[NOVEL] A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn

This is the third book in Veronica Speedwell Mystery series. If we talk about unexpected I really didn't plan to continue with the series. I was not impressed by the mystery and also the main protagonist Veronica in book one. Giving second book a chance was just to solidify my opinion of her an dthe mystery aspect. But then I was seeing it from now and then and eventually opened the third book and I don't know what happened, but as if something clicked in my brain, I was not as mad at Veronica as I did previously and the girl didn't do anything to salvage my opinion of her (I also stand by everything I've said about her) and I just didn't mind at all. So what if the motivation for these two to investigate is flimsy at best. So what if the main character sound too modern thinking and acts as such. So what if there are too many illogical or convenient parts. Most of my attraction was because of her partner in investigation - Stoker, which is the sound mind between the two. Despite the self-praise that Veronica loves to output so much, to me Stoker is the person of reason, also managed to be correct.

Then I just let it go that Veronica is not perfect. I did not expect her to be. But she was too self-absorbed and a bit of a hypocrite when it came to women. Yet either things start to change in the third book or Veronica just stopped criticizing other women aloud. I'll be honest she does have good moments in this one. 

London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can’t resist the allure of an exotic mystery—particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker.

His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.

But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker’s past.

Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats—and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe—Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything.

Veronica Speedwell. Book 3

I'll start from what I consider the main issue - 1st person point of view.

First of all we are always in Veronica's head, but to be precise we are in her descriptions of the events. We do not even hear her thoughts, thus the intrigue is saved for the last minute. The second downside of this is that we do not leave her side at all times and see everything through her own lense. And it feels like author did give us something, but at the same time gave us too little to justify things.

For example, it was easy to point at who possibly was responsible for the disappearance of Mr. de Moragn, the photograppher, but it was harder to deduct the motivation. The story behind the mystery is not bad, it's just not the reader's turn to guess those things until the very end. More about it in spoilers.

But overall the mystery feels like a by-product in the books. They investigate not because they feel the passion for the craft, they have heir own things to do, it just happened. And we spend a lot of time around these two. This is why I think it requires some new blend of genre, a new naming. Like in recent years the genre romantasy appeared, so I think there should be something similar in other genres, why not? Mystery and romance, but here a lot of time is spent actually on Veronica and Stoker. I appreciate it actually, since I liked him as a character from the beginning. We finally know what happened back in Amazonia and how his wife left him.

Wife, yeah same wife that married Mr. de Morgan, the missing photographer. I was so hooked on this part. Maybe I become more nosy and gossipy.

Before diving into spoilers I want to give my overall impression. I was in a better mood and enjoyed it more. The mystery part did better, the characters did well, especially Veronica showed more better sides of herself. Leaving several obvious plot mishaps that are too convenient the rest was quite okay. Don't expect it to become something it isn't is the main principle.

SPOILERS

Part 1. Introduction / setting

A big case is discussed in newspapers - Tiverton expedicion was a great success, they acquired some good load of goods, but also got a curse that propelled the popularity among the masses.

Then big news break - Mr. de Morgan, the photographer, left the expedition early, along with the diadem missing at the same time. But when it comes to his wherabout no one knows since de Morgan disappeared from the hotel.

note: becomes obvious that the hotel is connected somehow, since you can't have a paranormal change of the wallpapers in a basic hotel without a human hand, we're reading a mystery here, not a paranormal novel, thus we judge it by its' own standards.

His wife insists the room changed, but others of course either do not believe it or attribute it to the curse.

Veronica and Stoker would have continued to read about the story from the newspaper if it wasn't for Stoker's connection to de Morgan. He had all the reasons to at least hurt the man. But the motivation is flimpsy since both de Morgan and diadem disappeared at the same time. Yet it is enough for our kids to get involved.

Part 2. Mystery (not yet murder)

Sometimes I need to pull at myself that mystery can happen without a human body. Here, spoilers of course, a body will appear but almost at the end of the book.

At the very beginning it is established and repeated many times that photographer disappeared and absconded with the diadem (maybe to get a new life), but what became of him is unknown. The insistence of it makes you think that something must have happened, but what and why will stay as a mystery till the very end before it is explained.

I'm laying it all out.

De Morgan was just murdered, which should not come as a surprise, the body was spirited away in a sarcophagus, which was real btw, but the whole expedition was faked. No, the excavation and the travel it all happened, but the finds were faked.

Meet the Trivertons, especially Leicaster Triverton who is at the helm of this expedition, he is supported by his wife (who is his second wife) and a young daughter. And let's not forget the main mastermind, Patrick Fairbrother, who talked Triverton into this affair and was reportedly responsible for many wrongs, including the death of two people.

So their plan was simple, they come to Egypt, get the rights to dig, pretend they find some princess and transport the goods back, have an exhibition and sell the stuff to unknowing folk who will never know if it's authentic or not.

For the hype they created the "curse" of the princess. Patrick dressed as Anubis and paraded at the dig at night with a mask. It spread the word, but it wasn't enough. One member of the dig named Fowler is believed to have died of heart failure, but was poisoned by arsenic. Mr de Morgan have noticed the foul play and wanted to report it with the fake diadem he took away from the dig. The motivation for his murder.

note: which begs the question, this is the part that was completely ommitted and we never knew what happened, except the fact that the guy returned and wanted to report it, but with how he was described to have issues they could have bribed him or smth, it just never describes how and what happened so he decided to put himself at risk, like did he realize the Mr Fowler at the dig died not because fo weak heart or smth. Never explained.

The plan was fine, until you ask yourself, well, what will happen if true Egyptologists will dig into those finds. They're partially true artifacts and they wanted to sell it to fools who will buy the story. Of course they were afraid of being discovered, but at the same time Patrick Fairbrother was definitely planning to escape before it got too hot. Since we're always with Veronica we have little scene of final confrontation between two men and where Triverton shoots the guy and himself for the sins. Good for them the public was not keen on what really happened and they all thought it's a curse at work.

Again it was not hard to connect the Triverton group for something foul, but you don't know that the dig was completely faked before they explain it among themselves at the end.

Veronica and Stoker have no idea about fake or authentic goods, thus they were completely blind to the fact that the diadem was fake, only when Triverton's former partner said those things we arrive at the ralization that the dig was faked to get money.

Maybe other bright minds had considered this option, but I can't say the same for myself. 

Part 3. Investigation

So our two dolls decide that to clear the name of Stoker which was dragged by hateful gossip rag they need to take action.

they visisted the main participants - Trivertons, and heard their side of the story.

Then we meet the Mrs de Morgan (or Stoker's ex-wife) and we don't get any decent information, it was more about Stoker himself.

But by the laws of this genre the guy is long gone, but his wife still believes he willr eturn.

Then we also pay a visit to former partner of Triverton. Also a peculiar fight right at the time the princess was found.

