Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Those Years In Quest Of Honour Mine
This novel has been quite the ride! I dove in expecting a historical romance, and while that's certainly present, "Those Years In Quest Of Honour Mine" offers so much more than just that. It's a blend of comedy, drama, and political intrigue, all wrapped around the central relationship between the main characters.
First Impressions
Initially, I was a little thrown off by the pacing. The story starts slowly, and it took me a bit to get fully invested in the world and the characters. However, I soon found myself drawn in by the complex dynamic between Zhong Wan, the clever and shameless MC, and Yu She, the troubled and sometimes deranged ML. Their initial meeting felt a bit weird but the backstory filled in the gaps to make it more endearing.
What Works Well
The characters are definitely the strongest aspect of this novel. Zhong Wan is a delight – his shamelessness is hilarious, but it's also born from a place of resilience and a desire to protect those he cares about. Yu She, on the other hand, is a fascinating character study of someone struggling with mental health issues. His internal conflicts and vulnerabilities make him far more compelling than your typical "cold and powerful" male lead.
I also really appreciated the blend of humor and angst. This novel isn't afraid to delve into darker themes, but it always manages to balance it with moments of levity and genuine comedic relief. The author has a knack for turning emotionally charged scenes into laugh-out-loud moments, often thanks to Zhong Wan's antics. The romance, while not the sole focus, is very well done. It's not just about lust, but about two people who deeply care for each other, trying to navigate a difficult world and protect each other.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the palace intrigue, I can see where some readers might find it a bit lacking. The plot can feel a bit vague at times, and it's easy to get lost in the various schemes and power struggles. Also, some of the side characters felt a bit underdeveloped, which made it harder to care about their fates.
Final Verdict
Overall, I found "Those Years In Quest Of Honour Mine" to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. It's not perfect, but the strengths of the characters, the blend of humor and drama, and the well-developed romance more than make up for its flaws. If you're looking for a historical BL novel with depth, heart, and plenty of laughs, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
