“I always greet others with a smile, even though I might not receive one in kind.�
4.75/5
First of all, I wanna say that the main story is 5/5 for s“I always greet others with a smile, even though I might not receive one in kind.�
4.75/5
First of all, I wanna say that the main story is 5/5 for sure. Every plot point, every twist, the yearning, the friends and enemies � top notch. I only lower the rating by 0.25 for the extras, cause not all of them stirred me the way the main novel did. However, they are still very enjoyable. Especially, perhaps, when you don't gobble them up in one day like I did...
I loved the ending we got (twice, if you count the extras). Not everything was confirmed and it left a little mystery at the end for the reader to decide. I feel like sometimes it isn't well done, but this one was good.
And I loved the love! Oh, how I adore Lan Zhan and Wei Ying together! They are a treasure. (Even though I hated how Wei Wuxian joked about rape during sex. I don't think it's a joking matter, and the author could've avoided it. But I also feel like Wei Ying IS the type of young adult not to understand any of it.) And I loved that they were quite open about it. In the beginning of the novel some characters speak about how a "cut-sleeve" is disgusting, but then everyone sort of accept it and move on. I feel like this topic of homophobia, if it was developed, would've been a little bit too much for the book, as it already deals with quite a few heavier topics. So I'm content here.
It's a great case of "came for the m/m romance, stayed for the plot". I seriously urge you to read this series. It's worth it....more
Honestly, Lan Wangji, no judgment here. I can totally understand how you want to hide him from the world and f“Bring him back� and hide him away.�
Honestly, Lan Wangji, no judgment here. I can totally understand how you want to hide him from the world and from himself.
Such a painful volume. I cried a couple of times while reading the flashback chapters. And I loved the fact that however good were Wei Wuxian's intentions and reasons, he did some wrong things. A lot of wrong things. And yet Lan Zhan stood by him. True male friendship love.
The bath scene � perfection. The art, the description, the tension!! 11 out of 10. And no drawn out "conflict". Everything was resolved quite quickly.
I'm nearing the end. I'm so eager to see how the main plot wraps up (as you might already know, my memory is shit), and then read every cute little extra there is in the book!...more
“It’s not harassment when I do it. It’s only harassment when it comes from someone greasy, like Wen Chao.�
This quote is a quintessential Wei Wuxia“It’s not harassment when I do it. It’s only harassment when it comes from someone greasy, like Wen Chao.�
This quote is a quintessential Wei Wuxian. At least, as he appears to others.
So, we see more of Yiling Patriarch in this volume, and I love him a lot. He's a little bit more mature yet still hasn't lost the mischievous bone. Also, I'm just going to admit, he's a lot hotter here. I understand Lan Wangji completely.
In this book, Wei Wuxian had to go through a lot of painful moments, both physical and mental. Even though I pity Lan Zhan as well, but Wei Ying's sacrifice and pain are simply on another level. Makes me wanna hug them both and let them cry however long they need to.
Oh, and we get to see Wen Ning's background a little bit. Such a sweet boy.
I devoured the whole volume in a day. Onto the next one! I know there's still more pain before happiness....more
“Only in the presence of your fated person, in the presence of the one your heart belongs to, can you allow yourself to be free of restraint.�
I kn“Only in the presence of your fated person, in the presence of the one your heart belongs to, can you allow yourself to be free of restraint.�
I know that the plot about Xiao Xingchen was first made to be its own story, but I think it fits into this story quite nicely. And even though it's my second time reading it, it still breaks my heart. To heal I went to Pinterest and saved a few pictures of Xiao Xinhchen, Song Lan and A-Qing being happy together...
And of course I love this volume for the interactions between juniors, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. They are such mom and dad, I can't. Adorable.
The mystery plot continues here and leads to some revelations. I loved how well the author connects different storylines and also the past and the present.
Right after finishing this volume, I picked the next one up....more
“If you walk the night road too often, sooner or later, you'll run into ghosts.�
This was my reread in English. An honestly, it's even better the s“If you walk the night road too often, sooner or later, you'll run into ghosts.�
This was my reread in English. An honestly, it's even better the second time around.
Wei Wuxiang seems sooo oblivious in this volume, but by the end even he starts to notice a little bit of his own feeling. And he's still such a young rascal. I guess it's to be expected considering he missed 13 years of development.
Lan Wanji is a stoic. Yet even his resolve trembles before Wei Wuxian. I actually felt sorry for him several times in this book, but also giggled and kicked my feet at how every little sigh, look or gesture betrayed his feelings.
And the plot itself? I admire Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù, she wrote a captivating story with a slow burn on the side. You pick up the series for BL, you stay for the world, the mystery, and character development. Yet there's still enough for those who expected a love story to enjoy. I truly think she's great. ...more
[Since I cannot update my original review, I'll post another one.]
Reread November 11th, 2024
As amazing as the first time reading it. I cannot stress e[Since I cannot update my original review, I'll post another one.]
Reread November 11th, 2024
As amazing as the first time reading it. I cannot stress enough how this is a masterpiece. I don't even want to read the original books after the forth one (yes, I still haven't read books 5�7), because this is my canon now.
First read August 5th, 2022
"Love isn’t always as pretty or pure as people like to think. There’s a darkness in it sometimes."
Heaven and hell met, fell in love and created this fanfiction. It is truly a masterpiece about war, angst, pain, love and friendship being twisted and corrupted.
I was not a Dramione fan. But this is canon now. It is actually a lot better plot wise and maybe charater wise that the original.
Two people who went through a vicious war and came broken on the other side, trying to find solace and warmth in each other.
I am telling you. If Harry Potter series is something you are at least a little bit interested in, read Manacled. Beware, though, there are all kind of trigger warnings. And it's probably gonna hurt. A lot. But it's so, so worth it...
I haven't read fanfiction in probably over a decade. And here I am. Praising it on goodreads.
I'm pretty sure I read it many years ago, but I saw it somewhere today and decided to lighten my mood while at work and read this again. Very straightfI'm pretty sure I read it many years ago, but I saw it somewhere today and decided to lighten my mood while at work and read this again. Very straightforward but sweet in a possessive kind of way (acceptable in yaoi for some reason)....more
SO GOOD And everyone is so beautiful. Also from reading the novel further I am now in love with Sun Wukong as well. King, liteReread January 22nd, 2025
SO GOOD And everyone is so beautiful. Also from reading the novel further I am now in love with Sun Wukong as well. King, literal King.
First read May 26th, 2024
The stakes are getting higher and higher! I'm in love with so many characters, but Dokja especially so.
I'm drooling......... It's a favourite of mine, how can I not? I like these developmental arcs and I'm so invested! Even thoReread December 18th, 2024
I'm drooling......... It's a favourite of mine, how can I not? I like these developmental arcs and I'm so invested! Even though I know what happens.
First read May 24th, 2024
I'm actually amazed. I'm not drooling over this anymore (well, maybe sometimes) since I calmed down a little, but it's still soooooo good! I even have DokJa as my phone wallpaper............. I'm not ashamed.
The party is slowly gathering and I'm so happy to see them! And also to see Dokja's mind working. (I just realized I basicalReread December 13th, 2024
The party is slowly gathering and I'm so happy to see them! And also to see Dokja's mind working. (I just realized I basically said the same thing as last time without rereading the last review first. Which means it's all true!)
First read May 23rd, 2024
Still going strong, I have zero complaints. I love seeing our MC using his brains instead of things just magically working out for him.
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