
a review by Risu03

a review by Risu03
_(Disclaimer: this is a spoiler-free review for the web novel)_
This is probably the best novel I've ever read so far, or will ever read in my lifetime. The world-building is top tier and I have never seeing something that comes close to it, let along rivals it. The Gu World is a rich, complex and detailed world by itself, but what Reverend Insanity really shines in is the history. From the creation myth (introduced in the first chapters to explain both the unique power system and the social structure of the Gu World), to Fang Yuan (the protagonist of this story) discovering the truth behind the founding of his village or the millenary struggles that ravage the Gu World.
Everything from chapter 1 is coherent and well thought out, and the story flows naturally without plot holes or plot armour. Even some aspects of the story which may seem random at first might have an explanation 500 chapters later or be the clue for a beautiful executed plot twist 200 chapters later.
The power system is one of the best out there, since it breaks free from the classic magic based ones, which have been seen so many times already. It is fairly balanced, but most importantly, dynamic. Fights never feel boring as they always include some new interesting factor or interesting combat system.
Now however, let's get to the main part of this review, and what really sets this book apart from the rest, the main character. Fang Yuan is a boy from our world that died and reincarnated in the Gu World. So far, this has all been seen before. However, the story doesn't begin here, but rather picks up when Fang Yuan has already lived for 500 years and become a villain, but cornered by his many enemies, is forced to reincarnate 500 years in the past, to where he he started his journey.
Here we witness his new journey, where he uses every and all means to reach his goal - to achieve eternal life.
Fang Yuan is certainly smart, but he isn't the smartest. The schemes he plots are often returned against him, and he only manages to survive thanks to some hidden cards. His actions are unaffected by emotions or morality, only striving for benefits, and he doesn't hesitate to betray or sacrifice anyone if this action yields him a greater gain.
Fang Yuan's is a character that has already completed his character growth, but it's your understanding and the image you have of him that slowly takes form in your mind. This starts in the first book (first 200 chapters), but doesn't reach the climax until way later in the story (that scene would need a review by itself, but I won't spoiler).
The story as a whole is a wild ride, and the ending of each volume is an absolute banger. Also, no harem or romantical relationships. 10/10
Here, one of my favourite quotes:
I struggled to survive in the mortal world since I came to life and joined this world. I lived my own life according to my own feelings, and even if the waves toss me up and down, sending me to the border of death, I will never grieve, lament, fear, or worry; I will savour these flavours thoroughly, and will still laugh crazily until the end.
(ch 1673)
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