Never Going Home Again! ~ Since I Was Persecuted, I Should Repay the Favor, or Else I’ll Be Unreasonable ~

My Thoughts on Never Going Home Again! ~ Since I Was Persecuted, I Should Repay the Favor, or Else I’ll Be Unreasonable ~

First Impressions

"Never Going Home Again!" certainly grabbed my attention with its lengthy title and intriguing premise. The story plunges us into the life of a young girl suffering severe abuse at the hands of her stepmother and twin sister. The setup is classic Cinderella, but with a magical twist. I was immediately invested in seeing how the protagonist would overcome her circumstances and find happiness.

What Works Well

The initial arc focuses heavily on the MC's escape from her abusive family, and I found this part incredibly compelling. Her awakening of a unique and powerful skill—seed production, the ability to create any plant seed imaginable—provides a satisfying turning point. I especially enjoyed the world-building surrounding this skill; the implications for economies and even extinct species are cleverly explored. The subsequent slice-of-life elements, where the MC adjusts to her new life at a research institute and forms bonds with the researchers, were heartwarming. The researchers' reactions to her past abuse and their efforts to heal her emotional wounds added depth to the narrative.

Areas of Concern

While I appreciated the initial setup, I did find some aspects less convincing. The Cinderella story tropes felt a bit too heavy-handed at times, making it difficult to fully suspend disbelief. The sheer intensity of the abuse, coupled with the heroine's unwavering purity, teetered on the edge of being unrealistic. Additionally, I felt the comeuppance for the abusive family, while reasonable, could have been more impactful.

Final Verdict

Overall, I found "Never Going Home Again!" to be an enjoyable, if somewhat flawed, read. The premise is engaging, the world-building is interesting, and the protagonist's journey is ultimately satisfying. While the story leans heavily on Cinderella tropes and the comeuppance could have been more impactful, the heartwarming slice-of-life elements and the unique magic system make it worth checking out if you're a fan of shoujo fantasy. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.