Yeho Novel Review

My Thoughts on Yeho

"Yeho" is a completed historical yaoi novel that I recently dove into, and I came out with a mixed bag of feelings. Set in ancient China, the story follows a male protagonist who cross-dresses, hides his true identity, and finds himself entangled with the Emperor. It's a tale of angst, doting love, and a touch of "will they, won't they" that kept me turning the pages, despite some reservations.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise. A gender-bending plot in an imperial setting? Sign me up! However, as I progressed, I noticed the pacing felt rushed. The relationship between Yeho and the Emperor seemed to blossom quickly, leaving me wanting more development and build-up. Despite the story's shortcomings, it was still a worthwhile read.

What Works Well

I appreciated the strong emotional core of "Yeho." The author does a decent job of conveying the characters' internal struggles, particularly Yeho's insecurities and selflessness. While some found this trait frustrating, I found it added a layer of depth to his character, especially given his difficult upbringing. The female characters, especially the Empress, were also a highlight. She was cunning and surprisingly pleasant, a refreshing take on the typical jealous consort trope. Despite the angst, the story ultimately delivers a sweet and uplifting experience.

Areas of Concern

My main issue lies with the character development. While I sympathize with Yeho's insecurities, there were times when his self-sacrificing nature felt overdone. I wanted to see more growth and agency from him. Also, the plot felt somewhat thin. I was hoping for more intricate power struggles within the imperial court, but the focus remained primarily on the central romance. Finally, the translation sometimes made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.

Final Verdict

Overall, I'd give "Yeho" a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a quick and sweet read with a compelling premise and emotionally resonant characters. However, be aware of the pacing issues and the potentially triggering content. If you're looking for a light and angsty historical yaoi romance, "Yeho" might be worth your time, just don't expect a deeply complex plot or fully fleshed-out characters.