- #1
This is honestly one of the best rebirth novels I've ever read -- right up there with Malicious Empress of Military Lineage so far as writing quality, heroine quality, and translation quality goes! Although I've only read up to the translated Chapter 124, I am absolutely enthralled with this story and cannot wait for more.The delight starts with the main character. Han Yuxi is an absolutely wonderful and incredibly human heroine who you can't help but root for -- not only because she's lead a pitiable past life where she was used and discarded by almost everyone around her but because she's so determined to live a better second life based only on her own hard-work. She doesn't get reincarnated with some kind of golden cheat or special knowledge that catapults her to the top of the social hierarchy. Instead, she has to grind out years of hard work and careful scheming to be able to slowly climb her way to a position of relative security -- one that is the product of her endless effort and guile. She's a wonderful and refreshing antidote to the usual rebirth heroines, who tend to either be paragons of perfection (Spoiler
which is actually pretty hilariously embodied in her "perfect" sister, Yuchen
[collapse]).Honestly, what I like most about this story is that it's surprisingly realistic, despite its use of many over-the-top Chinese Novel tropes like evil step-mothers, cold and indifferent fathers, constant schemes within the harem, etc. Although all of those things exist, the author manages to write a surprisingly human and recognizable world where people have other concerns outside of the heroine, cannon fodder can sometimes be redeemed or at least sensibly back away from danger after enough losses, and a broader world exists beyond our heroine's gaze. It's a surprisingly complex world and one that feels almost as real as our wonderful heroine.Additionally, if you read the translated story, you are in for a delight! The translator's words flow as easily as water and she has a delightful habit of including beautiful photo references to many of the items and even foods depicted in the story. These photos not only immerse you in the world of the novel -- they may leave you incredibly hungry. I know I ended up wanting to snack a lot after reading a few chapters!Long story short -- even though I'm far from finished with the novel, I am absolutely enthralled by the wonderful heroine and story-telling within it. This novel is highly, highly recommended on my part!