Serenade

My Thoughts on Serenade

"Serenade" promised a sweet slice-of-life college romance, and for the most part, it delivered. I dove in expecting a light and fluffy read, and while it had its bumps, I ultimately found it a heartwarming story.

First Impressions

The initial setup is classic: a cute, petite freshman, Jin Xi, ends up in a male dormitory due to a housing shortage and catches the eye of the aloof, handsome upperclassman, Bo Yan, from the National Defense Academy. It's a familiar trope, but I was eager to see how the author would put their own spin on it.

What Works Well

The strength of "Serenade" lies in its character relationships. Many readers, including myself, adored the dynamic between Jin Xi and her doting older brother, Shen Ping Chuan. Their sibling bond felt genuine and added an extra layer of warmth to the story. I also appreciated the fleshed-out side character storylines, particularly Chu Zhao and Jing Chi's romance, which many found even more captivating than the main couple. The story does a good job of portraying the journey from youthful innocence to maturity, and I found the characters to be more than just cardboard cutouts.

Areas of Concern

Sadly, a significant issue that kept cropping up was the quality of the translation. Several readers, and I must agree, found it incredibly frustrating. Names getting mixed up—the ML and MC, the MC and side characters—made it difficult to follow the plot at times. It's a real shame because it detracted from what could have been a truly enjoyable experience. Also, while the first half of the story was intended to be character-building, I felt the slow pacing and overly descriptive writing made it drag a little, and I found myself wanting the main leads to get together already!

Final Verdict

Despite the translation issues and some debatable plot choices towards the end, "Serenade" ultimately won me over with its sweet romance, endearing characters, and heartwarming family dynamics. If you're looking for a laid-back, coming-of-age college romance and can power through some translation hiccups, it's worth a read. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Hopefully, a revised translation can elevate this story to its full potential.