The Short Story of ShaoWang

My Thoughts on The Short Story of ShaoWang

"The Short Story of ShaoWang" is a completed Chinese BL novel in the ABO genre, and after diving in, I can definitely see why it has such a polarizing reputation. This story offers a unique take on the usual omegaverse tropes, but it's not without its flaws.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a strong, independent omega and a devoted, puppy-like alpha. The idea of a reversal of typical roles felt refreshing, and I was eager to see how the author would execute it. The beginning certainly has its charm, setting up the characters and their dynamic in a way that piqued my interest.

What Works Well

Many readers, including myself, found the smut scenes to be exceptionally well-written and steamy. The author doesn't shy away from exploring the physical intimacy between the two leads, and the scenes are both erotic and tender. The dynamic between the MC and ML is very hot, with the ML turning into a wolf in bed. I also appreciated the fact that the omega in this story is portrayed as a strong, capable individual who can hold his own, going against the damsel-in-distress trope often found in ABO stories. The author's exploration of consent and care within the ABO framework is also a welcome change. The ML is ridiculously puppy-like, but turns into a wolf when they go papapa.

Areas of Concern

The main point of contention seems to be the MC's personality. Some find him inconsiderate, emotionally stunted, and even borderline abusive towards the ML. I can see where these criticisms come from. The MC's actions sometimes lack empathy, leading to misunderstandings and insecurities for the ML. The way the MC sometimes refers to the ML as a "dog" and his desire to "train" him rubbed me the wrong way as well. The characters make assumptions on their own, and that creates a lot of misunderstandings and a "unpleasant" plot to read. The MC also has a bad temper, so he blames a lot of things on the ML, like f*cking him too hard and the ML not cherishing himself (the ML) enough, but he uses quite a lot of foul words so it seems like he's overreacting or scolding the ML.

Final Verdict

"The Short Story of ShaoWang" is a novel with both strengths and weaknesses. If you're looking for a smutty, fluffy ABO story with a unique dynamic, you might enjoy it. However, be prepared for a potentially frustrating MC and some problematic elements in the plot. Approach with caution and be aware of the content warnings. I'd rate it a solid 3.5/5.