[REVIEW: CHINESE BL NOVEL] Hua Hua You Long [花花遊龍] by Xing Bao Ni [星寶兒]

Sadistic lover. A devil with the face of an angel. A twisted romance of brutal and dysfunctional relationship. Be ready for multiple stab wounds on your poor heart. 

This book left a bitter aftertaste. Yet I am appreciative of the author's skill at manipulating the fragile human heart. I am also grateful for the author's effort to keep the story real. So real, it left an indelible mark on my mind. To me this meant the author is successful in his/her work since their main aim should be to grasp the reader's mind and mold it to their own desired shape. A book that is able to control the psyche of its reader is a winner. That's how I see it. And this book had subjected me to various onslaught of intense emotions of amusement, joy, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, frustration, anticipation, surprise, expectation and last but not least love. Yes, love even-though this is a very brutal romance story which I had nearly lost hope of finding a flicker of romance within its pages. Some might reject the ideal of romance in this story due to Jing's (seme/antagonist) violent and selfish way of pursuing love and also Lu Cang's (uke/protagonist) seemingly masochist acceptance of abuse from his lover. To be fair, I too could not exactly shake off the possibility of Stockholm Syndrome in play as I did find it hard to see how Lu Cang as broken as a battered rag doll could ever find in his heart to forgive Jing's incessant cruelty upon this mind and body. Nevertheless how ever twisted their love is, love is still the catalyst of their tragedious joining. Sigh such highly dysfunctional relationship this pair has. I am still worried for Lu Cang's future even upon finishing the book. Afterall, to serve the king is like accompanying a tiger. (famous Chinese proverb). 

The version I read was in Chinese Text via TTS (text-to-speech). If you are interested, you could try the fan translations in English here: [Click Me]. I am not sure how the translation fairs but I do believe the real thing is surely better than a translated copy. For the record, I have read the manga adaptation up to volume no. 5 and am keen on reading its next installment. The artwork is not bad and so far the story sticks with the original novel. 

BOOK DETAILS: 

Title: Hua Hua You Long [花花遊龍] 

Author: Xing Bao Ni [星寶兒]

Type: Novel  

Genre: Chinese M/M dark erotic romance 

Description: In order to help their chief find a wife, the bandits kidnapped a woman from the bottom of the mountain in order to offer her up to him. The chief of the mountain stronghold, Lu Cang falls in love at first sight with the absolutely stunning beauty! However, on the night of the consummation... 

READ FAN TRANSLATIONS: ★|| Hua Hua You Long (English Translations) ||★ 

* Reviewed on October 3rd, 2015 

*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*

**Read via TTS in Cantonese** 

[REVIEW BL NOVEL] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [ 凤于九天 ] 之二十一 疾风劲草 by Feng Nong

Feng Yu Jiu Tian [ 凤于九天 ] 之二十一 疾风劲草 by Feng Nong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read from February 03 to 04, 2015, read count: 1

Nong-Nong, you are so merciless! *clutch chest in pain* Why? Why kill off so many innocent people? And they are such nice people too. *tearing up* Moreover it pains my heart to see Feng Ming suffer so much because of his kindness. Are you trying to taint his pure soul and damage it to the point of no return?

It was sure pure agony from Book 20 onwards and the situation is still pretty dire after the end of Book 21. I would advice to make sure you have secured Book 21 and 22 when you plan on starting Book 20. The extreme anxiety could really be too much for you to bear if you were to halt your reading midway after starting on Book 20. I am no longer sure if I am just reading a Yaoi (Boy's Love) Novel at this point. The story is too complex to be just a simple Yaoi fare. It was both character and plot driven. The author is very daring hence the plot was absolutely unpredictable. Which is why my heart was racing non-stop and my finger nails suffers numerous bite marks.

On a brighter note, Nong-Nong did insert a pretty hot H-scene (smex scene) between my favorite pairing, the Ruo Yan (若言) and Feng Ming (鳳鳴) pair as a side story which I presume was an attempt to appease her fans for ruffling their feathers so harshly. Fans would be delighted to know that there's actually a radiodrama of this exciting side story. You could listen to it here: 《凤于九天;夜宫》风弄原著耽美广播剧 . It's in Mandarin of course. Initially I could only understand about 70% to 80% of it but after reading the novel I find it more stimulating than before since now I could understand what's really going on.

I am off to Book 22 now. Not a minute to waste!

