10/10 - I've thoroughly enjoyed this one. The plot is gripping, consisting of several criminal cases that prove to be connected. The characters are interesting,... more>> the main pairing well-developed and with a relationship that made sense. I liked most of the side characters too. Priest's writing style flows beautifully, and the translator's done a wonderful job. <<less

10/10 - This one is wonderful. The main pairing is brilliant, of course, but what makes this novel so good is the plot and the... more>> characters. I adore the overlapping themes of morality, reputation, forgiveness and repentance. The moral dubiousness of the characters and the plot is delicious. Also, Wei Wuxian is just delightful.  <<less

10/10 - This one broke my heart. It's wonderfully romantic, with main pairing that will make you cry. Their devotion to each other is heartbreaking... more>> and almost painful to see. The plot is well-developed, side characters interesting, and, much like Mo Dao Zu Shi, it brings up interesting questions about morality, fate and forgiveness. Bring tissues.   <<less

10/10 - Politics. This is a novel about politics. Yes, it's BL, and yes, the romance does play a part, but in essence this is a novel about two men, trapped in very different, but also very similar ways, and fighting their way to freedom. What I liked the most about this novel is that it's hard to say who is the main character. The summary says it's Shen Zechuan, but the novel pays equal importance to both of their journeys; Xiao Chiye gets just as much screen time as Shen Zechuan. And it's not just in the usual way - he does not follow Shen Zechuan to help him on his journey. Instead, both... more>> of them have their own separate storylines that diverge, converge and then diverge again. It's beautifully written and the translators are doing a wonderful job. 

Edit: Finished reading and can't recommend it enough. Everything in this novel is perfect, from worldbuilding and plot, to characters and relationships. The two main characters are so deeply interesting on their own, and wonderful together. Their romance is one of the best versions of enemies to lovers I've ever seen, and I love their understanding, communication and deep devotion to each other. All side characters are well-developed. Even the villains are spectacular; it's easy to understand their motivation, even if you don't agree with their methods. The plot is interesting, the politics and schemes complex in a way that always makes sense, and the ending is perfect for this novel. All in all, an excellent read.  <<less

9/10 for now, still reading - Interesting premise, the games are smart enough to keep you reading, but not too complicated to understand. What I... more>> like the most are the characters. MC and ML are both fun in their own ways - MC is perpetually tired and just wants to sleep as opposed to the cheerful but dangerous ML. Their relationship is healthy - I liked that it took them some time to get together, since it was not because of any misunderstandings. I got the impression that both of them knew where they're going from very early on, but then just kept on meandering along at their own pace. The side characters are also weird and quirky, so that's fun to read. <<less

10/10 - I adore this novel. I've read it three times and it's just as fun as ever. First of all, the plot is interesting. It's fairly straight-forward game world, with clear goal stated early on. There are no unnecessary complications - both characters and readers know exactly when it's going to end. The games are interesting, very clever and with a vicious twist on popular figures such as Santa Claus or Queen of Hearts. The ending is bittersweet, but hopeful and the imagery of the last battle is incredibly powerful (the New Delhi Black Tower attack game somehow got to me more than almost anything else in the book).... more>>

The characters are also wonderful. Both MC and ML are well matched - both are clever, powerful and independent, cold in their own ways, but not cruel. Their relationship is steady, going from solid partnership to stable romance almost naturally. The side characters are well-developed and you're going to love them and then cry when they die (my favorite is an incredibly annoying narcissistic psychopath who is, nevertheless, loyal in his own way). 

