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Dawning #1
Dawning I
Vol#1: I have everything. All that's missing is your love.
Be mine, or let me be yours.
They only thing that could lower the head of a prideful man was the humbleness of love.
Be mine, or let me be yours.
They only thing that could lower the head of a prideful man was the humbleness of love.
340 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2023
9 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 9, 2024
A wise man once said there's a fine line between love and hate which is certainly true for our main characters.
If you like:
- Contemporary romance
-Danmei
- M/M enemies to lovers
- Morally grey main characters
- 2nd chance romance
-Crime and mystery element which I wasn't expecting
- 3rd person narration
Then you should give this a go as I binged this novel in 2 days. Roll on vol 2. Definitely think this is a good summer read.
TW: attempted rape of MC but NOT by ML who thankfully saves him
If you like:
- Contemporary romance
-Danmei
- M/M enemies to lovers
- Morally grey main characters
- 2nd chance romance
-Crime and mystery element which I wasn't expecting
- 3rd person narration
Then you should give this a go as I binged this novel in 2 days. Roll on vol 2. Definitely think this is a good summer read.
TW: attempted rape of MC but NOT by ML who thankfully saves him
May 21, 2025
Okay, first off I read this in less than 2 days which is already saying something (i just kinda forgot to write a review 😅)…Read the first few chapters and you will be HOOKED trust me, even though I barely ever read modern danmei, I loved this!! I just know there are so many misunderstandings between these two and I can’t wait for more~~ So much love and so much hate between Li Luo (MC) and Duan Mingyang (ML) yet they can’t seem to forget about each other 😌 I was kinda reluctant to start this originally but starting it was definitely worth it 👌 I NEED MOREEEEEEEEE
June 30, 2025
“Someone who is used to darkness can’t be given light. Light will melt the cold, hard shell by which he lives, dispelling the caution he uses to guard himself against danger, making him soft and fragile. If the light disappears, he’ll fall into a deeper darkness, unarmed and helpless. He’ll either be killed by the enemies in the shadows around him, or die of loneliness.”
Dawning I is such a gripping read that had me hooked from the start! The story follows Li Luo, who unexpectedly runs into his past lover, Duan Mingyang, at a business party, and their reunion is anything but smooth. There’s a lot of pain between them, thanks to Duan Mingyang's past actions that ruined Li Luo’s life.
I loved how the novel dives deep into their complicated relationship. Li Luo suggests a truce so they can tackle a common enemy, and their partnership is filled with tension, making it super engaging! As they work to clear Li Luo’s father, layers of their past start peeling away.
The character development is on point! Li Luo's journey is all about grappling with his feelings for Duan Mingyang, and I was totally rooting for them to find a way to heal. The pacing strikes a nice balance between suspense and introspection, keeping the stakes high throughout.
Overall, Dawning I beautifully weaves together themes of love, revenge, and redemption. The emotional journey of Li Luo and Duan Mingyang is both poignant and thrilling, and I can’t wait to see where their story goes next! If you love rich character development and complex relationships, you need to check this one out!
Date Read: 2024.10.03
Dawning I is such a gripping read that had me hooked from the start! The story follows Li Luo, who unexpectedly runs into his past lover, Duan Mingyang, at a business party, and their reunion is anything but smooth. There’s a lot of pain between them, thanks to Duan Mingyang's past actions that ruined Li Luo’s life.
I loved how the novel dives deep into their complicated relationship. Li Luo suggests a truce so they can tackle a common enemy, and their partnership is filled with tension, making it super engaging! As they work to clear Li Luo’s father, layers of their past start peeling away.
The character development is on point! Li Luo's journey is all about grappling with his feelings for Duan Mingyang, and I was totally rooting for them to find a way to heal. The pacing strikes a nice balance between suspense and introspection, keeping the stakes high throughout.
Overall, Dawning I beautifully weaves together themes of love, revenge, and redemption. The emotional journey of Li Luo and Duan Mingyang is both poignant and thrilling, and I can’t wait to see where their story goes next! If you love rich character development and complex relationships, you need to check this one out!
Date Read: 2024.10.03
August 17, 2025
My god, when I heard this was a pure dog-blood plot, I didn’t expect it to be this much. Honestly, it felt like one of those melodramatic C-dramas I binge-watch at 2 a.m.—and I can’t lie, I devoured every page. The only reason it took me four days to finish was because books 2 and 3 won’t arrive until tomorrow. If they were already here? Believe me, I would’ve blown through the whole series without stopping to breathe.
Our two MCs take “misunderstanding” to a level that should honestly be studied. I thought Remnants of Filth was going to finish me off with the miscommunication trope, but no—Li Luo’s razor-sharp, sniper-tongued comebacks add a whole new level of pain and delight. By the end, things kind of clear up (emphasis on kind of). Also, can we all agree that the fiancée’s ring Mingyang wears is definitely the one he bought for Li Luo? I refuse to believe otherwise.
On the publishing side: I was pleasantly surprised with Via Lactea. I’d heard plenty of complaints about their proofreading and translations not stacking up against Seven Seas, but honestly? Aside from a few hiccups, it was nowhere near as bad as I expected. I actually enjoyed the flow. (That said, Peach Flower House still reigns supreme for me—shoutout to E. Danglars for spoiling us.) Still, this makes me hopeful about expanding my BL collection with more of their titles. Downside? Like Rosmei, their books are ridiculously expensive and rarely go on sale. RIP to my bank account.
All in all: messy, dramatic, and absolutely addictive
Our two MCs take “misunderstanding” to a level that should honestly be studied. I thought Remnants of Filth was going to finish me off with the miscommunication trope, but no—Li Luo’s razor-sharp, sniper-tongued comebacks add a whole new level of pain and delight. By the end, things kind of clear up (emphasis on kind of). Also, can we all agree that the fiancée’s ring Mingyang wears is definitely the one he bought for Li Luo? I refuse to believe otherwise.
