Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Became the Vicious Senior Brother of “White Cut Black” Junior Brother
This novel certainly took me for a ride! "I Became the Vicious Senior Brother of “White Cut Black” Junior Brother" is a xianxia danmei story with a unique premise that initially hooked me. While it has its flaws, the overall experience was engaging enough to keep me reading until the end.
First Impressions
The setup is definitely intriguing. The protagonist transmigrates into the body of a villainous character who abused the future big bad. Unlike similar stories, the MC's first instinct isn't to coddle the future villain, but to eliminate him, which is a refreshing twist on the trope. This immediately set it apart from other transmigration stories I've read, and I was curious to see where the author would take it.
What Works Well
I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between the MC and ML. The male lead is portrayed as a true psychopath, lacking genuine emotions and struggling with morality, which makes him a fascinating character. I also appreciated that the MC remained consistent in his reactions to the ML's psychopathic tendencies, which is a breath of fresh air in a genre where characters often fall in love too easily. The plot has some great twists that keep it from being a standard cultivation story. The side characters are well-developed and have their own motives, making the world feel much more alive.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the core concept, I can see why some readers felt frustrated. The MC's internal conflicts and misunderstandings with the ML can become repetitive, causing the plot to drag. Some felt the ending was rushed and lacked closure for the side characters, which I agree with to some extent. I would have liked to see more development of the romance, as it felt somewhat lacking in emotional depth at times.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some users have mentioned that the ML's sudden obsession with the MC after the MC's demonic transformation feels unearned and contradicts his initially apathetic nature. Others point out that the MC's attempts to prevent the ML from interacting with specific characters from the original plot can lead to frustrating misunderstandings.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "I Became the Vicious Senior Brother of “White Cut Black” Junior Brother" is a worthwhile read if you're looking for a xianxia danmei with a darker edge and a unique dynamic between the leads. While the plot can get bogged down by repetitive misunderstandings, the well-developed characters and interesting premise make it an engaging experience overall. I'd recommend it, but be prepared for some frustration along the way.
