Nocturnal Book Reviews

My Top 7 Chinese dramas of 2023

2024-01-03T22:23:00.001+00:00

Good afternoon, lovely folks! Happy New Year and Happy Holidays!

I guess looking at the last post on the blog at the end of Oct you can surmise we've been busy. This was the time when I seriously started getting ready all the Christmas preorders for cakes and pastries, and it didn't slow down until Christmas eve at which point we promptly caught the flu.

Coming out on the other side of all the New year festivities, I fee like it's time to make lists of memorable Chinese dramas of 2023, cause let's face it, I watched far more dramas than read books, and I failed miserably on my Goodreads challenge of 75 books, which a few years back I'd have read in 3 months tots. 😂

I feel like I can not compete with my younger self voracious reading anymore, so I am just happy I found myself equally passionate about dramas in my 40s.

Anyway, in no particular order, here are my highlights of 2023 in Chinese drama land.

1. The Blood of Youth

A classic wuxia (martial universe) setup based on popular anime series.

This was such a popular adaptation that they are making season 2 which in China is a rarity.

Fabulous fight sequences, a fast pacing story and a great cast all contribute to its great success. I was definitely glued to the screen all throughout.

Li Hongyi who is playing Xiao Se, the prince who lost all his martial powers but not his powerful mind, did a great job with his dry humour and slightly detached, tired of it all demeanor.

Don't believe me? Watch the trailer and decide for yourself .

2. Till The End of The Moon

I did two very long posts gushing about this unique xinxia (fantasy) drama including the review of the original novel, and I still stand by my words.

The makeup choices here might have been unfortunate, but the storyline, rich background colours and costuming on top of the overall chemistry between Luo Younxi and Bai Lu (it's not their first work together) were exceptional. I also really enjoyed the CGI battle scenes. It was grand and magical. I do recommend reading the original novel to save yourself the disappointment from the last episode, as it needed a better ending. But, I can guarantee you will be obsessed with the main characters, exceptionally beautiful soundtrack and the love trumps all story.

This drama also has huge amount of fan vids for your entertainment. Here is the trailer and one of the fan vids.

3. Mysterious Lotus Casebook

If I could call Mysterious Lotus Casebook one name, I'd call it sassy. This wuxia drama took 4 years to make, and the quality shows. It's a murder mystery type of plot and it's also bromance. Two arch enemies meet up 10 years after the final showdown, only one of them is on his last legs and hiding from the world, and another is full of beans and trying to heal him so they can repeat their glory days. It's another classic wuxia plot, great action sequences, heroic soundtrack and lots of sass. I loved every minute of it. Its high online rating proves that many other viewers loved it too. If you see just one martial arts drama this year, this should be it.

I can not find a trailer with English subtitles, so here is a fan vid with its murder cases.

4. Scent of Time

Scent of Time was a complete curveball for me this year. An HBO project, it wasn't heavily advertised or promoted at all, it wasn't even easily accessible. And yet, it made waves. Zhou Ye is an interesting actress. She truly shines in dubious, grey character roles if you remember her in Word of Honor. This is a rebirth and redemption story in a historical fantasy drama. Main heroine does a lot of bad deeds during her life, and at the moment of her death regrets it and has a chance to rewrite her destiny anew. She is transported half way through her bad life and feverishly tries to undo her own mistakes while destiny has other plans for her. It's a moving story, beautifully filmed and casted. I also discovered Wang Xing Yue here, and what a great actor. These two had sizzling chemistry. Prepare for a tearful ending though...

5. Lost You Forever

Lost You Forever is an absolute highlight of 2023 for me. It's a xinxia drama the likes of which I haven't seen before in Chinese drama land.

It's very dark, brutal, raw, and instead of classic xinxia gods and demons realms, it places its characters in human realm living as demigods.

I've seen Yang Zi in modern dramas, but there is something special about her when she plays in xinxia (Ashes of Love, anyone?). She is like a magnet glueing the rest of characters to her. She is not the prettiest actress but she has mad charisma and pure talent. I swear there were scenes of her torture in this drama which left me crying and sweating empathizing with her character.

She plays a lost princess who has been disguising herself as a male doctor for the last 300 years and living under the radar. This is an epic political intrigue fantasy, and due to a series of circumstances, three very powerful men get involved with her which brings her out of hiding and back on a chessboard with demigods vying for power and eager to use her as a pawn.

This is a drama which also let me discover Tian Jianci, a very talented actor playing my favourite partner for the FL, nine-headed demon Xiang Liu.

Everyone is eagerly awaiting season 2 of Lost You Forever which should be out this year, and I can not wait! This is a breathtaking drama which if nothing else 💯 will bring you to the dark side of cdramaland.

6. Story of Kunning Palace

If you want another antihero story with a dash of rebirth and palace intrigue fantasy, say no more. Story of Kunning Palace is there to serve.

It's not the best role for Bai Lu, but I don't blame her, because Zhang Linghe absolutely steals the whole show here as a slightly psychotic, cold and sexy strategist with a very long game of revenge.

Bai Lu plays a corrupt empress who has a chance of rebirth after she kills herself to atone for and rectify her mistakes. So, in her second chance of life she goes back to the moment in life just before she made her first fatal mistake.

Ironically, for a palace intrigue this drama spends more time outside of it than inside, and only wins from it in quality. Don't expect a historical drama here, instead it's a period fantasy and should be treated as such. Above all, it's very entertaining!

7. My Journey to You

My Journey to You might lose points to Lost You Forever's excellent plot, but it is the prettiest, most aesthetically pleasing drama I've ever seen. When I was watching it I felt like I was witnessing a birth of another cult classic.

This is a classic wuxia drama, full of assassins and sinister plots, but it's the cinematography here which is everything.

I can only describe it as a visual feast. Every frame, every shot is stunning.

This is also the most serious I've seen Esther Yu who usually plays very girlish characters with high voices and childish antics. It proves that a good director is everything.

Tons of beautiful people here by the way, and the plot stays very exciting all the way through. There were many strong contenders for my number one drama of 2023 but I just had to give the spot to My Journey to You. It's too unique and will stand out anywhere.

Please, watch the vids underneath to convince you to give it a chance.

And this is a wrap, folks! Thank you for reading and please, let me know if you watched any of these and what are your favourites of 2023.

YA Fantasy Audiobook Review: Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

2023-10-24T21:40:00.000+01:00

Daughter of The Moon Goddess ( The Celestial Kingdom #1)

bought on Audible

Synopsis from Goodreads

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm. Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

8.5/10

* * *

This turned out surprisingly good! I started the book rolling my eyes hard at sugary romance between the prince and his companion. Classic xinxia setup!

However, they both proved me wrong with their level of maturity. Basically, both ML and FL got over themselves pretty quickly and went on with their lives like adults.

The secondary romance developed so fast I must have blinked and missed its onset, but it definitely added tension and depth, especially when two men had to work together. * snort* Oh, the antagonism!

I'd say the action sequences were the most interesting and best written and I wished the author elaborated more about Xingyin's missions in the army as I was entertained the most with their descriptions.

Overall, a solid four star read. Will be checking out the next book in the series.

Chinese Paranormal Fantasy Short Drama Review: Butterflied Lover (2023)

2023-08-30T22:38:00.000+01:00

Butterflied Lover (2023)

22 episodes, watched on Viki

Synopsis from MyDramaList

Inspired by the romance of Liang Shang Bo and Zhu Ying Tai, the story revolves around two lovers who will overcome all obstacles to remain together.

Ling Chang Feng is an honourable general and has been in a passionate marriage with his wife for the past 3 years.

However, a strange disturbance hits their city on their third anniversary, and "madmen" run wild in the town, attacking innocent citizens violently.

Ling Chang Feng leaves his wife behind to protect the people, but when he returns, finds that his wife has been infected by this phenomenon.

He refuses to reveal this, as he knows that anyone who turns mad will be killed. He keeps her by his side in secret while trying to solve the cause of this frightful phenomenon.

8.5/10

* * *

It's an exceptionally well made bite size drama, folks (each episode is only 15 mins). You can see they had a very tight budget but they used it so, so well. The plot is fresh, the scenes are carefully crafted and the cinematography is masterful. I watched other two short dramas from the same director, and they were both fantastic (The Killer is Also Romantic, A Familiar Stranger). So, please, don't hesitate to invest your time in this drama.