And here is the point when I was wondering why it took them so long to travel to Dover and see the hotel with changing walls. They find the room, find it was indeed plastered with new wallpaper (I know that changing wallpaper so quickly is a miracle). But they also meet a man-made accident. The proprietess obviously almost murdered them two, but they did nothing to her. I wish they just vocaled why they did it, otherwise I'm just sitting here guessing that too much noise will attract unwanted attention to the fact they were together and unmarried.

note: Veronica lives with him in the same place without maid or companion to protect her reputation, I find it strange how she remembers such things.

But I also think she might have playd dumb, this hostess, and denied anything or even more - frightened the main bird.

The above-mentioned diadem appears on its' own, broght in by the Mrs de Morgan, she found it after so many days in the fake bottom of her bag. I don't really like such turns, but whatever, it fits what they said. But because they know nothing about Egyptology they didn't click it's a fake. before they got to exhibition, the diadem was stolen (like why dude) and they turned to the one who grabbed it - mr former partner. He knew the real deal and told them it's fake and this is where we get the whole fake dig info.

What I find baffling is that mostly these two feel like they just happened to be in a right place at the right time, that's all.

The final stretch is the chase after two men who were in a conflict, because Triverton got proof Fairbrother will leave with everything. And of course Fairbrother will leave, Veronica and Stoker found the body of de Morgan in a sarcophagus after they realized the full dig was faked.

Part 4. Characters

Most we get is the info about Stoker, his past and how he was betrayed by his wife who married him for status and money, but was after his best friend she madly fell inlove with. She cheated on him during their first travel and when Stoker was deadly wounded both left him to die. They returned to England and spitted nonsense to discredit him so she could divorce him on charges of cruelty. Stoker was not there to defend himself, thus his reputation was in tatters when he finally returned. I actually liked this part of the story and how fierce Veronica protected Stoker. Even if she might have something romantic towards him, you can still feel her appreciation not only for his physique (which I think was mentioned far too often previously, as if Veronica was teh thirstiest).

Veronica herself also does not show much of her insufferable side which was there before. I din't mind, she toned it down and I felt it was far better.

As for the rest of those characters that appeared. Well, those temporary ones do not matter if we're being honest. As for the rest they're kinda like mascots. I still feel like the two exist in their own world for the ntirety of the book. Not mad at it.

So despite the conveniences and lack of details I pretty much felt it was good. Compared to previous ones it is much better.

RATE: 4/5.

[Chinese BL novel] 权臣穿进豪门养子文学 by 二月竹 / A Powerful Minister Transmigrates Into the Adopted Son of a Wealthy Family

Xiao Lanchui was the youngest Grand Secretary of the Great Li Dynasty. After helping the newly enthroned emperor pacify the realm, he was poisoned to death.

After his death, Xiao Lanchui transmigrated into the world of a wealthy-family novel, becoming its frail, sickly adopted son, someone everyone could bully without consequence.

The doctors had already given up on him. They declared he would not survive the coming winter.

Beneath the glamorous facade of the powerful family lurked danger at every turn.

The loving adoptive father, the indifferent adoptive mother, the dignified and taciturn eldest young master, the refined and courteous second young master, and the cheerful, seemingly innocent fourth young master…

Every one of them wanted him dead.

Because he was never the “adopted son” described in the novel.

He was the family’s biological son.(NU)

TW: Mr Xiao is a disgusting piece of p* garbage, self-harm, violence, relationship between non blood-related siblings, attempted r*, abuse.

It's a thrilling ride with violence and melodramatic plots, pretty upbeat story with a lot going on, intelligent MC (morally gray) and obsessed ML (pitch black) among other character that were not spared. The only innocent person might be OG Lanchui (I am used to call him Lanyue due to MTL)

I'll warn you at once, the relationship between MC and ML is not the healthiest one. It is more of obsessive love where they can do a lot of shit for each other and can't see a single person except for each other as a partner.

IT HAPPENED! I FINISHED. And I am very glad I waited for so long, mentioned it so many times, basically hyped myself up, which isn't good, especially if the story will fail. But author did it again. Trashy entertainment at its' finest.

Author did not spare anyone, even protags. It's a wild ride of a slow build-up with a great pay off.

This is a story of Revenge, capital letter, where MC who traveled from the past is now in the body of a poor young man whose fate can't be more pitiful, a victim of a grand scheme of his own father.

And the situation is... complicated.

MC navigates the situation with his own knowledge and what he knows from the "plot" to weave a big trap for the two biggest perpetrators of his case, while also having a dilemma of what to do with a person who looks exactly like the Emperor he brought from nothing to the highest position in his previous life.

The story held me in its' grip from start to finish. I know this author, Backtracking and Infernal belong to them and actually I noticed I might have read some other stories from them, but because it was a long time ago I hardly remember. 

But these three, they've become my big three. I may like Infernal less, since it involves school violence and not only, it's the darkest of them all and just makes you depressed. This one does not shy away from dubious content and is full of blood and visits to the hospital. But it was not as hard to digest.

(click to enlarge. if I butchered someone's name, I'm sorry)

So let's start from the beginning. MC wakes up in a body that barely survived drowning. The one who pushed him was his own father, only because OG witnessed him doing naughty stuff, but the object of it all was his second brother Xiao Anfeng. Two members of the Xiao family for the longest time kept a secret that Xiao Anfeng is not Xiao's biological child, he belonged to Mr Xiao's ex-lover who made Mr Xiao swear that he will take care of him. Mr Xiao's most "brilliant" idea was to swap the babies first, then take OG back home as "adopted child", but then reveal that he was probably illegitimate. His psychological manipulation included making the entire family hate OG instead of Anfeng and not pay attention that little Anfeng does not look like his parents. But the older Anfeng got the more he resembled his dead father and Mr Xiao had other thoughts about this child.

And he got the scheme working. The family fel they were torn apart because of a child. Since Mr Xiao always showed his love and bias. At the same time it drove others crazy, especially Anfeng who thought the love of his father was stolen and he always wanted to win it back. 

The one who also helped to cover it up was the eldest son - Xiao Linqi. At very young age he figured both are not biological brother and as time passed by he aslo developed feelings for Anfeng. But to get the precious person away from harm he constantly brainwashed his younger brother to make him violent towards OG, while his mother came down with hysterics at the mere sight of OG.

This is the situation Lanyue found himself in. His health was also fucked like in previous life, thanks to chronic poisoning by Xie JingFang, the mother who has no idea that she poisoned her own child. What a cruel fate.

In the past Lanyue rose from ashes. His mother was an unknown person, but he was talented and became prominent for a short while, the Xiao family did not want to see him suceed, this is how they devised a simple plan, ruin Lanyue's life but eventually the man-made accident ruined his legs. With disability his path came crashing down. Xiao family even had the excuse to get rid of him and sent him to some small temple for "recuperation". This is where his path started, from him and unloved prince Lu Ao rising to power. 

