There is an outstanding collection of danmei titles exploding onto the English-language market, and naturally some I’m more excited to read than others. Since there are too many greats books for a single post, I’ve broken it down by publisher. This post is about the Rosmei danmei releases that I can’t wait to get my eager hands on.

I’m running a series of posts over the next few weeks to highlight all the ones I’m jamming the preorder button for as soon as they’re available. I already shared my Seven Seas excitement, keep an eye out for Via Lactea and Hai Tang next.

If you’re new to Rosmei books, Rosmei is a danmei publisher based in Singapore, known for beautiful and high quality danmei releases.  They’ve licensed some incredibly popular titles, and while buying from them requires a bit of know-how, it is absolutely worth the trouble. If you’re in the U.S., Yiggybean is the official reseller, but check out this guide for how to buy Rosmei danmei around the world.

In addition to continuing to publish new volumes for novels already underway, Rosmei has an amazing slate of upcoming licensed titles as well.  I’ve put together a guide with all of their licenses, including descriptions and release date information when available if you want to see the full catalog.

Preferences

Before I jump into what I’m most excited about, let me share a little bit about what I like in a danmei novel. There are amazing books coming out that aren’t for me, but thank goodness there for the variety of tastes and interests among danmei readers.  If I’m not excited about a title you love, that doesn’t mean it isn’t wonderful.  It may just not be my personal cup of tea.

Here’s what does tend to be my cup of tea:

• Genres: I love xianxia, wuxia, historical, steampunk, science fiction, urban fantasy, and mythology.  Not a huge fan of horror, dystopian, or contemporary/modern/slice-of-life.
• Competent leads: I love a power couple, and I love seeing people being smart and competent together.
• Compelling romance: Many tropes can work here!  I love a good slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, or star-struck pair.  Regardless of trope, I need the romance to feel real and important to the characters and the story, not an afterthought.
• Finished stories: While I will often buy early volumes, I prefer to only read a story when I can finish it (whether through official or fan translation or hopping back-and-forth).

Eagerly Anticipating

Okay, let’s get to the titles I’m most excited about! If you want to order these titles, please take a look at this list of approved Rosmei shops in your area.  I’ve already ordered or preordered the available volumes of all of the titles on this list!

• Coins of Destiny by priest
  • Description: The young Cheng Qian becomes a disciple of the dying Fuyao Sect. There he meets Yan Zhengming, who is as proud as a peacock with talents to match. With their fellow disciples, they train as cultivators in hopes of saving their sect from fading further into obscurity.
  • My take: priest has been more hits than misses for me, so I’m hopeful this will be another one I love.  I very much like the aspect of found family that’s supposed to be at the heart of this wuxia story. I’m hoping for a friends-to-lovers romance complimented by a great supporting cast and an intriguing plot.
• The Defectives by priest
  • Description: In the distant spacefaring future, humanity has colonized the stars. Most humans have become completely dependent on the all-powerful artificial intelligence known as EDEN, whose command extends across seven galaxies. Humans who are unable to interface with EDEN live in isolation in the Eighth Galaxy, which is ruled by the tyranny of the strong. One day, Eighth Galaxy resident Lu Bixing fishes up a mysterious man whom he eventually comes to know as Lin Jingheng, who is on the run and hiding a menagerie of secrets. They quickly become ensnarled in a sprawling drama that will shape humanity for years to come.
  • My take: While I’m not a huge fan of elaborate mech battles (and I know this novel features that aplenty), I am a huge fan of high-concept science fiction about the nature of humanity. I’m hoping for a lot of that in this novel.  priest’s steampunk historical Sha Po Lang was a big hit for me, so I’m excited to see what she does in a different genre.
• Drowning Sorrow in Raging Fire by priest
  • Description: Three thousand years ago, Sheng Lingyuan leapt into the Crimson Abyss and used his life to seal away the evil yao race. He reawakens in the modern era and makes the acquaintance of Xuan Ji, the director of a government agency that manages supernatural disaster relief. They must work together to unravel a conspiracy that threatens to doom humanity.
  • My take: Wow okay, this is really a priest-heavy list. 😀 She is a very prolific and popular danmei author, so I’m not mad about it.  priest’s Guardian is the only danmei urban fantasy I’ve read yet, and I adored it.  I’m hoping for another that mixes the best of modern sensibilities with magic, mystery, romance and tons of yearning and angst.
• Nanchan by Tang Jiuqing
  • Description: The amnesiac immortal Jing Lin has been recovering in seclusion on a mountain for centuries with only a carp for company. The carp, Cang Ji, has human-level intelligence and gains a human form after drinking Jing Lin’s blood. After a valuable artifact goes missing, Jing Lin and Cang Ji must journey to retrieve it while facing trials themed around Buddhist philosophy.
  • My take: A mystical xianxia tale of romance through the ages, by T97 (author of Ballad of Sword and Wine). Apparently this involves a dragon, a carp, philosophy, Buddhism, and a lot of mythology.  Honestly this sounds like everything I want out of a danmei book, and I can’t wait to get my grubby fingers on the beautiful Rosmei volumes.

Curiously Anticipating

And here are the Rosmei releases I’m curious about, but not entirely sold on yet:

• Global Examination by Mu Su Li
  • Description: The whole world is subjected to a highly dangerous standardised exam called the Global Examination. Answering questions by putting their lives at stake, they would live if they passed the test. Every month the exam will undergo reformation while, occasionally, it is random.
  • My take: I haven’t read any Unlimited Flow yet, and I’m not sure whether I’ll love it or not—but I have heard the leads in this story exemplify a power couple in the best way, so I am going to give it a try.
• Art Thou Ailing? by Ru Si Wo Wen
  • Description: The top-ranking military official pretends to fall in love with the top-ranking civil official, his rival of all time. Shenanigans ensue, but so does love.
  • My take: I don’t know much about this title yet, but the description sounds intriguing.  A fake love that turns real can be a very fun trope, so I’ll keep my eye on this one.