It starts with Chang Feng and Qian Yue happily married in a fictional Chinese city state. She keeps having a recurring dream about reliving the same day until it actually happens and she gets embroiled in a tragic attack by this world's equivalent of vampires.

After that we are taken into the past, where it shows how Chang Feng met his future wife and how their relationship developed. As she says, her memory starts from him. So she herself is full of secrets and has no memory of her past, a woman who literally had to learn anew everything.

Their relationship develops from him looking after her as this almost childlike creature until she slowly matures and finds her strengths turning into a woman who loves fiercely. Chang Feng himself is a reticent workaholic who keeps away from politics or anything that doesn't require him just to guard his city. Qian Yue slowly changes that, and it's very sweet to see them together.

For once, the second couple's love story here is also touching and very cute. Considering that last time I saw the second male lead, he was playing the main villain in Blood of Youth, and he started as an antihero here as well, I was ready to dislike him, but he went from one dimensional, cold man to a shy, confused and hilariously out of sorts young lover pretty fast, and this melted my resolve to not like him.

Phew, I don't know how I managed not to give you any spoilers! Here is a fan vid to show you the beauty of this drama, folks. I hope after this you will give it a chance. It was great. Humorous, humane and lovely. Two thumbs up from yours truly.

Romantic YA Fantasy Chinese Drama Review: I've Fallen For You (2020)

2023-08-13T17:35:00.001+01:00

I've Fallen For You (2020)

24 episodes, watched on Viki

Synopsis from MyDramaList

A story that follows the quirky female investigator Tian San Qi as she searches for her long lost 'brother' and cracks many cases along the way.

Growing up, Tian San Qi had a strange liking for performing autopsies. She had an older 'brother' who would always be by her side and they spent many good years together. One day, he mysteriously disappears. San Qi as a child promises to find her true love and vows never to marry unless it's him.

In her search, she comes across many potential candidates and forms new friendships. The gang accidentally becomes involved in several cases in the area one of which seems closely related to the disappearance of her 'brother' all those years ago. A shocking conspiracy that is 10 years in the making comes to light.

~~ Adapted from the web novel "Jin Xin Ji" (锦心记) by Han Xue Fei (韩雪霏).

8/10

* * *

Straight away I just wanted to clarify the synopsis: "brother" here is Chinese gege/older brother which can mean both your actual older brother or an older than you male you are familiar with. Same as you would be able to call an older girl -jiejie (older sister) or an older woman who is not your mom - ayi (aunty).

This is a very cute and engaging drama despite its silly light heartedness, and the characters are very young. I can't quite pinpoint what exactly snared me in I've Fallen For You.

It had Esther Yu whom I love since her performance in Love Between Fairy and Devil, and she is a very, very interesting actress. She is able to pull off cutest silliest pouts with great charm in her tinny tiny voice but at the same time give an impression that this is just a mask she adopted and make her moments of brilliant intelligence and sorrowful wise stares absolutely believable.

Liu Yi Chang who plays the male character, Zhao Cuo, is adorable as well. Grumpy, rough around the edges, abrasive, throwing money around and standoffish, he is actually covering his kind and trusting nature with this behaviour like a hedgehog with its needles to protect himself from getting hurt. You really feel his tentative pure nature straight away, and because he also doesn't bother to mince words, most people find him too rude and turn away until San Qi (FL) convinced that he is her long lost childhood sweetheart bulldozes him over.

That poor boy has no chance to withstand against her, and they go through all the phases of good relationship: partnership where they gain mutual respect for each other's abilities (she is great at solving cases, he is a brilliant martial artist), friendship (when they develop an easy camaraderie to each other), and at last, love.

The way Zhao Cuo shows his love for San Qi is especially adorable. There is a scene where she decides to leave him for another guy who she thinks is her real childhood sweetheart, and Cuo after battling his inner demons for awhile accepts it to make her happy and on the day of her departure spends all morning buying her favourite foods for the road and running after the carriage. After she takes the food and drives off he just dissolves into an ugly cry right in the middle of the road. Not a pretty staged "artful tear sliding down my cheek" sort of cry, but proper ugly, suffocating, can't breathe from heartbreak cry. That really touched me.

There were quite a few moments like this, and I surprised myself really enjoying this drama. The soundtrack was a surprise too, it was more a kdrama type, rather than typical Chinese fantasy drama OST.

Overall, despite the strong comedy vibe, this was not only an entertaining but touching and adorable short drama. Recommended!

YA Fantasy Duology Audiobook Review: The Book of Tea by Judy I. Lin

2023-07-19T18:28:00.003+01:00

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin (The Book of Tea #1)

bought on Audible

Synopsis from Goodreads

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.

When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life.

But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.

A Venom Dark and Sweet by Judy I. Lin (The Book of Tea #2)

bought on Audible

Synopsis from Goodreads

A great evil has come to the kingdom of Dàxi. The Banished Prince has returned to seize power, his rise to the dragon throne aided by the mass poisonings that have kept the people bound in fear and distrust.

Ning, a young but powerful shénnóng-shi—a wielder of magic using the ancient and delicate art of tea-making—has escorted Princess Zhen into exile. Joining them is the princess' loyal bodyguard, Ruyi, and Ning's newly healed sister, Shu. Together the four young women travel throughout the kingdom in search of allies to help oust the invaders and take back Zhen's rightful throne.

But the golden serpent still haunts Ning's nightmares with visions of war and bloodshed. An evil far more ancient than the petty conflicts of men has awoken, and all the magic in the land may not be enough to stop it from consuming the world...

7.5/10

* * *

If I was breaking the rating for the two books, the first one would have 8/10 (4 stars) rating as it was more coherent and engaging than book two (3.5 stars). While listening to the book two I caught myself drifting and missing chunks of what was happening which for me is not a good sign, hence lower rating for the duology.

The best part of this duology is its unique magic system where people with certain abilities could brew tea from any plants, herbs, berries, flowers, etc. or their combinations for different healing reactions in patients or for imbuing people with particular powers and enhancing certain reactions. This whole concept was fascinating and very well done.

Book one with its competition and much tea making was perfect in its simplicity. Ning had a goal to win and get the best medical help possible for her younger sister. She also acquired friends, enemies and a love interest along the way who rounded up the story nicely.

Getting into book two, the plot stretched itself pretty thin. Ning got bogged down in endless quests. Get to point A, grab the object X, continue to point B. And apart from the willow episode and the hike through the bamboo forest, there was nothing juicy here. Kang, the love interest, lost all colour here and quite a lot of backbone. The amount of people who got tortured and killed around him, and he, the prince of the empire, was powerless to do anything to help. I didn't like it at all. I felt like he had no spark or spine and mostly reacted to events, rather than be a force to instigate them. His father had no personality and the villain was outright cartoonish from start to finish.

*Sigh*

Overall, it's an okay listen with a refreshing magic concept. Recommended with reservations.

Chinese Historical Fantasy Drama Review: Under The Power (2019)

2023-07-07T16:10:00.002+01:00

Under The Power (2019-2020)

55 episodes, watched on Viki (you can find in on YouTube)

Synopsis from MyDramaList

Lu Yi is a cold, ruthless and authoritative high-ranking officer of the Ming Dynasty's Jinyiwei (also known as the Brocaded Guards for their elaborately embroidered uniforms). The Jinyiwei are part of the Emperor's elite bodyguards that also serve as the secret police, and Lu Yi is one of the best at his job.

He meets Yuan Jin Xia, a smart, feisty and tom-boyish female officer from the Police's 6th Division, and they clash over a case that the both of them were involved in. Their paths continue to cross unpleasantly over a series of minor cases until Lu Yi was commissioned by the Emperor to secretly investigate the disappearance of funds that have been set aside for river repairs in Yangzhou. Part of the small team accompanying him includes Yuan Jin Xia, and as the two of them work together to solve the case, they find themselves uncovering a conspiracy involving high court officials while their feelings for each other slowly change from dislike to respectful friendship to love.

~~ Adapted from the web novel "Under the Power" (锦衣之下) by Lan Se Shi (蓝色狮).

7.5/10

* * *

The rating says it all. Allen Ren (Ren Jia Lun) and Seven Tan (Tan Song Yun) is the main attraction here, and mostly it's Seven Tan. She has such a magnetic personality and can pull off the silliest, most idiotic antics for comedy value without being too much. In fact, the more I was watching this, the more I felt that recent Warm on a Cold Night drama which I abandoned half way through tried to poorly imitate Jinxia's behaviour (female lead) and ended up just looking stupid. Besides there were more similarities there.

