Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

My Thoughts on Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

This novel was quite the ride! It's a xianxia with a strong comedic bent and a refreshing take on familiar tropes. I found myself thoroughly entertained, and it's easy to see why it has such a high rating.

First Impressions

Initially, the story felt a little slow as it set the stage, but that didn't last long. The premise is intriguing: our protagonist, the Devil Venerable Wenren E, discovers a book detailing a future where he's a supporting character in a trashy romance. His reaction? Utter confusion and a determination to understand why the characters are acting so…illogically. I was immediately hooked by his logical approach to a world driven by messy emotions and destiny.

What Works Well

The comedy is definitely a highlight. It's not just silly gags; it's woven into the plot and character interactions, often highlighting the absurdity of common xianxia tropes. I especially appreciated how the female characters were well-developed and integral to the story, avoiding the sidelining that can sometimes happen in this genre.

The characters themselves are another strong point. Wenren E is a fascinating protagonist—powerful, intelligent, but also surprisingly human. He's not driven by a desire for world domination, but by a desire to understand the world around him and to lead his sect effectively. His relationship with Yin Hanjiang, his loyal subordinate, is heartwarming and develops beautifully throughout the story. It's a shounen ai, but the focus is more on their actions and mutual respect than explicit romantic scenes, which I found refreshing.

I also loved the way the novel tackles karma and the cycle of cause and effect. It adds a layer of depth to the story and makes the world feel believable and interconnected. The author also does a great job of poking fun at the Mary Sue and stallion novel tropes, all while managing to respect the characters and their motivations.

Areas of Concern

While I overall enjoyed the novel, the romance does take a backseat, especially in the first half. If you're primarily looking for a love story, you might find yourself wanting more explicit romantic development early on. Some readers also found the story a bit confusing at times, with the rules of the world not always clearly defined.

Final Verdict

Despite a few minor drawbacks, Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know is a fantastic read. It's funny, engaging, and offers a fresh perspective on the xianxia genre. I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for a story with well-developed characters, a unique plot, and a healthy dose of humor.