What Do You Call a Benevolent and Reasonable Person in Xianxia? An Impossibility! (BTTH) Novel Review

My Thoughts on What Do You Call a Benevolent and Reasonable Person in Xianxia? An Impossibility! (BTTH)

This title alone grabbed my attention, and after diving in, I found "What Do You Call a Benevolent and Reasonable Person in Xianxia? An Impossibility! (BTTH)" to be a refreshing, albeit slightly conflicted, take on the xianxia genre. It's a fanfiction that dances around the edges of the original story, which provides a unique angle, but also introduces a few potential pitfalls.

First Impressions

My initial impression was quite positive. The core concept – a genuinely kind and reasonable protagonist in a world known for its ruthless power struggles – is inherently appealing. It feels like a direct challenge to the typical "faceslapping" narratives that often dominate the genre. The story promises a different kind of journey, one where compassion and wisdom might just be as potent as brute force.

What Works Well

The protagonist's personality is definitely the highlight. He’s a breath of fresh air in a genre often saturated with cold-blooded characters. His kindness and reluctance to resort to violence create interesting conflicts and force him to find creative solutions to problems. This deviation from the norm is what makes the story stand out and offers a unique reading experience. I also appreciated the lighthearted tone and the comedic elements sprinkled throughout, which prevent the story from becoming too heavy or preachy. The alchemy and pill concocting aspects are also well-integrated, adding depth to the cultivation system.

Areas of Concern

While the fanfiction element allows for familiar ground and pre-existing lore, it also feels like the author sometimes hesitates to fully commit to their own vision. The story occasionally defaults to familiar plot points, which can detract from the overall sense of novelty. If the author were to fully embrace the "boy scout" protagonist and stray further from the original narrative, it would elevate the story significantly.

Final Verdict

Overall, "What Do You Call a Benevolent and Reasonable Person in Xianxia? An Impossibility! (BTTH)" is a worthwhile read, especially if you're looking for a xianxia story that breaks the mold. While it has some minor drawbacks related to its fanfiction nature, the protagonist's unique personality and the story's lighthearted tone make it an enjoyable and refreshing experience. I'd recommend giving it a try if you're open to a different kind of xianxia adventure.