As the male lead, Lu Yi, says half way through falling in love with Jinxia: "She is mesmerising..", so you can't help but falling into her orbit.

Jinxia is a classic poor, tenacious, cunning little thing working in the capital's police department, cleverly solving cases and keeping herself in all the little pies she can think of to survive and make money. Her mother sells tofu on the streets and keeps trying to marry her off.

Lu Yi is a complete opposite to Jinxia in almost all the aspects. He is rich, he leads the equivalent of special police of the country which concentrates on internal investigations and keeps rich and powerful in fear. That force answers only to the emperor. Lu Yi is aloof, ruthless and doesn't have many joys or passions in life.

When he clashes with Jinxia over a case, he outdoes her with ease in direct confrontations, but while he is rich in resources and manpower, she is a great tracker and knows common people, so she catches up with him or even thwarts him in other spects. Their antagonism is fun to watch, especially when you see her ruffling his feathers more and more.

"Why not higher rating then?" you'd ask. First of all, a secondary love story is extremely boring and takes too much screen time. I had to skip past their scenes, seriously.

Secondly, the ending episode is very stupid. Lu Yi who supposingly can plot an intricate chess game, goes and sacrifices himself for a very idiotic reason when all he needed to do is wait a few years and make a move without any danger, and everyone would have been perfectly happy with that plan as there was no urgency to act. Instead, the heroine had to save his sorry a*se again! There was no rhyme or reason in that last act.

Last problem, is that the production is low cost and it's very visible.

So, all these things detracted from my enjoyment but didn't stop me from loving the rest. Overall, a lovely, enjoyable watch! Recommended with some reservations.

Urban Fantasy Audiobook Review: Red Winter Trilogy by Annette Marie

2023-06-22T19:45:00.000+01:00

Red Winter/ Dark Tempest/ Immortal Fire by Annette Marie

bought on Audible

Synopsis from Goodreads

Red Winter (Book 1):

Emi has spent her entire life hiding from the creatures that hunt her. The savage earth spirits are determined to kill her before she can become the living host of a goddess, so she stays hidden—until the day she saves the life of a kitsune.

Shiro isn't the harmless fox spirit she thought he was. He's mysterious, cunning, unpredictable … and now hers to command. He's sworn to pay his debt to her, but he doesn't know who she is. If he finds out, he'll kill her.

But she can't send him away—not yet. Her future isn't what she thought. The lies surrounding her fate have begun to unravel, and she needs answers before time runs out—answers that lie in the spirit realm. Shiro can take her there … if she dares to trust him.

And only then will she find out how deep the gods' treachery runs.

Dark Tempest (Book 2):

Emi has dedicated her life to becoming the perfect vessel for the goddess Amaterasu, but the insidious betrayal of another deity has changed everything. Now Amaterasu has charged Emi with an urgent mission: to find and free the earthly gods before mankind is brought to its knees beneath divine tyranny.

At her side is Shiro, the mysterious fox spirit. When she first saved his life, she could never have imagined that behind his cunning and confidence, he was lost—his power bound by a devastating curse and his memories obscured. His veiled history is somehow tied to the missing gods, but he can't remember how or why.

As their search leads them into the murky depths of the spirit realm, the shadows of Shiro's past begin to emerge. With each brief awakening of his true self, she loses a little more of him. The fate of the heavens and earth rest in her mortal hands, and she must find the missing gods before time runs out for her world—and for Shiro.

Immortal Fire (Book 3):

Once, Emi believed the heavenly gods were righteous and wise, while the earthly yokai spirits were bloodthirsty and evil. But with a traitorous deity poised to destroy her world, and the yokai standing as humanity's only defense, the lies of her upbringing have toppled to reveal a far more terrifying reality.

Despite the looming threat, Emi can't escape her greatest distraction: Shiro, the fox yokai who has so deftly claimed her heart for his own.

8.5/10

* * *

What an underrated gem, folks! Such a solid, engaging, original urban fantasy. For me it was bordering on 9/10 (4.5 stars) rating, it was that good!

I confess the generic cover of the first book (all three have the unfortunate covers like the first one) made me hesitate for a long time before picking up Red Winter. I associate those covers with generic books too without much substance. I know, I know, I am a book cover snob, but esthetics play a huge role in me deciding to read something or not.

The whole trilogy was so smooth on audio, with an excellent narrator, so I literally binged on it, catching the other two reads through Audible sale.

It starts a little bit slow, but picks up pace extremely fast. I can tell you that once sped up the plot will not slow down until the end.

I loved how deeply infused by Japanese culture and mythology the books were. So much so, that I could vividly visualise the landscape, clothes and atmosphere surrounding Emi's life at the shrine.

I appreciated very much that Emi and Shiro, and surrounding them secondary characters were not one-dimensional. They learned and evolved with the experiences. Even the main villain did not decide to destroy human will in the world willy nilly, there was solid reasoning behind their actions and in a way it was a misguided attempt to save our planet.

Emi is a wonderful character, a strong young woman who learns fast and constantly stretches the capabilities her connection to the goddess of the wind brings her. Shiro flirts with her from time to time but it feels more as an intimidation tactics that anything else. What bonds them the most is the life or death situations and deep friendship and mutual respect they develop for each other throughout their journey.

I want to emphasise how much respect there is here between the main characters. They actually respect each other's choices and sense of duty which guides them. It's beautiful. And Shiro, thankfully, behaves according to his age and experiences and not like a horny teenager (yes, Sarah J. Maas, this is directed to your ancient beings who can't keep it in their pants and behave like they are 15, not 500! You can tell I was scarred.)

Also, holy Moses, action scenes in this trilogy ROCK. And there are a lot of them. On par with some of Ilona Andrews' books. All I can say, wait for the giant spiders fight. Your adrenaline will be pumping! There are so many fantastic action sequences, and the scenery is beautiful.

Overall, recommended without any hesitation. Great characters, fantastic world-building, refreshing mythology. I will be checking Annette Marie's other books as well. I am very impressed.

Chinese Period Drama Review: Nirvana in Fire (2015)

2023-06-11T21:43:00.000+01:00

Nirvana In Fire (2015)

Season 1, 54 episodes,

watched on Viki

Synopsis from MyDramaList

In sixth-century China, the Emperor of Great Liang orders the unjust execution of his brother-in-law Marshal Lin Xie alongside the Lin family, his 70,000 army soldiers, and Crown Prince Qi.

Secretly surviving the massacre is Lin Xie's son, Lin Shu, who undergoes medical treatment that changes his appearance entirely and leaves him in a weakened state, unable to ever perform martial arts again. Lin Shu changed his name to Mei Chang Su and later became the chief of the pugilist world and established the Jiangzuo Alliance.

Twelve years later, Mei Chang Su returns to the capital with a secret plan after being sought after by Prince Yu and Prince Xian during their fight for the throne. He decides to covertly assist Prince Jing, the unfavoured son of the Emperor, and wisely rids the court of all scheming officials.

~~ Adapted from the novel "Lang Ya Bang" (琅琊榜)

by Hai Yan (海宴).

8.5/10

* * *

This is an old classic, folks! And it still rocks.

I had Nirvana in Fire on my watchlist for awhile because a couple of the reviewers of Chinese drama I follow and respect look at this series as the golden standard. Mei Changsu's name (the main character) is very often thrown around as an example of how something should be done as well.

Having watched all the episodes, I can confirm that this was epic. It looks a bit outdated with makeup choices but overall it aged beautifully.

The plot is an extremely complicated retribution story. Mei Changsu literally had to reinvent himself after surviving the betrayal and massacre of most of his clan. Being poisoned by a rare Frostfire poison 13 years ago, his treatment involved turning him into a completely unrecognisable face with no ability to practice martial arts and a weak constitution extremely susceptible to cold and with a very shortened lifespan.

However, his brilliant mind stayed as sharp as ever, and in 13 years he created an enormous intelligence network and put together a very long game to receive retribution for the family and friends he lost at the hands of the most powerful figures in Great Liang, his country.

Fortunately, once the plan is put into motion, he collects allies one by one to achieve the common goal, and many of them have insane martial arts skills. The fight scenes here, folks, are so fine, it's a pleasure to watch. No special effects apart from wire work and actor's skills. Very old-fashioned.

