After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle

小哭包进入噩梦循环以后 / 小哭包進入惡夢循環以後 · Original Chinese title

Also known as: Sau Khi Túi Khóc Nhỏ Tiến Vào Thế Giới Ác Mộng, 小哭包进入噩梦循环以后, 小哭包進入惡夢循環以後

By jú cháng dàren, kiku-sama, 菊长大人

★★★★★ 4.5 327 ratings

Completed chinese Web Novel

Our review

Reviewed by Kana

Who it's for, and whether it holds up.

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My Thoughts on After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle

I finally finished "After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle," and I have a lot to unpack. This novel is a wild ride through dream worlds, mysteries, and a slowly developing romance. While it hits some high notes, it also stumbles in a few areas, leaving me with mixed feelings overall.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise of a blind protagonist entering nightmare cycles. The blend of horror, mystery, and yaoi elements felt intriguing. The early arcs promised a compelling journey of discovery, and I was eager to see how the protagonist, Chi Nan, would navigate these terrifying dreamscapes.

What Works Well

The world-building is definitely a strong point. Each dream world feels distinct and imaginative, with its own set of rules and challenges. I particularly enjoyed the unique scenarios and the clever ways the characters had to solve the mysteries within them. The author's creativity shines through in these intricate instances.

Many readers praised the gradual and devoted relationship between Chi Nan and You Yu. It's a slow burn, but their connection deepens organically as they face various trials together. I appreciated that the romance wasn't overly forceful, allowing the characters' feelings to develop naturally. The side characters, like Hei Cha and Jiang Yu, also added depth and charm to the story, making the overall experience more enjoyable.

Areas of Concern

While the novel has its strengths, I also found some aspects lacking. The horror elements, while present, didn't always deliver the intended scare. The initial premise of a blind protagonist felt somewhat abandoned after the first arc, diminishing a unique aspect of the story. Additionally, I felt that some side characters and plot threads were left unresolved, leaving me wanting more closure. The ending, while satisfying for some, felt rushed and somewhat convoluted.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

Some reviewers expressed disappointment with the rushed ending and the time loop concept, which they found headache-inducing. Others wished for more exploration of the side characters' fates and the real-world consequences of the dream world events. The revelation of MC being a god felt predictable to some, while the introduction of magic in the past lacked sufficient foreshadowing.

Final Verdict

Overall, "After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle" is a decent read with its strengths and weaknesses. The imaginative dream worlds and the gradual romance are definite highlights. However, the rushed ending and some unresolved plot threads prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you're looking for a unique blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and a touch of romance, this novel might be worth exploring, but be prepared for a slightly uneven journey. I'd give it a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis

Chi Nan was the young man in one of the Top 10 forbidden paintings, the Crying Boy. It was said that he would bring disaster, so his memories were sealed and his soul was locked in the painting. One day, Chi Nan entered the body of a blind young master who died accidentally. The young master was the owner of this forbidden painting. However, Chi Nan had stayed in the painting for a long time. He lost the happiness and sadness of human beings. The only emotion he could show on his face was: tears. Chi Nan made three wishes to the gods: regain his vision, stop crying and get his memories back. Thus, he was invited into the world of terror, the Nightmare Cycle. Break the nightmares to gain points and grant his wishes. Ordinary players: Ahhh, it is terrible! I want to wake up! Meanwhile, Chi Nan moved through the nightmares, grabbing small skeletons at the crane machine in the amusement park at midnight, building ice sculptures with corpses in a snowy country’s mass grave and dancing with a fierce ghost in a life-threatening waltz until dawn. The dreams were really good. There were endless games, ghosts who tried to amuse him and a mysterious boss who sent him good medicine every day. Chi Nan cried happily but when he cried, the ghosts of the world trembled. *** The owner of the body was called You Yu and he suspected that he didn’t die accidentally. In order to understand the truth behind his death and be reborn in his body, he sold his soul to the world called the ‘Nightmare Cycle.’ He became the dream maker behind the scenes, conscientiously creating dreams of terror. He didn’t expect that he would meet his body in the infinite nightmare he created with his own hands. The user of the body was a bigshot who loved to shed tears. This person was diligent in going through the instances to earn points and restore vision for him. Thus, You Yu secretly added the sweetest honey to medicine and sent it to Chi Nan at midnight every day. So why did the little crybaby cry again after drinking it?

After the Little Crybaby Enters the Nightmare Cycle

Our review