Covet

My Thoughts on Covet

"Covet" is a tricky novel to pin down. It definitely leans into the mystery aspect more than the "shounen ai" tag might suggest, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did shape my expectations going in. I found myself more invested in unraveling the secrets than swooning over a romance.

First Impressions

Right off the bat, I was intrigued by the "clever protagonist" and "schemes and conspiracies" tags. Those elements were definitely present, creating a suspenseful atmosphere from the start. The "loner protagonist" aspect added a layer of depth, making me curious about what drove him and what secrets he was hiding. However, I will admit that the initial chapters were a bit dense, requiring my full attention to keep up with the plot's twists and turns.

What Works Well

The strongest aspect of "Covet," in my opinion, is its commitment to its central mystery. The author clearly put a lot of thought into the plot, and the reveals, while sometimes confusing in the moment, ultimately came together to paint a cohesive picture. I appreciated the protagonist's cunning and how he navigated the complex web of conspiracies surrounding him. The pacing kept me engaged, pushing me to piece together the clues alongside the main character.

Areas of Concern

While the mystery was compelling, I felt the romantic relationship could have been more developed. It felt somewhat rushed. The connection between the characters, while intriguing, didn't quite reach the level of emotional depth I was hoping for. I think the novel could have benefited from exploring their interactions and feelings in more detail to create a stronger foundation for their bond. Also, while the short length is a bonus for some, I think the story could have benefitted from more time to breathe and flesh out the relationship.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Covet" is a decent read if you're primarily interested in a suspenseful mystery with a romantic subplot. Just be prepared to pay close attention to the details and perhaps reread certain sections to fully grasp the intricacies of the plot. While the romance could have been more fleshed out, the engaging mystery and clever protagonist make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. I'd give it a solid 3.5/5 stars.