Zombie Evolution

My Thoughts on Zombie Evolution

"Zombie Evolution" certainly piqued my interest with its unique premise: a zombie protagonist navigating the world of cultivation. The blend of horror, xianxia, and even comedic elements felt like a breath of fresh air in a genre often saturated with similar tropes. After diving in, I've come to a balanced perspective on whether it lives up to its potential.

First Impressions

Initially, the concept of a zombie MC was the biggest draw. The early chapters focus on the MC's struggles with sunlight and encounters with Taoists, which felt like a promising start. The initial hook of a zombie MC who can only move at night and has to deal with enemies using charms and spells is pretty cool. I was intrigued to see how the author would develop this unique angle.

What Works Well

The novel's strength lies in its potential for originality. The idea of a zombie cultivating and potentially even mastering exorcist or corpse cultivator techniques is genuinely hilarious and ironic, as one reader pointed out. I also liked the ambition of the story, even if the execution needs work. The core concept of a zombie striving for immortality and possibly even romance is an interesting twist on classic xianxia themes. There are hints of clever world-building, particularly in how the MC's zombie nature interacts with the cultivation world.

Areas of Concern

However, I can't ignore the issues that several readers have raised. A major sticking point is the MC's characterization. Some find the protagonist's behavior inconsistent, oscillating between moments of panic and calm decisiveness in a way that feels jarring and not conducive to character development. Others felt that the "zombie-ness" of the MC quickly becomes irrelevant.

The translation quality is also a significant concern. Several readers mentioned issues with editing, suggesting that the translation feels rough and unpolished. This can definitely hinder the reading experience and make it difficult to fully engage with the story. The interactions with animals were also mentioned as being odd, with the animals behaving more like human gangsters than actual beasts.

Final Verdict

"Zombie Evolution" has a fascinating premise and the potential to be a truly unique cultivation story. However, it's currently held back by inconsistencies in characterization, translation issues, and a reliance on familiar xianxia tropes. If the author and translator can address these concerns, this novel could evolve into something truly special. As it stands, it's a somewhat flawed but promising read.