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Beware of Chicken #5
Beware of Chicken 5
A laugh-out-loud, slice-of-life martial-arts fantasy about . . . farming????
Jin Rou wanted to be a cultivator. A man powerful enough to defy the heavens. A master of martial arts. A lord of spiritual power. Unfortunately for him, he died, and now I’m stuck in his body.
But I think he’d like how things are turning out.
So much happened last year! The battle at the Dueling Peaks, the revelation at the Azure Hills, and the calamity that damaged them. But most important? I became a father. It’s hard and stressful at times, but I’ve got an entire family for support. And yes, some of its members have feathers or fur. (Big D is very good at lullabies.)
Anyway, spring awaits, and I find myself optimistic. I wish for a long, peaceful year for everyone. Even Gramps, the cultivator who took Rou in after his parents died. He cared enough to write me a letter so I hope my return message finds him well.
Though I’m probably never going to see him again. After all, Rou was just a random kid he picked up on a whim. He can’t be that interested in me . . . Right?
The fifth volume of the blockbuster progression-fantasy series—with more than 20 million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
Jin Rou wanted to be a cultivator. A man powerful enough to defy the heavens. A master of martial arts. A lord of spiritual power. Unfortunately for him, he died, and now I’m stuck in his body.
But I think he’d like how things are turning out.
So much happened last year! The battle at the Dueling Peaks, the revelation at the Azure Hills, and the calamity that damaged them. But most important? I became a father. It’s hard and stressful at times, but I’ve got an entire family for support. And yes, some of its members have feathers or fur. (Big D is very good at lullabies.)
Anyway, spring awaits, and I find myself optimistic. I wish for a long, peaceful year for everyone. Even Gramps, the cultivator who took Rou in after his parents died. He cared enough to write me a letter so I hope my return message finds him well.
Though I’m probably never going to see him again. After all, Rou was just a random kid he picked up on a whim. He can’t be that interested in me . . . Right?
The fifth volume of the blockbuster progression-fantasy series—with more than 20 million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
408 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
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December 3, 2025Decently good but very short...
Overall I did like the book, I think it's a great addition to the series. I was looking forward to this book since it was a little bit over a year since the last one. But I would say the author is beyond ridiculous to make us wait a whole year, a WHOLE YEAR for a book that's only 255 pages. That's just. If we have to wait a little bit longer for a longer book than cool, we'll wait. But 250 pages ain't it. The last book was 700 plus, and the books before that were 500 plus. A 200 Page book is almost a slap in the face. Now if this was the last book in the series I could probably give the offers some Grace but that doesn't seem to be the case. But at the end of the day don't let me stop you from reading the book, it's definitely worth the read!
Overall I did like the book, I think it's a great addition to the series. I was looking forward to this book since it was a little bit over a year since the last one. But I would say the author is beyond ridiculous to make us wait a whole year, a WHOLE YEAR for a book that's only 255 pages. That's just. If we have to wait a little bit longer for a longer book than cool, we'll wait. But 250 pages ain't it. The last book was 700 plus, and the books before that were 500 plus. A 200 Page book is almost a slap in the face. Now if this was the last book in the series I could probably give the offers some Grace but that doesn't seem to be the case. But at the end of the day don't let me stop you from reading the book, it's definitely worth the read!
December 3, 2025
it takes so loooonnngg
Damn it, I finished it too fast. How long until book 6 is published?!? I know I can read ahead on that other web page, but…
Truly the best non-cultivation cultivation book.
Damn it, I finished it too fast. How long until book 6 is published?!? I know I can read ahead on that other web page, but…
Truly the best non-cultivation cultivation book.
December 3, 2025
Deeply Satisfying
This book covers Gramps coming to visit, to the Dandelions.
In my memory that's nothing, but on the page it's 36 chapters. Okay only about 280 pages... but that's not nothing. Took me 16 hours to read. Of coarse I inhaled it like a bag of chips.
After trying to get through several books lately that just didn't move me I started to wonder if it was maybe me that was the problem. Then Chicken comes out and I spent the whole day reading with real joy. I guess books this good aren't an everyday thing.
