Note: It's been a while since I read this novel (at least a year has passed), so I can't write a well detailed review on what I liked / disliked. The story did leave a long lasting impression on me, so I think I managed to say what needed to be said.

Rest assured that this comment contains no big spoilers.

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The beginning of the novel really caught my attention, and I was eager to see where it would go. However, as the... more>> story progressed, it became confusing with too many subplots, making it hard to follow. At times, I found it so boring that I had to force myself to keep reading.

Honestly, I don't understand why this book has such a high rating. The climax of the plot didn't have the impact I expected and it left me disappointed. The ending felt rushed, and the romance, which seemed to be a key part of the story, just didn't work for me (and others as it seems). The main characters had great chemistry at first, but the romance lacked depth, and the author didn't really know how to write it well. I think the novel would have been stronger without it altogether.

On the bright side, the world-building was interesting, the game elements were fun, and there were some clever twists in the plot.

Overall, it turned out to be a letdown that didn't match its promising start. This story is worth a maximum of 2.5 stars, rounded up because the beginning was promising.

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I came back to edit my review since I remembered a few more things I wanted to say. <<less

You see some people giving this low stars which I totally understand because one the romance I really long slow burn but in my opinion that’s what I really like about this novel because although it took so long for them to get together they were still close before that and I like when the romance is at the real end instead of straight away

I also see or complaining about how overly detailed it is which is also a preference I can’t lie by how how detailed it is but... more>> I loooovvvee when it’s written like this especially when you don’t know what it’s about so the suspense is great for me in my opinion <<less

Read this book. Do yourself a favor, drop every other book for the moment and just immerse yourself in the literary masterpiece that is this novel. It’s a top 5 Chinese novel for me. The world building is fantastic, the couple is dynamic and smart and every scenario is thrilling. This book keeps you wanting more and keeps you guessing. 2000% recommend reading.

Highly recommended novel.

Survival game novel including unique concepts with fairy-tale.

MC is intelligent, sharp minded, courageous and independent. Specially there's not lot of novel with independent characters which I really like. Not overly emotional, and he had very much understanding of himself who can survive on his own. He's ruthless when he needs to be and isn't fixated on helping those in need. He will only help when it doesn't risk his safety which also another realistic characteristics that I like.

And no, I don't find MC to be bland and emotionless. This is Survival novel and being overly emotional can turn in to writting their own death note. But yes, he had become lot mature to hold up his calm personality in very early stage, that some find little unrealistic (not me), still I like his character design very much.

ML is a military commander. Good at fighting, also smart and strong. MC is equal to the ML, with some advantages the ML doesn't have, while the ML has some advantages the MC doesn't have. So there's no dependent on each other because each can survive on thier own styles.

The MC and ML have a tacit understanding with one another. Both together powerful enough to be eye catching. Still romance is not too much describe but well-developed. While it might be too slow but satisfying, that took time to develop properly and strongly.

Plot is good. Ending had unspoken hope with humanity survival. This story give me satisfaction.

And I have seen some of people find the story racist as lot of countries being not mentioned, and bad endings at some regions. But I think it's over-thinking. This has Chinese protagonist so the story mainly focus on Chinese side. And I find it's a normal setting. Somehow I can understand why there are lot of novels never mentioned other countries or cities.

Anyway, this story is really worth to read. Hope you enjoyed.

Honestly? One of the best of the BL survival genre.

One factor (among many) that appealed to me was that the romance was very low key and didn't consume the narrative. It was quiet but still ever-present.

The first Extra made me cry. God, good job author. They truly succeeded in breathing life into all the characters despite the big ensemble.

The second Extra kind of warmed my heart as well.

Those who are into survival/ game world/ gore/ Isekai this is it. Games are interesting and not easy to guess. (If author is less intelligent or simple minded, it becomes too easy for readers get the hint before main characters)

This book is very good if you really think about quality of danmei novels. Danmei is mostly there to entertain us, rotten girls with some cheap sloppy romance. But this book doesn't even need a romance, it doesn't have to be BL, it has solid world building and action that... more>> can make non danmei fans interested.

But is it new? No. It basically copied it's game ideas from Japanese mangas and movies like "As the Gods Will (神さまの言うとおり", "Battle royale". Some arcs are the exact copies of it. But at least the author of this book is talented in writing compared to others that write similar "death game" genre. Also some of the games seemed like authors own idea and imagination? In that case this author really has some crazy imagination. I envy those talented in writing because I can't write like this. Romance is not main point or plot of this novel. It's not so important and their interaction is minimal. It actually doesn't really need a romance. Should have been pure survival without romance, maybe a little bit bromance or smth. <<less

One of the strengths of this novel is its world-building. The author has created a vivid and immersive world that feels both familiar and alien at the same time. The descriptions of the Earth's new form and the different forms of technology it creates are both fascinating and terrifying, creating a sense of wonder and dread that drives the story forward. The characters are also well-developed and engaging.

