[TOPIC] "Lazy" costuming in romantasy manhwa

I've been on a new wave of reading manhwa lately, but I noticed several peculiar things about the creative process in manhwa that seemed to be dominating for the one final result - efficiency. A lot of usage of 3D modeling, same images, patterns etc. The only thing that makes them look different is the art style. Though sometimes it also looks rushed and crude.

I personally love costuming, especially in movies, if it's a decently budgeted film and the director invites a visionary we can end up with some amazing costume decisions that will distinct the movie from the rest. The movie even may up ending a complete garbage truck, but costuming may take it to another level and impact the viewer. Nowadays a good styling at the premiere also attracts a lot of attention.

And it doesn't matter the genre, be it fantasy or urban story. Costuming may play a big role and become some sort of an iconic moment. At least in Hollywood that's for sure.

As of lately I've read some decent Korean novels and manhwas, which was surprising to me. The reason being the love of Korean authors writing many toxic plots just for the sake of it. It may be completely illogical and bad, but it will mask itself behiind some heart-wrenching moments that people will be distracted by to notice the fallacy. But I digress.

But I found it surprising how downright foolish some of the visuals actually are and how lazy the thought process behind the costuming is. All for the sake one goal - efficiency. Draw fast, throw some stock images and be done with it.

If you've read at least one or two manhwas, you probably have seen the majority of them, because they look the same. The excessive use of 3D modeling for everything, starting from houses, horses that will give me nightmares and even the plates and food. Sometimes artists are lazy to draw correctly around those and the entire thing often looks wanky and uggo.

While the costuming uses no rhyme or reason, the female gowns are always these wackadoodle pastes of hundreds details that are meant to distract you from how crazy it looks or how modern it feels. And they mean to say it is "European ambience". These are not my words, it's a legit tag used for romantasy set in a country that will remind you of something European, even though it's a fantasy country.

I'd love to talk about how messy it looks with styles mixed, too many modern pieces included everywhere, which to me as a reader doesn't help to immerse myself into what supposed to be a fantasy.

But when it comes to dresses... girl. This is a mess.

Even if they would just follow some past historical fashion they would be totally fine, copy and paste what a big deal, but they need to bring this girl fantasy of sparkles and gems that often just looks illogical.

Before I dive into it I must have an honorable mention, this should be given best costuming award, at least arist had put some thought in it - My In-Laws are obsessed with me. And not to mention artist will never forget the gloves, which is a big part of the story (if you know, you know). But has a better distinction between day wear, ball gowns and overall female / male fashion. The artist even takes care of the hairstyle for the FMC. Also the story is great, I loved it.

For example, Pereshati here wears an evening dress that is more elegant, usually ones worn for the dinner, the palette is always subdued and dark, like she wears darker colors than anyone else, the same as the rest of the family. It may be connected to family's curse. She also has her gloves on at all times. Everything is simple and conforms the settings and supports the gloomy situation of the family she married. She also has always her hair up in a simplest of buns, but still it's not as frivulous as other manhwas.

Another one that stood out to me among others was Mother's Contract Marriage, which is visually stunning, totally stands out among others. And I don't care if our main characters wardrobe looks too modern tbh, but it looks cute. It has a strong theme of found family and discovering happiness, which is why it has a lot of yellowich color scheme.

The wardrobe is also interesting, since it helps to tell the difference between characters and they all have their own individuality. Lyrica is the one with assortment of cute dresses appropriate for a girl her age, colorful and cute, very much like herself.

Like this one here, cute simple dress with apron from getting dirty and it's one of the simplest ones. Prince on the other hand looks really modern in his pants that look like jeans, his jacket bears some of the medals but also some other adornments, which fits his contradictory personality and rebelling spirit.

Back to other manhwas. The fashion is weird. Mostly, it exists, but trends don't. I see no trends in romantasy manhwa, ever. It always feels like - whichever idea came to mind, we will realize it. And I find it funny because often time they mention fashion in the manhwa itself, but they don't have distinct elements to make up a trend. Like the FMC can wear a full skirt, then it's more fishtail, she can wear a hat, then she wears a bonnet. It's like mix and match of styles. It can exist, but it looks like a mess.

There are no trends, no silhouettes that are fashionable, it's always just a lot of ruffles and a lot of stock images that are used. You know those, 2D images of necklaces that look obviously flat or other embellishments and patterns that looks same dead.

There is often no distinction between day wear and ball gowns. This is baffling to me because otherwise characters look like Christmas trees in their everyday life, dressed in full evening gowns with jewellery glittering to the universe.

There is no distinction between status. Like you look at people who definitely should have different status, but they all look the same.

Why I mention this is because I think it's missed opportunity and secondly, artists make some interesting mistakes while disregarding what they're writing about just for the sake of being "pretty".

I can give an example, can't make screenshots though.

In manhwa called Marchioness Maron (or just call it moron, would be fitting considering the story), FMC is sent to isolated territory and she basically has nothing with her outside the dress she's wearing. The mansion Marron is a dilapitated building that does not seem to hold much. Let's admit she might have found a change of clothes, but other than that?

But later she develops the territory slowly and brings in several occupants. The manhwa draws attention several times to the fact that they need to sell some of their produce to survive and Maron herself mentioned the lack of money. So on one of their outings she buys a dress, it's an investment, I admit, but later on she is seen to be walking around always in more sophisticated dresses and each time they're different, not to mention embellishments are all gems, which makes her dresses look expensive. Which in her current settings looked quite not right and conflicting. Not to mention she does not need to wear those for her everyday wear. There is no one to see her, she established her status among her (small bunch of) people.

This is a great example, because it has lacing. Lace was always considered a luxury, even for our modern society which created machine to do the machine-made lace, but where would a romantasy get a high-tech stuff like that, so it's hand-woven item for sure. This is her day dress I mind you, she is just sitting behind a desk doing her thing wearing that. Does it look like a ball gown? Definitely. Does it looks expensive? Absolutely. This is why I said she is dressed rather expensive for their situation. I can understand the idea of finally letting your main character doll up after predicaments, but honestly, it lacks in logic. 

One of the main trends in romantasy is actually the copy of what GoT. Northern territory ruled by a Duke that defends against monsters.

Almost every other romantasy manhwa is about a Norther territory that protects from monsters and they also have beef with central territory which is supposed to be the ruling center. Not to mention almost every other male lead character has dark hair and red eyes, watch out for that shit.

