Sollenbum

Sollenbum , 17 days ago

@kamreadsandrecs @bookstodon Very interesting review! Especially liked the colonialism point and the comparison of crude oil and violet gold.

If you are interested, I my review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6054912978

Sollenbum OP , 27 days ago

@stevendrowe Like you, I prefer historical dramas but venture into other genres, too. BL dramas always seem to have extremely high ratings on Viki, so perhaps that is because the fan base is particularly effective in their ratings?

The first episodes were a little slow, because of the world-building but the relationship between the two main leads is nice so I’ll stay to see what happens in the next arc of the drama…

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@SusannaShore @bookstodon

Thank you for this review!

Despite its odd premise, the book sounds sweet and touching. I am definitely looking forward to reading it now 🌸

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@SusannaShore @bookstodon Wow! That didn't take you long to read and review volume 2 🌸

Good to know that volume 2 is more slow paced. You hint at some good tidbits, though.

Sollenbum , 29 days ago

@SusannaShore @bookstodon The artwork in the Seven Seas publications truly adds an extra dimension to the books. The one you chose for this post is particularly beautiful and touching 🌸

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@SusannaShore @bookstodon Great review! I’m looking forward to seeing the plot unfold. Even though the series is light on romance, there is a good understanding of human relationships of which romance is only one.

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@SusannaShore @bookstodon Do you think that they will end up in a relationship that makes sense on an emotional level?

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@SusannaShore @bookstodon Oh dear! That sounds like it ended at a sad place. You read fast and are good at sharing your experience. Nice to follow along … at a slower pace 😄

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@geraineon I’m new to this genre, but so far I like 1) Heaven Official’s Blessing 2) Guardian by Priest 3) The Husky and his White Cat Shizun (with some reservations because of the multiple red flags) … Look forward to reading more in this genre.

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@geraineon How nice that you have been following my muslings about the Husky books. I’m still new to the genre so those are the ones that I’ve read so far.

I’m thinking of “Stars of Chaos” next. Have you read it?

I might actually read “The Fox Wife” by Yangsze Choo before, though. Not danmei but mentioned in the New York Times …

Can I ask what was the deal-breaker for you with 2HA?

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@geraineon That sounds promising for “Stars of Chaos”. I’ll be reading the Seven Seas books.

I’m still reading the Husky books because there is enough of a relationship between the main couple to keep my interested. I’m less interested in the trashy parts, because they see pasted on for sensationalism. Plus I think they are unnecessarily cruel on many levels and I don’t need that in my leisure time. But I’m engaged enough in the couple to keep reading.

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@geraineon I think you are absolutely right that I might simply not be the target audience for the Husky books. That’s fine with me and obviously there are plenty of people who do like that type of book.

I quite like slowburn books so that sounds promising for “Stars of Chaos”.

Please do recommend other titles 😄 I like the Seven Seas books but that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t also like others…

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@geraineon Oh wow! That looks great. I think I will definitely be following these recommendations. Thank you for taking the time to be so thorough.

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@geraineon I think I will finish volume 4 of Husky, then read “The Fox Wife” for some variation and then perhaps “Thousand Autumns” which I bought as books. Am also looking forward to volume 2 of “Guardian”. After that I may explore other options on your list. I’ll go with the flow…

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@geraineon Well, it’s good to have variation. I find it reassuring that you like the series. I sense that you are a very good guide for a novice danmei reader.

Sollenbum , 2 months ago

@geraineon No matter if our tastes don’t overlap 😃 Still interesting to read your take on things.

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@geraineon So after reading a Doris Lessing book about cats, I’ve returned to the #Danmei genre. I’ve chosen one of your recommendations, namely “Thousand Autumns”.

After the Husky books, I thought it might make a nice change to read a series with a more historical focus. I’ve only read a few chapters but it is already possible to tell that they are well written and that the characterization looks to be round.

Thanks for helping me decide which series to begin reading…

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@geraineon I haven’t read very much, but the style suits me better than the Husky books, I think. They seem more descriptive and character-driven in a way that doesn’t include red flags.