On the publishing side: I was pleasantly surprised with Via Lactea. I’d heard plenty of complaints about their proofreading and translations not stacking up against Seven Seas, but honestly? Aside from a few hiccups, it was nowhere near as bad as I expected. I actually enjoyed the flow. (That said, Peach Flower House still reigns supreme for me—shoutout to E. Danglars for spoiling us.) Still, this makes me hopeful about expanding my BL collection with more of their titles. Downside? Like Rosmei, their books are ridiculously expensive and rarely go on sale. RIP to my bank account.
All in all: messy, dramatic, and absolutely addictive
June 6, 2024
Feisty pretty rich boy MC x Callous & frigid but intensely jealous ML. Two incredibly proud individuals with a huge "It's Complicated" sign flashing over them.
Features:
-Rich people doing rich people things, like flexing their influence to achieve certain means or screw others over
-Fairly transparent misunderstandings which serve as the entire basis for the enmity between MC and ML. Can't wait for these to get cleared up!
-Likeable side characters (Jin Ren needs more screen time. Such an underrated megane)
-Hot smut that manages to hit an emotional beat
Overall a lot of fun and satisfying to read. Onto vol 2!
Features:
-Rich people doing rich people things, like flexing their influence to achieve certain means or screw others over
-Fairly transparent misunderstandings which serve as the entire basis for the enmity between MC and ML. Can't wait for these to get cleared up!
-Likeable side characters (Jin Ren needs more screen time. Such an underrated megane)
-Hot smut that manages to hit an emotional beat
Overall a lot of fun and satisfying to read. Onto vol 2!
November 28, 2025
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
Despite their agreement to put their differences aside for a transaction of mutual benefits - from lover to enemy, and from enemy to ally: what a surprising world this is - so that they could each gain something in return, I still viscerally felt Li Luo's sting of humiliation, how wounded he felt by Duan Mingyang's utterly shameless exploitation of him at a moment of vulnerability. 😢 His betrayal is a deep cut, and I felt awful for how he toyed with his emotions, never letting on his true agenda. And that's also what kept it interesting and me invested, too. 👍🏻
The transition between the past and present was smooth and effective. The touches of friendship that were smeared by an incident with irrevocable repercussions. It's hard not to entirely fault Li Luo, since his intentions weren't exactly noble either - at first. But to see how drawn he was to his innate goodness, how he longed for his acceptance, the desire to be the object of his affection. If I love someone, I'd love them for my entire life. Only for it to be marred by an ill-fated vendetta built on childish, impulsive, revenge, is a tragedy of its own. 💔💔
“But their encounter wasn't 'destined to be' like he had said- instead, it was doomed.”
The translation was also well done, imo. I very easily was swept into the drama of showbiz, the supporting cast held it together amidst this new breakthrough of alliance that already raised speculation, adding fuel to the fire in some unique ways that was both dramatic and traumatic to watch unfold. And I love the allusion to the title; the indirect suggestion of their names, and the direct one of how Dawning may sound like 'darling' doesn't it?. 🥹 It just made me all gooey inside at how it sets the stage of what they truly mean to each other. 🙂↕️
I enjoyed their banter, the casual and forward exchange in how they learned each other's thoughts on different aspects of life, especially that of love. The sincerity (ambiguous, but roll with it 😭) to their college days of that fateful sultry summer, the ease they could each confess their struggles with their families and what they both longed for in a romantic partner, something that serves as Li Luo's own desire to forge a meaningful connection with him. It's a weakness that haunts even now, five years on after a hurtful betrayal, it still clouds his judgment. 🥺
“Unless I can make sure that you'll be forever by my light, I won't be able to accept you.”
It does not help either that Duan Mingyang's nonplussed, nonchalant air to his past transgression was downright frustrating. So much so that it's even more annoying when in the heat of passion it's forgotten by either of them just for a moment of pleasure. 🤦🏻♀️ *sigh The lack of reluctance can be seen as coyness by Li Luo and that is the Asian BL tragedy, to me, that they use it as a plot device for relationship dynamics that fails to capture their true feelings. And with Duan Mingyang not even having his own POV, I got even more miffed by that dismissive behavior. 😒
So, I loved LOVED when Li Luo retaliated in kind at the end, reminding Duan Mingyang that he was unmoved by all the kind gestures he's been subtly showing him, not ever forgetting his hurtful taunts that broke his heart. 😤 Did you really think I fell for you? Let him carry a grudge, I say! Especially how he's never forgotten the regret of losing someone he believed genuinely cared for him. Was everything all an act for the pursuit of an ulterior motive? Was nothing ever real between them?
“Only idiots turn around to pick debris out from the ruins of love.”
Those bittersweet memories are all he can hold onto, to stave off the regret and loneliness that inevitably followed. No matter how successful an actor he became, he'll never be able to shed the journey it took to achieve the fame he has, the respect that could so easily be taken away, with how Duan Mingyang weaponizes it as a threat. 😔 Li Luo deserves better and I hope his kindness won't be taken for granted, even as his own ruthlessness was betraying an indescribable sadness.
I also love the subtle mentions of the length of Li Luo's long hair of how it represents his character; it's an ever-present daunting reminder that I fear will be met with an impulsive act that will redefine him. Was there any love between us? 🤧 With how it ended, I am cautiously optimistic there will be a chasing arc for Duan Mingyang when he at least admits how much of the wrong he was, fess up to how poorly he treated him, and maybe asks for forgiveness. Ha, okay, that's pushing it, but I can hope. 👉👈
“My, aren't you mad? I said those things to you.'
'Then why did you... still come for me?'
'I couldn't let you go.”
