Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu (Novel) Vol. 3

I had just finished reading three books by Palestinian authors and had my heart tramped on, my sense of justice outraged, and was weary of reading atrocities for which there would be seemingly no repercussions. I desperately needed a balm for my soul, something in which, while there might be evil and violence, the two main characters would be okay, would treat each other gently, and even though it might take centuries, wrongdoing would be exposed, and the victims of their schemes would find comfort.

In this volume we start to get into some of the real heartbreak of Xie Lian's past — tragedies he tried to prevent and was blamed for anyway, but we also start to really see the extent of Hua Cheng's devotion, and the gradual clearing of show more Xie Lian's name.

I love these books so much. show less

The story of the fall of the kingdom of Xianle is brutal and gruesome. The demon-fetus? Harrowing.

I want to put Xie Lian in my pocket. The absolutely clueless, traumatized, empathic idiot that he is. God I love him.

Hua Cheng is so hot I want to cry. I am so weak for characters that are menacing and cold, but melt for that one special person. Mister “three thousand lanterns” is so romantic I want to slap him.

Delightful, as always.

I waited way too long to review this, but I have notes, so I'll do my best.

Anyway, the first half of the volume is a flashback to Xie Lian's early days as a god, desperately trying to protect everyone, even if it involves breaking rules. He is, however, doomed to failure, and his efforts make things worse, leading to the Human Face Disease. In the second half of the volume, Xie Lian investigates a fetus spirit and spends time with Hua Cheng.

While the first half is technically more story-focused than the second half, giving readers the info they need in order to know how Xie Lian ended up in the situation he's currently in and what he's going to be facing, I've found that I'm not generally a fan of MXTX's flashbacks. And I already know show more that this isn't even the worst of it - Xie Lian overextending himself and being doomed to failure barely scratches the surface of the pain and suffering MXTX puts him through in later flashbacks in the series.

One nice thing about the flashbacks, though: lots of scenes involving young Hua Cheng, although he isn't explicitly referred to as such. The poor kid starts off life as Xie Lian's most devoted follower. This volume also includes what I'm assuming was young Hua Cheng's sexual awakening (Xie Lian being affected by the Land of the Tender). Xie Lian was, of course, clueless. Granted, Xie Lian kind of had other concerns at the time.

There were some really nice romantic moments in the second half of this volume: the "kiss," Xie Lian teaching Hua Cheng calligraphy, Hua Cheng being all domestic and doing dishes, the whole 3000 lanterns thing, and more. I'm a pathetic enough Xie Lian and Hua Cheng shipper that I don't even really need plot, just the two of them being sweet together.

Considering how this volume ends, with the introduction of the Wind Master's lifelong problem, the Reverend of Empty Words, and what I remember of that story arc, we're in for a bit more sadness and pain in volume 4, but still a ways away from the really bleak stuff.

Extras:

Character and name guide, glossary, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and two full-color illustrations at the start (one the cover image, and the other completely new).

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

Another great part of this wonderful book! It was wonderful rereading this again. The opening is a bit of a struggle because it's a bit depressing, but even then it's full of wonderful world-building and bits of character relationships, and the rest of the novel is absolutely wonderful. There's a lot of humor, sweetness, and some wonderful angst, and many times the story lampshades sexism, classism, double standards, and the problems with patriarchy.

I love Shi Qingxuan, but I really perked up when Quan Yizhen showed up. His anger over Yin Yu being mocked was just a really great scene. It's a minor part of the story, but when I first read this I didn't really know who he was, and reading it again now, when I know and love their story and show more the characters so much, this was a treat to go back to. Of course he stormed off to go beat up his followers.

ZeldaCW's interior art continues to be gorgeous and cute. 日出的小太陽's cover art is absolutely gorgeous.

Overall, this volume is a treat, and I look forward to volume 4! show less

Hay partes un poco pesadas (las linternitas...) y partes un poco ridículas (qué vergüenza ajena pasé leyendo lo de la cueva), pero engancha y cuesta parar de leer. Lo mejor, la escena de la portada. Y pasas la página y te encuentras la mejor ilustración ever. Maravillita.

A ver qué me espera en los siguientes cinco (!!!) volúmenes. Hay que ver qué larga es.

Que alguien mate ya a Qi Rong, qué cansinez de persona y de personaje.

I adored this one—from start to finish it is fun, romantic, and exciting. I have finally got majority of the character’s names and titles down, which is a bonus. Enthusiastic about continuing the series!

TBC