ALL I CAN SAY IS... THIS IS SUCH A MASTERPIECE. in*est is sooo rare in danmei but the way the author writes the story is just so good that I get to enjoy every chapter. MC's behavior is clearly explained why he is like that and he and his brother is just too perfect for each other because they needed each other. PLEASE READ THIS 😭😭😭 it's so freaking good. I can reread this over and over again, hayst.

Smut with quality. This is the embodiment of the term "bittersweet".

Like heck, it's so f*cked up, so messed up... And yet you couldn't help but feel for them, pity them, sympathize with them... Cheer them on... and also curse their shitty parents.

For the record, this is not the first time I've read stories featuring in*estuous relationships. Actually it's not my thing (I don't actively search for one), but high ratings and good reviews have this power to drag me in, makimg me want to give it a try; see if... more>> I would be able to see and feel what the readers have felt after reading it (so dear fellow reviewers, don't hesitate to drop a review when you have time and also don't forget to update the tags after reading good/bad/meh stories whenever, wherever ^^).

So far, I've only read 3 of those I deemed I truly liked: 2 from mangas (cousins; brothers) and 1 novel here in NU (father x son). They all have high ratings when I saw them, gave it a try, and was moved and pleased by the writing. Now this has become the fourth one.

... Oh yeah, I only read BLs because I know that none of the 'unfortunate' lovers can get pregnant, therefore, no nasty family tree, no deformed babies, no innocent soul will be produced to suffer. I know I'm kinda 'discrimating' but here me out---BLs are more forgiving. Why?

[----Fun (useless?) fact: when I was in my early teens, just a budding little novel reader (like the one who reads everything after finding out that reading is fun), I once came across a paperback (ya know, the old school thick ones) wherein the genre was detective/mystery. The unsuspecting me read it, and after reaching 3/4 of the story, it was revealed how f*cked up the story turned out. In summary, the main protagonist's (the father) found out that his wife has been imp**gnated by his own teen son. The son also touched and got her sister pregnant---all instigated by the mother herself. You know why? Because that mother was mol*sted and abused by his own father when she was young. The f*cked up thinking got passed down.

After reading that I was so horrified and traumatized! I kid you not, I literally BURNED the book! Lmao...

That time I told myself, "no one's gonna read this abominable book anymore! I don't want them to be traumatized like me. Burn for me..."

I had no access to tags nor reviews that time unlike in this generation (I feel so old, bruh). And paperbacks compared to webnovels don't give away important plot points so there's that. The theme was so soul and mind breaking I even get nightmares then. Today, I can laugh it off while mentioning it but to the young me, it was traumatizing. I even thought how f*cked up humans can be, it's disgusting.

That was my first time reading such theme and I won't be reading another one in this lifetime again because I pity the would be babies. I know it's fictional and all but I know, somewhere out there, it's happening in real life too.

I'm not saying that that kind of in*est is right or wrong, nor implying that there's a certain standard to make it seem "right" per se --- what I'm trying to say is that: at least in BL, it's tolerable. I can ride the author's thoughts with peace of mind; completely free of worry that anytime the couple would inflict the fruit of their love. The now old open-minded me can only tolerate this much.

---- Little storytime ends here lmao]

You know what set this story apart from the usual short, low-rated, brain-dead smut stories? It's the author's way of storytelling. Like the 3 fave stories I previously mentioned, the author is good at setting the mood, good at demonstrating the intricate and delicate nature of human mind and emotions, no matter how f*cked up it is. If you are a good writer, even the most basic and tropey cliché scenario can become a thought-provoking masterpiece. How much more a delicate and sensitive one such as this?

It's funny how the author initially wanted to write smut but ended up writing a masterpiece instead lmao...

So yeah, to those who are sensitive, who are well-aware that they have low tolerance for fictional themes that tests morals, please read carefully the tags. I assure you that this is not suitable for first-timers (learn from my experience). You can only blame yourself if you find it not to your liking because... duh, the tags are there. Proceed with caution.

So, do I recommend reading this?

Sure. 100%.

