GREETINGS ppl. the 2020 spring season seems to have been the season of Finding Really Good Fandoms for me, so I had an IDEA #lisastrikesagain
what if I wrote posts about all of them, talking about what makes them so special?? so here we are, with post no. 01. Nirvana in Fire.
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| art by nuri who does the most incredible fanart for this series, feast your eyes right here |
my cousin, gabs, whom you may or may not remember as guest posting for me at one time, is also a literature/film loving fangirl, who started telling about this "new fandom" of hers in mid-May. my attitude towards it was mostly like, "uh huh, uh huh ..." because it was a Chinese tv show, and it's not as if I would understand it even if I wanted to see it. but, surprise surprise, it happened to be based of a Chinese webnovel, which happens to have a partly completed English translation. (the translation is still ongoing, actually.)
then I agreed to read it too, completely unawares of what I was going to get myself into. I thought, "oh might as well check it out." hahaha. there was no "checking out". there was only GETTING ADDICTED TO THE BOOK.
there are 116 translated chapters available right now (out of the total 174 chapters) and I read through them all in ten days, sending updates to my cousin every day. here are a few of the more significant updates below.
and now that I have finished those 116 chapters and am waiting for 58 more, I have decided to use my time to convince all of you to read the webnovel as well!! (smol disclaimer: I've only read 2/3 of the book, so I really haven't even hit the climax, nor do I know how it ends.)
let's begin with introductions ...
"Nirvana in Fire tells the story of Mei Changsu, who stirs the political pot in Jinling, with an ultimate goal to bring justice to his family and 70,000 Chiyan soldiers who were labeled traitors twelve years before."
^^ thank you wikipedia
this summary sounds extremely boring, but the book isn't, trust me pls!!
it's said to be a Count of Monte Cristo style story. I have only watched the movie of The Count of Monte Cristo, and if that's an accurate representation in any way, then I think Nirvana in Fire is on another level of its own. plus it's much less of a personal revenge plot, and more of a "let's bring justice" plot.
you might be asking why the title is Nirvana in Fire. long story. the chinese name written in english is Langya Bang (meaning Langya List) but that really wouldn't make sense to english speakers, hence the translation to Nirvana in Fire. which, again, doesn't make much more sense. however, it's connected to the legend of the phoenix that takes on human suffering, burns, and rises from the ashes (and if you read the book and know the legend and think carefully it's actually pretty symbolic wow). there's hidden reference in the title. but I cannot explain it because #spoilers.
moving on!! I have written a nice long post with 5 reasons that you should read this webnovel ... read on, if you dare ...
reasons to read nirvana in fire
1. you get a trip to ancient china
I realize that this might not really work as an appeal for everyone. people who are chinese/are connected to their chinese roots might actually be really familiar with stories set in china's past, and complete westerners might not know enough to care at all. for me, it was extremely appealing because I have chinese roots but am really disconnected from them. however, I know enough to be interested. and so, this chance to delve into chinese history is such a welcome experience.
I also really feel like my book/film diet is so western based that I am craving for something new. I don't know if you feel the same way, but so much of YA is based in America ... and if not set in America, then it's WRITTEN by an American ... and while that's just great ... we do want some variety. I'm always jumping up for books set in other countries and this book is not only set in China, it's set in the 6th century, AND it's written by a Chinese author originally in the Chinese language! YAY!
how this affected the reading experience ...
- all the chinese names I had to remember !!
- learning about chinese culture and traditions and values
- learning about the lifestyle of ancient china and about how the government system worked
- people bow all the time
- they also refer to themselves and each other in third person a lot XD
- really, the culture is in every action they do and every word they speak
- martial arts! and some *legendary* aspects
in the area of martial arts there's a touch of fantasy to the story and it's great. you know how in kung fu panda, Po and his friends can do incredible leaps, run over rooftops, and pretty much fly? yeah, the characters in here can do it too.
2. the characters are so deep and so precious
this is actually the biggest selling point of all! pardon me for putting it second! the characters are INCREDIBLE.
so. where to begin describing this? starting out reading a Chinese book for the first time I was at a loss for what to expect but I quickly realized several things. these archetypes we often find in our own literature (broody boy, comic relief, the strong female, etc.) exist here as well, yet never ever becomes the cliches that we roll our eyes at in YA. who knows if it's cliche for chinese stories? but for me - western to the bone - this was familiar yet different. refreshingly so.
that aside, these characters are deep. they are so real that I constantly found myself believing that this was actually a true story that once happened in history. they are round and dynamic and layer upon layer upon layer. and the thing is ... it's told in third person limited omniscient point of view which makes it mysterious and intriguing. you start out not knowing much about the characters at all. and as it goes you get to know them better and better and better and better and there's literally no end to that. deep characters, I said, and I meant it. and not deep in an ordinary way ... deep in the way that the book literally digs into each of them and sort of keeps unearthing parts of their personalities/character to us as we go along.
but furthermore, their relationships!! if you feel like you need an epic saga without a major focus being on romance, you've come to the right place. there are so many different relationships with so many complex layers, and I want to cry over them all the time. and laugh. for example ... two princes who are bitter enemies but must masquerade under the masks of politeness and are almost mirror images of each other because they cannot bear to be outdone by the other. a character helping his childhood best friend without said friend having a clue. one character being absolutely hilarious and legendary even though he doesn't even get any screen time (and I've been waiting for 116 chapters for him to appear and he hasn't -_-). a fierce warrior child stroking his master/caretaker to sleep. askfjaldka. many forms of enmity. many forms of love. BROTHERHOOD.
the characters ... they're funny. they're ironic. they're deep. they're real. they're so precious. and the cast is, may I warn you, HUGE. I have never never seen such an enormous and yet well developed cast in my existence. just for fun, let me talk about my favorites for a second here ...