Also, MC and ML decide that the middle of an apocalypse is a good time to adopt a pair of teenagers and it's adorable. Found family is strong in this one. <<less

10/10 - This is a wonderfully subtle novel. Seemingly slice of life about a newlywed couple, it nevertheless delves into complicated court politics and family... more>> infighting. What I liked the most about this novel is character interactions. MC and ML don't start the novel by being in love, but you can still see their feelings grow as they get to know each other beneath their facades - both of them are kind people who can be unexpectedly cold and hard, and their nonverbal understanding is beautiful. The loyalty and love between MC and her family is also heartwarming and her interactions with her mother are always delight to read. <<less

10/10 - I did not expect to like this novel so much, but here I am. The plot is straightforward but interesting, with a clear goal and clean ending. The characters are well-developed and there's a found family feel to it that makes you warm all over. The main pairing is well-matched, their relationship building slowly but steadily and is pleasure to read. But what I liked the most were seemingly random sentences or paragraphs that made me laugh out loud or feel like I got punched in the gut.... more>>

Also, this is the only novel with aphrodisiac scene that I actually didn't hate, meaning there was absolutely no dubious consent in any way.  It was a bit abrupt and mostly unnecessary, but there was nothing that rubbed me the wrong way in it, so I have to respect the author for being one of the rare ones not using the trope for dubcon.    <<less

9/10 - Same author as Copper Coins so you know it's quality writing. The plot is well-written, all the games interesting. There's a found family feel to it, with well-developed side characters (some of them get their own character development during the novel). MC and ML are well-matched in every way; it didn't seem so at first, but as you read you realize that they're practically made for each other. They meet again and again and again and fall in love every time.... more>>

Also, side characters' reactions whenever MC or ML do something insane are hilarious.  <<less

8/10 - Same author as Eight Treasures Trousseau. I don't have much of an opinion on the main pairing, mostly because it seems to me that MC is lying too much and hiding most of her real personality from ML. Still, the translation's not finished yet, so we'll see how it goes. I like all the petty harem politics the most and the way MC almost never really does anything, but in a clever way, and still ends up on top. Mostly, I like this novel for MC, who is both lazy and clever and cunning, and clearly always knows what she's doing. ... more>>

Edit: Finished reading it, along with all the extras, and I still like it. As I said, MC is probably the best part of the novel. She transmigrates in the middle of harem drama and then just climbs up as high as she can with her smarts and cunning. I admire the lack of misunderstandings between her and ML - I'm not even completely sure she's actually in love with ML, even at the end. She regards her position as a concubine as any other job and performs it with professional competency that is both hilarious and nice to see. She's still acting in front of ML, but since it's basically her job, I don't even mind. ML is kind of bland - nice enough, but there is nothing special to make him stand out among all the other love interests in other novels. There is nothing bad about him, really, but he's just generally uninteresting. 

I love that MC is not aiming for the empress seat. She knows herself, and knows that she's too lazy to do the job well, so her only goal is to basically become the Emperor's favorite and secure a comfortable life for herself. There is no ambition or glory in it; MC just wants to live out her life in comfort and wealth, and I respect that. 

I like some of the side characters, but I must say that the Empress is my unquestionable favorite. In any other novel she would have been the final obstacle between MC and eternal love, the big bad boss, but here, she is just a woman in unenviable position, incapable of having children and with family that drags her down. Still, she always maintains her composure and dignity and administers the Inner Palace with as little drama as possible. As soon as she realizes that MC is rising in ML's perceptions, she doesn't do the traditional oppressive sh*t any other empress would have - instead, she affords MC every curtesy and treats her with respect. By the end of the novel there are even some hints that the two of them are genuinely fond of each other and I love it.   

All in all, this novel is a nice and interesting read. If you're looking for some kind of incredible love story, maybe you should miss it, but it's generally fun, low on drama and with and intelligent and witty MC that steals the show.  <<less

9/10 so far, still reading. - This novel is somehow both hilarious and heart-wrenching. MC is wonderful; petty, spiteful, lazy and disturbingly intelligent, but what I liked the most about him is his unending loyalty - if you're his, he'll do everything to keep you safe. He's also the narrator of the story (it's told in first person) and the contrast between his inner thoughts and actions is incredibly funny. Also, found family feels. This whole novel is basically about MC's rabid protectiveness of his found family.... more>>

