Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not! Novel Review

My Thoughts on Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not!

This web novel promised a lighthearted take on the guideverse trope, and for the most part, it delivered a fun, if sometimes frustrating, experience. I went in expecting a fluffy romance with a dash of humor, and while I got that, I also found myself occasionally rolling my eyes at the antics of the main characters.

First Impressions

Initially, I was hooked by the premise: a carefree protagonist trying to avoid becoming the guide of a mysophobic villain. The female lead's inner commentary and attempts to gaslight the male lead had me laughing out loud. It felt like a fresh spin on the typical overbearing ML trope, and I was eager to see how their dynamic would develop.

What Works Well

The humor is definitely a strong point. The FL's playful nature and the ML's reactions create a lot of comedic tension. Many readers praised the writing style, noting that it's engaging and keeps you invested even when the plot seems to stall. I also appreciated the focus on their relationship, avoiding any unnecessary harem situations. The ML's initial coldness is understandable given his aversion to touch, and I found his eventual softening towards the FL to be quite heartwarming. The translator seems to be doing a good job as well.

Areas of Concern

However, the story isn't without its flaws. I noticed several reviewers mentioned that the plot can become repetitive, with the same "he suspects her, she misleads him" cycle playing out for too long. This lack of progress can be frustrating, especially when the chapters are short. I also found the FL's intelligence questionable at times; some readers felt she was overly childish and made unnecessarily troublesome decisions. While her naivety can be endearing, it also led to situations where she seemed to lack common sense. The lack of smut was also disappointing to some, given the adult tag.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not!" is a decent read if you're looking for a lighthearted and humorous story. However, be prepared for some repetition and a protagonist who can be frustratingly dense at times. If you appreciate a slow-burn romance with plenty of comedic moments, this might be for you. Just don't expect a complex plot or a particularly intelligent FL. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.