Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on As an Elder Brother
"As an Elder Brother" is a story that throws you headfirst into a world of complex relationships, dark pasts, and the slow burn of redemption. It's a novel that isn't afraid to explore morally grey areas, and while it may not be for everyone, it certainly left a lasting impression on me.
First Impressions
Going in, I knew this wasn't going to be a light and fluffy read. The tags alone—adult, fantasy, martial arts, smut, and yes, incest—made that abundantly clear. However, the summary intrigued me. The premise of a long-lost brother discovering his sibling is the very person he's been mistreating is undeniably compelling. I was prepared for angst, and boy, did I get it.
What Works Well
What I appreciated most was the author's commitment to exploring the complexities of the central relationship. The male leads, Xu Feng and He Tingzhou, are fascinatingly flawed. Xu Feng's journey from traumatized victim to a man grappling with complicated feelings for his former tormentor is believable and emotionally resonant. He Tingzhou's path to redemption, though paved with regret and self-sacrifice, never feels like a complete absolution. The author doesn't shy away from the ugliness of his past actions, which makes his attempts at atonement all the more compelling.
The slow-burn romance is another highlight. The story allows the characters to develop feelings gradually, and the angst is palpable as they struggle with their past and the taboo nature of their relationship. The plot itself is well-paced, with enough action and intrigue to keep me engaged, even when the focus shifted from the central relationship to sect conspiracies.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the overall story, I can see why some readers might struggle with certain aspects. The dark themes, particularly the past r*pe, are handled with care, but they are still present and could be triggering for some. Also, the shift in focus towards wuxia elements in the latter part of the novel felt a bit jarring. I would have preferred more exploration of the characters' relationship and less emphasis on the plot.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several reviewers mentioned that the fact that He Tingzhou only repents after discovering Xu Feng is his brother leaves a bad taste. It highlights the troubling nature of the initial abuse, as it implies that Xu Feng's worth was tied to his familial connection rather than his inherent value as a person. Also, the details surrounding He Tingzhou's initial capture and abuse of Xu Feng are disturbing and might be difficult for some readers to stomach.
Final Verdict
Despite its darker themes and potential triggers, "As an Elder Brother" is a well-written and emotionally engaging novel. The characters are complex, the plot is intriguing, and the slow-burn romance is sure to appeal to fans of angsty stories. Just be sure to proceed with caution and be aware of the content warnings before diving in. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
