In the Dark: Volume 3

In the Dark #3

by Jin Shisi Chai, Beans (Translator)

Mu Kun has returned. In the midst of the scramble to hunt down the feared drug lord, Xie Lanshan receives a sudden suspension from his post. He finally finds the answer to his persisting question, but the truth costs him everything. Shen Liufei leaves the country, and Xie Lanshan chases after him in desperation. A friend's disappearance coincides with an idol's kidnapping case overseas, and members of the Blue Fox make their appearance in the same country. Fueled by the desire to solve this case and reclaim his captain's honor, Chi Jin makes contact with the enemy in an attempt to break the stalemate. With the secret of his identity unveiled, only one thing remains that holds Xie Lanshan's spirit together. He must find out who killed his father.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, LGBT, Thriller, Ebooks, China, Fantasy

400 pages, Paperback

Published September 25, 2023

Reviews

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was a whole ass experience. I was so stressed coming into the final installment (cause I’m always scared of being disappointed) but I’m actually so happy with how it all came together in the end, which is strange cause the story was so nuts it shouldn’t have worked, but by the end of it I was like “yup sure, that makes total sense, how completely reasonable and not at all unhinged”

The first arc in this installment included Xie Lanshan and Shen Luifei investigating a human trafficking ring.

The finale arc of this story focuses on tying up the over-arching plot of Xie Lanshan and crime boss Mu Kun and the Blue Foxes.

While my enjoyment of this series was 5 stars, the quality of the translation means that I continue to be unable to give it perfect marks in good faith. That being said, I’m not sure if the translation improved over the books or if my brain just got used to it after 1200 pages but I didn’t find it as painful in this installment. Considering the length of the story as well it’s done an accomplished job with tying up loose ends and bringing plot points together.

The biggest surprise for me in this book was how sad I ended up being over Chi Jin’s story. Like I was all aboard the “fuck that bitch” express at the end of book 2 but book 3 was just a bit tragic for him.

This might be a mild spoiler, but for those who need to know before commencing and investing in a story this long, Xie Lanshan and Shen Luifei end up getting their HEA together and it (fucking somehow) makes total sense and actually is really satisfying. I’m glad that this version of the translation at least got to evade censorship laws and keep the spice in so they can let their freak flags fly lol.

[Queens Love Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“All roads lead to Rome, even for gods and demons; yet my desire for you is like a lone flame in the dark yearning for eternity.”



I've read In the Dark: Volume 3, and man!! That was intense! From the first chapter, the tension was sky-high with Mu Kun's return and the shocking revelations about Xie Lanshan's past—it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
Xie Lanshan’s identity being fully revealed brought so much depth to his character. His desperation for closure and the search for his father's killer made for a gripping emotional ride. And finally, his relationship with Shen Liufei gets the resolution we’ve been waiting for. Their dynamic, after all the chaos and hardship, felt so satisfying, despite the heavy shadows that still loomed over them.
What really got to me was the moral dilemma at the heart of Xie Lanshan’s story. If your memories aren’t truly yours, or if your body no longer feels like your own, are you still you? Xie Lanshan’s internal struggle with this question haunted his every choice, adding a deep, thought-provoking layer to his already complex journey.
The extras hit hard emotionally, especially one storyline that left me absolutely wrecked. I’m still processing everything. While some plot points felt a little too convenient, I’m really happy with how it all ended. This series is definitely one that sticks with you long after you finish the last page.

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that this series took me longer than normal to finish, I can say with conviction that the last bit of the book really took me by a storm. I couldn’t keep it down for a second. The book really did not shy away from all the cruel and sad parts of a cop novel. But the real blow was the extras. They truly ripped my heart apart. The chances missed and the what-ifs. Life truly is unfair. In the end, it made me think, did I feel truly happy at the end of the book?

[Helen (they or he) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is a bloody ordeal but this volume especially so. Of course, it's only appropriate that a series like this would end with a bang rather. I find myself unable to eloquently describe what I'm feeling right now. Upset? Sad? Glad? Anyway, this sure damn deserves the five star rating I'm giving it. The tension throughout the book was palpable. It's even more action-packed and blood-stained than the last two volumes. And the first extra made me cry. The other extras were extremely good as well. I wasn't expecting to see Xie Lanshan's past because I thought I've already see it. But damn did I need that last extra.

I guess it's annoying for most people because everything was so interconnected with a bunch of coincidences but honestly, that's what makes a book entertaining. They're main characters in a story, it only makes sense that every string would lead it back to them, either in the past or the future.

