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| The Ultimate Blue Seal |
The main thing about The Ultimate Blue Seal is to trust the summary. I was so vexed when I started reading because the synopsis didn't adequately explain the sci-fi nature of the setting or story or accurately depict other characters and the romance. It's a confusing novel right off the bat, which might lead some to drop it after the first ten chapters, but I cannot stress this enough: keep that simplistic little summary in mind and keep reading. If you do, you'll begin to understand that this novel, its entire point, and purpose, is a character study and depiction of the main character's life with all its ups and downs. Everything else is background noise. That doesn't mean the plot isn't engaging, the romance isn't achingly sweet, or there aren't several other secondary characters who aren't exciting and fun; this book has all those things and more. But it's essential to see that everything that happens takes place to drive the main character into corners or get him out of them. That's how most write a story. Still, it feels different and more specific in Zhongji Lanyin, which does affect the reading experience and leads to initial confusion for both myself and, I think, other readers.
That being said, this novel is impressive. From a technical standpoint, Silent Reading is my favorite work by Priest, but The Ultimate Blue Seal might have beaten it out from a purely emotional one. Su Qing is an exquisite main character - how could he turn out not to be with so much focus and care paid to him, honestly - and everything he does feels precise and well thought out. Whether or not I agreed with his choices or his grudges or emotions, I fully understood them, so I could love him even if I didn't necessarily like him all the time. The side characters are unforgettable too, but honestly, get ready for a lot of pain on that front. And Hu Bugui, our ML, oh! What a grandiose match he made with Su Qing. His upstanding nature and devotion to Su Qing were heartbreaking and sweet, especially considering all the initial hardships he caused Su Qing that brought such disparity in their relationship, and his deep emotionality was an excellent counterpoint to Su Qing's carefully cultivated analytical mindset. His awkward but well-meaning behavior made me cringe a lot, but in a way that endeared him to me all the more. Those two deserved their happy ending - I'm so thankful they got it!
Is this a perfect novel? No. It's not one of Priest's finest works, talking from a prevalent viewpoint. Still, it deserves a lot more recognition for the incredible character development the author explored and utilized here, especially considering (in my opinion) that is the whole point of the book! I highly recommend The Ultimate Blue Seal, which comes from someone who doesn't usually enjoy even a hint of sci-fi in her books!
Latest chapter: COMPLETE
Related series: Itinerant Doctor (Spin-Off)
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