Their relationship covers a lot of this story, it's actually intense how much they went through together, from the moment Lu Ao was just a bean sprout with unkept hair filled with lice to an Emperor. Lanyue was Lu Ao's advisor and biggest support, they went through many calamities before they succeeded, they thought they'll be ruling together (Lanyue even exterminated entire Xiao clan), but one day Lanyue was poisoned and the fruit he ate was said to be sent from the Emperor.

By that time Lanyue had many concerns and misunderstandings. He thought the Emperor had a lover, he even believed that Emperor got rid of him because every Emperor does that or that he never relayed the last words of his "lover" or any other reason. He has not realized that he actually loved Lu Ao and that development bothered him a lot.

This is why he was very wary of Lu Ao in this life, not only because he tried to kill him when he first saw him (actually confirmed his thoughts that Lu Ao hated him), but also because.. the hostory was almost entirely erased during the reign of Lu Ao who is mentioned as a tyrant and that he erased history because of his dead lover. Lanyue almost guessed it right, just got the person wrong.

I loved the slow manipulation and plucking strings that let the story slowly unfold. I loved that once again the MC does it all himself, he is intelligent and is completely capable of doing things on his own. Because of his origins I believed in his character and this story (although some of it may sound like a convenience).

But one must remember that in many cases Lanyue did it all with detached attitude, he is doing it all for someone else, not for himself. So even if it feels like he has attitude, but then you realize no he's not. The one thing that ever got him somewhere was always the thought of Lu Ao.

I liked the conclusion of it. Where the characters ended in the end. And how the story had a simple plan that worked.

Although the story has a lot of secondary characters that do not really matter, thus I won't go into detail about them.

SPOILERS:

Where we started and where we ended...

The Xiao family (excluding Lanyue since he succeeded in his scheme):

• Xie Jingfang, at first of course she hated Lanyue, but new Lanyue planted the seed of doubt into her and let it sprout with time. The first culmination came when the scene of revealing Xiao Anfeng's status rolled in. She realized with horror that she cared for someone's child while she poisoned her own. She cared for Lanyue and was very protective after the reveal, but in the end she realized he won't really forgive her. Lanyue couldn't actually forgive her since he wasn't her child, the OG died in that sea. She and the youngest left for his study, she decided to give Lanyue space and time in hopes that one day some things may change. Although the things she did were outrageous, she also has the image of a fierce mother. It doesn't mean she has a redeeming arc. It was kinda looking like one, but not entirely.
• Xiao Miao. The youngest son. Was too brainwashed and physically harmed OG Lanyue. With time after MC arrived he started to change his attitude, especially after knowing the truth. But his sins are still there, so he had to take responsibility for his actions, he and Xie JingFang are only two characters who are "spared". After all their fate is emotionally tormenting, but at least they were not retaliated against.
• Xiao Linqi. The eldest tried to cover for Anfeng, but during the reveal he got caught in the act and thus cam the dilemma of choosing between his birth mother and person he loves, the choice is always easy for him he chose Anfeng, always him. At first he wanted to use something similar to his father's tactic, isolate Anfeng from others, make him believe he's the only one he can have (it worked) and reveal that they're not biological. Later when Lanyue saved and made Anfeng disappear from the country he lost his mind, this is why he was easily caught in Lanyue's plan, to invite him to cruise, and make father and son confront each other, during which Linqi pushed his father overboard and was later arrested for it. Because he disappointed his mother so much, she stopped caring about him. The last thing he asked about was Anfeng.
• Xiao Jing Li, the biggest scumbags of all scumbags, the disgusting piece of shit, the dirt that crawled, no one can reach the same level as low as this guy. Father of the year. Who married to have a wife to shield him. Never cared for a single child of his. His thoughts were obsessively on Anfeng. When the truth about Anfeng was revealed he at first wanted to take him away, but got caught up in Linqi's scheme (his own son knew him well, he prepared a special person who learnt to be Anfeng's stand-in), while the lover and Anfeng lived just few apartments away the lover befriended Anfeng and his goal was to let Anfeng witness what his father is like during s**. Traumatising. Later Linqi took him away, told him the truth truth. That they're not biological. Eventually he made a move, so when the entire family appeared they were doing it. JingLi went berserk. Truth came out for the rest of the family. Afterwards Mr Xiao moved Anfeng and imprisoned him in a villa. Lanyue and Lu Ao saved him from it and let him move abroad. To let the two worst humans possible go against each other Lanyue devised a plan, He got back a person who was a stand-in in the OG story, Sun Xiao, he was an auction house worker, he hired him for few days, because he was with Lanyue he was noticed by Mr Xiao's men. When Sun Xiao revealed his face they believed it's Anfeng (they were so alike). The final grandfinale scene is on the cruise. Five board: Lanyue, Lu Ao, Sun Xiao, Mr Xiao and Xiao Linqi. After short while Sun Xiao is sent via boat back. Lanyue changes into Sun Xiao's clothes (he and Anfeng have similar build), he left Linqi waiting since he promised to take Anfeng to meet him. He came to his room, of course with no Anfeng. With few words Mr Xiao barged in. He was told "Anfeng" is here, he sees Anfeng's coat. He thinks Linqi made a move, the two get into fist fight, conflict escalates. To his question where is Anfeng Lanyue looks at the open balcony. The two move there and during the conflict Mr Xiao is pushed overboard. Mr Xiao was found by rescuers but he was already dead. Linqi was taken for his murder. Although Linqi planned to harm Lanyue as a witness, but Lu Ao appeared in time to prevent it. The plan against the two worked. Lanyue didn't even need to move a finger.
• Xiao Anfeng, the one tormented young master. Actually did a lot of underhanded things to OG Lanyue. But later was tormented by father and son. I don't mention his first involvement with a man (brother of Lu Ao's body) Lu Siye, because that part is not important. But when he was with Linqi he had a morbid idea that at least with him he can win against Lanyue. He always competed and felt like he lost. Knowing he has biological mother alive he left the country with her to never come back.

Relationship between Lu Ao and Lanyue takes a big chunk of this story, from their past to the present life.

Lu Ao's family is nothing to mention, we concentrate more on his life with Lanyue after he recognized that his lover is alive. But this guy is insane.

So Lu Ao woke up, in the story OG Lu Ao dies in fire, he doesn't. He sees Lanyue and thinks this person does not deserve the face of his beloved and tries to kill him, he is tranquillized and sent away to mental hospital.

Lanyue also thinks this is the true reaction of Lu Ao and that he hates him for never bringing last word of his supposed love (eunuch Qi Ying). This misconception existed for a long time.

But since two looked so much alike Lanyue had to make sure he is not the Emperor.

