I’m Done Being Your Best Friend

Given all the positive reviews, I initially expected the book to be exceptional. However, after reading 18 chapters, I felt compelled to write my first review on Novel Updates to share my disappointment. Here's a summary of my thoughts:

Pros:
1. The chapter lengths are well-balanced, neither too lengthy nor too concise.
2. The characters, particularly the antagonist, aren't overly simplistic compared to typical Chinese novels. For instance, Daisy isn't easily swayed by the protagonist's praise of Count George.

Cons:
1. The author frequently indulges in internal monologues and backstory explanations, which dominate the chapters, rather than dialogue or action scenes.
2. The main character (MC) is frustrating. While I can empathize with her past, her continued tolerance of Daisy's fake friendship doesn't make sense given her new knowledge. The MC's excuse about wanting to understand Daisy's motives doesn't convince me; it's clear Daisy sought a sidekick.
3. The MC's backstory isn't utilized effectively. Someone who's been betrayed wouldn't急于 make new friends without caution, nor would they remain passive in potentially harmful situations.
4. Other characters lack depth, leaving me wanting more from Daisy and Logan's stories. Despite their potential, the author fails to explore them adequately.
5. The characters' ages feel inconsistent. They come across as immature, especially considering the MC's supposed 30 years old, and their dynamic seems more appropriate for teenagers.
6. The direction of the story is unclear. As a reader, I struggle to see the purpose or progression of the plot beyond seeking revenge on Daisy.

In conclusion, this book fell short of my expectations, and I'm disappointed. The MC's lack of agency and reliance on external events bother me, especially given her past experiences. Given the initial hook in the first chapters, it's hard to justify investing more time when there are better stories out there. I wish others a pleasant day/night.

It's somewhat akin to "Dear My Friend," but with the dark twist of an unreliable best friend. Surprisingly, I've found this particular novel more appealing so far. Kudos to the translator for a fantastic job!

In the comments, there's a glimmer of hope, but honestly, during the first six chapters, I feel like slapping the main character more than Daisy. I despise convoluted revenge plots where the protagonist suffers just for the sake of it. It doesn't matter why the antagonist acted that way; the point is, why should they be given any attention or respect? Letting our family and staff cling to such toxic relationships only strengthens their influence over us. Cut ties with them immediately – I've been through it, learned my lesson, and made the necessary decisions to move on (I've even metaphorically "burned my bridges" and "bought the t-shirt, and burned the bra" to signify severing all connections).

"I absolutely adore it! There's something invigorating about witnessing the White Lotus struggle despite constantly bouncing back. It's a breath of fresh air because the story doesn't resolve with every single issue at once."

So far, I'm really finding this engaging. Although my own friendship challenges don't come close to what Sienna has faced, I appreciate how her complicated dynamics with her "acquaintance" take center stage. It's fascinating to observe how Sienna navigates Daisy's toxic behavior at each turn. I've been on the hunt for a light novel that addresses such situations. If you're drawn to stories where the protagonist uses past experiences to outsmart someone they once trusted, this might be right up your alley. While there hasn't been any romantic elements yet, indications suggest it's on the horizon.

The narrative could benefit from extended location descriptions and a bit more world-building to create a vivid setting. There were moments when I wished for more depth in describing significant structures with intriguing histories or the layout of the protagonist's surroundings. Despite this shortfall, the character development of the main character (MC) aligns well with her intense desire for revenge, as her impulsive actions reveal her inability to mask her true feelings. This adds complexity to her character, showing her vulnerability and strength simultaneously. It's refreshing to see how she struggles to maintain a facade of kindness towards her enemy.

One humorous aspect stands out: the MC's camaraderie with the "commoner," as she supports and playfully engages with him. Her respect and open-mindedness are evident, as she accompanies her friend to the library, even knowing his secret. This display of groundedness and loyalty as a friend demonstrates that her kind-hearted nature has endured despite the time period change. The story continues...

It would be interesting if Sienna also recognized her own value in her previous life. Initially, I believed she was experiencing social isolation, but it seems like Daisy and eventually Page were the ones who treated her poorly. There should be more clarification on how Daisy managed to push Sienna away from everyone else. It's puzzling why she chose Daisy as her sole friend at such a young age, 18, despite having a loving family and not showing severe social anxiety now. What factors led to this decision remains unclear.

Sienna was once innocent, but her character evolved due to her intense animosity towards Daisy and Count Page. Despite the transformation, she maintained her composure, not lashing out with anger every time she encountered Daisy's shamelessness and behavior. So far, I find the novel engaging, as both main characters are captivating - they respect each other and exhibit mutual interest. Chapter 13 demonstrated the author's ability to manipulate readers' emotions through the storyline. Although it shares some similarities with "Dear My Friend," this novel stands out with its unique qualities. The mature nature of Sienna and the gravity of her circumstances make it feel more like a josei story rather than a typical shoujo tale.