Pride and Sanctimony

My Thoughts on Pride and Sanctimony

"Pride and Sanctimony" promised a blend of drama, fantasy, romance, and school life, and I dove in eager to see how these elements would intertwine. With a solid 4.1/5 rating, I had decent expectations, and overall, I found it to be an enjoyable, albeit imperfect, read.

First Impressions

The initial setup is fairly classic: a playboy male lead (ML) and a studious, somewhat aloof female lead (FL). It felt like a familiar dance, reminiscent of "Taming of the Shrew," but with its own unique spin. I was immediately intrigued by Valentia, the FL, and her seemingly indifferent attitude toward her abusive family. This wasn't a revenge-driven story, which I found refreshing. Instead, she's focused on independence and moving on, a sentiment I found relatable.

What Works Well

What really grabbed me was the character development, especially with Lexus, the ML. He starts as the "lovable a**hole" trope, but the author does a fantastic job of revealing the good person beneath the surface. His interactions with his family, especially his sister, showcase a caring side that makes him more than just a shallow playboy. I also appreciated the refreshing take on the imperial family; they're portrayed as a normal, loving family, a welcome change from the often-scheming royals in other novels. The dialogue, too, is a strong point, with characters expressing themselves through both words and body language, creating realistic and engaging conversations. The translation is also frequently praised, allowing the story to shine.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the overall story, I can see where some readers might find fault. The pacing, particularly after Valentia leaves, seems to falter for some. The introduction of fantastical elements also felt a bit out of place, lacking sufficient foreshadowing and integration into the established world. The romance, while present, is more subtle and slow-burn than some might expect. If you're looking for a more explicit or angsty romance, this might not be your best bet.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "Pride and Sanctimony" offers a compelling story with well-developed characters and a satisfying resolution. I found myself invested in Valentia and Lexus's journey, and while the pacing and world-building could have been stronger, the nuanced character interactions and realistic dialogue make it a worthwhile read. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of classic romance tropes, I'd recommend giving this one a try.