Convict Unit: Black Parade

My Thoughts on Convict Unit: Black Parade

"Convict Unit: Black Parade" immediately grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise. It's another gate/hunter story, yes, but it feels like it's doing something a little different, and I'm always on the lookout for fresh takes on familiar tropes. After diving in, I can definitely see why it's garnered a fair amount of positive buzz.

First Impressions

The world-building is solid right off the bat. We're thrown into a South Korea that's been living with the fallout of gates and monsters for three decades. Our protagonist, Lee Jae-hee, is a convict thrust into a special ops program utilizing awakened criminals. The "Black Parade" squad itself is a colorful bunch, and I'm eager to learn more about each of their backstories and abilities. I found myself immediately invested in Jae-hee's plight – his only way out is to survive, complete missions, and shorten his sentence.

What Works Well

What I appreciate most is the protagonist, Lee Jae-hee. He's not your typical overpowered hero. He's flawed, a bit clumsy, but ultimately relatable. His personality shines through in the unpredictable situations he's thrown into. I also found the supporting characters to be distinct and well-defined, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. The writing itself is also quite good, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Convict Unit: Black Parade" is a promising novel that offers a fresh and engaging take on the urban fantasy genre. The well-developed characters, intriguing plot, and solid writing make it a worthwhile read. If you're looking for a gate/hunter story with a unique twist and a protagonist you can root for, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.