Its combination of science fiction, dystopian, and post-apocalyptic elements creates a unique and compelling story that will keep readers on the edge of... more>> their seats. The world-building is top-notch, the characters are engaging, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. <<less

[Please don't drop just because of some reviews. Give it some try and then decide whether you liked it or not.]

Finally finished this novel but now I'm feeling sad and empty.

Great plot & world-building. For me, not even a single arc felt boring. Every single characters were unique and interesting. Aside for MC and ml, Bai Ruoyao is my favourite character. He was annoyingly funny and I love him so much😭❤️.

Overall, one of the best survival game themed novel.

P.S. More focused on plot (99%) than romance (1%)

What can I say? I will never look at fairy tales with the same mindset ever again!

The novel was really fascinating, I find it very thrilling and suspenseful most of the time. There's really no break in between. The fun about this you always look forward to what happens next. I also can't predict what happen next and with the powers in the novel, even the protagonists was expecting to die and it never feels anybody was safe. The world was really cruel to everybody, no matter who you are... more>> but the good thing they never mention anything about babies my emotions wouldn't be able to suppress that kind of malice.

I love the MC, his power is strong but not OP, he's not your mary sue MC going to save anybody for the sake of saving. He will be ruthless when the situations arises, he's smart and knows what to do. There's integrity and knows what he wanted to do. He also really cute and I love his reactions to some embarrassing things, it makes him feel alive and much more approachable. When ever you read MC's in danger, my heart would be pounding. Just shows how much it made the audience care for him, the author did a great job

ML to me is more basic to me, feel more he's a plus 1 for the MC. He's really suitable for the MC that's why I don't mind they are made for each other. He's really op more op than MC and just feel more mysterious but not to the point I want to know more about him, because he's background is also seems to be abit basic, do you get that feeling too?

The children in this novel is different from other novels with the same genre. I like all of them independent and really strong. There's an older in particular that little villain, I find him annoying most of the time till liking him in the latter part

Spoiler

I find his death lackluster good thing he was resurrected

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I think we all know who we are talking about.

There's some questions and doubts I do have

Spoiler

I don't know if it's just a gag for the author, but we never found out why MC get those lines from the tower when gets his abilities, it's like it's targeting him, what made him so special? Why people gets the abilities that they have? They never fully explained it. Also if there's resurrection in games why can't it be explorer further towards the end for the MC? I really want to meet his friends, it's just so unfortunate. Also I wish there's more games with the black tower bosses, not just bunch them up in the end and we can'still kill them. I really want the circus leader dead.

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I find myself reading till 4ams in the days I was reading the novel, just so how much I love this. The world setting is really fascinating, I felt it ended too short there was so much more to explorer. There's a suppressive mood in the novel but it was really alleviated by the relationship between the MC and ML, there was always a good balance in the novel in alot of aspect. I like the game concepts and always want to see more games. Strong recommendation, one of the must read for me. <<less

My first survival Yaoi novel and I'm so thankful this is my first, the story is unique for me, survival and action genre is so satisfying. I love all the characters, even the monsters/villains in a sense that every time they showed up on some chapters I got excited lols.

I cried in the end when all the floor heads/powerful monster shows up🥹

Ive never got tired on reading it each day specially it got a lot of chapters not like other novels that I need to stop for hours or days.

I'll... more>> rate the MC and ML love story with 8/10 survival genre 10/10 action 10/10 plot 10/10 overall I really love it and most importantly I enjoy reading this novel.

I am happy that I was able to read this masterpiece.

ps.

Spoiler

I stop reading it for a day and cry myself out when a character died I was so shocked and sad yes he was able to live but another character die it was so sad T.T

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3 Stars, cause I like the premise & not gonna give up on this right this moment

Honestly I really wanted to get into this one, the premise was really interesting & it also has such a high rating! But.

But I gotta say it's pretty boring right now. I don't know I couldn't get into the games the MC was forced into. It was so obvious that Tang Mo has plot armor (His abilities, his improved body & senses, his deduction abilities which came out of the smallest things ofc.) He's... more>> so calm in dangerous situations (which I normally like but it's shoved in my face how awesome I should find it that I actually dislike this MCs attitude a little...) or highly apathetic in emotional ones where I'm missing some type of reactions, instead we get one of those overused description of how our MC is "not-like-others-and-only-calculates-the-situations-always" at the face of his dying friends.

