I am not a Yandere Novel Review

My Thoughts on I am not a Yandere

I am not a Yandere promised a hilarious subversion of BL tropes, and after diving in, I can say it mostly delivers. It's a story that's easy to binge, full of laugh-out-loud moments, and surprisingly heartwarming character development. While the MC can be a bit dense and the romance a slow burn, the overall experience is quite enjoyable.

First Impressions

Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise of a possessive seme realizing he's in a novel and deciding to open a chicken shop instead seemed…out there. But I quickly found myself drawn into the MC's chaotic journey of self-discovery. He's not your typical protagonist; he's emotionally stunted, sometimes downright rude, and often clueless. This initially made him unlikable, but his growth throughout the story is one of its strongest points.

What Works Well

The humor is definitely a highlight. The MC's blunt reactions and the absurd situations he finds himself in kept me constantly entertained. I also appreciated the way the story handled the multiple love interests. They were all well-developed, with their own unique dynamics with the MC. The romance is slow-burn, but the eventual pairing felt natural and earned, with the chosen ML being genuinely supportive and respectful. I found that the story, while tropey, managed to do so in a way that felt refreshing. It has a soft, feel-good, slice-of-life vibe that I found myself immersed in.

Areas of Concern

I did find that the MC's intelligence seemed to fluctuate throughout the story, with his emotional detachment sometimes bordering on stupidity. Also, some readers may find the lack of explicit romance in the main story disappointing, though side stories offer more in that department. I also noticed that some readers were uncomfortable with instances of non-consensual kissing.

Final Verdict

Despite a few minor flaws, I am not a Yandere is a surprisingly delightful read. The humor is on point, the characters are engaging, and the story offers a refreshing take on familiar tropes. If you're looking for a BL novel with a unique premise, plenty of laughs, and a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, I highly recommend giving this one a try.