I Will Politely Decline the Male Lead!
/39 MC possessed the villainess, who's fated to be executed by the novel's ML because of crimes and stuff, you know the drill. But in this case, MC went back in time twice. Both her attempts ended with death by execution, all sponsored by the shitty Prince ML. Suffice it to say, she not only hates his guts her third time around but also stops caring about her "role" entirely. It's the classic "now that I'm me, I'm way more lovable and got all the fishes hooked"-type of vibe. I feel that while the first few chapters started strong, the rest of Season 1 got lost in the sauce if you will. The writing on the friend group's bond and dynamics is weak AF, so you have a hard time seeing them as more than some classmates who coincidentally hang out with each other while following MC. They have no spice, and (besides *maybe* Luke) it doesn't feel like they can exist independently of MC. 2 out of 3 clearly develop romantic feelings so that ain't feeling like a secure friendship anywhere. You can still get invested though, and I feel like it pays off in the 2nd season. The stakes got raised as MC has to face the Prince again. And this is where this manhwa is at its best imo, when MC fights against her suppressors/executioners and explores secrets beyond the novel's veil. And since I'm already on it... MC's insecurity about novel business is tiring. It's been done so many times, and it feels like an excuse that keeps her from any substantial character development; I thought she didn't care anymore?? Also, every time MC is holding out for her friends — or nvm just struggling — it's Luke doing all the heavy lifting while og FL and other sub-ML just emote lmao. Why don't you write on his forehead already, in all caps: "I'M GONNA BE HER ML!!". TLDR; Story would benefit from a tighter pace, and the treasured friend group dynamic feels weak.
The Bad Ending of The Otome Game
Very interesting to say the least. Our FL is the childhood friend of a spoiled princess who was destined to die young due to her illness. A person so breathtaking, when she died and a look-alike appeared, she became the center of attention for all the men who used to admire the original tragic beauty. That look-alike is the main character in an otome game FL played before she got reincarnated that is. See where this is going? The set-up is appealing but honestly I just love FL herself so much. She has such a sincere attitude about her and you can tell the author thought for more than 5 minutes about all the relationship dynamics. There's not much going on plot-wise though, right now it seems to center completely around the characters and their emotions and relationships, but I'm not even mad despite how plot thirsty I usually am. I want more chapters. Sadly the story lost it's appeal, at least for me. Maybe I'll revisit this when it's closer to the finish line. Either way, at the moment I just do not want to keep up because all the love interests are either a piece of work or of shit - none of them truly respects FL and her wishes.
I Parted Countlessly From My Beloved Over a Millennium, Now I Shall Become the Wicked Lady
The Saint Whose Engagement Was Broken When She Became Too Perfect is Sold Off to a Neighboring Kingdom
It's only been 2 chapters, but I'm hooked man. The only thing that stretches my suspension of disbelief is her being shunned for being too good at her job. It's very very dumb for all these nobles and royals to believe she is doing a bad thing by saving them from wasting their own time, resources and money. The whole "you are stealing jobs, bad MC for being too good"-thing just sounds like a vague and bad excuse for her to be bullied by others. It makes you question how the Empire they all live in still stands with an average IQ that low... who the hell kicks out their national wonder weapon to a neighboring Kingdom without any second thought? If I don't get a better explanation for this baffoonery idk how into this I can get tbh, so I'll hope there'll be one soon. Anywho, the sister seems to like MC - like for real - and isn't some shady snake, for which I am more grateful than I expected. Though I do find it strange that her sister is so ignorant towards all the hatred MC is facing, but ig that's another thing to come. Looking forward to it.
Please Cry, Crown Prince