The plot is so tight as well. Every part is necessary, there are no fillers, every scene serves the overall picture. It's a type of Count of Monte-Cristo story, but it's deeper than a simple desire for revenge. Mei Changsu and his allies, many of whom recognise who he is along the way, set to cleanse their country of corruption and greed and put on the throne a good person.

One of the funniest, best characters in the drama is Fei Liu, Mei Changsu's teenage bodyguard. He is moody and childish but freakishly talented, and he is played by Wu Lei/ Leo Wu, whose many more recent dramas I've enjoyed very much because he is a really great actor (The Long Ballad or Love Like The Galaxy, for example).

At last, there hardly any stupid or silly characters here. Most of them are smart and resourceful, whether they are striving for greed and power or for benefit of the country. That's why Mei Changsu's game turns out to be so suspenseful and engaging to follow.

I have started Season 2, but it's a different timeline a couple of generations in the future, so I have not found yet if it'll measure up to this season. Overall, much recommended! This was so good!

Historical Fantasy Audiobook Review: The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

2023-06-07T17:23:00.004+01:00

The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

bought on Audible

Synopsis from Goodreads

Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret, terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining Season, when young men and women of means descend upon the city to negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only she can save them, by securing an advantageous match before their creditors come calling.

In a stroke of luck, Beatrice finds a grimoire that contains the key to becoming a Magus, but before she can purchase it, a rival sorceress swindles the book right out of her hands. Beatrice summons a spirit to help her get it back, but her new ally exacts a price: Beatrice’s first kiss . . . with her adversary’s brother, the handsome, compassionate, and fabulously wealthy Ianthe Lavan.

The more Beatrice is entangled with the Lavan siblings, the harder her decision becomes: If she casts the spell to become a Magus, she will devastate her family and lose the only man to ever see her for who she is; but if she marries—even for love—she will sacrifice her magic, her identity, and her dreams. But how can she choose just one, knowing she will forever regret the path not taken?

8.5/10

* * *

The Midnight Bargain reminded me of other two authors writing about magical England, Mary Robinette Kowal and Stephanie Burgis.

I listened to it on audio, and it struck me straight away at how atmospheric it was. Gorgeous world-building, almost cinematic at how vivid it is. The heroine and her friend's emotions at times felt like I was reading a middle-grade book, they were so desperate and dramatic, but it didn't detract from the validity of their feelings.

The girls were fighting for their right to do magic and not get married which would have suffocated them and their gifts (that collar which married women were supposed to wear until they could not bear children anymore was truly horrendous).

The love interest was sweet but didn't have as much personality as the girls, but the most delightful thing about the plot was Nadi, the lesser spirit who was helping Beatrice.

Nadi, the spirit of luck was amazing! It was her who was forcing Beatrice to be daring and get out of her comfort zone. She wanted her to dance on the sand barefoot and steal a kiss, get drunk and feel the sunrise. These were all the bargains between the two, because spirits are devoid of sensations but can feel them when riding humans.

There were many dramatic moments and the book felt pretty fast-paced to me on audio. I am kind of gutted it's a standalone. I would have liked to read more of Beatrice and Co.'s adventures.

Overall, a lovely, magical read! I can recommend it to the readers of this blog without any hesitation.

Contemporary Romance Chinese Drama Review: The Rational Mind (2021)

2023-05-30T15:39:00.000+01:00

The Rational Life (2021)

35 episodes, watched on Netflix

Synopsis from MyDramaList

Shen Ruo Xin is a professional career woman in her 30s and she has to navigate through many things in her life. From swimming through the cesspool of office politics with its nepotism, sabotage and company problems, to withstanding familial pressure to settle down and marry, to handling suitors interested in her for their own selfish personal motives, to being counsellor and mentor to her best friend and her juniors, she is one busy lady but watch as she handles them all with great aplomb while managing to find romance in an unexpected place.

8/10

* * *

This was on my watchlist for awhile due to an enthusiastic review from a cdrama review channel I follow, and I'm glad I gave it a go.

First of all, Dylan Wang is a cutie. If you watched him in Meteor Garden or a very recent Love Between A Fairy and A Devil (both on Netflix, by the way), you'll know he is a good actor as well.

Secondly, the topic of May-December romance (older woman - younger man) has been really popular in cdrama world in recent years. I read that there is a specific social problem related to that. China stopped its one child policy around 10 years ago and during that policy there were more boys born than girls because culturally boys will stay in the family and look after the parents while girls would marry off into another family. Over the generations, it created a shortage of girls available. And that's why larger gaps in age between partners are becoming more socially acceptable. Again, this is an opinion, so what I'm writing here can be completely wrong. If that's the case, then don't bash me for it.

This is a very solid 4 star watch. It has strong independent, female empowering message. It accentuates the problems women over 30 face in Chinese society. There is a generational clash between the heroine and her mother, but throughout all of this there is plenty of warmth in half a dozen of various relationships.

A lot of Chinese dramas would play on romance clichés, but The Rational Life subverts it all. Instead of cartoonish villains and heroes there are normal people who make mistakes, go astray, swim in grey area of socially acceptable behaviour and either snap out of it or get their comeuppance.

For example, the guy Shen Ruoxin dates in the beginning, is meek and cowardly. In order to keep her from breaking up with him, he proposes to her in public and sends the video to their company, surveils her phone and even post a negative video of her anonymously online which allows her boss to demote her to promote his own nephew in her spot. All of this to push her to rely on him and to marry him.

She deals with it by confronting the guy and gives him a choice what to do next with himself. His shame at the consequences to her actually puts him on the right track. There are a lot of moments where you'd think the character is going to cause trouble but it just behaves like a mature adult and leaves you pleasantly surprised.

I enjoyed The Rational Life. It was kind and, well, rational. The main characters are cute together and do feel like a great fit to compliment each other's strengths. Recommended.

Paranormal Fantasy Audiobook Review: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

2023-05-24T23:34:00.000+01:00

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas (Crescent City #2)

bought on Audible

Synopsis from Goodreads

Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.

6/10

* * *

House of Sky and Breath really suffers from second book in series syndrome, folks. It just drags until the last hour on audio where it crams in all the action and ramps it up to eleven.

I very much enjoyed the first book, it had amazing world-building, fast pace and it brought me to tears when firesprite died. It was heartfelt despite some minor problems.

This one just paced around in circles, opened a lot of extra plot avenues which led to nowhere, and the sex scenes were really off putting. To a point when every time one started, I raced to my audioplayer to fast forward to the next chapter. *sigh* And there were plenty of them. *rant over*

This book is also an infodump. So much incoherent info, especially towards the end, and again the same problem we had in the first book where the main villain conveniently spends half an hour monologuing and explaining in detail how their evil plan was implemented. Seriously? This is supposed to be an ancient ruthless being who sees you as food?.. why would it stoop down to your level of comprehension. This is too theatrical.

I'd say my favourite scene was with the mystics. Reminded me of Minority Report, and it was very atmospheric. Least favourite? Emil plotline which had no purpose at all.

Overall, too slow and confusing, but the ending gave me hope for a better book. I'll try one more time before I shelf this series away.

Contemporary Romance Chinese Drama Review: Love is Sweet (2020)

2023-05-20T17:16:00.004+01:00

Love is Sweet (2020)

36 episodes

Synopsis from MyDramaList

Jiang Jun is a girl who is allergic to tears and has a double degree in economics and psychology. She is unrestrained and idealistic due to her family's superior background. After graduation, she worked in a philanthropy organization where she pursues her dreams. However, her father's sudden accident leaves her in a dilemma. Eventually, she decides to work in a top investment company to fulfill her father's dying wish.

In MH, Jiang Jun meets her childhood playmate, Yuan Shu Ai. However, the current Yuan Shuai is no longer her gentle protector, but her rival. In MH, where the "culture of wolf instinct" is rampant, someone is plotting against Jiang Jun while someone sees her as an eyesore. However with her kind nature and attention to detail, along with her high EQ and sense of judgment, Jiang Jun eventually attains success in both her career and love life.

(Source: DramaWiki)

~~ Adapted from the novel of the same name by Qi Zi

7.5/10

* * *

This was so much fun to watch! Coming off from a very angsty Till The End of The Moon drama with the same actors, Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu I've seen Love is Sweet mentioned a few times as their previous collaboration, so I thought I'll check this one out.

