Part of the series' success is undoubtedly due to the novel, which was faithfully adapted for the big screen, except for a few added elements and plot twists. I started reading the novel because waiting a week for a new chapter was driving me crazy. Now I'm even worse off than I was before because I've finished episode 6 and the novel, and having to wait another week for a new episode is driving me crazy. Now I don't have the novel to distract me, and no other BL is capturing my attention and heart like this series/novel.
I have never seen an adaptation so faithful to the book. And I studied film and literary adaptations. I know why there are changes in the plot when text becomes image. I understand and see the need for this, but what's spectacular here is that, in addition to the incredible performances of the series' main actors, the excellent film crew, the set design, special effects, and budget used for the series, the book is the foundation and holy grail of the story, and on its own, it can be faithfully reproduced on screen. Reading the book was as good as watching the series. Of course, there are differences, and things move faster, while in the series there is a more leisurely and careful development. Regardless, I fell in love! The Pharan in the book is more closed off and his body language is less easy to read, while the Pharan in the series maintains the same behaviors but is easier to read. Both act the same way, and if I love Pharan, it's because his language of love and care is in his actions. The character is built on the fact that he cares and acts on it, because he is incapable of not helping or giving part of himself, knowing that he shouldn't.
Khemjira in the series has more personality than in the show, where we see him mostly relegated to a helpless position, which I don't judge because if I were in his position, I wouldn't even get out of bed, tho it is strange that he isn't in panic or thinking of the fact he is going to die. Matters of the heart being more important than life, clearly ahaha! However, even with this dichotomy, the essence of the character is the same. Khem is kind, friendly, affable, and inviting, making us wonder how on earth he came to receive such karma. I like that the book and the series address the fact that even though they are past lives, they are not the people they used to be. In fact, Khem may have Khemica's soul, but their experiences make them different. They are not the same. The same is true for Jett and Chan, who fall in love with who they are now and not with the past. I admit that the whole “we have to be together because we loved each other in the past and the memories make me love you” trope is annoying. When I was younger, it was the perfect trope, but now I just want the character to be loved for who they are in that body. Experiences change souls. They are not the past, and I love that the author and the series did not go down that path.
Khem in the series is more active, more involved, and more present. Even though he can't act and defend himself (not being the typical stereotypical feminization of a gay man, but more like karma is trying to kill him, and there is nothing he can do), he still acts more like a human being and not so much like a figure who is constantly defenseless. Khem on both sides is the most beloved person in the world, and truly, all his emotions are on the surface. I like that about him.
I loved all the characters and found the whole narrative construction and explanation of the past super interesting. There wasn't a single scene that I didn't like or thought didn't make sense. I actually hope the series follows most of these outlines, but I understand and trust that if they change, it will be just as good. I can't wait to see how it will be in the series!
The idea was really cool. A cursed person and a shaman? Loved that. But the ending just didn’t land. I especially loved Jett and Chan and their story was perfect and so touching. But they only got a few sentences about their past life and they didn’t get any real focus which was super disappointing.There were so many details and holy items mentioned but nothing really came together. A lot of stuff felt unfinished and the ending was super rushed.
