FOG Novel Review

My Thoughts on FOG

"FOG" has been quite the ride! It's a complete original web novel in the genres of drama, romance, shounen ai, sports, and yaoi. I went in expecting a fluffy e-sports romance, and while it definitely delivers on the romance, it offers a surprisingly emotional and angsty experience, especially in the beginning.

First Impressions

Initially, I was a bit thrown by the angst and the initial animosity between the main characters. The story dives right in with a past conflict between the MC, Shi Luo, and the ML, Yu Sui, that isn't immediately clear. This created an intriguing tension, but it also took me a little while to get my bearings.

What Works Well

The character development is a definite highlight. Shi Luo, in particular, is a complex character. He can come across as bratty and manipulative, but the author does a great job of revealing the reasons behind his behavior. His backstory, filled with abandonment issues and family conflicts, makes his actions understandable, even when they're frustrating. Yu Sui, the ML, is portrayed as mature and doting, which balances Shi Luo's more impulsive nature.

The e-sports aspect of the novel is also well-integrated. While "FOG" doesn't focus solely on the gameplay, it does explore the darker side of the professional gaming world, including player exploitation and behind-the-scenes politics. This adds depth and realism to the story. The team dynamics are also a major plus, with plenty of camaraderie and entertaining banter.

Areas of Concern

The initial conflict between the MC and ML, while intriguing, felt a bit muddled at times. The reconciliation process could have been more fleshed out, with a more direct confrontation of feelings. Also, while I appreciated the angst, there were moments where the second-hand embarrassment was a little too intense for me.

Final Verdict

Overall, I enjoyed reading "FOG". It's a well-written and engaging story with compelling characters and a good balance between romance, drama, and e-sports elements. Despite some minor pacing issues and a few moments of intense angst, the sweet and fluffy romance between Shi Luo and Yu Sui, along with the strong team dynamics, makes it a worthwhile read. I would recommend it, especially if you're looking for an e-sports novel with more emotional depth than the average.