This book covers Gramps coming to visit, to the Dandelions.
In my memory that's nothing, but on the page it's 36 chapters. Okay only about 280 pages... but that's not nothing. Took me 16 hours to read. Of coarse I inhaled it like a bag of chips.
After trying to get through several books lately that just didn't move me I started to wonder if it was maybe me that was the problem. Then Chicken comes out and I spent the whole day reading with real joy. I guess books this good aren't an everyday thing.
December 4, 2025
Nothing happens in this book. The plot is literally just the friends we made along the way.
December 5, 2025
fun
The family is on the farm and Grandfather arrives. He gets impressed by everyone. Everyone grows a little. They decided they needed to go out in the world and make the Azure Hills a heaven on earth. So everyone but a few depart on their own adventures. Book ends.
It was a good installment. No world growth, but the stage is now set for other stories to be told. Some character growth. Author is juggling a large number of characters now, all with main character energy. Book is more slice of life filler than plot driven novel. Good pacing. Still a fun story. I look forward to the next one. Please enjoy!
The family is on the farm and Grandfather arrives. He gets impressed by everyone. Everyone grows a little. They decided they needed to go out in the world and make the Azure Hills a heaven on earth. So everyone but a few depart on their own adventures. Book ends.
It was a good installment. No world growth, but the stage is now set for other stories to be told. Some character growth. Author is juggling a large number of characters now, all with main character energy. Book is more slice of life filler than plot driven novel. Good pacing. Still a fun story. I look forward to the next one. Please enjoy!
August 26, 2025
Probably my favorite book in the series so far, so many awesome emotional moments along with the wonderful slice of life we all know and love.
December 3, 2025
Beautiful and touching
This book of this ongoing series is all about families. Found, blood, chosen, or just plain lucked into, family is the theme.
*Spoiler Alert! Some minor spoilers ahead.)
*
*
*
At the beginning, the Rou clan/sect all come together on the Fa Ram. Even Gramps, the celebrated, nearly eternal cultivator joins, along with assorted girlfriends, boyfriends, merchants, and allies. Eventually, most leave on group quests to unite the Azure Hills (most of the younger disciples, plus Tigu's suitor and sworn brothers from the last book), in search of demonic cultivators and influence (Gramps and Bi De), as well as some returning home to Moon Lake City.
The merchant team continue their quest for Jin in search of rare ingredients and plants. They also drop off the last of the 3 Sisters (maize) in three cool varieties.
The very last chapter is about Meiling's mother, Liling, and her tragically short life.
In-between chapters detail the machinations of some of the bad guys, as well as some minor characters. I love how the Magister's son is so much like him! Stoic and responsible on the outside, panic attacks in private on the inside.
Overall, I say it deserves a full 10 out of 10 Dragons!🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉
Excellent character development, outstanding world-building, no typos, wonderful storytelling. I am very much looking forward to the next book. Since I devoured this one in the first few hours it was out...
Definitely goes in the reread pile!
This book of this ongoing series is all about families. Found, blood, chosen, or just plain lucked into, family is the theme.
*Spoiler Alert! Some minor spoilers ahead.)
*
*
*
At the beginning, the Rou clan/sect all come together on the Fa Ram. Even Gramps, the celebrated, nearly eternal cultivator joins, along with assorted girlfriends, boyfriends, merchants, and allies. Eventually, most leave on group quests to unite the Azure Hills (most of the younger disciples, plus Tigu's suitor and sworn brothers from the last book), in search of demonic cultivators and influence (Gramps and Bi De), as well as some returning home to Moon Lake City.
The merchant team continue their quest for Jin in search of rare ingredients and plants. They also drop off the last of the 3 Sisters (maize) in three cool varieties.
The very last chapter is about Meiling's mother, Liling, and her tragically short life.
In-between chapters detail the machinations of some of the bad guys, as well as some minor characters. I love how the Magister's son is so much like him! Stoic and responsible on the outside, panic attacks in private on the inside.
Overall, I say it deserves a full 10 out of 10 Dragons!🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉
Excellent character development, outstanding world-building, no typos, wonderful storytelling. I am very much looking forward to the next book. Since I devoured this one in the first few hours it was out...
