I don't often find myself dropping a novel midway through, and it's all the more unusual when it occurs so early in the storyline. That being said, I did find some aspects of this narrative genuinely intriguing, which makes my decision to step away all the more disappointing.
For instance, I appreciated the protagonist's strong resistance to the first male character introduced, who confidently parades around her. While I personally enjoy the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, her aversion to this character is palpable and immediate, even if the reasons behind her feelings are not made entirely clear right from the start. However, as the story unfolds, we gain insight into his perspective through brief glimpses, clarifying why he doesn’t quite mesh with her character. This revelation adds a layer of depth, providing the reader with a sense of satisfaction in knowing she sensed the disconnect from the very beginning. I admire this approach to the introduction of an ambitious male character into the plot. At my current reading progress, the characters seem content with the absence of any mutual attraction, and frankly, so am I. The book does not categorize itself under romance, and considering that the protagonist is still quite young at 18, it stands to reason that there may not be a romantic interest at all—as thrilling as that might be or, conversely, disappointing for readers hoping for a love story. That said, the protagonist has the potential to cultivate some meaningful friendships, which could certainly compensate for the lack of a romantic subplot.
On the other hand, the author's handling of metaphysical elements strikes a commendable balance. The descriptions provided are neither excessively convoluted nor so stripped back that readers unfamiliar with the concepts are left bewildered. However, it is worth noting that some of the darker themes have already crept into the narrative—such as references to ingredients like human bone and flesh, or even the main character wielding a string soaked in the blood of black dogs. These elements could be off-putting for some readers.
While the premise had promise, the execution revealed some significant flaws. In an early author's note, the writer clearly states that the story—and the protagonist—are intended to possess a lighthearted and whimsical tone. Yet, this intention becomes muddled when the protagonist exhibits self-aware bigotry. She openly acknowledges her patriotic sentiments, instilled by her adoptive guardian's training, and shows a troubling sense of pride when confronted with Japanese antagonists. Rather than addressing their actions, she seems more enthusiastic about exacting revenge based on their nationality. I’m accustomed to themes of nationalism in Chinese literature, but the author's incessant references to her gratification in punishing Japanese cultists soon overshadow the story’s original comedic and carefree tone. This sudden turn veers the narrative away from the light-hearted, comedic adventure the author initially hinted at.
I want to emphasize that while I'm no stranger to such themes in Chinese novels, I simply couldn't persevere past 36 chapters. Aside from the matters mentioned, further issues with the story contributed to my low rating, but it was the underlying toxicity that ultimately deterred me from pushing any further. As much as I wanted to enjoy the journey, the toxicity cast a significant shadow over my reading experience.
