This story is a 5 star michelin gourmet meal. I LOVE BLUE SKY HIS EYEBROWS MUST BE SO SATISFYING TO DRAW AND AN HELM AAAAAGGGHHHH YOU FREAK OMG
interesting story so far, I see a pattern in Mocatero’s work where the duo is blond x black hair so like, I’m not trying to be nitpicky (or maybe I am), but the character design is a little generic so when I look into their different works it kind of looks like fanart of their previous characters
I hope Charin stays dead forever, don't let that snake guy get ANYTHING. PLEASE.
I read all the chapters today, the story is so funny, sometimes serious and genuine. I love how the side characters get their screen time and how they're so diverse. Luke and Andrew are great as well, and their backstories seem original (from what I've read so far).
Derrick is such an ass and honestly there were moments where I felt bad for him but then went back against my words. The author did such an amazing job writing season 1 and honestly can't wait for season 2 for what it has in store.
+Consent is sexy, there were some scenes where I was iffy if something 'bad' was going to happen, but it was just my imagination.
I’m curious how the story will go with that premise ngl
This story was written tragically yet beautifully, revolving around the character’s circumstances, their relationships and what they’re going to do next in the following events. The psychological aspect pulled me in and was what was most intriguing to me, but it could also be said that it was hard to look away once I started reading further. It was akin to watching a car crash unfolding before my very eyes, and it was a rollercoaster of emotions that eventually led me to a train wreck, leaving me with a bittersweet feeling that made me sob at the end — and I think that’s what makes Darkness Before the Dawn so good.
The themes, the characters, their dynamics, situations, thoughts and feelings, are all complex.
Since I’m not good at articulating my thoughts, I just wanted to say that I found the story’s themes to be thought-provoking,
and the lessons the characters taught me were valuable. (Thank you, doctor Hsu) Their assessment and evaluation of their surroundings and the people closest to them left me at the edge of my seat, sometimes making me really tense with apprehension. The story taking place in an unstable environment being a compact maze really set the tone throughout the events, and the author did a good job instilling anxiety.
The story also made me really think about how the characters thought of each other and why they did the things they did.
I especially found Liu Wi and Weijing to be a really interesting pair. I believe Jiaowen was also just as complex as them but I find the first pair to be more… sick? (Not in a good way, and lack of a better word). But the two had me lost in thought for hours, trying to figure out Liu Wi and Weijing’s reasonings. I don’t intend on spoiling too much so I won’t delve into details, but Liu Wi was a really good antagonist for the story, so fuck him. (Abrupt, I know.)
Next, Jiaowen and Weijing’s relationship was heartwarming, and although they never really outright say a ‘I love you’, the character’s actions proved enough that they ‘loved’ each other in a way that they had each other’s backs. it’s really an understatement though.
Their words are subtle but their actions strongly convey what is truly said, and I think that goes for all characters, and it’s wonderful that the story urges you to think and interpret the relationships to your understanding.
Finally,
***(POTENTIAL SPOILERS?)***
the ending, well, it was… bittersweet. Ch. 75 had left me in tears at the sudden 2 sentence bomb drop, however after reading the epilogue, I felt a little relieved. It wasn’t the best ending, but realistically, it was the best possible outcome that could come out of the duo. And I’m happy they finally reached the end of the tunnel and at least reunited, so… I’m… happy. Content.
(I’m fucking sobbing my eyes out. TTTTTT)
Anyway, thank you author for writing such a gut wrenching masterpiece, I will treasure this near to my heart. Truly, thank you. <3
I’m gonna end my yap session here since it’s just going to become more rambling. Sorry if it’s so abrupt.
And thanks to whoever actually read until the end lol :D.
I love your comment so much, you described everything I felt. And yes thank you to doctor hsu. I'd say you are quite good at articulating your thoughts, at least for me, i understood and resonated with everything you wrote.
Plot had so much potential if it wasn’t for the dookie pacing and unnecessary smut-filled step-sibling thing