But it's hilarious when characters are drawn in some fine embellished dresses while it's a winter territory they describe as COLD. Clothes always look thin and you would expect more fur but no.

I forgot which manhwa I've opened up lately and it basically showed a female character walking around in winter in her heels. It's not a boot, it's a full high-heeled shoe with some gems and stuff. And it's not a single occurance and no, she did not run out out of urgency, she wore it as if it was okay.

Clothes always look the same in many manhwas, they're elaborate and don't take into consideration anything except looking flashy. Like details of the plot, character growth, status, purchase ability etc.

I can understand efficiency, but sometimes it looks more than that, that artists did not waste even two brain cells on creating something unique or of their own. Sometimes gowns look simple only because the overall art style is like that.

I think novel covers art looks the best out of all, since the artists only draw this one picture and if they add too many details it might end up looking gaudy, but just the working on the texture and making the drawing look good make the most basic things shine. And I don't think it's realistic to draw like that all the time. I'm sure there are plenty out there just drawing, not really aiming to create a masterpiece.

But from time to time it's nice to see at least something. Although usually it's simple things, but at least it will give you something. For example, a color scheme that belongs solely to some regions to distinct the rivalry is the easiest to draw. Or often time the soft-looking female villain who always cries so the males will pity her will look innocent and wearing some light-colored clothes with lots of ruffle to support the girlishness. 

I remember someone made a hilarious comment how they're gonna have a PTSD from pink- or light-haired villains who look and act innocent (Chinese equivalent of White Lotus x Green Tea Bitch mix).

So basically, not everything is lost and it looks good, but often time it just does not look appropriate for what scene / situation the characters are in.

Well, ranting is over. I can go on even longer rant, but that's the gist of it.

[VIDEO] Punkey Doodles "Swan Princess"

Honestly, EACH TIME I see a swan now I think of this video 😂 why they did not write a story like that it's such a waste.

I came across one manhwa which basically has FMC as a cursed person who turns into swan. A FULL LAKE of cursed people who are birds, but not one of them goes berserk. I think it's such a wasted potential for a comedy. Yeah the person who cursed them has black magic. But the black magician needs the swan lady for sure, thus she won't do anything drastic to her, SO FMC COULD HAVE SHITTED ON THAT PARADE LITERALLY. With the rest of the birds. You're birds, just be swift and agressive.

[NOVEL] Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Unhinged, but fun.

Welcome to Cape Carnage! Visit Once, Stay Forever.

Cape Carnage is a seaside town of colorful houses, quirky shops, and an unusually high body count. But with tourists comes trouble, and Harper Starling won’t let anyone ruin her picture-perfect home. A skilled gardener with killer instincts, Harper protects her sanctuary at any cost—especially for her aging mentor with a fading memory.

Troublesome tourists don’t check out of Carnage. They compost beneath Harper’s award-winning flowerbeds. But Nolan Rhodes isn’t your average tourist. Devilishly handsome, disarmingly charming, and skilled with a blade, Nolan is relentless in the pursuit of revenge. On every anniversary of the hit-and-run accident that fractured his life, Nolan slays another target. And he’s saved the best for last: the undeniably beautiful Harper Starling.

The problem? Harper isn’t the monster he expected. And she won’t go down without a fight. When an amateur true crime investigator comes to Cape Carnage on the trail of a long-lost serial killer, Harper and Nolan strike an uneasy truce. If Nolan helps Harper protect her town, she’ll keep quiet about his hunting habits . . . for now. But their alliance soon spirals into obsession, one that threatens to shatter every secret in Carnage—including their fragile love.

The Seasons of Carnage. Book 1

For sure it was bloody and fun. From the author of Butcher & Blackbird I never read.

I'm no fan of toxic traits, but if you can wrap it up nicely and add some dark humor and not make it super serious, I can deal with it.

The two main characters are totally unhinged, the story doesn't take itself seriously, although it has some good moments of friendship and care.

The plot itself is super easy, Nolan comes to town with a goal, but then he meets Harper and he did not expect to meet this type of Harper, so things got complicated, tied together they try to navigate how to get rid of Sam Porter, the head of amateur sleuth group, who had too much get in his head that he can do anything for fame. That means coming to Cape Carnage and tying the name of Harper's mentor and a serial killer named La Plume together (spoiler, not the same person). Harper wants to protect one person so dear to her, so she is ready for some blackmail. Nolan doesn't want Harper to get caught before he deals with her himself, so it's all in his interest to make it work.

Honestly, they didn't do much in that direction.

But the forced proximity kinda works and both have conflicting feelings. Nolan loathes himself for feeling anything towards a woman who killed his brother and yet to find out that she is not real Harper.

Harper had no one else except her mentior who knows her true self and a person she could rely on, slowly (very slowly) she tries to trust Nolan.

Although the plot is a bit predictable, but it's those bits and pieces of fun that make the picture going. Oh, and a bit of gore. Or not a bit.

I honestly had a feeling that maybe the entire Cape Carnage is on what's really going on but they stay silent because they're not that against of getting rid of few scumbags. Like the dude who pushed the pregnant nurse. Small towns may be weird. But it's fun to think that way.

Spoilers section~

To me the ending had a bit of a cliffhanger feel tbh, because by that time Nolan came to terms that he fell in love with a woman he came to kill, only to uncover at the very last chapter of this book that she is not who he thought she was, she said it herself but tbh it was cryptic. So what should he do with all that avalanche of emotions.

And not to mention the sleuth group acted as if they're ready to get into Cape Carnage the very next second since they got news of Sam and his companion deaths. But it's left for later.

I was also a bit surprised (not really) about the epilogue. I had a feeling they dealt with La Plume in the past, but it happens not to be the case, I wonder about this backstory.

Honestly, Sheriff always gave you the feeling that HE KNOWS EVERYTHING, but does nt get involved for some reason.

Anyway, I do wish to see maya with her talent for mixtures in the next book, won't it be fun? I think so. I have a feeling the girl cracked the two open the first time she saw them with severed head and hands, but because she is also from the same type of people she played along.

RATE: 3,75/5.

[ANIME] Debu to Love to Ayamachi to! (2025)

WHY NO ONE TOLD ME THIS IS GOING TO BE SEASON 1?!!

Lol I have no idea why I was so sure they will wrap up in one sitting. It's not like the plot is so complicated.

Koda Yumeko had an accident that left her with amnesia but also change of personality. Instead of gloomy and depressive self she now truly loves and appreciates herself for who she is. It also changes her life at work, her relationship with fellow collegues and even the VP of their company.

