Mo Dao Zu Shi (Vol. 1)

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation #1 / 5

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER! Also known as MDZS, the blockbuster danmei/Boys’ Love novels from China that inspired comics, animation, and the live-action series The Untamed--which amassed billions of views, including on Netflix!

This historical fantasy tale of two powerful men who find each other through life and death is now in English, for the very first time.

Wei Wuxian was once one of the most outstanding men of his generation, a talented and clever young cultivator who harnessed martial arts, knowledge, and spirituality into powerful abilities. But when the horrors of war led him to seek a new power through demonic cultivation, the world's respect for his skills turned to fear, and his eventual death was celebrated throughout the land.

Years later, he awakens in the body of an aggrieved young man who sacrifices his soul so that Wei Wuxian can exact revenge on his behalf. Though granted a second life, Wei Wuxian is not free from his first, nor the mysteries that appear before him now. Yet this time, he'll face it all with the righteous and esteemed Lan Wangji at his side, another powerful cultivator whose unwavering dedication and shared memories of their past will help shine a light on the dark truths that surround them.

This Chinese xianxia fantasy novel series built around the romanticized love between two men (danmei) has been translated into numerous languages and spawned a multimedia franchise that has taken the globe by storm, including the massively popular live-action series The Untamed available now on Netflix, YouTube, and more. The Seven Seas English-language edition will include exclusive, all-new cover art from Jin Fang (jinzillaa), interior illustrations from Marina Privalova (BaoshanKaro), and a translation by Suika (yummysuika) with editor Pengie (pengiesama).

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Fantasy Wuxia

Release date: December 14, 2021 (Seven Seas)

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Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù’s name has become synonymous with compelling, deeply emotional storytelling that resonates across genres, cultures, and fandoms. Known for weaving intricate plots with heart-wrenching romance and dynamic characters, her work has taken the global literary scene by storm, especially in the world of Chinese web novels. With a talent for fusing rich historical settings with magical realism, her stories are both timeless and distinctly contemporary.

While Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù is perhaps best known for her popular works Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) and Tian Guan Ci Fu (Heaven's Official Blessing), her journey as a writer is rooted in a long-standing love of storytelling. Drawing inspiration from a blend of Chinese mythology, traditional folklore, and classic literary themes, her work touches on subjects of morality, love, sacrifice, and redemption. Whether set in fantastical worlds where cultivation magic is the norm or in settings where gods walk among mortals, her stories are both imaginative and deeply relatable.

What sets Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù apart in the realm of fantasy and romance is her ability to craft characters who are flawed, complex, and, above all, human. Through her protagonists and their journeys, readers encounter narratives about overcoming adversity, navigating relationships, and ultimately finding peace in a chaotic world. Themes of acceptance, identity, and belonging are threaded throughout her works, drawing fans not only for their captivating plots but for the emotional depth they evoke.

Her writing style is one that delicately balances humor with heartache, delivering moments of lightness even in the midst of heavy, weighty themes. In her stories, romance isn't just about attraction; it's about the quiet strength found in companionship, the healing that comes from trust, and the power of love to mend even the deepest wounds. This dynamic blend of genres, characters, and emotional undercurrents is why her works have found such a dedicated following—her stories invite readers into worlds where they can see themselves reflected, where they can hope, grieve, and triumph right alongside her characters.

Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù’s influence extends far beyond the pages of her novels. Her works have inspired adaptations into multiple formats, including anime, manhua (Chinese comics), and live-action series, expanding her reach to an even wider audience. She has become a central figure in the Chinese web novel scene, revered for her contributions to the genre and celebrated for her ability to tell stories that bridge the gap between the fantastical and the profoundly human.

Through every plot twist and each character arc, Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù creates worlds that are at once fantastical and achingly real, where love, loyalty, and self-discovery drive the heart of the narrative. As she continues to write, her influence only grows, leaving an indelible mark on both readers and the literary world as a whole. In the vast landscapes she crafts, every reader is sure to find a place to belong, and a story worth coming back to time and time again.