Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Fighting In The Light, Flaunting In The Dark
This novel, "Fighting In The Light, Flaunting In The Dark," promised a blend of comedy, romance, and school life, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a lighthearted read with a focus on the evolving relationship between the main characters against the backdrop of university life.
First Impressions
I was initially drawn in by the premise of an "enemies become lovers" trope, especially with the "hiding true identity" tag adding an extra layer of intrigue. The comedic undertones were apparent from the start, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The academy setting and the promise of a clever protagonist also piqued my interest, and I was eager to see how the story would unfold.
What Works Well
The development of the relationship between the MC and ML is definitely a highlight. Their journey from initial animosity to mutual understanding and support is well-paced and believable. Both characters have past traumas that they grapple with, and it's heartwarming to see them find solace and strength in each other. The comedic elements are well-integrated, providing a light and refreshing contrast to the more serious undertones of the story. Also, the characters are pretty well-written, even if some are a bit arrogant.
Areas of Concern
One aspect that I found a bit lacking was the focus on the volleyball games. While sports can be a great way to develop characters and relationships, the extensive descriptions of the matches sometimes felt a bit drawn out and detracted from the main storyline. I also felt like the connection between the ML's father and the MC's past trauma felt somewhat forced and underdeveloped. It felt a bit like a plot device that was introduced late in the story and not fully explored, leaving me with a sense of incompleteness. The student-teacher relationship is also over very quickly, and the volleyball is more of a focus.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Fighting In The Light, Flaunting In The Dark" is an enjoyable and lighthearted read with a charming romance at its core. While it has some minor flaws in terms of pacing and plot development, the strong character development and comedic elements make it a worthwhile read, especially if you're looking for a fun and engaging story with a satisfying conclusion. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