No romance. MC is very bitter about it. <<less

8/10 so far, still reading. - Game world, interesting games. MC basically enters on purpose to find out what happened to his little brother. The... more>> translation is only on the third game, so I can't tell much, but I like both MC and ML. MC is cold, strong and smart, but he supports his subordinates and wants them to grow so they can stand on their own feet. ML is incredibly sweet and incredibly vain, but he's also knowledgeable and skilled. Their relationship feels very warm so far. Not many side characters yet, but the few that came up are interesting.  <<less

7/10 so far, still reading - This one is a fun read. The main character dies and is reborn as a di daughter of a... more>> powerful official and wants to use the opportunity to get revenge for wrongs done to her in past life. The plot is simple, the face-slapping entertaining. MC is smart and cunning and I like her well enough. So far, there's nothing much about ML, since he's barely shown himself. On the other hand, side characters are one-dimensional, confrontations often overly-dramatic and frequent descriptions of MC and ML's appearance get boring fast. Still, it's an interesting read if you're bored and translation quality is excellent.  <<less

9/10  - Same author as Eight Treasures Trousseau and The Job of an Imperial Concubine. Amazingly fun read, and much more humorous than author's other works; sometimes, it's almost completely crack. It's still too early to talk about plot beyond typical slice of life and court intrigue, but the characters are more than enough to catch your attention. MC is unashamedly spoiled, and truly acts like it. ML is careless and laid-back. Both of them are far smarter than they seem and so far their relationship is incredibly cute. The interactions between all the characters are interesting - MC and her brother seem to share a brain, and ML's relationship with his father the emperor... more>> and empress dowager is incredibly heartwarming. As much as I like family and court intrigue, it's nice to see people simply being loving towards their relatives.  

Edit: Finished. This author never disappoints. I loved everything about this novel, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a light-hearted read with interesting characters and funny plot. It's not a great piece of literature as some other novels on this list, but it's refreshing, the plot and characters make sense, and the ending is satisfying. <<less

10/10 - Same author as High Energy QR Code. The translation is still at the beginning, so I can't speak for all chapters, but this novel has so far been utterly delightful. Turning the premise of transmigrating into a book world on its head, the MC of this novel is an actual book character who becomes aware that his world is completely imagined. In the original novel, MC was a second male lead, so the novel starts with him curious about how could he act so s*upid just for the love of a woman. It goes on from there, MC using his knowledge for the betterment of himself and ML. It's an incredibly fun read.... more>> MC is interesting; he's already powerful and capable, extremely knowledgeable, and it's a good change of pace to all the other novels where characters are tossed into new situations without knowing anything. 

As for the main pairing, I was bit hesitant on it at first because it's a sect master/subordinate relationship, and I don't like those power dynamics. What's worse, at the beginning, ML is completely and utterly loyal to MC, to the extent that he has no opinions of his own. Don't get me wrong, I adore loyal characters, but that relationship would have been in no way healthy. Fortunately, almost from the beginning MC realizes that the way ML is living is not good for him, and so he does everything in his power to make sure he grows independent. ML is working on it too, and already 24 chapters in, you can see his character development, so I'm really hopeful their relationship will develop in a healthy direction. Personality-wise, they're perfect together - they respect each other, support each other and trust each other completely, and I think they could be great together.

Other characters are fun too. Most of them are interesting, some even well-developed, and I hope they're going to play bigger roles further in the novel.

Bear in mind, though, that there's a lot of cultivation theory in text. I, personally, don't mind, but I know some people have problems with it, so here's a warning.