Love is Sweet is light and fluffy and full of tropes. School crush? Check. Unnecessary love triangle? Check. Second couple who no one particularly cares about? Check. Logical inconsistencies in character to create plot twists? Check.

And yet, Lou Yunxi and Bai Lu are fun to watch. They truly managed to recreate the ease of childhood friends coming back together. They have sassy, childish banter, constant goading of each other and good-natured cattiness. And it's all delightful.

Yuan Shuai has known Jiang Jun since middle school and used to look after her because she was a cry baby and had unfortunate allergic reaction to tears, so he used to get paid by her dad to protect her, but in his mind his protection consisted of strengthening her character so he ended up constantly pressuring her into challenging situations to toughen her up, which in the end made her resent him so much that she transferred into another school. At the same time his parents sent him to study abroad and they completely lost touch.

Ten years after graduation they meet again. Unexpectedly, she is applying for a job in the investment banking firm where he works, and quite successfully too. At the last stage he kicks her out, convinced that this job is too tough for her, and in a typical mansplaining fashion tries to arrange a job for her which should be more suitable and less stressful. Jiang Jun has her own important reasons to get into his form, so she manages to get through anyway, and he is forced to become her boss.

What he doesn't realise is that the girl he used to protect, grew up and did toughen up. She is clever, methodical and resourceful, so his machinations are not taking kindly. Luckily, he is a very smart guy himself, so he adjusts to new realities and start working together with her and very successfully at that. It's really funny that at work he is this cold, ruthless businessman, but he is pretty defenseless against the girl he had a secret crush on in school as she brings to the surface his most childish parts. He basically turns into a boy grabbing his love's pigtails to grab her attention. They are pretty adorable in their interactions.

There are minor irritations here, like Jiang Jun's naiveté in the beginning, the inconsistent character of the third wheel in the relationship, Du Lei, who was wildly swinging from the villain to a good guy depending on script demands, and of course the second couple who acts as a filler and fades into background. You could easily cut 10 episodes out and still have a lovely story. Overall, though, it's relaxing and cute, and I definitely recommend it to all lovers of contemporary romance genre.

Fantasy Audiobook Review: Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

2023-05-03T21:38:00.000+01:00

Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

bought on Audible

Synopsis from Goodreads

The rite has existed for as long as anyone can remember: when the prince-who-will-be-king comes of age, he must venture out into the gray lands, slay a fierce dragon, and rescue a damsel to be his bride. This is the way things have always been.

When Ama wakes in the arms of Prince Emory, however, she knows none of this. She has no memory of what came before she was captured by the dragon, or what horrors she has faced in its lair. She knows only this handsome prince, the story he tells of her rescue, and her destiny to sit on the throne beside him. Ama comes with Emory back to the kingdom of Harding, hailed as the new princess, welcomed to the court.

However, as soon as her first night falls, she begins to realize that not all is as it seems, that there is more to the legends of the dragons and the damsels than anyone knows–and that the greatest threats to her life may not be behind her, but here, in front of her.

* * *

8.5/10

Please, imagine my standing ovation for the ending. So satisfactory!

It's an unusual listen but beautiful and fierce.

Long story short, I saw a good review for the book with the same name which also had dragons in it with a movie happening soon based on it. So, I went to look it up on Goodreads, was not impressed by the other reviews and saw that there is another Damsel. With a darker, more whimsical plot. Yeah, dear reader, I was sold on this one instead.

Ama is a damsel rescued from a dragon's lair by a prince and destined to be his queen.

Nevermind, that damsel does not remember her past life and has to believe what the Prince is telling her. Never mind his cloying, mansplaining attention, and the condescension, my god, ladies! He made me fume.

The reader guesses correctly about the damsel's origins pretty early in the book, and all that's left is rooting for her to break through her awful environment, her destiny as a vessel to a royal child and the suffocating existence in the castle.

What sells this book is that it's very atmospheric. It shows you the monotony of Ama' s new life and how it leeches her vibrancy day by day.

So, when she finally snaps out of it and fights back, it feels so damn good! I was screaming at the end. The ending was everything I wished for, and that's probably was the whole point. *smirks*

It's a very quick listen, moody and almost surreal, and I enjoyed the heck out of it. It's an adult read with some abusive behaviours described, but it felt like an important and inspiring read to me. Much recommended.

Xinxia Fantasy Novel Review: Black Moonlight Holds the BE Script by Teng Luo Wei Zhi

2023-04-18T09:50:00.004+01:00

Black Moonlight Holds the BE Script by Teng Luo Wei Zhi

read on MTLNovel

*Synopsis

*Sorry, guys! I can't find one with a synopsis, so just refer to my previous post about Till The End of the Moon c-drama or read this review.

8.5/10

* * *

I have many thoughts on this book, and I do love reading non-standard romance, so bear with me here.

First thought. Despite a torturous romance story, the ending makes up for it. It's absolutely wonderful and explains quite a lot of behaviours on the male character's part.

Second thought. Till The End of The Moon c-drama series brought me here, and so far I have much more satisfaction with the novel itself than with its TV adaptation despite the atrocious translation.

I understand the reasoning for the changes, I do. If the characters and story arc stayed as they are the drama wouldn't see the light of day and would be censored. I watched enough Chinese dramas to know the strict rules of how everyone should be portrayed morally.

Tantai Jin is a proper antihero, and this romance is very dark. If you like R.Lee Smith books, you will enjoy this one. On the other hand, Li Su Su portrayal in the drama doesn't do her character justice. Her character is colder and more ruthless to Tantai Jin than it's shown on TV. Sometimes I didn't know who to feel sorry for more, Tantai Jin or Li Su Su. And in the latter part of the novel Tantai Jin firmly had my sentiments.

Third thought, the plot is very convoluted because it involves multiple timelines (at least 4), but you can also explain it pretty simply.

Our heroine, Li Su Su is a hundred year old immortal (very young by their standards) living in a world ravaged by a devil god and his army of demons. The world has no light and the immortals are slowly getting wiped out because no one can fight the evil overlord. The immortals last hope is to send someone 500 years back into the past when the devil god was still human and figure out how to remove an evil bone from him without killing the guy (which will instantly turn him into the devil god). The choice falls on Li Su Su for various reasons, and she is sent back to a body of a human Ye Xiwu who is ironically married to Tantai Jin, a human would be devil god.

The guy is a psychopath. A. He can not feel and process emotions apart from his need for survival B. His lack of emotions, his supernatural abilities and his very bad political standing as a hostage prince turned him into an object of constant abuse since the age of 6 when he was sent to be a hostage. So, yes, this did not improve his character, just made him deadlier.

Li Su Su's host, Ye Xiwu is an abuser herself. She is a spoilt rich girl who terrifies her household and who got married to Tantai Jin because he foiled her awful plan to ruin her love rival and turned it onto her to escape his life in the Palace. She beats him, humiliates him and generally wants him to die. In fact, when Li Su Su arrives into her body, the girl is nearly killed because Tantai Jin had enough and arranged for her own killing.

We are in for a great start, right?

Li Su Su is not an abuser, she is fair and stoic and has her mission in her sights at all times, but she also hates Tantai Jin's guts for all the suffering he will inflict in the future, so her desire to make him love her and find how to extract his evil bone, to protect his life is constantly warring with her deep seated hatred.

She is tough, and so is he. When they end up adventuring together, there is always push and pull of hate towards each other, and his inability to figure her out in all her complexities only adds to his confusion.

They are both awful and at the same time magnetic, and her redeeming him doesn't actually change his character very much. He just changes towards her, but because of his inability to understand his emotions he does not understand himself until much later in the novel.

Su Su is so concentrated on what she has to do, she doesn't allow herself to feel anything or to give him any leeway either. Add to it many many machinations of side characters, and this novel is an absolute rollercoaster.

I really like watching the TV adaptation too because it just adds so much more richness to this story. It's changed, lighter and has comedic moments , which annoys me at times, and the characters are much more human, but the plot is more cohesive and easier to follow, plus the cast is gorgeous, especially Leo Luo/Luo Yunxi who is exquisite as Tantai Jin.

To conclude, this is not for everyone, and is easier to digest if you are familiar with xinxia dramas, and I also enjoyed it very much! This was definitely my catnip.

Why it's driving me crazy not to talk about Till The End of The Moon

2023-04-11T21:58:00.001+01:00

Gals, gents, here is the thing. I've been shifting towards watching more Chinese dramas rather than k-dramas in the last few years for a few reasons.

