Becoming the Empress: Golden Finger Set Under My Bed

My Thoughts on Becoming the Empress: Golden Finger Set Under My Bed

"Becoming the Empress: Golden Finger Set Under My Bed" is a web novel that definitely took me for a ride. With its blend of reincarnation, historical intrigue, and romance, I dove in expecting a captivating story. While it had its moments, some aspects left me wanting more.

First Impressions

The premise is undeniably unique. Our female lead (FL) gets a second chance, but not just in the typical "waking up in the past" way. She first experiences reincarnation as the male lead's (ML) horse! This was a creative twist that immediately grabbed my attention. Then she wakes up as her 12-year-old self, armed with knowledge of the future and ready to rewrite her destiny. I was hooked. The added element of her "waking up" in the ML's camp and pretending to be a fairy added a layer of mystique and humor that I appreciated.

What Works Well

The initial world-building and character introductions are strong. I found the FL to be likeable and her determination to outsmart her scheming sister and avoid becoming a political pawn compelling. There's a good amount of "face-slapping" as she navigates the treacherous court, which can be quite satisfying. The ML also initially stood out from the typical cold and aloof archetype, showing hints of a more complex personality. I was interested in seeing their relationship develop, and the early stages held promise.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the story seems to suffer from pacing issues. Several readers mentioned that the plot progresses slowly, and I can see where they're coming from. The author seems to introduce multiple plot threads but doesn't always follow through on them, which can lead to frustration. The romance also becomes problematic. The FL's hesitations, while understandable given her past trauma, can come across as frustrating, especially when her actions seem to contradict her feelings. I also have to mention the timeline, which seems to be a bit rushed, with major life events happening in a very short span.

Final Verdict

"Becoming the Empress: Golden Finger Set Under My Bed" has a unique premise and strong initial world-building, but it's ultimately let down by pacing issues, frustrating character decisions, and a somewhat convoluted plot. While the initial chapters are engaging, the story loses momentum as it progresses. I'd recommend approaching this novel with caution and tempered expectations.