I've made the mistake of judging the summary which led me to ignoring this novel for quite a while. However, when I saw it recommended in someone's list on this website, I was intrigued.... more>>

I really admire Li Zhao, the main character of this story. At first, I thought he would be a very optimistic character that laughs in the face of how cruel the reality is, or he would simply be a person that is blissfully ignorant of the bad things that are happening around him (hence, the reluctance of reading this novel). I don't really know how to put it into words, but it's really refreshing to read a novel with a character like Li Zhao.

Instead, he notices and acknowledges that bad things do happen, but decides to face them with a rather accepting attitude. He's kind, and faces the world in a wholesome way - which had probably brought onto why Yan Ting was pulled into his world. Honestly, I would relate more to Yan Ting, particularly about the way he thinks about certain things. I'm rather pessimistic, and I would rather not have high hopes to avoid disappointment.

The plot is light, and even if there were some issues - it's often quickly resolved. There are some angst as well, but I think it is necessary for us to empathize more with the characters. I did have some qualms  about the issue that Yan Ting was going through, how it just 'goes away' without any further interventions (I'm being super vague here as I don't really want to give any spoilers). But either way, I would recommend this novel, especially when one wants to de-stress. I wouldn't say that it is particularly plot-heavy to the point of making you dizzy, so I would say it's the equivalent of eating cotton candy - light and sweet. <<less

It was actually the novel that got me into reading danmei novels. My first impression was from a post with GIFs from the donghua - being curious, I've decided to try and explore by reading the novel (I've got a vague idea of how the characters are supposed to look like, at that point). ... more>>

This is going to be based on my vague memory of when I read it: I enjoyed the light humour scattered at certain parts of the novel, it's not 100% serious all the time at least. The plot started off at the "present time", but as what the fandom would say, MXTX loves using flashbacks. The flashbacks are often heavy (at least for me), and I had to take breaks after reading those arcs. Her flashbacks brings a lot of depth to the story of Wei WuXian, in which it was implied that he's some sort of evildoer from the start. But ding dong, they're wrong - though I guess it's up to us readers to decide. 

The relationship between Lan Wangji and Wei WuXian brings a lot of emotions: pining and more pining. As a person that enjoys slow burn, I would say it was rather pleasant, as the romance wasn't too rushed. Wei WuXian is an admirable character, so witty, and observant that I wish I could be a more active person like him. Meanwhile, Lan Wangji is more like a tree, reliable and trustworthy, rather rigid with rules (unless Wei WuXian's involved)... I would say I could relate more to LWJ but in terms of how he has trouble expressing certain things. So kudos to Wei WuXian, bless his communication skills. 

Overall, this novel made me experienced feelings and cried tears. The focus wasn't only on the couple, but on the relationships with other characters as well. I've got my favourites such as Jiang Cheng and Jiang YanLi, along with the trio juniors, and many more. I would read this novel once again but only when I have the time because boy, the energy needed to consume such an emotional novel is a lot.  <<less

As someone who had jumped into TGCF after I was done with MDZS, I would just like to say: I am glad that I saved TGCF for after. If MDZS is a tale of immortal cultivators, TGCF feels like a trilogy spanning across the different realms. ... more>>

My initial impression was not very strong, particularly for the protagonist Xie Lian. As I read on, though, my love for this battered-yet-still-upright guy increased steadily. Book by book, the only thing I want to do was to wrap this Crown Prince in a burrito blanket, and to stuff him into a warm home and feed him good food. The story started off with a really quick and express summary of the protagonist's life as a three-times-ascended god. As a reader, reading such a brief summary didn't have a lasting impression on me yet, as it felt comedic even. It is as if us readers were the gods laughing at Xie Lian himself, watching him fall off the Heavens yet coming back again and again. Eventually though, I have started to admire Xie Lian for his resilience. Plainly said, he's one of my fictional role models. 

The plot really was like an onion, or if I could try to use a metaphor, it was as if we were unraveling spiderwebs. The novel introduces you a wide range of characters - characters that you will love, dislike, or even plainly hate. But the interesting thing is, the author introduces them through the different stories that would unknowingly connect them together. Many arcs brought on a lot of feelings in me. I've cried so much for the characters, even for those that weren't Xie Lian himself.

Xie Lian, along with the other gods, and demons themselves brings on the idea that even if they are immortals, they are still very human. Laughing, crying, or even hating, they do them all. It makes me empathize with the characters, especially with MXTX's use of flashbacks. I tend to dislike flashbacks in novels, but TGCF has really utilized it really well. Things that weren't obvious (or should have been, if you had knew the story) would gradually be something that you would look back and go, "Oh, so that was it...". 

As much as I want to write about XL's love interest, I think the best to learn about him is through the novel. It's nice to learn more and more about the characters, and experiencing your heart being squeezed as you come to realized certain important things in the story. 

I really recommend this novel for those that are looking for a story with good world-building and plot! The feelings evoked from this novel is far too great for me not to do so.  <<less