Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Master is Pretending to Love Me
"Master is Pretending to Love Me" promised a darkly comedic take on the "villain reborn" trope, and while it certainly had moments that hooked me, the overall experience left me with mixed feelings. This xianxia novel dives into some morally gray territory, and how well you tolerate that will likely determine your enjoyment.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a reborn villain, Jian Xiuyun, who doesn't suddenly become a saint. He starts out as a pretty awful character, and I found that refreshing. The early chapters had a certain charm, reminding me a bit of "Scum Villain's Self-Saving System" with its self-aware humor. I was curious to see how the relationship between the MC and his disciple, the ML, would develop, especially given the initial disdain based on appearance.
What Works Well
The author does a decent job of creating complex characters with tragic backstories. I appreciated that the MC wasn't immediately sympathetic and that his past traumas influenced his present actions. The exploration of his shallow nature and slow, reluctant change was intriguing. The world-building, while not groundbreaking, was sufficient to keep me engaged. For some, the short chapter lengths kept the story moving at a satisfying pace.
Areas of Concern
However, my enthusiasm waned as the story progressed. The pacing felt rushed, especially towards the end, and the "happy ending" seemed unearned considering the dark events that preceded it. The ML's actions, particularly his treatment of other characters, raised serious questions about his redemption. The ending felt disconnected, leaving certain plot threads unresolved and some characters with undeserved fates. I also felt that some plot devices were not properly addressed by the author.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several key plot points drew criticism. The ML's massacre of an entire family, the family of another disciple, Ling Liaoting, felt particularly jarring. The fact that Lin Liaoting was later only given a dream where he can fix his mistakes before waking up to his reality was a poor ending. The ML's whoring ways as a means of getting over the MC was a point of contention for many readers. This and other actions did not sit well with me, and made it difficult to accept the HE.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Master is Pretending to Love Me" is a mixed bag. It has moments of brilliance, intriguing characters, and a dark sense of humor that I enjoyed. However, the rushed ending, questionable character motivations, and unresolved plot threads left me feeling ultimately unsatisfied. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance, this isn't it. But if you're willing to delve into morally ambiguous characters and a plot with some serious flaws, you might find something to appreciate here. I'd recommend proceeding with caution and tempered expectations.
