Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
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.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers may find the following minor spoilers.
The original female lead can be frustrating. But the novel also explores why she's like that, and that's one of the main points of the novel.
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.
