Burn

My Thoughts on Burn

"Burn" is a completed yuri web novel that dives deep into the complexities of love, ambition, and mental health within the cutthroat world of showbiz. While the premise intrigued me, and I ultimately found myself invested in the characters' journeys, it's not without its flaws.

First Impressions

The story follows Xiao Zhou, an assistant photographer, as she navigates her growing feelings for the enigmatic model, Lan Shan. I was immediately drawn to the premise of a "normal" woman falling for a star seemingly untouchable. The backdrop of the photography and modeling industry adds a layer of glamour and intrigue. It's a world ripe with opportunities for both success and heartache, which the story definitely explores.

What Works Well

One of the strongest aspects of "Burn" is its exploration of mental health. The novel doesn't shy away from portraying the emotional burdens carried by both Xiao Zhou and Lan Shan. I found the depiction of their individual struggles to be quite compelling, even if sometimes frustrating. Also, the portrayal of Xiao Zhou's friendships felt genuine and added a welcome layer of warmth to the overall angsty tone. It's refreshing to see platonic relationships handled with care in a genre that sometimes sidelines them. The story also does a decent job of charting Xiao Zhou's rise in the photography world, fueled by her inspiration from Lan Shan. It's a classic tale of ambition and love intertwining, and it mostly works here.

Areas of Concern

My main issue with "Burn" lies in the communication, or lack thereof, between Xiao Zhou and Lan Shan. I often felt like Xiao Zhou was listening to Lan Shan's words but not truly hearing her pain. Lan Shan's tendency to be closed off, while understandable given her past, created a distance that sometimes made it difficult to fully invest in their relationship. I also wished the characters, particularly Lan Shan, were more fleshed out. While their mysteriousness initially adds to the allure, it eventually hindered my ability to connect with them on a deeper level.

Final Verdict

"Burn" is an angsty, character-driven story that explores love and mental health against the backdrop of the competitive world of showbiz. While the lack of communication between the leads and somewhat underdeveloped characters hold it back, the genuine portrayal of friendship and compelling exploration of mental health make it a worthwhile read for fans of yuri romance and tragic stories. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.