Also, my answer to "is the copaganda strong with this series?" is not really. Just your run of the mill "camaraderie is magic" thing. My answer to "is the Golden Triangle really like that?" is Yes. "Is Buddhism like that?" is No. Last but not least, "how do you feel about Xie Lanshan canonically speaking Burmese?" is a resounding "FUCK YEAH! FINALLY! YAY!"

I was really hesitant to read Lip and Sword by thr same author because of some other reviews but now, I think I'll have to read it for myself and see what it's made of since people deemed this series "too chinese for western audience to comprehend" which is just. Ugh. Yeah, sure, every book translated into English is made to cater USAmericans. I'll have to see that for myself.

[NiaKantorka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 star rounded down

This was a worthy finale of the three books even though I think by now this story was dragged out too long. For example Mu Kun could have shortened these books by a lot if he took one of the opportunities he’d had Xie Lanshan in his hands already.

As a cop drama this was way too fantastically, but I enjoyed the plot nonetheless. It felt more like a soap opera at times though. For example the brain surgery part felt unscientific like hell to me (signed, a reader with a medical background). That there was more than one case like this felt especially ridiculous and that those people each saved each other in a country with 1.4 billion people… see what I mean. Yes, I know it’s a fictional story and yet I can’t help it and compare this far-fetched story with Priest’s Silent Reading (MòDú / 默读) which had a more organic flow of storytelling to me (with equally gruesome crimes).

Yet, at times I couldn’t put this and the other two books of In The Dark down and I had to read huge chunks of them in one go. In this one I especially loved the extras. They put everything happening in the main story arc into a much better perspective.

I feel the need to rate this finale book in the series higher than the second one but won’t even though I enjoyed it a bit more. Too many things come to my mind that made me shake my head while reading (no, I won’t mention them at all because they’re all spoilers). I do plan to read the author’s other series that’s been translated into English because her writing style is definitely captivating.

[任煦涵 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly went back and forth between 4-5 stars. I still am not entirely sure, however, I overall enjoyed the series as a five star so that’s why I landed on this.

When I first started volume 3, I was kinda disappointed with the way Xie Lanshan’s secret was revealed. I thought it would be more… idk… climatic? Same with Shen Liufei’s secret. It was just kinda randomly revealed by the American surgeon.

But all in all, I did end up enjoying volume 3. I like the mc and the ml. Their interactions are sweet and so is the dedication and trust between one another.

[Ruby Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

oh my at last. I skipped the extras and will probably not return to them because in general I did not really enjoy the book. there are some really obvious inconsistencies and several unbelievable things, and to boot the smut was... not smutty at all, so I just don't understand what was the point in so many words? meh. at the same time, it wasn't really horrible and I think there are people, probably teenages, who will like it, so the overall stars are 3, which is my usual number for meh from me but not absolutely bad.

[siro · Rating 5 out of 5]

específicamente 4.7 pero bueno etc FUE LITERATURA 🚬🚬

[Zoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an improvement, but I wouldn’t reread this series.

However, I really liked the plot with the brain transplants, and Xie Lanshan’s crisis with not understanding if he was still a good person. It really demonstrated freedom of choice and that a person’s nature is entirely dependent on how they choose to behave. He is good because he wanted to be. That was a really nice lesson.

[pareidolia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The great finale - where the story tips from silly into utterly ridiculous. But because the twists are well set up and the emotional moments land, it still mostly works. And all ridiculousness aside - what was done to Xie Lanshan was cruel. I understand the reasoning behind the decision, but it's cruel nonetheless, and that comes through. I would've liked to learn more about Shen Luifei's side of the story, though, and I'm a bit sad that his job as a forensic sketch artist didn't have much impact on the plot. *Under the Skin* this is not, but I do give the book credit for two things: (1) Xie Lanshan actually does a few questionable things when at his lowest; nothing more disappointing than a character being advertised as morally gray, just to never ever actually do anything morally gray (Fei Du, I'm looking at you here). (2) Female characters are allowed to retaliate against their abusers and still get their happy-ever-after. I can't stress enough how much I appreciate this.

So, all in all this was an over the top, ludicrous, but nevertheless enjoyable ride, dragged down by a translation that got continuously worse as it went on.

[donutdot · Rating 5 out of 5]

final rating: ★★★★★

i think i have a soft spot for danmei extras. it's always (!!) the extras that get me. volume 3 ended with a bang, though i have to say, the ending (actually the while volume) was so rushed and could have been dragged out to a volume 4 or even 5.

(spoilers ahead!!)

