Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Creatures of Habit
"Creatures of Habit" is a wild ride, a dog-blood drama that had me hooked from beginning to end, even if it left me feeling a little conflicted along the way. This story definitely isn't for the faint of heart, diving deep into the complexities of a relationship built on flawed characters and questionable choices.
First Impressions
The premise grabbed me immediately: a "scum shou" trying to redeem himself after a very public and messy fall from grace. I was intrigued to see how the author would handle this kind of character arc, especially with a seemingly cold and morally upright gong. I'll admit, I went in expecting a fairly straightforward redemption story, but what I got was much more nuanced and, at times, unsettling.
What Works Well
The character development, particularly for the MC, Jiang Yishan, is a major strength. He starts as a selfish, manipulative person, but his journey towards self-awareness and genuine remorse is compelling. It's not a clean or easy transformation, and he makes plenty of mistakes along the way, which makes him feel incredibly human. I also appreciated that the author didn't completely erase his flaws; he remains flawed, just trying to be better. The relationship between Jiang Yishan and Qin Shao, while often toxic, is undeniably captivating. The chemistry between them is palpable, and I was invested in seeing whether they could overcome their past. The translation is also top-notch.
Areas of Concern
I did struggle with some aspects of their dynamic. Qin Shao's behavior sometimes veered into abusive territory, and I questioned the healthiness of their relationship. The ending, while technically a happy one, left me with a lingering sense of unease because of the MC's insecurity. The pacing felt rushed towards the end, and I would have liked to see more exploration of the aftermath of their reunion.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some sensitive topics are brought up in this novel. There are some dubcon aspects to the relationship, and the "punishment" scenes after the car accident can be a bit much. Also, some readers may find Qin Shao's actions manipulative, especially his "disciplining" of Jiang Yishan.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "Creatures of Habit" is a memorable and thought-provoking read. It's a story about flawed people making flawed choices, and the messy, difficult path towards redemption and reconciliation. If you're looking for a dark, angsty romance with complex characters and aren't afraid of some questionable dynamics, then I'd recommend giving this novel a try. I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
