Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on You Plan To Kill Me With Meng?
"You Plan To Kill Me With Meng?" is a unique web novel that had me hooked from the start. The premise alone—reincarnation as different animals—is intriguing, and the execution, for the most part, lives up to the hype. It's a heartwarming BL story with a heavy dose of "meng" (cuteness) that’s hard to resist.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the adorable concept of a stoic ML and a spoiled MC navigating life as various animals. The early arcs, particularly the polar bear and lion arcs, are incredibly well-written and emotionally resonant. The slice-of-life feel, combined with the characters' growth and devotion to one another, made for a truly captivating experience.
What Works Well
The strength of this novel lies in its ability to blend fluff with genuine emotional depth. The author masterfully portrays the animals' struggles and triumphs, often drawing inspiration from real-world issues. The slow-burn romance between the MC and ML is also a highlight. Their interactions are consistently cute, wholesome, and, surprisingly, realistic. I also appreciated the world-building for each arc, with the author doing their research on the animals and their environments. There is a lot of animal love here.
Areas of Concern
The translation quality appears to be a recurring issue. Some readers have found the MTL (machine translation) to be superior to the "official" translation, citing numerous errors and awkward phrasing. Also, there are warnings about the original translation site being riddled with intrusive ads and potential viruses, making the reading experience frustrating. Readers are advised to seek out alternative translation sources or to MTL the novel themselves.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, there are some major plot points that readers have discussed, so tread carefully! Apparently, the original ending was somewhat controversial. The author had planned to end the story after seven arcs, with the ML dreaming about their future lives. However, due to reader feedback, the author revised the ending to ensure a happy ever after with ongoing reincarnations. Some readers were originally sad about the ending.
Final Verdict
Despite the translation issues and the past controversies surrounding the ending, "You Plan To Kill Me With Meng?" is a worthwhile read for those seeking a fluffy, heartwarming, and unique BL novel. The characters are lovable, the premise is engaging, and the emotional depth is surprisingly profound. If you're willing to overlook the translation problems or find a better source, you're in for a sweet and delightful ride. I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
