Recs if you like The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong, Vol. 1...

Urgently seeking suggestions, any and all input is welcome! A list for men in sci-fi/fantasy who are pathetic, reminiscent of kicked dogs, described as poor little meow meows, drowning in their own emptiness, and/or generally have an intense aura of being a sad loser with no life. Having a capacity to be fixed is entirely optional. If you want to demonstrate why a man is a loser, feel free to do so at great length in the comments so that we all may further our studies in male patheticology.

All the volumes licensed in English that I could find on here. I've added ones I couldn't find whenever possible, and did my best to select the correct editions.

Books with obsessive and/or codependent queer relationships (relationship doesn't have to be canon but the vibes™ should be there)

as an antidote to the ‘bury your gays’ trope, here are queers who defy death; who are reincarnated, immortalised, or escape death by the skin of their teeth. these characters may die at some point following this, but are allowed well-rounded arcs before that point.

please note that due to the nature of the list, spoilers may follow. enter at your own risk.

recommendations welcome!

a compilation of danmei characters who stubbornly believe in their heterosexuality despite all evidence to the contrary. recommendations are very welcome!

Books set in an Asian or Asian-inspired setting or incorporates elements of an Asian culture or mythology. Only the first book in a series is listed.

danmei gongs who act particularly dog-like

a collection of men who pretend to be really innocent and weak to gain their lover’s favour. the title comes from the chinese slang term 绿茶 / green tea, which refers to someone who acts really pitiful and helpless, as if they’ve endured a lot of hardships, but in actual fact is very cunning and ambitious.

note: the origin of the term is quite misogynistic, hence why this list will not be including any women.

All Danmei/Baihe published by Seven Seas translated into english (Updated August 2025)

what happens after death? rebirth or transmigration, rebirth or transmigration.

do note that death is not a compulsory requirement for this list.

— “the fate that began in the world before is yet unended.”

a list of couples who are not only crazy about each other, but also crazy together. recommendations are very welcome!

— “you’re the pot to match their lid.”

Morally grey or straight up baddies? Aiming to collect books written from a villainous/morally grey POV so suggestion appreciated.

gay chinese novels

For those who have wandered close but yet to sink into this rabbit hole:

"Danmei (耽美) is a Chinese literary genre that focuses on romantic relationships between male characters."

read a few, and keeping an eye on the rest 👀 I'll be editing the list as I go! please feel free to suggest any additions 🌸

characters who embody the benevolence and grace of the divine, even in a world muddied with mortal follies.

— “the figure of the divine in the unrelenting abyss of hell.”

Inexhaustive list of danmei novels 👑

All the volumes licensed in English that I could find on here. I've added ones I couldn't find whenever possible, and did my best to select the correct editions. This is a modified version of my existing Danmei Officially Published in English, but this one only includes the first volume of each series. (Someone asked I make this version, so here we are. :D )

a compilation of chinese novels that explore the not-so-forbidden romance between master and disciple. as always, recommendations are very welcome!