Okay, folks, gather ’round! It’s time to talk about one of my absolute favorite LitRPG finds of the year: Beware of Chicken. I stumbled upon this gem on Kindle Unlimited (and liked it so much I ended up purchasing it on Audible), and let me tell you, it was like finding a hidden oasis in the vast desert of “kill or be killed” LitRPGs.
Now, if you’re a regular here at Zone-Six, you know I’ve got a soft spot for anything LitRPG. We’ve explored the depths of Dungeon Crawler Carl and braved the virtual landscapes of Ready Player One, but Beware of Chicken offers something delightfully different. Imagine a world where instead of grinding levels to fight the next big bad, you’re grinding levels to… cultivate the perfect chili pepper. Yeah, you heard that right.
A High-Level Summary
Beware of Chicken takes place in a Xianxia inspired world. Now, for those who might be scratching their heads, let me quickly explain. Xianxia is a genre of Chinese fantasy that draws heavily on Taoist philosophy, martial arts, and the pursuit of immortality through cultivation. It’s not to be confused with Isekai, where a character is typically transported to another world. Here, our protagonist, Jin Rou, isn’t transported anywhere—he’s already part of this mystical, martial world but decides to opt out of its high-stakes insanity.
Jin, a former cultivator, shocks everyone around him by abandoning the dangerous and glory-driven path of cultivation for a quieter life in the Azure Hills. A Canadian by birth (yes, maple syrup-loving, hockey-watching Canadian!), Jin’s modern sensibilities make for some hilarious and relatable moments as he adapts to life as a farmer. He brings his Canadian charm to every interaction, whether it’s his unwavering politeness or his creative use of Qi to perfect his crops. Oh, and did I mention the rooster? Yes, there’s a rooster, and it’s not just any ordinary bird—it’s one of the book’s most intelligent and entertaining characters.
The story begins with Jin’s reincarnation after his untimely demise as a cultivator. Instead of seeking revenge or chasing power, he decides to live a simple, fulfilling life. He starts farming, builds relationships with the locals, and slowly discovers that peace and happiness don’t require endless struggle. From planting crops enhanced by Qi to navigating the quirks of village life, Jin’s journey is a refreshing change of pace.
A Personal Reflection on the Novel
This book hit me in all the right ways. After slogging through countless LitRPGs where characters are constantly levelling up for the next bloody battle, Beware of Chicken felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s like the book said, “Hey, what if we just… chilled?” And I loved it.
Jin’s Canadian background adds an extra layer of relatability and charm. His love for maple syrup, occasional quips about hockey, and general “let’s be nice to everyone” attitude make him stand out in a genre that often prioritizes edgy protagonists. The humour is top-notch too. Whether it’s the antics of his animal companions or Jin’s deadpan reactions to the absurdities of the world around him, I found myself laughing out loud more times than I could count.
The Humor and Characters
The supporting cast in Beware of Chicken is just as memorable as Jin himself. The villagers, with their distinct personalities, add depth and vibrancy to the story. But let’s talk about the real MVP: the rooster. This bird is not just a farm animal; it’s a force of nature. Its intelligence and attitude bring humor and absurdity that perfectly complements the story’s slice-of-life vibe.
The relationships Jin builds, both with the human characters and his animal companions, are heartfelt and genuine. The novel captures the essence of community and friendship in a rare way in LitRPGs.
Why It’s a 5/5 for Me
I can’t overstate how much I enjoyed this book. It’s not just a refreshing take on LitRPG—it’s a masterfully written story that makes you laugh, think, and feel. Casualfarmer’s writing strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart, and the pacing is just right. Every chapter feels purposeful, and the narrative never drags.
For me, this is a solid 5 out of 5. If you’re tired of the same old grind-heavy LitRPGs and want something that’ll leave you with a smile on your face, Beware of Chicken is the book for you. It’s cozy, clever, and utterly captivating. Trust me, you’ll never look at farming the same way again.