Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Real Young Master Thought He Was Hated by Everyone
This novel, "The Real Young Master Thought He Was Hated by Everyone," certainly took me on a bit of a rollercoaster. It's a blend of heartwarming family dynamics, a dash of romance, and a hefty dose of drama, but not all the elements meshed perfectly for me.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a sweet, familial story. The idea of a young master returning to a family he believes hates him, only to find doting parents and siblings, sounded like the perfect comfort read. And for a while, it was!
What Works Well
The familial love is definitely the strongest aspect of this novel. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between the main character (MC) and his brothers, especially the second brother. Their banter and growing bond were genuinely fun to read. The author does a good job of portraying the Xie family as genuinely caring, which makes the mystery of why they supposedly mistreated the MC in his past life all the more intriguing. The slice-of-life elements are also well-executed, providing a light and enjoyable backdrop to the more dramatic plot points. I also appreciated the inclusion of animals and the enjoyable side plots involving friends.
Areas of Concern
However, as the story progressed, I found myself increasingly frustrated with the main character. While I can appreciate an insecure protagonist, the MC's lack of common sense bordered on infuriating at times. It felt like his thought processes were overly simplistic, making it difficult to connect with him on a deeper level. This became especially problematic when dealing with the "villain" and the overarching plot. I felt there was a disconnect between the character's internal monologue and his actions, leading to some frustrating and predictable scenarios. The romance, while present, didn't particularly stand out to me either.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers might find the MC's naivete in dealing with the villain to be a major sticking point. His willingness to give the benefit of the doubt, despite knowing the villain's manipulative history, can be frustrating. The villain's monologues also tend to be long-winded, which can slow down the pacing of the story.
Final Verdict
Overall, "The Real Young Master Thought He Was Hated by Everyone" has its charms, particularly in its portrayal of familial love and slice-of-life moments. However, the frustratingly dense protagonist and somewhat predictable plot prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you're looking for a lighthearted read with a focus on family dynamics and can overlook the MC's shortcomings, this might be worth a try. Otherwise, proceed with caution.
