Blinded

My Thoughts on Blinded

"Blinded" is a danmei novel that took me on quite the emotional rollercoaster. With its blend of crime, mystery, and romance, it's a story that's hard to put down, even if it leaves you feeling a bit conflicted. The premise alone – a straight police officer going undercover and falling for the son of a crime boss – is enough to pique anyone's interest, and the author, Jin Gang Quan, delivers a story that's anything but predictable.

First Impressions

From the start, I was drawn into the tense atmosphere and the complex dynamic between Xie Li (MC) and Chang Xiaojia (ML). Xiaojia's character, in particular, stood out. He's not your typical flawless protagonist; his trauma and possessiveness make him flawed and, at times, unpredictable. This raw portrayal of a character grappling with deep-seated issues felt incredibly refreshing.

What Works Well

I really appreciated the author's focus on the emotional turmoil of the characters. The story excels at portraying the MC's internal conflict as he becomes increasingly entangled with the ML, torn between his duty and his growing feelings. The novel is gripping, full of angst, and fast-paced. At around 80 chapters, it’s not long, but the flow is smooth, and the emotional ups and downs are very impactful. I especially liked how the author described the MC’s growing doubts and the ML’s fragile emotional state—the writing made both feel vivid and real. The plot twists were interesting enough and the way author deploys the plot is believable.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the novel overall, I do have a few reservations. I felt that the development of the ML's feelings could have been explored in more depth. It was sometimes difficult to pinpoint exactly when and why he fell in love with the MC. Also, the side characters felt somewhat underdeveloped, and their roles in the plot felt a bit rushed. I think the beginning felt like it was set up to be a really good long story, but it got rushed towards the end. The side characters are all interesting, and the author could have went more into their backstory. The MC and ML also could have had a lot more drawn out push and pull drama similar to the novel "Beloved Enemy".

Final Verdict

Despite these minor flaws, "Blinded" is a compelling read that I would recommend. The unique characters, the suspenseful plot, and the exploration of complex themes make it a standout in the danmei genre. It's a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading, prompting you to reflect on the nature of love, duty, and sacrifice.