Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Working At The Coffin Shop
"Working At The Coffin Shop" piqued my interest with its blend of genres – a dash of comedy, a sprinkle of horror, and a whole lot of the supernatural, all wrapped around a boss-subordinate dynamic. It promised a unique ride, and while it had its moments, the journey wasn't without its bumps.
First Impressions
The premise is undeniably intriguing: a naive, somewhat weak protagonist working in a coffin shop that deals with more than just wood and nails. The initial chapters pulled me in with the promise of ghostly encounters and the development of the relationship between our young MC and his mysterious, handsome boss. I was ready for a wild ride through a world of spirits and supernatural shenanigans.
What Works Well
The atmosphere of the story is probably its strongest suit. The author does a decent job of creating a slightly unsettling, yet strangely comforting, ambiance within the coffin shop. I could almost smell the incense and feel the chill in the air. The boss-subordinate dynamic, despite some potential issues I'll touch on later, also has its charm. There's a certain appeal to the idea of a powerful, otherworldly being taking a somewhat hapless human under his wing.
Areas of Concern
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the MC. While his naivete is intended to be endearing, it can sometimes cross the line into frustrating. He frequently finds himself in situations where he needs rescuing, which can make him feel a little too dependent on his boss. The age gap between the MC and his boss definitely raised an eyebrow for me. The MC's age teeters on the edge of being a minor, which introduces some uncomfortable implications, especially given the romantic undertones. I also felt like some of the female characters could have been fleshed out more. They felt a little one-dimensional, and I would have loved to see more depth and nuance in their portrayals.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
I have to say I understand where the author was going with the MC's backstory and his mother's connection to the boss. However, it felt like a strange choice that didn't quite land for me. It adds a layer of complexity, but it also creates a slightly disturbing vibe.
Final Verdict
"Working At The Coffin Shop" is a mixed bag. It has moments of genuine intrigue and a unique atmosphere, but it's also hampered by some characterization choices and plot elements that didn't quite resonate with me. If you're looking for a light read with a supernatural twist and don't mind a somewhat flawed protagonist, it might be worth checking out. However, if you prefer strong, independent characters and a more polished narrative, you might want to proceed with caution. I'd give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
