The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits Novel Review

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By yun chutang, 云初棠

4.1

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CompletedchineseWeb Novel

Genres

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fantasy historical mature romance yaoi

Chapters

248 chapters

Started

2021

Description

Shen Yu was sincerely in love. For that person’s sake, Shen Yu ignored his illness-ridden body and plotted to overthrow the tyrant. It was only after Shen Yu died that he learned the truth. He was a character in a book, and the man he loved only viewed him as a stand-in for the protagonist. To pave the way for that couple’s happiness, Shen Yu lost everything. After he was reborn, the sickly Shen Yu was so done with that. As for that man, whoever wanted him could have him. Shen Yu took his half-brother’s place and became the male concubine of the tyrant. The tyrant didn’t like men anyway, and Shen Yu didn’t have much time left. Since he was going to die, he might as well go to the palace to sit around and wait for death. After entering the harem of the tyrant everyone feared, Shen Yu ate and drank without a care in the world. The tyrant, with long black hair on his shoulders and crimson eyes, didn’t hide his hostility. He grabbed Shen Yu by the neck. “You’re not afraid to die?” Shen “Just get it over with” Yu felt a little excited. “Are you going to kill me now?” Tyrant: “? ? ? ? ?” Shen Yu entered the palace expecting to die, but he waited and waited and waited. In the end, the officials petitioned to make him the empress, and the tyrant cured his deadly illness. Shen Yu: “…” Shou: jumps frantically up and down on the gong’s bottom line but never dies Gong: all he can do with the shou is lower his bottom line again and again

Publication Information

Original Publisher: jjwxc
Original Language: chinese
Type: Web Novel

The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator

My Thoughts on The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits

"The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits" is quite the rollercoaster of a web novel! With its blend of historical fantasy, romance, and mature themes, I was definitely intrigued, especially with the tags promising aggressive characters, ancient China, and a calm protagonist. After diving in, I can see why it has such a mixed bag of opinions.

First Impressions

The initial setup is compelling: a reborn MC determined to live a more relaxed life after a taxing first go-around. I appreciated the premise of him wanting to be a "salted fish," avoiding the political entanglements that plagued him before. The early chapters paint a picture of a clever and confident protagonist, which immediately grabbed my attention.

What Works Well

Many readers praised the dynamic between the MC and ML, and I agree that their camaraderie is a strong point. The ML isn't just a cookie-cutter tyrant; he respects the MC's intelligence and often seeks his input, which is refreshing. I particularly enjoyed the moments where they subtly coordinate, like the scene with the former emperor's concubine. The world-building is also well-done, creating a believable backdrop for the court intrigue. I also found myself enjoying the side couples! The plot, while maybe not the most original, kept me engaged with its twists and turns.

Areas of Concern

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the "non-con" or "dub-con" elements. This is a major sticking point for many, and I can understand why. While some argue that the intimate scenes are consensual, others point to instances where the MC's discomfort or pleas to stop are seemingly ignored. This is definitely a sensitive issue and could be a deal-breaker for some readers. I also noticed that several reviewers found the villains to be easily defeated, leading to a somewhat anticlimactic experience, particularly towards the end. The pacing, too, seems to be an issue, with some finding it too fast initially and then dragging on later with excessive filler.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

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Final Verdict

Overall, "The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits" is a mixed bag. It has a charming protagonist, an engaging plot, and a delightful romance at times. However, the issues surrounding consent in the intimate scenes and the somewhat uneven pacing are significant drawbacks. If you're willing to overlook these flaws and enjoy a fluffy, trope-filled story with a doting love interest, then you might find this novel enjoyable. However, proceed with caution, especially if you're sensitive to potentially non-consensual themes. I'd give it a tentative 3.5 out of 5 stars.