Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Let Go of that Shou
Alright, buckle up, because "Let Go of that Shou" is a wild ride, and I've got some thoughts. This novel definitely throws you into the deep end with its blend of adult themes, comedy, wuxia, and yaoi. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for something outrageous, this might just be your cup of tea... or perhaps a shot of something stronger.
First Impressions
Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. A shameless, harem-seeking protagonist on a fast cultivation journey? Sounds like a recipe for some hilarious chaos. And for a while, it delivers. I found myself chuckling at the MC's antics and the sheer absurdity of some of the situations he gets himself into. I was definitely hooked by the promise of unique love interests and the cultivation aspect.
What Works Well
The humor is definitely a strong point. "Drop your common sense" is excellent advice for diving into this story, and I think that's true. The author has a knack for creating genuinely funny scenes, and the MC's dim-witted but stubborn personality adds to the comedic effect. The smut, while not everyone's thing, is apparently well-written and unique to each love interest. For those seeking a "porn with plot" experience, this seems to deliver. The initial satire of dogblood tropes is also pretty funny.
Areas of Concern
Okay, here's where things get a little dicey. The ending seems to be a major point of contention for many readers, and I can see why. Twists and turns are fine, but apparently, some of the reveals in the final chapters feel rushed, underdeveloped, and, frankly, a bit nonsensical. Some found the ending "infuriatingly inane" and I think that sums it up pretty well. The incest element, particularly the way it's handled with the ML reveal, seems to be a major sticking point for many, and I can understand the frustration.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Alright, if you haven't read the book and want to go in blind, skip this section!
The biggest issue seems to be the reveal of the male lead. Apparently, it's someone who's been largely absent for a significant portion of the story, which makes the romance feel unearned and underdeveloped. The fact that this ML is also the MC's father, and that this reveal comes after a whole lot of "who's my daddy?" drama, adds another layer of weirdness. And, to top it all off, the lack of explanation for the ML's prior relationship with the MC's mother just leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
Final Verdict
"Let Go of that Shou" is a mixed bag. It has moments of genuine humor and some steamy scenes, but the ending seems to derail the whole thing. If you're willing to turn off your brain and not take it too seriously, you might enjoy the ride up until a certain point. However, be warned that the ending might leave you feeling frustrated and disappointed. Proceed with caution, and maybe stop reading around chapter 25 to preserve your sanity.