Book

The Untamed

📖 Overview

The Untamed follows Wei Wuxian, a skilled cultivator who walks a controversial path in his pursuit of justice and power. His choices put him at odds with the dominant cultivation clans, particularly the strict and traditional Lan clan. The story moves between two timelines - Wei Wuxian's past as a promising young disciple, and his unexpected return to the cultivation world years after his death. His complex relationship with Lan Wangji, the second young master of the Lan clan, forms a central thread throughout both timelines. Cultivation politics, family obligations, and questions of morality drive the plot as Wei Wuxian navigates clan rivalries and supernatural threats. The story incorporates elements of xianxia fantasy, including magical combat, spirit possession, and the raising of the dead. The novel explores themes of prejudice, the nature of good and evil, and the price of challenging established systems. Through its examination of forbidden knowledge and societal taboos, it raises questions about the true meaning of justice and righteousness.

👀 Reviews

Readers praise the complex relationship development between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, with many noting the subtlety of their interactions. The murder mystery plot and fantasy elements receive positive mentions for maintaining suspense. Multiple reviewers highlight the cultural details and world-building. Common likes: - Character growth and backstories - The balance of humor and serious moments - Translation quality by ExR - Fight scene descriptions Common criticisms: - Confusing timeline jumps between past/present - Large cast of characters hard to track - Names and terms can overwhelm English readers - Some find the pacing slow in the middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.51/5 (89,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,900+ ratings) Novel Updates: 4.8/5 (2,400+ ratings) "The character relationships feel earned through actions rather than told to us," notes one top Goodreads review. Multiple readers mention needing to create character charts to follow the story.

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🤔 Interesting facts

🌟 The novel was originally published as a web serial on an online literature platform, attracting millions of readers before becoming a published book. 🌟 The story draws heavily from traditional Chinese cultivation novels, where practitioners seek immortality through martial arts and spiritual advancement. 🌟 Mo Xiang Tong Xiu (MXTX) wrote the entire novel under a pseudonym, and her real identity remains private to this day, though she's known to be from Shanghai. 🌟 The book's adaptations include the highly successful TV drama "The Untamed" (2019), an animated series, an audio drama, and a manhua (Chinese comic), showcasing its cross-media appeal. 🌟 The author wrote the novel's 113 chapters plus extras in just four months, publishing daily updates that often exceeded 10,000 words per chapter.