Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Overflowing Fragrance of the Fish
"The Overflowing Fragrance of the Fish" is a completed xianxia novel that I found to be a charming, if somewhat simplistic, read. It's definitely got a shoujo vibe, with a focus on comedy, romance, and a beautiful, if slightly naive, female lead. While it's not groundbreaking, it provided a pleasant escape for a few days.
First Impressions
The initial premise is what really hooked me. Our MC is a 300-year-old silver carp spirit who, after being saved by a High Deity (our ML), becomes determined to win his favor. Her logic? To become worthy enough to be eaten by him! This sets the stage for a lot of humorous misunderstandings and a lighthearted tone that carries throughout the story.
What Works Well
The comedy is definitely a strong point. The ML's internal struggles as he tries to maintain his aloof god persona while secretly being smitten with the MC are hilarious. The misunderstandings arising from the MC's bluntness and the ML's overactive imagination are also consistently funny. I particularly enjoyed the instances where the MC's innocent comments are interpreted as something far more suggestive by the ML, leading to some truly awkward and amusing situations. The romance, while not particularly deep, is sweet and satisfying. The ML's jealousy, though a bit typical, adds another layer of comedic tension to their interactions. The world, while not as fleshed out as some other xianxia novels, provides a decent backdrop for the story to unfold. The female lead is also very likeable, even if she's a bit too compliant at times.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the story overall, I did find some aspects to be a bit lacking. The plot, at times, felt stretched out and could have been condensed. Also, the side characters were somewhat bland, which made the world feel less immersive. The ending, while happy, felt rushed and lacked a deeper reflection on the events that transpired.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
I'm including this section to address some concerns about the ending. The ML's insensitive comment about the MC's intelligence and the somewhat random lake contamination plot point felt a bit out of place with the rest of the story's tone. The ML's eventual transformation into a black peasant and the lack of resolution in the MC's insecurities also felt like missed opportunities.
Final Verdict
Overall, I'd give "The Overflowing Fragrance of the Fish" a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a cute and funny read with a satisfying HE ending, but it's not without its flaws. If you're looking for a lighthearted xianxia romance with plenty of comedic misunderstandings, this might be right up your alley. Just be aware that the plot can drag and the ending might leave you wanting more.
