Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Salted Fish Zombie
"Salted Fish Zombie" is quite the ride! I went into it expecting a typical infinite flow novel, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by its unique blend of horror, humor, and surprisingly heartwarming relationships. The story follows Ning Su, a zombie who just wants to laze around, but of course, gets dragged into solving everyone's problems.
First Impressions
Initially, I wasn't completely hooked. Ning Su's personality took a little getting used to, his blasé attitude felt frustrating, but as I progressed, his character really began to shine. His desire for a peaceful life, combined with his unexpected kindness, made him a protagonist I genuinely rooted for.
What Works Well
The world-building is fantastic. The different "dungeons" are creatively designed, and each one has its own tragic backstory that really pulled at my heartstrings. I really appreciated how the side characters were developed. They aren't just there to be cannon fodder; they have their own motivations and stories that add depth to the overall narrative. The family dynamics were a definite highlight. I especially enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers arc of Ning Su's parents, and their interactions with him after they meet him in the game. I also really loved the found family aspect, with Ning Su adopting ghost children and forming strong bonds with other players.
Areas of Concern
Some aspects of the story didn't quite click for me. The romantic relationship between Ning Su and Ling Xiao, while sweet, felt a little underdeveloped. I also found myself wishing the ending wasn't so rushed. After such a build-up, the resolution felt a bit anticlimactic. And while I enjoyed the humor, I can see how some readers might find Ning Su's detached attitude frustrating. Also the timeline is messed up, so try to not get too confused by it.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might find the explicit gore and animal cruelty in the earlier arcs disturbing. Also, the ML is revealed to be Ling Xiao, and his relationship with MC is a bit weird considering he raised him.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor flaws, "Salted Fish Zombie" is a highly enjoyable read. The engaging plot, well-developed characters, and unique world-building make it stand out in the infinite flow genre. If you're looking for a story that blends horror, humor, and heartwarming relationships, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