Edit: Finally found enough time to finish this novel and was not disappointed - it stays just as delightful right until the end. The story is interesting, even if not especially groundbreaking, and all the plot twists have logical and unexpected explanations. But what makes this novel shine are the characters - MC and ML first and foremost, of course. I love them both. MC is such a breath of fresh air - an experienced, powerful cultivator, completely sure of his place in the world and in every action he takes. He is not especially moral, but he has his principles and is honorable in his own way. I especially like his streak of pure curiosity - this man wants to know everything and will not stop until he is satisfied. ML, I think, is the character who gets the most development in the whole novel. He starts as fanatically loyal to MC, but by the end of the story, they stand on equal ground and both are satisfied with the solution. ML is a little more unhinged than MC, a little more cruel, and while he is naturally built that way, there are times when his psychological problems lead him to take extreme measures. I love that this is not merely swept away but dealt with - the state of his mind is actively harming him and so other characters do everything in their power to help. MC and ML's relationship is so sweet - much sweeter than I expected. I love them together. 

All the other side characters are awesome too. From the original FL who gets almost as much character development as ML to the MC's subordinates in the demonic sect - every one of them is unique and fun. I especially love MC's demonic sect, which is basically filled with bunch of immoral cultivators who would happily stab each other in the back at any moment. Their interactions are both fascinating and hilarious and I was never bored when I read them. I also love the original FL and her disciple and their every interaction. I love Shu Yanyan, who is unapologetically greedy and ambitious, but who is also capable of great sweetness when she feels like it. I love, most of all, poor honorable Zhongli Qian, who somehow got himself adopted by a whole sect of demonic cultivators and then spends decades herding them around while MC and ML wreak havoc upon the cultivation world.

All in all, this novel is great and I recommend it wholeheartedly. <<less

8/10 so far, still reading - The translation of this novel is still in its early days, so I can't say anything for sure, but I like what I've read so far. The worldbuilding is unique and interesting and the one instance (the first one) I've read is very well written and easy to understand. It's still far too early to talk more about characterization or romance, but there was literally nothing about it in the first twenty chapters that would put me off of this novel.... more>>

One problem though; the text is somewhat clunky sometimes, because the author likes to repeat important information several times. I don't mind - it actually made it easer to understand things when I forgot some details - but other readers might.   <<less

9/10 - I've devoured this novel in one sitting and I don't regret a thing. It was undeniably fun and unexpectedly sweet, with interesting plot, enough face-slapping to satisfy and very low on actual romantic drama. Although romance plays an important part in the plot, it developed quietly and steadily, and I adored every second of it. MC is quick-witted and smart, not really looking for revenge but willing to return every wrong tenfold. I liked ML more than I expected - he is a bit of a tsundere, yes, but it was never depicted as hurtful. On the contrary, he is incredibly supportive and loyal through the whole story. I found his gradual growth... more>> from resigned acceptance of his death to finding his will to fight and live incredibly rewarding. 

Small note: if anyone is uncertain about the arranged marriage tag, you don't have to be. It actually does start that way, more as a business arrangement than actual marriage, but as they fall in love, it changes slowly. And the nature of their marriage actually becomes a plot point - it is handled with respect and resolved satisfactorily. Really, their entire relationship is just so cute.  <<less

9/10 - Unexpectedly interesting premise. It differs from other infinite flow novels because it doesn't start with MC being transported into another realty and forced to take part in survival games. Instead, in the first chapters, the Survivors are suddenly ejected from the games and returned to the real world, forcing the whole society to deal with consequences of having psychologically scarred superpowered individuals in their midst. Not long after, the games start to appear in the real world and ordinary citizens are also getting caught up in them. ... more>>

The games are a little bit different from usual. They're not logic puzzles or escape games - in fact, most of the time they're psychological and deal with inner problems of their players and mess with their minds. They're less of a tool to show off the intelligence of MC and more of a medium for characterization and moving the plot along. Even if they're not as interesting as games in The Earth is Online or The Trial Game of Life, they still serve a purpose and are explained clearly.

The plot is interesting. Even the most inconsequential and weird things gain a satisfactory explanation. The ending is unexpected, but immensely satisfying and the extras offer a glimpse of a life after the plot and it is very warm and sweet. It's a happy ending that doesn't feel forced. 

