Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Everyone Hates the Substitute Until He’s Reborn
First Impressions
Okay, I dove into Everyone Hates the Substitute Until He’s Reborn with a bit of trepidation. Rebirth stories can be hit or miss, and the synopsis felt familiar. However, I was quickly drawn in by the promise of a sweet romance and a protagonist determined to live a better life. It seemed like a good palate cleanser after some heavier reads.
What Works Well
The family dynamics in this novel are definitely a highlight. The love between the MC and his adoptive parents is heartwarming, and I found myself rooting for them to overcome the machinations of his truly awful biological family. Seriously, those people are cartoonishly evil in the best (and worst) way possible. The romance, while slow-burn, is also undeniably cute. The ML's initial misunderstanding and subsequent shyness were endearing. It was refreshing to see a high school romance portrayed with such innocence and sweetness. The pacing is also pretty good; the story moves along quickly, and the revenge plot is resolved without dragging on unnecessarily.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the fluff and sweetness, I can see why some readers might find the story a bit bland. The characters, while likeable, aren't particularly deep, and the plot can feel generic at times. The face-slapping, while satisfying, isn't always the most nuanced, and some of the conflicts feel a bit forced. I also felt like the MC could have been more proactive in dealing with the Fang family, rather than relying on others to fight his battles. The immaturity of how some serious issues were handled also took away from the overall impact of the story.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, here comes the spoiler section, so proceed with caution! I've seen some discussion about the extras, particularly the ones dealing with the original timeline where the MC dies. Apparently, they're quite heartbreaking, and it's worth being prepared for some serious feels if you decide to read them. There are also spoilers about the MC's coming out scene, which is described as incredibly chill and supportive.
Final Verdict
Overall, I'd say Everyone Hates the Substitute Until He’s Reborn is a solid, enjoyable read, especially if you're in the mood for something light and fluffy. It's not going to blow your mind with its originality or depth, but it's a well-executed example of the genre with a sweet romance, satisfying revenge, and heartwarming family relationships. I'd recommend it as a quick and easy read when you need a break from heavier, more complex stories.
