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Little Wolf in the Storm: Volume 1
To the rest of the world, Zheng Xiaolang and Lei Wenhe are admirable Zheng Xiaolang is a handsome bachelor, an accomplished cultivator, a beloved sect leader, and the dutiful teacher of some adoring disciples; and Lei Wenhe is the selfless healer with the only cure to the mysterious “Golden Core Turns Black” disease. But both of them harbor dangerous secrets. In Lei Wenhe’s case, it’s that he wants to kill Zheng Xiaolang.
When the object of his revenge shows up on his doorstep looking to hire his services, Lei Wenhe thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to enact his plan. Unfortunately, though Zheng Xiaolang flirts nonstop and undoubtedly wants to be the first one to break down Lei Wenhe’s emotional walls, he’s much more paranoid than Lei Wenhe ever expected. The more he struggles to gain his enemy’s trust, the more he’s pulled into Zheng Xiaolang’s world of political tension, war, demons, and disease.
When the object of his revenge shows up on his doorstep looking to hire his services, Lei Wenhe thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to enact his plan. Unfortunately, though Zheng Xiaolang flirts nonstop and undoubtedly wants to be the first one to break down Lei Wenhe’s emotional walls, he’s much more paranoid than Lei Wenhe ever expected. The more he struggles to gain his enemy’s trust, the more he’s pulled into Zheng Xiaolang’s world of political tension, war, demons, and disease.
493 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2026
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5 ☆ My first xianxia book. Yay!
First things first, I enjoyed this book so so much, I even had a dream about it. The world building is brilliant. The author did a terrific job at describing every detail, very fluid, and very well written. I was trasported many times to this wonderful land. I was enthralled by the characters, the ambiance, the aesthetic, ... completely captivated. So much that I'm going to read the book again.
Lei Wenhe, the grieving excelent master healer with his agenda (of revenge), and Zheng Xiaolang, the talented expert prodigy cultivator... these are not one dimensional character at all. There's depth in our MCs in every aspect. They learn, they grow, they rise to power to avenge their family, they have multitudes.
Chen Tian, Xie Huiyan, Lai Liu, are some of amazing side characters that stick our protagonists along the way, also my favorites. The villains and antagonists are so interesting, too, they make it rough for Xiaolang and Wenhe. Every little detail is wonderfully written and connected. The build-up of the plot had me devouring the pages.
- Side note: If one is afraid one might get confused or forgetful because one thinks it'll be a lot to remember, Worry Not! Because I was sure I'd get confused or I'd forget a few of the names and characters, but I'm going to be completely honest... it didn't happen, quite the opposite. And the reason for that was that I was Way too absorbed by the plot for the doubting to even take place. I was having way too much fun to not remember, ykwim? There's like 15 to 20 characters, but there's also context and little specific details, and that makes it easier to associate and connect things (hence one won't forget or confuse so easily). So, what are you waiting for? There are no excuses. Go read this awesome book! (If you feel like it.)
What took me by surprise* was how hard and how fast Xiaolang fell over Wenhe. I was not expecting Zheng Xiaolang to go that deep so fast. It just makes Xiaolang more fascinating and endearing. And So Cute. The "selang" rep ("selang" translates to "charming and seductive") he's got is just for show, that man is a ro-man-tic. Let'sjust say, he has a heart, and it's on Wenhe's hand.
*(when reading a book, going with No Expectations whatsoever makes it easier to enjoy, in my experience. Specifically, reading as a hobby or for entertaintment.)
I have too many highlighted quotes, so I'll only share a couple of them. (I had edit myself cause I had around 10 favorites).
1- This happens around the beginning, it's insta-love from the start, our boy doesn't even know what hits him. 👇
- Zheng Xiaolang: "Lei Wenhe was an enigma, but he was an enigma that Zheng Xiaolang wanted to be the first to understand."
2- This scene was fun. And hot. We see the always reserved, collected, guarded Lei Wenhe accidentally teasing and provoking, seducing Zheng Xiaolang. He's in his hating Zheng Xiaolang phase. Which actually doesn't fully stop, but there were moments where one could tell that he still hated him, yes, BUT he hates him less... ❤️. So, Zheng Xiaolang is in his private hot spring, just chilling, relaxing... When:
There was a knock at the door. Zheng Xiaolang rubbed at his face harder.
-“I already have a robe,” he said. “You can just leave the clothing at the door.”
-“It’s me.”
He stilled. His head lifted.