Lu Ao gets out of the hospital with time with two main goals: kill the fake, kill himself. He didn't want to live in this world. he found the real tomb of him and Lanyue. Here we find the truth that he erased teh history so that no information of his real tomb will be leaked. This is how extreme he is to protect their peace.

he followed Lanyue and wanted to kill him, but saw a scene of kidnapping and thought how great, he won't need to touch the fake. But imagine his anguish when he saw Lanyue not only saving himself from the situation but also checking his own pulse with all too familiar gesture.

Lu Ao was happy, but next second felt devastated. Wtf did he just do.

Later Lu Ao is said to have a broken arm, but we know Lu Ao has almost unreal physical strength, no one can hurt him.. except himself. He broke his own arm, he punishes himself.

Lu Ao as obsessive ML is on a different level. He was so afraid that Lanyue will dislike him, that he played the silly guy. And continued being jealous of himself. That some idiot had all the attention from Lanyue he didn't have. On the contrary Lanyue wanted someone simple who would never betray him.

The two slowly developed feelings for each other. Mainly Lu Ao was crazy and Lanyue finally was enlightened that he loved Lu Ao even in previous life.

The whole act continued till the very end. It actually made sense. With final misunderstanding resolved they continued to be happy.

This is the frame of it all. Many of the fill-gap characters I skipped them over. The full galore should be experienced by yourself.

I'll be honest I liked how Lanyue made the two father and son slowly go crazy and run around like headless flies. They thought they were smart. In the end Lanyue simply pitted them against each other and it felt simple and effective. When it happened I was almost cheering because these two deserved it.

I may say I know this author so I know what they were going for and what to expect I guess. I enjoyed my fun time.

RATE: 5/5.

[NOVEL] All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan

The reading of this book took me much longer in the first half. And the second half became more upbeat.

Time of Iron. Book 2

Rae is a fantasy reader who's been transported to her favourite fictional world of swords and sorcery, castles and monsters. Playing the villainess, she thought she could change the narrative, but this version of the plot is far much more deadly than the one she knew.

I really need to shout it into the VOID before reviewing it because THERE ARE TOO MANY DESCRIPTIONS!!! SIMILES, THEY'RE DISTRACTING!! (I'll explain later what descriptions I mean, of course I don't mean all lol)

So it's my time to pour out my thoughts on this novels. I felt like I was reading through a veil. As if I was standing at a distance and someone tried to shout the contents to me and I asked back "What?". Like Alice who got lost in the Wonderland and had a lengthy conversation with a Temu version of cartepillar who was trying to be witty and say things, but they came out a bit crumbled, sometimes good, sometimes cringe. Like a dig I just had at author for including too many similes, I am so sorry, but it is true.

So where do I even begin?

I suppose there is a need to say something positive about the things I liked.

The Rae's memories were the most impactful to me, even if I knew the circumstances of the author including her own experience in there. maybe this is why it was really hitting hard. She is no heroine so far, but no villainess either. In the end I had a feeling that Rae, despite her convictions, still felt like a small person played by fate.

I didn't get enough of Key, since he became the Emperor, but I still like his character, he is the bringer of chaos, the one unhinged and who actually follows the path of evil, instead of claiming to be a villainess, but doing nothing truly deserving a name... shit, I tried to start with positive, but I started to compare.

I also found myself liking Cobra more (not for his ability to name his horse Google Maps.. like really, that part is cringe af), because he is the one who knows at least something and tries to apply it in their shitty situation. With some degree of success or failure.

And I liked the ending (editing me, who is finished). I hoped I will like it and I did. It made many things reconstructed, it also poured some light along the feeling of me looking back at the content and appreciating it more. Sudden twists is what we love at the very end and some really unexpected thing to happen as the very last line.

The biggest problem of how fun the last 20% were is that, for many this part decides if the book is good or not. But if the ending is really exciting they overlook everything that was not really good before that. And I admit the last 20% were fun to me, but I also couldn't overlook how hard for me the beginning felt. maybe it's a me problem, who knows.

But when it comes to things I want to discuss.

Firs of all, the execution.

A lot of crucial information to me got lost in flowery similes and this is why I wanted to shout and let it all out.

For example, the book too many times describes Key from head to toe almost. Not really, but it actually excruciatingly repeats the same things about his pale skin, his scar on his neck, his black hair, his red glimmer in the eyes and his knife-sharp gauntlets. And this information reiterates at an interval, sometimes from a different angle but the meaning is similar. Why do we need this? I may have not the best memory, but I know all these things.

Do you know what is the most important part of this description to me. Scar, but only when Rae see it or thinks of it as part of her guilt trip. And the fact that she betrayed him. Gauntlets, because they're the deadlist part of him. And the fact that she is not aware she knows the person anymore.

Other parts of his wardrobe like coat and coloring along with the name of his sword and the full name of the jewel on the handle is repeated over and over again. And of course all the associations with darkness, abyss, smoke etc. take a lot of space. I don't mention here all the cringe phrases thrown in. Like that's another story I don't understand. It's inevitable the person who comes from a different world would like to use words from their original world, but deliver them in a forced way is a whole different story.

But when I was reading it I thought to myself - why add so much stuff when the main points are only few. And they don't need such a hardcore reintroduction.

We need to know the gauntlets are enchanted and sharp, but Key doesn't really use them, but this is all Rae feared a lot. So many reiterations how he touched her with them, but no pain comes, of course it's dangerous, but there is a pattern Rae does not wish to see. As in first book she is too stuck in her own vision of things. It also had a negative impacet on me, because this reiteration became somewhat of a 'boy cried wolf' story, repeated too many times before the story showed - this guy himself is unpredictable and dangerous. I don't mention how many characters called him that and did not trust him. Maybe I should have listened to them and they had a point, this becomes clear in the later part. But in Rae's case he almost lulled me to believe he won't do anything and he actually didn't do much. Only became someone she barely recognized.

This is why I say I felt like reading through a veil. It felt as if author went on a tangent before conveying the most important part.

Do I think those parts should have been left out? For part of it I would say yes. 

The most parts I'm talking about were mostly about Rae and the palace. When it came to other characters like Cobra / Marius or Emer / Lia, then things were a bit clearer. Although Marius had a lot going on, while Lia and the maid Emer had too little about them, as they rarely even appeared (though they still managed to instill that you can't really trust Lia at all).

Another part for me was the problem of plot not really moving anywhere for a good chunk of the story, while the main points at the beginning were

• King died, but Emperor returned with his undead. Rae becomes his bride.
• "Goddess" tells Rae she is not the final bae. This is why Rae remembers to re-introduce Queen's Trials where Key can choose some heroine-type girl as his future queen, so the story would follow the story.
• A lot of ministers died that night. Ice raiders are at their walls (that's another problem of mine). They mulled over the question of trials too, as if it's not the right time. No one talked anything particularly meaningful. I'll be honest, I have no idea how this world lives, how the people live, what they believe or want or don't want. In the end their ideas were expressed much later, but still I have no idea how this world functions (though does it matter))).
• Marius and Cobra escaped and travelled towards Valerius family home. Gay vibes.
• Emer and Lia escaped through the secret passage and lived in Lia's acquanitance's house. They had little screen time.

