Reaper of the Drifting Moon

My Thoughts on Reaper of the Drifting Moon

"Reaper of the Drifting Moon" is a wuxia story centered around Pyo Wol, an assassin whose journey is one of revenge, growth, and navigating the complex world of Murim. Having read through the completed story, I find it to be an enjoyable ride, though not without its bumps along the way. It hooked me in with its dark premise and kept me invested, but I can also see why some readers might lose interest in the later arcs.

First Impressions

The initial arc, focusing on Pyo Wol's brutal training and subsequent quest for vengeance, is undeniably the strongest. I was immediately drawn into his world, feeling the desperation and drive that fueled his actions. The setup is fantastic, and the payoff, at least initially, is quite satisfying. It's a classic "weak to strong" tale, but with a unique assassin twist.

What Works Well

Pyo Wol himself is a compelling protagonist. He's calculating, ruthless, and incredibly skilled, but also possesses a strong moral compass. I appreciated that he wasn't just blindly killing; he had his own standards and reasons for his actions. The author does a great job of portraying him as an androgynous beauty, which becomes a tool for manipulation and information gathering. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and I found myself thoroughly entertained by Pyo Wol's clever tactics and deadly efficiency. The world-building is decent, with the various factions and power players creating a rich tapestry for the story to unfold.

Areas of Concern

One common criticism I noticed is the repetition in describing Pyo Wol's beauty. It's mentioned so frequently that it becomes almost comical, and I agree that it detracts from the narrative at times. Also, the female characters are a weak point. Many feel they are often one-dimensional, existing primarily to either fawn over Pyo Wol or act as antagonists. This lack of depth is a significant letdown. The power scaling can also be inconsistent, with enemies appearing seemingly out of nowhere to challenge Pyo Wol even after significant power-ups.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "Reaper of the Drifting Moon" is a worthwhile read, especially if you're a fan of murim stories with a focus on assassins. The first arc is excellent, and the overall plot is engaging enough to keep you invested. While the writing can be repetitive and the female characters underdeveloped, the strengths of the protagonist and the action outweigh these weaknesses. I'd recommend giving it a try, but be prepared for a slight dip in quality after the initial revenge arc.