I got a little too impatient with the show so I wanted to read it first cause the premise of this story is very interesting. How to overcome a karmjc enemy without death is never dull. I really liked how the author allowed for multiple past lives with the main characters and the side characters. Usually, it’s never like that as only one past life is focused on. In this case, these past lives show the karma that the characters created for themselves to come to the conclusion that they do come to. I felt like not much was happening in the middle. It felt like things took a pause since Khem was now getting 2 bodyguards technically. Things just suddenly hike up again once Khem goes back to the campus. It just felt too abrupt and kind of made me lose interest even though it’s a past faced story. I’m not too convinced on how intense Paran’s feelings are, but I think that probably doesn’t matter as his very nature is selfless. Even if the feelings didn’t run deep, he’d end up helping. I think the conclusion of this long grudge was probably the best case scenario. It’s the whole world sort of realizing the good wishes that were put on Naga Paran during his punishment to live as a mortal. Rumpueng finally got to be with her son after so many years of longing. There’s barely any Paran POV so I couldn’t really gauge his character except through what Khem observes. I gotta say that Khem is super patient. I wouldn’t be able to handle Paran’s strictness even though I got why he was that way. Jet and Charn were really cute friends. Charn really cracked me up with the whole I don’t like past incarnation of Jet cause I’m gay. He’s so straightforward. With the whole deal of past lives, idk how they don’t fall into the pit hole of not having any free will over who you end up loving? I’d be having a greater crisis for much longer. I’m glad that Khem and Paran ended up dating for a long time cause I feel like the start of their relationship was more of a long buffer before they could really be together. The cutie twins got reborn too which made me happy. They ended up adopting kids before even marriage was on their mind. Though, the kids are adorable. I also feel like I learned a lot of Kathas along with the traditions around festivals and such. Those were interesting. Anyways, I think after reading this book, I like how they’ve so far adapted it. It adds a little bit more story to the story without giving everything away straight up. I feel like with how short the book is along with its plot points, there’s no other way to make each ep about an hour long. Plus, the extra stuff they’re adding seems to give an idea that harboring negative feelings can open a gateway for spirits and also that real people are complicated and the people we’re with can be worse than ghosts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
read this just before the show and it was fun! the show has been very entertaining aswell, with just a few minor changes from the novel so far (ep4/12)
Sono diversi i piani dell'Orrore su cui lavora KHEMJIRA: c'è il piano dello spavento puro e semplice, quello che è solito farti sobbalzare sulla poltrona di un cinema, generato dalle apparizioni improvvise di fantasmi dall'aspetto livido di tristezza e decomposizione; c'è, poi, il piano dell'inquietudine, votata al lasciarti addosso strascichi di malessere duri a sbiadire, qui filtrata da un'esplorazione della religiosità thailandese abilissima nel materializzare le paure più ataviche di un popolo, in particolare, ma anche dell'essere umano, in generale; c'è, ancora, il piano della rabbia, della sete di giustizia umiliata al punto da evolversi in sete di vendetta, tradotta in un dramma in cui non sempre riesce facile sovrapporre il ruolo del nemico a quello del cattivo, il ruolo dell'eroe a quello dell'innocente; e c'è, infine, il piano del tormento, dell'angoscia provata al pensiero di essere condannati all'eterna ricorrenza della perdita, maledetti da amori destinati a sciogliere la gioia in separazioni forzate e morti premature.
Cómo los amo, tanto la primera historia como los especiales e incluso la segunda entrega, los fantasmas, el tema de ser ocultista y tener esos dones, las risas no faltaban Jet parecía una segunda madre para Khem y todos lo sabían, Pharan llegaba a irritarme pero bueno cositas, todo el lore con Rampueng tremendo te digo e incluso las relaciones, todo lo de la vida pasada y los fantasmas karmicos, literatura.
It had everything I enjoy about an urban fantasy work - magic, natural spirts, past lives and curses.
The thing is... I didn't love the main characters. They are good, and very consistent throughout the book, but I have to be honest that although this was a romance, I didn't really FEEL the connection between Khem and Pharan.
In fact, Pharan didn't want to be involved with Khem's karma, and he REALLY didn't up to the very end.
Khem is also a complicated point for me... He was very nice, but we don't really see much of HIM personality wise. There are not many shades to him, and the story doesn't allow much growth for his character - most of the time, it feels like the plot is happening TO him and AROUND him, not WITH him.
On the other hand, we HAVE to talk about Jett. The most precious being in the world and Khem's true savior for me!! I literally cried when he told Khem that he would not let him die, that he would do everything he could to help - and he DID. Gosh, his loyalty was just beautiful all over!!!
All in all, it's a very good story in terms of plot - there is no loose threads at the end. But I guess I just wanted a bit more for the two main characters.
