Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on He and It
"He and It" immediately caught my eye with its diverse genre mix and intriguing premise of human-nonhuman relationships. A collection of short stories (or rather, novellas, as some have pointed out), promised a buffet of unique worlds and characters, and I was eager to dig in.
First Impressions
The anthology format is a huge draw for me. The ability to jump between vastly different settings and dynamics keeps things fresh. Several reviewers mentioned reading the stories out of order, and I appreciate that flexibility. The sheer variety, from mermaid romances to demon horse antics, suggested there would be something to suit my tastes.
What Works Well
The world-building seems to be a consistent strength. Each story has its own intricate setting and well-developed characters. The relationships between the MCs and MLs are clearly a focal point, with plenty of attention given to character development and relationship dynamics.
"The Serpent of Pharisee" appears to be a standout. The pairing of a male Echidna (of Greek mythology fame, not the cute, spiky animal!) and a human artist sounds incredibly unique. I'm particularly intrigued by the themes of artistic struggle and the depth that pairing brings to the story. Other stories, such as "A God's Marriage," which features a sea otter god, are praised for their fluff and heartwarming moments.
I also appreciate that the author seems to avoid slipping into distasteful territory despite the potentially sensitive subject matter. The focus is on intelligent creatures loving each other despite their differences, which is a refreshing take.
Areas of Concern
While most feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few readers struggled to connect with certain stories. "Utopia" and "Inquire Here" didn't resonate with everyone, with some finding them harder to get invested in. One reader felt that "Inquire Here" became overly philosophical and drawn out. I will take this into consideration when reading those stories.
Final Verdict
Overall, "He and It" seems like a worthwhile read, especially if you enjoy diverse fantasy romances with a unique twist. The anthology format allows you to sample different flavors, and the strong world-building and character development are definite highlights. While not every story may be a home run, the sheer variety and the overwhelmingly positive feedback make it a series I'm excited to explore. I would recommend giving it a try, especially if you're looking for something a little different from the usual web novel fare.