But let me remind you that it's 100% f*cked up, not only because of the settings and premise, but also because the MC and ML are really not good in the head. What I mean to say is they both have tendencies to do things in extreme. Like EXTREME. They're both hot manly men, afterall. I'd say they are both yanderes. Only the two of them can tame and save each other. They need each other. They deserved each other. You can only sigh and cheer them on from afar.

So if you think you can handle it, be my guest. It's mind-bogglingly messed up yet kind of amusing, courtesy of the MC's simple and straight (sometimes disturbing) yet funny train of thoughts when viewing things in his POV.

... Oh by the way, this is a happy ending, don't worry. <<less

Honestly was not expecting this to be a hit. I originally read this because of the amazing art cover, but I slowly fell more involved with the mc's daily thoughts and interactions. Some might shy away from this web novel when learning it includes in*est, but this by far has been one of the best short stories I have read this year. With the inclusion of sm*t, this web novel also portrays the harsh realities not talked about much in this world. From ab*se to work-life struggles, the pain and... more>> vulnerability etched into both the MC and ML are beautifully written. While the novel is written in first-person, this constricted view allows one to delve deeper into the thoughts of the main character, sympathizing and understanding his train of thoughts. It broke my heart sometimes when I knew his only sense of security and comfort sprouted from pain, something he had to experience since young. The story details suic**de, r@pe, and mental illness, so if you are sensitive with these topics, I wouldn't recommend this novel, just be wary! <<less

Dark and delicious. Translation is great.

Super violent, lots of abuse on both side and in*est to top it off. Story mentions xiao yan is the one who has mental illness but I honestly think it's both of them.

But the story captivates you. The characters are so raw and truthful that you just want to see how they learn to live and love. It's beautiful. If you are ok with violence, the book is amazing. S*x is hot too.

I was going to give this novel a pass because the tags scared me, but I'm so glad I read it. I actually loved this story so much. The relationship between the brothers is complex and unhealthy in a lot of ways, but they're also actually really good to each other. This is such a sweet (???) story about devotion and mental illness. If you can handle the tags, I really recommend giving it a try.

ENTRANCINGLY DIFFERENT! And I'm loving every moment of it.

Both ML and MC are flawed and very much complex in character, they are both twisted in the head, but in a different way. They are physically abusive with each other but at the same time they are each other's buoy. Our MC was abused both physically and mentally by the people who are supposed to give him love and guidance. The ML was an over achiever but was discarded like a tr*sh as soon as the mom found a new husband.... more>> Their parents are sickening!!! (⋟﹏⋞) My heart bleeds for both of them, their struggle, pain and sufferings breaks my heart. I cried a lot of times reading this. This will give you something to ruminate- about morality and what's right and wrong. It will give us a different perspective and will open our eyes to so many things. An eye-opener indeed!

Please be mindful of the tags, it is there for a very good reason. Those are not in passing, it is vividly decribed, so those trigger warnings should be taken seriously.

This is highly recommended! If you get pass the tags, you are in for a treat, this is something unconventional but captivating. The angst will hurt you big time.

Spoiler

I am just glad that it is a HE! Yay!

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It’s messed up. Honestly did a number on me. It’s a strange happiness I don’t think I who was raised by society with a good life can fully understand. But they’re happy. And that’s what that matters. Won’t be rating but it’s worth the read.

A lot of warnings here: it’s dark. Very dark and not suitable for those who don’t like mature messed up contents. I don’t know what I was expecting when I started this but it wasn’t all that unfolded. You have the be prepared to throw out... more>> society’s teachings when reading this novel. Thankfully, reading it from first person view makes it’s easier to adjust... but yeah. Have fun reading! <<less

What a ride of emotions.

The writing is superb for being in first person you actually felt the author was writing their own life events. That is how realistic the events and the capture of MC mental illness are.

The volatile and yet endearing relationship between the MC and ML was captured brilliantly, showing how the life they were brought up in meant they could only be with and love each other unconditionally.

