Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Since My Engagement has Been Annulled, I’m Going to Live Freely!
"Since My Engagement has Been Annulled, I’m Going to Live Freely!" promised a lighthearted escape, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also left me wanting more. It's a quick, easy read, but don't expect a groundbreaking narrative.
First Impressions
The initial chapters definitely grabbed my attention. The annulment scene was well-executed, with the female lead showing some cunning in securing a hefty compensation. I was excited to see how she'd use her newfound freedom, and the idea of her opening a cafe in this European-esque fantasy world was charming. It felt like the start of a fun, "palimony" style adventure.
What Works Well
The fluff and cuteness are undeniable. The relationship between Flores and Ryan, the hot duke-knight, is sweet, even if it treads familiar ground. I appreciated the lack of overly cruel or graphic content, making it a pleasant read when I just wanted something light. The translation is also well done, making it easy to get lost in the story, even if temporarily. The consistent characterization of the female lead as strong-willed and intelligent was a definite plus.
Areas of Concern
Unfortunately, the story fell into predictability fairly quickly. The plot felt formulaic, hitting familiar beats of broken engagement tropes. The fantasy setting, while present, felt largely irrelevant. The story could have easily been transplanted to a modern setting with a few tweaks, making the world-building feel shallow. I also found myself wishing for more depth in the characters. They felt somewhat one-dimensional, lacking significant flaws or compelling backstories.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several readers expressed disappointment with the ending. The male lead's "sacrifice" of passing his title to his brother was seen as romantic, but it felt unbalanced. The female lead didn't seem willing to compromise or even discuss options, choosing her cafe over becoming a duchess without a second thought. This created a sense of unfairness, as if only one character was making sacrifices.
Final Verdict
"Since My Engagement has Been Annulled, I’m Going to Live Freely!" is a decent, albeit forgettable, read. If you're looking for a fluffy, uncomplicated romance with a strong female lead and don't mind predictability, you might enjoy it. However, if you crave depth, originality, and complex characters, this one might leave you wanting more. Ultimately, it's a light snack, not a fulfilling meal.
