webnovel
Condemned
CondemnedLv45yr
2020-03-28 08:01

Don't be fooled by the tropey synopsis. This book has a different kind of charm and starts nicely. Well-written and there are no glaring flaws that would pull you away in your reading. All in all, interesting premise with great potential.

Liked by 44 people

LIKE
Replies3
Jasper_Side
Jasper_SideLv2

Haha, me, who loves the synopsis and immediately put it in reading:

Brain_Barbra
Brain_BarbraLv1

No worries

Faura_Phoe
Faura_PhoeLv13

I wasn't all that hesitant either. It's pretty good. Makes one feel depressed then happy, then nostalgic and sad then happy and emotional all over again. It's really good. 👍🏻

Other Reviews
Tyramisu
TyramisuLv14
Vicariously
VicariouslyLv3

This story grew on me the more I read. It did take me until the first arc of MC and ML traveling outside of the sect for me to get hooked, but it's worth the first few chapters of background setup as investment. Writing quality itself is top notch besides an occasional typo. The grammar and vocabulary is miles ahead of the majority of other works. This author is very descriptive, if you like to have a clear picture painted on the surroundings and character's facial expressions, etc., it is fully fleshed out. At times, I do think the author goes a little too far as to describe small details during dialogue that could be left out to increase the pace of the story, however, I still count it as more good than bad. Story in itself is progressing well. It's a slow burn, but there are turning points in character development and the overarching plot that one can easily notice, especially by chapter 55 when the world is on the cusp of war. Side characters are interesting and many likable. Compared to the fates they got (mentioned in 1st chapter) I, personally, want a better ending for a good chunk of them. Characters are actually my main critique in this story (although not a large complaint). As one can gleam from the synopsis and first few chapters, the characters are pretty standard stock for a Xianxia BL, and so was the initial plot set-up. A devilish and overbearing ML, and then a stony-faced and cold MC (Sumeng). In fact, in the first few chapters of the novel, I was almost bored expecting it to fall into the usual tropes. However, thankfully, we are first introduced to the ML as a more angry/emotional/cute teenager, and the MC is given more depth than what first appears. For one, the MC has a number of other personality traits that the author provides like liking cute things, and in the end his personality comes off as more 'awkward at conversation' than as 'cold', which is a good nuance. Still, I also worry because the main dynamic between the MC and ML is abusive. ML was batsh*t crazy and physically abused MC in previous life, in current version he still yells at MC most of the time. MC sort of became a lacking confidence, pitiful, desperate doormat from that. This is balanced by the fact that at many times the MC is extremely heroic in mindset and action, so at least it isn't that he's a doormat to the point I'm annoyed. I look forward to a turning point where they work together more harmoniously and am looking forward to future chapters!

Related Stories

When the Wild Beast is Trapped in the Nightmare Cycle (BL)

After being confined in a mental asylum for years, Jin Jiuchi had just been released back to human habitation when he suddenly found himself trapped in a dangerous and thrilling survival game. Wait, is there something wrong with you all? Why do you look so scared? This world is so… exciting! For Jin Jiuchi, this beast in human clothing who was chained by society laws, the appearance of the Nightmare Cycle was akin to a dream come true! Drinking tea with a dismembered bride in a haunted apartment, dancing tango with the evil spirit in the depths of suicide forest, skipping rope with the ancient god in a forgotten civilization… Jin Jiuchi was so happy that he was going crazy! However, when he went crazy, all the players and NPCs in the cycle trembled in fear. *** There was only a beautiful jade doll who had never been afraid of him. Shen Nianzu called out softly, "Jin-ge." Jin Jiuchi, who was happily digging through a rotten corpse's stomach, suddenly dropped everything and zoomed in front of Shen Nianzu with a speed invisible to naked eyes. His eyes were curved into crescents as he asked, "What's wrong, Nian'er? Do you want to join me too?" Shen Nianzu was expressionless as he stared at the bloody man in front of him. Then he suddenly stretched out a hand, palm up. Confused, Jin Jiuchi placed his dirty paw in Shen Nianzu's hand and shook it. Shen Nianzu: “Good boy.” Jin Jiuchi: ? *** Lunatic drama king, wild beast gong x big beauty, cunning, strong-acting-weak shou Additional tags: top/gong/seme protagonist, action, supernatural, psychological, mystery, slow romance, ghosts, gore, monsters, beasts, shameless protagonist, survival game, teamwork, unlimited flow, horror, suspense, younger love interest Find me on: Instagram: delanasiwarka Discord: delanasiwarka#1490 Discord server: bit.ly/delanadiscord

