Badge in Azure

My Thoughts on Badge in Azure

"Badge in Azure" is a completed xuanhuan novel that I decided to dive into, and my experience was... mixed. It's not terrible, but it didn't blow me away either. It had moments of genuine enjoyment, but also some frustrating aspects that kept it from reaching its full potential.

First Impressions

Initially, I found myself struggling to get hooked. The first couple of chapters feel more like a prologue, and it takes a bit of effort to really get invested in the story. The world-building is decent, but it doesn't immediately grab you. I felt like I was wading through treacle at the start.

What Works Well

What I appreciated most about "Badge in Azure" was its attempt at originality. In a genre saturated with similar tropes, it was refreshing to see some unique elements. Some of the side characters have surprisingly well-developed backstories, rivaling even the protagonist's in depth. This added a layer of complexity and made the world feel more alive. The plot itself, while not groundbreaking, offered enough engaging "what if" scenarios to keep me thinking. There's a good amount of action too, which, when it works, is very gripping. Also, while slow, the romantic elements do progress which is nice to see.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the novel has some significant drawbacks. The pacing can be erratic, with overly detailed descriptions of minor fights that don't contribute much to the overall plot. I also found the author's tendency to include lengthy, unnecessary passages distracting. It often felt like I was wading through walls of text that didn't add anything meaningful to the story. The protagonist, while hardworking, can come across as generic and, at times, even unlikable due to some questionable choices. The magic system, with its numerous sub-levels, also felt unnecessarily complicated.

Final Verdict

"Badge in Azure" is a decent read if you're looking for something that's completed and offers a bit of originality. However, be prepared to wade through some pacing issues and overly descriptive passages. It has its moments, but it's not a standout novel in the xuanhuan genre. I'd give it a cautious recommendation – go in with tempered expectations, and you might find something to enjoy.