Dark Blue and Moonlight

My Thoughts on Dark Blue and Moonlight

First Impressions

"Dark Blue and Moonlight" promised a modern BL romance, and I dove in eager to experience the story. The premise itself is intriguing, exploring the complexities of relationships and love triangles. However, my journey with this novel was a bit of a mixed bag, leaving me with some conflicted feelings.

What Works Well

The core relationship dynamics are definitely a draw. The novel excels, at least in the translated parts, at delving into the internal thoughts and feelings of the main couple. This focus creates a sense of intimacy and allows you to understand their motivations, even when those motivations are flawed. The drama, while at times awkward, did add an element of intrigue. I also appreciated the slice-of-life aspect, which grounded the story in a relatable reality.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue stems from the pacing and character development. While the main relationship gets ample attention, secondary characters feel underdeveloped and almost like afterthoughts. I found myself wanting to know more about Jimmy and Haiqing's grandfather, for example, but their interactions were often summarized rather than explored in depth. This lack of depth made it harder to fully invest in the overall narrative. The story also feels rushed, especially compared to the live-action drama adaptation. Events unfold quickly, leaving little room for the story to breathe and for the characters to grow organically. The cheating aspect, while acknowledged, is a common trope in BL, but it can still be a point of contention for some readers.

Final Verdict

"Dark Blue and Moonlight" has moments of brilliance, particularly in its exploration of the central relationship. However, the rushed pacing and underdeveloped secondary characters ultimately hold it back. I'd recommend this if you're looking for a quick, drama-filled read focused on the internal struggles of the main couple. However, if you prefer more fleshed-out characters and a slower, more deliberate pace, you might find yourself wanting more.