- “Come in.” Lei Wenhe entered. He was in the black robe the innkeeper had provided. It was thinner than Zheng Xiaolang had expected, and it clung to the moisture on Lei Wenhe like it was a second skin. Lei Wenhe’s hair was down, and the robe seemed like it had been put on in a hurry—it was falling off one of his shoulders, exposing the entirety of his collarbone and some of his chest, and it hadn’t been tied properly, so the majority of one of his legs was visible in the gap between the fabrics. Zheng Xiaolang’s mouth went dry.
- “Lei Wenhe. Are you seducing me right now?”
Lei Wenhe’s eyebrows came together. He looked down at himself, then back at Zheng Xiaolang, and his lips parted. (...).
-“I—”
-“I’m not opposed.” Zheng Xiaolang flashed what he knew was his most charming smile and gestured at the water he was in. “Please, come join me. There’s plenty of room.”
Lei Wenhe took a small step backward.
- “I…” It was the first time Zheng Xiaolang had seen him so flustered. He was like a little deer facing off against a wolf, unsure of whether he should run or stay frozen in place and unsure how to settle on either one.
-“I just…”
- “I won’t bite too hard.” Zheng Xiaolang was still smiling. (...) “Unless you want me to, that is.” But now, Lei Wenhe standing in front of him like this, coming into Zheng Xiaolang’s private bath room fully aware of Zheng Xiaolang’s state of dress, making no effort to make himself look at all collected like he usually was—and especially after Zheng Xiaolang had seen him so delicately vulnerable, (...)".
(For context, Lei Wenhe went to Zheng Xiaolang's room to take care of his wounds - as if he needed help, The great healer needs help to care of his wounds?... okay... So basically, he walks in Xiaolang’s room to ask for help, almost undressed, his robe is loose and his showing off his shoulders and legs, and his hair is down!? Poor Xiaolang, and he's been saying that he had "displayed remarkable self-control"...)
Spoiler-alert:
Also check out the titles of these chapters:
CHAPTER ** - He had a very slender waist.
CHAPTER ** - Are you seducing me right now?
CHAPTER ** - Maybe I'm a romantic.
CHAPTER ** - Maybe a kiss would make it better.
(It's extremely obvious who's the MC that we're seeing here, right? It's our beloved Zheng Selang! Oops... I mean, Zheng Xiaolang. He's always teasing Lei Wenhe like that. The 1st and 3rd are from his thoughts though, he does not said those two at loud.)
Bonus quotes:
-“Try it. If it doesn’t work, I’ll prostrate myself at your feet.”
-“If you want to prostrate yourself at my feet, I won’t stop you.” “If that’s what will get you to accept my advances, I’m willing to give it a try.”
(Using "prostrate your/myself at your/my feet" as an expression was a genius move. I definitely did not expected this. Obviously, these happen between our beloved MCs.)
I can't wait for next volume! This was great! This author is great! It made laugh, it made me gasp, I was on the edge of my seat. Great book!
First things first, I enjoyed this book so so much, I even had a dream about it. The world building is brilliant. The author did a terrific job at describing every detail, very fluid, and very well written. I was trasported many times to this wonderful land. I was enthralled by the characters, the ambiance, the aesthetic, ... completely captivated. So much that I'm going to read the book again.
Lei Wenhe, the grieving excelent master healer with his agenda (of revenge), and Zheng Xiaolang, the talented expert prodigy cultivator... these are not one dimensional character at all. There's depth in our MCs in every aspect. They learn, they grow, they rise to power to avenge their family, they have multitudes.
Chen Tian, Xie Huiyan, Lai Liu, are some of amazing side characters that stick our protagonists along the way, also my favorites. The villains and antagonists are so interesting, too, they make it rough for Xiaolang and Wenhe. Every little detail is wonderfully written and connected. The build-up of the plot had me devouring the pages.
- Side note: If one is afraid one might get confused or forgetful because one thinks it'll be a lot to remember, Worry Not! Because I was sure I'd get confused or I'd forget a few of the names and characters, but I'm going to be completely honest... it didn't happen, quite the opposite. And the reason for that was that I was Way too absorbed by the plot for the doubting to even take place. I was having way too much fun to not remember, ykwim? There's like 15 to 20 characters, but there's also context and little specific details, and that makes it easier to associate and connect things (hence one won't forget or confuse so easily). So, what are you waiting for? There are no excuses. Go read this awesome book! (If you feel like it.)