First, I am far more interested in fantasy, sci-fi and period dramas than modern day life. Call it escapism, but it's what I prefer in my books as well. Korean TV is limited in that regard. You would find plenty of good paranormal romance and urban fantasy in modern day setting or rarely in Joseon era, but the only full scale fantasy I've seen based in ancient times was The Arthal Chronicles (amazing series, by the way, and it's on Netflix, so go watch it!).

China on the other hand does film a huge amount of wuxia and xinxia dramas, lots of period pieces as well. And in the recent years, there were a lot of phenomenal dramas.

Secondly, there is a fantastic sense of aesthetics, tons of excellent CGI and great acting. Definitely, c-dramas have been becoming more and more pleasing to the eye.

Third, I love the rich history, culture and language. (I'm studying Chinese, so it helps.)

So, shift to these types of dramas for me was inevitable, and in the last year especially I've watched quite a few of incredible dramas, and sobbed at their endings too. This year, I'm on my third unforgettable drama, by the way. First two were reviewed on this blog already (Blood of Youth, The Starry Love).

Till The End of The Moon is my third, and it takes the cake only at 16 episodes in (it has 40 in total). Its greatness have been driving me crazy to a point when I really want to talk about it.

First of all, people have been buzzing about this drama for a couple of years before it stated airing. The expectations were high because it's based on a popular novel and it has Luo Yunxi (one of my favourite actors) and Bai Lu. Also, Luo Yunxi is amazing in xinxia, and at playing morally grey characters. His character, Tantai Jin, is a total antihero!

This drama so far showing his whole range as he goes through a mass of difficult transformations. From a perfectly evil devil lord, to a bullied little boy of his own past unable to feel and process emotions, to a devious young man craving power to protect himself and destroy those who made him their victim (he totally reminds me a psychopath/sociopath there). As he amasses power there is one person besides him who through their love-hate relationship manages to change him and his behaviour. So, in other words, love changes him and his destiny.

Bai Lu plays a difficult character or even characters. First, she starts the drama fiercely hating Tantai Jin as their first encounter happens in the future where he destroys everyone she knows and loves while looking for an artifact as the devil lord. In order to stop him she is sent 500 years into the past, when Tantai Jin is still human and where she needs to try to stop him from dying and turning into the devil lord before she figures out how destroy the evil bone which would make him transform. Tantai Jin of the past is a weak hostage prince and a person without any political power, with strange cold appearance, bullied and betrayed all through his life by those around. Bai Lu , ironically, is sent into the body of Tantai Jin's wife, Ye Xiwu, one of his bullies, who tortures him for spoiling her devilish plans daily. Susu, the young immortal sent into the past, becomes a very different Ye Xiwu from the sadistic wife Tantai Jin remembers and hates, and slowly starts getting close to him, desperately trying to succeed in her mission. She is trying to be his moral compass and his anchor but ends up slowly falling for the would be evil god.

There is a lot going on here, folks, and I don't want to spoil it for you, but suffice to say, the plot is EPIC. The heroes pretty much live through three lives (at least the heroine), just like in Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms (a 2017 c-drama which started my obsession). And can I just say, that Leo Luo (Luo Yunxi) is such an amazing actor for the character. He kills it. He is fragile but fierce on the edge of cruelty, full of sharp angles. His chemistry with Bai Lu is also off the charts. They are incredible to watch together. Magnetic.

CGI, world-building and sets here, the fight scenes, the overall aesthetics all add to the excellence of this drama as well. I am hanging on each episode by the way and watching fan made videos, which means I am obsessed. So much so, that I didn't want to wait till the drama finishes airing before starting to gush about it.

Phew! I'll spam you with pics and vids here and leave it at that.❤️

Here is the trailer by the way, or one of them.

And some of the OST❤️

Fantasy Audiobook Review: The Queen's Price by Anne Bishop

2023-04-08T22:29:00.001+01:00

The Queen's Price by Anne Bishop (The Black Jewels #12)

bought on audio

Synopsis from Goodreads

Enter the dark and sensual realms of the Black Jewels in this sweeping story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga of three young women who must navigate life within the powerful SaDiablo family--and come to terms with Witch, the Queen who is still the heart and will of that family.

The Queen's price is to stand against what you know is wrong. To stand and fight, no matter the cost to your court or to yourself. Especially to yourself.

Zoey, a young Queen-in-training at SaDiablo Hall, is wounded...and vulnerable to taunts and criticism. When an opportunity arises to befriend a stranger seeking sanctuary at the Hall, she puts herself and others in danger by ignoring Daemonar Yaslana's warning to back off.

Meanwhile, the witch Jillian's family prepares for her Virgin Night, the rite of passage that assures a woman will retain her power and her Jewels. The trouble is Jillian secretly went through the ceremony already. Now she has to explain the omission of that detail to her powerful and lethal family. And the High Lord of Hell's daughter, Saetien, travels to Scelt to find out about Jaenelle Angelline's sister--and perhaps to discover truths about herself.

With some guidance from Witch, these three young women will learn when to yield because it is right--and when to take a stand, even if they must pay the Queen's price.

8.5/10

* * *

I am so happy with this book!

Mostly, because it was a much stronger delivery than the previous two books, but mainly, because we went back in time to Jaenelle's experiences during the war, and it was powerful.

In the last two books, she was a secondary character as Witch which made her very distant and cold. This book brought her back as a human. I missed those days, because Daemon was much more alive with her at his side. These days he is a father and a ruler and pretty much nothing else which makes for a rigid character.

I was also laughing very hard at Gillian's conundrum with the virgin night and her newfound friend Brenda who was a force to be reckoned with. A shame, Brenda didn't get more limelight.

The tiger girl side story didn't do anything for me, because she was barely outlined, but the trials in Daemon's Court and Saetien's transformation were very engaging to follow. Surprisingly, her story of redemption, growth and finding herself was gratifying and relatable. She went from a spoiled, lost child to a young, blossoming Queen.

As always, excellent narration on audio. If I misspelled names here, please forgive me, as I was listening to the story rather than reading.

What did you think of the story? Do you still follow this series?

Overall, excellent! Very much recommended!

Urban Fantasy Audiobook Review: Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Krueger

2023-03-22T20:38:00.001+00:00

Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Krueger

bought on audio

Synopsis from Goodreads

A sharp and funny urban fantasy for “new adults” about a secret society of bartenders who fight monsters with alcohol fueled magic.

College grad Bailey Chen has a few demons: no job, no parental support, and a rocky relationship with Zane, the only friend who’s around when she moves back home. But when Zane introduces Bailey to his cadre of monster-fighting bartenders, her demons get a lot more literal. Like, soul-sucking hell-beast literal. Soon, it’s up to Bailey and the ragtag band of magical mixologists to take on whatever—or whoever—is behind the mysterious rash of gruesome deaths in Chicago, and complete the lost recipes of an ancient tome of cocktail lore.

8.5/10

* * *

This was such a quirky gem, I loved it!

There was pure grittiness and simplicity here reminiscent of Harry Dresden world but also the eccentricity of Genevieve Cogman's Librarians.

The super power here standing against the monsters in the dark are bartenders. So, there is a lot of historical reference to drinks and how they were developed and the historical trivia attached to them. I really, really appreciated it and it enriched the story for me immensely. So reminded me of Librarians!

The characters and the plot are condensed and to the point. This is urban fantasy in its purest form.

Bailey Chen just graduated from a university and is struggling to land a job. In the meantime, she works for her school friend as a bar hand until she uncovers the hidden mission behind the bartenders' frequent cigarette breaks and is tempted to join the team.

Being the perfectionist she is, Bailey uncovers an anomaly and a conspiracy and ends up fighting the established order to save her beloved Chicago from a disaster.

I liked the girl, and all the characters around her made me think of Buffy and her crew with their snark and goofiness at the same time.

This was a surprisingly fun listen, and I am looking forward to discovering more from the author, although I'm not sure if this book was a standalone or there is more in the series.

Overall, definitely recommended. Any fan of the genre would enjoy this read/listen.