Because of never-ending similes (the word 'like' was used several hundred times and the number of similes is.. a lot) I really got distructed when I need to concentrate on important things. And they were something like plot self-fixing, but is not without changes (not a new idea, but a good one to play around with). This meant for Rae that some events are inevitable, but the cast can be changed. Or someone can play someone's role instead. And she may become part of the casted away. As she believed. 

The first half of the story really dragged to me, especially those Queen's Trials. Imagine my face when I saw them saying thare are only TWO trials. Yes! I was going crazy at that point. They had been mentioning those trials for so long, but we see only few girls in total (of course described as there was more, they have no presence at all) and the first round passed soon, Rae did nothng but release a beast to become Emperor's steed (trial was not about it) and became a winner. Then they had to drink a potion of truth I'd call it, and it was second and FINAL trial. You got to be kidding me. At least first had some bite to it, after all girls risked their lives above the abyss, but the second did not mention anyone telling Key anything so we could listen except first girl which served solely to demonstrate to readers ho the potion works. And they dragged their feet when all they had to do was just waste two days on them. The discussion went on because Tagar is at their doorstep. But do you think those ice raiders were ever shown? I'll disappoint you. We never see them except some representative characters who appeared once and briefly. And we don't see them again before the end. Otherwiese they always said ice-raiders are behind walls.. so what? We don't see them or their plans or anything. I think they tried to do something once and it all happened in the background.

Only from the 50% of the book things started to move at least somewhere.

I looked back and realized that not much happened in the first half actually and I don't know if it's a good sign.

It would have been such a disappointment if the plot didn't start to get better.

I liked the revelations, because I was muddle-headed at the beginning many came as a surprise to me, because I didn't even think about many things (well, many things weren't discussed as well.. I'm not sure anymore I'll be honest).

Good thing very ast part is pretty exciting, it overshadowed the rest of it for me too. Even a lot of previous parts made more sense.

And you know what happened? Less similes, yeah. Mosre concise description too. How happy I was.

So yeah, waiting for the next book to come. With very telling title "Kill Your Darlings".

RATE: 3,5/5.

[MOVIE] BACKROOMS (2026)

I was always fascinated by this concept since the day I first saw it. What do you mean silent endless corridors with no doors and no windows, only yellow wallpaper and fluorescent light. It's insane how a small post on 4chan where anyone first saw this concept originated such a huge phenomenon. Ending up inspiring so many videos and games. And now they even made a movie.

I am genuinely surprised that Kane Parsons (a.k.a. Kane Pixels on YT) directed the movie so well. Hey, he got a lot of practice. Maybe more than most of people. After all the guy is respnsible for creating most of the lore that is so canon nowadays when it comes to backrooms (some organization researching Backrooms, famously known yellow protective suits, unknown entity strolling the rooms etc.).

Who would do a better job than the guy himself. And I think he did.

I had no idea what to expect from the storyline, well, except they find the rooms and explore them, with Parsons' vision of the Backrooms. But who are these people.

I always considered backrooms an open world where you get an anchor (like the lore core elements) and you can apply a lot of different stories or situations on top of it. This is why I was on board for any story.

I had no idea I will end up feeling so existential by the end of it.

So yeah, let's start from the beginning. The movie starts from an incident where a researcher gets separated from his group and attempting to call for help he is eventually chased by unknown entity. So the incident is also witnessed by members of Async (not really a question, but they seem to have managed to install some of the surveillance cameras around)

After watching the movie I finally realized what this pirate was all about.

Then we switch to Clark, a struggling owner of a furniture shop, he was kicked out by his wife (which we learn from his therapy sessions) and even ends up spending his nights inside the shop with never-ending problem of flickering lights. Where during another check of electric box he sees something in the wall, a sliver of light passing at a certain angle. After moving closer he realized his hand passes through and behind the wall are endless yellow corridors.

He tried to share it with his therapist Mary, but she was a bit unbelieving by the concept. It had a great quote how it is hard to describe as if you try to describe a dog to a person who had never seen one. The person might get some things rights, but it still won't be complete, because the devil is in details.

Trying to prove himself he asks for his assistant and her bf to borrow a camera and follow him to film the backrooms. They meet with an accident.

Worried for Clark, Mary comes to his shop and finds that the basement floor still has the lights on and taped entrance. She passes through it and with caution explores the place.

Already saying so much is a spoiler itself, but it's just the framework, barely scartching the surface. Especially because how it was filmed. Especially because what was said.

Before going into spoilers there are three aspects that can be mentioned without problems:

• Camera work was great. At many times the tension I felt was because of the camera work. And by that I mean just static atmospheric shots and also panicky runs. I liked those a lot, since you could see a lot of what was going around. Well, most of it is thanks to the set design and I applaude them for creating real background where possible. This is how the reality blended in and you could believe those rooms existed.
• Sound design. Excuse me, but it was awesome. Very simple and good. Atmospheric.
• Horror / tension. Well, I can admit I had few jumpscare moments ngl. Most of the time I enjoyed the atmosphere. Especially liked panicky runs, they gave me anxiety. The pirate part, honestly it felt goofy and scary at the same time. It made me think of Poppy Playtime, when you know it's animatronics mainly but it's also scary.
• I think the ending mostly opened the door for more and the movie managed to tell a story.

SPOILERS:

I think the story was a success. With what Parsons imagined backrooms to be it worked for his story. This is the appeal of Backrooms, you can apply your own vision.

So you mean to tell me that you really can't explain what backrooms really is, but you know what it does. Especially the memory part, oh those glorious shots. It was so amazing to see the room being replicated and slowly assimilating with backrooms, where furniture is slowly sinking in before it's going to disappear and it will become another empty room.

Yes, the more it tries to remember, the harder it gets. Even people. It's interesting to see that it replicates people, this part will make you wonder if Mary eventually got out of there. Despite the final shot of showing a woman in identical room as we last see her in with a replicated face as a result of many attempts to remember her. 

Except for the pirate ahaha no really, that shit is goofy af, until you see it kill someone and create some bloody puddles. But it's interesting too and easy to explain, I guess, after all Clark is the agressive one and the crazier one too. He was so engrossed by the backrooms.

Maybe the fact that he liked this place more is also part of the trick. After all Clark did struggle with his shop, he failed as an architect, he got into a fight with his wife and was kicked out of the house. The reinaction of his dialogue with his wife easily showed that he had problmes not only with alcohol but had anger issues as well. The backrooms fascinated him, making him even lose his sleep while he tried to explore it. he finally found place of belonging.

The next step was the session with Mary and trying to make her believe. This is why he asked the assistant and her boyfriend to grab the camera and film it. Honestly, girl was on point when said they should leave, at least they would have been alive.