What took me by surprise* was how hard and how fast Xiaolang fell over Wenhe. I was not expecting Zheng Xiaolang to go that deep so fast. It just makes Xiaolang more fascinating and endearing. And So Cute. The "selang" rep ("selang" translates to "charming and seductive") he's got is just for show, that man is a ro-man-tic. Let'sjust say, he has a heart, and it's on Wenhe's hand.
*(when reading a book, going with No Expectations whatsoever makes it easier to enjoy, in my experience. Specifically, reading as a hobby or for entertaintment.)
I have too many highlighted quotes, so I'll only share a couple of them. (I had edit myself cause I had around 10 favorites).
1- This happens around the beginning, it's insta-love from the start, our boy doesn't even know what hits him. 👇
- Zheng Xiaolang: "Lei Wenhe was an enigma, but he was an enigma that Zheng Xiaolang wanted to be the first to understand."
2- This scene was fun. And hot. We see the always reserved, collected, guarded Lei Wenhe accidentally teasing and provoking, seducing Zheng Xiaolang. He's in his hating Zheng Xiaolang phase. Which actually doesn't fully stop, but there were moments where one could tell that he still hated him, yes, BUT he hates him less... ❤️. So, Zheng Xiaolang is in his private hot spring, just chilling, relaxing... When:
There was a knock at the door. Zheng Xiaolang rubbed at his face harder.
-“I already have a robe,” he said. “You can just leave the clothing at the door.”
-“It’s me.”
He stilled. His head lifted.
- “Come in.” Lei Wenhe entered. He was in the black robe the innkeeper had provided. It was thinner than Zheng Xiaolang had expected, and it clung to the moisture on Lei Wenhe like it was a second skin. Lei Wenhe’s hair was down, and the robe seemed like it had been put on in a hurry—it was falling off one of his shoulders, exposing the entirety of his collarbone and some of his chest, and it hadn’t been tied properly, so the majority of one of his legs was visible in the gap between the fabrics. Zheng Xiaolang’s mouth went dry.
- “Lei Wenhe. Are you seducing me right now?”
Lei Wenhe’s eyebrows came together. He looked down at himself, then back at Zheng Xiaolang, and his lips parted. (...).
-“I—”
-“I’m not opposed.” Zheng Xiaolang flashed what he knew was his most charming smile and gestured at the water he was in. “Please, come join me. There’s plenty of room.”
Lei Wenhe took a small step backward.
- “I…” It was the first time Zheng Xiaolang had seen him so flustered. He was like a little deer facing off against a wolf, unsure of whether he should run or stay frozen in place and unsure how to settle on either one.
-“I just…”
- “I won’t bite too hard.” Zheng Xiaolang was still smiling. (...) “Unless you want me to, that is.” But now, Lei Wenhe standing in front of him like this, coming into Zheng Xiaolang’s private bath room fully aware of Zheng Xiaolang’s state of dress, making no effort to make himself look at all collected like he usually was—and especially after Zheng Xiaolang had seen him so delicately vulnerable, (...)".
(For context, Lei Wenhe went to Zheng Xiaolang's room to take care of his wounds - as if he needed help, The great healer needs help to care of his wounds?... okay... So basically, he walks in Xiaolang’s room to ask for help, almost undressed, his robe is loose and his showing off his shoulders and legs, and his hair is down!? Poor Xiaolang, and he's been saying that he had "displayed remarkable self-control"...)
Spoiler-alert:
Also check out the titles of these chapters:
CHAPTER ** - He had a very slender waist.
CHAPTER ** - Are you seducing me right now?
CHAPTER ** - Maybe I'm a romantic.
CHAPTER ** - Maybe a kiss would make it better.
(It's extremely obvious who's the MC that we're seeing here, right? It's our beloved Zheng Selang! Oops... I mean, Zheng Xiaolang. He's always teasing Lei Wenhe like that. The 1st and 3rd are from his thoughts though, he does not said those two at loud.)
Bonus quotes:
-“Try it. If it doesn’t work, I’ll prostrate myself at your feet.”
-“If you want to prostrate yourself at my feet, I won’t stop you.” “If that’s what will get you to accept my advances, I’m willing to give it a try.”
(Using "prostrate your/myself at your/my feet" as an expression was a genius move. I definitely did not expected this. Obviously, these happen between our beloved MCs.)
I can't wait for next volume! This was great! This author is great! It made laugh, it made me gasp, I was on the edge of my seat. Great book!
