Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Dog Training (ABO)
Alright, buckle up, because "Dog Training (ABO)" is a wild ride, and not always in a good way. This novel dives deep into some seriously dark themes, and while it had me hooked at times, I definitely had some reservations by the end.
First Impressions
Going in, I knew this wasn't going to be a fluffy romance. The tags alone – amnesia, betrayal, cruel characters, depictions of cruelty – painted a clear picture. The initial chapters definitely delivered on that promise, throwing me headfirst into a world of complex family relationships and morally grey characters. I was intrigued, if a little disturbed.
What Works Well
Despite the heavy subject matter, there's a compelling, almost addictive quality to the story. I found myself wanting to know what happened next, even when I probably shouldn't have. The short chapters made it easy to keep reading, even when I needed to take a break from the angst. I can definitely see why some readers were captivated, even if they were also frustrated.
Areas of Concern
Okay, let's talk about the "sum MLs." Many readers, myself included, had a lot* of issues with them. The level of betrayal and cruelty they inflict on the MC is genuinely shocking, and the attempts at redemption often felt rushed and unconvincing. I struggled to understand the MC's repeated forgiveness, which, at times, felt like it undermined his character. The ending, in particular, seemed abrupt and left many emotional issues unresolved. It's a HE, but a debatably open-ended one. I also noticed several reviewers mentioning inconsistencies with the translation, although the overall readability was generally praised.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, if you haven't read the novel, you might want to skip this section.
Several readers expressed disappointment with how the MC ultimately ends up with both MLs, despite the significant emotional damage they caused. Some felt the MC's forgiveness was unrealistic, even to the point of Stockholm Syndrome. There's also a plot point involving a male pregnancy that some felt was underdeveloped and ultimately discarded, which was a missed opportunity.
Final Verdict
"Dog Training (ABO)" is a complex and often disturbing novel that explores themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and the lasting impact of trauma. While the plot is undeniably gripping, the problematic relationships and rushed ending left me feeling conflicted. If you're looking for a dark, angsty read with morally grey characters, this might be for you. However, be prepared for some uncomfortable content and a potentially unsatisfying resolution. I'm ultimately giving it a tentative 3/5 stars – it's a story that will definitely leave an impression, but not always a positive one.