delanasiwarka · LGBT+
4.9
611 Chs

My Dear Duke(BL)

On his 20th birthday, Asher's mother confessed something he never expected. After the truth was revealed, she died giving her last blessing to him. That's when Asher found himself all alone, confused about his own identity and worrying about his future. What did she say? -He was someone special? -Someone people would come after? She said he was coming from a very rare but also a very special race called omega where men could get pregnant. Was it real? At first, Asher strictly refused to accept his mother's confession. But in the end, he had to believe it. Because it was the bitter truth. If he was really coming from such a rare race, and had such a special body, did he have to live all his life hiding so he wouldn't get caught and become someone's plaything? Was that the only way to avoid getting the bad ending his father got? Why was he even born as someone like this?! He just wanted a peaceful life. So, it wouldn't be as dangerous as his mother said if he just forgot he was special and lived like a normal person, right? People would not notice. Alas, it's been a long time since people last saw an omega and they must be believing no omega exists now. At least that's what he thought... He thought people might have forgotten about his existence and he would not have to face any problems in the future.  Whether he was special or not, he still became a target. When he was kidnapped and auctioned as a slave, he regretted ignoring his mother's last advice. "Don't trust anyone easily. Your safety is in your hands and protecting yourself is your duty." He could only blame himself and expect for the worst if his special identity was to get revealed and meet the same end as his father did. However, his fate gave him a second chance along with a huge surprise which changed his life for the better. Hopefully, Asher was saved by the so-called 'bloodthirsty monster' duke and brought to his mansion to babysit his spoiled 10-year-old little sister who threw tantrums declaring she wants Asher to pat her head and comfort her. Just to babysit this adorable, little girl.  He was safe. His secret was also secured within himself. Thanks to that chaotic sister and brother, Asher's life slowly took new turns and continued with almost no obstacles...till some point. The surprise? The duke happened to have some kind of a 'strange' illness that had no cure. Not long after when Asher discovered it, he ended up becoming the perfect cure for his illness. But how? -Remember? He was 'special'! Where would his specialty as an omega lead his life to? What kind of mysteries would he have to encounter with this duke wishing comfort from him?  Will the duke's 'strange' illness ever get healed? How would their story flow to that perfect happy ending with the twist of love landing in the middle of their 'just a deal'? ________________ Note:  This story continues in a historical timeline. Similar to omegaverse, but not the same omegaverse universe. Magic, revenge, dukes, royal families, curses, spells, heats, ruts... (The book cover is from Pinterest. Respect to the artist.)