But her accident wasn't an accident at all.

I don't care who thinks what about this anime, I find it immensely positive.

Yumeko can pull some cringe speeches, but you can't be mad at her, she is cute and so positive about life, about who she is currently is. 

The anime doesn't dance on eggshells and shows some ugly side of people, but doesn't make everyone a hater you know. People around her appreciate her personality and know her antics and treat her as a human being like themselves, instead of it being a story where every single human being melodramatically concentrates on her weight.

You can't blame the past Yumeko  for being sad, since she was bullied since she was a kid. Imagine going through that as a child who has no idea why people hate her so much, just because she is overweight. kids are the cruelest, I tell you. But the past Yumeko closed herself off completely and spiraled, not having a single decent friend who would uplift her from her quigmire.

The accident did something good for her. I know some people say - peole should love you as you are. But that's a soothing bs. Because if you have an unlikable personality, why would people like you. Others treated Yumeko as air at work, but now she is outgoing extrovert who loves herself and finds herself cute.

Would never thinkI'd say a phrase like - brain damage came in handy.

It doesn't really say outright about beauty standards, but it's the underlying theme too. She doesn't fit it, but present Yumeko does not fuss about it. She sees herself in a more positive light than most people see themselves in the mirror. That she needs a lot of food to support that awesome body, she eats what she wants, her body is beautiful, she is totally cute, her hands are soft like marshmallows etc.

Surely, the anime also plays joke or two here and there, but it's actually nice to see how Yumeko handles all those jabs at her weight etc.

Like she meets her former classmate in the conbini and after her speech he says she's fun, he wished to know her during their school days. Let's not soften our punches, Yumeko was in a bad headspace, but also deprived herself from knowing better people.

Overall it's like a good message, life won't be all stars and sunshine, life may punch you in the gut, but don't be discouraged.

As for the plotline about the investigation, well, here I noticed it's a common thing nowadays that plot doesn't progress much. I honestly thought this is not some story that needs many seasons to be over, but i was proven wrong.

The investigation does not progress much, but we as viewers have pretty good idea who did it, but I still ask myself - why? Every "crime" has a motive of sorts. In this case Yumeko, or past Yumeko should not have crossed paths with Rikako, or CEO's daughter. She's been out of the company for some time, the only link between two women is obviously VP Keisuke, but the anime did not answer the question what was the relationship between Keisuke and past Yumeko. Why would Rikako go off the rails and push the woman down.

But who knows, there might be a twist (I doubt it), I say this because Yumeko never remembered the accident and they never showed it, but Keisuke acts as if he is afrad of her remembering. But Keisuke pretty much could have been present. Imagine that.

I can understand Rikako's post partum depression, but honestly, she bound Keisuke to herself in a pretty selfish way, what now he can't have his own life, have a woman to love have a family just because he is a friend and he's her support. I mean the girl needs therapy, not cuddling.

But again, the plotline did not progress much I'd say. I can not stress enough how disappointing it was to have a second love interest suddenly appearing, it's the same as when a love rival appears in shoujo manga, usually some childhood sweetheart girl who messes things up, dislike this move. The positive side is all the good energy Yumeko spreads. Animation sometimes looked cheap though. 

Maybe I will see if the manga is completed to know what's next. But Yumeko's seiyu did such a great job, gave her such a nice character.

[NOVEL] The Ties that Divide by Sandra and Taylor Preisler

ooh, this was rough

In the heart of Regency London, where the gulf between the opulent upper class and the squalid streets is as wide as the Thames, Zoe Demas, a young French woman entangled in two worlds, finds herself at the center of a chilling mystery.

When her lady's maid, Lucy, is found dead in the notorious district of Whitechapel, Zoe refuses to accept the verdict of a tragic accident. Determined to uncover the truth, she enlists the help of Quinton Huxley, a man whose expertise lies in navigating the murky waters between legality and the underworld.

Alongside a cast of characters as diverse as they are mysterious—Zoe's stepfamily, a Bow Street runner, a resurrectionist, and a gangster among them—Zoe and Quinton unravel a tale of forbidden love, jealousy, and betrayal that threatens to consume her.

Q&Z Regency Mysteries. Book 1

Well, this started well, but soon enough it became another case of - let me tell you, not show you.

We start from Zoe Demas, she and her mother escaped France, the imagery of her past still haunts her, she still feels out of place even if her life went well when her mother re-married when she was nine.

Zoe is a talented artist (I wish there was more of it) and has a bit of accentric temperament (very cliche thing to say about a French woman), so she has a bit of a temper even with servants.

But one day her maid is reported to be dead, no one takes upon themselves the investigation. But Zoe feeling guilt for her rude words before she last saw her maid made her turn to private investigator Quinton Huxley. This is where Q&Z come from.

He promises to find some leads, but the investigation to me was quite bleak, as if it wasn't even the important part of it all. We heard more about secondary characters, the inevitable and sudden pull between the two character, although I was sitting and thinking to myself "why are the attrackted to each other again?" I was not mad when we get to see more of Zoe's change, although at other times I thought why should I care?

I don't know about the tags on goodreads, but is this supposed to be a cozy mystery, because this was kinda... slow too.

I guess the fact that I got a really bad headache when I finished impacted my reading. But even before that I started feeling like we don't go anywhere.

Quinton finds his brother (how convenient) he is not blood-related, they just grew up in same place, who now rules some worst part of the London city. Another convenient acquaintance, Scottish resurrectionist Rory helps them to figure the maid actually gave birth. This is not the lead, but her connection to the killer. Because the one responsible is obviously the father of her child. I don't even mind this info, it's just too obvious.

Conveniently someone Quinton knows is murdered in the same manner and who is connected to the maid Lucy. Too many conveniences. Anyway, it becomes personal.

But again, too much time is spent on others.

Like the connection between Quinton and his two friends. They connect often and start discussing the past so the reader will know they have a strong brotherly bond. I call it info dumping.

Next is Quinton's attraction to Zoe...why? He calls her stubborn and many other names, but there is no particular reason that shows his attraction, it just comes in suddenly, the same sudden effect as how others around Quinton tell him - ooh, boy, you in love.

And of course they can't be together because now she belongs to a good family and he is some bastard born by an actress, so they're not meant to be. This is for later, but the book already gives a hint that he's not some low-born dude.

Sigh.

The writing at the beginning was comfortable and it's the type of book that is easy to read. And it feels liek the story progresses well. We exclude the obvious fact that some jargon was too modern.

