Why Are You Doing This, Duke? Novel Review

My Thoughts on Why Are You Doing This, Duke?

"Why Are You Doing This, Duke?" is definitely a web novel that sparks strong reactions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a blend of adult themes, comedy, fantasy, and romance, but its unique premise and character dynamics seem to be a hit-or-miss with readers.

First Impressions

The initial setup is certainly intriguing. We have a protagonist, an abandoned princess, who finds herself in a precarious situation with a duke. A magical incident occurs, binding them together in a way that leads to some… complicated romantic entanglements. The duke's dual personality, switching between cold indifference and lovesick devotion, immediately grabbed my attention. I was curious to see how the author would handle such a volatile dynamic.

What Works Well

The core concept of the male lead's magically induced personality shifts is undoubtedly the strongest aspect. The second-hand embarrassment the "cold" Duke experiences when he remembers his "love-struck" actions is pure comedic gold. I enjoyed the gradual development of their relationship, which moves beyond the initial forced circumstances. The story avoids the instant-love trope, which I appreciated. The female lead is portrayed as a strong woman who is trying to survive.

Areas of Concern

However, the novel seems to stumble in its execution for some. The translation quality is a recurring issue, with some advising readers to skip the novel entirely in favor of the manhwa adaptation. The female lead's actions and motivations are a significant point of contention. Some see her as opportunistic and manipulative, taking advantage of the magical situation for her own benefit, while others view her as a victim of circumstance.

Final Verdict

"Why Are You Doing This, Duke?" is a web novel with a unique and engaging premise, but its execution and character portrayals are divisive. If you enjoy stories with dual personalities, gradual relationship development, and aren't afraid of morally gray characters, this might be worth a try. However, be aware of the potential translation issues and the controversial nature of the central relationship. I'd recommend checking out the manhwa first to see if the story's tone and style resonate with you before committing to the novel.