- #1
Conclusion of this review:Worth giving a try. So far this story has proven itself to get better with time. Especially when well into the 1000 chapter mark going towards the 2000s chapter.This story is surprisingly interconnected, and if you liked a certain side character, Spoiler
maybe you'll end up seeing them again
[collapse]But take care of your own mental well-being and don't force yourself to read what you find triggering. Because there is a lot of that, especially if you're a woman. Skimming or skipping chapters of some arcs is IMO a healthy thing to do for this one.Review:When I first started reading this, I had the same gripes about the feminist and misogynistic issues that everyone else had. It was honestly quite triggering. I made my peace with it when I understood that perhaps this story is a reflection of the author's own struggles in the culture they're living in, A misogynistic society. I feel like the author comes more to terms with it in later chapters and a balance is tread where she scoffs at misogynistic logic, but also understands that the game must be played to a certain extent in order to move one's goals forward.Some arcs will always be tough to read through, in which case I suggest that you skip chapters or skim them to get a gist of what's happening while avoiding suffering through them along with the protagonist.This story shows more and more of its strengths as the story progresses, but I'd say that it's well after the 1000th chapter that all the little things that were built up, in the beginning, start to pay off. Very gratifying and although the protagonist hasn't got many friends the long-lasting relationships (to specify: non-romantic) she does have are quite unique and engaging.What I like: A unique protagonist who develops over time:Does things her own way. Occasionally makes mistakes and fails because of it. Reflects and backs down, or reinforces her stance. Sometimes it's hard to predict what she'll do, which is refreshing.Surprising developments: Due to the MC's unorthodox methods, it sometimes leads to hilarious encounters and/or strange developments. One of the side characters once said; when with the MC, they could never tell what would happen the next second. This is also true for the reader XD.That said, her behavior becomes steadier in later arcs as she becomes more skilled and doesn't need to really on desperate measures to break herself out of a deadlock. The author still has surprises to throw her way through, often in the form of other characters she may have met before.Interesting side characters: There is an abundance of really tr*shy, vexing and loathsome characters due to the nature of this story. But some side characters turn out to be surprisingly likable or relatable. Some even pop up later unexpectedly. Our MC isn't good at making friends, and much in the relationships she has with others goes unspoken, leading the reader to make what they will of the multifaceted connection she has with others.Contrasting typical relationships with a-typical ones: The worlds that MC visits are all different kinds of cliche storylines with very cliche relationships. MC, however, has a more nuanced approach to these things (Although some arcs she doesn't bother making any friends). This is usually a breath of fresh air amidst all the stifling plot cliches.Discussing the unmentionables: The Author doesn't shy away from writing about the troubles of aging, s*xual issues such as STDs, pregnancy, homosexuality, reduced s*x drive, and waning love and attraction. All things which are usually ignored in storytelling. The kind of thing you wouldn't see in a Disney film. It offers a surprisingly holistic and farsighted view of some of the struggles of life and love.The hidden world of Task Takers: In the early stages, not much is known about the world of Task Takers. To begin with, I wasn't even sure if there was a bigger picture to this transmigration story. But as MC progresses and encounters more situations, things gradually reveal themselves to not be as simple as they first appeared. Even after so many chapters, there is still only the occasional glimpse of dancing shadows in the background, which feeds my curiosity for every tid bit which is revealed.What I struggle with: A special brand of feminism:I think part of the issue is also the way the author writes about it. They have a tendency not to clarify when the things she spouts are actually what she feels, or when she's just repeating the narrative of whatever culture she's in. It makes the nartative feel like it has contradictory views at times.Part of it is also the MC struggling with the lack of preferential treatment because of her abysmal charm. But this smooths out in later chapters as she learns to understand the charm stat.The cliche ML and FL make MC want to puke, the reader wants to puke too:The multifacetedness of the side characters I mentioned earlier also apply to the ML an FL. However, there is a greater force that pulls them into following cliche plot lines where their hypocrisy, selfishness and shortsightedness are made evident through forced logic. In other words their bad sides are highlighted.All of the irrationally logic and forced situations (whether it be attraction or antagonism) that will allow them to follow their cliche relationship drives the MC up the wall. Since she MC is forced to interact with the lovebirds because of her tasks, they keep pressing her buttons until she can escape by clearing the task. Unfortunately as the reader experience the story through her narrations, I end up getting fed up with the arc too. *Sigh* Fortunately this element is less prevalent in some arcs.
