Welcome back! Since I’m on break, I’ve had more time to catch up on my personal writing. There is quite a lot on this list, so be prepared!
Here is how I rate things!
- No redeeming qualities whatsoever, visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
- It was so boring I could barely pay attention, or it frustrated me SO much I couldn’t finish.
- I had a headache, but I somehow made it through. This category is also for when I absolutely DESPISE something I’ve watched or read.
- I could make fun of it because of how bad it is or because it lacks any real merit.
- It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just blah.
- There were various interesting aspects, but nothing to really gush about.
- A solid story. Good characters, plot, and visuals. However, it’s not amazing.
- I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
- A great experience! As a film/show, it is visually stunning and has an incredible story that I could go back to multiple times. As a book, I could do the same.
- Near Perfect (nothing is perfect.) It has become one of my favorites. I could also write entire articles on it.
Movies
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), 10/10
A retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, miser extraordinaire. He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and future.
Synopsis via Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au> on IMBD
I have a bit of a soft spot for this movie. Out of all the A Christmas Carol (1843) adaptations, this one has stuck with me over the years, even with the myriad of puppets and musical numbers. In fact, I tear up when I think of parts from this film, like when Belle sings “When Love is Gone” or when Tiny Tim sings “Bless us All”.
Michael Caine is a great Scrooge and brings across the character’s emotional transformation well. I’m not sure if this is my nostalgic childhood heart talking, or my authentic adult self, but I haven’t been able to let go of this film all these years, and think it is one of the best book adaptations brought to the big screen.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), 10/10
Bitter and hateful, the Grinch is irritated at the thought of the nearby village having a happy time celebrating Christmas. So disguised as Santa Claus, with his dog made to look like a reindeer, he raids the village to steal all the Christmas things. The village is sure to have a sad Christmas this year.
Synopsis via Anonymous on IMBD
Here is yet another nostalgic watch for me! If I had to choose between this one and the live-action version, I’d pick this one every time. (Don’t worry. I still like the other one.) When I watched it this last week, I marveled at the mature character animation and personality Chuck Jones and his crew gave The Grinch. I think so many people STILL fondly look back on this short film BECAUSE the Grinch, Max, and the Whos were so engaging as characters.
Santa Claus is Coming To Town (1970), 7/10
The Mailman decides to answer some of the most common questions about Santa Claus, and tells us about a small baby named Kris who was left on the doorstep of the Kringle family (toymakers). When Kris grew up, he wanted to deliver toys to the children of Sombertown. But its Burgermeister (Herr Meisterburger) is too mean to let that happen. And to make things worse, there’s an evil wizard named Winter who lives between the Kringles and Sombertown. . .
Synopsis via Kathy Li on IMBD
I haven’t seen this movie in a LOOOOOOOONG time. I barely remembered anything beyond the chimney and stocking scenes, which is strange because I definitely would have liked the evil wizard Winter. Watching it as an adult, I understand why kids would connect to this film so heartily! I mean, Fred Astaire is the narrator! What more can you ask for?
A Garfield Christmas (1987), 10/10
Garfield, Jon, and Odie go to Jon’s grandmother’s house for Christmas, where Garfield finds a present for Grandma.
Synopsis via IMBD
Here is yet another nostalgic watch for me. I remember this Christmas short was part of a group my family had recorded on a VHS tape. (I guess that ages me a bit. 🙂 ) I enjoy the music and characters, but love the scenes with Garfield and the Grandma the most! I also distinctly remember as a child wanting to eat all the different pies Jon’s Mom made.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), 10/10
Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.
Synopsis via IMBD
I don’t think I need to explain my feelings for this one. I actually felt like Charlie Brown this Christmas, especially when weighing all the family and friend troubles I’ve struggled with this year. It’s important to remember what truly and sincerely matters to us during the holidays! Although this film is primarily Christian in its big message, I think it applies to any religion or lifestyle. It’s easy to lose sight of what we believe and cherish if it’s bogged down by greed and busyness.
Anime/TV Shows
Yano Kun’s Ordinary Days (2025), 7/10
For as long as he can remember, the klutzy Tsuyoshi Yano has been prone to injury. Constantly showing up to school with fresh scrapes and bruises, he has long become accustomed to the pain and to the sight of his face covered in bandages. However, Yano’s days begin to change for the better when he is transferred to a new class and meets Kiyoko Yoshida, the class president known for her reliability and kindheartedness.
