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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Overall I liked this book! The pacing was a little inconsistent (there was one major moment that the book led up to, and once it happened it felt like it was foundering a bit and the rest felt like a really drawn out ending). I liked the relationship between the main characters. I found the super evil boss to be a little over the top. But despite my quibbles I was a fan.
I would like the ability to instantly travel around the world please!
I would like the ability to instantly travel around the world please!
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Set in an interesting magical alternate reality. The world felt just a touch shallow, but I would love to read more books in this setting. The plot was good, and characters' secrets were hinted at before being slowly revealed. I did wish for another action scene or two, and a more satisfying resolution for the major antagonists. The sex scenes (NSFW) were surprisingly well done. I was refreshing, especially in fantasy-romance, to see condoms and lube used instead of magically handwaving those needs away. I also appreciated the acknowledgement that penetration is not usually enough to bring a woman to climax. There is excellent use of humor in these scenes as well. . As always, Natalie Naudus is an amazing narrator.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I chanted, "Please be good, please be good," as I started to read this book. I'm Chinese and grew up on xianxia and wuxia stories, and in the past couple years have been in my C-novel and C-drama era. So I was really excited when I found this book, which promises to blend a xianxia magic system (plus scattered creatures and myths from other cultures) with a contemporary setting. I desperately wanted to love this story.
Ultimately, I do like it a lot. I feel like this book delivers on its premise, and I like the progression of the central romance as well as the liveliness of the secondary characters. I resonate with the stuff about being expected to put your family and your duty first - I think every Asian would find that relatable. I would have read even more worldbuilding about the inner workings of Roland & Riddle.
At the same time, this book is a bit rough in some aspects. The banter and inside jokes sometimes go on a bit past freshness, though I recognise that this is subjective. The prose flows easily, but can feel a bit tell-y and surface-level. These are minor points. Mainly, the pacing and structure are a bit off. Time skips happen when it feels like the story should linger for emotional impact, and Elle's personal arc gets basically wrapped up rather early on, such that the rest of the book can unfortunately be summarised as "area man takes drastic measures to finally leave toxic job".
My first reaction whenElle lost her magic was, "please no, I hope she gets it back, we haven't even gotten to see what she's capable of! ". By the end of the book, I had come to terms with this, especially since Luc chooses to live a mortal and ordinary life with her , making it a bittersweet ending. But some of that initial reaction lingers, if I'm honest.
On the other hand, it really fits the title, which is a clear reference to the Chinese idiom, 良药苦口利于病 (there's a second part to it, but it's not as relevant here, so I'll skip it). The idiom means that good medicine is bitter but effective against illnesses. This is very apt forthe arc that Elle and Luc both follow. Both make sacrifices to live a life they want - together, and free from the people who would control them . I'm a little sad, but mostly happy - and really, that's how good C-dramas tend to leave you feeling, so...!
All in all, it's pretty good, especially for a debut, and I really hope to see more books like this!
Ultimately, I do like it a lot. I feel like this book delivers on its premise, and I like the progression of the central romance as well as the liveliness of the secondary characters. I resonate with the stuff about being expected to put your family and your duty first - I think every Asian would find that relatable. I would have read even more worldbuilding about the inner workings of Roland & Riddle.
At the same time, this book is a bit rough in some aspects. The banter and inside jokes sometimes go on a bit past freshness, though I recognise that this is subjective. The prose flows easily, but can feel a bit tell-y and surface-level. These are minor points. Mainly, the pacing and structure are a bit off. Time skips happen when it feels like the story should linger for emotional impact, and Elle's personal arc gets basically wrapped up rather early on, such that the rest of the book can unfortunately be summarised as "area man takes drastic measures to finally leave toxic job".
My first reaction when
On the other hand, it really fits the title, which is a clear reference to the Chinese idiom, 良药苦口利于病 (there's a second part to it, but it's not as relevant here, so I'll skip it). The idiom means that good medicine is bitter but effective against illnesses. This is very apt for
All in all, it's pretty good, especially for a debut, and I really hope to see more books like this!
Story was all over the place. Too many conflicts and resolutions.
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Death
I really loved the beginning and the writing style, and was immediately hooked by these two characters and their story. Unfortunately, as I kept reading, I encountered a lot of weird flow and pacing issues that pulled me out of the story, turning a potential 5-star opening into a 3-3.5 star book.