Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game
"Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game" is a novel that definitely left an impression on me. It's a blend of genres – action, horror, mystery, romance, and sci-fi – which creates a unique and intriguing premise. However, it's not without its flaws.
First Impressions
The initial setup is fascinating: Xu Beijin, an extra in a deadly escape game, suddenly gains the ability to live stream the events. He's usually just a corpse on the floor, but now he can observe and even subtly influence the mission takers. This perspective, seeing the game from the eyes of a non-player character, is what really hooked me in.
What Works Well
The world-building is a standout. The concept of nightmare scenes, the tower, and the overarching mystery of humanity's situation kept me invested. I appreciated how the side characters were fleshed out, often driving the plot forward as they solved the mysteries within each arc. The slow-burn romance between Xu Beijin and Lin Qin, while subtle, was a sweet addition to the dark and suspenseful atmosphere. The plot twists are mind blowing and it's clear that the author thought out the ending before they wrote the beginning.
Areas of Concern
I have to admit, the pacing can be a real issue. The beginning is slow, and the repetitive internal monologues can become tedious. The writing style, while descriptive, sometimes feels convoluted, going around in circles and reiterating the obvious. The MC is also not really the one running around trying to solve the mysteries because of his assigned role in the game and it can feel like you're watching the game with him rather than him actually being part of this novel.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might be interested in knowing the ultimate fate of humanity in the story. Mankind was enslaved by an alien race after a three step apocalypse. Those aliens used humans in a gauntlet that was in the form of a tower game to filter out people for their war. Xu Beijin gets the role of the human actor of the human part of the AI and Lin Qin is the one who escaped the game but was forced to return inside it with erased memories.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game" is a worthwhile read, especially if you enjoy intricate plots, well-developed side characters, and a slow-burn romance. Just be prepared for a potentially sluggish pace and a writing style that may require some patience. While it might not be a perfect novel, its unique premise and thought-provoking themes make it a memorable experience.
