Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Si Jiao
"Si Jiao" is a novel I wasn't sure about going in, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. It's a blend of xuanhuan, shounen ai, and a dash of the supernatural, creating a unique world with compelling characters. I found myself quickly invested in the journey of the unlikely pair at its heart.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a vicious sea serpent and a noble dragon. It's a classic setup with a twist: the serpent, our protagonist, isn't your typical hero. He's ambitious, cunning, and not afraid to get his claws dirty. This immediately set it apart from many other stories in the genre. The title is certainly not the most eye-catching, and I can see why some might initially overlook it, but trust me, it's worth a read.
What Works Well
The characters are definitely the highlight. The slow burn between the sea serpent MC and the golden dragon ML is captivating. I particularly enjoyed watching the MC's gradual shift in perspective as he navigates his relationship with the ML. It's a testament to the author's skill that they managed to make such an initially unlikeable character so compelling. Their dynamic felt realistic, with the golden dragon slowly melting the sea serpent's hardened heart. The author's writing style is also unconventional and I appreciated that it sometimes says a lot without writing much about an event. The ending was also a pleasant surprise!
Areas of Concern
While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, there is one element that warrants caution. There is an instance of non-consensual content between the MC and ML. I feel it's important to note that this scene is not handled with the sensitivity it deserves. Readers who are sensitive to such content should be aware of this before diving in.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, here comes the spoiler! I am a sucker for mpreg and the surprise of black and gold dragon eggs at the end had me squealing. I wish there were more details about their eggs!
Final Verdict
Despite the content warning, I found "Si Jiao" to be a worthwhile read. The well-developed characters, engaging plot, and unique dynamic between the leads make it a standout in the xuanhuan genre. If you're looking for a story with a morally grey protagonist and a captivating romance, I recommend giving "Si Jiao" a chance.
