the heart of the series is the complicated relationship between Mo Ran, the once tyrannical emperor reborn into his younger self, and Chu Wanning, his stern yet kind-hearted Shizun. What starts as a tale of revenge evolves into story of redemption, as Mo Ran struggles with his past mistakes and the burden of his guilt while rediscovering his teacher in a new light.
While Mo Ran undergoes drastic character development, spawning multiple iterations of himself, I am most engaged in and love the character arc for Chu Wanning. initially a distant and cold figure, slowly unravels as the series progresses, revealing his deep compassion and unspoken pain. His vulnerability continues to eke out, where his thin face is revealed to be more and more his anxious desire to minimise his negative impact on those around him. His self-esteem is tragically low, and he just needs a hug. Overall, Mo Ran and Chu Wanning's dynamic is compelling, layered with tension, misunderstandings, and tender moments.
The heart of this series lies in its emotional damage, I mean emotional depth. The series delves into grief, trauma, redemption, and forgiveness, wading the emotional pools for the duration of the series. Book 6 especially narrows into Mo Ran’s internal conflict between his desire for revenge and the guilt that haunts him is portrayed in a raw and often heartbreaking way. The miscommunication trope (with a smattering of de-aging, which we don't love) is what ties this story together, and it does get grating. The slow-burn-pay-off is worth it.
Overall, this series is a masterful blend of angst, fantasy, and romance. If you enjoy complex characters, morally gray heroes, and high-stakes drama, this series is a must-read for all danmei lovers.
The Husky and His White Cat Shizun, or 2ha, by Meatbun Doesn't Eat Meat, combines intricate world-building, multi-faceted characters, and a deep exploration of themes like redemption, trauma, and love. The story is an emotional rollercoaster, with a gripping and intriguing plot.
At the heart of the series is the complicated relationship between Mo Ran, the once tyrannical emperor reborn into his younger self, and Chu Wanning, his stern yet kind-hearted Shizun. What starts as a tale of revenge evolves into story of redemption, as Mo Ran struggles with his past mistakes and the burden of his guilt while rediscovering his teacher in a new light.
While Mo Ran undergoes drastic character development, spawning multiple iterations of himself, I am most engaged in and love the character arc for Chu Wanning. initially a distant and cold figure, slowly unravels as the series progresses, revealing his deep compassion and unspoken pain. His vulnerability continues to eke out, where his thin face is revealed to be more and more his anxious desire to minimise his negative impact on those around him. His self-esteem is tragically low, and he just needs a hug. Overall, Mo Ran and Chu Wanning's dynamic is compelling, layered with tension, misunderstandings, and tender moments.
The heart of this series lies in its emotional damage, I mean emotional depth. The series delves into grief, trauma, redemption, and forgiveness, wading the emotional pools for the duration of the series. Book 6 especially narrows into Mo Ran’s internal conflict between his desire for revenge and the guilt that haunts him is portrayed in a raw and often heartbreaking way. The miscommunication trope (with a smattering of de-aging, which we don't love) is what ties this story together, and it does get grating. The slow-burn-pay-off is worth it.
Overall, this series is a masterful blend of angst, fantasy, and romance. If you enjoy complex characters, morally gray heroes, and high-stakes drama, this series is a must-read for all danmei lovers.