Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Charming Villain Just Wants To Be A Salted Fish
First Impressions
Okay, so I dove into The Charming Villain Just Wants To Be A Salted Fish expecting a light and fluffy read, and for the most part, that's exactly what I got. The premise is fun: a transmigrated villainess who decides she'd rather have the knight than the princess. I was immediately intrigued by the promise of a rom-com with fantasy vibes and a dash of the supernatural. The fact that it's a shorter story (only 21 chapters) also appealed to me, as I needed something quick and easy to breeze through.
What Works Well
The biggest strength of this novel is its humor and general lightheartedness. The female lead is undeniably funny. I particularly enjoyed that she literally talks smack about the male lead to his face, and the male lead knows exactly what she is doing. There's a whimsical, fairytale-esque quality to the story that I found really charming. It was a refreshing change of pace, especially after reading heavier, more plot-driven novels. The romance, while not the main focus, is undeniably cute. It's a sweet, slow-burn that unfolds nicely within the limited chapter count. I also appreciated the European-inspired fantasy setting, which felt different from the typical Chinese novel tropes.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the overall fluffiness, there were a few things that bothered me. The female lead's naivety, while initially endearing, sometimes veered into outright stupidity, which was irritating. I struggled to understand her motivations or how her personality aligned with her actions. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, with a conflict thrown in at the last minute and resolved too quickly. Several plot points were left unresolved. I also felt that the world-building was lacking, leaving me with unanswered questions about the setting and its inhabitants.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, so this is where I have to address the dragon. Apparently, our ML is an ancient dragon, who is useless in a battle against a SNAKE. Also, the FL is a vampire princess, and all she can do is suck the ML's blood.
Final Verdict
Overall, The Charming Villain Just Wants To Be A Salted Fish is a decent read if you're looking for something short, sweet, and funny. It's perfect for a quick palate cleanser between heavier novels. However, don't expect deep characters, intricate world-building, or a satisfying resolution to all plot threads. It's a light, fluffy, and somewhat silly story that's best enjoyed with a generous suspension of disbelief. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