Mei Changsu. 29. leader of the largest martial artists alliance in the empire. cunning. calm. suffers from a chronic and deadly illness, and is therefore weak and sickly. tortured soul. buries his emotions deep in the depths of his heart (but I see them, sir). main character. my favorite. absolutely brilliant. layer upon layer upon layer. a mystery. a prodigy. a strategist.
Feiliu. teenager. not the sharpest mentally due to a head injury. highly skilled martial artists who wows everyone he meets. very serious and aggressive. will protect Mei Changsu with his life. the sweetest child of the 6th century.
Prince Jing. the strong and silent type. grumpy. underappreciated. forgotten. unfairly treated. not cared for by his father or brothers. made to do difficult tasks without rewards. scarred by the deaths of his older brother and best friend in said old rebellion. will do what is right, regardless of consequences. actually a squishy baby.
Xiao Jingrui. Son of two families due to complications and strange happenings when he was born. the loyalest friend you could ever ask for. heart of gold. constantly worried over Mei Changsu. is actually a good fighter and very smart and strong, but is so good that you mostly forget about that.
Yan Yujin. best friend of Jingrui. comic relief. likes to tease. enthusiastic drama lover. if there's an exciting event, he'll be there. likes having fun, is rarely serious. is actually a good fighter. thinks he's the handsomest fellow on the face of the planet. carefree attitude masks a deep intelligence. poor neglected child.
Princess Nihuang. not actually a princess, more like a duchess, but is always called a princess in the translations. took over her army general father's position at age 17 and has been a warrior defending the southern border for ten years. is supposed to get married soon. extremely intuitive.
General Meng. best martial artist in the entire empire. general. in charge of protecting the emperor and the palace and the capital. is extremely loyal and good but terrible at lying and not the smartest at figuring out complicated plots. underrated but deserves all the love.
^^ was this an excuse for me to fangirl about them? yes it was.
3. the plot is epic and twisty and full of schemes
THIS BOOK, you guys. THE PLOT. it brings an entirely new dimension to the phrase "character driven plot". in the majority of books, characters are always trying to deal with the problems that the plot throws at them, but here? oh no. it's the main character who's behind both PLOT and PROBLEMS. engineering it quietly from the shadows. (of course some unexpected circumstantial things happen but really ... my sister whom I'm reading the book to now said, "I have been shocked so many times that I have stopped underestimating anyone.") there are so many threads and directions, and yet they are all woven together so well and everything is connected!!
this book is plot twist upon plot twist upon plot twist ... and then you go reread and it realize every plot twist was foreshadowed early early on. this book is the most cunning, scheme filled treasure trove I have every stumbled upon. the only thing that I can compare in terms of "schemes" to this is the cruel prince ... and yet, not even the cruel prince can come close to how ridiculously clever this one is.
there's so much irony, I cannot. it's my favorite literary device and there's so much of it in here. and also also, this book is very slow burn in every aspect, but I WAS NOT BORED FOR ONE SECOND. furthermore, it has a strong theme of loyalty and justice. it takes the *let's get rid of the tyrant* plotline to a whole new level. whereas a lot of books will take you through the overturning the Evil Ruler storyline, this book also tackles the idea of purging the corrupt and dirty system.
oh but the conflict in the poor complex characters, ahhh ...
4. there all all these delicious little details and things !!
this is my favorite part of my fangirl post - where I will dump all my happy thoughts at you. I covered setting, characters, and plot above but that doesn't even begin to describe it for you so here is a bullet list of smol reasons you should give it a go ...
- the FORESHADOWING. the first time I read the book I missed all of it because I had no idea what I was reading, but now that I'm rereading it I'm gasping in shock all the time and in awe over how clues were hiding in plain sight!!
- also the VILLAINS. they're actually really complex, and even sympathetic. they're also hiding in plain sight?? and there's no one bad guy. it's this complex mess where there are a lot of bad people, and bad people with good sides, and good people with bad sides. make sense?
- the CUTE CHILL CHAPTERS. so a lot of books are so focused on the exciting plot that they subject ever scene to #stress and forget to give the poor characters and the poor audience a break. so while Nirvana in Fire is very very focused on the story line and while everything is WRITTEN FOR A PURPOSE, there are all these scenes and chapters where we just get to chill and watch the characters be adorable!!
