Ferocious Dog of Old

陈年烈狗 / 陈年烈苟 · Original Chinese title

Also known as: chénniánliègǒu, cnlg, FDOO, 陈年烈狗, 陈年烈苟

By bu wen san jiu, not asking if it's three or nine, 不问三九

★★★★★ 4.1 127 ratings

Completed chinese Web Novel

Our review

Reviewed by Kana

Who it's for, and whether it holds up.

Author profile

My Thoughts on Ferocious Dog of Old

"Ferocious Dog of Old" is a web novel that took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I'm still processing it all. This story definitely left a mark, and while it's not without its flaws, the depth of feeling it evokes is undeniable.

First Impressions

Initially, the title gave me pause. It seemed a bit…intense. However, diving into the story, I quickly realized it was more than just a catchy name. The premise of a blind young boy, Tao Huainan, and the rough-around-the-edges Chi Ku forming a bond under the care of Tao's older brother, Tao Xiaodong, immediately grabbed my attention. The childhood-to-adulthood progression promised a journey of growth and change, and I was eager to see how it unfolded.

What Works Well

The strength of this novel lies in its character development and the complex relationship between Tao Huainan and Chi Ku. Watching them grow from children to adults, navigating life's challenges together, was incredibly compelling. The author does a fantastic job of portraying their evolving dynamic, from a sibling-like bond to something deeper. I also appreciated the portrayal of Tao Xiaodong, the older brother, who, despite his own struggles, does his best to care for his younger siblings. His genuine love and dedication added a layer of heartwarming wholesomeness to the story. The slice-of-life aspect is also well-executed; the author paints a vivid picture of their everyday lives, making their experiences relatable and emotionally resonant.

Areas of Concern

While I found much to love, some aspects gave me pause. Several readers mentioned that the later part of the novel, particularly after a separation between the main characters, felt dragged out and overly angsty. Some decisions made by the characters, especially the ML, felt frustrating and even a bit toxic. The perceived imbalance in blame and the intensity of the conflict did detract from my overall enjoyment.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

Some readers have pointed out specific instances of potentially problematic behavior from the ML, including anger issues and harsh reactions to the MC's struggles. It's worth noting that these issues are present, and may be triggering for some readers.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "Ferocious Dog of Old" is a powerful and emotionally resonant story. The well-developed characters, the exploration of disability and mental health, and the complex relationships make it a worthwhile read. However, be prepared for a significant amount of angst and potentially triggering content in the later half. If you're looking for a feel-good romance, this might not be it. But if you appreciate character-driven narratives with emotional depth, I'd recommend giving this novel a try.

Synopsis

We promised we’d grow up together. Tao Huainan was a blind man. Chi Cheng was a fierce dog he picked up. Ten years of growing. After ten years with Chi Cheng, Tao Huainan grew from a blind little boy to a blind adult. When they were young and innocent, they held hands and said, “I will always be with you. I’ll never let you be as sad as I am now.” But these became broken promises of youth in the end. One night many years later, at three in the morning, Tao Huainan couldn’t sleep. His messaging app was open on his phone. He recorded many voice messages, then deleted them one by one, doing this the whole night. This was a game he often played when he couldn’t sleep. But tonight he made a mistake. His hand slipped. Instead of deleting, his fingertip pressed the Send button. Immediately, the notification rang, telling him that it had been delivered successfully. The empty messaging app contained only the single message that Tao Huainan had just sent: Little puppy.

Ferocious Dog of Old