Ruo Yan (the one with white hair) and our beloved adorable uke, Feng Ming.

* Reviewed on 4th February 2015

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[REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 11 - A King's Love [王者之爱] by Feng Nong [風弄]

凤于九天 之十一 王者之爱 by Feng Nong

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read on January 21, 2015, read count: 1 

Book 11 could potentially be my most favorite volume in this series. It's certainly worthy of all stars in the universe! It is thought-provoking, profound and it has touched my heart and soul.

I am very excited and glad that finally Feng Ming is going to have a chance to develop and train himself to be more self-reliant. It's all thanks to his good fortune of meeting that oddball at the Aman River. If Feng Ming just continues to stay under the suffocating protection of his over-paranoid lover, his talent could never have a true chance to shine and all of Feng Ming's knowledge from the modern world could only stay as theories. More importantly he would be forever be viewed as the Achilles' heel of King Xi Lei and the kingdom will never be truly stable as long as he is with the King.

I believe with such a huge turn of event, it would surely bring forth even more excitement and thrilling adventures for us readers. I can't wait for Feng Ming to start on his second life changing journey!

Reading this novel series made me want to read the classical military themed historical novels like the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Thanks to Feng Yu Jiu Tian, I am now quite fascinated by the military strategies of ancient China. Maybe I should even start reading . The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

* Reviewed on 21st January 2015

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Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 8 - Returning Trip of Swaying Air [荡气回程] by Feng Nong [風弄]

凤于九天 之八 荡气回程 by Feng Nong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read on January 19, 2015, read count: 1 

The pair of lover was afflicted with a frustrating situation when they made a rest stop near Aman River. And Feng Ming’s mysterious parentage was revealed but reunion was not like how he imagined it would be. Rong Tian and Feng Ming is at a lost over their current dilemma. Would they be able to outsmart their opponent this time? Before they could come up with any brilliant ideas, misfortune as occurred again and Feng Ming was hurt?

This chapter reminds me of a plotline from Return of the Condor Heroes (a famous wuxia romance novel), where the main character, Yang Guo was poisoned by ‘Flowers of Passion' (Qing Hua) at the ‘Heartless Valley’ (Jue Qing Valley).

* 20th January 2015

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[REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 9 - Nearby Danger Lurking in Shadows [咫尺危影] by Feng Nong [風弄]

凤于九天 之九 咫尺危影 by Feng Nong

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Read from January 19 to 20, 2015, read count: 1

Book No. 9 must by far the shortest one among the rest of the volumes I've read. It just picks up where previous book has left off. I am a little disappointment when it ended too soon before things has a chance to heat up.

The resolution of Feng Ming and Rong Tian's dilemma was a bit of an anti-climax. I did also made a guess that the small boy would be the key.

An old enemy resurfaced once again. I was waiting for that fellow to come back. He is an evil bastard but I like it whenever he is in close proximity with Feng Ming. ←～（o ｀▽´ )oΨ

* 20th January 2015

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[REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 7 - A Prestigious King's Mighty Strenth [王威浩荡] by Feng Nong [風弄]

鳳于九天之七王威浩蕩 by Feng Nong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read on January 18, 2015, read count: 1 

Poor innocent Feng Ming has to witness countless cruel acts due to endless power struggles. He is a coveted pawn piece important to ensure victory over a strong nation. Being the beloved of his King, there is no way for him to prevent being targeted by others with ill intentions. Due to all the trials and tribulations ever since he became the lover of King Xi Lei, he has matured and harden to a certain level but still managed to retain his kind heart. No doubt this is a major weakness in him I am rather proud and glad that he is still pure hearted. He is not exactly martyr type but Feng Ming does not have a malicious bone in him.

In the review of the previous book, I mentioned that I had disliked Lu Dan. But after Book Seven, I could no longer hate him and had even cried for him and his lover. He is just a man madly in love. For his beloved he has made too many sacrifices. These two men are indeed a tragedious pair of lovers. *shed silent tears*

Although Feng Ming encountered many misfortunes this time, he has also gained something invaluable in return. A great gift not without hidden intention, nevertheless it is a most generous gift of all. One that would ensure Rong Tian and Feng Ming does not need to share the same fate as that tragedious pair.

