Irene Decided to Die Novel Review

My Thoughts on Irene Decided to Die

"Irene Decided to Die" presents a potentially intriguing premise: a wronged woman rising to power as the true saintess. However, wading through the initial chapters felt like navigating a minefield of familiar tropes. While the story does have some redeeming qualities, it's a mixed bag that might not appeal to everyone.

First Impressions

Initially, I was wary. The setup felt painfully generic – the abused protagonist, the "evil" family, the saintess candidate everyone loves except her. It felt like I'd read this story a dozen times before. The short chapter length didn't help, making it feel like I was getting snippets instead of a cohesive narrative. My initial impression was that this would be another revenge story that retreads familiar territory.

What Works Well

Despite my reservations, I found myself somewhat invested in Irene's journey. The most compelling aspect is her slow, realistic development. She doesn't magically become a confident powerhouse overnight. Instead, her confidence builds gradually, which I found refreshing. I also appreciated that Irene isn't interested in playing nice. She understands the power she now wields and isn't afraid to use it to her advantage. Her interactions with the kings, where she refuses to offer them any semblance of a fair deal, were particularly satisfying. It's a refreshing change from the usual long-winded political maneuvering often found in this genre. I also like that the author depicts human nature and emotional conflict in a realistic way.

Areas of Concern

My biggest concern lies in the reliance on clichés. The "I was the real saintess all along" trope is heavily used, and some character portrayals feel flat. The seemingly inevitable romance with the King of the North also feels forced and uninspired. Finally, the plot armor that conveniently makes Irene unkillable when it's needed, is a bit much.

Final Verdict

"Irene Decided to Die" is a flawed but potentially enjoyable read. If you're willing to overlook the reliance on familiar tropes and appreciate a slow-burn revenge story with a protagonist who isn't afraid to be ruthless, then you might find something to enjoy here. However, if you're looking for originality and complex characters, you might want to look elsewhere. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, with the caveat that your mileage may vary.