Energetic, with amazing chemistry (and occasional conflict) between our two main characters. The novel has a lot of "show, don't tell" moments that, at the right time, hits you straight in the gut.

Jungwoo, our MC, is a soft but level-headed loner. He's aware of his own antisocial ways (to some degree) but it might dawn on some readers that our boy is sorely lacking in the interpersonal department, despite having a social life. It's a willful choice; i.e. Later on in the story, during Jungwoo's "sendoff" party, his narration dulls to reflect his own inner feelings- he describes in detail the group enjoying themselves and getting proper wrecked, but Jungwoo interjects with thoughts of just going home. It's a poignant moment in the story, and you could draw parallels between this and how Jungwoo interacts with the game.

And even before this scene, Jungwoo is a completely straight-laced person- he shows genuine confusion over his previous relationships' failures, but he doesn't hesitate when it comes to drawing boundaries.

I can't stress enough how unique and genuinely refreshing it is to read Jungwoo and Charongrong's banter- an unstoppable (rabid animal, 100% running on spite) force meets immovable ("does he know he's queer?") object.

The fact that the shared lore and communal mythos typically seen and built around MMORPG communities play a narrative role in this novel is batsh*t hilarious. Charongrong is an even more delusional but effective Leeroy Jenkins, and I will live with this knowledge for the rest of my life.

Best moment:

[PartyMocha: I feel like I've given birth to a monster.]