The Villain Just Wants to be a Salted Fish Novel Review

My Thoughts on The Villain Just Wants to be a Salted Fish

"The Villain Just Wants to be a Salted Fish" promised a comedic, fluffy escape into the entertainment industry, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also stumbled in others. Overall, I found it an enjoyable but flawed read.

First Impressions

The initial chapters hooked me with the MC's relatable desire to be a "salted fish"—to live a simple, relaxed life after a past life of hard work. The premise of a reborn actor trying to avoid the spotlight was intriguing, and the early interactions were genuinely funny. The step-family dynamic was surprisingly wholesome, a refreshing change from the usual malicious tropes. I was ready for a lighthearted romp.

What Works Well

The MC is definitely the star of the show. His personality shines, and I found myself rooting for him to achieve his goal of a peaceful existence, even as the world (and the ML) conspired against him. The author's writing style lends itself well to comedic situations, and there are several laugh-out-loud moments, especially involving the MC's attempts to slack off while surrounded by ambitious trainees. The story is undeniably sweet, particularly once the MC and ML get together. If you're looking for a low-angst, feel-good read with plenty of "dog food" moments, this might be right up your alley.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue, and one echoed by many readers, is the ML's initial behavior. The way he essentially forces the MC into a contract, knowing the MC's financial situation, left a bad taste in my mouth. While the story tries to play it off as a misunderstanding and the ML does eventually show remorse, it's a problematic start to their relationship. This action casts a shadow over their interactions, making it hard to fully embrace their romance. Furthermore, some found the plot repetitive after the initial setup, with the story becoming primarily focused on the couple's sweetness to the detriment of other potentially interesting storylines, such as the idol show, which was quickly abandoned.

Final Verdict

"The Villain Just Wants to be a Salted Fish" is a mixed bag. It offers a cute and funny escape with a charming MC, but the problematic initial actions of the ML and the repetitive plot prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you're willing to overlook these flaws and are primarily seeking a fluffy, romantic read, you might enjoy it. However, those sensitive to issues of consent or looking for a more complex and nuanced story might want to proceed with caution. I'd give it a tentative 3.5 out of 5 stars.