Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on X-ray Is More Than I Thought
"X-ray Is More Than I Thought" is definitely a unique reading experience, to say the least. With its blend of action, ecchi, and a healthy dose of the supernatural, it carves out a niche that's both intriguing and, at times, unsettling. It's a novel that throws a lot at you, and whether it all sticks is a matter of personal taste.
First Impressions
Going in, I knew this wasn't going to be a lighthearted romp. The tags alone – "abusive characters," "blackmail," and "an*l" – made that abundantly clear. The protagonist is, without a doubt, a scumbag. He uses his X-ray vision for less-than-noble purposes, and his initial interactions with women are… problematic. It's a rough start, and I can see why some readers might be immediately turned off.
What Works Well
Despite the morally questionable premise, I found myself surprisingly drawn in. The author has a knack for crafting an engaging story, and the characters, despite their flaws, are surprisingly well-developed. Many readers praised the plot, noting that it gets significantly better as the story progresses. I agree; there's a strange sort of depth here, a willingness to explore complex relationships and the consequences of the MC's actions. The world-building, with its unique take on spirit and body tempering, is also quite interesting. Plus, the humor is genuinely funny, a welcome surprise given the darker elements at play.
Areas of Concern
However, the novel isn't without its issues. Several readers mentioned a "forgotten character," a plot thread that seems to have been dropped entirely. More concerning, some felt the story takes a nosedive later on, abandoning the initial focus on ero and devolving into a generic action novel with plot holes aplenty. The MC's character development also seems to be a point of contention, with some feeling he becomes an inconsistent "wimp" later in the story. I also noticed the plot becoming too heavily focused on a single character, Asahina, to the detriment of others.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several reviewers mention plot points that could be considered spoilers, including the "dog Rikka arc" and the shift towards more of a battle novel in later chapters. Be warned if you're particularly sensitive to spoilers.
Final Verdict
"X-ray Is More Than I Thought" is a flawed but ultimately compelling read. It's not for the faint of heart, and the initial chapters might be off-putting to some. However, if you can stomach the darker themes and appreciate a morally ambiguous protagonist, you might find yourself surprisingly invested in the story. Just be prepared for a potential drop in quality later on, and don't expect a traditional ero-novel experience. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, with the caveat that your mileage may vary considerably.
