The bloodiness of the black rat attack and the cannibalism scene might turn off some readers. But it sets a grim tone that’s consistent with survival. The story doesn’t pretend that being a rat is cute; it’s brutal.
The elf’s helplessness in the beginning is almost claustrophobic. She’s bound by magic, exhausted, and surrounded by monsters. Her cry for help pulled at my heartstrings. Ye Yan’s response, driven by his programming from his past life, feels automatic but also carries a hint of real emotion. The confusion in his mind when she shields him is one of the most human moments in the story so far.
Alright, the pacing in the middle section is a mixed bag for me. The story drags on for quite a while with Wang Dong just having a totally normal day at school—eating breakfast, carrying his girlfriend, studying—which is realistic but feels bloated when I know there’s a crazy alien planet investigation happening on the other side. I wanted more cutting between the two worlds. The scientists’ scene was tense and excited, but then it cuts to sweet morning fluff. Maybe that’s the author’s intention to ground the story, but it kills some momentum.