Sweet_Vanilla553 · LGBT+
4.5
204 Chs

Mated to Four Alphas

Silas has never feared Alphas. Naturally strong and unaffected by their pheromones, he constantly clashes with them. But this unique trait becomes his downfall when, on his 18th birthday, his mate rejects him—choosing his stepbrother, Ciel, instead. Wounded and betrayed, Silas leaves the pack, unaware that his life is about to take a turn he never imagined. In the enemy pack, he crosses paths with four powerful princes—Damon, Theron, Kael, and Lysander. They take him in, but the situation grows even more chaotic when Silas discovers a shocking truth. The four princes, believed to be his twin brother’s mates, are actually his fated mates. "What?" Silas whined. "Silas, behave yourself and let us handle this matter." "Shorty, no one can hurt you." "Silas, I will protect you." After saying this, the three brothers glanced at their fourth sibling. "What? ...Yes, I'll do the same," he muttered. Just when things couldn't get more complicated, a cryptic dream shakes Silas to his core. "He is your child. If you reject him too, he will die!" And soon after, a five-year-old child appears, leaving Silas utterly confused. "You are mine... In this life, I will make you my slave, destroy those bastards, and erase their bloodline." A bitter love tangled in hatred—one that transcends lifetimes. Someone is willing to go to any lengths to claim Silas, no matter the cost. Can Silas rewrite the fate from his past life? Or will history repeat itself? ---------------------- [ WSA 2025 entry] Discord server : https://discord.gg/SUSpfcDr9t

Sweet_pie22 · LGBT+
Not enough ratings
267 Chs

The Ogre Strength Fairy and the Eldest 'Son'

~Updates Daily~ (usually near 8PM ET / 1AM GMT) Single love interest Yuri! No lengthy misunderstandings over this fact~ --- After failing to ascend to the heights of Divinity despite all her preparations, an ancient cultivator finds herself not embracing the emptiness of the void - but the interior warmth of a womb. Her memories intact despite her spirit being a merest fraction of her height - and her trusted Astralism unchanged - she carefully starts over from an infant. How to navigate her family: [really easy with only two parents and an estate full of servants!] How to portray herself: [everyone likes 'sweet' kids and trusts (underestimates) 'weak' girls!] How 'quickly' to reveal the power she gathers: [this region is a 'backwater', let's just take it slow~] How her marriage was arranged before birth: [my parents adore me so at an appropriate time I'll just have it cance- oh?] Dealing with an 'amusing' deceit: ['he' looks worried still, but 'he' doesn't have to worry from me!] Confronting the 'boy' in private: [whatever their iffy plan is, I just obtained a husband-wife~] Even in a new life, | Elua er Goltbred | can't and doesn't *want* to change who she really is. A scheming cultivator. A possessive lover. Neither of those things had been a real hindrance to the Peak of Demi-God. Balancing the two in this life - without driving away the young 'boy' she decided would be hers - centers as much around helping | Qatrand er Yecine | find herself... as it is hoping to ease the fiance into how messed up the 'younger' girl honestly is. It's a good thing that the reborn cultivator can improvise with her ridiculous control of an Illusion Astralism - because plans fail and unexpected things happen when you're not *really* a genius. Like her Physique in this life allowing the lightest 'grip' to crack stone... | Qat | (the nickname picked almost instantly!) despite being a little stunted by her family environment early on, finds her future wife to be 'cute' on their first meeting. ... she really shouldn't have let on. It made her | El | kind of vain. Oh, and muscles. | Elua | : I just like looking at them, okay!? Is it so weird? People can have hobbies... - - - > Types of Cultivation // Spiritual (Soul), Physical (Body), Essence (Qi) > Aspect Trinity // Astralism, Physique, Element 'Ranks' Initial - Early, Mid, Late Lower Realms // Enchanter, Primalist, Breacher Upper Realms // Defier, Demi-god, Divinity - Echelons (First -> Seventh[Peak]) - - - Other Tags: #GL #Slice of Life #Comedy #TheStrongActingWeak #ChildhoodSweethearts (It counts!) Cover Art: AI Text Prompt Generation + title (etc.) added with an image editor. I also tend to do other 'fixes' in post! Potential trigger warnings: > A reincarnator MC that gets a little 'thirsty' a little 'young' but tries to 'keep her own pants on' until the proper age. > A toxic family environment willing to force an unloved child into the role of a crossdresser. A child that grew more than okay with it. > 'Pretty Good Dad' intentionally 'picked on' by his 'sweet daughter' for being a relatively 'minor obstacle'. Seriously, you were warned, average fathers with teenagers. Do not engage your trauma.

Seraphelki · LGBT+
Not enough ratings
358 Chs