Shen Liufei's amnesia arc lasted for like one chapter? if you're going to make him forget his lover, stick to it for awhile! milk the angst! instead it ended before it barely even made a dent in the plot. i also felt like the whole series built Mu Kun up to be this big bad who's a genius that escapes death, yet his actual demise was kind of dumb and happened way too easily and according to plan. i needed a lot more build up to that. i do like the blue fox team, but they were not it to be sacrificed for Mu Kun's death.

Chi Jin and Sui Hong's extra ended me. to see how they met when Chi Jin was saved as a kid to the present after Chi Jin's death when Sui Hong visits the village where his cough syrup was made and finding the drugs Chi Jin stole. it was PAIN to see Sui Hong breaking down at the end realising he was the only one Chi Jin really loved. PAIN. closure? none here.

Xie Lanshan finally getting some progress with his mother felt like a reward after getting through three volumes of her not recognising him. but Shen Liufei as the son-in-law!! fluff with angst!! ahhhhhh

anyone who reads danmei, read this!!

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series got better. Not a perfect novel, but I still loved the story. There were a few things I had to overlook but I absolutely loved the MC/ML. Since crime/murder/thriller stories aren’t my norm, I did not, particularly enjoy the descriptions of the crimes/murder victims but that was easy to skim over. Fast paced with nothing drawn out too long- overall, I loved it!

[kaylina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every temporary separation we face to discover the truth is proof of our bond—’ til death do us apart.”

this series was incredible. i absolutely need to make this statement very clear; it is a witty and dark character study with such well thought out mysteries, i loved every minute of it.

the romance, the action, the emotional character study of xie lanshan, the ruthless flaws of both our story’s heroes and its perceived antagonists—it was all such a rush to read through.

while previous volumes contained some action with a few adventurous scenes, this finale went all out and felt like a ticking time bomb that only increased the intensity even further with each doom that followed. i loved how everything that happens here was a rolling dice from way before the first volume even began, and the way the author played with the past to make for some very startling revelations in the present made her seem like an incredible genius in my eyes. but really, this is just the work of a strong writer who knows how to implement her twists without it simply being something done for shock factor.

this volume came with reveals that made everything that’s been happening previously feel even more daunting with a lot of important significance. in xie lanshan’s sincere wishes to discover who was behind his father’s death—a loss that’s been haunting him up to the day he attempted to follow his father’s path, he discovers how much more multi-faceted that loss can be. and how flawed it really is when it comes to stepping into a career that attempts to establish a line between those who are good and those who are bad, but really are people who are so much more, and are playing with fire that can burn them up completely.

xie lanshan himself—with a reveal that made this story so surreal, it’s hard to fully shape your thoughts around it—is like a monument of his own right, and he’s a character i will be thinking about for quite a long time. the other characters as well, including shen liufei, chi jin, mu kun, and ye shen—have gotten their own roles in the series that become even more startling in this finale and it was all an amazing picture. the bonus stories were probably my most favorites of all the danmei i’ve read because it all tied things together as closely to neatly as possible, i loved it a lot.

i love this series, and if there’s anything i can learn from it, it’s that i see it as a good luck for the rest of my reading year. it’s already started off with a perfect read and i’ll treasure that luck in the following months.

[Xantababy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll start with volume 1. The first book was okay. The build-up was there and it definitely caught my attention. The mystery plot was intriguing, with a lot of details hidden in the shadows, making it hard for the readers to guess what’s to come. Romance wasn’t quite there yet for the first book.

Now the second book was my fave out of all three volumes. The plot was so dark, extreme and exciting! I didn’t particularly enjoy reading the first crime scene. It was a bit too far-fetched for me. However, the rest after had my heart racing with suspense. I initially continued reading the second book as a read before hitting the sheets but it left me wide awake from the excitement and curiosity afterwards. Although the romance aspect for the couple have started at the start of the second book, I still found it abrupt. I honestly didn’t feel the chemistry between them as much as I did when I read the manhua. And that remained all throughout until the end of the main story. It’s unfathomable on how close they suddenly got when they barely interacted on an emotional level.

Disappointment hit me the hardest when I read the last book. The author seemed to be in a rush to end the novel. It all ended all too fast. With such a long plot build-up, I would have thought the ending would be mind-blowing, but no. Something was missing that I couldn’t pinpoint. The dots weren’t well-connected and the chemistry just wasn’t there from the start to the end. The contradictions stopped me from getting deep into it. Instead of drowning myself in the story, I kept on floating back up. I didn’t feel emotional for the main story and did so for the extras, which was quite ironic.

