Avenue Of Rebirth

The only aspects of the novel I found appealing were the sexual scenes and the character of the elderly butler. The rest of it was underwhelming.

1) The body that Su An possessed was that of a troubled 19-year-old who struggled with drug addiction and a unhealthy attachment to his adoptive father. Despite this, nobody seemed to offer help, and in fact, they嫌弃他. The main character (MC) believes the male lead (ML) did enough by taking him in and providing financial support. However, I argue that if the ML truly cared, he should have sought a family who could genuinely care for the boy. The fact that Su An felt isolated and pushed to suicide due to neglect is disturbing. It implies that if Su An hadn't risked his life for the ML, he would never have been accepted, which is unjust.

2) While both MC and ML saved each other, I question the circumstances that led to their troubles. The first incident involved assisting a drunk director back to bed, which seemed like a typical party task. At 26 and with experience in acting, the MC should have known better, yet he didn't. The second incident involved a jealous female lead from another company. Although warned, the MC was caught off guard by her actions, driven by her obsession with the ML. It doesn't make logical sense.

3) The MC, a 26-year-old heterosexual man, voluntarily engaged in intimate acts with his adoptive father to keep him warm, invited the ML to a costume party, and even opened the door naked for him. Despite claiming the relationship was immoral, the MC appeared to be more accepting than concerned. This inconsistency is baffling.

In summary, these inconsistencies and illogical plot points make the book unsatisfactory for me.

Overall, the novel is decently written and initially captivating, with engaging opening chapters that drew me in. However, as I progressed, the story lost its momentum and the climax fell flat. It seems the author may have rushed to conclude the tale, with the exciting parts occurring predominantly in the middle, leaving the latter half focused on the protagonist's seamless journey to success. The abrupt ending left me questioning and surprised, almost as if to say, "Wait, is that it?"

I would have appreciated delving deeper into the side characters, but given the book's length, it appears that wasn't feasible. Additionally, the development of the secondary relationship felt sudden, which some readers have also noted. Despite these shortcomings, the themes of rebirth, underground/mafia, and entertainment were enjoyable. So, if those elements pique your interest, I would still recommend giving it a read.

Overall, I find it decent but not a standout masterpiece, despite overlooking its shortcomings, or those I perceive as such. Primarily, it revolves around a criminal underworld, with acting secondary to the narrative. This approach might enhance the story for some, but opinions vary. The acting serves to showcase the protagonist's character development compared to his previous life and to deepen connections with supporting characters.

The standard trope of a transmigrated protagonist attracting the main love interest due to a changed demeanor is present, but what sets this apart is the MC's acceptance of their shared criminal background. It's not about reformation or conforming to societal norms; the gang remains unapologetically "bad," and while the MC doesn't actively join, they are significantly influenced by it. They're a proactive character who saves the ML, not just waiting to be rescued.

There are spoilers ahead:
In the story, there are intense violent scenes, particularly in chapters 3, 4, and 6, where the MC takes decisive action (deservedly so, according to the text). The crime world backdrop inevitably includes melodramatic elements and occasional coincidences, which detract from the overall experience slightly, but not drastically.

I found the book engaging and relatively fast-paced. My rating would place it somewhere between 4 and 4.5, though not definitively. There are also steamy scenes in chapters 50, 51a, and 57, which might have nudged the score up a notch.

In summary, while it's not a groundbreaking work, it offers a compelling blend of crime, character growth, and a unique take on the transmigration theme, with a touch of romance and a few unexpected twists.

"I absolutely adore it! Repeating something three times emphasizes its importance, right? The novel is excellently crafted, and I appreciate how the author masterfully manipulates our emotions. The character's inner thoughts after his rebirth are portrayed vividly, capturing his fears, joys, and determination. The main characters, MC and ML, have a captivating dynamic, although their love story seems to develop rather abruptly. However, the steamy scenes are a standout, as not many authors can make readers empathize with the protagonist's feelings - I felt it all intensely when MC interacted with ML, which was quite amusing. What touched me deeply is the impact each character has on one another's lives; it's a truly heartwarming aspect."

The initial draw for me to this story was its well-written prose, which I commend the author and translator for. That's why I continued reading until Chapter 36 before ultimately dropping it, and it's why I'm giving it two stars instead of one. However, outside of the writing, there wasn't much else I enjoyed.

Firstly, I generally avoid tragedy and themes involving rape, even attempted ones, especially when it involves the main love interest (ML), which in this case is the rapist. I also cannot stomach the concept of "Dad x Son" dynamics, regardless of whether it's adoption-related. If those topics bother you, I strongly advise against picking up this novel. For me, it's not a suitable choice.

If you were hoping for a light-hearted entertainment read, this might not be it either. Although the synopsis suggests otherwise, the focus isn't on the main storyline but rather on the MC's relationship with the ML. Initially, the fast-paced development could be appealing if you like the ML, but for me, it fell flat.

Characters-wise, the novel lacks depth and cohesion. The MC's reincarnated character is portrayed as generic cannon fodder, and while I empathize with his situation, it's the adoptive father who truly disappoints. Shockingly, upon discovering the MC's attraction to him, the father attempts to rape him – a scene that is disturbing and hard to justify, given the circumstances.

Even the supporting characters and the MC himself are poorly developed. Their personalities are inconsistent and underdeveloped, particularly the MC, whose character feels hastily constructed. He's often described as a feline, but that's about it, making him seem one-dimensional and vaguely sexualized.

What I really wished for after reaching Chapter 36 was a resolution where the father and son formed a genuine bond, devoid of any romantic or sexual implications, just as a typical parent-child relationship should be.

In summary, while the writing quality is commendable, the story's content and character development are major drawbacks, making it a less enjoyable read for those with certain preferences or seeking a well-rounded narrative.

"So far, I'm quite content with the narrative. The storytelling is engaging, and each action and its consequences are thoroughly elaborated. However, I do crave more cinematic moments; but that's understandable, as the novel primarily focuses on the protagonist's life after transmigration and the dynamics between him and other characters."

I don't completely concur with @meow4meow. Everyone has their perspective, but it's different when someone spreads misinformation out of misunderstanding or inadequate reading. Here's my interpretation:

1. I agree with the principle "if you can't provide, don't adopt." The male lead's backstory in the novel was explained – he was an orphan, raised without parents. Since he himself lacked parental guidance, he might question why others couldn't do the same. He focused on supporting the main character (MC), not realizing the complexity of raising a child.

2. The reader seems to have misunderstood parts of the story. The director's drunkenness was a situational issue; MC got involved when saving a friend, not willingly consuming the spiked drink. Though suspicious, MC didn't push the director to avoid confrontation. The actress who drugged MC relied on the company boss for her actions, and there were professional constraints on actors during filming.

3. The MC wasn't volunteering; his feelings for the ML grew from liking, not obligation. There were foreshadowing hints and introspection about the nature of their relationship. Given the short time they spent together as father and son, it was reasonable for MC to reevaluate and act on his emotions. His actions were influenced by past trauma and instincts.

In conclusion, it's important for readers to thoroughly read and understand the novel before forming opinions and giving ratings. Many assumptions made may not be accurate based on a cursory read. - Sigh -

I suggest this for those who enjoy stories with a subtle dark tone. However, if you're sensitive to themes like attempted rape, graphic violence, or tragic side character arcs involving the main characters (HE), please exercise caution as it might not be suitable for you. Remember, it's entirely your choice whether to read or give a low rating, as no one is forcing you to do so. @Actualtrash has already offered a concise summary; you can refer to that for more information.