January 14, 2026
5 Poison Or Soup Stars
⭐
ARC Read: 13/12/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you Adik Graves for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
💙 MM Slow Burn
🖤 Danmei Fantasy
🤍 Xianxia
⚔️ Enemies To Lovers
😠 One-Sided Hatred
💙 Secret Identities
😉 One-Sided Flirting
🖤 Unrequited Lust
😈 Forced Proximity
🛏 Only One Bed & Only One Tent ⛺️
🤍 Jealousy & Possessiveness
💛 "You'll protect me."
🤨 Healer x Sect Leader 😁
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever 🐕
🥵 Slutty Little Waists
😏 Simping
❤️🩹 Taking Care Of Eachothers Injuries
🧨 Washing & Brushing Hair
💦 Obsessed With Hot Springs
💙 Loves To Read Historical Books
🌄 Lots Of Traveling
👹 Fighting Demons
🏹 Bonding Expirences
🗡 Stabby Agenda
♟️Revenge Plot
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
⚔️ Political Strife
🌈 Queernormative World
🤍 White-Haired Immortals
❤️🩹 Intriguing & Mysterious Storyline
💙 HFN/Cliffanger (Volume 1/4)
ARC Read: 13/12/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you Adik Graves for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
💙 MM Slow Burn
🖤 Danmei Fantasy
🤍 Xianxia
⚔️ Enemies To Lovers
😠 One-Sided Hatred
💙 Secret Identities
😉 One-Sided Flirting
🖤 Unrequited Lust
😈 Forced Proximity
🛏 Only One Bed & Only One Tent ⛺️
🤍 Jealousy & Possessiveness
💛 "You'll protect me."
🤨 Healer x Sect Leader 😁
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever 🐕
🥵 Slutty Little Waists
😏 Simping
❤️🩹 Taking Care Of Eachothers Injuries
🧨 Washing & Brushing Hair
💦 Obsessed With Hot Springs
💙 Loves To Read Historical Books
🌄 Lots Of Traveling
👹 Fighting Demons
🏹 Bonding Expirences
🗡 Stabby Agenda
♟️Revenge Plot
🖤 Morally Grey Characters
⚔️ Political Strife
🌈 Queernormative World
🤍 White-Haired Immortals
❤️🩹 Intriguing & Mysterious Storyline
💙 HFN/Cliffanger (Volume 1/4)
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"The healer was sitting up in Zheng Xiaolang’s bed, his face anxious. In those underclothes—Zheng Xiaolang’s underclothes—Zheng Xiaolang could see how slender his waist was, how long and shapely his legs were."
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Format: Ebook/ARC/~500 pages
Cover: 5/5
Series: Little Wolf in the Storm Volume 1
POV: Multi - 3rd Person
Plot: 5/5
This was perfect! I love them both so much. 😭😭😭
The world building was so good.
As a beginner in reading damnei and xianxia, I was a bit afraid that I would get lost but this was actually super easy to follow. It helped making notes about the characters and places. I also listen to some instrumental chinese music (this one and this one if u are interested) coupled with a cup of tea, I felt so cozy! The book drew me in completely!
The PLOT oh my god Adik you have mad writting skills!!!
It's so well construted! The twists, the secrets, the fight scenes, the plotting, were all in perfect timing in the story.
I'm complety in love with Adik's writting... I'll be coming for more!
There's a lot of mystery and political talk. I would've said that wouldn't be my thing but after reading the blurb I was very intrigued... I'm so honored to read this ARC.
IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!
Lei Wenhe... you manipulative angel! My baby suffered so much. He deserves all the revenge he wants.
But then we have Zheng Xiaolang my other poor baby! I love how paranoid he is but at the some time how big a simp he is for Lei Wenhe's slutty waist 🤭😆
Yunmi, Chen Tian and Wu Enlai were my fav side characters. They are very dear to my heart!
The end came too soon... 500 pages and I find myself feeling pathetic. When I opened the book for the first time and saw how many pages there were, my eyes bugged out!
But now at the end of this amazing adventure, I need another 500 pages... 🤣🤣😭 really! I need Volume 2 ☠
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"Zheng Xiaolang set about gently washing Lei Wenhe’s hair, brushing out the tangles with his fingers, gently scraping at his scalp with his fingernails. Lei Wenhe’s eyes were closed. Zheng Xiaolang couldn’t help but think that he was extraordinarily beautiful, like he was a god of water gracing Zheng Xiaolang with his presence.
Lei Wenhe’s eyes opened. He looked up, his eyes connecting with Zheng Xiaolang’s as Zheng Xiaolang finished rinsing out his hair.
“Hm. Did I say that out loud?”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Main Characters:
5/5 - Lei Wenhe: Immortal, he/him, cis-male.
