Demons Beside You

My Thoughts on Demons Beside You

"Demons Beside You" is a novel I went into with mixed expectations, and honestly, it delivered a mixed experience. It's definitely not your typical cultivation story, which was a refreshing change. The premise, a doctor who lost his license and now practices illegally in LA with the help of summoned demons, is undeniably unique and grabbed my attention immediately.

First Impressions

The start felt a little rushed. I was thrown into the MC's life without much background, which made it difficult to connect initially. However, I quickly found myself drawn in by the blend of supernatural elements, slice-of-life scenarios, and the MC's rather unorthodox medical practice. This is not a novel that takes itself too seriously, and that’s part of its charm.

What Works Well

The humor is a definite highlight. Some of the character interactions are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, and the side characters are surprisingly memorable. I appreciated the world-building, which, while not incredibly deep, felt sufficient for a comedy-focused story. The author doles out information gradually, making the supernatural aspects feel integrated into the MC's daily life rather than awkwardly tacked on. The setting in the US also helps to avoid some of the more tiresome clichés often found in Chinese web novels. I also liked the premise of the MC having to do good deeds in order to obtain demon crystals.

Areas of Concern

The MC's initial behavior was a bit off-putting. His casual approach to s*x with multiple women might not appeal to all readers, though I was relieved to find that this aspect becomes less prominent as the story progresses. I also found the plot to be somewhat lacking, relying more on episodic events than a grand overarching narrative. This is fine for a casual read, but I can see how it might lead to boredom over time. The MC's intelligence is sometimes questionable, especially when it comes to keeping his illegal activities secret.

Final Verdict

Overall, I'd give "Demons Beside You" a solid 3.5 out of 5. It's a fun, lighthearted read with a unique premise and memorable characters. While it has its flaws, particularly in plot development and some initial character choices, its humor and unconventional approach to the supernatural genre make it an enjoyable experience. If you're looking for a web novel that doesn't take itself too seriously and are willing to overlook some of its shortcomings, this one might be worth checking out.