Through Yoshida’s efforts to learn more about him, Yano starts to experience the kind of high school life he has always wished for—one filled with laughter and camaraderie. Between casual conversations and countless small accidents, the two gradually grow closer, and their relationship may bloom into something more than just friendship.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Yano and his later girlfriend Yoshida are a cute pair of cinnamon rolls. It’s been a while since I watched a Shoujo romance like this one, with no sexualized characters, big drama, or . . . screaming! I would love to show this to my teenage daughters. For myself, I didn’t quite love the story, but I liked how genuine the characters are!
The Vampire Dies in No Time (2023), 6/10
Vampires are known to have many weaknesses that balance out their incredible power, but the vampire lord Draluc happens to be weak to pretty much anything.
The vampire hunter Ronald receives a job to infiltrate the castle of the so-called “Invincible Progenitor” and rescue a woman’s son from the monster within. But upon arriving, he is dumbfounded to discover that the vampire quickly turns to ash by something as trivial as a clap of his hands! Moreover, the child he was sent to save had merely wandered in to play the vampire lord’s video games while he slept!
In a disastrous turn of events, Draluc’s castle is destroyed, and the fragile vampire decides to move in with the hunter who has only just defeated him. Ronald, Draluc, and the vampire’s pet armadillo John form quite the eccentric team as they are forced to work together while fending off Ronald’s violent editor, the lesser vampires plaguing the city, and even their fellow vampire hunters.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
At first, this series was funny. Later, it relied SO MUCH on sexualized humor that it fell as flat as a deflated balloon. It was SUCH a shame because I loved the English voice acting! Ugh. . . I guess this is the type of humor studios THINK adults are into.
Sonny Boy (2021), 8/10
Thirty-six students find themselves and their school building suddenly adrift in a void-like dimension. When supernatural powers awaken in some of them, a sense of detachment begins to divide the group. Despite the student council’s attempts to impose order, they clash with the students possessing special abilities, who rebel against their strict control.
This conflict leads them to discover that this world has its own set of rules—and following them is necessary for survival. After one of the students decides to take a leap of faith, the school switches dimensions once again. While they deal with the unique challenges and circumstances that each world presents, the students must unravel the mysterious phenomenon and find a way back home.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I can’t rate this higher because its pacing and overall message frustrated me. This idea, of teenagers stuck forever in the crossroads of their lives, is a great concept! However, I never knew what the END GOAL for these characters was, or if making it back OUT of that world was even worth it in the end. It felt too much like a lesson you’d have in Philosophy camp, where there is no answer to any of the questions posed in discussions, just theories without much weight to them.
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill Season 2 (2025), 9/10
After being summoned to another world, ordinary salaryman Tsuyoshi Mukouda has made a name for himself with his fabulous cooking. During his journey throughout different lands, he has even befriended the mythical wolf Fel and a slime named Sui. While enjoying a meal one day, the trio is interrupted by a tiny but rare pixie dragon who also wants a bite of their food. Like Fel and Sui, the dragon immediately falls in love with Mukouda’s cooking and decides to become the man’s familiar, receiving the name Dora-chan.
However, cooking is not Mukouda’s only forte. His familiars’ incredible strength constantly attracts the attention of guilds who ask for their help on different quests. In exchange, the guilds are able to process the game Mukouda and his familiars hunt, enabling their growing party to sample various kinds of monster meat. Continuing to travel around the world with his familiars, Mukouda always comes up with new mouth-watering recipes that will leave everyone hoping for a second serving.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I’m a sucker for feel-good, food-related anime like this! (I’m also a fan of Restaurant in Another World). The English cast made SUCH a difference for this show, especially the slime Sui. It is easy to get cutsie voices wrong in Japanese or English, so kudos to whoever voiced the character! That aside, I love the crazy elf Elrand, who is obsessed with dragons and the tantrums the Gods throw when they don’t get their offerings. I look forward to the next season!
Romantics Anonymous (2025), 8/10
The story kicks off with a chance encounter between a man and a woman sparked by their mutual love for chocolate. The catch? Both live with their own anxiety disorders. The man can’t physically touch others, while the woman can’t make eye contact, making their budding relationship both challenging and endearing. Fujiwara Sosuke is the new representative of the popular chocolate shop “Le Sauveur” and the son of a major confectionery magnate.