But the way the story lacks depth and character just instantly like each other and many other details made me feel disappointed. For others it may have been a good read, but it's not enough for me, I wanted some thrill instead of a slow park walk. Also too convenient.

RATE: 3/5.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #26

NOVELS

CHINESE

Not much catch since I have no new stuff. I wait for the completion of 无间 by 二月竹

I already mentioned this book once. Author previously wrote Backtracking I once reviewed and liked a lot (it was about a boy who was murdered on a graduation trip, but actually survived and returned 10 years later for revenge). The new story is about investigation as well, since the main character Shen Qiao is connected to recently dead young people and the ML is investigating into it. I've been waiting for its' completion.

Next one is the very new article 人， 撸了毛得负责哦 by 挠时光, previously author wrote "Abnormal relationship" I also reviewed (about two men from prominent families who accidentally slept and realized they're compatible in bed, but they always were like enemies in life). The new story is about a young man Ou XiaoJiang who inherited a house which is claimed to be haunted, but the young man's side hustle is haunting ghosts. ML is a demon king whose lair was in this house. The synopsis has a light-hearted and humorous tone, maybe the story will be the same. After all the previous book also was like this. *new = basically only started publication on JJ.

Next very new one should be 天降老公[娱乐圈] by 沙舟踏翠

I previously reviewed this author too. Forgot the title I used, since it was obviously changed, the current title is 软饭硬吃[重生] (I think previous was connected to white rice or smth, the play on a saying since the main character was reborn and basically lived off his newly acquired husband, having a pretty fulfilling life). This new article is about main character Chen Yuxi, who is unknown celebrity, young guy who sells his music and is suddenly invited to a star-studded program, which catapults him into stardom.

No covers because they're all default and pointless.

The rest is only two that I keep by my side. Because they're spooky. Yes, I still read Welcome to Nightmare Live, I make a big pause while reading, but the story is so good it's impossible to forget what it's about. And the second has been waiting for me for some time, since it's also spooky 玄学大佬是罪仙 which I mentioned before. But again, when you're not into mood for spooky you can only let it wait. But I know that unlike other books I mentioned this one I really want to read.

US

Time for some detective stuff.

A Murder in Mayfair by Magda Alexander.

This one wasn't bad. I had my issues with it, but it's not entirely bad.

My pet peeve is how this is also written from 1st person POV, at least we have few POVs instead of just being in the FMC's head all the time. Mikaela (FMC) gets involved in the murder of her cousin's husband, since she can't let the scandal swipe the poor woman. Although I had my issues exactly with how fervent Mikaela described her own feelings, while I was thinking you have total nine kids at home, including yourself and your brother who inherited the title, but you are responsible for all of them. Are you sure? Anyway, comparing this to others this wasn't half bad. Pretty short, easy to read.

Edit: At least this was short and dynamic, the other books I saw this time around made me re-think my initial impression.

Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna

Or Stella and Lyndy Mystery, Book 1.

I admit I was brought in by the cover. It looked "different". Who knew there's quite a number of similar ones. But I digress.  This is a DNF btw.

I decided to put it down at the beginning. Maybe the mystery is worth it, but I checked reviews after being buffled by the characters and it did not improve my impression.

Stella is an American heiress from Kentucky, she is taken with her father to visit England without knowing that her father arranged her marriage to a lord. She is against it, her father is a douch who can raise his hand against his daughter.

Lyndy, or Lyndhurst did not mak the picture better, because of how he thought about Stella from the beginning, he wasn't even thinking about her. He was thinking about thoroughbred horses he will get in this deal. Like it's the most important thing. Others mentioned that he is also in the same situation as Stella, being part of the deal, no he's not. Just listen to his thoughts on horses and you won't feel like he got the shorter end of the stick. Not to mention he is a man.

When he notices Stella's beauty he also feels about her like if he won a prize - oh my future wife isn't half bad. Which is also not good.

Honestly, they are young, I'll give them that. But he especially reads as absolutely not mature young man. He still needs to wipe milk around his mouth tbh.

Also everyone around Stella is either snarky or snobbish. I mean even if the American guy comes with money. Makes me think, Americans are considered rude around the world now, but back then, they simply didn't know the etiquette "rules" of Englishmen. So how rude is that?

Anyway, Lyndy spoiled it all for me  completely, since we know he's going to be the main part. I know I didn't read much, but I just sat and thought - why should I continue then? The writing is a bit all over, Stella is the only good character, Lyndy's thoughts made me think the worst of him, all character are bad.

Honestly the beginning read as if I'm reading some melodramatic historical romance, not mystery haha

Oh the mystery is about who got poor vicar who was there to wed Stella and Lyndy. Honestly, if I were them I'd say bad luck.

The Ties that Divide by Sandra and Taylor Preisler

Or Q&Z Regency Mysteries.

'Q' stands for Quinton, he is a hired investigator and 'Z' stands for Zoe, she wants to know the truth about the death of her maid.

Zoe lives in a reconstructed family I'd call it. She and her mother escaped France, while her father couldn't make it. Around when she was 9 her mother met her current husband. They live comfrotably and Zoe from time to time has a bit of a fit, she's a young talented artist who also has a bit of identity crisis due to her origins. But she had no idea the next time she hears from her maid is that the poor young woman will be dead. Zoe feels there is something wrong here and decides to hire a help. This is the premise of it all.

Good thing it's written normally. Also the flow is nice so far, I just tried out the beginning and you know when it's "comfortable" to read. 

Edit: The review is up, it's one of those cases where I change my mind halfway through. It's hard to describe it shortly, but I was disappointed with it. A lot of it was treated as introduction to all the characters, though honestly we didn't need all of their backstory in one book. Also main characters have instant attraction to each other and the book already spoils there is some of future development about ML's birth because so far they can't be together since their standing is so different~ FMC does a lot of impulsive things for her own good. The book did not feel special.

A Whisper and a Curse by Darcy Burke

Raven and Wren, Book 3.

I know I said I might put this series for good, but I might give it another try. I don't knwo why. I already said they got to me in the last one when they continuously complemented each other how good they are etc. But in general the books moved at a very slow pace and lacked thrill.

Ngl I like the color schemes of these covers, they make the series stand out among others.

The Body in the Garden by Katharine Shellman

Lily Adler Mystery. Book 1

I can also say a word or two about this one, because I opened it and was surprised that authors wants to make their FMC sound as if she was Sherlock Holmes. Find it ironic since her last name is Adler.

