Fantasy Books

 

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 It looks a bit outdated with makeup choices but overall it aged beautifully.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! 

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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❤️

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK SUMMARY

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic and Velvet Was the Night comes a dreamy reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico.

Carlota Moreau: a young woman, growing up in a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula. The only daughter of either a genius, or a madman.

Montgomery Laughton: a melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol. An outcast who assists Dr. Moreau with his scientific experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas and plentiful coffers.

The hybrids: the fruits of the Doctor’s labor, destined to blindly obey their creator and remain in the shadows. A motley group of part human, part animal monstrosities.

All of them living in a perfectly balanced and static world, which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Doctor Moreau’s patron, who will unwittingly begin a dangerous chain reaction.

For Moreau keeps secrets, Carlota has questions, and in the sweltering heat of the jungle, passions may ignite.

THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU is both a dazzling historical novel and a daring science fiction journey.

BOOK DETAILS

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Published July 19, 2022 by Del Rey
Hardcover, 306 pages,
Genres: Historical Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Retellings
My Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

  Book Review of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Moreno-Garcia sweeps readers into a world of dazzling and horrific scientific experiments in her retelling of H.G. Well’s The Island of Doctor Moreau.

Set against historical Yucatán during a time of conflict and upheaval in 19th century Mexico, the author takes the bones of the original and layers and cuts bits and pieces of Gothic tones, strange sciences and mixes themes of colonialism, exploitation and morality.

Although, I admired what the author was trying to do, sometimes I felt there was too much for the characters to unpack in the story during the time given, and I ended up feeling somewhat disconnected.

Part of the allure and horror of the original story falls into the discovery of Doctor Moreau’s experiments, the strange animals.

Told through the eyes of Doctor Moreau’s daughter, Carlota, readers become aware of just how far reaching her father’s experiments have gone.

The conflict between the hybrids humanism and their innate animal selves is ever present.

This was by far my favorite part of the story. The pain, beauty, and conflict was deftly-woven.

There is a touch of romance, but I believe what Moreno-Garcia would like readers to focus on is Carlota’s lack of autonomy, much like her father’s hybrids and the upheaval and revolt each threatens.

Packed with relevant themes and infused with science fiction horror, I would recommend this to fans of Moreno-Garcia and the genre.

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.BOOK SUMMARY

When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they race to the ancestral home of the Ushers in the remote countryside of Ruritania.

What they find there is a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake. Madeline sleepwalks and speaks in strange voices at night, and her brother Roderick is consumed with a mysterious malady of the nerves.

Aided by a redoubtable British mycologist and a baffled American doctor, Alex must unravel the secret of the House of Usher before it consumes them all.

BOOK DETAILS

This little novella is packed with all kinds of gothic horror, dripping in atmosphere and psychological tension. It’s the retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's classic “The Fall of the House of Usher” that you have been waiting for.

This time around readers are treated to a more fully developed, Madeline Usher. Our growing fear and distress over her strange malady can only be written by the likes of T. Kingfisher’s pen.

Alex Easton, as the retired soldier who visits the home of the Ushers, finds its residents besieged by a strange sickness. Madness surrounds the decrepit manor and it is through this soldier’s eyes that we witness the slow downfall the Ushers.

There are strange lights and zombie-like rabbits infesting the landscape while the ancestral home is literally crumbling apart as if it’s slowly being consumed.

If you have ever wondered what really drove the Ushers mad, T. Kingfisher’s version gives an answer that is filled with all the strangeness and creepiness you could hope for. This is one twisted tale you’ll be sure to love.

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
Publication date on July 12th 2022 by Tor Nightfire
Hardcover , 176 pages
Fiction / Horror / Sci Fi & Fantasy
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars