Our review

Reviewed by Kana

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

My Thoughts on Do Not Pray to the Abyss [Criminal Investigation]

"Do Not Pray to the Abyss [Criminal Investigation]" is a wild ride. I went in expecting a standard crime drama, but I got so much more. The intricate plot, the complex characters, and the dark themes sucked me right in. It's definitely not a light read, but if you're looking for something with depth and suspense, this might be your next obsession.

First Impressions

From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The writing style is immediately engaging, and the world-building is top-notch. The story drops you right into a world that feels both familiar and disturbingly different, a near-future omegaverse where gender-based crimes are rampant. The premise of the MC and ML, former sweethearts with amnesia and switched genders, reuniting as a criminal investigator and a world-famous scientist is unique and immediately intriguing.

What Works Well

The author excels at building suspense. Information is revealed at a perfect pace, keeping you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the next clue. The cases are compelling, and I felt like I was part of the investigation team, piecing together the mysteries alongside the characters. The MC is fantastic – cheeky, intelligent, and surprisingly vulnerable. And the ML? A total cinnamon roll with a hidden dangerous side. Their slow-burn romance is both sweet and heartbreaking, adding another layer of depth to the story. The author clearly put a lot of thought into the setting, and the world feels incredibly immersive. I especially appreciate the complex family dynamics and the exploration of serious themes.

Areas of Concern

While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, there were a couple of things that gave me pause. The pacing felt a bit off at times, particularly with the flashbacks, which sometimes felt overly long. And while I loved the intricate plot, I do agree that things get a little over-the-top towards the end, sacrificing some realism for the sake of drama.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

Some readers may find the ending to be controversial. While satisfying for some, others were left with questions and a desire for more closure. The side stories are highly anticipated, as they promise to address some of these lingering questions.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "Do Not Pray to the Abyss [Criminal Investigation]" is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The intricate plot, well-developed characters, and exploration of dark themes make it a standout in the genre. If you're looking for a criminal investigation novel with a unique twist and a healthy dose of angst, I highly recommend giving this one a try. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster!

Synopsis

A live human sculpture appears at a city art exhibition, causing a national uproar. The case is heinous and complex, prompting international criminal investigator Xu Changying to return to his homeland to collaborate with local police after an eight-year absence. The moment he sets foot on the familiar yet long-unseen soil, memories of old faces and past events come flooding back. Xu Changying thought his heart had turned to stone, but the sight of that familiar yet distant face leaves him uncontrollably shaken and bewildered. In the dissection room, the man removes his mask and greets him as if meeting for the first time: “Hello, I’m Xia Qing.” Over the past eight years, Xu Changying has become the only beta agent in the AGB organization, traveling to countless corners of the world. He can no longer recall whether it was in Colombia, North Africa, or a remote town in Southeast Asia, but during a brief respite from a mission, the beta agent caught a glimpse of that cold and dignified face on an old, blurry television screen—Xia Qing, the heir to a top-tier domestic biotech group, an exceptionally gifted alpha, and a globally renowned life scientist who led his team to overcome another major academic hurdle. The indifferent face on the old screen overlapped with the memory of a young man whose eyes always held a warm smile. Xu Changying looked away, flicked away his cigarette butt, and walked into the dust left by the recent gunfight. Reunited once more, he is an international investigator, and he is the consulting expert, brought together again by a bizarre case. Xu Changying gazes with a smile at that almost unchanged yet unfamiliar face—a result of retrograde amnesia—and extends his hand: “Nice to meet you. I’m Xu Changying.” Also known as Destined to Love You (ABO Edition), Help! My Ex Forgot Me But Still Loves Me Madly Warnings: Heavy on plot, with a focus on suspense and detective work, alternating between brain-burning and lighthearted moments. Non-traditional ABO story, with many private settings in the ABO world. The protagonist was once an alpha but is now and will remain a beta. Beautiful alpha protagonist, cool beta protagonist. White moonlight + amnesia + alpha-to-beta = super melodramatic. The protagonist is very beta, slightly Mary Sue. Really, really, ridiculously exaggerated melodrama. This story has many twists and turns, so readers should be prepared for surprises and need a little patience and mental readiness. Tags: Second chance romance, made for each other, modern fiction, suspenseful detective story, personal growth, ABO. Other: Suspenseful detective work, non-traditional ABO literature. One-liner: The “b” in beta stands for “bking.” Theme: The world calls for love and peace.

Do Not Pray to the Abyss [Criminal Investigation]

Our review