I do have to admit that maybe because I read the manhua first, it took away all the excitement I should have felt while reading the novel.

[سیما تقوی · Rating 4 out of 5]

جلد سوم رو هم بالاخره خوندیم و پرونده سه‌گانه در تاریکی بسته شد!
تجربه جالبی بود از ژانر جنایی چینی با المان‌های علمی-تخیلی (خیلی کم و بیشتر در حوزه پزشکی) و البته بی‌ال(دان‌می)/برومنس بسیار!
سه‌گانه، داستان جذابی داشت و خواننده را دنبال خودش می‌کشاند. اینطور که من هر جلد را عملا طی یک شبانه‌روز خواندم و اصلا کتاب را زمین نگذاشتم و برای اولین‌بار، کیندل من باطری تمام کرد چون نزدیک ۲۰ساعت روشن بود!
یکی از مشکلاتی که من با کتاب داشتم وجود شخصیت‌های بسیار و اسامی خیلی زیاد و پرداختن به پیشینه و پس‌زمینه تک تک این شخصیت‌ها بود که شاید در ادبیات چین یک امر عادی باشد، اما برای خواننده بین‌الملل قطعا گیج کننده بود و شباهت اسامی، که بعضا باید چند صفحه برمی‌گشتم و چک می‌کردم این شخصیتی که نویسنده در موردش صحبت می‌کند کدام یکی بود؟
شخصیت‌ها بخوبی طراحی شده بودند و پیشینه معقولی داشتند هرچند در بعضی قسمتهای بخصوص فصل۳، یک سری ابهامات عجیب غریبی بود که نویسنده توضیح چندانی راجع به آنها نداده بود و یا شاید هم این جریانات، در حین پروسه ترجمه از چینی به انگلیسی یا گم شده بود، یا لطفی که باید را دیگر نداشت چون برگردان از زبانی به زبان دیگر همیشه یک مقداری از هیجان و مزه متن اصلی را قربانی می‌کند، بهایی که مترجم برای ترجمه متن اصلی به زبان مادری خود، با وجود تجربه و مهارت بالا در ترجمه، باز هم مرتکب می‌شود و امری اجتناب‌ناپذیر است زیرا این جریان، ارتباط مستقیم به تفاوت فرهنگی دو زبان و ملت دارد و گاها توضیح بعضی مسائل معمول فرهنگی به زبان دیگر، امری محال است.
این مجموعه یک مانگا/مانهوا هم دارد که متاسفانه فقط ۴ قسمت آن ترجمه شده و الباقی تنها به زبان چینی قابل دسترس است و قدری با داستان کتاب، تقاوت دارد و حدود ۳سال پیش هم سریالی از این مجموعه تهیه شده (تنها در ۱۴ قسمت که خودش گویای شدت سانسور متن اصلی‌ست) که خدا می‌داند کی و چه وقت و چطور، مسئولین تصمیم به پخش آن خواهند گرفت!

[r0lan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a whole, In the Dark wasn't as captivating as I thought it sounded. Sure, at first I was drawn into the story since I do enjoy my crime/detective plots, but InD felt like a lackluster, mainly from deductions and how the author ends each case.

As a whole, I did enjoy the MCs and their interaction. Volume 2 shone the most imo and I was extremely satisfied with it. The way the story ends was mid to my eyes.

I appreciate it got licensed and translated too -- thank you! I don't regret buying it. However I either have a problem with the authors writing style or the translation of it... it doesn't resonate for me. The way its paced wasn't too bad, but the way scenes got discribed, or a few questionable scenarios had me question how much research was involved haha

At the end, InD wasn't a bad story. But it wasn't exactly a wow story either. If you manage to get through Vol1, at least try to get througj Vol2 before you decide to drop it or not imo.

Perhaps it would have been an interesting drama series, but then again it has been 4yrs since they finished filming and theres still no news about it lol

Would I recommend this series? Hmm, I would give it a go tbh. I personally won't hype this series up since I do find it kinda mid.

As a whole, In the Dark gets a 3☆ out of 5☆.
If we are talking on a scale of 1-10, it would be a 5/10 series.

[Shyam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In the Dark" is a captivating blend of action, mystery, and deep psychological exploration across its three volumes. It follows the dynamic partnership between Xie Lanshan, a complex cop grappling with internal psychological conflicts, and the enigmatic Shen Liufei. Both characters are brilliantly written – smart, strong, and their developing connection is truly compelling.