“I have everything. All that's missing is your love. Be mine, or let me be yours.”
Despite their agreement to put their differences aside for a transaction of mutual benefits - from lover to enemy, and from enemy to ally: what a surprising world this is - so that they could each gain something in return, I still viscerally felt Li Luo's sting of humiliation, how wounded he felt by Duan Mingyang's utterly shameless exploitation of him at a moment of vulnerability. 😢 His betrayal is a deep cut, and I felt awful for how he toyed with his emotions, never letting on his true agenda. And that's also what kept it interesting and me invested, too. 👍🏻
The transition between the past and present was smooth and effective. The touches of friendship that were smeared by an incident with irrevocable repercussions. It's hard not to entirely fault Li Luo, since his intentions weren't exactly noble either - at first. But to see how drawn he was to his innate goodness, how he longed for his acceptance, the desire to be the object of his affection. If I love someone, I'd love them for my entire life. Only for it to be marred by an ill-fated vendetta built on childish, impulsive, revenge, is a tragedy of its own. 💔💔
“But their encounter wasn't 'destined to be' like he had said- instead, it was doomed.”
The translation was also well done, imo. I very easily was swept into the drama of showbiz, the supporting cast held it together amidst this new breakthrough of alliance that already raised speculation, adding fuel to the fire in some unique ways that was both dramatic and traumatic to watch unfold. And I love the allusion to the title; the indirect suggestion of their names, and the direct one of how Dawning may sound like 'darling' doesn't it?. 🥹 It just made me all gooey inside at how it sets the stage of what they truly mean to each other. 🙂↕️
I enjoyed their banter, the casual and forward exchange in how they learned each other's thoughts on different aspects of life, especially that of love. The sincerity (ambiguous, but roll with it 😭) to their college days of that fateful sultry summer, the ease they could each confess their struggles with their families and what they both longed for in a romantic partner, something that serves as Li Luo's own desire to forge a meaningful connection with him. It's a weakness that haunts even now, five years on after a hurtful betrayal, it still clouds his judgment. 🥺
“Unless I can make sure that you'll be forever by my light, I won't be able to accept you.”
It does not help either that Duan Mingyang's nonplussed, nonchalant air to his past transgression was downright frustrating. So much so that it's even more annoying when in the heat of passion it's forgotten by either of them just for a moment of pleasure. 🤦🏻♀️ *sigh The lack of reluctance can be seen as coyness by Li Luo and that is the Asian BL tragedy, to me, that they use it as a plot device for relationship dynamics that fails to capture their true feelings. And with Duan Mingyang not even having his own POV, I got even more miffed by that dismissive behavior. 😒
So, I loved LOVED when Li Luo retaliated in kind at the end, reminding Duan Mingyang that he was unmoved by all the kind gestures he's been subtly showing him, not ever forgetting his hurtful taunts that broke his heart. 😤 Did you really think I fell for you? Let him carry a grudge, I say! Especially how he's never forgotten the regret of losing someone he believed genuinely cared for him. Was everything all an act for the pursuit of an ulterior motive? Was nothing ever real between them?
“Only idiots turn around to pick debris out from the ruins of love.”
Those bittersweet memories are all he can hold onto, to stave off the regret and loneliness that inevitably followed. No matter how successful an actor he became, he'll never be able to shed the journey it took to achieve the fame he has, the respect that could so easily be taken away, with how Duan Mingyang weaponizes it as a threat. 😔 Li Luo deserves better and I hope his kindness won't be taken for granted, even as his own ruthlessness was betraying an indescribable sadness.
I also love the subtle mentions of the length of Li Luo's long hair of how it represents his character; it's an ever-present daunting reminder that I fear will be met with an impulsive act that will redefine him. Was there any love between us? 🤧 With how it ended, I am cautiously optimistic there will be a chasing arc for Duan Mingyang when he at least admits how much of the wrong he was, fess up to how poorly he treated him, and maybe asks for forgiveness. Ha, okay, that's pushing it, but I can hope. 👉👈
“My, aren't you mad? I said those things to you.'
'Then why did you... still come for me?'
'I couldn't let you go.”
October 17, 2025
Im so mad at myself for not starting this series sooner because it’s so peak. Never thought id love a contemplative romance this much.
Do not recommend if you hate the misunderstanding trope though 😭 but if you love suffering, like me, you’ll eat this up
Do not recommend if you hate the misunderstanding trope though 😭 but if you love suffering, like me, you’ll eat this up
June 20, 2025
Update after a reread:
When I picked this up again, I was in for a pleasant surprise — turns out I forgot 98% of the book, so it felt like a completely new read.
Now, whether that means the book is forgettable or I just need to start taking Omega-3… I’ll let you decide. 😅
Back to the book:
Is it a good read?
If by that you mean did I enjoy it then yes, I did.
Did I pick it up last year and feel it was “not enough”? Also yes.
Am I now swallowing back my old review? Absolutely.
Should you read it?
If you’re after a quick emotional fix - second chances, showbiz, and no heavy brain strain - then yes, definitely pick it up.
———————————————
9 august 2024
I had some high expectations for this book. It wasn’t easy to get my hand on it since it’s not available as ebook. It was an average read, the main characters are a little bit frustrating like ‘WHAT DO YOU WANT?’ They love and hate each other at the same it. There is a lot of ‘misunderstanding’ but I think it’s very easy to figure out. If you like reading about second chances, showbiz and ‘revenge’ sure go ahead and read this. I won’t continue this series since it’s an average read and there is a lot of interesting books on my TBR 🤷🏻♀️.
When I picked this up again, I was in for a pleasant surprise — turns out I forgot 98% of the book, so it felt like a completely new read.
Now, whether that means the book is forgettable or I just need to start taking Omega-3… I’ll let you decide. 😅
Back to the book:
Is it a good read?