* Reviewed on 19th January 2015

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[REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 6 - Xi Lei's Winter Nightmare [冬雷惊梦] by Feng Nong [風弄]

凤于九天 之 冬雷惊梦 by Feng Nong

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Read from January 16 to 18, 2015, read count: 2 

Book Six is about 3.5 stars. Probably it's because I dislike the World-Most-Beautiful-Man, Lu Dan. He has a sad background but I didn't like the way he goes about things. I find it hard to empathize with him. Plus I didn't quite like this new superstitious country called Dong Fang which was the new setting for this book. Their citizens are so backwards and it is utterly corrupted due to their fanaticism over their gods.

Once again Xi Li King and his beloved was once again forced to part way and both of them are in danger. This time around Feng Ming can't afford to sit around and be the damsel in distress. He has to use ever cell in his brain to keep himself safe. He was nearly done for a couple of times if not for his quick wit and lady luck favoring him. I liked that he is not like those all macho type trying too hard to be brave. He is scared shitless yet have the strength and bravery to face his adversity. Yes he did complained and whined a little but it was rather cute when he does that. Lol. Funny kid.

What I loved most about this book was the complex psychological warfare employed. There are lots of scheming and betrayals but it was intriguing to see how people react to triggered events, every choice has different outcome and the deeper you could calculate your opponent's next move the better would be your odds of winning.

* Reviewed on 18th January 2015

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[REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 5 - Fragrance Phantom [暗香魅影] by Feng Nong [風弄]

鳳于九天之五暗香魅影 by Feng Nong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read from January 16 to 17, 2015, read count: 2 

King of Xi Rei (Rong Tian) would stop at nothing to keep his beloved King Ming (Feng Ming) safe and protected. As a monarch of a large country, his obsession for Feng Ming is a danger to his country's safety. But Xi Rei also cannot to lose someone as knowledgeable as Feng Ming who has already brought countless improvements and benefits to the country's progress. Keeping Feng Ming is a double edge sword for Xi Rei.

Rong Tian once again demonstrates his skill at manipulating his subordinates. This time it's Li Er and his relationship with Yong Yin's Crown Prince.

In the previous book number four we get to meet the World's-Most-Beautiful-Woman, Mei Jin. In this book we would meet Lau Dan, the World's-Most-Beautiful-Man which even Mei Jin paled in comparison. Lau Dan not only has great looks going for him, he is also holds the high position of Advisor to the king of Dong Fang.

P/S: I actually wish that Feng Ming holds that beauty title instead of Lau Dan. How could my cute Feng Ming loose to him? *pouts*

* Reviewed on 17th January 2015

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[REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 4 - [興衰與共] by Feng Nong [風弄]

鳳于九天之四興衰與共 by Feng Nong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read from January 15 to 16, 2015, read count: 1 

Feng Ming is like a professional escape artist in this book. The Mcguyver of the ancient China. How I love that TV show when I was a kid. I think Mcguyver is so much cooler than the Knight Rider even if the latter that flashy black cheeky car.

That King Li (Ruo Yan) is a deviant soul. His love and obsession for Feng Ming is the epic of twisted love. He enjoys tormenting those he likes. Love seeing the tears and the pain in their eyes. Ruo Yan displays ambivalence feelings towards Feng Ming although he seems to be crazy about the boy and would stop at nothing to obtain him. His interaction with Feng Ming is most interesting to watch. That's why I like it most when both of them are together. ←～（o ｀▽´ )oΨ

Another thing which makes me enjoy the book more is the good relationship between Feng Ming and his gang of friends which incidentally are all his servants and bodyguards. What a lively bunch! I think I liked Li Er the most.

This volume has a couple of sad scenes and scenes of perilous situations that makes me all anxious for the safety of the my favorite characters. Apart from this, Feng Ming met his love rival at last! And she is known as the Most-Beautiful-Woman, Mei Jin. Would her appearance create a rift between the pair of power couple?

All is well and exciting as usual but there are times when Feng Ming would display excessive childish behavior unbefitting of the situation which I don't quite like whenever he does it. Anyways, his other positive attributes far outweighs his negative side. Yes, I am rather biased when it comes to fun and cheeky characters who could stand up for himself and would even display heroism when situation arises. Feng Ming is so lively, I find it hard to not like him. (ღˇ◡ˇ)♥

The reason why this is a 4 stars was due to some possible plotholes which I couldn't quite jive with as said plotholes would make the supposedly smart Ruo Yan and his equally intelligent sister a moron.