The characters are fun. Though MC and ML are the ones most fleshed out, even some side characters get enough attention to form their personalities. MC is cold but very, very, kind and is actually very different from MCs usually seen in these kinds of novels - he's not willing to kill people or let people die if he can help it and it actually works without feeling forced, because he's not one of the Survivors and has never been in the game world. He's an ordinary person forced into extraordinary and dangerous situations seemingly by a series of coincidences (which are not coincidences at all and are completely explained near the end) and it shows that he hasn't been completely broken by the world. He's incredibly hopeful and I do actually like him very much.

I've been iffy about ML though, if only because I saw the yandere tag, but I can honestly say that this novel deals with his yandere tendencies in the best possible way. ML is MC's childhood friend turned lover, but pre-canon MC broke up with him as soon as he showed possessive and controlling tendencies and MC stayed firm through the novel until ML showed that he had changed. He didn't stop being yandere, of course, because people can't completely overturn their personalities at the drop of a hat, but he learned to control his actions and respect MC's boundaries. By the time they got together, I didn't find them problematic at all.

The romance is not a big part of the novel. It's actually very down to earth - no overt sexualization, feminization or fetishization in any way. It's incredibly quiet and thoughtful, an exploration of their relationship as childhood friends who know each other best and former lovers who broke up for legitimate reasons. Their best moments are understated and beautiful. There is no big confession or kiss, but it's very clear to everyone that they love each other. 

Also, it's impossible to tell who is gong and who is shou, because they're equal in every way and I love it. <<less

9/10 so far, still reading - Another infinite flow novel that reminds me a bit of The Earth is Online. People are transported into virtual interactive game called Forces of Temptation and forced to take part in deadly instances. So far, all the games have been very interesting and some of them have also been downright creepy. ... more>>

The characters are fun. MC is weird in a way that suggests he's a bit new to interacting with other people (it's explained why later), but he's physically strong, intelligent and, what amuses me the most, capable of thinking completely outside of the box. His solutions to problems are often deeply abnormal and leave many other characters gaping. He is also very kind and protective, always willing to stand between his teammates and danger. ML is a person who hides his ruthlessness behind a charming smile, but he is completely devoted to MC and willing to let MC take lead in any situation. Their cooperation is smooth and their interactions get progressively sweeter the longer you read. ML's love is apparent from the very beginning but MC is also getting progressively fonder of him and it's nice to see some characters who don't instantly fall in love. Also, it is getting clear that there is some kind of history between them that ML remembers and MC doesn't. It's very nice to see ML trying to befriend and protect MC without forcing his feelings on him, patiently waiting for MC to decide what their exact relationship is going to be.

Another reason why I like this novel is that it isn't solely MC and ML show. They have a permanent teammate and I like her very much. She's not as strong or as smart as MC or ML (of course), but she's smart enough, and also realistic, pragmatic and loyal. I love that the novel repeatedly mentions her work in customer service and how it helps her survive the stressful environment of the game world in some very smart but also very hilarious ways. 

MC also has a pet sugar glider. I don't know how or why, but I do adore the fact that it often acts as some kind of communal teddy bear, there for cuddling when afraid or company when alone. It's unbearably cute. <<less

10/10 so far, still reading - Same author as Copper Coins and Global University Entrance Examination. The translation is still in its early stages so... more>> I can't say much about this novel, but what I've read so far seems utterly delightful. It's a plot-oriented SF novel, set fifty years after MC's planet explodes and it looks like it's going to center around mystery solving and investigation. The worldbuilding is interesting enough, the writing flows easily and the translation is not bad. MC is definitely one of my favorite parts - he's sharp-tongued and abrasive, noticeably fond of explosions (he greets people with a rocket launcher) and also a very calm and competent man with a wealth of experience. His banter with ML is incredibly amusing, since they have known each other for decades and are both very shameless. ML is fun too - he's a criminal (some kind of terrorist) and a hacker, just as shameless and reckless as MC, and very fond of flirting with MC (he calls him 'my darling', and it's alternatively meant as an endearment and a taunt). There are some side characters that I hope will be further developed later in the novel. All in all, I'm looking forwards to reading more.  <<less

