Author: Meng Xi Shi
Genres: Danmei
Published: March 14, 2023
Pages: 396 pages
Format read: Paperback
Triggers: Violence, Blood, Death, Cannibalism, Sexual Harrasment, Child Death, Rape, Sexual Violence
Quick Thoughts: I ship them so much that it hurts
This book was self purchased.
All reviews are entirely honest and my own opinion.
Rating:
Characters:
Plot:
Spice:
Shen Qiao is a devout Daoist priest who has spent his life honing his skills and spirit, leading his sect with martial talent, beauty beyond measure, and an earnest heart. His polar opposite, Yan Wushi, leads one of the most powerful demonic sects and is said to be unrivaled in his strength and cunning. Yan Wushi believes in the inherently selfish nature of all people—himself included—and that nobody is above committing dark deeds for their own benefit.
When a fight leaves Shen Qiao injured, blind, and with hazy memories, Yan Wushi takes in the defeated sect leader with a dark plan: test the limits of the man’s patience and faith in others to lure him onto the demonic path. Little does he know that he is about to meet the first immovable force of his life, and that two hearts can connect in unexpected ways. With the passing of a thousand autumns, who can stay eternal?
The one and only genre that is an exception to my smut-loving heart? Danmei. I loved these books more than I had expected. This year I read my very first one: Thousand Autumns. And boy! I shipped Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi so much that the smallest things had me a giggling mess kicking my feet.
This Shen asks Yan Zongzhu to bring him away with you.
An amazing start to what might end up being my favourite book series. It was my first time reading Danmei and I completely fell in love with it. Now, this is not a book filled with Smut or even Spice. It is pretty innocent, when it comes down to the smutty scene department. That is to say, there is no smut at all. It might come in future books, but this one is completely without.
From the very moment that I found this book on an anime convention, I was looking forward to reading it. But at the same time, I was also nervous to start it. After all, I usually read erotic books, and this definitely didn’t qualify as one. What if I didn’t like it? Eventually I decided to take a chance and start the first chapter.
Let me tell you, I barely put it down. I spend three days reading this book at every single free moment that I had. This genre now has me hooked. And within another week I had read all 4 books that were out at that point. This will be the first review out of four, and by now the 5th book is out as well. Which I can’t wait to read!
But we’re not reviewing the other books right now, we’re reviewing Volume One out of this series.
The story flows incredibly well, as if you’re watching a series on Netflix that you can not turn off. Episode after Episode, until Netflix asks me if I am still there. Only, in this case, it’s a book and I am reading like there is no tomorrow. It is a completely new world to me, and I love every single word I read.
While the terms used are sometimes confusing, I got used to it quite easily. Besides that, there also is a list with words and meanings at the back of the book. I have looked at it more than once while reading. It sometimes took me out of my reading flow, but I think the book would have been less enjoyable if it had not been there.
The two main characters are amazing. They are opposites attract at its finest. Shen Qiao needs to be protected at all costs. And Yan Wushi is too hot for my poor little heart. He is the morally grey main character of my dreams. There is an almost tangible tension between these two, one that had me in its grip the entire time. It makes me a little impatient for their relationship to develop further. But on the other side, I think that the slow burn is what makes this book so incredibly good.
If you wish for a world without war, start with yourself.
Have I already mentioned that this book has art?! And it is absolutely gorgeous. It only made me love this book more than I already did. The art really adds to the story, making me even more invested in it. If you’re a lover of boy-love manga and books, then this one (and the entire genre) is definitely a reccomendation!
Good bits
Bad bits
- The Slow Burn
- The two main characters
- Opposite Attracts
- The tension between Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi
- It has absolutely gorgeous art
- It ends at a weird place
- I need more.
This definitely became one of my favourite books. I can’t wait to read more of it, and I can’t wait for more of the story to release. Even without any smutty scenes, it is such a good book. Definitely a reccomendation for everyone that loves (mxm) romantic stories. Be still my rapidly beating heart.