The story expertly weaves together intriguing cases with Xie Lanshan's personal journey of self-discovery and mental health struggles. The author does a commendable job portraying serious themes like trust issues and the psychological toll on those in demanding roles.

Fans of Priest's "Silent Reading" will likely find the character dynamics and chemistry between Xie Lanshan and Shen Liufei resonates, offering a similar feel of brilliant minds working together and a powerful central relationship.

While the pacing has its ebb and flow, the sufficient details and strong character portrayals make for a thoroughly engaging read.

Overall, a highly recommended series for anyone looking for a smart, character-driven mystery with psychological depth and a fantastic central duo.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is the traitor from the Flaming Triangle Liu Yanbo or Tao Jun? Who was really the one helping Mu Kun all those years ago and who caused Xie Lanshans fathers death? Who is Xie Lanshan REALLY.. and who is Shen Liufei? All questions are answered in the last book.

Again some of the writing left something to be desired BUT after I finished this series I can honestly say that the story lived in my head for days. The fanfic potential is 100% there. The story itself is fantastic. Disregarding some of the cringe worthy 'love scenes' I was hooked to the mystery aspect of these books. Everything does interconnect and the characters you thought you knew, you find out you didn't. Sui Hong is the only one is has kept faith in Lanshan after all is out in the open. I suppose you can attribute that to the fact that Hong is the one who let everything concerning Lanshan happen. The Blue fox play a bigger part in this book and we kind of see a shift in loyalties with some members. Chi Jin is still a little shit but I do feel for him. Tao Longyue is finally standing up for his brother and I've been waiting for SOMEONE to besides Shen Luifei to be there for our boy. My god the way everyone just turned their backs on him. Mu Kun is still obsessed with Xie but what happens when he finds out that his object of affection is now in the body of Ye Shen?

All in all I liked this series. Again I just wish the writing had been a little smoother in some areas and that the romance was better written and fleshed out as an actual relationship. I would have given this a 3.5 rating if I could have but the way the storyline and twists lived me after I left the books behind just made that hard to do. With a rewrite this could be a FANTASTIC series but as is it just lacks a little fine tuning. I would still recommend to a friend to read even if mostly for the thriller/mystery aspect.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book series was the most wild ride I have ever been on in my entire life. Just when you think you have all the pieces lined up you just get sucker punched with another thing. I had a great time though really. Some absolutely unrealistic and wild times but still really entertaining. It all came together so well in this final book and I’m so pleased with how everything turned out in the end. I really couldn’t have asked for a better end to this story.

[slvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOS AMO EUEGEHHWJSJ LOS AMARÉ SIEMPRE.

mis únicas quejas son:

1. a veces, la narración no me dejaba llorar muy bien porque cambiaban rápido de escena
2. el final de Mu Kun pudo haber sido mejor, sentí más shock cuando lo estaban buscando en Tailandia.


por el resto, me pareció súper entretenido, y me gustaron los casos, la pareja me encanta, y la historia también, esto solo es mi punto de vista después de todo, pero en verdad son muy extrañables y bonitos<33

[Eiey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just want to know what happened to this story?
The build up for Book 1 and Book 2 was good and the story went downhill in Book 3. The plot are messy with lack of explanation, some case was not proper explain and the and the ending just meh. The only part that I like are Lanshan and Liufei dynamic.

[Kristen Hoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of entire series:
The characters, relationships and overarching plot kept me reading and wanting more. But many major events and scene changes felt rushed. There were many times I accepted that I was “along for the ride” because events concluded or emerged with so little build up I thought I had skipped pages.

[ㅤmelli ꧔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ᨳ᭬ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ࿐ྂ

“All roads lead to Rome, even for gods and demons; yet my desire for you is like a lone flame in the dark yearning for eternity.”

I never thought i’d like this Series so much. It's such a shame i rarely hear about it because it's so good.

I highly recommend this series, but only for mature Audience!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

woah, what a ride! I'd say it was even better that the 2nd book, however, I feel like some things were way too convenient for the narrative but, at the same time, the whole story was like that so since the beginning so... yeah, still pretty enjoyable :)

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series had so many crazy twists and turns. It was like a rollercoaster ride. The plot was definitely out there at times but it sure was entertaining. I liked our leads and rooted for their happiness. Book 2 was my favorite of the series tho.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can say with certainty that this volume was probably the best one out of the three. But, I still feel like the overall series was bogged down with many “logical” discrepancies. Regardless, I enjoyed my time reading it. This was a good novel.

[Rose Aini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me awhile to finish but it is still a good read.

[molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

perhaps im a xie lanshan apologist

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My feelings...

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

20/10