[TS] Seoul Outsider Dragon Novel Review

My Thoughts on [TS] Seoul Outsider Dragon

Okay, so I dove into "[TS] Seoul Outsider Dragon" with pretty high hopes, drawn in by the fantasy and gender bender tags. The premise of a dragon in Seoul? Intriguing! But after spending some time with it, I’ve got some mixed feelings.

First Impressions

The initial setup is definitely captivating. The idea of a transitioning society grappling with the sudden appearance of fantasy elements, and our protagonist smack-dab in the middle of it all, is a solid foundation. I was ready for a wild ride of magical mayhem and personal discovery.

What Works Well

The world-building, at least in the early chapters, is promising. I get a sense that the author has a good vision for this unique blend of modern Seoul and fantasy. The potential for exploring the impact of these fantastical elements on everyday life is definitely there, and I'm eager to see how it unfolds. I will say though I am interested in seeing how the story develops, I'm concerned about some of the other aspects of the story.

Areas of Concern

One of my biggest hangups is the dialogue. I found myself cringing at times, and it felt stilted and unnatural. Conversations felt more like exposition dumps than genuine interactions between characters, which made it hard to connect with them. This is a shame, because the characters themselves have potential, but their personalities don't shine through the clunky dialogue. Also, the magic system, while present, feels a bit undefined. I’m hoping it gets fleshed out more as the story progresses, because right now it feels more like a plot device than an integrated part of the world.

Final Verdict

Overall, "[TS] Seoul Outsider Dragon" has a lot of potential, but it needs some work. The setting and initial concept are strong, but the dialogue and character development need improvement. The portrayal of the gender transition also needs to be handled with more sensitivity and depth. As it stands, I'd give it a tentative 3/5. I'm willing to stick around and see if it improves, but I'm hoping the author addresses these issues to really make this story shine.