Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Class Genius Sitting Next to Me Is Always Trying To Flirt With Me
This novel was quite the ride! It's a fluffy, feel-good story with a time-traveling protagonist and a sweet romance at its core. While it has some flaws, its strengths definitely make it a worthwhile read, especially if you're looking for something lighthearted.
First Impressions
I was initially drawn in by the premise: a reborn MC gets a second chance to woo his lover from an earlier stage in their lives. The setup is classic, but the execution felt fresh. The story immediately throws you into the school setting, and the dynamic between the MC and ML is established pretty quickly.
What Works Well
The strongest aspect of this novel is the relationship between Ye Cheng and Lu Xiao. Their interactions are genuinely cute and funny, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the story. Many readers appreciated the slice-of-life elements, enjoying the detailed accounts of school life, friendships, and the everyday routines of teenagers. I also enjoyed seeing the MC navigate his second chance at life, trying to right past wrongs and create a better future for himself and the ML. The author does a good job of portraying the complexities of family relationships, adding depth to the overall narrative.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the story, I did notice some areas that could have been improved. The translation quality was a recurring issue, with some readers finding it difficult to follow at times. I also felt that the pacing could be uneven, with certain plot points being dragged out while others were glossed over. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked to see more exploration of certain themes, particularly the contrast between the MC and ML's past and present lives.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers expressed disappointment with the time skips toward the end of the main story, feeling that important scenes were skipped over. The lack of exploration of the ML regaining his memories was also a common point of critique.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, The Class Genius Sitting Next to Me Is Always Trying To Flirt With Me is a charming and heartwarming novel. If you're a fan of school-life romances with a comedic undertone and a devoted love interest, this might just be the perfect read for you. Just be prepared for some translation quirks and a slightly rushed ending. Overall, I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