Definitely goes in the reread pile!
December 5, 2025
I really love this series and it's ability to make you fall in love with all the characters while telling a meaningful story about cultivators. It really does something that every book I have read claiming to be like it has failed at every time.
The book takes the tones of the first and second books in its light heartedness and reduced fighting. There is no dark undertones or evil threats that need to be eliminated immediately. It is mostly the characters reflecting on their lives and moving forward in their plans.
This book mainly centers around Jin's gramps as he goes through the stages of accepting the life his adopted son leads. I truly wish this book were longer but it still captures that magic that the first 2 books had.
The book takes the tones of the first and second books in its light heartedness and reduced fighting. There is no dark undertones or evil threats that need to be eliminated immediately. It is mostly the characters reflecting on their lives and moving forward in their plans.
This book mainly centers around Jin's gramps as he goes through the stages of accepting the life his adopted son leads. I truly wish this book were longer but it still captures that magic that the first 2 books had.
September 17, 2025
(Read on Royal Road)
I appreciate the greater ambition with this last arc, but it's delving more into the traditional xianxia novel territory rather than the grounded, half-satirical/half-reverent, tone of the first few books.
I appreciate the greater ambition with this last arc, but it's delving more into the traditional xianxia novel territory rather than the grounded, half-satirical/half-reverent, tone of the first few books.
December 9, 2025
This isn’t slice of life, this is a recap episode we waited a year for.
Literally NOTHING happens. NOTHING.
Slice of Life doesn’t mean nothing happens. It means the story focuses more on the personal dynamics with characters, character growth, and usually some kind of building element whether it’s a homestead, a city, a business empire, or a literal empire.
There is none of that in this book. The vast majority of this book consists of having a guest at the farm and seeing his impressions of the gang and what they’ve built. This is like watching an entire, in-depth, 40-episode series on a complex home renovation, and then having the next 10-episodes consisting of us watching another person react to it.
So maybe this isn’t Slice of Life anymore, it’s a new subgenre called reaction to the subgenre of slice of life which is a subgenre of progression fantasy which is a subgenre of power fantasy which is a subgenre of fantasy.
Joking aside, I have no doubt there exists a market for this, and I’m sure other reviewers will reflect this. To me this book has no elements of any real story, and lacks the tropes of even the slice of life genre at this point. It’s basically like one of those old recap episodes TV shows used to do back in the day, just one of the ones where they weave in some present-day narrator to tie it all together. We waited a year for this book, for all of 300ish pages of a recap episode.
All my crying doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s just that it is now wholly clear to me that am not the market for this series.
Literally NOTHING happens. NOTHING.
Slice of Life doesn’t mean nothing happens. It means the story focuses more on the personal dynamics with characters, character growth, and usually some kind of building element whether it’s a homestead, a city, a business empire, or a literal empire.
There is none of that in this book. The vast majority of this book consists of having a guest at the farm and seeing his impressions of the gang and what they’ve built. This is like watching an entire, in-depth, 40-episode series on a complex home renovation, and then having the next 10-episodes consisting of us watching another person react to it.
So maybe this isn’t Slice of Life anymore, it’s a new subgenre called reaction to the subgenre of slice of life which is a subgenre of progression fantasy which is a subgenre of power fantasy which is a subgenre of fantasy.
Joking aside, I have no doubt there exists a market for this, and I’m sure other reviewers will reflect this. To me this book has no elements of any real story, and lacks the tropes of even the slice of life genre at this point. It’s basically like one of those old recap episodes TV shows used to do back in the day, just one of the ones where they weave in some present-day narrator to tie it all together. We waited a year for this book, for all of 300ish pages of a recap episode.
All my crying doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s just that it is now wholly clear to me that am not the market for this series.
December 6, 2025
Hard one to rate here. The book is solid, a good visit with our favorite characters. And it is slice-of-life as a series. But, it's just a check in with the characters. They advance some plans and .... I guess the next book is them actually doing their plans. It makes some amount of sense, and the quality is still good, although i admit on the audio I'm starting to lose track of who is who sometimes. A bit too many characters on the stove these days, and it looks like it'll get worse.