Lily, our FMC, is returning to life by coming to the city. She is still grieving after the loss of her husband whom she really loved.

In the first scenes she kinda sounds a bit smug too, the way she explains how she guessed and it really sounds like Sherlock version. Everyone is impressed. It kinda put me off a bit and I decided I'll put it down and come back when I'm ready for this type of stuff.

But the mystery is about how she decides to investigate the case that is obviously buried by paying off the police, so the police won't investigate further.

Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Or The Seasons of Carnage. Book 1

Comes from the author of infamous Butcher & Backbird. Which I never read, but I kinda want to try this book. You know when you're intrigued by something. It's better to scratch that itch.

Well, because I never read dark romance.

Edit: Started it, it's actually fun? I'm just surprised. Although I still dislike 1st person POV. But in general this is promising.

Edit2: 41% Shit, this is fun.

Edit3: Finished, the review is posted. But in general it was fun and unhinged. I liked that it had dark humor and didn't take itself serious. The plot is nothing fancy, but at least it's wrapped up not in a bad way. Was surprised it had such a strong "to be continued" feel, since partially the story left readers with some questions. Can't say anything about the love line in this book, since it's quite unealthy, but honestly baffling is how some things are nice if we separate them from their unhealthiness.

WEBTOONS
MANHWA

On your knees, Your Highness!

This one is HYSTERICAL. At least it is drawn as a full-blown comedy, even if some undertone is a bit serious. You can read it on Webtoons for free.

It's just a walking meme. I have no idea why I like reading this type of stuff, when things have a lot of meme material. But in general it's a pretty nice story. Not very new in the concept, but the story itself is okay. Sudden arranged marriage to shield the Duke from the King / Emperor who is this irksome old dude and can't let go, so instead of doing some serious stuff he spends it on schemes against the Duke. But I really like the FMC, she is strong and collected and does not have some fits, it's satisfying seeing her going into dark and oppressive mode where she unleashes at others. Even the Duke is on the receiving end of it all at times.

It's based on a novel, but I find manhwa works better for me. Still manhwa is ongoing of course.

The only funny thing is those 3D models they use, like her tiara that looks like it's for kids because of its' small size, I have no idea why sometimes they don't do more even with things that exist. I can understand it saves time and it's efficient, but have you seen those hilarious horses they always use? Or how all jewelery looks 2D flat. Everything is just either a pre-set pattern or 3D model that already existed. Even some art I've seen several times. I don't mention the decorative stuff like flowers etc. it's all from the obviously same pack, only the art style and the manner of decorating pannels makes things different.

OTHER MENTIONS: 

- I Never Abandoned the Tyrant (holy shit this is the weak type of FMC) The story is nothing spectacular, but honestly FMC stroke me as this weak poor fragile entity that is afraid of anything. Skipping on it.

- Enemies meet at the engagement ceremony. Interesting premise where characters do have a reason to hate on each other. At least doesn't treat enemies-to-lovers trope as some promotion stunt. Also the art is pretty and very vivid in bold colors.

- Stepmother's Märchen. What is it with characters drawn with their hair let down when other don't do it. I feel like every time it's a European ambience etc. but FMCs always let their hair down. It looks weird because others do not do the same thing. But I digress. Anyway, pretty decent and emotional story about FMC's rebirth and different choices made. At least it has some stakes and you see it unfold.

- Mary Psycho, or Her Merry Obsession I think that's the title. Pretty crazy story, which led me to consider others, which depicts an FMC who figures while she was blinded with medicine, she has no idea who was the man she considered her husband and why he did what he did. She goes on fully throwing her good wife persona and her screws get loose, so she was never completely healthy mentally and her goal is to find the man who pretended to be her husband.

- It's my first time being loved. Omg this is kinda heartwarming. I did not read much, but it was lovely and the art as well. Story about a girl who was reborn a 100 times and every life she must have sacrificed herself and never had a decent life. But now she has a loving family. FMC is still a baby when the story begins, so her expressions are priceless.

Edit: I needed to mention this because I haven't seen such a moronic FMC in a while

- Marchioness Maron, or Marquis Moron I'd say. FMC is a transmigrator and the OG girl really did some horrible things for three men, but they ditched her at the first sign of trouble. Now she is thrown into the contaminated area (actually they literally wanted to kill her first, but she survived), but then starts the moronic acts on her side. She is OP since she can survive and absorb and manipulate miasma, which is a big deal. But she wants to spend her time in seclusion, valid. But later when she appears here and there it's annoying how she wants to push the protag heroine to become a saintess, even if it's half-empty title. It's one thing to inform the heroine, but you put into her head that she's the protagonist of this world and one must love her and later when she appears to be doing good among people of her secluded place she starts to mop around as if she was replaced.. It's all over the place. Also a lot of details that are not good. You can get that maybe the original idea wasn't that bad, but the execution is simply bad. 

DRAMA

Agatha Chritie's SEVEN DIALS

Adaptation? I want to watch it since I love all the mystery stuff. But it's Netflix.... says it all. It can end up being simply bad / boring. But I want to give it a try regardless. After all it's a mini-series and has some good actors in it.

ANIME

Ooh~ I have a lot more things I want to check out compared to previous years combined. This Winter season basically only started with just few episodes out. So it's more like "I'm checking these out" if it's not a series I watched previously and am simply continuing like

Sousou no Frieren. Season 2.

Excuse me, but favorite anime. Fell in love with it. It has such an interesting atmosphere about it.

Edit: GLORIOUS!! Fuck, I love this anime. It's still the best, such a delight to return to this world.

Jujutsu Kaisen Shimetsu Kaiyu Zenpen (which season is this again)

Well, I'm watching anyway. I don't know how it happened that I was impressed by season 1 and when it came to Shibuya incident it was okay, still had wow moments, but in general felt shallow? Certainly things will change once again due to the plot. But I know for sure that I'll wait before binging.

Jigokuraku

Want to try it out. I think I saw some opening sequence? I have a feeling I did and was impressed. You know Tumblr is always ready to present you few gifs that will tickle your interest

Edit: I surely saw the OP theme from this one. It's really beautifully done. I saw the 1st episode and figured the overall tone of this anime and where it's going, thus decided to put it away for a bit and return when I'm into it, since it looked pretty good. I'm just into very light-hearted things right now.

