Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I just finished the novel version after reading most of the story through the manhwa (80%), and honestly… I have a lot of feelings. If I had to sum it up, I’d say the novel was fine? entertaining, occasionally moving but nowhere near as gripping or emotionally layered as the manhwa. The connection definitely carried me through the end but when I step back and look at the novel for what it was, without the help of the art or pacing of the manhwa… it didn’t quite hold up.
The writing itself wasn’t anything spectacular. Not terrible, but it didn’t give me the depth or weight I was hoping for. Especially in the way the relationships were portrayed— there was something kind of hollow about them here. I loved Hess and Kael in the manhwa because they felt real and tender, like a bond built slowly through pain and mutual respect but in the novel, it just felt lopsided.
It’s frustrating watching a character like Hess, who has done so much and sacrificed more than anyone else, be told to just “let it go” and move on. As if what she endured was something that could be brushed off. She took on systems of power, demanded justice and stayed standing when no one else dared to.
Kael was… fine. At best. I get that his trauma explains some of his distance, but it doesn’t excuse the lack of effort. There were so many moments that called for real vulnerability or communication and he just stood there. Sometimes, I can’t help but think that Hess deserved so much more than someone who only half-met her at the finish line.
The ending, too, felt weirdly abrupt. Not terrible—it kind of worked thematically, in that “life goes on” sort of way—but it also felt like we were just getting to something and then the story decided to pack up and leave. There wasn’t enough closure, not for Hess, not for Diana, and not even for the broader world they were trying to change. I would’ve loved to see more about Diana’s own reckoning or growth, if it even happened.
I’m still glad I finished it. I cared too much not to. And despite everything, I do love the core of this story: someone clawing her way through hell to give herself and someone else a chance at a new life. That part stuck. But if I’m being real, the novel didn’t deliver the emotional depth or payoff I was hoping for.
No matter what anyone says, I will always be on Hess’s side.
The writing itself wasn’t anything spectacular. Not terrible, but it didn’t give me the depth or weight I was hoping for. Especially in the way the relationships were portrayed— there was something kind of hollow about them here. I loved Hess and Kael in the manhwa because they felt real and tender, like a bond built slowly through pain and mutual respect but in the novel, it just felt lopsided.
It’s frustrating watching a character like Hess, who has done so much and sacrificed more than anyone else, be told to just “let it go” and move on. As if what she endured was something that could be brushed off. She took on systems of power, demanded justice and stayed standing when no one else dared to.
Kael was… fine. At best. I get that his trauma explains some of his distance, but it doesn’t excuse the lack of effort. There were so many moments that called for real vulnerability or communication and he just stood there. Sometimes, I can’t help but think that Hess deserved so much more than someone who only half-met her at the finish line.
The ending, too, felt weirdly abrupt. Not terrible—it kind of worked thematically, in that “life goes on” sort of way—but it also felt like we were just getting to something and then the story decided to pack up and leave. There wasn’t enough closure, not for Hess, not for Diana, and not even for the broader world they were trying to change. I would’ve loved to see more about Diana’s own reckoning or growth, if it even happened.
I’m still glad I finished it. I cared too much not to. And despite everything, I do love the core of this story: someone clawing her way through hell to give herself and someone else a chance at a new life. That part stuck. But if I’m being real, the novel didn’t deliver the emotional depth or payoff I was hoping for.
No matter what anyone says, I will always be on Hess’s side.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Had me in the first half.gif
I really enjoyed the webtoon adaptation that brought me to working through the novel. Needless to say I hope the webtoon continues to make its little changes….
I really like the idea of the “fan reincarnated into the world” concept, and I really enjoyed Hestia’s headstrong personality + her and MLs initial chemistry…. But then it just feels like everyone’s character just flatlines? Hestia’s attention solely remains fixed on Kael, without caring about the surrounding world, Kael reminds passive until it’s time to bone, Helios is the regretful friend who gets a consolation one-dimensional second wife, and Diana uhhh exists. Diana, Despite being a foil and pretty important character for so long - doesn’t even get a mention in the side stories - but all of these kids that got shoehorned in at the end need to be at the center! Oh and Kael and Hestia have sex again.
The later quarter of the novel just feels like it becomes what the author wants to examine in terms of these lovey dovey relationships where everything else that should be relevant fades into the background. Really made me scratch my head by the end.
I feel like the webtoon adaptation has done a good job in adjusting the little moments where Kael takes some more initiative early on (as well as the timeline of certain narrative things) and hopefully the ending is adjusted a bit…Not sure how high my hopes are though.
I really enjoyed the webtoon adaptation that brought me to working through the novel. Needless to say I hope the webtoon continues to make its little changes….
I really like the idea of the “fan reincarnated into the world” concept, and I really enjoyed Hestia’s headstrong personality + her and MLs initial chemistry…. But then it just feels like everyone’s character just flatlines? Hestia’s attention solely remains fixed on Kael, without caring about the surrounding world, Kael reminds passive until it’s time to bone, Helios is the regretful friend who gets a consolation one-dimensional second wife, and Diana uhhh exists. Diana, Despite being a foil and pretty important character for so long - doesn’t even get a mention in the side stories - but all of these kids that got shoehorned in at the end need to be at the center! Oh and Kael and Hestia have sex again.
