Novoland: The Castle in the Sky

Novoland is the handiwork of seven authors, conceptualizing a reality where humans and mythical creatures co-exist across 9 distinct continents.

Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 九州天空城 is a 20-episode original story taking inspiration from the same and it focuses on the clashes between the humans and the Yu Clan, winged beings that have created a kingdom in the sky. 

The cast is led by rising star Zhang Ruo Yun (Monster Killer), Guan Xiao Tong, SNH48 member Ju Jing Yi, Liu Chang, Chen Ruo Xuan, Zhang Lu Yi (Sparrow) and Liu Min (Demon Girl). It gives a fresh youthful vibe that regrettably looks like the lesser known cousin of Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy.

The series premieres Jul 2016 on Jiangxu TV and QQ. 

Source: YLQ, Edushi

Sparrow

Based on an original novel by Hai Fei 海飞, Sparrow 麻雀 is a 2016 Chinese spy thriller set in the 1940s and it is expected to air this year on Hunan TV, going head to head with Zhao Li Ying's spy drama Rookie Agent Rouge. 

Chen Shen (Li Yi Feng) leads a double life as he works under his friend and comrade Bi Zhong Liang (Zhang Lu Yi) as part of a specialized task force that captures anti-Japanese revolutionaries. Chen Shen's codename is Sparrow and his real mission is to bring down the Japanese conspirators.

Despite being explored many times before, the undercover premise never gets old and the stakes are particularly elevated especially in the context of the Sino-Japanese war. Sparrow has the potential to become innately complex in terms of characterization and storyline and if done right, it can prove to be a breakthrough in Li Yi Feng's career as he delves away from his usual roles. 

I realize Zhang Ruo Yun from Monster Killer, who is popping up everywhere these days, is in this as well suggesting a love triangle to further complicate things. The stills look legit and I sure hope the drama doesn't disappoint.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 popular c-dramas.

Source: Duitang