Guardian: Zhen Hun (Novel) Vol. 2

The second volume of Guardian was nearly as much fun as the first. I continue to enjoy the juxtapositions of supernatural and mundane events. In this volume, there is a great deal of epic mythology as well as Zhao Yunlan awkwardly coming out to his parents. It's the new year season, so the narrative features fewer battles with monsters and several office parties. It did feel like there was more setup than payoff, but this is often the case with middle books in trilogies. I especially enjoyed learning the backstory of Daqing the talking cat. His reaction to learning of Shen Wei's real job is priceless.

The romance continues to be charming. It leans further into hurt/comfort as Zhao Yunlan ends up drunk or injured on several occasions and show more Shen Wei takes care of him. Although he is apparently less gentle and caring in bed, as Zhao Yunlan complains! I'm looking forward to the final book, which I was slightly annoyed to realise isn't out yet. That's something to look forward to next month. show less

I really need to be better about taking notes, especially if it's going to end up being weeks or months before I finally write my review.

The first half of this volume has a feel similar to the previous one - we've got an urban fantasy series with a weird supernatural mystery, and Zhao Yunlan and his people have been called in to help. This time around, it's hospital patients writhing in pain that seems to have no physical source.

By the second half of the volume, however, we're neck-deep in the mythology of this series, as Zhao Yunlan learns more about what Shen Wei has been hiding from him, and what his and Shen Wei's connection to "Kunlun" is.

I have to admit, I would have loved it if the series had stayed like volume 1 and the first show more half of this volume, exploring supernatural mysteries while Zhao Yunlan flirted wildly with a blushing Shen Wei. The mythology in the latter part of this volume was difficult for me to follow, and I'm somewhat concerned that the next (final!) volume will be more of the same.

Extras:

Two full-color illustrations at the start, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and an appendix with a character and name guide and a glossary.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.) show less

TBC