Those Years When We Killed the White Lotus

My Thoughts on Those Years When We Killed the White Lotus

"Those Years When We Killed the White Lotus" is quite a ride, and while I enjoyed certain aspects, I can definitely see why opinions are so varied. It's a novel with a lot of potential, but it also has some noticeable flaws that held it back from being a complete success for me.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise – a cunning protagonist transmigrating through different worlds to deal with "white lotus" characters. The blend of action, adventure, comedy, and romance, with a dash of yaoi, seemed promising. However, as I delved deeper, I found myself echoing some of the sentiments of other readers who felt the initial arcs were a bit… messy.

What Works Well

The concept of the story is genuinely interesting. The idea of a system-hopping MC tasked with eliminating "white lotuses" across various worlds is fun, especially with the wide range of genres and tags. Some readers praised the MC's strong will and cunning, enjoying his ability to "kick ass" and scheme. I also found the different world settings engaging. The author seems to have a knack for creating intriguing scenarios, even if the execution sometimes falls short.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, there were some serious issues that I couldn't ignore. The first arc seems to be a major point of contention, with several readers finding the writing inconsistent, the characters' motivations unclear, and the plot riddled with holes. I also noticed that the romance felt rushed and underdeveloped. The "love at first sight" trope, particularly in the early stages, felt jarring and unconvincing. The characterization of the "white lotus" characters was also a sore spot. Some felt that they were portrayed as overly simplistic and even misogynistic, with their actions being judged more harshly than similar actions by the MC.

Final Verdict

"Those Years When We Killed the White Lotus" is a mixed bag. There are moments of genuine entertainment and intrigue, particularly in the later arcs, but the early inconsistencies and shallow character development can be off-putting. While the premise is interesting, the execution needs some work. If you're willing to overlook some flaws and enjoy a fast-paced, somewhat chaotic story, you might find something to enjoy here. Otherwise, proceed with caution.