If by that you mean did I enjoy it then yes, I did.
Did I pick it up last year and feel it was “not enough”? Also yes.
Am I now swallowing back my old review? Absolutely.
Should you read it?
If you’re after a quick emotional fix - second chances, showbiz, and no heavy brain strain - then yes, definitely pick it up.
———————————————
9 august 2024
I had some high expectations for this book. It wasn’t easy to get my hand on it since it’s not available as ebook. It was an average read, the main characters are a little bit frustrating like ‘WHAT DO YOU WANT?’ They love and hate each other at the same it. There is a lot of ‘misunderstanding’ but I think it’s very easy to figure out. If you like reading about second chances, showbiz and ‘revenge’ sure go ahead and read this. I won’t continue this series since it’s an average read and there is a lot of interesting books on my TBR 🤷🏻♀️.
March 15, 2025
Am I crazy for giving this 5*? Hahaha
This year I only gave one book 5* (unless you count the rereads).
Why especially this one? Because I love drama, it is as simple as that.
I feel like lovers to enemies to reluctant allies to reunited lovers is such a good trope if you do it right and this right here? Everything you could ever ask for in such a drama.
Miscommunication, misunderstandings, ugly words thrown around although it's obvious for everyone around that these two are madly in love with each other
Duan Mingyang is so frustrating. He could've cleared the air long ago but he literally refuses to explain anything (probably because of his own misunderstandings caused by our MC). Our MC, Li Luo, is a dumbass for assuming certain things and making up a story in his head but I can't fully blame him either.
*Sigh* Can't these kids (they're older than me lmao) sort their relationship out already???
This year I only gave one book 5* (unless you count the rereads).
Why especially this one? Because I love drama, it is as simple as that.
I feel like lovers to enemies to reluctant allies to reunited lovers is such a good trope if you do it right and this right here? Everything you could ever ask for in such a drama.
Miscommunication, misunderstandings, ugly words thrown around although it's obvious for everyone around that these two are madly in love with each other
Duan Mingyang is so frustrating. He could've cleared the air long ago but he literally refuses to explain anything (probably because of his own misunderstandings caused by our MC). Our MC, Li Luo, is a dumbass for assuming certain things and making up a story in his head but I can't fully blame him either.
*Sigh* Can't these kids (they're older than me lmao) sort their relationship out already???
October 31, 2025
If I read this when I wasn’t in the mood to, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed this as much. In summary, it’s entertainment industry based with our actor MC who grew up being a spoilt rich boy. He's trying to prove his dad's innocence since he was framed. He meets our cold and aloof ML after 5 years because he rose from the trenches as an illegitimate son to bring down his toxic family (aka his brother and father). They were involved in the past and things happened, causing them to hate each other but they still have lingering feels. Surprise surprise, would you know that their dislike for each other is based on a misunderstanding and lack of communication!
Li Luo was kind of starting to annoy me, the author sometimes presented him as someone that was kind of smart and quick to catch onto things, but when it came to Mingyang he only heard what he wanted to hear. Like Mingyang’s relationship with Lin Cheng was mentioned briefly during one of their conversations but he wasn’t really paying attention and continued to misunderstand their relationship T_T Especially another time Mingyang mentions something along those lines. If he addressed that they’d progress so much quicker, but then I guess the author wouldn’t have a plot to write about.
I'm being overly critical but I still had fun reading and seeing their push and pull relationship.
Jiang Luishen is such a good friend. He’s right though!
Li Luo was kind of starting to annoy me, the author sometimes presented him as someone that was kind of smart and quick to catch onto things, but when it came to Mingyang he only heard what he wanted to hear. Like Mingyang’s relationship with Lin Cheng was mentioned briefly during one of their conversations but he wasn’t really paying attention and continued to misunderstand their relationship T_T Especially another time Mingyang mentions something along those lines. If he addressed that they’d progress so much quicker, but then I guess the author wouldn’t have a plot to write about.
I'm being overly critical but I still had fun reading and seeing their push and pull relationship.
“I think you two should communicate properly. Things can’t go on like this! It’s precisely beause of a lack of communication that so many possibilities end up nothing more than possibilities”
Jiang Luishen is such a good friend. He’s right though!
December 13, 2025
I think the author wanted their arguing to come off as flirty but i feel like im listening to my parents passive aggressively suggest divorce in the next room
March 25, 2024
Lovers to enemies to lovers? No idea but I’m here for it. This book is the definition of hurt people hurt people. We get the perspective of the MC, Li Luo who is proud, arrogant and conceited on the outside but actually is a good person. The ML, Duan Mingyang is proud, ruthless, and cold but we definitely don’t have the whole story yet. There is so much miscommunication between these two that I feel like Li Luo is most likely an unreliable narrator.
Li Luo comes from a rich family that has fallen from grace. He is a popular idol in the entertainment industry at the peak of his popularity. Duan Mingyang is the illegitimate child of a rich family who has history with the Li family.
It’s hard to come up with a summary without spoilers but basically it’s the story of two exes now back in each other’s lives because of work and family drama. Angst!
Li Luo comes from a rich family that has fallen from grace. He is a popular idol in the entertainment industry at the peak of his popularity. Duan Mingyang is the illegitimate child of a rich family who has history with the Li family.
It’s hard to come up with a summary without spoilers but basically it’s the story of two exes now back in each other’s lives because of work and family drama. Angst!
December 1, 2025
- Son adultos, pueden los 2 dejarse de asumir tanto y hablar las cosas ?????