Seihantai na Kimi to Boku

Unlikely choice, watched some introduction into the story on YT shorts, will try it out and see if it's good. Because YT shorts can just use all the best parts and sell it to me, but it might end up not being a good anime. How is it that in every anime the male character is a nerdy boy that looks like everyone else ahaha

Edit: Watched Ep.1 IT'S FFUCKING CUTE

Edit 2: Watched a bit more and it's still frigging cute, they are adorable, it's such a nice anime and campus love story done right. If it was a book, I would certainly skip it since I find the genre boring, if it was manga or anime I'd see it first to decide if it's up my alley or not. Polar opposites proved to be very positive and lovely.

Suzuki is a creature, I agree. This is so cute.

Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki

Choice was simple, I think I also saw the introduction, but also have you seen the poster? It kinda hooked me up. Like what is going on, right? My boy, are you flirting, are you trying to start something? I want to know.

Edit: ME TOO GIRL, ME TOO. The way girls oggled her on the train. But it went the way it's predictable, no one sees her as a female anymore outside MMC who finds her really beautiful.

Edit2: I watched up to latest 4th episode and yeah I was right about more serious tone, I mean if you compare to Seihantai. It's more girlhood, first feelings, exploration. A guy who dated before but doesn't know what love is is the same shocked by his feelings when it comes to Yoi-chan, while Yoi-chan who never dated or even been treated as a girl explores her feelings for the first person who saw her for who she was - a girl.

The only thing I was like - no~ is how 4th episodes introduces another potential guy who may become a new love interest and he is also Ouji, that's a name, which also means Prince... why this drawing style seems so familiar, I feel like I need to dig into who drew the manga, I feel like they had previous works and they might have been animated too.

Gorrgeeee

Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai

We're supporting BL in this house, will check this out as well. More and more BL works started to appear and they are openly BL and BL can also be good and compelling.

Like what is this, why is there some nerdy glasses and a dashing looking black cloak that look good together, stop it. I hope it's a real anime, otherwise I'll be pissed. You know how sometimes they put a full-blown anime poster but the story is basically animated cutouts or something of that sort.

Edit: It's the first episode day, where I watch every anime I chose. So far so good, all coice prove to be cute. Creation from the DEEN studio, studio that was never afraid to make BL anime even before the fangirls were gushing over Yuri on Ice, I just remember how everyone thought it changed history etc.. I mean, other animes appeared and influenced the sphere even before that, it was a process and YoI was just a part of it imo.

Anyway, an office worker sees a girl being sucked into some weird magic circle and tried to help, so both of them ended up being transported into another world. The girl is treated as Holy Maiden and he.. asked to work. He works as an accountant who also assessed the situation with ore logic than the girl. I mean yeah they asked her to be the maiden and she's the naive little girl said yes, but the dude is more experienced asking all the right question - how do you know they say the truth? Was not appreciated lol. But I'd like to see where it goes, if there will be stakes or it will be more tame.

Edit2: Honestly seeing it up to ep5 I was not expecting it will go by simple route of - we have to be intimate for you to survive, in other words forced proximity. Seiichiro is honestly working his ass off for this kingdom, his more modern view actually has benefits. It has some really dumb cliche moments which was surprising. I saw that manga had a bit of chibi moments to make it cuter, anime does it but rarely. Honestly, the development is a bit flat. Although I bet many will say stuff liek this is cute. Animation is also crude at times, but I never expected much.

Last but not least, actually it's not last, I have another three I want to see but I'm not going to include them so far.

HANA KIMI ANIME WTF

lol I saw the manga years ago, somewhere I might even have exclusive wallpapers the author posted on her web page. Later I watched the drama. But anime version? How many years ago this was published? It was one of the first mangas where a girl dressed as a boy in manga. Which started the whole gender bender thing. Also I wonder if they will make sensei gay or they will play it safe like in drama (they changed the photographer's gender to female in the drama, while the manga was so gay~). So I'm watching, even if I saw this story several times already.

Makes me remember that it got adopted and other countries get their own version and basically there were one or two other popular dramas that had the same vibe of gender-bender and girl pretending to be a boy.

Right now it looks quite silly, let's admit it, that no one noticed the girl was there, otherwise she needs to be an androginous icon.

[NOVEL] A Deadly Affair by Carla Simpson

Care to expmail why the main character is described as dark-haired but what I see on the cover is red hair ahaha. It's not the only question I had after reading.

London 1889 — Murder, mystery, and two people in a most unlikely partnership.

She's an unconventional lady who has traveled the world, practices the art of self defense most excellently, and has an interesting tattoo in, ahem... a very unusual place.

He's a former member of the Metropolitan Police, now a private investigator, who grew up on the poverty ridden streets of Edinburgh and has worked the dangerous back alleys of London's notorious East End.

A vicious murder brings them together in a race against time that takes them from the sordid back streets of London into the elite private clubs of the powerful and rich, to find the killer before he strikes again and prevent a deadly scheme.

A scandalous affair, deceptions, and secrets will challenge what they know and what they believe.

Come along as the lady and the detective join forces in an amazing time of new inventions, startling discoveries, and unexpected revelations, where a young woman who doesn't rely on anyone is forced to trust the irascible Scot who is a tough as they come and just might learn a thing or two from her... if they both don't end up dead!

Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery. Book 1

The book is mid. The one redeeming quality I can mention is that it's easy to read. But I wonder if those grammar errors and typoes are only my thing.

I certainly would not lash out at it like some reviewers, because some of their arguments are basically pretty common things that we come across and it's a matter of preference.

Point main to make - never wait for hystorical accuracy from such books. It reads more like a antasy of authors decided to have and it's a pretty common trait among books that should be set in historical settings.

Now onto personal evaluation.

For me this book suffered the most because it used 1st person POV, we are in Mikaela's head and I'm pretty sure we don't need that. The girl has a bit of main character syndrome and is not bothered by the dangers she may find herself involved in. She is also a bit too headstrong. I think according to plot she had all the right to be so, but author did not dig deeper into it for me. Many pointed out that she tried to make herself useful and prove herself for this investigation, but I think that if we heard more about her and her sister's relationship as a reason, maybe it's give us a different impression. At times I forgot that the reason they're doing this is the fact her sister disappeared. And it's the start of this investigation.

because we're in her head we hear a lot of bits and pieces about her adventures, how she traveled the world and saw many things and also explored some that are considered forbidden or inappropriate for women. The society Mikaela lives in is very forgiving to women I guess, because otherwise she would be riddled with scandal, since her writing endeavors are like an open secret anyway.

