The Possession of My Beloved

My Thoughts on The Possession of My Beloved

"The Possession of My Beloved" promised a rollercoaster of emotions, and while it had a few shaky moments, I ultimately found myself enjoying the ride. It's a story of deception, slow-burn romance, and character growth against the backdrop of ancient China, and it mostly delivers on that premise.

First Impressions

I'll admit, the initial chapters were a bit of a slog. The story starts with our female lead, Liu Mingtang, suffering from amnesia, and the male lead, Cui Xingzhou, initially intends to use her. This set-up made me uneasy, and I wasn't immediately sold on the male lead's character. Several readers also found this beginning uncomfortable, feeling that Cui Xingzhou's actions were questionable. It definitely requires patience!

What Works Well

Despite my initial reservations, the novel really picked up steam. The character development, particularly that of Cui Xingzhou, is a major strength. He goes from a rather unlikeable figure to someone genuinely worthy of Liu Mingtang's affections. I appreciate that the author took the time to show this transformation, making his redemption feel earned. The female lead is also fantastic. Even with amnesia, she retains a strong, independent spirit and actively embraces her desires. It's refreshing to see a female lead in a historical romance who isn't afraid to pursue her own happiness. The plot, while occasionally relying on coincidences, kept me engaged with its political intrigue and schemes.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the overall story, I did find some of the later arcs a bit draggy. One reviewer mentioned that the ending felt prolonged, and I can see where they're coming from. Also, while the story is set in ancient China, there is the odd use of the "evil Japanese" trope towards the end which felt unnecessary and a bit out of place.

Final Verdict

Despite a somewhat slow start and a few minor issues, "The Possession of My Beloved" is a worthwhile read. The strong female lead, the compelling character development of the male lead, and the intriguing plot make it a solid choice for fans of historical romance with a touch of fantasy. If you're willing to stick with it through the initial chapters, you'll be rewarded with a satisfying and engaging story.