Right now I only got 1 interaction between the leads after the games started and thats over something like a phone. sigh. It was funny tho & I did like that part, I just want more of these two together to compensate the boring games already.

I'm gonna read a little further maybe it will get better idk.

(On a site Note, Tea Novels Translation skills need a little touching up, at least for chapter 1 cause I switched to another Team after I read 1 too many times how the MC was a "he" in one moment and a "she" in another) <<less

The story is good and interesting.

However, there are some parts in the plot which is quite disappointing. And honestly, some of the villains are more interesting than the main characters.

A very, very good novel.

MC isn't 'overpowered' (he's still cracked, but it's relative to his experience and intelligence.) he's an above average player who got where he is due to his intelligence and charisma. I do find it a bit frustrating how the author constantly nerfs him. When the Earth came online, everyone's strength increased, and as they solve black tower games and instances, and also gain props and abilities, they grow stronger. MCs ability allows him to take others abilities, which sounds OP, but the author shrouds this ability... more>> in mystery and giving it restrictions, which power scales MC. This is good, however his strength just doesn't.. Match his ability. It's very often that he is surpressed in fights despite being a top player with OP props and abilities. I know he used to be a librarian but it's still frustrating reading his lack of experience in fights (This really only shows up outside of black tower games and instances. He's OP in the game but not OP outside of it.). Maybe it only really feels like he's nerfed because he's surounded by powerful people, i.e. Fu Wenduo (ML), Mu Huixue, Bai Ruoyao, etc. But I want him to shine!

Speaking of ML, I really like his personality and relationship with MC. He's cold and generally apathetic, but when interacting with others (especially MC), he shows this rare arrogance that's so funny! A lot of the characters in the novel say his jokes are distasteful or lack awareness but honestly, every joke he makes is funny to me. He's also the real overpowered person in this novel. His ability is clouded in mystery and so is his background. When he appears, people know that he's someone not to be reckoned with. Despite this, Tang Mo (MC) can read him like an open book. The way they interact is like they're both telepaths. I like how they can just look at each other and tell what the other is thinking. Their teamwork is flawless. And naturally, he is a genius aswell.

The world-building is phenomenal. Especially regarding black tower games. The games aren't too ridculously difficult and you can follow along and solve the problems with them. I'm geniuenly curious how the author was able to do this, it's very hard to make puzzles that are coherent enough that even the reader can follow along. It gives the people who solve these games seem more human-like. The black tower bosses are also very nice. They aren't too unnecessarily evil that they seem like cannon fodder villains, but they are just the right amount of sinister to allow them to impose on the players. Speaking of the players, I like how not everyone seems s*upid so the MC can seem super smart and clever. They have their own intelligence that allowed them to survive this far and it's great that the author recognizes that it's s*upid to dumb them down in favor of the MC.

Spoiler

The only thing that confuses me about the novel is the Eve arc. I don't think the author properly provided closure and the reward for the arc confused me a bit.. What is the importance of it? It obviously is about the black tower and the meaning of it, but he forgot it completely when he woke up and they stopped talking about it very quickly afterwards. It seemed more useless when he directly asked the black tower about the stuff he wanted to know and the black tower answered. If this was the case, what was the point of Eve's reward? The only importance I see to it is the fact that Eve is related to Fu Wenduo's ability and it increased Tang Mo's strength.

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Even though it has shortcomings, it is the first BL novel I finished and enjoyed thoroughly. I'm glad that other people enjoy it aswell. <<less

Not finished yet but I have to say this.

Love the novel and you MC and ML ofcourse. But still at some point it becomes boring. Like when a new game starts and you don't know what actually the game is. So I felt like I have to force myself to read it in order to know the interesting part and the twist and turn. So you need to have patience for that. Overall it's an exciting experience because even in I have to force reading that boring part it feels... more>> worth it in the end. <<less

I love it.

When I read this novel I'm wondering how will they reveal the information about why things happened. I didn't expect that it will be at the ending.

I like how the MC and ML isn't super OP. Their abilities are reasonable and their IQ isn't over the top. They can make mistakes and almost lost their lives but thanks to MOMO, they have a chance to start again. Also for the side characters. They have reasonable abilities base on their circumstances.

What I didn't really like is the instances in... more>> the novel. Not all but most of it. I don't really understand the flow of the games~ Don't get me wrong. It's not because I didn't read it but because I don't get why they think that way. It's hard to explain. Then I got bored reading the instances. So for the last 4-5 instances of the novel, I skimmed the beginning and middle of the game and then read how the game was solve.