The story is very twisted and toxic, but not in the way that will make you frustrated or feel unpleasant. The dark element of this novel is actually really good. It is written so that the reader can understand from the main character perspective. You can see how the character really grow and how he changed his mind in the process. At first I thought this novel will be very sad but it was actually sad in a happy way? It brought tears to me but I didn't feel empty... more>> at all. It makes you satisfied with the ending. Overall this has become one of my favorite novel. <<less

Finished reading this story few months back, came back to vote and oh, I'm quite surprise to see the high rating. Wow. Personally, I'm not really fond of any story narrated in first person perspective and that's why I couldn't give this story a vote more than 4. This is a tale of a couple with untreated mental illness who found solace and comfort in each other, living in their 'own world'. Plot is okay, not too heavy nor dark (for me). But hey, what s with the tag... more>> ' first time interc**rse'? MC isnt innocent, he's got the taste of f**king before he slept with his brother. <<less

mann this twisted psychotic story has got me wrapped <3 I came for the smut nd I wasnt to keen seeing it was an in*est type but thought chunk it nd go for it seeing that theres a happy ending. Ngl the beginning abuse nd the s*x with the waiter nd all got me disturbed but the lil things how the ML did for protecting the MC warmed my heart. I feel they lowkey lyk this frm receiving no love frm their scum parents nd the famial love that they... more>> desperately needed, they found in each other which turned into obsessive, tbh it was tolerable nd I enjoyed the hot nd detailed snusnus becoz there was love nd its wat they both wanted. !!!!! Warning its not everyones cup of tea !!!!! <<less

This novel is definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Which means cat tags needs to Red if it's not something that you can tolerate then don't read it. While reading this entire novel almost every chapter makes it known that MC is sick And in every other chapter it's also made known how sick the older brother is as well. Even the MC and ML Acknowledge that there's something wrong going on with them. Thier love feels very desperate, insane, true, harmful even. And also... more>> the character that there seems to be some kind of argument going on about a minor character being sexually assaulted. Read the chapters where that particular character appears and read the dialogue between characters. The school scenario consent seemed to have been thrown out the widow for whats reason madness, implied consent due other factors, ect but it still does not make it right.

Also I think it's very important that individuals remember this is a book it is a novel! And not real! Just like the thoughts in a person's mind remains in a person's mind unless it's followed up with an action it's just a book. <<less

Good novel, it was surprisingly funny in between all the abuse and smut. Definitely not for the faint of heart. I'd say that the relationship is a little bit unhealthy and a lot bit f*cked... But anyway it's HE so it's all good!

Well, the story is considered a bit out of baundries in many cultures and from many readers' point of view. But moving forward, gradually the reader will see the reasons and conditions. I just want to say neither MC nor ML are normal, so nothing about their relationship should be considered as normal.

It was hard, but after a discussion with my hubby, we decided in the matter of love logic disappeared eventually and it is up to the both sides to be in love mutually. In that case, we can... more>> never judge people. That goes the same for these characters.

Anyway, the writer's penmanship is great and the translator has done great job. Some sentences broke me to the bone. Give it a try, but be ready for a lot of illogical content. <<less

For a novel with such a concept, it’s strangely well written. Note: I’m writing my review specifically about the writing and less about the story itself, because we all know that that part is a bit controversial.

It is in first person perspective (I usually prefer third person), but the way the author tells the story through the lens of the narrator is immaculate. More than a few times I found myself thinking, “sh*t, is this just a true story?” because it feels like the narrator is the author. The main... more>> character’s mental illness is portrayed so well through his own perspective, and the entire novel carries this depressive but simplistic tone that makes the world fit entirely into how that character actually sees it. The author exceptionally uses the “show don’t tell rule, ” wasting no pages on explanation or exposition and instead just stating things as they were seen or felt. This especially works because, well I’m not a psychologist nor do I know the authors intent (the type of mental illness was not explicitly stated), but, I’d almost guess that the MC has ASD. He shows signs suck as a lack of social awareness, impulsiveness, obsession, lack of expression, etc.

Through the narration, we are able to understand the mental process behind why he does what he does, whether is is right or wrong. This mental process is, more often than not, completely different from what would be considered “normal, ” which is why it’s important to keep in mind that the narrator is not written to always be in the right, and you do not have to agree with anything he thinks, says, or does.

