I Was Raised After Being a Mermaid

My Thoughts on I Was Raised After Being a Mermaid

"I Was Raised After Being a Mermaid" promised a fluffy interstellar romance, and while it delivered on some fronts, my experience was a bit of a mixed bag. The premise – a transmigrated MC from a zombie apocalypse reborn as a rare mermaid in a futuristic society – definitely hooked me in at first. However, as I delved deeper, I found myself grappling with some inconsistencies and questionable character dynamics.

First Impressions

The initial chapters were undeniably charming. The idea of An Jin, our MC, navigating his new life as a mermaid, learning to communicate, and slowly building a relationship with the stoic Emperor Norman was quite appealing. I particularly enjoyed the early focus on bridging the communication gap and the hints of a "raising" dynamic, where Norman learns to care for An Jin.

What Works Well

The world-building is a strong point. The concept of mermaids as a vital resource for mental healing in a society plagued by spiritual riots felt unique. I also appreciated the author's attempt to address the language barrier between humans and mermaids, even if the execution wasn't always perfect. The side characters added a layer of fun, especially Admiral Mu Chen, whose interactions with Norman provided some much-needed comic relief. The overall tone is light, making it an easy read for when you want something not too heavy.

Areas of Concern

One of my biggest issues was the MC's character. While some found An Jin to be cute and endearing, I struggled to reconcile his seemingly innocent demeanor with his past life in a zombie apocalypse. His naivete often felt forced. I also found the relationship between An Jin and Norman a bit unsettling at times. The "raising" dynamic, coupled with Norman's initial perception of An Jin as childlike or teenage-like, felt a little too close to grooming for my comfort. The ending also felt rushed, with resolutions to major plot points occurring too quickly.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

Some readers have pointed out that An Jin is actually the Mermaid King, which is never really explained. This felt a bit contrived and unnecessary. The fact that the humans didn't realize that mermaids had higher intelligence despite the language barrier is also unbelievable.

Final Verdict

"I Was Raised After Being a Mermaid" is a decent read if you're looking for a light, fluffy interstellar romance with a unique premise. However, be prepared to overlook some inconsistencies, questionable character dynamics, and a rushed ending. While it entertained me enough to finish, it ultimately fell short of its potential. I'd say it's worth a try if you're a fan of the genre, but don't go in expecting a masterpiece.