The Devious First-Daughter

My Thoughts on The Devious First-Daughter

"The Devious First-Daughter" is a web novel that I found myself both enjoying and questioning in equal measure. It's the kind of story that can easily suck you in with its promise of revenge and clever scheming, but also has moments that make you pause and wonder about the logic behind it all.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a reborn female lead seeking vengeance against those who wronged her. The setup is classic, and I was eager to see how the protagonist, Xueyan, would navigate the complex web of court intrigue and family drama. It definitely scratches that itch for a historical revenge story, and at first it seemed like a solid entry into the genre.

What Works Well

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the female lead herself. While some find her sudden mastery of scheming a bit unbelievable, I appreciated that she isn't portrayed as overly powerful or flawless. She makes mistakes, learns from them, and adapts, which makes her feel more relatable. Her interactions with the male lead are also quite interesting. It's refreshing to see a relationship where the female lead isn't immediately swooning over the male lead; instead, there's an element of fear and strategic calculation involved. The plot, while familiar, does have moments of genuine intrigue, particularly surrounding the mysteries of Xueyan's past life and the political machinations within the court. The author drip-feeds information effectively, keeping you engaged and curious about what's to come.

Areas of Concern

However, "The Devious First-Daughter" isn't without its flaws. I found the constant reminders of revenge in every chapter a bit repetitive and tiresome. The schemes, while initially clever, can become predictable, with the female lead seemingly able to anticipate her opponents' every move with uncanny accuracy. And, while I enjoyed the interactions with the male lead, I can see why some readers might find his character off-putting. He is portrayed as ruthless and domineering, and his early interactions with Xueyan might not appeal to everyone. The length of the novel also feels excessive at times, with numerous side plots and repetitive scenarios that could have been trimmed for a more streamlined narrative. There are also translation issues with character names and confusing terms.

Final Verdict

Overall, "The Devious First-Daughter" is a flawed but entertaining read. If you're a fan of historical revenge stories and are willing to suspend your disbelief and overlook some of the shortcomings, you'll likely find it enjoyable. However, if you're looking for a tightly plotted, logically consistent narrative with complex characters, you might be left wanting more. I'd recommend it as a guilty pleasure, something to read when you're in the mood for some lighthearted scheming and face-slapping, but not necessarily a masterpiece of the genre.