A healer in disguise, master manipulater, out for revenge, weird as fuck. He is a "selfless healer" with the only cure to the mysterious Golden Core Turns Black disease. Harbors dangerous secrets... he wants to kill Zheng Xiaolang.
5/5 - Zheng Xiaolang: Immortal, cis-male.
A beloved sect leader and the dutiful teacher of some adoring disciples, an accomplished cultivator, charming bachelor, former slave, very paranoid, trying to be a good person. Thinks Lei Wenhe is pretty, a little slutty, flirts with everyone (before meeting Lei Wenhe 👀), a simp for Lei Wenhe and currently being manipulated by him. Also harbors dangerous secrets.
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 2/5 (Zheng Xiaolang is a FLIRT!!!!!!!)
Romance: Low Focus (No romance only flirting...FOR NOW!)
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“I thought it might be a good idea to learn how to protect yourself, just in case.”
“Hm? I thought you were going to protect me, Zheng-zhangmen.”
Lei Wenhe always used Zheng Xiaolang’s title when he was trying to be cheeky. It would irritate Zheng Xiaolang if he didn’t find it strangely charming."
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Humor: Medium High Focus
Angst: Medium High Focus
Cheating? No romance only flirting (FOR NOW!)
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger: HFN/Cliffanger this is the 1st Volume of 4
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“Can I taste it?”
“You can if you would like, but I wouldn’t recommend it. That one is the poison.”
Zheng Xiaolang sputtered. “You’re making the poison and the soup at the same time?”
“Why not? I like getting multiple things done at once.”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Favorite character? WENHE & XIAOLANG I WILL NOT CHOOSE ONE
Enjoyment: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“Shall I tell you the truth, then?”
Lei Wenhe tucked his hands under his cloak, hiding them from the wind. “By all means,” he said, “though I suspect you’re going to lean in close and tell me some nonsense that I don’t want to hear.”
Zheng Xiaolang leaned close, right up until his mouth was brushing against Lei Wenhe’s ear. “I want to teach you to fight so I can have an excuse to touch you more.”
Lei Wenhe sighed and shoved him away. “That’s more or less what I expected. Do you think I’m convinced now?”
“Ah, one could hope.”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
This is my 1st book by Adik Graves.
Little Wolf In The Snow Series:
1. Little Wolf In The Snow Volume 1 - 5 stars
Adik Graves - Other Works:
- Little Favors - TBR
+ Little Favors Zine - TBR
- The Tenderness of Being Alive - TBR
- Taste - TBR
- And If I'm Saved? What Then? - TBR
- Tales Of The Tongue: A Queer Collection Of Folktales - TBR
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
“Are you finally seduced?” Zheng Xiaolang mumbled. Lei Wenhe yanked his hand away on instinct, and Zheng Xiaolang cracked an eye open. “You’ve been watching me for a while. I think my good looks have finally charmed you.” “You would be incorrect. Let’s get up. We need to keep walking.”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
!Please remember that all my reviews are a matter of my personal taste. Your opinion and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read is your own. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect that. It's just a book... but reading is still political! No AI was used to make this review. These are my own words.
Hope this review was helpful.
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January 13, 2026
Little Wolf in the Storm is a deliciously tense slow burn in more ways than just the romance. The political intrigue, secret identites, and revenge plot are intricately woven together, all flavoured with the backdrop of a mysterious illness and growing plague.
Much like in the author's debut novel, Little Favors, Adik Graves kept me sucked in with the perfect balance of deep characters who are allowed to keep their secrets. I found myself turning page after page, hunting for clues as to what everyone was really up to. Graves' writing lends itself so well to this suspense with the way they write third-person with frequent POV switches mid-chapter. This captivating writing style not just gives us the perspective of the main characters, but side characters, too. I would expect to get lost between the shifting POVs, but instead it is all woven together seemlessly. It reveals just enough to keep the suspense bow-string tight, feeding the reader crumbs which I was all too happy to rush after.
I love both Lei Wenhe and Zheng Xiaolang so much. Their dynamic is so layered and complex. Plus, they have some amazing banter, which I am sooo here for. The side characters also add an abundance of colour—in particular I loved Wu Enlai, Chen Tian, and Xie Huiyan.
If you're a fan of xianxia danmei, you'll love this! If you're new to xianxia danmei, this feels like a great place to start. The world is detailed and I am completely enthralled—I will be eagerly awaiting Volume 2!
