Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on This Venerable One Really Didn’t Abandon My Familiar
"This Venerable One Really Didn’t Abandon My Familiar" promised a fluffy cultivation story with a devoted snake familiar, and while it delivered on some fronts, I found myself a bit conflicted overall. It's a novel that's easy to pick up, but whether it holds your attention depends on your tolerance for certain tropes and character dynamics.
First Impressions
The premise definitely grabbed me. A seemingly cold, OP immortal MC returning to his home world after 3000 years to find his cute pet snake has become a powerful, possessive ML? Sign me up! The initial mystery surrounding the sect massacres added another layer of intrigue, and I was eager to see how everything would unfold. However, that initial excitement waned as I delved deeper.
What Works Well
The relationship between the MC and ML is undeniably the heart of the story. I appreciated the dynamic where the MC indulged his "snek snek," and the ML, despite his power, was often the clingy one. Their interactions, while sometimes frustrating, were often entertaining. I also liked the story's straightforwardness; it doesn't try to be something it's not. It's a light, bubbly read perfect for when you need a break from heavier, more complex stories.
Areas of Concern
Unfortunately, the novel stumbled in several areas. The plot, while initially intriguing, felt underdeveloped. The world-building was also lacking, and the side characters felt flat. The biggest issue for me was the inconsistent characterization. The MC, despite being thousands of years old, often acted childish and petty, which clashed with his supposed wisdom and experience. The ML's behavior also swung wildly between devoted and controlling, making it hard to connect with him. I also take issue with the non-con elements that were present in the story, as it made me very uncomfortable.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers may want to skip this section to avoid spoilers. The mystery surrounding the massacres felt rushed and anti-climatic, and the "solution" to the impending apocalypse felt half-baked. The ending, while ultimately happy, felt like a cop-out, with the MC and ML essentially leaving the world's problems for "future me" to deal with.
Final Verdict
"This Venerable One Really Didn’t Abandon My Familiar" is a mixed bag. If you're looking for a purely simpleminded and fluffy romance with a powerful MC and a devoted ML, you might enjoy it. However, if you're seeking a well-developed plot, consistent characters, and meaningful world-building, you might be left disappointed. For me, it was an okay read, but not one I'd revisit anytime soon. It earns a 3/5 from me.
