Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Rebirth of the Great Favor
"Rebirth of the Great Favor" is a web novel that promises a second chance at love amidst the complexities of ancient China. With a blend of romance, drama, and mature themes, it certainly grabbed my attention. However, after diving into the story and considering various reader opinions, I have mixed feelings.
First Impressions
The initial premise of a double rebirth – both the female lead (FL) and male lead (ML) getting a chance to rewrite their tragic past – is intriguing. The setup hints at a potentially compelling story of redemption and forgiveness. However, the execution seems to fall short for many, including myself, based on some of the narrative choices.
What Works Well
Some readers found the novel captivating, praising the author's writing style and the emotional depth of the characters. The "dog blood drama," as one reader put it, can be quite addictive if you're into that sort of thing. There's no denying the story has a way of pulling you in, even if it's for all the wrong reasons. A few readers appreciated the FL's initial wariness and the ML's suffering as he tries to atone for his past actions, finding it a realistic portrayal of dealing with past trauma. Also, some readers loved the smut scenes and that the ML only has eyes for the FL in both lives.
Areas of Concern
The biggest sticking point for me, and many others, is the ML's past behavior. The descriptions of his actions in the first life are disturbing, to say the least. Abuse, rpe, and humiliation are prominent themes, making it difficult to root for his redemption arc. The FL's characterization also drew criticism, with some finding her too passive and weak-willed, especially considering her background as a trained shadow guard. Her apparent inability to escape the ML's orbit, even in her second life, frustrated many readers. The repeated use of aphrodisiacs as a plot device also felt lazy and repetitive. The "Rpe" tag is also a real concern in this one.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Be warned, the following contains spoilers regarding the plot of "Rebirth of the Great Favor."
Several reviewers detailed the ML's actions in the first timeline, including instances of r*pe, torture, and ordering his guards to abuse the FL. Some also mention the FL getting pregnant and being forced to drink poisonous wine, causing a miscarriage. There are also mentions of the ML going insane after the FL's death and obsessing over her corpse.
Final Verdict
"Rebirth of the Great Favor" is a difficult novel to recommend. While it has elements that could appeal to fans of historical romance and second-chance stories, the problematic themes and questionable character development are hard to ignore. If you're willing to overlook the ML's past actions and can tolerate a passive FL, you might find some enjoyment in the drama and smut. However, if you're sensitive to themes of abuse and r*pe, or prefer strong, independent female leads, this novel is likely not for you. Ultimately, "Rebirth of the Great Favor" is a flawed but potentially addictive read, depending on your personal preferences and tolerance for morally grey characters.