Much like in the author's debut novel, Little Favors, Adik Graves kept me sucked in with the perfect balance of deep characters who are allowed to keep their secrets. I found myself turning page after page, hunting for clues as to what everyone was really up to. Graves' writing lends itself so well to this suspense with the way they write third-person with frequent POV switches mid-chapter. This captivating writing style not just gives us the perspective of the main characters, but side characters, too. I would expect to get lost between the shifting POVs, but instead it is all woven together seemlessly. It reveals just enough to keep the suspense bow-string tight, feeding the reader crumbs which I was all too happy to rush after.
I love both Lei Wenhe and Zheng Xiaolang so much. Their dynamic is so layered and complex. Plus, they have some amazing banter, which I am sooo here for. The side characters also add an abundance of colour—in particular I loved Wu Enlai, Chen Tian, and Xie Huiyan.
If you're a fan of xianxia danmei, you'll love this! If you're new to xianxia danmei, this feels like a great place to start. The world is detailed and I am completely enthralled—I will be eagerly awaiting Volume 2!
October 19, 2025
Screaming crying throwing up I will write a proper review but just aaaaaaa I love
January 12, 2026
Okay YES. This had everything I absolutely love: enemies (to friends) to lovers, m/m romance potential, a REVENGE PLOT and a very slow burn~ highly recommend if you love these tropes too.
There was a small learning curve with the terminology, honorifics/names, and places since I wasn’t familiar with danmei/xianxia, but it was still easy enough to follow.
And, this felt like a true SLOW burn enemies to lovers.The “enemies” part feels earned, with one character having a valid reason for his hatred and quietly plotting revenge through restraint and strategic silence. The “lovers” part is definitely more subtle in Book 1. This was a one-sided love where one character slowly falls for someone who absolutely hates him, and that tension made my heart ache.
Book 1 leaned definitely heavily into the world-building and developing political power plays while also setting the foundation for a longer romance arc. 5/5 stars for sure.
thank you to the author for the arc~ <3
There was a small learning curve with the terminology, honorifics/names, and places since I wasn’t familiar with danmei/xianxia, but it was still easy enough to follow.
And, this felt like a true SLOW burn enemies to lovers.The “enemies” part feels earned, with one character having a valid reason for his hatred and quietly plotting revenge through restraint and strategic silence. The “lovers” part is definitely more subtle in Book 1. This was a one-sided love where one character slowly falls for someone who absolutely hates him, and that tension made my heart ache.
Book 1 leaned definitely heavily into the world-building and developing political power plays while also setting the foundation for a longer romance arc. 5/5 stars for sure.
thank you to the author for the arc~ <3
dnf-might-come-back-to
January 6, 2026I unfortunately had to DNF this ARC read. Definitely not the author, this is really well written and I do hope one day I'll come back to it. I just was not in the right head space to follow along with all the names and places. Definitely think people should still check it out if it looks good to them!
January 13, 2026
i have been sitting with this book for a full day after finishing trying to be able to express how much i am in love with it and i still don’t think my review will do it justice. in my opinion, a PERFECT!! BOOK!!! i was invested in every part- characters, politics, world building, magic system, plot, the crumbs of a DELICIOUS ROMANCE IN THE WORKS, LITERALLY EVERYTHING!!! this is my first xianxia, so it’s possible that everything felt so incredible because it’s so new to me, but no matter the case i was hooked at every step.
this book is very heavy in the politics, especially in the first 50% of the book with the romance being a true subplot and then we get a FORCED PROXIMITY FOR THE REST OF THE BOOK. i can go on and on about how the politics and the world is so interesting, and it so is, but the characters will steal the show for you at the end. zheng xiaolang, oh you utter lovesick hunk, you people’s princess award winner, the way you simp down once you see how slutty lei wenhe’s waist is pure art. lei wenhe, you absolute menace, you keep walking him like a dog like this and he will get on his knees in front of you and so happily make himself have the matching chest scar!!
the unrequited love / true and slowest one sided enemies to lovers / unknown identity / revenge plot aspect of this book has me GNAWINGGGG ON MY KINDLE I NEED VOLUME TWO I NEED VOLUME TWO I NEED VOLUME TWO!!!! truly don’t miss out on this incredible read, this is THE rec i am shoving down everyone’s throat this year :)
thank you SOOO much to the author for allowing me to arc read this book
this book is very heavy in the politics, especially in the first 50% of the book with the romance being a true subplot and then we get a FORCED PROXIMITY FOR THE REST OF THE BOOK. i can go on and on about how the politics and the world is so interesting, and it so is, but the characters will steal the show for you at the end. zheng xiaolang, oh you utter lovesick hunk, you people’s princess award winner, the way you simp down once you see how slutty lei wenhe’s waist is pure art. lei wenhe, you absolute menace, you keep walking him like a dog like this and he will get on his knees in front of you and so happily make himself have the matching chest scar!!