La verdad, desde que vi el trailer de la serie yo necesitabas leer este libro y no me decepcionó ni poquito. Sin duda, contiene muchísimo de la cultura tailandesa, es bastante atrapante, te da curiosidad, te deja querer investigar más sobre ello. Lo sobrenatural le da ese toque de enigma que dios, te deja entre que da tensión, te deja a la expectativa. Cada vida pasada que presentan esta perfecta y es de mis puntos favoritos pues soy fan de las historias de vidas pasadas y esos reencuentros que tienen a lo largo de los años. Parun sin duda me hizo querer golpearlo, abrazarlo, amarlo. Entiendes su punto aunque sea frustrante en algunos capítulos pero la devoción qué muestra hacia Khem después es maravillosa. Pero sin duda, lo mejor del libro es la amistad de Khem, Jeth y Chan, te deja con la necesidad de decir, necesito una amistad tan pura y hermosa como la de ellos que traspaso todo. El apoyo y cuidado de ambos por Khem fue precioso y sin duda te hace sentir todo emocionado. La escena épica del fin de la maldición ES ÉPICA. La verdad te imaginas cada palabra. Cada participante. Y si logran expresar esto en la serie SERA ARTE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
so i read this because kengnamping and in telling you guys i really love this, cursed kid and his saviour, the idea is fresh, plot is there, sweetness, angst and happy ending, maybe if i dont find out the age gap is huge (pharan is 30 yo and khem barely 20 so... at least the author really pushing over 3-4 year before they do the deed) so about the novel, maybe people gonna find khem is annoying mc type, the protagonist who'll choose to sacrifice himself so the other can be saved after everything especially jet did to save him literally (i kinda dislike him for that) like everyone to help him but he just yeet him self knowing it gonna be the worst for him, and pharan as a cold shaman not really helping. like i swear i love the subtle jealousy or anything but bro your not just see him as your student's friend or past lover you see him more like yours to take. but that's make them cute i guess, i just hope for the series (as i seen it) they gonna make khem more bold and stand with what he want and bag that shaman
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
El libro fue uno muy bueno. Es uno de esos libros que te atrapa y no puedes dejar de leer porque necesitas saber que es lo que va a pasar después. Para mi los capítulos resultaron bastante cortos comparado con otros libros por lo que me lo pude terminar de leer bastante rápido. En cuanto a las escenas de misterio y suspenso definitivamente cumplieron su papel, me tenían aguantando mi respiración y con ganas de más. La pareja principal es totalmente hermosa, uno es gruñón e indiferente y el otro es un rayito de luz y un amorcito. En el caso de la pareja secundaria, siento que deberían de tener su propio libro pues tuvieron muy pocos capítulos y su historia se siente muy resumida pero aún así no es mala.
La historia es una que te mantiene al borde de tu asiento. Tiene sus momentos divertidos, tristes e intrigantes. Si deseas leer algo rápido e interesante definitivamente esta historia es una buena opción.
Welp I can safely say that they will forever live in my mind rent free.
Yall i haven’t felt this way since Bran and Niko 😭 the show was amazing, but the novel gave more information that I needed.
The way we get more in depth of the curse Khem has and recantation aspects UGH. I love that they made them feel like different people and that they weren’t the same. They weren’t force to love each other because of the past lives they had.
Personally I really love both the novel and show. The novel gave more of Khem’s character which I enjoyed bc my man deserves all the happiness he can get. The series showcased more of the beauty of the world and understanding of the lore. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was how rushed the ending was.
Even though it took me forever to get through this because of the translating I still was SAT! After being in a slump for literal MONTHS I can say that we are back!!!
I love the series and to get through the weekly wait for a new episode I decided to give the novel a chance.
Loved the horror and magic aspects. But the relationship between the characters could have used a bit more development, I didn't really believe their romantic feelings. I really like the changes they made in the series concerning that. Another thing that let me decide to drop a star in the rating is the fast wrap-up of the story. We had a really great build op of the tension and then it got solved in the last 10 pages or so.
Apart from that, it's been a long time since I stayed up until 3am reading, but this book achieved just that. I think I definetely prefer the series but this was a pretty fun read even though it leans into horror :) I'm excited to see what parts the series will still include and what changes they decide to make.
Born trapped in a family curse, Khemjira is fated to die on his 21st birthday. In an attempt to save Khem, his best friend Jet brings him to Chang Mai and to his Por Kru to intervene with his karma.
Kudos to the drama writers of Khemjira for taking this relatively straightforward horror novel and turning it into a BL masterpiece. The drama takes the basic tenets of the storyline and combined with the burning chemistry of it's leads somehow created a gripping horror drama.
Kheem es mi protegido, ame a suea y a singha, Karan the man you are. Jet y Chan se complementan de forma muy linda. Ame los fantasmas, la cultura, el misticismo, los rituales y como todo se llevaba con la cultura tailandesa de los pueblos. Muy linda lectura para quienes aman el slow burn, los fantasmas, las vidas pasadas y personajes muy característicos.
I started reading this novel while I was waiting for the next episode of the series. so so far, I did know what was going on in the book. and I have to admit my expectations for the series went high. because the book was good and kept me reading more and more and didn't disappoint me at all. it was a good fantasy horror (not at all scary)story.
I picked this up because I love the show, and I really enjoyed it! It was great to get more character depth than the series has time to explore, as well as some extra scenes that didn’t make it to the screen. That said, the ending felt rushed. The whole story builds up to breaking the curse, but the resolution happens in fewer than ten pages???
First time reading Urban Fantasy from Thailand and I'm sold ! I love that the romance wasn't a big part of the story. While i liked the ending and what it says about the characters and how they view their relationship with destiny, I didn't like the execution of it. It was either too short or too long. Overall it was a good experience!