Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I’m Cinderella’s Sister, but I’m Reluctantly Going to Marry the Prince
"I’m Cinderella’s Sister, but I’m Reluctantly Going to Marry the Prince" is a quick, comedic one-shot that definitely left me with mixed feelings. It's a light read, perfect for a short break, but it has some issues that are hard to ignore, particularly when it comes to the initial setup and the male lead's behavior.
First Impressions
The premise is intriguing: Cinderella's sister ends up marrying the prince after Cinderella runs off with the wizard. The MC, Adelina, is pragmatic and relatable, and I enjoyed her inner monologues. She's definitely the tsukkomi in this story, reacting to the absurdity around her with dry wit. However, the initial chapters are rough because the Prince is a jerk and forces Adelina into marriage.
What Works Well
The story shines in its comedic moments and the overall absurdity of the situation. The translation is well-done, making it an easy and enjoyable read. I also appreciated the twist surrounding Adelina's name. It was a cute reveal that added a touch of whimsy to the story. Many readers seem to agree that the story is a fun and quick read, perfect for a lighthearted distraction. The ending, while somewhat rushed, did manage to leave me feeling satisfied.
Areas of Concern
The biggest issue for me, and one that several readers pointed out, is the problematic beginning. The Prince's initial actions are far from romantic, and the narrative doesn't really address the fact that he essentially forced Adelina into marriage. It's a huge red flag that's hard to overlook, and it definitely impacted my enjoyment of the romance. Additionally, the short length of the story means that character development and world-building are minimal. The ending feels rushed and certain plot points could have used more development.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some reviewers mentioned the existence of a magical barrier that stops Adelina from falling in love with the prince. It's mentioned that this idea could have been foreshadowed better in the story.
Final Verdict
"I’m Cinderella’s Sister, but I’m Reluctantly Going to Marry the Prince" is a cute and amusing one-shot, but it's not without its flaws. If you can overlook the problematic beginning and the lack of depth, you might find it a fun and quick read. However, if you're looking for a complex romance with well-developed characters, this might not be the story for you. I'd say it's worth a try if you're in the mood for something light and don't mind a bit of problematic behavior from the male lead.