the unrequited love / true and slowest one sided enemies to lovers / unknown identity / revenge plot aspect of this book has me GNAWINGGGG ON MY KINDLE I NEED VOLUME TWO I NEED VOLUME TWO I NEED VOLUME TWO!!!! truly don’t miss out on this incredible read, this is THE rec i am shoving down everyone’s throat this year :)
thank you SOOO much to the author for allowing me to arc read this book
Review of advance copy received from Autore
4.5
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Little Wolf in the Storm (Vol. 1) by Adik Graves, and as a long-time danmei fan, I can confidently say this book captures so much of what I adore about the genre: the aching emotional undercurrents, the slow-building tension, the poetic atmosphere, and characters who feel like ghosts carrying entire histories on their backs.
The writing style is lyrical without being overwrought, immersive without losing clarity.
The protagonist immediately stood out to me. He’s quiet, wounded, but possessing an inner strength that reveals itself in small, devastating ways. His sense of isolation is palpable, yet he never feels passive or empty. As for the other lead, the contrast between them is compelling, Their interactions are subtle but loaded, and the tension simmers with that flavor of yearning and restraint that we all love.
The relationship development is a slow burn. Rather than rushing romantic or emotional revelations, the author lets them unfold through lingering glances, small acts of care, and the shared silence between two people who are both healing and learning to trust. It’s a dance of closeness and distance, and it’s executed with beautiful precision.
Plot-wise, the book balances action, character growth, and world-building fairly well. There were moments when I wished certain lore elements had been explored a bit earlier or in more detail, but at the same time, that slight sense of mystery kept me eager to turn the page.
One of the strongest aspects of this volume is how it handles themes of loyalty, survival, trauma, and the longing to belong. I also appreciated how the author wove cultural and martial elements into the story with grace—it had the elegance of danmei without feeling derivative.
Overall, Little Wolf in the Storm is a captivating beginning to a series that promises even deeper emotional complexity and tension. I'm excited to see what happens next.
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Little Wolf in the Storm (Vol. 1) by Adik Graves, and as a long-time danmei fan, I can confidently say this book captures so much of what I adore about the genre: the aching emotional undercurrents, the slow-building tension, the poetic atmosphere, and characters who feel like ghosts carrying entire histories on their backs.
The writing style is lyrical without being overwrought, immersive without losing clarity.
The protagonist immediately stood out to me. He’s quiet, wounded, but possessing an inner strength that reveals itself in small, devastating ways. His sense of isolation is palpable, yet he never feels passive or empty. As for the other lead, the contrast between them is compelling, Their interactions are subtle but loaded, and the tension simmers with that flavor of yearning and restraint that we all love.
The relationship development is a slow burn. Rather than rushing romantic or emotional revelations, the author lets them unfold through lingering glances, small acts of care, and the shared silence between two people who are both healing and learning to trust. It’s a dance of closeness and distance, and it’s executed with beautiful precision.
Plot-wise, the book balances action, character growth, and world-building fairly well. There were moments when I wished certain lore elements had been explored a bit earlier or in more detail, but at the same time, that slight sense of mystery kept me eager to turn the page.
One of the strongest aspects of this volume is how it handles themes of loyalty, survival, trauma, and the longing to belong. I also appreciated how the author wove cultural and martial elements into the story with grace—it had the elegance of danmei without feeling derivative.
Overall, Little Wolf in the Storm is a captivating beginning to a series that promises even deeper emotional complexity and tension. I'm excited to see what happens next.
December 4, 2025
“Before you leave,” Shen Guozhi said, just as Lei Wenhe lifted his foot toward the threshold, “What’s your relationship with Zheng Xiaolang?” “With Zheng Xiaolang?” Lei Wenhe tilted his head. “We’re just acquaintances. Why do you ask?”
this was such a fun adventure and a great wuxia winter read i absolutely devoured
a healer and a cultivator... restrained slow SLOW burn enemies to lovers revenge plot wrapped in political intrigue and fighting demons... men with long hair and women with swords... need i say more?