I really liked the sequence after Bobby is dragged down, so much panic and running, with the camera it really feels like people tumbled down, while a lot can be seen in the background after Clark panics and runs away. It really added to the atmosphere that these places were unfinished, had a lot of stuff almost like garbage lying around. That glorious shot where Cark leaves the camera on a table while someone unknown picks it up. I know it looked predictable, but oh so good.

Next comes the Mary's part. Since she tried to find Clark she also found the taped "door" on the wall. Unlike Clark she was really cautious while going around. Alas, the only person she shouldn't have trusted appeared, Clark himself.

The conflict arises. Since Clark is someone who finds this place so welcoming (well, at least someone can work out their existential crisis), while Mary just wants to go outside. And Mary won't stop him to stay. Well, all before the pirate Clark came in and Clark original truly became a story.

In her escape Mary is saved by unknown organization. She is brought out (we see the infamous entry to backrooms, nice homage to og series) and has a short conversation with a researcher (who actually saw through surveillance what Clark did) and he explains to Mary that they are Async, they'd like to know her experience in the Backrooms and how she got in, also told her what they know Backrooms can do, not really what it actually is, because it's hard to explain.

Mary asks if they will let her go and the man answers that it is not in his position to decide.

And then comes a sequence of nice shots that show Clark's shop, Mary's house even poles with missing posters for Clark's assistant and her boyfriend. Everything slowly assimilating into Backrooms. Including final shot of showing a replicated Mary inside the last room we saw her in.

So did Mary go out? Unanswered. But I want to believe she did. Despite her own childhood trauma and her going through so much, she hits you as a strong personality and she really wanted and fought to get out. And backrooms creates a copy, not really erases a person. Right? :)

To me it opens the door to new material and new stories to come.

RATE: 9/10.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #33

BOOKS

CHN

美丽怪物 by 蜀七 *JJ

(mtl: Beautiful monster)

Synopsis: Jun Ming became a monster. He feeds on malice, luck, desires, he incites those and feeds on them.

As a parasitic vine entered his body his fate also changed.

This is really drama, the type where author feeds you a bucket of glass from the first page. Maybe I'm this sentimental right now, but the very first chapter made me so depressed. I know that if you think about the situation then probably the MC could have acted differently, but the whole bullying process is truly so depressing.

Author has some simple but great way of describing things and my imagination ran wild along with it, not all stories are capable of making me had such vivid imagery.

But I also would like to note that author may have never intended to say these things and it's just my imagination, after all it's a supernatural story, yet at the same time when you read how MC feels the relief and how he feels better it made me think of how he previously mentioned that he liked to imagine himself in a totally different place while he was being bullied and it made me think "what if it's just his final fantasy". Considering the vine did enter his body you may start doubt which part of JunMing left.

The only really sad part is that the story is not finished. It's beautifully written, I was truly captivated by it, but unfortunately still has status of being published, yet the last update was in Jan. It's such a pity.

[BL] 假少爷他觉醒了[重生] by 甘洄*JJ

(mtl: The fake young master has awakened)

Synopsis: Story about Li An who returns back to the pivotal moment of his life and slowly lays down trap by trap for the family that screwed him over so much.  He wants to pay back for all the unwaranted suffering. It's very melodramatic but at the same time author really does a good job about emotional part. I've read this author's works previously and I have only positive things to say about stories I've read. Despite the fact that it's such a cliche setting and honestly tired troped of fake / true young masters, but I enjoy when it's done right. This reading experience was no exception. So if anyone likes the combo of things like revenge / rebirth stories, cunning protagonist, melodrama, they might enjoy this one too.

You can see the review here. I go into more details, since I finished the story while creating this short reviews post ahaha

[BL] 人！咪家死人了，你管不管 by 茶香茉莉 *JJ

(Report! Mimi Is Here to File a Case)

Synopsis: Lin Jiangyue returns back, but something goes wrong and he retains the ability to understand and communicate with animals. Because of the murder case next door his ability gets eventually exposed and he, as a special consultant, joins police on solving many cases.

I wish I could say positive things about it. Those who like shallow, flufy stories might like it. But to me it ended up a boring shallow story that followed the establised routine.

My main complaint was how shallow everything is. The characters themselves, including animals. Everyone is pretty one-dimensional person that lacks any depth. Animals could have played the role, but it's pretty basic and not so interesting. The knowledge on animals is also the wiki-level. The cases are following the same path, something happens, they find animal witnesses, thanks to leads collect evidence and voila~. And the routine repeats. The significance of animals in these cases is present, but at the same time it's not. Maybe because it is like a copy-paste scene after copy-paste dialogue.

And I feel it's a pity and a wasted potential.

Also NU should have included tw of animal a*use.

[BG] 闪婚而已[先孕后爱] by 朵慕 *JJ

(mtl: A whirlwind marriage)

Synopsis: Jiang Zhi did not expect that a wild drunk night will lead to a marriage to one of the most prominent bachelors of their city. 

Cloying meh.

I can honestly say that I didn't finish it, though the story is very short (excluding extras), it is sweet and easy, but also FMC is too infantilized. I usually don't care if someone can act coquettish, but here the MMC calls her a little girl or little kitten, she is of course 165cm tall, very standard, acts like a small animal sometimes, throws tantrums, which should have been described as the pregnancy symptoms, since the hormonal changes are wild, but by the time I dnf'd it I haven't seen the story present it that way. Even the struggle to make her more independent from Bo Shiyu (MMC) she is said to not want everyone at work to know she became the boss lady. Actually understandable, but honestly it is kind of silly not to use resources that are laid out to you. She says many times that they come from different social circles, yeah obviously, but then asks when she is going to become stronger? But girl, you can't compare to your husband's family no matter how you try if you measure by social status and achievements. I wish in these stories we could get a picture of a woman who slowly wants to get better, but doesn't emphasize the difference so much. Just to make the FMC feel better, since it's a fantasy of author's mind, of course her husband is the only one who always bends his head and bows first. Otherwise what would you expect. mutual respect? Dream on. 

Another point that really stuck to me is how she told him that if he finds anyone he likes they can get a divorce. Which doesn't look good to me. It just once again provides proof of how little people think of marriage. She just told the man he is going to be a father, he, with all his money and power, accepts it and asks her to get married, even if she thinks it's for the baby, but the next thing she says is about divorce. Girl thinks she did a good job. I think not.

