- #1
This is a really good sci fi-ish story about being a biology grad student and also trying to save the world and also bedding an eldritch mushroom being along the way. It's a very good read, and is actually a better read if you have biology or STEM knowledge.One of this story's strongest points is the science stuff being almost 100% accurate to real life. That might seem like a bother to others, but I respect the decision to have the investigation of the mushroom spore (who ends up being ML) start at modern science levels, and then try to "solve the unknowns" like real scientific explorations. It also helps that the characters are well written and the game vs. Real life vs. "Wait they might be the same" is handled well.I also respect the story for being properly monsterf*cker. Like I'm not talking "oh it's a humanoid with a huge penis" I'm talking MC starts making out with blood red mycelium and bone in the shambling approximation of a man, with no skin and too many eyes, and MC is into it. They were made for each other (they're both completely insane). Yes the ML gets a human form eventually. Yes he still pulls out extra eyes or body horror to be cute because he knows MC's preferences. The progression of ML from "hunger" to "love" is also handled quite well, mostly because MC has a save system so he dies a lot in the beginning until he manages to convince ML that keeping him alive lets him give food indefinitely rather than just consuming his entire body.Romance aside, the majority of the story is more of a drama / political intrigue type deal but with scientists rather than royalty or whatever. It's good, the characters are again very well written, and there's clear progression in the abilities of all the characters over time. But it's up to you what type of story tension you like, because in this story it changes quite a bit. MC is more interested in science than love, and once he starts realizing both worlds are "real, " his priorities start shifting pretty quickly (ch's in the 40's). If you're not into scientific research explanations, you might want to skip this one, or just try it out and see.