Note, shorter then normal, below even the norm for a regular book, PLUS the last chunk is stories about other people. Related, yes, of course, but that means you spend very little time with your favorite(s), whomever they are.
Note, shorter then normal, below even the norm for a regular book, PLUS the last chunk is stories about other people. Related, yes, of course, but that means you spend very little time with your favorite(s), whomever they are.
December 6, 2025
Best Xianxia, spoof and straight
I love these books so very much. Casualfarmer brings humor and heart to a world of magic. Stories and characters are complex, kindness is not expected, but is deeply rewarded, and things turn out well because the characters have the conviction and willingness to work for it. I think it started as a spoof and the premise is excellent, but there’s so much more than playing with a genre for the fun of it. It became its own world without losing sight of the meaning in the original premise: what do we gain by leaving the earth to fight the heavens when everything worth fighting for is right at home?
I love these books so very much. Casualfarmer brings humor and heart to a world of magic. Stories and characters are complex, kindness is not expected, but is deeply rewarded, and things turn out well because the characters have the conviction and willingness to work for it. I think it started as a spoof and the premise is excellent, but there’s so much more than playing with a genre for the fun of it. It became its own world without losing sight of the meaning in the original premise: what do we gain by leaving the earth to fight the heavens when everything worth fighting for is right at home?
December 6, 2025
The end story made me cry
Good book. This was a really good return to true slice of life. The whole story felt like it took place in a few days, but it was more than that. The book didn't really focus on the farming. It was more about the relationships. Also the founding of the fellowship lol. Still, the epilogues and end short story were eye openers. They gave a hint of what is to come. I really liked them. I also enjoyed the time spent on the farm and how everyone grew. I am looking forward to more books in the series.
Good book. This was a really good return to true slice of life. The whole story felt like it took place in a few days, but it was more than that. The book didn't really focus on the farming. It was more about the relationships. Also the founding of the fellowship lol. Still, the epilogues and end short story were eye openers. They gave a hint of what is to come. I really liked them. I also enjoyed the time spent on the farm and how everyone grew. I am looking forward to more books in the series.
December 9, 2025
Book 5
If you’re reading this… why?
Surely you’ve read the books in order. There is no need to wonder if the book will be good or not. The only question is when is the next one available.
Seriously the book is amazing. Gramps does not disappoint. Oh and he knows who the crazy old lady is.
If you’re reading this… why?
Surely you’ve read the books in order. There is no need to wonder if the book will be good or not. The only question is when is the next one available.
Seriously the book is amazing. Gramps does not disappoint. Oh and he knows who the crazy old lady is.
December 6, 2025
A perfect slice-of-life adventure!
This book was just perfect! It was awesome slice-of-life adventure in the Azure Hills, giving everyone a breather before they start their different quests! And with the arrival of lill' D everyone had plenty of time to get to know one another better. Even Shen Yu, Jin Rou's estranged grandfather had time to reacquaint himself to Jin Rou and meet the family!
And yes you don't wanna miss this book! Get it sit back, relax and let the Qi flow!
This book was just perfect! It was awesome slice-of-life adventure in the Azure Hills, giving everyone a breather before they start their different quests! And with the arrival of lill' D everyone had plenty of time to get to know one another better. Even Shen Yu, Jin Rou's estranged grandfather had time to reacquaint himself to Jin Rou and meet the family!
And yes you don't wanna miss this book! Get it sit back, relax and let the Qi flow!
December 7, 2025
This story never disappoints!
Every book in this series is a joy to read! There is such an earnest sweetness that I have rarely found in any other Lit/RPG series. I recommend heading over to Royal Road to check out more of the story if you haven’t caught up already and don’t want to wait for the next book. I also love the audio book version of this series.
Every book in this series is a joy to read! There is such an earnest sweetness that I have rarely found in any other Lit/RPG series. I recommend heading over to Royal Road to check out more of the story if you haven’t caught up already and don’t want to wait for the next book. I also love the audio book version of this series.