- Aunque a Li Lou a veces se le va la boca (entiendo de donde viene) estaría bien que Duan Mingyang se arrastrara( ・ε・), que ya toca después de lo que ha hecho
- Aunque a Li Lou a veces se le va la boca (entiendo de donde viene) estaría bien que Duan Mingyang se arrastrara( ・ε・), que ya toca después de lo que ha hecho
July 14, 2024
Well, I actually liked it a lot. But I am here mostly for Li Lou x Duan Minguang 😏
October 6, 2024
3.5
RTC
RTC
January 24, 2024
"After all, the hatred is real, but the love is real too."
I am finally getting around to reading this series after all the obstacles I went through trying to get my hands on copies of it. Via Lactea holds the licenses to some danmei series I am interested in, but if you live outside North America then good luck trying to secure copies. (In fact, even if you do live in North America, there's always delays and zero updates on orders unless you directly buy the market versions from Amazon.)
Anyway.
So far, this series reads like a book version of your typical Asian melodramatic soap opera - complete with rich young masters, bastard sons, revenge plots, and about a million misunderstandings between our main couple. As such, our main characters are not very likeable in this volume. They are, to be very blunt about it, assholes to each other. But if you've read a better blurb of this series from somewhere else, you know that this is an exes-to-lovers story. You do realize, as you read through this first volume, that their actions are coming from a place of very deep hurt.
Is it always justified? Maybe not. But people can be irrational when it comes to love and betrayal. In any case, I've been reading BL for a very long time now, and I can tell when a BL character is written as an asshole with the idea of redeeming him somewhere down the line, or with the idea that he is being an asshole because he is protecting something important. I could get that sense from Li Luo, who is protecting himself from further hurt. And I could also get that sense from Duan Mingyang, who I theorize is protecting Li Luo from something that hasn't been quite uncovered yet.
Beyond that, I liked Li Luo. He presents himself as a shallow celebrity, but he's kind to those who work for him like Deng Liang, and he has his own set of morals. I love his friendship - at times teasing, and at times protective and supportive - with Jiang Liushen, who is my favorite side character. (Jiang Liushen has his own series! I will be reading that after I finish this.) As for Duan Mingyang, we don't get much of his side just yet. Through the flashbacks we get every now and then, we get to know Duan Mingyang as someone who is capable of doing kind, and even romantic, gestures for Li Luo. There is an incident with a wallet that very much shows us this. So it is still somewhat a mystery why he treats Li Luo as he does in the present.
Now, in between all the misunderstandings that our main characters find themselves in, there is a plot. Our main couple is basically working together to set to rights the great betrayal of their past: Li Zhenghong's wrongful imprisonment. But to really get to the meat of just how Li Luo's father was framed and imprisoned, of course we have to know just what happened five or six years ago, which is where the (previously mentioned) flashbacks come in.
To me, figuring out which parts were flashbacks wasn't difficult at all due to the verb tenses used, and they were interspersed with the other chapters in a way that made the past unravel bit by bit. The author doesn't dump all the relevant information at you all at once, but rather slowly reveals past incidents and gives enough hints that you're able to form your own theories or you're able to catch things that Li Luo might not understand.
Because of this, I actually enjoyed the author's writing and didn't think it was simplistic. You aren't being spoon-fed any information. At times I also found myself enjoying some turns of phrase that the author uses. I can't, however, pass any judgment on the translation quality as I don't know Chinese at all.
I am enjoying myself so far while reading this, but I would say it's definitely not for everyone. (I don't even enjoy soap opera plots unless I'm in a specific mood.) I would suggest reading other reviews on Novel Updates to get a better feel for the series as a whole, because I am reviewing this one volume at a time.
Now, on to the next volume.
I am finally getting around to reading this series after all the obstacles I went through trying to get my hands on copies of it. Via Lactea holds the licenses to some danmei series I am interested in, but if you live outside North America then good luck trying to secure copies. (In fact, even if you do live in North America, there's always delays and zero updates on orders unless you directly buy the market versions from Amazon.)
Anyway.
So far, this series reads like a book version of your typical Asian melodramatic soap opera - complete with rich young masters, bastard sons, revenge plots, and about a million misunderstandings between our main couple. As such, our main characters are not very likeable in this volume. They are, to be very blunt about it, assholes to each other. But if you've read a better blurb of this series from somewhere else, you know that this is an exes-to-lovers story. You do realize, as you read through this first volume, that their actions are coming from a place of very deep hurt.
Is it always justified? Maybe not. But people can be irrational when it comes to love and betrayal. In any case, I've been reading BL for a very long time now, and I can tell when a BL character is written as an asshole with the idea of redeeming him somewhere down the line, or with the idea that he is being an asshole because he is protecting something important. I could get that sense from Li Luo, who is protecting himself from further hurt. And I could also get that sense from Duan Mingyang, who I theorize is protecting Li Luo from something that hasn't been quite uncovered yet.
Beyond that, I liked Li Luo. He presents himself as a shallow celebrity, but he's kind to those who work for him like Deng Liang, and he has his own set of morals. I love his friendship - at times teasing, and at times protective and supportive - with Jiang Liushen, who is my favorite side character. (Jiang Liushen has his own series! I will be reading that after I finish this.) As for Duan Mingyang, we don't get much of his side just yet. Through the flashbacks we get every now and then, we get to know Duan Mingyang as someone who is capable of doing kind, and even romantic, gestures for Li Luo. There is an incident with a wallet that very much shows us this. So it is still somewhat a mystery why he treats Li Luo as he does in the present.
Now, in between all the misunderstandings that our main characters find themselves in, there is a plot. Our main couple is basically working together to set to rights the great betrayal of their past: Li Zhenghong's wrongful imprisonment. But to really get to the meat of just how Li Luo's father was framed and imprisoned, of course we have to know just what happened five or six years ago, which is where the (previously mentioned) flashbacks come in.
