November 2024

Pa Ying’s Book Review

Book one started with lots of miscommunication because neither character could properly communicate with one another. Given that one was a fish and the other a mute, it would’ve been hard to see eye to eye.

Book two took that miscommunication and ran straight to 70 (we’re not quite at 100 yet, but we are getting there soon)! This volume had me giggling and kicking my feet like a child with a first crush. Though the relationship is developed to some extent, there is an innocence to the relationship that is so genuinely heartwarming. (No explicit spice; go read a different book if you’re looking for that!)

Li Yu has come to terms with the butterfly effect that his transmigration has on the original storyline and is now just going about it as it comes. We get to see his jealousy come into play a few times, and Prince Jing is the epitome of being head over heels in love. His Highness, who never cared for the throne, is now vying for it to protect his love, and that is all that needs to be said of a man who is truly in love.

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From pet fish to consort!

Uff, this romance is suddenly moving very quickly this little fish!

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of relationship benchmarks or romance tropes we got in this volume:

• supporting each other’s ambitions

• calligraphy lessons 😉

• hurt comfort trope

• prioritizing romantic partner over all else, including reputation

• taking responsibility for each other’s emotions

• flirty games

• going on dates

• gift giving

• establishing relationship rules and boundaries

• bridal carrying

• “you make me a better person” trope

• love confession

• public displays of affection

• meeting the family

• flaunting/bragging about partner

• starting to act like each other trope

• reading smut together

• “home is wherever I’m with you”

• “they’d never gone all the way, they’d done everything else”

Reoccurring Special Guest - Atlas

Meet the furry little guy snoring and snorting all his opinions on the show! Atlas is Arlo’s dog and he spends most of the recording session napping in his bed, but sometimes he's gotta stop the show to stretch out and get some attention.

UP NEXT, we’re reading Thousand Autumns Vol.1

In this historical tale, a Daoist martial artist must begin a journey of healing and self-reflection as he resists the temptations of the powerful leader of a demonic sect.

What we’re excited about:

• old man Yaoi

• Yan Wushi

• the shameless top trope

• silver fox

• choking kink

(This list is really just based on what we know about this novel based on the animated adaptation.)

Check out the full reading list here.

Want to read along with us? We keep an updated list of what we plan to read next. Many of the books featured on this list are new or upcoming releases, and sometimes, the release date gets moved. When that happens, we adjust the list.

Bookmarks Illustrated by Arlo

As a fan artist, Arlo has illustrated several works inspired by different Danmei novels and characters. Among the pieces he’s been working on for a MXTX-inspired Tarot Deck. He’s made some prints available in other mediums, including bookmarks. Right now, he has these beautiful peach sunset-themed Mo Dao Zu Shi bookmarks in his shop, perfect for holding your place as you read along with us. 🤫 He’s thinking about making some for the books coming up on our reading list soon!