Then again, I have only just begun so it may change, but the first Husky book had me rather shocked from the very beginning. I want to finish reading the series, though, so I’m not entirely put out 😄

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@geraineon Just finished the first volume of #ThousandAutumns 🌸 It takes a while to acclimatize to all the information that’s thrown at the reader but it all seems to have a place and purpose. The relationships between the characters are well done and so the betrayals & conflicts feel real.

There is a nice teasing aspect to the nascent relationship between Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi. They are very different but they respect each other even though they don’t really like each other at this point.

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@geraineon Agree entirely! The characterizations are round which allows the relationships to be fleshed out. It’s also fun that there is sub-text and humour.

For example, at this point Yan Wushi likes to give the world the impression that Shen Qiao is a kept man. It amuses him to mislead everyone and annoy Shen Qiao but it is also dramatic irony, because it seems like there is a romance in the cards for them in the future.

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@geraineon That sounds promising 😄 The kiss in chapter 38 would indicate that we are heading in that direction although it is complicated on many levels. Right now I’m on chapter 41 where Shen Qiao protects Yan Wushi for the first time. It’s a nice change of pace.

I’m on the last legs of my Easter holiday so I’m allowing myself to indulge in leisure reading and #ThousandAutumns is a pleasurable read. It takes a while to become immersed but then it is quite rewarding. Good quality writing!

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@geraineon I’ve actually begun reading volume 3 and it’s an interesting role reversal in their power dynamic. The multiple personality disorder after the head injury feels a little gimmicky but I like the opportunity it presents for Yan Wushi to show his softer personalities.

The betrayal in volume 2 is still a little inexplicable but I’m hoping there is a reason other than Yan Wushi’s old, cynical personality.

Characterization is clearly very nuanced in this series. Shen Qiao is a good man.

Sollenbum , 1 month ago

@geraineon Your recommendation of "Thousand Autumns" was good. You are right that it is not centred on romance and that there is much intrigue and political struggle.

The main couple is interesting to follow but the main attraction is definitely She Qiao as the protagonist 🌸 He is an inspiration and a good role model for dealing with life which is never quite as just as we would wish it.

Sollenbum OP , 3 months ago

@rivisle I'm only in the first arc but I recognize your experience. The writing quality is also very atmospheric so the translators have been quite skillful. I am impressed by how quickly the electric chemistry (forgive my mixed metaphor) between the leads was established.

Sollenbum OP , 3 months ago

@geraineon You are right that it is precisely the concept of the drama that makes it good. It is a tough watch so I'm not binge-watching. I began watching it, because it was recommended to me. I missed it when it was first broadcast.

Sollenbum OP , 3 months ago

@liztai @geraineon You might actually like this drama, because it is slightly outside of my comfort zone and more in yours 😄

Sollenbum OP , 3 months ago

@geraineon @liztai I can relate to that sentiment although I quite like the team spirit in the department. The main leads also develop a relationship of respect that I think possibly has been created more by the acting than the plot in the script.

Sollenbum , 3 months ago

@SusannaShore @bookstodon Thank you for the review. I have the series in my sights, but the first volume is not available for purchase in my area at the moment so will wait until both volumes become readily available. It's nicer to read a book than an e-book...

Sollenbum , 4 months ago

@liztai You inspired me to have a look at my 2023 in dramas 🌸 Mine are quite different from yours 😄 Actually, almost the reverse. Except for Mysterious Lotus Casebook, my highest rated dramas are all romances.

#Cdrama #2023

Sollenbum , 4 months ago

@liztai @Sollenbum Just realized that Cheng Lei is the male lead in "A Familiar Stranger" but, of course, also the charismatic second lead in "My Journey to You" 🌸 Odd that I hadn't seen that before, because he is remarkable in both dramas.

#Cdrama #MyJourneyToYou #ChengLei #AFamiliarStranger

Sollenbum OP , 4 months ago

@liztai I think it is but I haven't seen it... Others on this hashtag seem to have seen two seasons.

They filmed a drama of the series with Zhang Linghe but it is locked down because of the BL ban. They must have made some significant changes to get it anywhere near broadcast so it is probably very different from the books. Even so, I like to see what they've done with it.