This is a smut novel, but in all honestly it is better as a serious read. You do not have to support the relationship. The author is even clear at several points that it is holding both characters back from mental wellness, yet neither can they be well without each other. It’s a complicated scenario that isn’t sugarcoated as a beautiful romance.

More so than romance, Can’t be Left Behind is a story of broken people walking down twisted paths. <<less

Monsters aren't born, they're created by society.

Obviously, these two had both messed up personalities because of the environment they were raised in. Their parents are both sh*t that's why they developed a twisted kind of dependency to each other that developed to what they perceived as 'romantic love'. They were robbed of familial love so they try to manifest and provide each other that sort of love, but how could they give it if they themselves doesn't know what that is? Thus the lines between romantic and familial love start... more>> to blur.

The writing is very beautiful, it has that kind of solitary vibes, like they were the only two people in the world that matters, so even if they knew what they were doing is not right, they don't give a f because why not?

It's a good read if you're up to themes like "me-against-the-world" and tag along their journey of how they will overcome their challenges in pursuit of love.

It's not recommended for those with strong sense of morality. It's in*est, NOT STEP BROTHERS BUT BIOLOGICAL BROTHERS BORN FROM THE SAME WOMB. So be warned.

Anyway 3.5 stars coz of the "unreliable narrator" tag, the MC keep going on and on and on with "my Ge" this and that, Your Ge has a freaking name. Sorry, it might be to indicate the obsession of the MC but it grew on me after reading a bunch of chapters with all that. <<less

This novel left me a lot of emotions that cant even mentioned. Im not good with expressing my feeling, but I understand MC too much. I honestly cried and anxious while reading this story cause I sincerely worry for them, and rooting for them to be strong. And I started to wonder if it was someone's real story.

This feeling where we only have eyes on that one person, and desperately clinging to that person even when the whole world was disgusted, it just that im still looking for this one... more>> person to appear in my life. I always envy people who can love someones more than anything else, cause I cant see a single person deserved my unconditional love. This story was beautifully narrated. <<less

i’m in tears just reading some of the spoilers in the reviews 🥲 I think it’s important to remember that before delving into the story, one must first take note that it’s really not for everyone. The tags basically sum up joe violent the story is, so I don’t really understand those who are giving loss ratings.

anyway, to me, despite the dark tags, I find the story really great. It’s really well written. My heart aches for the kind of life the brothers has to go through, but you can... more>> really tell that they love each other. <<less

this story shouldn't be read if you can't handle graphic things. Please do pay attention to the tags because they're all heavily imbedded into the plot.

with that being said, I really do think the story is amazing. The way the story is narrated makes it feel like everything in the story is natural. I could feel the MC emotions and understand really how he felt.

i also love the ML's personality and how they're both equally as messed up in their own way despite the MC being portrayed as the devil... more>> and ML as the angel. Probably one of the stories that left an impact on me.

you should definitely give it a try, even if it doesn't suit your taste. Just read it with caution that this isn't some disney fairytale. This is a very toxic relationship where they need the toxicity to feel whole. <<less

In the beginning when I was reading this and saw how the MC beat up the ML and pretty much toys with him, I felt bad for the ML. As the story goes on though, the ML gets back at the MC I guess.

... more>>

Spoiler

Pretty much all of the revenge stuff from the ML is done through hardcore and long drawn out s*x with the MC.

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At one point I just stopped feeling bad for the MC and ML and felt like they were both the same. Two peas in a pod. Their way of loving each other is extreme. I don't even know how love sprouted from the MLs side. But as it goes on you see how the ML and MC can't live without each other and are extremely attached even though they abuse each other.

I honestly couldn't put this novel down. It was psychotic. Twisted. Messed up. But good. Really good.

Spoiler

The most touching scene in the whole novel was towards the end when the MC writes an essay about how the ML is both his mother and father and how he single handedly raised him and names the essay Can't Be Left Behind. I loved that scene.

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P.s. This novel is basically 70% s*x and 30% plot. But even that 30% is worth it. <<less