Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Kill That Man
"Kill That Man" is a web novel that definitely left an impression. It's a wild ride through xianxia tropes, but with a protagonist who dances to the beat of her own drum. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable, if slightly uneven, experience.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the concept of a "black lotus" female lead. The idea of a character who weaponizes her charm and manipulates those around her felt fresh. Yu Qing Yao, the protagonist, is a transmigration story. She's not your typical righteous heroine, but a woman who embraces a more morally gray approach to survival.
What Works Well
What I loved most was Yu Qing Yao herself. She's confident, clever, and unapologetically herself. She's not afraid to use her unique cursing abilities to get what she wants. The author does a great job of portraying her as someone who isn't necessarily evil, but rather someone who simply doesn't care about the consequences of her actions. She's a malevolent spirit without remorse and I found myself enjoying the refreshing anti-heroine take. I also appreciated the lighthearted tone, even when dealing with darker themes. The story manages to be amusing and engaging, making it an easy read.
Areas of Concern
The biggest issue I had, and it seems others shared this sentiment, was the repetitive nature of the cursing. While Yu Qing Yao's curses are creative and initially entertaining, the constant focus on her using them can become tiresome. I found myself wanting more depth in the plot and character development beyond her cursing abilities. There are times when her cursing feels like a crutch, preventing the story from exploring more complex themes and relationships. I also felt that the ending was abrupt, and it would have been nice to see the story fleshed out a bit more.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers may be interested to know that Yu Qing Yao doesn't end up with the persistent love interest, Li Huaide, who is reborn every time she kills him. She even kills Li Huaide, who I thought was the male lead! The fact that he comes back wanting to marry her, not knowing she was the one who killed him, is funny.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, I'd still recommend "Kill That Man" if you're looking for something different in the xianxia genre. It's a fun and engaging read with a protagonist who breaks the mold. While the repetitive cursing and abrupt ending are drawbacks, the overall experience is still enjoyable. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
