Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Demon King Always Thinks I’m Secretly In Love With Him
"The Demon King Always Thinks I’m Secretly In Love With Him" is a novel that promised a delightful blend of action, adventure, comedy, romance, xianxia, and yaoi. While it delivers on some fronts, a significant issue casts a dark shadow over the entire experience.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the comedic undertones and the premise of a cowardly protagonist navigating a world where a Demon Lord misunderstands his every move. The idea of a dense, dishonest protagonist trying to survive in such a scenario had me eager to dive in. I was anticipating a fun, lighthearted read with plenty of humorous misunderstandings.
What Works Well
For many chapters, the novel lives up to its comedic promise. The MC's quick wit and the Demon King's cluelessness create genuinely funny moments. I found myself enjoying the clever ways the protagonist weaseled his way out of difficult situations, often through sheer luck and a talent for bullshitting. The initial dynamic between the MC and ML was entertaining, with the tsundere Demon King providing plenty of awkward but endearing moments. The world-building was engaging, and I was curious to see how the MC would navigate the plot and protect the original protagonist.
Areas of Concern
However, the story takes a disturbing turn around chapter 70. A specific scene involving r*pe is handled poorly, with many finding it traumatizing, abusive, and played for laughs. This scene fundamentally alters the dynamic between the characters and casts a dark shadow over the rest of the novel. The victim-blaming narrative that follows, both from the system and the ML, is particularly egregious.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
The r*pe scene in chapter 70 involves the ML forcing himself on the MC, breaking previously agreed-upon conditions. The aftermath is even more troubling, as the system blames the MC for the assault, and the ML rationalizes his actions. This event leads to a significant shift in the tone of the novel, with many finding the subsequent interactions between the characters uncomfortable and even triggering.
Final Verdict
"The Demon King Always Thinks I’m Secretly In Love With Him" is a deeply flawed novel. While the beginning promises a lighthearted and comedic adventure, the problematic handling of the rpe scene and its aftermath taints the entire experience. I cannot recommend this novel due to its disturbing content and the author's apparent lack of sensitivity towards the issue of sxual assault.