9/10 so far, still reading - Same author as Copper Coins, Global University Entrance Examination and Nights. I was a bit hesitant about this novel because the tags indicate it has some tropes I'm not really fond of, but I give it a chance since I really like other works of the same author and I wasn't disappointed. It's a modern cultivation novel with MC who is repeatedly reborn after death. After he comes back, he continues to work with his disciple line, clearing cages - made out of regrets of the deceased - and helping people move on. The novel has some elements of infinite flow and the cages are presented almost like game... more>> instances - the characters have to survive and find out exactly what regrets the dead are holding and why.  The plot is very interesting, the worldbuilding vivid and lifelike, and the whole modern cultivation community is described very realistically, not just with fantasy elements, but also paying attention to human nature and overall society.  

The characters have some depth. MC is an experienced, capable cultivator, cranky, but with a heart of gold. ML seems very fond of teasing and drawing out reactions out of him, but he's also sweet and caring in his own away. There is very clearly some history between them, but it's not all dumped in one long exposition - rather, it's scattered all across the story and thus never becomes boring. Since it's still early, I can't say anything more about their relationship. Side characters are also well-written; most of them have their own clearly defined personalities and it seems there will be some character development for them later on. I'm especially fond of the two young cowards who spend most of their time in cages clinging to each other and to MC - they're adorable and fun.  

The translation quality is excellent. The story flows smoothly and the translator has clearly gone through lot of trouble to explain some of the more complicated cultural and cultivation concepts.  <<less

10/10 - This novel blew me away. It's a plot oriented BL with elements of time travel and infinite flow, so if you're looking for some light reading maybe you should skip this one. But if you feel ready for incredibly tightly written plot (every single plothole is given an explanation, there is not one thread left hanging), some mind-bending time traveling adventures and lot of action, you should definitely read it. While the worldbuilding is nothing special (a generical SF with the presence of time travel), the author has done such a good job tying all the plot threads together that I was continuously surprised and then angry at myself because I missed all... more>> the foreshadowing - and there is a lot of it; the author doesn't pull explanations and solutions out of nowhere. Instead, every single detail, from the very first instance, is connected, and you won't even realize it until you read the whole novel. It's spectacular. 

Considering all of this, as someone who actively looks for spoilers when reading or watching new media, I advise anyone who might start this novel to just don't. Go in blind. It's worth it, and the continuous revelations definitely pack a punch and are one of the best parts of the novel. 

Aside from plot, the characters are also outstanding. MC is incredibly smart, has eidetic memory (and it's treated as both of a blessing and a curse), is capable in combat and with a gun, and is just a generally well-written character. He has good sides, and he has flaws, but his every action makes sense when you take his characterization in consideration. One of my favorite little details about him is that he is incredibly petty and holds grudges (which ties up neatly with his excellent memory), and it's always fun to see him get revenge in small and trivial ways. ML is actually one of my favorite MLs so far. He starts out generic - strong, military background, manly, team leader - but as you read, you learn that he is genuinely an excellent commander, both stern and caring, unwilling to sacrifice his people but capable of continuing on despite their death. He's straightforward, but not rude or insulting, and he generally fits in very well with his team. 

