Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on After Changing to the Ruthless Way, the Brothers Cried and Begged for Forgiveness
This novel promises a strong female lead in a cultivation world, and for the most part, it delivers. I found myself intrigued by the premise: a mistreated girl gets a second chance and decides not to forgive her abusers. That's a refreshing twist in a genre often filled with redemption arcs.
First Impressions
Initially, I was hooked. The early chapters are satisfying, serving up delicious face-slapping moments as the FL navigates her new life. The translation quality is excellent, which always makes a huge difference in my reading experience. The initial premise is executed well, drawing you into the story.
What Works Well
The FL is undoubtedly the star. She's intelligent, powerful, and determined to forge her own path. I appreciate that she's not solely focused on revenge but rather on survival and self-improvement. The world-building is intricate, and I enjoyed exploring the various plotlines and challenges the FL faces. As the story progresses, the scope expands beyond simple revenge, delving into larger conspiracies and threats to the cultivation world. The side characters are also well-developed, adding depth and richness to the narrative. I also think its nice that the FL will not forgive her master or brothers, even if they die.
Areas of Concern
However, the story does stumble in places. I felt that the repetition starts to creep in around chapter 70-100, with the FL relying on the same illusion techniques to outsmart her enemies. This made the middle section feel a bit stagnant. Additionally, the "brothers," despite their supposed regret, don't seem to undergo any significant character growth, which can be frustrating. Some plot points, like the green tea junior sister with a luck-stealing system, felt unresolved and illogical.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers may find the constant presence of the brothers and master annoying, even as the FL tries to distance herself. Their stupidity and inability to learn from their mistakes can be grating.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "After Changing to the Ruthless Way, the Brothers Cried and Begged for Forgiveness" is a solid read for fans of xianxia and strong female leads. The FL's journey is compelling, and the world-building is engaging. While the story may suffer from some repetition and frustrating characters, the overall experience is still enjoyable, especially if you're looking for a cultivation novel with no romance and a protagonist who refuses to forgive her abusers. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 stars.
