Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Am Average and Unremarkable
"I Am Average and Unremarkable" had been sitting on my to-read list for a while, and I finally dove in. Overall, I found it to be a delightful and heartwarming read, though it wasn't without its minor flaws. It's a xianxia story with a healthy dose of comedy, drama, and a sprinkle of romance, creating a balanced and enjoyable experience.
First Impressions
Right from the start, I was drawn in by the lighthearted tone and the charming protagonist, Jiu Hui. She might seem like your typical cute and innocent lead at first glance, but she quickly reveals herself to be a clever and slightly shameless schemer, which I found incredibly entertaining. The world-building is immersive, and the supporting characters are just as captivating as the main leads. It felt very similar to "Ascending, Do Not Disturb," which I enjoyed immensely, so I was immediately comfortable with the overall vibe.
What Works Well
The strength of this novel lies in its characters and their relationships. Jiu Hui is a fantastic MC, not just because of her abilities, but because of her caring nature and resilience. Her interactions with the male lead, Zhi You, are adorable. Their romance is slow-burn, but it doesn't detract from the story. I especially enjoyed how the side characters each had depth and personality, even the minor ones. I also found the author's exploration of human nature, selfishness, and selflessness to be quite thought-provoking.
Areas of Concern
While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, I did find the ending to be a bit rushed. It felt like some plot threads were left dangling, and the final confrontation wasn't as impactful as it could have been. Also, the middle part of the story, especially around chapter 60, felt a bit draggy, and the demon storyline wasn't as engaging as the rest.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some reviews detail that the MC is the young master of the yao clan and can become the divine gan tree, while the ML has been "imprisoned" on Fuguang Mountain since he was a baby.
Final Verdict
Despite its minor flaws, "I Am Average and Unremarkable" is a gem of a novel that I would highly recommend. It's a fun, lighthearted read with endearing characters, an immersive world, and a heartwarming story. If you're looking for a xianxia novel that will make you laugh, cry, and think, this is definitely worth checking out. I'm giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.