It’s Too Hard To Die

My Thoughts on It’s Too Hard To Die

"It's Too Hard To Die" is a completed Chinese web novel with ongoing translation, and after diving in, I have some mixed feelings. The story blends fantasy, xuanhuan, and shounen ai with comedic undertones, promising a lighthearted cultivation journey. However, the initial chapters left me somewhat unsure if I would continue.

First Impressions

My first impression was a bit jarring. The opening felt a bit too heavy-handed with the "China is the best" trope. While some might interpret it as comedic or satirical, it initially came across as nationalistic, which made me hesitant. The protagonist's constant self-praise about his looks also bordered on excessive, to the point of distraction. It felt like I was being told, rather than shown, that he was handsome.

What Works Well

Despite my initial reservations, I can see the potential. Many readers seem to enjoy the comedic elements and the slice-of-life feel. The novel doesn't appear to take itself too seriously, and the protagonist's laziness and invincibility could be a fun contrast to the typical cultivation power fantasy. I appreciate that the story seems to move away from the initial nationalistic sentiments, focusing more on character interactions and world-building. The master-disciple relationship also adds an interesting dynamic.

Areas of Concern

The translation quality is a definite concern. Some readers have pointed out that the writing feels stilted and difficult to comprehend, even compared to other translated novels. If the translation doesn't improve, it will be hard for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The repetitive emphasis on the protagonist's appearance, while potentially intended as comedic, could also become tiresome over time.

Final Verdict

"It's Too Hard To Die" is a bit of a mixed bag for me so far. While the comedic undertones, slice-of-life elements, and invincible protagonist have some appeal, the initial nationalistic sentiments and the translation quality gave me pause. If you're looking for a lighthearted, easy read with a protagonist who doesn't take himself too seriously, this might be worth checking out. However, be prepared for some potential translation issues and a healthy dose of self-praise. I'm cautiously optimistic, but I'll need to see more before I can give it a full recommendation.