- the NARRATION. it's really quite witty and sassy at times!! AHH!!
- I feel like there are a lot of references and word plays in the Chinese but sadly we will miss all of them :''((
- this book is a paradox - slowburn, yet exciting - thrilling, but comfortable - heavy, and still so funny.
- the FLASHBACKS and BACKSTORY. I think I've never read such realistic feeling backstory ... I just NEED MORE OF IT and would give anything for a prequel novella (and I really dislike prequels in general).
- all the EMOTIONS. especially on reread. when you understand the foreshadowing and the flashbacks.
- the really really well written FEMALE CHARACTERS. you'd think that with it being set in the 6th century, they wouldn't get much of a role but oh no. we've got a warrior princess, a cunning spy, a ruthless investigator, and some really really clever and conniving royal ladies.
- there's so much MYSTERY and INTRIGUE. what's going to happen? what's so and so up to? who's the culprit behind this incident? what will they do about it? how does it connect to everything else??
- politics. murder. martial arts tournaments. buried secrets. hidden identities. court drama. assassins. traitors. a fight for the crown. some friendships forged, some broken, and some still standing after going through hell. annoying the enemies with wit. revenge plots but not really revenge plots - more like a quest for justice. the mystery of a years old massacre ...
5. there's a tv series to go with it
you know when you read a really good book and you wish so hard that it was a movie? WELL THAT'S HOW I FELT READING THIS. and good news. there IS a tv show to go with it! of course, it's all in Chinese, but there are English subtitles and it's totally worth it.
the show is good because it is long (52 episodes) but still a very condensed version of the book. watching the drama really really helps one visualize the setting and characters and customs!! because honestly ... ancient China can be hard to imagine if you haven't seen if before.
things you will like seeing ...
- the emotions written on the characters faces
- seeing the epic martial arts in action
- characters side eying each other at Important Times
- THE HAIR
- the clothing!
- all the bowing!!
- the really sad theme songs :'(
- the tv show also really helps the Complicated Plot make more sense because it actually does some explaining that the book did not
- A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS
- China is actually really beautiful
- the cute characters in the flesh
The show is very faithful to the book (although not as long winded - and it does eliminate some of the less necessary characters) AND IT IS SUCH FUN TO WATCH.
the pros of reading first would be that ... well I think the book is better, and you'll really understand the show very well if you read first.
however, watching first also has it's good sides ... the book will make so much sense if you watch first, and YOU'LL APPRECIATE ALL THE EXTRA SCENES AND FORESHADOWING IN THE NOVEL.
however, watching first also has it's good sides ... the book will make so much sense if you watch first, and YOU'LL APPRECIATE ALL THE EXTRA SCENES AND FORESHADOWING IN THE NOVEL.
last but certainly not least, IT'S ALL FREE AND AVAILABLE.
well, except for the fact that the translation is only 2/3 way complete ... but the translation is available free online, and so is the tv show! if you're bored for any reason or need a new fandom that doesn't cost money or trips to the library THIS IS YOUR CHANCE.
behold, the links ...
I hope you all have been sufficiently convinced. and at least, if you weren't, that you enjoyed reading my fan post review XDD and I hope you liked my aesthetics ;))
what fandoms have you been obsessed with lately?
pls let me know if you do read/watch this story! I need more people to fangirl with XDD
xx lisa
ooooooh this makes me more excited to read it!!
ReplyDeleteANd I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU TO READ IT AHHH
DeleteLISA THIS LOOKS SO COOL!! You've thoroughly convinced me. I feel like this would be a great one to read when I go back to college in the fall because the chapter format would make it easier to digest in small pieces over a longer period of time. The drama also looks so cinematically beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEEP IMMA SO HAPPY!! yes, it's a delight to digest over a period of time, but be careful you don't get addicted right off, k? XDD IT IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL GAH. pls shout me out when you do start, I'd love to hear allll your thoughts!! :))
DeleteYOU HORRIBLE, NAUGHTY, AMAZING, WONDERFUL PERSON. I've enough on my hands at the moment WITHOUT reading and watching another long drama. But nowwwww I really want to xD (Also I was literally thinking this morning: "Hmmm it's been a while since we heard from Lisa. Hope she posts soon." xD
ReplyDeleteAHHH I'M SO SORRY but not really xDD I feel the same way *blames the cousin* AT LEAST ADD IT TO YOUR TBR pls. I'd be so tickled if you read/watched it XDD thanks for commenting, you sweet thing <3
DeleteThis looks very interesting! Another thing to add to my TBR - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE MOST INFINITELY WELCOME, I'm so glad you like the sound of it!!
DeleteOKAY WOW SO YOU KINDA JUST SOLD ME ON THIS BOOK AND SERIES?? I am SO going to be reading this. O_O
ReplyDeleteAAAHHH I'M SO EXCITED!! I really hope you like it!! Let me know what you think about it!!
DeleteOkay, this sounds so cool!!! I've always loved watching all those martial arts movies, but never heard of this!! GOTTA CHECK THIS OUT!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely adding this to my list. Sounds fantastic!
ReplyDelete