Song of Adolescence

A broken prince, a shadowy scheme, all that amidst a bloody fight for a throne wrongly succeeded. Join a group of youngsters as they take their first steps into the martial world, towards the grandest adventure of their lives. It all begins in a certain inn, set against verdant mountains and facing a scenic lake. “Bring us your finest wine and best meat!” Yelled a hulking man who seemed to be the leader of the dozen strong group. “How much?” The waiter anxiously nodded his head. “As much as you have!” The hulking man yelled back. “That’s…” “HUH?” The hulking man shot the waiter a furious glare. “Dear guests, our inn operates on the principle of ‘pay first, dishes later’. As such, it will be better if you tell us exactly how much meat and wine you need.” Xiao Se returned their furious stares with a thin smile. “Who are you supposed to be?” The hulking man eyed him with bulging eyes. “This humble one is known as Xiao Se, the owner of this inn, the Fallen Snow Villa.” Xiao Se replied with the same smile and with a level of courtesy worth a solid 12/10. “Well, we have no money.” The hulking man stabbed his blade into one of the nearby tables. “Oh?” “But I’m sure you have some!” The man pointed his finger at Xiao Se. At that, Xiao Se furiously shook his head. “I’m sorry to break it to you but our little inn hasn’t made a single sale in almost a month. I’m about to owe them salaries myself…” “Like hell if I care!” The hulking man smashed his palm down on the table. “Even if you have no money, that fur coat of yours should at least be worth a hundred odd silvers.” “NONSENSE!” Yelled Xiao Se, eyes wide open and gaze as sharp as daggers. The hulking man was stunned, his body even shivering involuntarily for that split second. “I, Xiao Se, ride only the finest horse and wear only the richest threads! This fur coat of mine was specially sewn by some of the finest seamstresses in the imperial capital in the August Threads. Just sewing it took three whole months, shipping it, another one. Hmph, a hundred silvers? That’s not even enough to buy the sleeves of my coat!”

Original Publisher

8kana

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Song of Adolescence "Song of Adolescence" is a wuxia adventure that I found myself thoroughly enjoying, despite a few hiccups along the way. This story of youth, brotherhood, and martial arts prowess had me hooked from the beginning, even if it stumbled a bit in its execution. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the dynamic between the main characters, especially Xiao Se, Wuxin, and Lei Wujie. Their interactions are a refreshing blend of comedy and genuine camaraderie. The world-building is also quite impressive, immersing you in ancient China with its rich culture and complex political landscape. I can definitely see why so many readers are captivated by this novel. ### What Works Well The strength of "Song of Adolescence" lies in its characters. Xiao Se, in particular, stands out as a compelling protagonist with a mysterious past and a sharp wit. The author does a great job of creating distinct personalities, each with their own motivations and backstories. The action scenes are also well-written, and the plot is engaging enough to keep you invested. Many have praised the translation efforts that make this novel accessible to a wider audience, with many cultural and poetic references being translated and explained well. ### Areas of Concern While the novel has many strengths, it's not without its flaws. I felt that the plot sometimes meandered, losing focus on the main storyline. Some readers have pointed out that the story favors certain characters, like Lei Wujie, at the expense of others, leading to an uneven distribution of attention. The ending, while complete, may feel anticlimactic and rushed for some, especially after the build-up of Xiao Se's character arc. There are also a lot of characters to keep track of which can be confusing. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers have expressed disappointment with the ending, specifically regarding Xiao Se's decision to not pursue the throne and the revival of a character whose death was a significant emotional moment. This seemed to cheapen the impact of the story for some. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "Song of Adolescence" is a worthwhile read for fans of the wuxia genre. The engaging characters, rich world-building, and themes of youth and brotherhood make it a memorable experience. Just be prepared for a slightly uneven plot and an ending that may not satisfy everyone. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and immersive adventure.