My Senior Brother is Too Steady

My Thoughts on My Senior Brother is Too Steady

"My Senior Brother is Too Steady" is a xianxia novel that definitely hooked me with its unique premise and interesting protagonist. It's a story about a reincarnated soul, Li Changshou, who's determined to survive the treacherous world of cultivation by being, well, incredibly steady. He plans for everything, avoids karma like the plague, and makes backup plans for his backup plans.

First Impressions

Initially, I was laughing out loud. The sheer extent of Li Changshou's caution is hilarious. He's not just careful; he's operating on a whole other level of paranoia, which in turn makes for some truly funny moments. The world-building is also fascinating, drawing heavily on Chinese mythology and the era before the Investiture of the Gods. If you're familiar with these stories, you'll definitely appreciate the depth and references woven throughout the narrative.

What Works Well

The author has created a compelling main character. Li Changshou, despite his extreme caution, is surprisingly relatable. He's not fearless, but he's not afraid of death either. He just wants to avoid unnecessary risks. His interactions with other characters, especially his junior sister, are genuinely heartwarming and funny. The side characters themselves are well-developed, each with their own quirks and motivations. I also appreciated the author's writing style, which is considered by some to be a cut above most xianxia novels, with beautiful prose and even original poems sprinkled throughout.

Areas of Concern

While the story starts strong, some readers, including myself, found the pacing to slow down significantly later on. The constant plotting, while initially engaging, can become a bit repetitive. The middle section, particularly around the Conferred God Tribulation, felt less comedic and more focused on rewriting existing lore, which I didn't find as interesting. Translation quality is also a significant issue. Many have pointed out inconsistencies in pronouns, names, and general word choices, making the reading experience frustrating at times.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "My Senior Brother is Too Steady" is still a worthwhile read, especially if you enjoy xianxia with a heavy focus on plotting, a unique protagonist, and a healthy dose of humor. Just be prepared for a slower pace in the later sections and potentially frustrating translation issues. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars, with the caveat that the reading experience might vary depending on your tolerance for translation errors and slower pacing.