#Translator: amixy

[theannypetite]

Guardian Vol 1

Time to Read: 1 minute Guo Changcheng’s first day at the Special Investigations Department of the Public Security Bureau was certainly not what he expected; it started late at night when he had to go to HR, and later in the day he joined Director Zhao Yunlan for an investigation. During the investigation, while Zhao Yunlan had to drag around his useless nepotism intern, he meets with Shen Wei,…

[pomnavi]

A Ballad of Sword and Wine | Qiang Jin Jiu - Vol. 1

A Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu Vol. 1, Written by Tang Jiu Qing, Illustrated by [St]. Published by Seven Seas. Translated by Jia, Xia, and amixy.

This is my first Danmei (Chinese BL) series, and my first Chinese novel series that wasn't initially trad-published (I've read the Remembrance of Earth's Past Trilogy, better known as the Three Body Problem trilogy by Cixin Liu).

I've been into the Apothecary Diaries series recently, and I did enjoy the anime for Raven of the Inner Palace. I'm also in the middle of watching Kingdom (the anime). Also, I'm a fan of Legend of Galactic Heroes, which is a 10-book political sci-fi epic. 

Why am I stating all of this? When I looked into danmei, this was the first book that caught my eye. I really like the art, and the premise was interesting too. So I knew that this series was probably squarely in my strike zone. 

The Synopsis, I'm too lazy to write my own, sorry. 

Shen Zechuan is the eighth son of the traitorous Prince of Jianxing, a man who doomed his cities and people to destruction at the hands of the foreign enemy. As the only surviving member of his reviled line, Shen Zechuan is dragged to the capital in chains. He bears the hatred of the nation, but no one’s hate burns hotter than that of Xiao Chiye, the youngest son of the powerful Prince of Libei. Xiao Chiye would love nothing more than to see Shen Zechuan dead–but against all odds, he clings to life. Rather than succumb to his family’s disgrace, he becomes a thorn in Xiao Chiye’s side, clawing his way into the cutthroat political world of the capital. Yet as these two bitter enemies beat against the bonds of their fate, they find themselves kindred spirits, unlikely allies…and perhaps something more.

We all love a good enemies to lovers plot-line. I was really impressed with this series. The story hooked me right from the beginning, and I wanted to see how Shen Zechuan navigated all the issues. I don't have a good read on what his motivations are right now, other than surviving and maybe getting revenge (but against who?). 

Surprisingly, it seems like quite a bit of the political intrigue wraps up in this book. But knowing that there are going to be 8 books total, I'm really excited to see where things go next. The development of the "relationship" between Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan was fun to read since they always kept each other guessing. I don't think that's going to change anytime soon, as they barely set aside their animosity when interacting with each other. 

There are some really hard scenes to read, mostly due to the torture at the beginning and one scene of animal abuse. It definitely had the intended effect, but do keep that in mind. 

You definitely need to pay attention while reading this book, as there are dozens of important named characters, but I actually like that. I got sucked into the intrigue right away. 

I think this could easily become one of my new favorite series. I already have books 2 and 3, but I'm going to pace myself and read something more lighthearted next.

Source

[moonwaif]

In under twenty days, this girl's worldview seemed to have been shattered only for her to somehow cultivate a fascinating frame of mind that included the motto, "Loving someone means wanting to see him get railed."

Guardian (Zhen Hun) by Priest, translated by Yuka, Shry and Amixy

[theannypetite]

Guardian Vol. 2

Time to Read: 1 minute With the Lunar New Year around the corner, people are suddenly collapsing and then writhing in pain at the hospital. Not understanding what sort of poison is causing this, SID is brought in to investigate. It’s not long before Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei find themselves in the middle of conspiracies and battles of wits. Continue reading Guardian Vol. 2

[moonwaif]

Emotional intelligence wasn't Chu Shuzhi's strength. That shortcoming specifically presented itself in the fact that, despite knowing how to talk to people, he chose not to. He thought that was cool, and besides, he was too lazy to make the effort. If this had been Zhao Yunlan he was dealing with, he would've had his ass whipped by now.

Guardian by Priest, translated by Yuka, Shry and Amixy