December 9, 2025
another excel installment
This book really leans into character development and mainly focuses on the interpersonal interactions between the characters. Not a lot of action, but still superbly written.
This book really leans into character development and mainly focuses on the interpersonal interactions between the characters. Not a lot of action, but still superbly written.
December 23, 2025
Worth the wait. My only criticism is not having another book in the series to binge yet. The thing that stood out to me about this book was the way the characters all grapple with the concept of mortality in different and colorful ways. Really an outstanding series for wuxia fans.
December 7, 2025
terrific new instalment
I thoroughly enjoyed this new book in the series. I would recommend this series to anyone who is on the fence about starting it. I’m excited for the next story since this one ended with an expectation of interesting new adventures.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new book in the series. I would recommend this series to anyone who is on the fence about starting it. I’m excited for the next story since this one ended with an expectation of interesting new adventures.
December 8, 2025
Solid entry. Bit slower, but overall really good and set the ground for the future.
December 19, 2025
Like the last one, but more setup.
4.5 🌟
4.5 🌟
December 16, 2025
Even though the book is half the size of any of the other books, I felt like there was more that got accomplished on it, particularly compared to book 4.
The side stories at the end were quite fulfilling as well.
The side stories at the end were quite fulfilling as well.
December 5, 2025
Loved the book!
I still like the main characters and the characters that they interact with. I actually love this entire series. This was a quiet story of people getting together and setting up things for the next book. I loved the interludes at the end.
I still like the main characters and the characters that they interact with. I actually love this entire series. This was a quiet story of people getting together and setting up things for the next book. I loved the interludes at the end.
December 3, 2025
The best slice of life series
Such a refreshingly wonderful series. The story of all the characters is a wonderful one and I smile at every antic, simple yet beautiful interaction and the love that is woven into a tale that focuses on healing from pain through friendship, food and farming.
Such a refreshingly wonderful series. The story of all the characters is a wonderful one and I smile at every antic, simple yet beautiful interaction and the love that is woven into a tale that focuses on healing from pain through friendship, food and farming.
December 4, 2025
Another great addition to this series.
My favorite series. My only complaint is that it ended, and I have to wait another year for the next one. I follow this author on Patron , and while the content is worth subsribIng, it lacks the fullness of the novels.
My favorite series. My only complaint is that it ended, and I have to wait another year for the next one. I follow this author on Patron , and while the content is worth subsribIng, it lacks the fullness of the novels.
December 5, 2025
Fantastic Character arcs
Another fine feathered feature for beware of chicken series! We get to know more about Shen Yu, get to spend more time with characters interacting, and overall get a calm before the next storm hits Fa Ram. Definitely not as much action in this one.
Another fine feathered feature for beware of chicken series! We get to know more about Shen Yu, get to spend more time with characters interacting, and overall get a calm before the next storm hits Fa Ram. Definitely not as much action in this one.
December 3, 2025
Why does a book about a chicken make me so hapoy?
And it's not even a cookbook! This series never fails to impress me with how well written the family is. What an incredible inspiration and source of joy.
And it's not even a cookbook! This series never fails to impress me with how well written the family is. What an incredible inspiration and source of joy.
December 3, 2025
Sadly even great books end
Another great story, glad to have read it sad it ended. Fortunately the plot left the ability and need to continue. I share preserve and endeavor to wait for the next book I the series.
Another great story, glad to have read it sad it ended. Fortunately the plot left the ability and need to continue. I share preserve and endeavor to wait for the next book I the series.
December 5, 2025
Great continuation
Really enjoyed the story and looking forward to the next continuation. I also read the alternative version on Royal Road (I think) it was funny but I missed the chicken 🐔
Really enjoyed the story and looking forward to the next continuation. I also read the alternative version on Royal Road (I think) it was funny but I missed the chicken 🐔
December 4, 2025
Another fine tale
Not much in the way of battles in this entry, but a very fun, low stakes journey of life in the farm with many guests. This story seems to be setting up an epic tale and i already impatient for book 6.
Not much in the way of battles in this entry, but a very fun, low stakes journey of life in the farm with many guests. This story seems to be setting up an epic tale and i already impatient for book 6.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews