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Kaleidoscope of Death #2
Kaleidoscope of Death Vol. 2
It started off peculiarly; first, his domestic cat refused to let him cuddle it.
Lin Qiushi soon found that a sense of disharmony and incongruity began to pervade everything around him.
Then, one odd day, he pushed open a door, and he discovered that the hallway he was familiar with turned into a boundless corridor.
At both ends of this corridor were twelve, identical iron gates.
Thus, the story began.
Lin Qiushi soon found that a sense of disharmony and incongruity began to pervade everything around him.
Then, one odd day, he pushed open a door, and he discovered that the hallway he was familiar with turned into a boundless corridor.
At both ends of this corridor were twelve, identical iron gates.
Thus, the story began.
400 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2025
12 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
西子绪
47 books9 followersAssociated Names:
* Xi Zi Xu (English)
* 西子绪 (Simplified Chinese)
* 西子緒 (Traditional Chinese)
* ซีจื่อซวี่ (Thai)
* Xi Zi Xu (English)
* 西子绪 (Simplified Chinese)
* 西子緒 (Traditional Chinese)
* ซีจื่อซวี่ (Thai)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 1, 2025
4.25/5☆
December 13, 2025
“If I have to walk through another doorway, so be it. Not like I can do anything to stop it, right?”
Sharp, eerie, and smartly constructed, this novel pulls you into a world where horror isn't just lurking in shadows—it’s layered into the fabric of every room, every memory, every silence between two people. The pacing moves confidently through three arcs that each build on the last: a controlled spiral of dread, manipulation, and emotional pressure. Just when you think you’ve figured out the rules, the story shifts gears, revealing new dimensions that deepen the unease and sharpen the intrigue. It's thoughtful horror—never cheap, never rushed.
What really stuck with me is the relationship between Ruan Nanzhu and Lin Qiushi. Their connection is quiet but potent, built on dry humor, deep trust, and a kind of subtle emotional rhythm that’s rare to see done well. It’s not loud or dramatic, but you feel the weight of it in small gestures and shared looks. Ruan Nanzhu’s understated protectiveness and Lin Qiushi’s grounded steadiness complement each other perfectly. The chemistry simmers—controlled but electric. No overexplanation, no forced romance. Just two people moving through nightmare after nightmare with an ease and reliance that says everything.
The cover design deserves a quick mention: eerie, minimal, and totally fitting. And the dust jacket? Gorgeous. This isn’t a book for readers chasing jump scares or obvious twists. It’s for those who enjoy psychological tension, clever horror, and character-driven narratives with slow, deliberate reveals. If you’re into stories that mess with your head while quietly breaking your heart, this one delivers.
Date Read: 2025.10.11
Sharp, eerie, and smartly constructed, this novel pulls you into a world where horror isn't just lurking in shadows—it’s layered into the fabric of every room, every memory, every silence between two people. The pacing moves confidently through three arcs that each build on the last: a controlled spiral of dread, manipulation, and emotional pressure. Just when you think you’ve figured out the rules, the story shifts gears, revealing new dimensions that deepen the unease and sharpen the intrigue. It's thoughtful horror—never cheap, never rushed.
What really stuck with me is the relationship between Ruan Nanzhu and Lin Qiushi. Their connection is quiet but potent, built on dry humor, deep trust, and a kind of subtle emotional rhythm that’s rare to see done well. It’s not loud or dramatic, but you feel the weight of it in small gestures and shared looks. Ruan Nanzhu’s understated protectiveness and Lin Qiushi’s grounded steadiness complement each other perfectly. The chemistry simmers—controlled but electric. No overexplanation, no forced romance. Just two people moving through nightmare after nightmare with an ease and reliance that says everything.
The cover design deserves a quick mention: eerie, minimal, and totally fitting. And the dust jacket? Gorgeous. This isn’t a book for readers chasing jump scares or obvious twists. It’s for those who enjoy psychological tension, clever horror, and character-driven narratives with slow, deliberate reveals. If you’re into stories that mess with your head while quietly breaking your heart, this one delivers.
Date Read: 2025.10.11
November 11, 2025
quite enjoyed this volume. A quickish read and the main relationship is plodding along quite well. I wish the "doors" were scarier as the stories and solutions seemed a bit predictable and I didn't really get a sense of danger for the MC. I'm still really enjoying it and looking forward to the next volume.
October 15, 2025
I felt so scared in that last door 😣😣
December 31, 2025
Finished before new years 🎉
3.5⭐ rounded up because I'm really enjoying the atmosphere and the creepy worlds beyond the doors. It's like a bunch of escape room survival horrors within one larger escape room survival horror and I'm here for it. This would make a really fun anime or video game.
3.5⭐ rounded up because I'm really enjoying the atmosphere and the creepy worlds beyond the doors. It's like a bunch of escape room survival horrors within one larger escape room survival horror and I'm here for it. This would make a really fun anime or video game.
November 8, 2025
4.5. I wouldn't have thought a series could so perfectly mix horror and gore, and comedy and fluff. I can't wait for the rest.
July 15, 2025
my [redacted] reading habits make it hard to use this but i want my stupid reading challenge to go up and all i’ve been reading is danmei so … i really can’t get enough of this world or these characters!!! such a compelling story and the horror/tension is such a huge draw for me—the author really manages to keep it alive and genuinely creates some terrifying moments!! the protagonist’s halo is super strong BUT i’m not opposed to it because otherwise i would genuinely be constantly fearing for his life. i really love how his character is written too. i love kindness that doesn’t go above reason and generosity but not to the point of self destruction! add slight unhingedness and you have the ideal guy ^^
October 26, 2025
”A pleasant warmth spread throughout his body at the thought of being trusted by another wholeheartedly.”
This is still really enjoyable. And please, the characters are so funny, even when surrounded by all the morbid stuff. We still know very little about the characters themselves, especially Ruan Nanzhu. We’re getting closer to the halfway mark and will be expecting more going forward. The action has slowly been building, and the story behind every door is still solid, but I’m lacking character development. Since we’ve almost reached door seven now, I’m also expecting there to be less “unexpected hints” to save them at the last minute.
This is still really enjoyable. And please, the characters are so funny, even when surrounded by all the morbid stuff. We still know very little about the characters themselves, especially Ruan Nanzhu. We’re getting closer to the halfway mark and will be expecting more going forward. The action has slowly been building, and the story behind every door is still solid, but I’m lacking character development. Since we’ve almost reached door seven now, I’m also expecting there to be less “unexpected hints” to save them at the last minute.
October 11, 2025
spooky, giving me chills at night
November 23, 2025
I love KoD. Not one bad/boring chapter. ∞/10, can't wait for vol.3 & 4.
September 22, 2025
lqs still dumb as hell
August 18, 2025
door 4: rain woman
door 5: sachiko's song
door 6: slenderman
door 5: sachiko's song
door 6: slenderman
November 24, 2025
chicooos si estaban todos los volumenes aca en goodreads no sabiaaaa
December 5, 2025
the slenderman genuinely scared me
December 8, 2025
Still a load of fun, but the misogyny gets tiring :/
December 22, 2025
4.8/5 🌟
The weather was actually a bit warm, so two grown men snuggling together should have been hot and stinky. But Ruan Nanzhu exuded a faint fragrance that was refreshing and not feminine. It was the first time that Lin Qiushi had smelled it.
He couldn't help himself. "Mengmeng, you smell really good."
Ruan Nanzhu said, "It must be..."
"Hm?"
"The smell of a virgin."
Lin Qiushi rolled his eyes. If I didn't know your package was bigger than mine, I might have actually believed that. Virgin fragrance? God be damned.
In the end, Lin Qiushi never figured out why Ruan Nanzhu smelled so good. But that didn't matter; Ruan Nanzhu was his personal sleeping pill. Lin Qiushi fell asleep almost instantly. He blinked, and it was morning.
Me: (≖⩊≖)Teehee
Also me: (੭ ˊ^ˋ)੭ ♡
🔹🔹🔹
Just when you thought it couldn't get any creepier and you can't get more creept out, think again! The amount of creepy that happened in this book is insane... But why is it so good?? Σ(°△° ꪱꪱꪱ)
We got to see more insane worlds. More banter. More flirting. More cross dressing! Wait— what? Yes, and now it's not just our king of drag, he's making his cute boy dress up too and I'm so excited for this next arc!! Lololol ꉂ(˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵)
I was a little sad at some moments because it felt like Ruan Nanzhu was ready to just be cold and leave our Qiushi out in the dust. Spending time with others; acting really cold to him, but then you get surprised because you're again reminded just how special he treats him.
(*´▽`*)❀.
Qiushi is a very interesting character because we don't really get to see a whole lot of his personal feelings and comes across as someone with only apathy and sometimes fear. We don't see things like anger, jealousy, and greed. I think as we have slowly seen very sweet and vulnerable sides of himself emerge, we will be able to see those more negative and raw emotions come out. I look forward and am SO excited to see those emotions pop up... Hopefully they will. Both protagonist are such a ride to read, I can't get enough of their moments together!
Other times we see Qiushi's sadness, like when his fur baby Chestnut won't snuggle with him, and even at the end seeing one of the twins freaking out over his brother almost dying. We saw a pang in Qiushi's heart. (•̯́ ^ •̯̀)
And then there's times that we see him bipanic!
₍₍⚞(˶˃ ꒳ ˂˶)⚟⁾⁾
Like the quote below:
🔹🔹🔹
"No? I'm not attractive enough, then?" Ruan Nanzhu stepped upto Lin Qiushi, his towering figure and imposing presence creating immense pressure.
