- #1
This is an amazing novel, I couldn't stop reading. The plot carried intrigue and great storytelling with its world building and main character Yuder. The side characters are great and well incorporated into plot where I never forgot a character that reappeared. The way the author described scenes shows how great of a writer they are, as they have an ability to give the reader a clear descriptive picture of what is happening. I felt like I was attached to a string, being enamored onto Yuder's path.Main Genres: Pastlives/Rewinding Time, Omegaverse, FantasyAbout Yuder (Mc) :Spoiler
"Without him, there is no future that I desire."
- Yuder is powerful. He is well versed in his own abilities, but this is the result of two lifetimes. He gains new powers in the second lifetime, and it was interesting to see how he developed it. On that note, he is observant and perceptive of others. He can guide any awakener and lead them down a path of new opportunities when if comes to their own capabilities. Yuder does not need anyone to protect himself, but sometimes he took on things alone at the detriment of his own safety.
- His experiences from the previous lifetime shaped who he is now. He isn't that innocent awakener who joined the Calvary in the first lifetime anymore. When he went back in time, he came back to right before the first recruitment. He could change the timeline and prevent the loss of many at the hands of an unfit ruler. Kishiar was a huge focus for this. I did find it interesting that Yuder slowly over time remembered details of the past through dreams. It does make sense, since ML dies 9 years before Yuder in the first lifetime.
- A theory I have is that Yuder is the descendant of the great Archmage. He was never tested for magic growing up, but it is seen that he had a talent for magic and that if the timeline was different, he could have been apart of the mages.
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- The backstory of the imperial family is complex. It stretches among all the noble families who inherited illnesses and afflictions over time. Both ML and his brother had the same issue, they knew if no cure wasn't found then their lives were at stake. It was why the Dukes in the kindoms were so brazen with their actions. They created the Cavalry in order to jumpstart Kishiar's reputation as a Hero to take back control from the Crown Prince and Dukes. More plot devices are there, so I'll only say that.
- In the first timeline, ML was blinded by his own trauma. He missed cues, and the way he handled things with Yuder led to a bunch of misunderstandings that festered until Yuder followed through with the assassination. Kishiar knew he was dying, and knew what was coming when he met with the MC for the last time. It felt bittersweet, their entire past together. With Kishiar's vessel broken, he sort of gave up trying before it began. The plan with his brother would never come into fruition, and the feelings he clearly felt towards Yuder were never expressed.
- His reputation is built through his playful games of manipulation. He hid his strength and capabilities to protect himself and his brother. He isn't frivolous, nor does anyone who truly knows him would think he was a fool. His intelligence matches Yuder.
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- Yuder changed his approach when joining the Cavalry. He formed relationships and gained respect with each action he took. In the first TL, Yuder was conscious of how people viewed and talked about him. He grew a thick skin, and ended up with only a few left in his corner. Kishiar was interested in Yuder in both timelines. With Yuder's determination to change things, he proved that he was loyal to Kishiar. However that trust had to be built.
- Their foundation was stronger in the second. They had great communication, and although most secrets Yuder has are revealed hundreds of chapters in, the layers between them became sturdy. The barriers from the first life were slowly healing, and being broke down. MC became who he was because of ML, but it was also ML who brought him back. They needed TIME to OPEN UP to each other. With how much Kishiar had to hide away who he is and his own health, while Yuder still held onto the trauma of the previous life.
- I melted with how attentive and in love Kishiar is. Yuder had no chance in the second. It makes you think that if the mission with the red stone in the first life went differently, would Kishiar have been more open with Yuder? Kishiar may not remember his pastlife, but the snippets told him all he needed to know. He antagonized over it, going over the game Yuder played. I know it made him aware on why Yuder had certain reactions throughout the time they've known each other. He is a green flag in the second life.
- The ML and MC are fated mates. They allude to the red string of fate a lot. They end up sharing dreams, (of the past), and their scents and emotions are more potent to each other.
- In the first timeline, fate was different. That string was severed, I don't know how it happened, but with how that timeline went between the leads I can understand that there was no fix. Think of a bunch of unfortunate events that kept on growing until it exploded.
- Which brings me to another thought, Yuder could not smell others scents, nor could other's smell him. This was probably the result of the union between ML and MC being severed. MC had an 'unfavorable' first time in that timeline. In the second, they had a healthier union, but there is a lot they have to unpack there. I won't go on about the first timeline, because you would have to make your own judgement.
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- I love the Cavalry. The characters introduced were likable and memorable.
- One of my favourite things about this book and the stark difference between personalities from the past Yuder remembers and the present. The butterfly effect that Yuder jumpstarts caused a ripple effect where they prevented disasters and irreversible traumatic events that changed the characters in the first TL. They weren't broken down, they didn't lose anyone, and were able to move forward. (For example, one character was forced into a fighting ring. In the previous timeline when he joined the Cavalry, but died early due to going berserk during a mission. His personality was hardened by the time Yuder met him. In the second, he still retained his mind and who he is as a person.)
- With Keilusa (ML's brother), I felt for him and his wife. The relationship between the brothers was good. All they had was each other and their plans were formulated in order to survive. I love how Yuder charmed his brother in law and sister in law.
- Nahan is despicable. The awakeners under him were manipulated, they just wanted to survive in a new world where suddenly everyone was against them. (Especially the nobles). When Yuder collected them like pokemon and now they are happy where they are at, it makes me happy because they are not at fault. (Except for some). I need more from the sage, but with over 1000 chapters I am looking forward to it.
- The corruption is strong with the nobles. A lot of weeding still needs to be done. With Katchian, he is a spoiled brat who suffered a defeat and blamed everyone else for his problems. I don't know how he was so formidable to control Yuder in the first TL because of his nature. He needs to be hit with reality, the Duke who got him that position is not his enemy. He is losing sight of the goal he worked towards and it will lead to his downfall.
