This story could be categorized as simply "average" at best. The internal logic appears to falter at times, leaving readers grappling with various plot holes that can disrupt the flow of the narrative. Additionally, the strong undercurrent of nationalism often comes off as a convoluted narrative pit, detracting from the overall storytelling experience. While I remain hopeful that the author has a master plan to unite the three distinct timelines or worlds later in the book, I must admit that there has been little to no foreshadowing that would suggest such a development. As it stands, I am left with the nagging feeling that any future resolution of these plot holes will be rushed, perhaps resulting in a chaotic attempt to mend the fabric of the story's time-space continuum. The main character (MC) does exhibit cleverness and a palpable sense of pain, which are compelling traits; however, these attributes are just about the only layers we see in her character thus far. It’s understandable that she is preoccupied with the immediate aftermath of an exceptionally shocking and traumatic conclusion to her past life, yet one cannot help but notice that while her brothers experience significant character growth, the supporting female characters remain disappointingly flat or are depicted in a rather one-dimensional manner. For those brothers who have developed romantic interests, the love interests themselves often feel like mirror images of one another, with only minor adjustments made to their character profiles. This raises questions about the depth and individuality of female characters in the narrative, making it feel as though they were merely engineered to serve the male arcs, rather than being fully realized individuals with their own distinct journeys. In summary, while there are glimmers of potential within the story, particularly with its clever protagonist, the execution falls flat due to inconsistent logic, underdeveloped female characters, and a lack of innovative storytelling that would knit the various timelines and characters into a cohesive and satisfying whole. It remains to be seen whether the author can masterfully weave these elements together in the upcoming chapters, or if we are destined to navigate through a tangled web of unresolved plot lines.
The whole “these mobs are ready-made serf laborers” line was cold. Rhode sees people as resources, which is historically accurate for a feudal lord, but it’s jarring after his hesitation to kill more bandits. He’s complex, but I’m not sure if the author is consistent with that characterization.|| I had to reread the part where Rhode explains the circle of taxation. It’s clever how he plans to have the merchants prepay ten years of taxes. It’s a loan without interest for him. But if the merchants don’t come back, he’s in trouble. It’s a short-term fix for long-term sustainability. I’m curious how this will play out.
I’m worried the story is moving too fast. We’re only a few chapters in and he already has a plan for money, a fortress being built, and supplies being ordered. Where’s the tension? The whole point of an apocalypse story is the struggle, but he seems to have everything figured out instantly.
1 I really appreciate how the author doesn’t make Xi Lin instantly win at everything. Her weak body is a believable limit. The running gag of her catching a cold every time she returns to Beijing is a nice reminder of her vulnerability despite her big brain.
The writing style is direct and engaging. It doesn’t waste time with flowery descriptions when the action is happening. The sentences are short and punchy during fights, which helps with the adrenaline. But when it shifts to the elf’s emotional state or the setting, it slows down just enough to let you breathe. The balance is good. No boring parts so far.
The side character Li Erniu, who got whipped and then bandaged, is a small detail but adds to the grim atmosphere of the post station. The couriers being "short-tempered" due to heat feels like a very human explanation for violence.
30. I’m honestly torn on whether Xiao Yao should pursue anything with Zhuang Lingyun. He’s charming and protective, but she just escaped a toxic relationship. Jumping into something new might be fun to read, but for her character, she needs time to heal. But drama please!