Lin Qiushi wanted nothing more than to step back but ultimately resisted the urge. "That's n-not what I meant. It's just... I'm not used to it."
*Okay." Ruan Nanzhu said. "So, do you prefer Zhu Meng or me?"
Lin Qiushi blinked dumbly. Aren't you the same person? What kind of question is that?
"So?"
Lin Qiushi's survival instincts gave him the answer. He suppressed his emerging honesty and calmly replied, "Of course, I prefer you, boss."
Only then did Ruan Nanzhu show a faint smile. Lin Qiushi breathed a sigh of relief.
🔹🔹🔹
This boy be checking out Ruan Nanzhu and blushing and it's the cutest f***ing thing ever! Hehehehe. (,,¬﹏¬,,)
I'm scared of what's to come. I'm scared now that they mentioned a veteran that was close to RNZ having died at level 9. How much closer can the two be close to death? Qiushi nearly died TWICE in this volume... What about RNZ... I fear for him. He's still human and all of these people are living on borrowed time. ( TДT)
_(°:з」∠)_
The weather was actually a bit warm, so two grown men snuggling together should have been hot and stinky. But Ruan Nanzhu exuded a faint fragrance that was refreshing and not feminine. It was the first time that Lin Qiushi had smelled it.
He couldn't help himself. "Mengmeng, you smell really good."
Ruan Nanzhu said, "It must be..."
"Hm?"
"The smell of a virgin."
Lin Qiushi rolled his eyes. If I didn't know your package was bigger than mine, I might have actually believed that. Virgin fragrance? God be damned.
In the end, Lin Qiushi never figured out why Ruan Nanzhu smelled so good. But that didn't matter; Ruan Nanzhu was his personal sleeping pill. Lin Qiushi fell asleep almost instantly. He blinked, and it was morning.
Me: (≖⩊≖)Teehee
Also me: (੭ ˊ^ˋ)੭ ♡
🔹🔹🔹
Just when you thought it couldn't get any creepier and you can't get more creept out, think again! The amount of creepy that happened in this book is insane... But why is it so good?? Σ(°△° ꪱꪱꪱ)
We got to see more insane worlds. More banter. More flirting. More cross dressing! Wait— what? Yes, and now it's not just our king of drag, he's making his cute boy dress up too and I'm so excited for this next arc!! Lololol ꉂ(˵˃ ᗜ ˂˵)
I was a little sad at some moments because it felt like Ruan Nanzhu was ready to just be cold and leave our Qiushi out in the dust. Spending time with others; acting really cold to him, but then you get surprised because you're again reminded just how special he treats him.
(*´▽`*)❀.
Qiushi is a very interesting character because we don't really get to see a whole lot of his personal feelings and comes across as someone with only apathy and sometimes fear. We don't see things like anger, jealousy, and greed. I think as we have slowly seen very sweet and vulnerable sides of himself emerge, we will be able to see those more negative and raw emotions come out. I look forward and am SO excited to see those emotions pop up... Hopefully they will. Both protagonist are such a ride to read, I can't get enough of their moments together!
Other times we see Qiushi's sadness, like when his fur baby Chestnut won't snuggle with him, and even at the end seeing one of the twins freaking out over his brother almost dying. We saw a pang in Qiushi's heart. (•̯́ ^ •̯̀)
And then there's times that we see him bipanic!
₍₍⚞(˶˃ ꒳ ˂˶)⚟⁾⁾
Like the quote below:
🔹🔹🔹
"No? I'm not attractive enough, then?" Ruan Nanzhu stepped upto Lin Qiushi, his towering figure and imposing presence creating immense pressure.
Lin Qiushi wanted nothing more than to step back but ultimately resisted the urge. "That's n-not what I meant. It's just... I'm not used to it."
*Okay." Ruan Nanzhu said. "So, do you prefer Zhu Meng or me?"
Lin Qiushi blinked dumbly. Aren't you the same person? What kind of question is that?
"So?"
Lin Qiushi's survival instincts gave him the answer. He suppressed his emerging honesty and calmly replied, "Of course, I prefer you, boss."
Only then did Ruan Nanzhu show a faint smile. Lin Qiushi breathed a sigh of relief.
🔹🔹🔹
This boy be checking out Ruan Nanzhu and blushing and it's the cutest f***ing thing ever! Hehehehe. (,,¬﹏¬,,)
I'm scared of what's to come. I'm scared now that they mentioned a veteran that was close to RNZ having died at level 9. How much closer can the two be close to death? Qiushi nearly died TWICE in this volume... What about RNZ... I fear for him. He's still human and all of these people are living on borrowed time. ( TДT)
_(°:з」∠)_
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews