Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 1

Like a lot of people here, I read the entirety of this series in an unofficial translation, and am elated to see that it's getting an English-language release. In short, all I can say is this: read it. It's been a year since I read it and I still can't get it out of my head - I reread my favorite parts of it all the time, and every single reread has me discovering something new. It's quite literally become my favorite book (and I've read a lot of books!)The love story in this book is absolutely stunning. One of the biggest strengths of the book is the slow-burn aspect; when it starts, it gives you a certain impression - I remember thinking, I get it, it's going to be this-and-that kind of love story - but things are slowly revealed that give the relationship incredible depth, making me feel so much for the relationship in a way that I really haven't found in any other novel. This is really the kind of series that's even better on re-reads, because you can see just how much the author thought through her choices before getting to the reveals, and certain scenes become so much more haunting or heart-wrenching! And wow, the reveals - I definitely recommend going in blind, because some of the reveals knocked me off my chair, and none of them just come out of nowhere.Another huge strength of this series is the side characters. I'm usually the kind of person that focuses on main characters and tolerates the rest, but every single side character in this has their place, their backstory, and their motivations, which are just as engaging as those of the leading couple (though they don't take away any thunder from the main two! In fact, they add a lot of parallels.)Some people might feel intimidated by the cultural barrier, since we seldom get translations from Chinese to English, but I don't think this should hold you back. There's nothing complicated, all the mythology of the book is weaved simply throughout the text, and the little pieces that aren't can be easily read in the incredible glossary and character guides that the publisher has included in the back. These guides aren't necessary, however; really, anyone can just jump in and start reading from chapter one. The language of the translation is also perfect and leads the reader right in with no problems; it illustrates things perfectly in English, while still letting the reader feel some of the unique rhythms of the original Chinese language version. This series was actually what inspired me to start learning Mandarin (though readers of this edition certainly shouldn't worry about that!)This book specifically consists of the first two arcs of the series. I was already hooked by the end of this book and I think it's an /excellent/ introduction, and on re-read it reaches the level of fantastic; for those curious, though, the next books are even better - so if all the reviews are confusing because it doesn't seem like much happened in the series yet, just wait! There are seven more books coming, and my personal favorite scenes are yet to come.And I still haven't even talked about the stunning art, which you can see in both the kindle and paperback editions!!!In short - even if this isn't the kind of thing you usually read or you don't usually read novels at all, even if you're unsure about understanding the Chinese elements of the story, even if you aren't sure you understand the point of the premise - I can't recommend this series enough. It's extremely popular for a reason, and you won't regret it!!!!

I first read the series back when only the first volume was officially translated, I’ve only ever read the fan translations and even with some of the clunkiness that came with it, it quickly climbed to the top as my favorite book series ever; even after having read MDZS and being convinced that nothing would ever top that.Not only is the romance heart achingly beautiful but there’s an intricate plot that’s exciting and engaging, the backstory is introduced in small bursts until it weaves together into a gorgeous bigger picture. Throughout reading you go from a confused bystander with little context, to an omnipotent reader that’s infinitely attached to both main and side characters alike. it’s such an experience.The main character xie lian is my favorite character period. Of all time. His inner monologue is witty and sarcastic with a splash of self deprication, though bashful at times, he can be startlingly, hilariously shameless. He’s multifaceted, well rounded, and throughout finding out more about him and his backstory, the more you will find yourself growing attached.And gah the writing is just so beautiful. The tone has the ability to be anything from startlingly hilarious, heart achingly sincere and beautiful, to gut wrenchingly sorrowful depending on what the situation calls for.If you’re thinking about reading it, even only passively, do it. If you don’t wanna spend the money on the official translation then look up fan translations for free. You won’t regret it.

My knowledge of Heaven Official's Blessing began with my browsing Funimation and adding series to my queue that looked like the art was good. I didn't even know it was danmei (or what danmei even was) when I started it. The story was immediately engaging and it didn't take long for me to realize this was a gay love story at its core, but not because it was flaunting it. The romance is both constantly present and extremely subtle all at once and as an amateur writer I found it fascinating.It didn't take me long to find and read the fan translated novels to quench my curiosity about how Xie Lian's story continued to unfold. I found the series as a whole to be engaging and emotional. It made me laugh and cry, and was very satisfying. As someone who loves a good love story, this one checked all my boxes. It was an incredibly slow burn but still had enough moments to keep you hooked and rooting for the couple. In a setting full of monsters, magic, and fantasy, the feelings of these two men were very relatable and real.I would recommend this to anyone who loves epic stories full of romance, drama, and humor. Don't let the fact that it's a gay love story deter you. I know some are incredibly objectifying and disrespectful but you'll find this isn't one of those.I was delighted to find the copy of the first volume I received to be larger than typical paperbacks. As a guy that doesn't have stellar vision, I appreciated that the text was well spaced and easier to read than some. This is my first experience with light novels, so the addition of illustrations during key plot points is a great touch. The glossary, name, and pronunciation guides were helpful (even if it's hard for me to wrap my head around the way to say certain Mandarin vowels when romanized). The story in the first volume covers the plot through where the animated series ends its first season, and the chapters are condensed from the shorter, online chapters of the original webnovel. I imagine this was done to even out the length of each book (I believe 8 volumes are planned).I honestly only have two complaints about the extras, although it's just me nitpicking. The first was that the name guide should also have had specific pronunciations next to the Chinese characters and definitions, as opposed to examples of the way to say just the protagonists' names in the general pronunciation guide. Personally I have less trouble saying Xie Lian and Hua Cheng than a lot of the side characters' names so it would've been appreciated. Secondly, they didn't include the alternate meaning of the name San Lang (if you know, you know), which I feel is important in the overall narrative. Again, just me nitpicking.All in all this book series was a wonderful experience, and if you can be patient while the volumes are all released, you won't be disappointed.