Chinese Xinxia (Fantasy) Drama Review: The Starry Love (2023)

2023-03-17T08:00:00.003+00:00

The Starry Love (2023)

watched on Youku, 40 episodes

Synopsis from MyDramaList

The queen of the human tribe gave birth to twin girls. Respected by the entire tribe, the older sister Qing Kui, who is gentle and kind, is betrothed to the heavenly prince. The younger sister, Ye Tan, smart and cunning, shunned by her own people, is betrothed to the demon prince. Due to a mix-up, the two sisters are married off to the wrong husbands. It paves the way for two beautiful romances and also ignites a conspiracy that shakes the four realms.

(Source: ChineseDrama.info, MyDramaList)

~~ Adapted from the novel "Xing Luo Ning Cheng Tang" (星落凝成糖) by Yi Du Jun Hua (一度君华 ).

9/10

* * *

I loved this so much, peeps! And also cried quite a few times in later episodes. This is a gorgeous xinxia comedy which is quite rare in Chinese drama land. Latest successful experiment which blended comedy with drama was Love Between a Fairy and a Devil last year. If you haven't watched it yet, what are you doing with your life?! Please do! It's amazing. And it was a huge enough hit to get on Netflix.

The Starry Love takes a classic trope in drama land "wrong carriage, right groom" and turns it into perfection. The prim and proper sister Qingkui who was being prepared to become a heavenly princess all her life is taken into the Void Realm to become the wife of the demon prince, and her rebellious troublemaker of a twin sister Yetan who studied The Void all her life is up in the Heavenly Realm trying to clear the mess she created trying to save her twin from a loveless marriage while dealing with her groom, Youqin, who has a huge stick up his behind and infuriates her so much.

Lo and behold, Tan and Youqin are made for each other, and she is slowly falling for him, while her sister Kui falls for a cunning, manipulative Chaofeng, the third prince, who is pretending to be weak and frivolous while fighting his other brothers for the throne.

When Youqin starts warming up and feeling something for Tan he suddenly dies saving his realm from a disaster he was preparing all his life to deal with, but Tan manages to save shards of his soul to try and revive him later. The fun twist to it, that now she has to find his soul shards as men in Mortal Realm and make them fall for her so they can merge into Youqin again. Much comedy ensues, and kudos to Cheng Xing Xu who had to play 5 different characters and managed to pull this off!

The whole cast was so talented. You really couldn't choose between two sisters, their partners and the supporting characters. Their acting was chef's kiss, especially Chaofeng's assistant with his constant snarky commentary. Also, both main male characters were total eye candy.

I can only sigh happily and wait to see these talented youngsters in more excellent dramas. They were wonderful!

Trailer

Advance Reader Copy Urban Fantasy Review: Smolder by Laurell K.Hamilton

2023-03-14T07:00:00.002+00:00

Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton (Anita Blake #29)

*Review copy obtained through Netgalley*

The wedding of the century between vampire hunter Anita Blake and the vampire king of America Jean-Claude is almost here, but an ancient evil arrives in St. Louis and even Jean-Claude’s unmatched power isn’t enough to save them. Only with the return of a lost love can they hope to combat the monster and save their loved ones and every vampire in the country from being consumed by darkness.

Release date March 21, 2023

2/10

* * *

Okey, first hear me out before judging my 1-star review.

First of all, I am a very old fan of this series and I firmly believe that the quality only went downhill after Obsidian Butterfly. But. Since then, I've fully embraced the fact that the b-movie type of quality of Anita's reverse harem world is its own brand. People can love it or hate it but they still read it and get exactly what they expect from it.

Which is why my 1-star rating is fully good-natured. Yes, it was that terrible and yes, I rolled my eyes and enjoyed the predictability of the plot when 90% of action is a big, unending therapy session for Anita and her big bad puppy pile of lovers, and only 10% is an actual advancement of the plot. I read this while being stuck on a long flight and despite not having read the last 4 or 5 books in the series, I have not missed a thing, my dear readers.

*SPOILER*

Richard is back! And it actually made me feel much livelier. I miss the time when Anita only had him and Jean-Claude to worry about and you didn't need the spreadsheet for the rest of her partners. Ah, those were the days.... Anyway, get ready for a lot of talking, where the most amusing part of it is talking about feelings while you are in the middle of an emergency sex to ward off an attack (yes, non-fans, I know how it sounds!) and Jean-Claude already asked you a few times to stop yapping and just concentrate on getting bonked.

There is not much else going on, but the ending shows that at least a few chapters of the next book will be fun, cause Anita's family is here for the wedding. And there is a high chance I'll read it just for the hell of it.

Enjoy it or hate it at your own risk, but you have been warned.

Fantasy Audiobook Review: The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier

2023-03-11T22:30:00.004+00:00

The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier (Warrior Bards #1)

bought on audio

Synopsis from Goodreads

A young woman is both a bard--and a warrior--in this thrilling historical fantasy from the author of the Sevenwaters novels.

Eighteen-year-old Liobhan is a powerful singer and an expert whistle player. Her brother has a voice to melt the hardest heart, and a rare talent on the harp. But Liobhan's burning ambition is to join the elite warrior band on Swan Island. She and her brother train there to compete for places, and find themselves joining a mission while still candidates. Their unusual blend of skills makes them ideal for this particular job, which requires going undercover as traveling minstrels. For Swan Island trains both warriors and spies.

Their mission: to find and retrieve a precious harp, an ancient symbol of kingship, which has gone mysteriously missing. If the instrument is not played at the upcoming coronation, the candidate will not be accepted and the people could revolt. Faced with plotting courtiers and tight-lipped druids, an insightful storyteller, and a boorish Crown Prince, Liobhan soon realizes an Otherworld power may be meddling in the affairs of the kingdom. When ambition clashes with conscience, Liobhan must make a bold decision and is faced with a heartbreaking choice. . . .

8.5/10

* * *

Yes!!! This was about my favourite healer and blacksmith's daughter and an adoptive son. And I had no idea about the connection until I started listening to The Harp of Kings.

What a gorgeous story, like everything else I've listened to from Marillier so far. I feel like her books really benefit from the audio format.

She knows how to weave magic into her stories where even names hold some power over you.

You can split The Harp of Kings into two main plots. First is the investigation into the disappeared harp, and the second is coming back home into the fae world. I loved both, they were filled with so much love and kindness. I think this is Marillier's greatest skill: to intersperse her fairy tales with bright flashes of light, small kindnesses her heroines/heroes show to strangers like in fairy tales of old, what these acts lead to and the dark forces opposing them.

Overall, a great listen which filled me with warmth, much recommended!

Historical Mystery Drama Review: A League of Nobleman (2023)

2023-03-07T11:48:00.000+00:00

A League of Nobleman (2023)

Tencent, China, 29 episodes watched on Viki

Synopsis from MyDramaList

Zhang Ping is an impoverished orphan who comes from a provincial part of the country. He has come to Beijing in an attempt to take the civil service entrance examination but must eke out a living by making noodles to sell on the street. While he is unsophisticated in his manners and is something of a dreamer, he is exceptionally perceptive - and also quite nosy. That means he is naturally gifted when it comes to solving puzzles and getting to the bottom of mysteries.

Meanwhile, Lan Jue is a young, well-mannered minister who hides a secret from his youth that he does not want to reveal to anyone. As Lan Jue is going about his business, trying to solve a case, his path crosses with that of Zhang Ping. Despite some misunderstandings, Zhang Ping manages to help Lan Jue solve the case - although the former also inadvertently learns the latter's secret. But this incident turns into the beginning of a remarkable partnership.

The two men develop a close bond - despite their very different backgrounds. And together, they resolve to solve all manner of mysteries, including what really happened to Lan Jue's father - and rid the royal court of corruption once and for all!

~~ Adapted from the novel "The Mystery of Zhang Guo" (张公案) by Da Feng Gua Guo (大风刮过).

8/10

* * *

This is a bromance drama, one of the first ones which was allowed to come out after the new laws came into force in China in 2021 and most of the dramas of this genre got indefinitely shelved. I watched a review which talked about how this drama had to be severely cut so it could pass a review but to be honest I haven't noticed.

What I did notice was gorgeous filming, colours and sounds. It had a distinctive sense of esthetics and felt at times eery. I might not have loved it, but I liked its mood and mysteries.

The mysteries were beautifully presented, and I loved how most of them identified as magic in the beginning were revealed as tricks to manipulate people later on.

Also, the pairing of the investigators was classic. A sophisticated, elegant and brilliant politician on one side and a very straightforward, abrupt and without any artistry poor guy on the other side. They messed up each others plans for awhile until they figured out that they are better off working together.