* Reviewed on 16th January 2015

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[REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 3 - [威镇博间] by Feng Nong [風弄]

凤于九天 之 威镇博间 by Feng Nong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read from January 13 to 14, 2015, read count: 1

Feng Ming's naivety is going to cost many lives. He is intelligent but still too young to be able to make good judgement of character. On top of that, he has bleeding heart syndrome despite fallen victim for this weakness of his once.

Finally I get to see the lamb delivered to the wolf den after numerous trials. Things are heating up. The actual tug of war between two biggest power is going to be very exciting.

* 14th January 2015

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[BL NOVEL REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [鳳于九天 - 魂落西雷] by Feng Nong [風弄] - Vol. 1 [Chinese]

Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天 之 魂落西雷] by Feng Nong [風弄]

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Those who love Gay romance with engaging characters and plot.

Read on January 10, 2015, read count: 2

I have actually read the fan translation of this novel in English much earlier on. Then yesterday I decided to try my luck and listened to the original Chinese novel using Cantonese Text-to-Speech (TTS) instead since I couldn't read Chinese text. Although the TTS quality isn't up to par and there are mispronunciations here and there, I find it quite a satisfying experience.

Feng Yu Jiu Tian is a rare gem I am glad to have found through fan translation channel. I liked the blast to the past time-travel theme with a witty and charming protagonist. I really adore Feng Ming for his quick wits and endearing personality. He's so adorable I wanna squeeze him and not let go. Possessive Rong Tian wouldn't approve of it for sure. *Sighs longingly* Rong Tian is such a sexy tyrant even I wanted to be eaten by him.

There's so much to this novel than just the romance between the two main character. The plots are thick and intriguing. Being in such an enviable position as the Crown Prince no doubt it is more troublesome and dangerous than what Feng Ming had first thought. To survive, Feng Ming has to use his 21st century mind and his natural intelligence to counter whatever trouble he was forced to confront.

This is my favorite cosplay picture of this story:

These two are the best Feng Yu Jiu Tian cosplayer ever! That's exactly how the spirited uke, Feng Ming should look like. And that's the suave Rong Tian right there. Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ ❤

I am not going to attempt to do an in depth review here. Instead please do visit this awesome review on a fan's blog if you are interested to know more of this amazing boy's love novel. I am going to jump on the next book like right now. Bye!

And oh yes, of course I would highly recommend this fun and interesting novel especially to those who enjoy Ancient China social and political intrigue.

* January 11th, 2015

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[REVIEW] Feng Yu Jiu Tian [凤于九天] Vol. 1 - [魂落西雷] by Feng Nong [風弄]

凤于九天 之 魂落西雷 by Feng Nong

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recommended for: Those who love Gay romance with engaging characters and plot.

Read on January 10, 2015, read count: 2 

 

I have actually read the fan translation of this novel in English much earlier on. Then yesterday I decided to try my luck and listened to the original Chinese novel using Cantonese Text-to-Speech (TTS) instead since I couldn't read Chinese text. Although the TTS quality isn't up to par and there are mispronunciations here and there, I find it quite a satisfying experience.

Feng Yu Jiu Tian is a rare gem I am glad to have found through fan translation channel. I liked the blast to the past time-travel theme with a witty and charming protagonist. I really adore Feng Ming for his quick wits and endearing personality. He's so adorable I wanna squeeze him and not let go. Possessive Rong Tian wouldn't approve of it for sure. *Sighs longingly* Rong Tian is such a sexy tyrant even I wanted to be eaten by him.

There's so much to this novel than just the romance between the two main character. The plots are thick and intriguing. Being in such an enviable position as the Crown Prince no doubt it is more troublesome and dangerous than what Feng Ming had first thought. To survive, Feng Ming has to use his 21st century mind and his natural intelligence to counter whatever trouble he was forced to confront.

This is my favorite cosplay picture of this story:

These two are the best Feng Yu Jiu Tian cosplayer ever! That's exactly how the spirited uke, Feng Ming should look like. And that's the suave Rong Tian right there. Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ ❤

I am not going to attempt to do an in depth review here. Instead please do visit this awesome review on a fan's blog if you are interested to know more of this amazing boy's love novel. I am going to jump on the next book like right now. Bye!

And oh yes, of course I would highly recommend this fun and interesting novel especially to those who enjoy Ancient China social and political intrigue.

* January 11th, 2015

View all my reviews