Pushing Down the Male God

My Thoughts on Pushing Down the Male God

This web novel promised a lot with its title, and after diving in, I have mixed feelings. It's definitely a journey, and whether you enjoy the ride seems highly dependent on your expectations going in.

First Impressions

"Pushing Down the Male God" immediately throws you into a world of systems, transmigration, and, well, a lot of steam. The initial premise of the female lead (FL) traveling to different worlds to fulfill the original host's wishes is intriguing. Each arc presents a new scenario, from preventing childhood sweethearts from straying to enacting revenge on cheating spouses and corrupt emperors. The variety kept me interested, at least initially.

What Works Well

The sheer variety of scenarios is a strong point. Each arc feels distinct, offering a fresh plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The smut is, undeniably, a major draw for many readers (myself included, at times). The translator also deserves praise; the writing is smooth and engaging, which elevates the reading experience considerably. The stories are relatively short and sweet, making it easy to pick up and put down.

Areas of Concern

Here's where things get tricky. The title implies a dominant FL, but that wasn't always the case. In fact, several readers expressed disappointment that the FL often ends up in a sexually passive role, despite her initial intentions. The first arc, in particular, seems to be a point of contention. Some readers found the initial interactions between the FL and the male lead (ML) problematic, bordering on non-consensual, and felt that the ML's subsequent apologies were insufficient. I can definitely see how those scenes could be triggering or off-putting for some. Furthermore, the system's "gifts" to enhance the FL's sexual experience felt like a bit of a crutch, rather than organic character development.

Final Verdict

"Pushing Down the Male God" is a guilty pleasure read. If you're looking for a series of steamy, self-contained stories with a revenge plot and don't mind a potentially problematic power dynamic, you might enjoy it. However, if you're expecting a truly dominant FL who takes charge of her sexuality and relationships, you may be disappointed. Proceed with caution, and be aware of the potential triggers in the first arc. Overall, I'd give it a tentative 3/5 stars.