An interesting drama, and by Chinese standards not too long, at only 29 episodes. Recommended.

Urban Fantasy Audiobook Review: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

2023-03-05T15:25:00.000+00:00

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas ( Crescent City #1)

bought on Audible

Synopsis from Goodreads

Sarah J. Maas's brand-new CRESCENT CITY series begins with House of Earth and Blood: the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom-and the power of love.

8.5/10

* * *

Fabulous world-building but parts of the plot made me roll my eyes hard.

First of all, this very much reminded me of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series. There was something of Mac and Barrons in Bryce and Hunt's pairing although this couple is not as dark and complex.

Secondly, I absolutely loved the eclectic mix of species in this urban fantasy. There was everything from angels to vampires and fae. And all of it steeped in magic and technology.

So, a big A+ for the world Sarah J. Maas introduced to the reader. It was incredibly tasty.

As for the plot development, it was not as strong.

First problem. Predictable but not very believable attraction between Hunt and Bryce. It felt too forced to me the way Hunt went from an unfeeling, cold facade to someone with such volatile emotions. It just didn't feel right for his age and experience.

Secondly, his involvement into the conspiracy came out of the left field for me. Like, what? It was like a deux in the machina. Nothing previously led to this particular plot development.

And the last and worst problem was the convenient villain monologue. Really? Someone just stood there and confessed all they did on record. Just their level of carelessness and stupidity was unforgivable. It was a total cope out to me where instead of showing us something we had a literal villain telling us what they did and how they did it. Disappointing.

Still, I enjoyed this audiobook very much, and there was a moment when it even brought me to tears. I bought the next installment in the series and will be listening to it very soon.

Despite minor problems, much recommended.

Urban Fantasy YA Audiobook Review: The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

2023-02-27T13:46:00.000+00:00

The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik (The Scholomance #3)

bought on Audible

Synopsis

Saving the world is a test no school of magic can prepare you for in the triumphant conclusion to the New York Times bestselling trilogy that began with A Deadly Education and The Last Graduate.

The one thing you never talk about while you're in the Scholomance is what you'll do when you get out. Not even the richest enclaver would tempt fate that way. But it's all we dream about, the hideously slim chance we'll survive to make it out the gates and improbably find ourselves with a life ahead of us, a life outside the Scholomance halls.

And now the impossible dream has come true. I'm out, we're all out--and I didn't even have to turn into a monstrous dark witch to make it happen. So much for my great-grandmother's prophecy of doom and destruction. I didn't kill enclavers, I saved them. Me, and Orion, and our allies. Our graduation plan worked to perfection: we saved everyone and made the world safe for all wizards and brought peace and harmony to all the enclaves of the world.

Ha, only joking! Actually it's gone all wrong. Someone else has picked up the project of destroying enclaves in my stead, and probably everyone we saved is about to get killed in the brewing enclave war on the horizon. And the first thing I've got to do now, having miraculously got out of the Scholomance, is turn straight around and find a way back in.

* * *

8/10

I enjoyed this series very much, but I would say that book 1 and 2 impressed me more than book 3. The solution to their problem in the end felt like a bit of a cope out.

Still, I have loved El, the prickly main heroine from the get go. Naomi Novik excels at writing outwardly dislikeable heroines, grumpy, cynical and sassy, but secretly kind and self-sacrificing.

The best part of the whole trilogy is its world-building. It's excellent and so engrossing, that you can't help but fall into the world of The Scholomance, the Enclaves, the never-ending squabble for power and survival in between.

Juliet Marillier and Katherine Arden might be more poetic in their writing but Novik takes the reader to darker places and underscores how heavy and twisted the price of magic can be. She is also excellent at blending the modern world into it.

The Golden Enclaves is not without problems, but the series overall is a solid 4 star read or listen. I listen to it on audio and the narrator was fabulous.

Much recommended, folks.

Chinese TV Drama Review: The Blood of Youth (2022)

2023-02-22T14:30:00.001+00:00

The Blood of Youth (2022)

Genre: wuxia

40 episodes

Available on Viki

Synopsis

As a disciple of the Lei Clan, Lei Wu Jie can't wait to prove his worth as a hero, but as a novice who has only just entered the martial arts world, the path to becoming a true hero is difficult, at best. Undeterred by the challenges that lay before him, Wu Jei makes his way to the great city of Xue Yue, certain that his time there will mould him into the hero he so longs to be. Unfortunately, his trip to Xue Yue is waylaid by an unfortunate mishap at the Villa of Fallen Snow.

As proprietor of the Villa, Xiao Se has all the looks of a wealthy innkeeper, but he can barely afford to keep the inn open. Struggling with his business, Xiao Se is less than pleased when his establishment is damaged by the antics of a young, wannabe hero. Demanding he makes amends for the damage he caused, Wu Jei can think of only one way to appease the grumpy Xiao Se, and that is to take him with him. With no other options, the two set off together without any idea of what fate has in store for them.

Befriending several people along the way, including Wu Xin, Sikong Qian Luo, Tang Lian, and Ye Ruo Yi, Xiao Se and Wu Jei soon find themselves caught up in an adventure far greater than any of them could have imagined. While facing countless dangers, the group stumbles upon a trail of clues that tie one of them to a battle for the throne that took place over a decade ago. The question is, is the intrepid hero ready and willing to take his rightful place as the leader of the people? And where will the brotherhood go from there?

(Source: Viki; edited by MyDramaList)

~~ Adapted from the novel "Shao Nian Ge Xing" (少年歌行) by Zhou Mu Nan (周木楠).

* * *

9/10

Honestly, this was one of the best wuxia dramas I've seen in ages. And it airdropped right at the end of an already good drama year.

Gorgeous actors, very good fighting and CGI scenes, nothing boring in the plot, hardly any romance, all of it mostly bromance and very good camaraderie. Aaah, I was enjoying it so much!

Xiao Se is a classic, aloof, wily, keeping all his plans close to the chest, prince. I've seen complains that Li Hongyi who played Xiao Se is not very good at acting but to me he did his character justice.

He might sound selfish and sarcastic but when the situation needs self-sacrificing and bravery he gives 100% back in a spectacular fashion. You can say that the whole plot is circling around helping Xiao Se achieve justice and vanquish the enemies.

He acquires a bunch of very enthusiastic and powerful youngsters in martial world as his friends along his quest who help him fight rival princes.

One of the more interesting and flirtatious characters who work so well in all their bromance glory with him is Wu Xin, a very cunning Buddhist monk.

Sparks fly every time they spend time together, and he is probably the only one who is Xiao Se's match in wit.

There is a lot going on and I can guarantee none of it will be boring. The main villain is a little bit cartoonish to my liking but the other characters do make up for his shortcomings with their own complexity.

Overall, a fantastic Chinese drama recommended to all fans of martial arts universe.

ARC Review: The Blighted Bride by Anne Cleeland

2023-02-17T14:44:00.004+00:00

The Blighted Bride by Anne Cleeland

*review copy thanks to the author*

Synopsis

It was regrettable, that Kanika of Kerala would have experienced such bad luck, despite being a prized bride. First, the Nizam of Bengal had died, leaving her a wealthy widow, and now—now it seemed that the British East India Company was going to interfere with her next marriage, to one of the powerful Hongs of Canton.

The Company was concerned, it seemed, about her motive for these alliances, and the potential effect she might have on their lucrative opium trade.

As for Kanika, she was also concerned—only she was concerned about the British Commander’s effect on her plans. The more she reminded herself that they were impossibly at odds, the more she was drawn to him. It was a shame, that he was fated to be unlucky, too.

7/10

* * *

Anne Cleeland has a skill of creating of a very intriguing backstory for her characters and then only feeding us crumbs of it. I kinda love it and hate it at the same time.

This is a very fast read, folks. I wish it was a thicker book with more details because come on, how many husbands/fiancés this woman had before? And one was a pirate? I was sold just on that one little detail.

Kanika and James have very good chemistry in this read. They seem to show their appreciation for each other in more things that are left unsaid and not done instead of words, which ends up being much more expressive as a declaration.

Hanh, Kanika's partner in crime is an intriguing man as well. Is he getting his own book, I wonder?

Overall, a nice, easy read. Especially, because it's refreshing for a Regency romance fan to read about events happening outside England. My only regret is that I'd have loved to have a meatier book, heavy on details.