I don't know, maybe if she was described as some sort of novelty or interesting entity others find fascinating it would redeem the situation, but for this we need author's voice.

Also we find how many skills she picked up during her travels. I really wish this was in 3rd person POV, because she could have just mentioned in passing as understatement her achievements in protecting herself, instead it sounded like she showed off. I'll be honest I would have been more impressed if she was described as some enigma instead of all the info. Ironic is how Angus said in the novel - it's what they didn't say. Author should take advice from their own character I think.

It's not the first person in historical settings that I find picking up eastern martial arts and I see nothing bad about it, but there's a difference in how you present readers with the information.

I would find it funnier if she would say that she tried cigarettes and whiskey and did not find them appealing ahaha instead she smokes and drinks a lot I think.

Yeah so she was too headstrong and too impulsive, sometimes not in a good way. It felt like she can't rely on others. Well, she admitted it, which was good.

As for Angus Brodie, he is interesting and I'd like to know more about him and his past, but again 1st person POV won't allow some subtlety unless they speak it out.

Unlike others I wasn't mad how Mikaela said too many times that he was a Scot. Because in life I had similar situation when you don't know how to describe a person but they're typical.

But my main thing would be two "plot holes" or how you should call them, for this I need to dive into spoilers.

So the story starts when the sister is missing but we find her maid dead, framed as other murders. Mikaela wants to find her sister Lenore or Lennie, while Lenore's husband does not seem as agitated as her because his wife went missing. For this their influential Aunt Antonia offers a person she thinks is perfect for the job. Private investigater Angus Brodie and Mikaela start their investigation by collecting info. Mikaela tried very hard to insert herself basically everywhere she could. But honestly sometimes she was damn impulsive.

They come into contanct with a person who found the maid, but the person was obviously lying. How convenient that the maid had a resudue under her nail, I wonder if chemical analysis existed in 1889 I have no idea. Anyway they figure she had some chemicals that are not common. Most "recent" would be connected to explosion incident. How two come together and why her sister?

So it happens they find ties to some anarchist group. One of theirs is a woman named Marie, who became involved with Lennie's husband (not really explained or had a deeper dive). Marie and another man deemed to be dangerous, but Mikaela heard their names when visiting a private theater performance by her dear friend (and actress, Mikaela knows everyone) in front of Prince of Wales and also, Lennie's husband. Suspicious.

During the performance tey tried to abduct the Prince, but Mikaela intervened, but was shot in the process. Which is the root of loopholes I think about.

Just a day or so later when they figured where the two escapees went, they gathered forces to arrest them, but Mikaela figured there is no time since she realized there will be something connected to gas, royal family and that radical group. 

Because there was no one around she brought it upon herself to go there and interfere with the plans.

There is not much said about the final scene, I wonder if it ever was important how shallow it looked, but during the Crystal Palace event when things solved pretty quickly, with few apprehended, including Marie (who Mikaela shot dead actually you go girl).

In their lair they found Lennie, who was still alive.

So here are the loopholes, why did they try to kidnap the Prince, if they had grand plan for he Crystal palace poisoning with gas?

And why Lennie was still alive when they had no need for her (don't get me wrong, but they sprinkled London with dead bodies and they didn' use her life to blackmail her husband, though it looked so at first). So Deadly Affair is about her husband getting into contact with wrong people, but this part did not get enough attention and was quite shallow.

Lennie was saved, Mikaela Frenched Brodie as a parting gift and everything was solved nicely.

But unfortunately mostly the book reads as quite shallow. Like who are these forces, will they ever appear again, should we even care?

Mikaela often did some impulsive things (most of the time) and did not think about anything at all, but there was not enough emphasis to me to why she did so. Yeah she mentioned how their parents were dead too many times, but it just wasn't enough for me. Although one could applaude for her bravery to rescue her sister no matter what.

Anyway, pretty filler story. I admit again that this read very fast. But still I think it was not without troubles. The only good hook that I might continue (not sure) is that the second book is about the actress, which was quite a character and the way it was described that she is accused in murder, but the only thing left of the gentlemen is the foot. I laughed, read as black humor to me.

RATE: 3/5.

[NOVEL] Arrow of Fortune by Jacquelyn Benson

A well-behaved lady historian ought to avoid haunted Indian forests… not plunge into them seeking an invincible weapon of the gods.

Ellie Mallory didn’t exactly volunteer to prevent the most dangerous artifact of the Ramayana from falling into the wrong hands—but if one has been coerced into an adventure, the least one can do is bring along a few friends.

Constance Tyrrell has new daggers stuffed in her garters, a thirst to discover everything India has to offer… and absolutely no interest in Dr. Neil Fairfax, Ellie’s scholarly stepbrother. Meanwhile, Neil finds himself wrangling a magical sword along with his increasingly tangled feelings about a certain doe-eyed danger gnome.

Then there’s Adam Bates—handy with a machete, perpetually shirtless, and about to face some unsettling ghosts of his past.

Together, they must follow the footsteps of an ancient hero from the festivals of Puri to the shadowy depths of a legendary forest, racing a brutal colonial administrator with allies of his own—including the complicated and mysterious Mr. Jacobs.

It will take all Ellie’s resources—from a working knowledge of practical chemistry to a highly excitable dog—to beat a new sort of demon to the place where a holy power has lain hidden for two thousand years… alongside the secret history of the woman at the heart of India’s greatest story.

Raiders of the Arcana. Book 3

If I were you I wouldn't read the summary and just dive into it.

Since it's already book three I have things I personally liked and things I would leave out or solve them.

First of all, it still reads like a movie with our foes suddenly appearing, ambushing our main characters. We have a balance between some actions scenes and the time off.

The story follows our characters to India in the search of a precious artefact mentioned in Ramayana - the arrow. You get a bit of everything, like history and myths. The truth is interspersed with theories and fantasy. But because it's an adventure-like story it won't dwell on some topics, since they're not the focal point of the story. But there is enough to get yourself a picture and put the pieces together.

On the other hand we have a new villain in the face of Colonel Borthwick, a sadistic fellow who loves to use his whip once too often, Superintendant with too much power and a great deal of disregard for lives he deemed unworthy.

We also have a lot more of Mr. Jacobs (who became my new favorite character to be honest).

Trudge through jungle, ambushes, chases and a lush atmosphere.

