Young Master Dotes On His ‘Wife’

My Thoughts on Young Master Dotes On His ‘Wife’

"Young Master Dotes On His ‘Wife’" promised a blend of comedy, fantasy, and romance, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also left me with mixed feelings. This novel, set in 1990s rural China, follows a reborn MC with a magical space as he navigates family drama, business ventures, and, of course, doting love interests. It’s a wild ride, to say the least.

First Impressions

Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. A magical space, face-slapping relatives, and a yaoi world? Sign me up! However, as I delved deeper, I found myself grappling with some of the story's more problematic elements. The pacing felt uneven, and at times, the plot seemed to wander aimlessly.

What Works Well

The novel definitely has its strengths. The familial love aspect is heartwarming, particularly the MC's protectiveness of his adopted family. The business and political elements, though not overly detailed, kept me engaged. I also appreciated the unique twist of a non-patriarchal farming family, a refreshing change from the usual tropes. I also found it interesting that once the MC comes out as gay, many other characters also turn out to be gay.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, there were aspects that detracted from my enjoyment. The portrayal of women felt outdated and stereotypical. I also struggled with the age gaps in some of the relationships, particularly the one involving the MC's adopted cousin. The use of power dynamics, with wealthy and influential characters abusing their status, also made me uncomfortable. The magical space also felt underutilized, almost like an afterthought. It's introduced with fanfare but then largely forgotten, which was disappointing. I also found the MC's shift towards becoming dark and bloodthirsty jarring and inconsistent with his earlier characterization.

Final Verdict

"Young Master Dotes On His ‘Wife’" is a novel with potential, but it's ultimately weighed down by its problematic elements. While it offers moments of humor, heartwarming familial bonds, and engaging plot points, the outdated portrayals, questionable power dynamics, and uneven pacing made it a challenging read. If you're looking for a no-brainer read with lots of flirting, this might be your cup of tea. However, if you prefer more nuanced characters and morally consistent narratives, you might want to proceed with caution. Ultimately, I’d say it’s a mixed bag.