The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City Novel Review

My Thoughts on The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City

This web novel is quite the ride, a chaotic fusion of genres that kept me entertained despite its obvious flaws. "The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City" throws a lot at you – action, adventure, comedy, a gender-bending twist, and a whole lot more. It's a story that demands patience, but if you're willing to stick around, you might find yourself surprisingly invested.

First Impressions

The beginning is undeniably slow. I felt like I was wading through molasses for the first 60 or so chapters. The initial focus is on world-building and Violet's character development, which, while necessary, can feel repetitive. It's a classic "lab rat escapes" scenario, followed by the "I'm too weak, gotta train" loop. However, I'm glad I persevered, because the story definitely picks up steam later on, evolving into something much more engaging.

What Works Well

The core of this novel lies in its characters and combat. Violet, our morally grey protagonist, is a cockroach in the best way possible – incredibly hard to kill, but not invincible. I appreciated that she wasn't absurdly overpowered from the start. Her strategic mind, combined with her unique cloning ability, makes for some truly thrilling and well-executed fight scenes. The blend of martial arts, magic, and modern weaponry feels grounded and balanced. I also enjoyed the humor, especially Violet's unorthodox thinking and how she interacts with others.

Areas of Concern

While the fight scenes and characters kept me hooked, the world-building could use some work. The "Academy City" setting, while initially intriguing, sometimes feels contrived. It's as if the world bends over backwards to make Violet and her teenage squad the sole problem-solvers, with adults and authority figures conveniently oblivious. The villains, too, often felt cartoonish and their plans easily foiled, which lessened the tension. Also, the gender bender aspect can feel forced with the constant descriptions of Violet's chest.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City" is an enjoyable and often hilarious read. It's a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, embracing its chaotic nature and delivering a unique blend of action, comedy, and military strategy. If you're looking for a lighthearted, action-packed adventure with a morally grey protagonist and don't mind overlooking some inconsistencies, I'd recommend giving it a shot. I'd give it a solid 4/5.