It's actually entertaining. Not draggy. Really like it! <<less

The translation of this translator sucks. I remember reading this novel a year or so ago and remember the translation quality being great. I’m back to reread it again and was surprised to see that the quality has dropped so much. The new translator just copied and pasted every chapter from mtl without any editing.

For those who want to read a better quality one please search up the title on google and go to different site. This novel is awesome and totally worth reading.

Such a cool concept, executed in a very good way. Novel did not push romance too much.

Only nitpick is that the games are a little overcomplicated too read (props to the author and TL-er for figuring out these games). I sometimes skipped them if I didn't have the time to sit down and actually graph the games lol. Some logic for games were also super complicated so I would get lost easier if I did not try hard enough to digest the material. Super fun to try to figure some... more>> of them though.

Slow romance, I love that, and romance is kinda of secondary, I also love that. MC and ML work seamlessly together without even communicating properly sometimes and it surprised me. Super cool. Though the coincidence of MC and ML is unrealistic and the fact that they both are so smart and yet the MC is just a librarian, also a little unrealistic.

author killed my favorite character : (then again she killed many characters.

I love this novel either way, just for the how well written it was. The story flowed from one "arc" to another so smoothly, I sometimes forget that I should take a break lol. Really good writing, pacing, and quality TL. I have yet to read another book where a concept like this is executed this well. <<less

Tbh when I first read this, I was hoping for some steamy survival bl type of story... but anyway none of that mattered when I found myself finishing this in one sitting LMFAOO. Basically, instead of the ‘action’ I was looking for, what I got was the more blood pumping kind of action that made me pause and challenge my nonexistent reasoning and detective skills but bear in mind— I have no regrets whatsoever reading this. This novel is my either my top 1 or 2 for this genre, or... more>> similar genres (game/survive/horror/etc). Every instance and every fight got me twisting in my seat, or some other similar expression lol. Also, funnily enough...

Spoiler

in the later chapters... I only realized our MC and ML had s*x a chapter or so later. Which is funny to me coz I usually get it no matter how absurd or how strong the censorship is. And tbh I’m not even confident if it actually happened... but I think it did...?

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But even without that, the story is still great imo. The romance is barely present but it is def there. And I also agree to other reviews that it is a crucial part in the novel even if it is almost invisible. Can’t really explain it in words but I imagined it if the story was without their feels, I think something would be missing.

Well, in other words... 10000/100 worth reading!!!! <<less

To be honest, the plot is very interesting and the events are written/carried out well. But really, it truly is a very slow romance so if you're here for the romance, don't expect too much. This story is more centered around the plot itself.

Still each event that happened, I found very unique and the reasoning behind the characters decisions and the games are overall explained pretty clearly. It's a very intriguing action plot, though it is not without some confusion.

Overall there's not a ton of romance stuff until you... more>> are like 2/3 through the entire novel. Yet you should read it because the games within the story are very interesting and intricate. <<less

I have finished the entire novel and my rating of it is 112517/10 (if you get the reference we're officially married)

This novel is amazing. Although it's not for everyone who's looking for a BL to read, people like me who actually enjoyed it can prove how great this novel is. This novel is superb, it's not something that I would go recommending to anyone who want to read a BL novel (unless of course they're looking for heavy physiological). To guide you before you read it, here are the... more>> things you might wanna consider before reading it:

⁃ Psychological. It might already say in the genre, but the psychological here is heavy, I'm telling you. It can break your heart or even leave you traumatized or both.

⁃ This novel contains smart stuff. There are a lot of science and math elements and references in this novel (theorems, cosmos, etc.). I'm not a smart person who studies any of the references so it got me confused and lost but you can just ignore it (at least that's what I did and it really didn't bother much on understanding the main story).

⁃ It doesn't really have strong yaoi. Not gonna spoil on that one. If you're looking for a strong yaoi and psychological, then this is not your cup of tea (strong psychological, yes, but strong yaoi, no).

Spoiler

But yes, there is yaoi here, it's just not strong.

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⁃ BL is one of the main focus, but the novel's entire focus is the big picture, which is the main story. To explain it further, this novel has its own story, not just the romance (the romance isn't heavy because it's an apocalyptic setting). It doesn't only give the spotlight to the main characters but to others too. It is BL, yes, and it focuses on that but if you compare it to other BL novels that's entire focus is on the BL and romance, it's entirely different. It's not only Tang Mo and Fu Wenduo's story, but their story together before, during, and after the Earth went online.

In my experience and preferences, that's about it. I honestly think that more people need to read this because it's a really good novel. There are a lot of parts where you'd just be mind blowed and amazed of how good the novel was written. If you're going to read it, then do so! I hope you enjoy reading and have a great day! &Lt;3 <<less