the atmosphere and characterizations were on point, it lowkey made me nostalgic... i can see how the genre would be hard for people to get into but its so rich and distinct and i flew through it! loving the sense of adventure and political intrigue.. tho im not usually into action personally the narrative and how it evolved captivated me with the raw aesthetic. and that slow burn hitting with certain lines... after the 1/3 mark towards the middle is where the relationship starts to grow closer and some of those lines got me.... but the slow burn is SLOW as in he still wants to kill him LMAO
i needed this... excited to see how it evolves!
weird magical guy who eats dirt
also
this was such a fun adventure and a great wuxia winter read i absolutely devoured
a healer and a cultivator... restrained slow SLOW burn enemies to lovers revenge plot wrapped in political intrigue and fighting demons... men with long hair and women with swords... need i say more?
the atmosphere and characterizations were on point, it lowkey made me nostalgic... i can see how the genre would be hard for people to get into but its so rich and distinct and i flew through it! loving the sense of adventure and political intrigue.. tho im not usually into action personally the narrative and how it evolved captivated me with the raw aesthetic. and that slow burn hitting with certain lines... after the 1/3 mark towards the middle is where the relationship starts to grow closer and some of those lines got me.... but the slow burn is SLOW as in he still wants to kill him LMAO
i needed this... excited to see how it evolves!
weird magical guy who eats dirt
also
October 25, 2025
I received this book as an ARC
Well, that was good. Like really good.
The plots twists? They were twisting A LOT and it was deligtfull! Yes, I mostly saw them coming, but having them comfirmed? It was still chocking!
And the missunderstanding? I really dislike the trope of miscommunincation but this wasn't it. This was two people leaving in two VERY different realities with one being very blissfully unaware of his own ignorance. Sometimes, he was this close to getting and yet still manage to sail right past the truth
Also, this book is not a romance. Not in book 1 at least. It's more a story of a one sided love and also falling in love with someone who hates you while having no idea that said someone hates you.
Anyway, this book does ressemble "Grand master of demonic cultivation" with all the detective work happening and also all the plotting but the queer love story is clearly NOT the same. So really, don't expect sweet romance, this is not it.
Also, this book is really long. Worth it but long. So don't expect a quick and easy read. It is neither.
Again, thank you to the author for the ARC and I can't wait for book 2!
Well, that was good. Like really good.
The plots twists? They were twisting A LOT and it was deligtfull! Yes, I mostly saw them coming, but having them comfirmed? It was still chocking!
And the missunderstanding? I really dislike the trope of miscommunincation but this wasn't it. This was two people leaving in two VERY different realities with one being very blissfully unaware of his own ignorance. Sometimes, he was this close to getting and yet still manage to sail right past the truth
Also, this book is not a romance. Not in book 1 at least. It's more a story of a one sided love and also falling in love with someone who hates you while having no idea that said someone hates you.
Anyway, this book does ressemble "Grand master of demonic cultivation" with all the detective work happening and also all the plotting but the queer love story is clearly NOT the same. So really, don't expect sweet romance, this is not it.
Also, this book is really long. Worth it but long. So don't expect a quick and easy read. It is neither.
Again, thank you to the author for the ARC and I can't wait for book 2!
January 2, 2026
Adik Graves showed some serious talent with this book. The writing was great and the Chinese fantasy elements were interesting to experience as someone who is unfamiliar with xianxia. The first 50-60% of the book is HEAVY into politics and world-building, with many years passing and the two protagonists briefly meeting under multiple circumstances. I admittedly don’t usually go for books that are heavy into politics or complex world-building, but I quite enjoyed this one. I can imagine it perfect for people who enjoy a more classic fantasy tale. For this book, the MM romance was only a subplot, but I’ve heard from the author that the next volume will highlight this more. Overall, the writing was high-quality, the plot was well-structured and engaging, the world was interesting, and the characters were complex and lovable. Definitely a 5-star read and I am so excited for the next volume to be released.
January 12, 2026
Was it hard to get into? Yes. BUT OH MY GOD IT WAS SO WORTH IT. It helps that I’ve always had an incredibly morbid interest in mysterious deadly plagues, so i saw ‘Quiet Death’ AND YES MORE OF THAT PLEASE. I found the glossary incredibly beneficial and I imagine I have a bit of an advantage to many other western readers, I lived in China for 11 years of my life. The chapter titles iconic 🤌 (yes, it was that iconic I had to open the emojis on my laptop for it). The slow burn is so good, the anticipation had me giggling and kicking my feet (metaphorically). I never would have guessed that a random interaction on threads would end in me sitting here so hyped to read more of Adik’s books (AND THANK GOD THIS ISN’T THEIR DEBUT)
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