What I liked is that it still is a nice adventure with a lot of movie-like scenes. We have a bit of everything. But it's funny how it escapes me completely where the dog came from. Kalb is the new addition to Adam and Ellie, but I have a feeling there was no dog by the end of the book and I might be completely wrong anyway. 

Although quite a bit of this story is based on - well, that was convenient - but I still think it was tied together quite nicely, so actions and consequences followed in a good order.

We have a lot more told about Adam and through his lense we can also judge a different side of the coin, how wrong he feels about the whole situation in India and other similar places. That it made him sick. But it also served as a foreground to mention his father again, that something will be connected to his story too (like the next book).

I had a lot more of Mr Jacobs who reads as a man of steel, honestly he is not a good person, but he is fascinating. We finally get to know the bits of story about him, his goal and where he might go from here. I think author handled it better since she did not dive into it, but gave the reader crumbs that are more fun to explore instead of given the entire backstory.

I really loved the connection between who he was for the Albion and hos his fate finally turned.

My only true critique would be about lust/love parts, like the relationship between Adam and Ellie and their decision on who they want to be with each other and in the face of the public.

For Contsance and Neil it was far easier, they sudden;y saw each other in new light and passion sparked. Although I still had times when I thought to myself - time and place people, you're in danger. Are you so hot and bothered because you don't want to die a virgin or what?

Anyway, they were quite nice together anyway, had problems, dealt with them, in this way their way of treating their relationship felt more efficient than what continued between Adam and Ellie.

The thing I'm more irritated about is how they couldn't decide what to do with themselves, because Ellie did not present any argumentation what would be wrong if she actually married Adam.

I know about her principles and rights are very important for Ellie, but she did not mention any alternative to what might happen if they marry. She won't be able to support suffrage? I'm sure Adam will support her in any of her endeavors, because he loves her so much. He even eventually agreed to the pretend marriage.

Ellie mentioned the attitude of others many times, but Jacquelyn never showed any scorn from outsiders, they haven't faced any consequences so far (it was understandable no one saw them in the jungle, but when it came to Egypt they did not spend much time among people), even if they obviously sneak around doing naughty stuff. So this created the imbalance for me. Since sometimes relationship is still a compromise and you don't always choose "I" but also can choose "we".

I still found it greatly satisfying read when I exclude those things that did not fit me. But it's my own preferences. I still find the story entertaining and engaging.

Will see you in Korea in the next book.

RATE: 4/5.

[Chinese BL novel] 恋爱脑重生日常 by 焦糖冬瓜 / Daily life of a reborn love brain

This was an unexpected find. It happened to be quite lovely.

Summary: Jiang Ruotang spent his youth chasing one person he loved with all his heart, he supported his career and worked like a mule and a horse. But never got the recognition or love. Later realized that he was manipulated by his closest friend, who also helped to get an image of a disgusting stalker in the eyes of his beloved person, realized he helped the enemy of his father who dragged their family down. He was so naive and blind.

Those who he considered enemies were the once who stayed by his side till the last moment when illness tormented him, while those who he considered closest people manipulated his family to be destroyed.

But then Jiang Routang opened his eyes and realized he was reborn in the past, just few days before the last year of high school started, just before the person he supported with all his heart transferred to their school. Just before it was too late.

It was a pretty nice story. Although it involves 'revenge' part, but it's silent and lethal. A lot of this novel is spent on other things. Just like Jiang Ruotang himself wants to improve himself and be close to a person who practically saved his soul in his last life and became his true love. His main goal is not to be an ass and manipulated by his "best friend" Lin Lu. He was too naive before and took their friendship seriously, never suspecting that Lin Lu was manipulating him all along. This is why he became a thorn in the back of their restructured family and thought the new stepmother will cover their wealth. While the snake was whispering in his ears all along. His new stepmom and brother actually were the ones who cared for him when he fell gravely ill. Lin Lu and his father dragged Ruotang's father into quagmire and made him take the blame for money laundering, while their family lived happy and wealthy life. Bai Yingchuan always had the worst impression of Ruotang also thanks to Lin Lu's words. These were all his apst sins he admitted and wanted to change them now.

Lin Lu was not aware that Jiang Ruotang was slowly distancing himself and putting a barrier between them.

Bai Yingchuan thought that Lin Lu's words about Ruotangs fanatic love were true, but met with complete indifference.

Zhang mother and son were surprised to see Ruotang change his tune and slowly came tot erms that this previously willful boy was now very considerate and more mature.

Ruotang's dad wept tears of joy to see his son becoming sensible. Though partially his own naive nature influenced Ruotang the most.

As for the crush and relationship.

Lu Guifan (ML) is the class rep, he is rigid and aloof, but one day he finds that previously rumored love-brained Jiang Ruotang is not afraid to ask him questions and started to get close to him.

To Ruotang who now picked up his studies and took his art exams more seriously, something that he lost chance to do in his last life. To him Guifan was his emotional support.

Although the story has a part dedicated to Ruotang having successful investments and slowly digging the parts that made Lin Lu and his dad wealthy in his last life, basically cutting path to success, a lot of it is spent on just daily life, his interactions with others, his influence on people. Because like in every story he used his knowledge to save several people.

I think to me the most notable part was that author did not go with "oh, these people were bad in previous life, so we must avenge ourselves" rhethoric, but one character particularly had a change and Ruotang did not bear any grudge because he realized that his own actions were inappropriate.

Bai Yingchuan had the biggest change and the root cause started from the way Ruotang showed him freedom. While Ruotang of last life can be described as obsessive, but in this life he let go of his love completely. This indifference might have attracted Yingchuan at first but not completely. It's the slow realization that what Ruotang showed him was a well-thought career path, but Lin Lu and his father were after petty gains and sooner or later they will drain his popularity into nothingness and they won't stop there, being dragged into the scheme he won't have any chance but be manipulated by others into doing things he doesn't want. This was the final part that Ruotang lacked knowing before, he realized that Yingchuan's controlling mother worked together with Lin Chendong, he also realized that Mr Lin had some sort of leverage over her that did not allow her to escape his grasp. But now he realized that what destroyed his father in previous life was used on Yingchuan's mother as well. And she maybe started by believing hiw powress, but later was simply blackmailed.

I know that this part impacted me because it had different development from previous life and the fact that Ruotang did not chase simply everyone. He has distinction of right and wrong about others and about himself too.

So I very much recommend this one for a read when you want to have a good time, when the story is easy-going most of the time. Great relationships. Lots of lovely and good moments.

PS: it has tl

RATE: 4,25/5.