I was not sure what to expect of this drama that started out with grown man pampering and teasing a magical chicken (Phoenix), but I certainly was not expecting another 10/10 drama. I mean maybe it’s not perfect but I enjoyed every single episode and didn’t hit the fast forward button even once.

The female lead is a strong warrior and leader of her people. She’s very much caught up in the current dramas and politics of her time with the urgency of a leader who knows the outcomes are not guaranteed.

The male lead is also strong but he’s absolutely abandoned the majorities of his responsibilities, let’s things run their natural course with both good and bad outcomes, and is overall a chill dude milling about in his garden like a grandpa until our domineering phoenix drags him back into the drama of the realms.

And like yin and yang they are a perfect balance with their matching cores.

This story will take you to heaven and earth, demon realms and magical worlds, wastelands and paradises. It’s gorgeous, too. The costumes, the locations, the sets - all marvelous.

There are also some very memorable second lead characters. A brother and sister duo that I adored who both got solid stories and character arcs as well as unique and funny personalities. A pining but not pathetic second male lead (well he was kinda pitiful but the circumstances demanded it). And there was a slew of other great side characters that really added depth and realism to this fantastical story (sexy snake lady, I’m looking at you).

Most of all the two leads had great chemistry. They played off each other so well - with humor and teasing and sweetness and snarkiness, they frustrated each other, they admired each other, they just seemed so natural side by side I was rooting for their love story even when she was a chicken (which is only the first two eps or so).

My Xianxia Fantasy Lovers, you will love it. Definitely fire it up and enjoy the ride. It’s epic.