To me, figuring out which parts were flashbacks wasn't difficult at all due to the verb tenses used, and they were interspersed with the other chapters in a way that made the past unravel bit by bit. The author doesn't dump all the relevant information at you all at once, but rather slowly reveals past incidents and gives enough hints that you're able to form your own theories or you're able to catch things that Li Luo might not understand.
Because of this, I actually enjoyed the author's writing and didn't think it was simplistic. You aren't being spoon-fed any information. At times I also found myself enjoying some turns of phrase that the author uses. I can't, however, pass any judgment on the translation quality as I don't know Chinese at all.
I am enjoying myself so far while reading this, but I would say it's definitely not for everyone. (I don't even enjoy soap opera plots unless I'm in a specific mood.) I would suggest reading other reviews on Novel Updates to get a better feel for the series as a whole, because I am reviewing this one volume at a time.
Now, on to the next volume.
October 12, 2024
Lovers to enemies to lovers in entertainment setting. It's very much a soap opera, either you enjoy the ride or you hate it. I quite enjoyed all the misunderstandings, jealousies, and dramas, but it's a guilty pleasure read more than anything else.
December 6, 2025
SWEET FACE WITH A BLACK BELLY MY BELOVED
*gnaws thumb in anxiety* please let this continue to be good, please let this continue to be good...
Bingkuai'er if you pull this off you're my new favorite
--
I'm here after gorging the entire series to say: she pulled it off!
Dawning follows Li Luo, prettyboy actor and son of, formerly, one of the richest men in China. Unfortunately his father was jailed for corruption -- in what Li Luo believes was a frame job, the machinations of their rivals the Duan family. He's been on a mission to use his wealth and connections as a popular media figure to unearth the truth of the matter ever since. He's coming off a career high -- snagging a huge international endorsement -- when his manager calls him and says: "Our entire company has been acquired. The new boss has yanked the endorsement, and he's firing you from the company. He's also trying to blacklist you throughout the industry."
The new boss? Duan Mingyang: the youngest son of the Duan family, the illegitimate prodigal son who became a business wunderkind ever since rejoining the company five years ago.
............. five years ago, aka after he dated Li Luo in college, seduced him, tricked him, and used whatever dirt Li Luo gave him on the Li family to frame Li Luo's father and regain the riches of the Duan family. But not before he filmed them having sex and gave the tape to the Duan family as potential for any future blackmailing needs.
And we're off!
This is the all-gas-no-brakes kind of storytelling I specifically come to danmei for: bonkers, over-the-top premises, larger than life characters, romantic misunderstandings and genre tropes GALORE. And you have to have a tolerance for those kinds of extremes and narrative unreliability to enjoy it: if you're here for sweet lovers and healthy dynamics, look ELSEWHERE.
If you're here for a good time, however...
Dawning was written like it was following a personal wishlist, both re: broad concepts but also the more subtle details of character work. I'm a sucker for reunited lovers, revenge plots, and 'entertainment circle' romances. I love, love, love the hoary chestnuts of the romance genre, but I also get bored easily without any subversive spins or creativity playing on our expectations. Dawning delivers in spades with Li Luo, who is the most vicious, conniving, manipulative shou character I have seen in a while, and ohmygodilovehimsomuch. Usually the shou (penetrated/bottom character, because this is danmei after all, not actual queer lit: rigidity and roles are kind of the point) is reduced to a wet-eyed victim of circumstance (or the gong/penetrating/top character) who is just, like, so good! So pure!! And sometimes so feminized, it's clear the writer isn't writing m/m because they like male characters: they just hate women.
No Li Luo! He is a menace. He fights, he manipulates, he schemes, he swindles. He exploits his incredibly good looks in his favor constantly, trying to persuade everyone he's just a lovely, defenseless, boyish sweetheart before (metaphorically, or literally!) SHANKING THEM IN THE TITS. In deftly-placed flashbacks to their college years, it's made clear that if the relationship between Duan Mingyan and Li Luo is built on deception, that's because Li Luo started it. While that doesn't excuse the blackmail tape (which of course ), it re-contextualizes not just their past but also their present. I also love romances framed as a battle of bared teeth and matched wits, so, sue me.
Mostly because, when that's done right -- and it is in Dawning -- it makes the sex interesting beyond "and then they had sex." The sex scenes here are still very........... danmei, and yes I use that word derogatorily a lot even as I am endeavoring to read as many titles as I can, it's complicated and I have complicated feelings about it as a queer person reading queer stories that are not, necessarily, FOR queer people. And Dawning is one of those danmei for straights: there's a whole plot point about how Duan Mingyang and Li Luo "didn't have sex" until a certain meaningful event, and: yes they fucking did, frottage is sex, oral sex is sex, if you insist the only real sex is penetrative and yet never write fucking LUBE into your sex scenes I'm going to say this is gay sex for straight people. Because it is.
But shit like that aside, Dawning is a lot of fun, and as I said earlier, at least it isn't outright misogynistic or queerphobic (which I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF in danmei). The chemistry between the leads is absolute fire -- and yes, antagonistic for this entire volume, we don't even get to see them be nice to each other in the past, so if you don't like fraught romances don't bother.
But if you're like me, and enjoy High Drama? Fucking. Get your spoon ready. This shit is delicious. And it continues to be so throughout the series.
Dawning II
Dawning III
*gnaws thumb in anxiety* please let this continue to be good, please let this continue to be good...
Bingkuai'er if you pull this off you're my new favorite
--
I'm here after gorging the entire series to say: she pulled it off!
Dawning follows Li Luo, prettyboy actor and son of, formerly, one of the richest men in China. Unfortunately his father was jailed for corruption -- in what Li Luo believes was a frame job, the machinations of their rivals the Duan family. He's been on a mission to use his wealth and connections as a popular media figure to unearth the truth of the matter ever since. He's coming off a career high -- snagging a huge international endorsement -- when his manager calls him and says: "Our entire company has been acquired. The new boss has yanked the endorsement, and he's firing you from the company. He's also trying to blacklist you throughout the industry."
