Bookworm's Review

2.2 Bookworm's Review

Unrepentant
Bookworm's Review

Date: May 2019
Status: Completed

One Sentence Description

"Lives a lasting aftertaste, living the readers in a state of longing for a lover that ceased to exist."

Plot
★★★★☆

The plot is addicting. There is so much tension, I can feel needles pricking my heart as I read. There are a lot of misunderstandings between the characters. So much that I felt that it is the backbone of the plot. Truthfully, I  plainly don't like it when novels are riddled with misunderstandings. That is why, I don't know what sorcery was cast upon me to like this novel so much. The ending is not the ending that my heart wants to happen. It left me craving for more. 'Til the end I was hopeful that maybe, it was not too late for them. So many chances, yet so much more misses.

Pacing
★★★★☆

Satisfactory pacing but there could still be improvement. Some flashbacks are too long for me. However, I like the fact that it was not rushed and was not too dragged out. Little to no insignificany events which is great.

Characters
★★★★☆

What makes this story appealing is that the characters are human. They have flaws--frustrating flaws. They made decisions that made me want to strangle them but they are them and I am myself. Their emotions could be felt and you know why they felt that way. The novel showed how the characters changed overtime based on their experiences. Sometimes, the change made me sad. I have to say that I am not fond of reading about people who is so damn in love with a person who cannot reciprocate. For me, the male lead is stupid and a little bit shallow. Not just him but majority of the characters at times. He deserves all the regret he should feel (But I still feel sorry for them, my tears). The shallowness in their perspectives could be understood, if you have read similar historical novels. Ancient people have different views from us. That made me so frustrated over the fact that I can't stop reading even when I'm presented with characters that I don't prefer.

World Building
★★★☆☆

It's not the most intricate world--which is to be expected for stories where the setting is on Earth. It is just like Earth, on a more ancient period. I can say that the world building is enough to paint a vivid picture in your head.

Narration
★★★★☆

Of all the things in this novel, I love the narration the most. It is smooth and creatively written. The flashbacks are long, but it is how most of the narration was carried out--through flashbacks. It started with the end, and through flashbacks, the readers finds out as they kept on reading what lead to that outcome. The author and translator of the novel did a good job, creatively portraying each scene. The perspective is unique and gave off a fresh feeling for me. I love it.

Overall Impression
★★★★☆

I came to realize (again) that I am a sucker for angst. This novel gave me a deep impression. Fun fact: I wrote this review more than a month after reading the story and the feelings that I have for this novel is not any less from then. That has to mean something. I wanted to give this novel five damn stars for all the emotions it made me feel. But I believe there is still a room for improvement. I poured a lot of tears for this novel, damn it. This was not how I expected the novel to be so I really love it. I hope you can enjoy it, cry over it rather, like me. If I would describe this novel, it is a beautiful tragedy.

⚠ SPOILERS