Anyway, the plot of this story is too simplistic. The emotional part even more so 9god, protect me from all these stories where they say marriage first love later when MMCs basically have an eye for FMC from the very beginning but they don't explain why they feel that way). Story starts from the night itself when she is so drunk she doesn't recognize the way. Bo Shiyu meets her ad thinks she's one of "those", but since the dinner arrived on its' own two feet he is okay with it. Sounds bad, yeah it is. So they have this one-night stand, seeing the MMC physique Jiang Zhi thinks she did not lose. She treats it as an accident and takes it well, which was pretty impressive. But then time passes and her sudden interaction with Bo Shiyu grow, before she refuses his proposal of dating. Then in a while she realizes she's pregnant and Bo Shiyu takes responsibility. Here dynamic changes even more, since he is acting like a nagging nanny that always chases after a naughty child. But she doesn't help think of her better since she walks straight into obvious troubles. At least one time she was not aware she was pregnant. But the second time... honestly, it only takes a second to call the man and say - my friend is in danger, can you help me? In this case we can slowly progress the slowly growing feeling so she can feel his protection, but author decided for some reason to go for "hero saves the beauty" and coincidentally when FMC walks out right after she was brought home and went to a bad where her friend was held against her will, since she was scammed, for some reason MMC did not drive off immediately and of course he followed, somehow finding his way, then seeing her walk in and following of course, but imagine he did not appear. Honestly, it looked silly..

Also another problem is how "troubles" appear out of nowhere, or they are not troubles at all if you think about it. So Jiang Zhi is not some orphaned girl, picked up, she was lost long ago so the story follows "my mother adopted a girl and poured all her love into her before I returned" kind of script. She returned to Jiang family and no one welcomed her, since she grew up a wild girl. But honestly, you may not live with them, she is an adult, can move out etc. Even if the family wants to cause trouble, they're not powerful enough, you can cause them trouble too. Why in each and every story we don't hear anything about social media. She acted as if the sky was falling with this family. When they call why do you answer? I wanted to ask her time and time again. You just say - go fuck yourself. You're independent, live away from home and don't care about them. Don't bring blood relationship, it is just too cheap. The problem with her family is that they've failed in business and wanted to marry her off of course, as if it's a forced buy and sell, how about the police. Then the adpted girl said - what if the family will make you leave the city, since you will never find a job? Oh really? What a big threat from a family who are nothing themselves. 

Too much silly is too much.

US

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle

I'm adding this book to TBR because it attracted me by the cover and premise. I love stuff like, I'm a basic bitch.

I decided not to add too many books this time around, with time I'm filtering with what still hangs and waits its' turn and which is not attractive to me anymore. Pretty easy thing to do when you organize your TBR digitally haha

The only good news since last time is that Beatrice Hyde-Clare series will get a new book released in December this year.

MOVIES

HOT FUZZ (2007)

What can I do. I really had never watched this movie before, even if I'm sure a ton of people saw it, at least that memable scene from it.

Very fun watch, I think they filmed it well, it has a good amount of crazy in it and this is why it is so entertaining. Made me want to read more about small-town mysteries.

Not much else to say except that it was really entertaining.

Gentlemen prefer blondes (1953)

Well, you have no idea how many times I started watching this movie and then was interrupted. But finally it happened.

And I have nothing much to say about the story, but I think it's worth watching for the female friendship.

Dorothy is such a great character, always snappy and sharp, honestly you can envy her wittiness. But she is also a fierce friend. So the two are the best combo who always have each other's back.

I'm pretty sure many have watched this movie not only because of Monroe, but because it has the most popular music number "Diamonds are the girl's best friend", which was referenced so many times in pop culture. Or if they never watched the movie they surely know the song and the part.

Anyway, it was a great watch. Gorgeous, gorgeous women.

UPDATE (30/07)

The Sheep Detectives (2026)

I didn't want to create a separate post, but I watched this today. I was here for Emma Thompson, I never even intended to watch this movie.

For me the movie about animals is not new. Who remembers Babe about a small piglet. Or there was one about two dogs and a cat I think finding their way home, just like 101 Dalmatians. Yeah, so many movies about spiritual animals (even more in animation), but not in proximity to humans, to the point of such interaction. 

Then comes a movie about sheep. They live with their shepherd George Hardy who loves to read his sheep murder mysteries, not knowing they understand him. And one morning George is found dead. There is a motive - his inheritance. And there are suspects. The movie doesn't really try to make the viewer suspect anyone except George's daughter, since the sheep themselves are so fixated on her.

The movie lays out a lot of basic truths that the sheep explore for themselves.

Surely the sheep are also the star of the show, otherwise who would solve the case if not them, you mean that foolish officer? Tbh it felt kinda off. He is actually not that stupid too, just never had the chance to do it I guess, he eventually picks up on clues and almost evolves by the end of the movie. At least he was the most prominent character. Funnily another character I still liked was played Emma Thompson, I really wanted to see her and I got what I came for. She is amazing.

And from the sheep flock I'd pick Sebastian, because he was so snarly and actually had a point.

For one time it's an okay watch, especially because it has almost cozy feeling to it.

I read the reviews with spoilers under the book and I must say it's insane how they reshaped the story, a lot of it was changed I suppose. And I'm not mad. The book also has a pretty low rating for goodreads

I try to update the previous posts if I finished or dnf'd something, but most of all, nothing major happened. I wait for stories that are upcoming (if we talk western books), I want to finish one book before switching to others. I mostly spent time with Chinese stories because the process got dragged and I switch to easy read / exploration. I actually talk about All Hail Chaos I was waiting for so long, but I admit I drag through it. The reason for is plot barely moving anywhere and there are too many flowery descriptions which are mostly unnecessary (a lot of stuff I could forget in the book one, but not really wanting to see it here, cringy stuff counted in). Good thing I enjoyed these stories I found meanwhile. I really want to read this book and I'm not saying it's bad (at least at this point haha), but it just manages to drag. This is the reason I don't want to switch to any other novel for now. This is such a crazy difference when I was reading the first book, which I finished in few days.

I added few things I want to watch when it comes to anime, I want to watch Planetes, which I think I tried to start but something felt off for me back then, but as I watched it now I felt nothing wrong, like why was I like that back then.

I re-watched Howl's moving castle for who knows which time after my Katsuhiro Otomu maraphon. This anime is legendary to me.

I struggled a bit more through Jujutsu Kaisen season three or Culling Game (it's beginning). And I can not stress enough that this anime lost the plot for me, where we started and where we are now is too much. Also too much of it is explanation and no plot that moves forwards. I couldn't care less and honestly got so bored. 

I also want to watch Texhnolyze, I think I atempted it once long ago, wrong time it was. Not saying you need to be an adult or something, just was not the right mood for it. And then it was forgotten for so long.

Which leads me to the idea of including Last Exile in this list. I already have all three waiting for me.

[Chinese BL novel] 假少爷他觉醒了[重生] by 甘洄 / The fake young master is awakened

Very cliche title, very cliche situation of fake / true young masters swapped at birth, but still I can eat it and do it with relish.

This author wrote several stories before and I read some of them and the experience shows that they take good care of their stories and put a lot of thought into storyline and especially emotional part.

