Be Strict on Honesty

My Thoughts on Be Strict on Honesty

"Be Strict on Honesty" is a completed web novel that I found to be a mixed bag, and I can see why it has a decent, but not outstanding, rating. It's a story that attempts to blend the fluffy sweetness of a gaming romance with the more angsty elements of identity and trust. While it has its charms, it also stumbles in some key areas.

First Impressions

The premise is definitely intriguing: a cross-dressing MC who's hiding his true identity in an online game and unexpectedly falls for another player. I was drawn in by the initial setup and the promise of a lighthearted, if somewhat messy, romance. The early chapters are pretty engaging, and the transition from the virtual world to real life felt relatively smooth.

What Works Well

The novel shines in its depiction of the male lead's internal struggle. After discovering the truth about the MC's identity, his anger and confusion felt believable. I appreciated that the story didn't immediately resolve the conflict, allowing the ML to grapple with his feelings and biases. This internal conflict and eventual acceptance of his feelings for the MC was a highlight for me. The author created a fairly realistic portrayal of the main leads slowly recovering their relationship, with the ML experiencing a slow burn of denial, realization and acceptance. The novel is also a quick and easy read, with a translation that is well done.

Areas of Concern

However, the novel isn't without its flaws. The MC, while cute, can come across as a bit bland and passive. Several reviewers mentioned that he lacks a strong personality and often acts as a damsel in distress, constantly needing to be protected. I also felt that the side characters were underdeveloped and served primarily as plot devices, lacking depth or memorable qualities. The portrayal of female characters as villains was a recurring theme that I found problematic.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Be Strict on Honesty" is a decent read if you're looking for a light and fluffy story with some angsty moments thrown in. While the characters may be flawed and the plot a bit uneven, the novel offers an engaging exploration of identity, trust, and acceptance. If you don't mind a somewhat passive MC and a rocky road to romance, this novel might just be your cup of tea. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.