Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Transmigrated into Ancient Times to Sell Desserts
This novel had a lot of potential that, unfortunately, I don't think it fully realized. The premise itself – a modern person reincarnating into ancient times to sell desserts – is inherently appealing, and the initial chapters certainly grabbed my attention. However, as I continued reading, some significant issues emerged that impacted my overall enjoyment.
First Impressions
I was initially drawn in by the unique angle on the transmigration trope. Instead of just knowing how to cook, the main character (MC) is portrayed as a real chef. This immediately set it apart from other similar novels I've read, and I was eager to see what culinary creations would appear. The setup, with the MC transmigrating into the body of a former bully, also felt like it could lead to some interesting character development.
What Works Well
The strongest element of this novel is undoubtedly the food. The descriptions of the desserts and the process of introducing them to an ancient world are engaging and imaginative. This aspect kept me invested even when other parts of the story started to falter. The initial concept of the MC building a business from scratch in a new environment is also compelling.
Areas of Concern
My biggest issue lies with the romance. The age gap between the MC and the male lead (ML), a young ger, created a discomfort that I couldn't shake. The MC's internal struggle with his attraction to the ML didn't quite resolve the problematic nature of the relationship for me. It felt like the ML's feelings stemmed more from dependence than genuine love, and the MC's actions felt, at times, like grooming.
I also found the pacing to be uneven. The story felt like it dragged on, with repetitive plot points and a lack of clear direction. The ending, in particular, felt rushed and unsatisfying, as if the author simply lost interest. While the initial chapters were promising, the plot became increasingly tiresome as the story progressed.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several readers have pointed out a particularly disturbing plot point involving another ger being humiliated and driven to suicide due to the MC's actions. This, along with the portrayal of the ML as a consistently helpless character, detracted significantly from my enjoyment.
Final Verdict
Transmigrated into Ancient Times to Sell Desserts had the potential to be a delightful and unique read. The cooking aspect is genuinely enjoyable, but the problematic romance, uneven pacing, and questionable plot elements ultimately hold it back. While the initial concept is interesting, the execution leaves much to be desired. I can't wholeheartedly recommend this novel due to the issues I've highlighted.