The new boss? Duan Mingyang: the youngest son of the Duan family, the illegitimate prodigal son who became a business wunderkind ever since rejoining the company five years ago.
............. five years ago, aka after he dated Li Luo in college, seduced him, tricked him, and used whatever dirt Li Luo gave him on the Li family to frame Li Luo's father and regain the riches of the Duan family. But not before he filmed them having sex and gave the tape to the Duan family as potential for any future blackmailing needs.
And we're off!
This is the all-gas-no-brakes kind of storytelling I specifically come to danmei for: bonkers, over-the-top premises, larger than life characters, romantic misunderstandings and genre tropes GALORE. And you have to have a tolerance for those kinds of extremes and narrative unreliability to enjoy it: if you're here for sweet lovers and healthy dynamics, look ELSEWHERE.
If you're here for a good time, however...
Dawning was written like it was following a personal wishlist, both re: broad concepts but also the more subtle details of character work. I'm a sucker for reunited lovers, revenge plots, and 'entertainment circle' romances. I love, love, love the hoary chestnuts of the romance genre, but I also get bored easily without any subversive spins or creativity playing on our expectations. Dawning delivers in spades with Li Luo, who is the most vicious, conniving, manipulative shou character I have seen in a while, and ohmygodilovehimsomuch. Usually the shou (penetrated/bottom character, because this is danmei after all, not actual queer lit: rigidity and roles are kind of the point) is reduced to a wet-eyed victim of circumstance (or the gong/penetrating/top character) who is just, like, so good! So pure!! And sometimes so feminized, it's clear the writer isn't writing m/m because they like male characters: they just hate women.
No Li Luo! He is a menace. He fights, he manipulates, he schemes, he swindles. He exploits his incredibly good looks in his favor constantly, trying to persuade everyone he's just a lovely, defenseless, boyish sweetheart before (metaphorically, or literally!) SHANKING THEM IN THE TITS. In deftly-placed flashbacks to their college years, it's made clear that if the relationship between Duan Mingyan and Li Luo is built on deception, that's because Li Luo started it. While that doesn't excuse the blackmail tape (which of course ), it re-contextualizes not just their past but also their present. I also love romances framed as a battle of bared teeth and matched wits, so, sue me.
Mostly because, when that's done right -- and it is in Dawning -- it makes the sex interesting beyond "and then they had sex." The sex scenes here are still very........... danmei, and yes I use that word derogatorily a lot even as I am endeavoring to read as many titles as I can, it's complicated and I have complicated feelings about it as a queer person reading queer stories that are not, necessarily, FOR queer people. And Dawning is one of those danmei for straights: there's a whole plot point about how Duan Mingyang and Li Luo "didn't have sex" until a certain meaningful event, and: yes they fucking did, frottage is sex, oral sex is sex, if you insist the only real sex is penetrative and yet never write fucking LUBE into your sex scenes I'm going to say this is gay sex for straight people. Because it is.
But shit like that aside, Dawning is a lot of fun, and as I said earlier, at least it isn't outright misogynistic or queerphobic (which I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF in danmei). The chemistry between the leads is absolute fire -- and yes, antagonistic for this entire volume, we don't even get to see them be nice to each other in the past, so if you don't like fraught romances don't bother.
But if you're like me, and enjoy High Drama? Fucking. Get your spoon ready. This shit is delicious. And it continues to be so throughout the series.
Dawning II
Dawning III
September 8, 2025
This was my very first modern danmei, and as someone who usually gravitates toward historical settings, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself hooked. Dawning is a trilogy full of emotional tension, pride, and messy human flaws, but also tender love, loyalty, and moments that shine.
At its core, the story follows Li Luo and Duan Mingyan — once lovers, now estranged, brought back together under tense circumstances. Their past relationship, which fell apart five years ago, is only briefly sketched in Book 1, leaving much unsaid. Because the story is told mostly from Li Luo’s POV, we see how little he really knew, and how frustrating it becomes when Duan Mingyan fails to clear up misunderstandings. More than once, Li Luo confronts him about things that could easily be resolved with honest communication, yet Duan Mingyan just stiffly admits “yes,” even when it isn’t true. Naturally, Li Luo lashes out — and instead of fixing things, Duan Mingyan has the audacity to act offended. This cycle of silence and miscommunication is the main reason my rating stops at 4 stars (4.5 if I squint). One misunderstanding is fine, but several in a row without growth gets irritating.
Still, despite the frustration, their dynamic has weight and beauty. I was especially struck by two quotes:
“Someone who is used to darkness can’t be given light. Light will melt the cold, hard shell which he lives, dispelling the caution he uses to guard himself against danger, making him soft and fragile. If the light disappears, he’ll fall into a deeper darkness unarmed and helpless. He’ll either be killed by the enemies in the shadows around him, or die of loneliness. Unless I can make sure that you’ll forever be my light. I won’t be able to accept you.”
This is Duan Mingyan’s way of explaining why he resists Li Luo’s love — he loves him, but fears that Li Luo’s affection will be temporary, while his own devotion runs dangerously deep.
And later, the piercing line:
“The only thing that could lower the head of a prideful man was the humbleness of love.”
Moments like these reminded me why I stuck with the trilogy: for the emotional highs, the vulnerability beneath the anger, and the slow, stubborn pull between two people who can’t quite let each other go.
Li Luo himself is a fantastic MC: strong, independent, fabulous in attitude, and yet deeply human in his flaws. He even defines their relationship with refreshing clarity — from lovers, to enemies, to allies (and, for us readers, back to potential lovers). Jiang Liushen was another favorite of mine: he’s the quintessential best friend, both sassy and supportive, “scolding” Li Luo when necessary but also lifting him up. He even calls himself the “father” of the MC, and I adored every one of his appearances. Half my annotations in the books ended up being Jiang’s sharp remarks and playful sass.
