The Tyrant Wants To Live Honestly Novel Review

My Thoughts on The Tyrant Wants To Live Honestly

The Tyrant Wants To Live Honestly is a completed web novel that I found to be a mixed bag, despite the high number of glowing reviews. It's a story about Dorothea, a woman who lived a life of ambition and tyranny, only to be executed and reborn. Given a second chance, she aims to live "honestly," or rather, to atone for her past sins.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise. The idea of a villainess trying to redeem herself is always appealing, and the European-esque setting adds a nice touch. Several readers have noted the intriguing family dynamics and the promise of character development as strong hooks. I found the first few chapters interesting and I was intrigued by the character development.

What Works Well

The strongest point of this novel, by far, is the character development, especially Dorothea's. Many readers praised how realistically her past trauma affects her present actions. She doesn't magically become a saint overnight; she struggles, makes mistakes, and slowly learns to be a better person. I also appreciated the exploration of morally grey areas and the focus on Dorothea's internal conflict and journey to self-forgiveness. The male lead, Ethan, also seems to be a point of interest, with some describing him as cunning and complex. I found that the plot moved at a good pace and kept me engaged.

Areas of Concern

While the character development is a major strength, some readers found the plot lacking, describing it as a "low-rated TV drama." There's a criticism that Dorothea, as a reborn Empress, shouldn't be so naive and helpless. It raises questions about how she managed to become an Empress in the first place. Also, one particularly critical review paints a much darker picture, accusing the story of promoting anti-feminist tropes and rewarding toxic male behavior. This is a pretty strong accusation, and I can see how some readers might interpret the power dynamics in that light.

Final Verdict

The Tyrant Wants To Live Honestly is a novel with a compelling premise and strong character development that has some flaws. While many readers found it to be a moving and thought-provoking story about redemption, others felt it relied on tired tropes and potentially problematic themes. I would recommend this novel with reservations. If you're looking for a fluffy, feel-good story, this might not be for you. However, if you enjoy complex characters, morally grey areas, and a slow-burn romance, it might be worth checking out, but be aware of the potential pitfalls.