Cherish

My Thoughts on Cherish

"Cherish" is a completed web novel that I recently dove into, drawn in by its intriguing blend of fantasy, romance, and sci-fi, plus the yaoi tag, of course. The sentinel-guide dynamic is something I always enjoy, so I was eager to see how this story handled it. Overall, I found it to be a quick and enjoyable read, though not without a few minor hiccups.

First Impressions

The initial setup is pretty straightforward: a seemingly low-level guide encounters a god-level sentinel who also happens to be an emperor. It's a classic power imbalance that immediately throws you into the political intrigue and the growing relationship between the two leads. I have to say, I was instantly charmed by the dynamic between the ML and MC, and I was hooked from the very beginning.

What Works Well

What really stands out in "Cherish" is the character development, especially the male lead. He's often described as tsundere, but with a green flag twist – he's actually quite communicative and self-aware. He's not afraid to admit his mistakes and express his feelings, which is a refreshing change from the typical cold and cruel ML trope. The MC is equally appealing, described as practical, capable, and having zero romantic sense, which leads to some hilarious situations as their relationship progresses.

The novel also shines in its portrayal of multiple side couples. Each couple has a unique dynamic and backstory, adding depth and flavor to the overall narrative. If you're a fan of side pairings, you'll definitely find something to love here. The story has a good balance of fluff, sweetness, and adventure, making it a lighthearted and positive read.

Areas of Concern

While I generally enjoyed the plot, I did find the ending a bit rushed. It felt somewhat unrealistic that the main characters would give up their hard-earned royalty. Also, I found the writing style or translation to be a bit disjointed at times, which made it harder to fully immerse myself in the story.

Final Verdict

Despite a few minor flaws, "Cherish" is a binge-worthy novel that I'd recommend, especially if you're looking for a quick, fun read with a green flag ML and multiple engaging couples. The characters are well-developed, the plot is relatively straightforward, and the overall tone is positive and heartwarming. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.