Li An had a tragic life experience, his family he lived with turned against him when they found out he was not their biological child, but they also did not let him go before squeezing the last bit of worth he had, even the things he created and accumulated by himself had to be given away because the "true master suffered", but did he really suffer? The parents and family were collectively blind to the viciousness of the true young master or they shared the same black blood of scheming and deceiving as he had, thus they never cared. Eventually true young master got what he fought for and the entire family stood with their backs straights while the bones of Li An were cracking and crumbling under their feet. The victim to their cruelty.

Li An died in winter.

Li An returned in autumn. before him was the face of his fiance who tried to talk him into signing equity tranfer. Li An looked at this face that disgusted him and thought to himself - I need to wait, I can wait, because I need to pay you back. All of you.

I must say that I finished it really fast and I liked it.

Almost all the stories about the true/fake young master trope seemed to have explored this topic through and through and wrote so many stories that some parts feel like they're routine of these plots. But despite some of the predictable parts I can read it with relish if it's written well.

Plot is the classic revenge story. With Li An returning he plans for his family's demise, while planting a lot of traps step by step and does it behind the scenes, while his family does not even suspect him until the very end.

Along the way he finds a man who gave him love and pulled him out of the dark world and allowed him to feel happiness again. Guan Lan became everything to him.

The Plot.

It follows a step by step plan of Li An who uses the knowledge of his family's business and future to lay out several traps before fully closing the net. Not to mention he managed to do it like a roller-coatser when his family slowly rose from the ashes and almost thought they'd make it through after the first big crisis they faced before plunging into a greater darkness.

Why Li An did it?

Spoilers~ It become apparent from early on when Li An thinks about the death of his parents and the way Li Jiaqi (true young master) always described himself as a victim that something is not right.

In his first life he was a soft persimmon who truly loved his family and didn't want to hurt them, he also always believed that all those years meant something, he had no idea the malice in the souls of his adoptive parents may be so deep.

After his death he thought a lot about the details and now he had a chance to face the truth. The death of his parents is in direct correlation to Li Jiaqi, who lied about Li An's parents being abusive, he cause the car accident which led to Li An's parents death and escaped from the scene later, enrolled himself into the orphanage and later found the second family who adopted him, of course the cycle of being ungrateful repeated itself.

But Li An found out the truth. And remembered what the adoptive parents did to him in his past life and what Li Jiaqi did to his grandpa after he died. Li An was drugged and died in the snow, but because prior Li Jiaqi used his newly-found influence online to create a narrative Li An's reputation from bad became even worse. Li family playd a victim saying Li An chose the wrong patha nd it's all his doing, thus he died and they became they biggest beneficiary of this situation.

So the hatred he felt towards the Li family was hard to describe, he wanted Li Jiaqi dead.

This is why he used the projects and scandals at first to rob his family of business. When Li Jiaqi who failed to participate in audition that made him rise to fame in previous life managed to join another crew, Li An created a narrative for him and tied him closely to the Li family. The illusion really worked and Li Jiaqi really believed he became someone, only to face the scandal of his family using internet celebrities signed under their company for gains.

Of course it led to the first scandal and it also made Li Jiaqi face it with his family, so his first role was ruined. 

Some time later when the family thought they're going to make it through and Li Jiaqi finally got another role after spending his entire fortune to make connections, they faced the second and bigger scandal that left the entire family in ruins, it's the final scandal before the face-off.

In revenge stories I do prefer morally gray characters who plan behind-the-scenes and usually stay in the shadows till the grand finale, it's better to never showed that it was you who did it.

But this time around it was impossible but this time Li An was so ready to rip off Li family's face in front of the public and let them feel what he felt when he was cyber-bullied, not to mention all the curel things they said about his parents saying it's good they died, since they believed they bullied their son.

As for Emotional Side.

I really liked how it was done, to me it was the best part.

Not really the romance, but the portrayal and journey of each character.

Li An let go of the past, he did not let go of revenge, but more his state of mind changed. With his grandfather he realized what it's like to have a family, with Guan Lan he felt what a true love is.

He never white-washed himself as a complete victim of circumstances, he knew he was blameless, since he was also switched at birth, but it was his upbringing and his good heart that allowed others to trample on it. He knew his own blame in all of this.

But honestly a lot of what he said how he went through these things made me sentimental and teary-eyed. 

The significance of some things was delievered through simple things and they were working for me. Like the simple description of Li An holding the hands of his grandfather and describing how hard his time was, losing both daughter and son-in-law, spending years looking for the lost child. Although a lot of it is descriptive and rather bluntly explained, like others around the old man would be mentioned to say - what a hard fate, but I don't know I truly felt for the situaion through those simple descriptions like withered hands.

Guan Lan is not described in detail but actually has the classic sad CEO past, honestly I may be joking but the way it is described.. maybe I was so sentimental but it really got to me when his past was explained in more detail, even if we knew most of it.

To him Li An also became the source of new faith, he made him feel alive, his heart was beating once again, he also thought that he will never find peace in this life, will be like a working robot that just did what needed to be done to get to his final goal and just continue existing.

As for the Li family, I must say I liked Li Jiaqi's portrayal. He is a complete selfish and disgusting bastard, what author managed to do is to fully convey how psychotic that person is. The way he planned, the way he thought he schemed well against Li An, they way this envy and jealousy consumed him and led him to his final doom. His is the epitome of ungrateful wretch, but he always played a victim and thought it's going to be like that for the rest of his life.

Because of who he is and we know he is comletely selfish even towards his own biological parents we share not an ounce of pity for him. This is why I think author managed to make the actions and consequences pretty balanced.

Li parents were more of a different story, but the result of those hardships made you realize that no matter what they're not far from Li Jiaqi. Xiao Qiurong, adoptive mother of Li An, she started to regret how things turned out. She may be the best mom, but also ignores that other kids had parents too or they're human beings too. This is why there is little pity to have for her plight. Li Tianen, the adoptive father, is more of a background character, but actually the root of the switched babies accident, because it's his then lover did the deed.

Li Ping had a very different path fom last life. In last life he stood strongly on the side of his parents and younger brother, but this time with disillusionment when it came to his parents he did not want to take part in what his parents did, but he was also powerless, since he could not really go against them till the very end. He blamed himself for cowardice and lack of strength. But when everything was over he was the one who took off and disappeared to have a new life, unlike mother and son who were left behind still being consumed by hatred.

I like it when stories have characters leading a completely different path from the past, it shows that people may have different fates. Although Li Ping was not the main target of Li An, he was till included and of course was burnt by the second scandal.

Overall it was a decently-built story. Surely it was predictable, but it didn't matter to me. I thought the whole path the characters took was interesting to follow and author really knows what she does even with such worn out tropes.

Great journey, good story for people who like a good emotional story, with favorite tropes, with a drop of melodrama.

RATE: 5/5. I was quite satisfied with my reading experience.