The later quarter of the novel just feels like it becomes what the author wants to examine in terms of these lovey dovey relationships where everything else that should be relevant fades into the background. Really made me scratch my head by the end.
I feel like the webtoon adaptation has done a good job in adjusting the little moments where Kael takes some more initiative early on (as well as the timeline of certain narrative things) and hopefully the ending is adjusted a bit…Not sure how high my hopes are though.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i really liked this until the last few chapters lol. and the epilogue was simply too long. i def prefer the webtoon.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I like how the relationship between the 2 leads progressed, but I was whiplashed with how it went in the 2nd half. It would have been better with more transition. I also wanted to see more closure on the other 2 characters at the end.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Usually don't like premises involving a fan meeting their crush because I usually get secondhand embarrassment. However, this was done so well. FL wasn't a super cringe fan but approached the situation with a genuine purpose of saving ML. With this starting point, the romance was well developed and progressed nicely. I also loved that the OgFL's motive and flaws were clear. She wanted more than she should. I think she did have feelings for the ML but her greed led her to go for OgML instead. Then when OgML stopped catering to her, she chose to swap to ML which OgML saw. I also loved that what they truly wanted and aimed for was an apology from OgFL which she never gave. Her pride wouldn't let her. OgML's development was also great. That usually never happens. He learned his mistakes and really regretted it. He also started to have feelings for FL but he knew he couldn't go for her. This awareness and growth together in the main characters was refreshing. Altogether makes for a great read.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read the novel because I couldn't wait for the webtoon to update and I really really liked it, I even read the second half of it about three times, but there are still some stuff I disagree with and some choices that didn't make sense.
In regards to Hess and Kael, I really liked their relationship by the end, and how he became a lifeline to her just as she became to him, but I don't quite like how he is the only person in a whole world that she cares about. I also think that Kael could've tried harder when he realized he loved Hess and wanted to be a real couple with her. It just went straight to it without him trying to romance her, giving presents, flowers, anything. One day they were walking and the next they were fcking.
At some points I was looking forward to read Hess interactions with Helios because there was actual tension between them and nice banter. Kael and Hess weren't really shown talking about anything that wasn't about Diana and I know that was manly because of Hess' mentality and obsession, but at the same time, he didn't really tried hard to get to know her, especially considering she was living for him and only him.
I don't know. I liked it because it was entertaining and a good distraction, but it lacked depth and character development. I'll continue reading the webtoon, but not as excitedly as before and I hope the webtoon changes some things.
At some points I was looking forward to read Hess interactions with Helios because there was actual tension between them and nice banter. Kael and Hess weren't really shown talking about anything that wasn't about Diana and I know that was manly because of Hess' mentality and obsession, but at the same time, he didn't really tried hard to get to know her, especially considering she was living for him and only him.
I don't know. I liked it because it was entertaining and a good distraction, but it lacked depth and character development. I'll continue reading the webtoon, but not as excitedly as before and I hope the webtoon changes some things.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To me, this novel was a breath of fresh air.
As a huge fan of the webtoon, I couldn't wait to see how the rest of the story would unfold, so I had to read the novel.. and it didn't disappoint.
I loved many things about it but mainly how human, flawed, and realistic each character was. It really showcased that people can't simply be deemed evil or good, humans are way too complex for that, and so is their mindset and beliefs.
I also appreciate the author's approach on love. She managed to deliver her ideas subtly but effectively. (How marriage shouldn't be built on only the fleeting passion of love, but rather on trust, faith, and mutual respect.)
Not only that, but she really made me reflect on life, purpose, change, insecurities, and responsibilities. fear of the future, and of Losing someone.
and her showcasing just how brave women truly are with pregnant hestia was a bonus.
This's just me talking about the writing and ideas in general without mentioning the characters, because I ABSOLUTELY LOVED each and every single character (not diana) especially our main babes and the butler.
Definitely a good read.
As a huge fan of the webtoon, I couldn't wait to see how the rest of the story would unfold, so I had to read the novel.. and it didn't disappoint.
I loved many things about it but mainly how human, flawed, and realistic each character was. It really showcased that people can't simply be deemed evil or good, humans are way too complex for that, and so is their mindset and beliefs.
I also appreciate the author's approach on love. She managed to deliver her ideas subtly but effectively. (How marriage shouldn't be built on only the fleeting passion of love, but rather on trust, faith, and mutual respect.)
Not only that, but she really made me reflect on life, purpose, change, insecurities, and responsibilities. fear of the future, and of Losing someone.
This's just me talking about the writing and ideas in general without mentioning the characters, because I ABSOLUTELY LOVED each and every single character (not diana) especially our main babes and the butler.
Definitely a good read.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Read the manhwa adaptation but it was a cliffhanger, and i found the light novel! It’s soooo cute and has everything i like! Strong, smart, and funny FMC, adorable side characters, amazing romance, ANNND a handsome, long, white-haired MMC! Gooosh. I also love the fact that it’s the FMC that was strong, and the MMC that was healing from trauma, he was the Damsel in Distress ready for saving hahahahah i also love how their relationship progressed, and that while she loves him, she drew a line (for understandable reasons) which forced the mmc to pursue her as well.
Idk how many time’s iv’e reread this now. It’s one of my all-time faves.
Idk how many time’s iv’e reread this now. It’s one of my all-time faves.
Minor: Suicide attempt
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes