Lord of Mysteries [S01E01 to S01E13]

If you’ve been scrolling through Crunchyroll or Tencent lately, looking for a fantasy show that’s not just the same old isekai or shonen tropes, let me stop you right there—Lord of Mysteries (S01E01 to 13) is the donghua you need in your life right now.

Let’s be real: most fantasy shows these days feel repetitive, but this one hits different. Imagine Victorian London, but with steam-powered dreadnoughts floating overhead, brass gears clicking in every corner, and secret churches locked in a silent war over occult power. Oh, and it’s got that Xuanhuan flair—Chinese fantasy with spiritual growth, weird magic, and powers that make you go “wait, how did he do that?”

The first episode dumps you right into Klein Moretti’s confused shoes. He wakes up as this guy after his old life (Zhou Mingrui) ends, finds a mysterious notebook full of rituals, and before he knows it, he’s tangled up in a world where people can turn into shadows or summon ancient beings. The show doesn’t hold your hand—you learn the rules right alongside Klein, which makes every discovery feel like a win.

What I love most is the balance between dark and light. One minute you’re watching Klein sneak through a church basement to avoid a cult, and the next you’re cackling at Q Theater (the bonus chibi episodes) where he tries to make toast and accidentally sets his kitchen on fire. Old Neil’s Mysticism Class is another gem—this mini-series breaks down the magic system in a way that’s fun and easy to understand, so you don’t get lost in jargon. Old Neil’s this quirky old guy who knows everything about the occult, and his episodes are like a crash course in the world’s weirdness.

The animation is top-tier too. The steampunk details are on point—from the goggles on Klein’s head to the steam pipes snaking up buildings. The Lovecraftian elements are creepy but not over-the-top; the monsters are shadowy and mysterious, which makes them scarier than any CGI beast. And the fight scenes? Fluid and intense—Klein uses his new powers in creative ways, like turning into a raven to escape danger in episode 4 (I rewatched that scene three times, no shame).

Fans are already obsessing over this. Even though it dropped in June 2025, it’s one of the summer’s most talked-about titles. On MyAnimeList forums, people praise how faithful it is to Yuan Ye/Cuttlefish That Loves Diving’s web novel. The genre mix—steampunk + Lovecraft + Xuanhuan—is something no one’s nailed before, and it works so well.

Is there any downside? Maybe the first three episodes are slow as they set up the world, but once Klein starts his journey to figure out who he really is, the plot picks up and never slows down. By episode 5, you’re hooked—you want to know what’s in the notebook, who the churches are hunting, and why Klein was chosen for this chaos.

If you’re a fantasy fan, steampunk lover, or just someone who likes shows that keep you guessing, Lord of Mysteries is a must-watch. The first 13 episodes are just the tip of the iceberg, and I can’t wait for more. Grab your popcorn, turn off the lights (but not too off—those shadows are spooky), and dive in. You’ll be binging all 13 episodes in one sitting, then replaying the chibi Klein bits for hours.

Trust me—this is the show everyone’s going to be talking about this year. Don’t miss out!

P.S. The ritual scene in episode 4 where Klein summons a spirit? Chef’s kiss. You’re welcome.