Disparity

My Thoughts on Disparity

"Disparity" is a completed web novel, and I jumped into it knowing it was going to be a bumpy ride. This story definitely lives up to its mature and psychological tags, throwing you right into the complex world of arranged marriages, family businesses, and some seriously flawed characters. Overall, I found it to be an engaging, albeit sometimes frustrating, read.

First Impressions

Going in, I knew I was in for a "wife chasing crematorium" scenario, but I was still a bit taken aback by just how unlikable the male lead, Sheng Li, is in the initial chapters. He's immature, lazy, and seemingly determined to make the main character, Zuo Chi's, life miserable. To be honest, it was tough to get through those first thirty chapters, and I definitely questioned whether Sheng Li was even worthy of Zuo Chi's affections.

What Works Well

Despite my initial reservations, I found myself drawn into the characters' growth and development. Zuo Chi's journey of self-discovery and learning to establish boundaries was particularly compelling. Seeing him evolve from someone accustomed to passively accepting mistreatment to someone who knows his worth was truly satisfying. And while Sheng Li starts as a complete train wreck, his eventual realization of his mistakes and his efforts to become a better man are actually quite well done. I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from showing the consequences of his actions.

Another strong point is the exploration of the societal pressures and family dynamics that both characters face. The novel does a good job of highlighting the discrimination against Omegas and the burden placed on both Zuo Chi and Sheng Li by their families and the business world.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue, and I think many readers share this sentiment, is that Sheng Li's initial behavior is so reprehensible. While his redemption arc is decent, it's hard to completely forgive him for the hurt he inflicts on Zuo Chi. There's a part of me that wishes Sheng Li had suffered a bit more for his mistakes. Also, the second male lead is so perfect that it's hard not to root for him and feel like Zuo Chi could do better.

Final Verdict

"Disparity" is a flawed but ultimately rewarding read. It's a story about flawed people making mistakes, learning from them, and growing together. While Sheng Li's initial actions are hard to stomach, his eventual redemption and Zuo Chi's journey of self-discovery make this novel worth checking out if you're a fan of the "wife chasing crematorium" trope and enjoy complex character development. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.