A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. Maas
by Casualfarmer
Jin Rou dies only to wake up in the body of a low-level martial artist in a dangerous world of arrogant masters and lethal spiritual power. Having no interest in the bloody, ego-driven path of cultivation, he flees to the remote mountains to pursue a quiet existence as a simple farmer. He wants nothing more than to till his fields, build a home, and enjoy the peace of rural life.
However, the universe has other plans. By accidentally feeding high-grade spirit herbs to his pet rooster, Jin unintentionally imbues the bird—and his other livestock—with extraordinary awareness and martial prowess. His attempts to live an ordinary life are further complicated by Meiling, a formidable cultivation prodigy who finds herself drawn to his farm and his infuriatingly calm demeanor.
As their prickly, slow-burn dynamic shifts from suspicion to genuine connection, Jin discovers that his "simple" life is attracting the very attention he tried to escape. Balancing the demands of his supernatural farm animals with his growing feelings for Meiling, Jin must navigate the absurdities of a world that refuses to let him retire in peace. It is a heartwarming tale of finding purpose outside of power.
YoungDimitriMr. Miyagi meets Old MacDonald! One of the best LitRPGs of all time!!!
"Like the title says, it's a cultivator story about a man from Earth re-incarnated into the body of a cultivator on another xianxia (cultivation-based) planet that is vaguely reminescent of medieval China. He flees the corrupt cultivation sect his host body belonged to (the "other guy" was accidentally beat to death by the golden boy of the clan) to become a farmer in the most remote location he can find. His desire to live a quiet life, away from the constant drive for power that most cultivators pursue, wins him some amazing friends, and intriguing enemies. His farm animals actually start to develop cultivator abilities, and have hilarious anime-inspired monologues, but that's not what I love best about this series. I love this author, and this story, because the main character finds power in virtue. Not in trampling other people's lives, stealing all their treasure, killing everything in sight, and taking everything he can get his hands on. He seeks to live a quiet virtuous life, works hard to improve the lives of his neighbors, and live like a decent person, and power flows to him naturally, of his own accord, without any compulsory means. This book restates something our society has lost: that influence can be won by virtue, through the respect others give you because they know that you will love, support, and care for them. And it is not preachy, or overstated. Just a simple guy with his HILARIOUS farm animals trying to carve out a farm on the edge of civilization who, unsurprisingly, finds himself surrounded by ever more competent and caring people who are drawn to his optimism, strong work ethic, and respect for the needs of others. Super fun, great plot pacing, hilarious jokes! Can't recommend this enough! Stop reading this review, and go download it! I preferred the Audible version, as the narrative did a top notch job!!! ["
March 7, 2024 Verified Purchase
jonNot your typical Xianxia
"First off, I absolutely DESPISE xianxias. They're always so dumb because the only thing that keeps the plot moving forward is the concept of "honor"to the point of destruction. "You dishonored my 14th cousin by looking at him funny? Bloodfeud until your entire family line is erased". So stupid. This is not that. It's a light hearted slice of life cultivation story set in a world with xianxia elements. As in the protagonist lives in a world where that stupid trope lives, and wants nothing to do with it. The story is light hearted, fun, and funny. The protagonist is a goofball that wants to have fun and is trying to live his best life and has a positive impact on the people and animal around him. It's a very fun read, and several parts of this book have made me grin like an idiot. There's some combat, some romance, and a lot of puns and goofiness. Highly recommended if you enjoy a fun read without all the blood and morose topics. ["
June 18, 2024 Verified Purchase
Terri RathbunReally? Beware of Chicken?! BELIEVE THAT!👍
"Haha, here I am, a 61 year old grandma reading and truly enthralled in this story! I admit that my reading choices are very eclectic but I've never been "into" gaming or anime. When I saw the book cover, I figured it was anime related and perhaps my 13 year old niece would enjoy reading it. I only intended to read the sample to make sure it was "appropriate" for a mature 13 year old, it is. No smarmy sex scenes and only a few "F" bombs. So yeah, after the "sample" I was sucked into Xianxia Land!😃 This is truly a new "style" of story than I usually read but, it's exciting, funny, and well written. There were a few places I felt a bit confused about what was happening or who was "narrating", but things became clear as I continued reading. I'm looking forward to starting book 2 of 3! I give props to Casualfarmer on your Debut Series! I wish you continued success in your writing career, I hope you pursue it further. However, if teaching is your passion, I pray your dream comes true. Readers... Give this book a go, I hope you enjoy it ,💕 as much as I am!🤓📖 ["
November 4, 2023 Verified Purchase
Blue HorizonMore like this, please!
"We have already established that I am easily sucked in by any book with a chicken on the cover. But add in the word "chicken" in the title plus reviews that class it both as "slice-of-life" and optimistic comfort reading? I really didn't stand a chance. I did have to look up both the terms "Xianxia" and "Cultivation" to figure out what genre I was reading (a new one to me), but I loved this book so much. Was it predictable? I mean, yes, a little, but that's a feature not a bug. There is value in a book where good triumphs humbly, consistently, lovingly, compassionately. It never got boring. I was always interested and engaged. I loved the characters, especially the non-human ones, I loved the story lines. I just loved all of it. I would like more, please. ["
September 25, 2022 Verified Purchase
Sarah J. Maas
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