The relationship between MC and ML is wonderful. It starts as dislike due to some rumors, but it doesn't take long for it to turn into genuine mutual respect. The relationship progresses steadily and they naturally go from comrades who shared life and death to friends and, eventually, to lovers. I love that they're equal in every respect, be it combat or intellect (they both save the other multiple times, and it's not the usual situation where only ML saves MC), and that they understand each other from very early on. If you're worried about h*mophobia written in the summary, you shouldn't be; ML does actually think he's straight, but as soon as he realizes his feelings he just goes for it (the confession scene is both hilarious and heartwarming). Even when they get together, they're great - they don't flaunt their relationship, but they don't hide it, and it's especially amusing because both of them are incredibly and publicly smug to have bagged the other. Another reason why I like them together is that they don't follow usual shou/gong dynamic - as I said, ML gets saved as often as he saves MC, but it shows even in some smaller details. For example, MC is the one who teases and flusters the other, and his petty vindication leads to some of the most amusing moments between them.

Side characters are written well. MC and ML's team is wonderful and you will learn to love every single one of them. As soon as MC proves that he's competent, they immediately fold him into their ranks and beg him to stay. Their attitude towards CP's relationship is also hilarious. I also like MC's interactions with his family, especially his brother. They're always heartwarming and funny.

All in all, this novel is wonderful in every aspect, and you should definitely read it. <<less

9/10 so far, still reading - The worldbuilding in this novel is fascinating. Set in post-apocalyptic world, it doesn't deal only with fights and survival, but with an actual society built in desperate times and using desperate and inhumane measures. Raising questions about environmental pollution, morality and what makes a human, this novel shows both good and bad sides of humanity in an engaging and interesting way. So far, the plot is engrossing and well-written, the translation quality excellent and through the whole novel you can practically feel the bleak reality the people are living in. The author does not shy away from describing body horror and physical degradation, nor does it stop just there... more>> - the few times psychological shock and panic show up, they're written spectacularly. But this novel isn't completely depressing. There are well-timed moments of humor, and even more numerous moments of sweetness and care that show one of the best sides of human nature. 

All the characters are excellent - not just the main pair, even the side characters have their own thoughts and feeling and motivations, and as the story goes, you will come to understand them, even if you won't like all of them. I especially enjoy reading about ML's subordinates - contrary to every convention, both of them are women, and are incredibly smart, sharp and competent. Their interactions are also interesting. My favorite character is, predictably, MC. He's not the normal cold and calculating MC though - he's a military leader, personable and charismatic, not really educated but with a strategic mind and strong intuition so he's always able to keep up. What I found both enjoyable and realistic is that when he gained his power-up, he couldn't control it at first and had to learn what to do with all of his new power - but since he is actually smart and competent, he did it quickly. He's also an excellent leader, strong and caring and always thinking about his team. ML is not as good of a fighter as MC, but he's incredibly intelligent - he's a strategist and researcher, with good moral compass and enough determination to achieve anything. Their relationship is so good - mutual respect and companionship, a partnership born of trust and understanding. There seems to be some kind of history between them that only ML is aware of, but both him and MC are trying to get those memories back. As of ch. 40, they're still not together, but if they continue on like this, they're going to be so sweet.   <<less

9/10 so far, still reading - This novel is some kind of mix of supernatural, showbiz and police procedural. MC is a psychic possessing a corpse (not a spoiler; it happens literally in the first chapter) of some kind of music idol and gets embroiled in a mu*der investigation. Even after the case is closed, both the characters and events introduced during the investigation continue to push the plot along, and MC slowly but surely starts getting involved with multiple criminal cases and events in showbiz. So far, a good number of them seem connected, and the translator has said that all the cases share a common thread that will get explained later on. While... more>> the showbiz aspect of the story is interesting enough, the police procedural is absolutely gripping. The author writes about the investigation in detail, pays setbacks and dead ends as much attention as they pay to new leads and breakthroughs. One of the main characters (I'm pretty sure he's ML) is also a psychologist, so there's also often some kind of profiling going on, and MC's interactions with the police are always delight. Bear in mind, though, that most of the cases described center around such things as r*pe, abuse, kidnapping and child death, and that the author doesn't shy away from describing it all in detail. This novel pulls no punches. 