As a whole, the first book so far blends angst with romance, drama with loyalty. It is rated PG18, and Ice doesn’t hold back on the explicit side of things (the aphrodisiac scene, for example, was quite something 👀). But that’s also part of what made this series feel unflinching — it didn’t shy away from intimacy, darkness, or the complexity of pride and vulnerability in love.
Book 1 ends on something of a cliffhanger, and I’m genuinely looking forward to diving into the second volume. Hopefully, more misunderstandings will finally be cleared up — though, considering there’s still a third book, unless that last one is just full of their married life and smutty happiness (hehe), I’m fully bracing myself for more heartache and headaches.
Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Despite its occasional frustrations with endless miscommunication, Dawning I was a captivating ride — intense, heartfelt, and well worth the time. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers, angst, prideful characters brought to their knees by love, and a sassy best friend who steals every scene, this first book of the trilogy will likely win you over too.
At its core, the story follows Li Luo and Duan Mingyan — once lovers, now estranged, brought back together under tense circumstances. Their past relationship, which fell apart five years ago, is only briefly sketched in Book 1, leaving much unsaid. Because the story is told mostly from Li Luo’s POV, we see how little he really knew, and how frustrating it becomes when Duan Mingyan fails to clear up misunderstandings. More than once, Li Luo confronts him about things that could easily be resolved with honest communication, yet Duan Mingyan just stiffly admits “yes,” even when it isn’t true. Naturally, Li Luo lashes out — and instead of fixing things, Duan Mingyan has the audacity to act offended. This cycle of silence and miscommunication is the main reason my rating stops at 4 stars (4.5 if I squint). One misunderstanding is fine, but several in a row without growth gets irritating.
Still, despite the frustration, their dynamic has weight and beauty. I was especially struck by two quotes:
“Someone who is used to darkness can’t be given light. Light will melt the cold, hard shell which he lives, dispelling the caution he uses to guard himself against danger, making him soft and fragile. If the light disappears, he’ll fall into a deeper darkness unarmed and helpless. He’ll either be killed by the enemies in the shadows around him, or die of loneliness. Unless I can make sure that you’ll forever be my light. I won’t be able to accept you.”
This is Duan Mingyan’s way of explaining why he resists Li Luo’s love — he loves him, but fears that Li Luo’s affection will be temporary, while his own devotion runs dangerously deep.
And later, the piercing line:
“The only thing that could lower the head of a prideful man was the humbleness of love.”
Moments like these reminded me why I stuck with the trilogy: for the emotional highs, the vulnerability beneath the anger, and the slow, stubborn pull between two people who can’t quite let each other go.
Li Luo himself is a fantastic MC: strong, independent, fabulous in attitude, and yet deeply human in his flaws. He even defines their relationship with refreshing clarity — from lovers, to enemies, to allies (and, for us readers, back to potential lovers). Jiang Liushen was another favorite of mine: he’s the quintessential best friend, both sassy and supportive, “scolding” Li Luo when necessary but also lifting him up. He even calls himself the “father” of the MC, and I adored every one of his appearances. Half my annotations in the books ended up being Jiang’s sharp remarks and playful sass.
As a whole, the first book so far blends angst with romance, drama with loyalty. It is rated PG18, and Ice doesn’t hold back on the explicit side of things (the aphrodisiac scene, for example, was quite something 👀). But that’s also part of what made this series feel unflinching — it didn’t shy away from intimacy, darkness, or the complexity of pride and vulnerability in love.
Book 1 ends on something of a cliffhanger, and I’m genuinely looking forward to diving into the second volume. Hopefully, more misunderstandings will finally be cleared up — though, considering there’s still a third book, unless that last one is just full of their married life and smutty happiness (hehe), I’m fully bracing myself for more heartache and headaches.
Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Despite its occasional frustrations with endless miscommunication, Dawning I was a captivating ride — intense, heartfelt, and well worth the time. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers, angst, prideful characters brought to their knees by love, and a sassy best friend who steals every scene, this first book of the trilogy will likely win you over too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2025
I have very interesting feelings on this. I loved how easy of a read this is. Some danmei are very difficult to get into. This one is like a soap opera. It’s a good and engaging read in my opinion but it’s not without faults. It is very hard to not be annoyed by the miscommunication between our MC and ML. Anyone with even half of a brain cell can figure out that the ML was not who taped their time together yet our ML chooses to just not say anything and our MC is so stupid about it. There are times where I even said to myself why should I want these two together but I do so the book succeeded. Also I noticed multiple typos and errors in the book including a conversation between Li Luo and Duan Mingyang where Li Luo calls Duan Mingyang Li. I’m not trying to be nit-picky but that irritated me. A lot. Overall I’d recommend this to anyone that is starting danmei it’s a great entry point and it is enjoyable even though it has faults.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
This was really good I recommend, something’s were questionable but that’s always the case. Why doesn’t this have more reviews
September 6, 2024
Can't wait to see where Li Luo and Duan Mingyang's relationship will go.
November 8, 2024
Duan Mingyan, better he has a good reason
December 4, 2024
Im cryinggg. Thank you for the smut.
10/10 sensational
10/10 sensational
January 11, 2025
The main character is a bit insufferable, but the story picks up on the second half.
February 10, 2025
Good book i liked it but the characters are so infuriating istg
March 14, 2025
3.5
this was messy and entertaining. i'm interested to see where it goes.
this was messy and entertaining. i'm interested to see where it goes.
April 18, 2025
ah yes, cold tops that aren't actually all that cold.
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