- #1
Alright, after reading up to the latest chapter translated (Chapter 45), I'm officially dropping this novel.Reason? Well... just not my mug of coffee, I guess... ?... Hell, no! Let me drop my rant review here first. Please here me out. I would like to list down here what I liked and what I did not like about this novel.Deciding to drop a novel after reading it for almost half of its total chapter count is not easy, especially if you're expecting a very fun read after watching/reading other stuffs for a change of pace. In this one, I'd say the premise looks promising. I mean, who wouldn't want a 'from weak to strong' theme, right? I'm a fan of this trope. But I can't seem to not notice some minor details that made me furrow my brows a little, thus affecting my overall enjoyment.First, about the characters. Well, to be fair, the major characters were introduced well at the start. I liked how it was mentioned that the MC is a choco-holic here. That is one solid 'something' to like about him because that'll make him unique from the rest. But the sad thing is, that's all you can identify him with—well, aside from that he's 'short'. To be honest, the ML was given more description here than the MC (I mean like EVERY. SINGLE. CHAPTER!), and it frustrates me because I couldn't picture him in my head. The MC also loves to overanalyze things, especially if the ML is involved. It's like the thinking: "I wonder why he did those stuffs... oh, I know! Maybe he lik—oh wait, that can't be! (denied it but still blushed) " kind of stuff. I really don't like it if the emotion or the 'bud of love leading to romance' trigger flows so unnatural. Instead of 'dense', I would describe him as "an idiot with hyperactive mind". I can't count the number of times he 'unconsciously' look at the ML with 'indirect' admiration (again, with the ever abundant description of ML's hot body). So much for a dense protagonist...Well anyways, for the second minor stuff, my mind just couldn't accept the fact that the MC doesn't know how to properly shoot aside from doing layups. I mean, he was trained basketball since childhood, and pretty awesome at dribbling at that, so why the on the spot coaching for shooting..? And also, I just can't overlook this—the fact that the ML and the rest is eyeing for him for the team. I mean, they are in USA..? Where I bet even middle-schoolers can do dribbling and do better at shooting..? To add, the team/school is one of the top when it comes to that sports!Oh, I'm sorry. This really just bothered me. No racism here. I simply just can't understand it... And finally, the crucial nail that led me for dropping this: after all the reading struggles, I realized I don't like the author's writing style. Besides the basketball terms and explanation, as a whole, I find the overall writing lacking in description and details, especially around the dialogues. The dialogue is just plain straight you won't feel a thing or simply it just don't make sense (especially the part the MC had with Carlo during the practice game xD). And I also don't like how the author just simply giving out the "feelings" and "emotions" of each character as though it was a statement instead of leaving us room to catch for cues and "feel" it ourselves. This is one problem I have with other authors as well, and it deeply frustrates me. I don't know if it's just because of the translation or what, though. Overused clichés are present here as well—which for me personally is not bad if executed well— but the problem here is that it's very predictable and, like I said, 'overused' that it becomes a little cringey.Overall, I really didn't fully enjoy reading this. I guess 40-something chapter is good enough for me to call it quits and move on. This is really just not my style. No reason for me to continue. I know I'm being brutal but this is under a modern setting with no fantasy element, so my mind can't help but to approach and connect this close to reality, thus, expected it to be a little "realistic".For casual reading, I guess this is worth-recommending since there's no deep and complex plot here. So if you find the premise interesting and feel like giving it a try, go ahead.