I think the style of narration in this novel is especially interesting. While the identity of MC is, of course, clear from the start, the author very rarely offers us a glimpse of his thoughts. More often, you can see him from the eyes of other characters or as some kind of all-knowing third-party observer following him around. It makes it hard to properly get a feel of his character at first, because you never know what he's thinking. Still, his characterization becomes clearer and clearer with every chapter because, even though we don't hear his thoughts, we see how he acts and reacts to various situations. It's a 'show, don't tell' principle in it's entirety. At first, he leaves a closed-off, indifferent impression, but through his actions you learn that he has a very thorough and developed sense of personal justice, that he cares deeply about children and the vulnerable, that he would always offer chances of redemption, but once those are rejected he won't regret it because he values freedom of choice as much as he values justice. He is fascinating character and I want to learn more about him. 

Other characters are prominent too. Perhaps it's the narration style, but since the author often offers us a glimpse into their thoughts, it's very easy to get a feel for their personalities, especially if they show up in more than one arc. I'm especially fond of the police officers that investigated the first mu*der - once they truly believe that MC is psychic they practically become his very enthusiastic fanclub and it's hilarious. But you will definitely get a good handle of characterization in other areas of the story as well - showbiz and paranormal. The psychologist, who I'm pretty sure is ML, is also fascinating. From the description, you can tell that he doesn't really care for most people - it's even explicitly said that he sees most of them as disposable and unimportant. But he also seems to desperately want to actually feel something (he presents a caring and polite face, he obeys all the laws, he works on bringing criminals to justice and seems determined not to be a bad man), so when MC starts to fascinating him (because he matches him in wit, and is impossible to manipulate), he chases that feeling without even understanding why at first. Their relationship so far is not incredibly problematic and the few interactions they've had since the first case was finished have been very warm, so I'm cautiously optimistic about this CP. I hope it won't go in yandere direction.  <<less

7/10 so far, still reading - Fairly typical historical romance novel which gets this high rating entirely because I adore the protagonist. MC is an adopted di daughter of a first branch in a noble family, and her position is therefore ambiguous and unclear. There is nobody really in her corner and she has spent her whole life protecting herself. She is clever, manipulative and determined, refined and composed, seeing marriage as the only legitimate and possible way out of her situation. She is described as a woman completely confined to her role by society's expectation and she uses it all to her advantage. Even though she has little power, every scrap of it that... more>> she manages to get she uses with the precision of a scalpel. I don't even see her desperate wish to marry well as some kind of bad thing - in that kind of society, it is literally her only option and she is ready to do everything to ensure that the rest of her life is as comfortable as possible and marriage is the only way to do that. I love how calculative she is about it - she weighs her option and can discard one husband candidate as soon as a better one comes along, because she's not looking for love. She knows what she wants, and she's willing to do the work to get it. ML is not all that bad either - he is her only friend in her family's manor and the development of their relationship feels very natural. He's not pushy or possessive, and I love that he's fully aware of her cunning nature - he's observed her husband-hunting on multiple occasions and he knows what she wants from marriage. He likes her even more for her pragmatic nature, but also wants to protect her - not because he thinks she's weak, but because he thinks she should have at least someone in her corner. I appreciate that. All in all, I love them as a couple.

Edit: Finished. I dropped the rating of this novel, because the second half is honestly disappointing. I mentioned that one of the best parts of the novel is MC, but her character does a complete one-eighty in the second half, and she goes from an independent, pragmatic and proactive girl, to an almost childish and naive woman once she has children. I guess it could be interpreted as becoming comfortable in the security of her new home, but since she loses the traits I liked best in the first half, it lowered my enjoyment of the novel. She did get some interesting moments later on, but the novel switched almost completely to ML's fight for power, and while I'm not inherently against that, it was not particularly interesting; just a generic fight for the throne with no interesting schemes or politics beyond the basic sibling fighting you can find in any historical novel. The ending was also pretty abrupt and the extras did not tie up the lose ends. All in all, a pretty strong beginning and unsatisfying end. <<less