Sosuke’s germophobia, stemming from a traumatic past, complicates his new job. Lee Ha Na is a gifted chocolatier who conceals her identity from the Le Sauveur members, except for the owner, and battles her own fears of social interactions.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This was a pretty well-executed drama collab between Japan and Korea! I finished it rather quickly and liked how simple the ending was. I also appreciated how the germaphobia and scopophobia weren’t over-exaggerated or played for laughs. I also want to try the chocolate from the confectionery SOOO bad.
Delicious in Dungeon (2024), 9/10
Adventuring knight Laios Touden leads a small party through a seemingly endless dungeon, a subterranean maze full of dangerous monsters and precarious traps. Through the use of advanced magic, an explorer can sometimes be resurrected, allowing them to learn from past mistakes and give traversing the dungeon another go. However, when a powerful dragon eats Falin, Laios’ spellcasting sister, she sends her brother and his companions back to the beginning to save them from permanent ends.
Though strapped for cash and equipment, Laios resolves to fight his way through the dungeon and rescue Falin before she can be digested by the dragon. Despite some of Laios’ allies abandoning him, two remain by his side: elven mage Marcille Donato and halfling locksmith Chilchuck Tims. Due to their lack of funds, the party faces the daunting prospect of starving before being able to complete their quest. However, they find salvation in Senshi, a dwarven warrior with a penchant for cooking and safely eating defeated monsters.
With Senshi’s culinary expertise, Laios and his companions struggle through the dungeon while learning about gourmet dining—and each other—along the way.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I’ve already watched and talked about this show this year, but I finally got my brother to watch it with me! I am happy to think this show is still as good as I thought several months ago, and I look forward to seeing future seasons!
One Punch Man Season 3 (2025), Episodes 1-6 5/10, Episodes 7-12 9/10
Here is the Monster Lair arc so many fans were looking forward to. What a mess we have here! I don’t blame the animators or directors AT ALL. The studio, J.S. Staff, really should give its animators time to do their job and fewer projects to work on.
The FIRST half of this show was truly laughable at times. Garou’s biggest fights were splintered, badly choreographed, and strangely shot. The humor felt stilted because I kept getting distracted by off-putting weight distribution, overlapping action in characters’ clothes and hair, and muscle animation. Watch this clip below and you will understand.
The SECOND half of this show did a complete 180 and had fantastic animation and choreography. So, what gives? I think the first episodes were directed by newbies or less experienced animators. The second half was most likely directed by seasoned directors who KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. There are still some strange artistic choices in the second half, but I didn’t care really because Zombieman looked pretty good and Flashy Flash’s fight was actually compelling.
One Punch Man Season 1 (2015), 10/10
The seemingly unimpressive Saitama has a rather unique hobby: being a hero. In order to pursue his childhood dream, Saitama relentlessly trained for three years, losing all of his hair in the process. Now, Saitama is so powerful, he can defeat any enemy with just one punch. However, having no one capable of matching his strength has led Saitama to an unexpected problem—he is no longer able to enjoy the thrill of battling and has become quite bored.
One day, Saitama catches the attention of 19-year-old cyborg Genos, who witnesses his power and wishes to become Saitama’s disciple. Genos proposes that the two join the Hero Association in order to become certified heroes that will be recognized for their positive contributions to society. Saitama, who is shocked that no one knows who he is, quickly agrees. Meeting new allies and taking on new foes, Saitama embarks on a new journey as a member of the Hero Association to experience the excitement of battle he once felt.
After the jarring experience I had watching season 3 of this show, I went back on New Year’s Eve with my brother to relive the original 12 episodes. Yeah. . . the state this show has found itself is truly and sincerely SAD. Just looking at the basic color grade Studio Bones used in this show, coupled with the crisp timing and stylization, I can’t help but wonder what we COULD have had if this show hadn’t gone to a different studio. I think it’s high time I went back and read it again for kicks and giggles, since I’m doing a manga read this January.
Dropped Shows
These are anime I TRIED to get into, but honestly, for one reason or another, couldn’t like. There are probably popular or good(?) shows on this list, so sorry… but not sorry!
Sanda (2025)
The animation and stylization were fantastic for this show! I want to get that out of the way right at the get-go. I appreciate how it felt more hand-drawn, without the CGI filler you see in a lot of shows. BUUUUT, it’s pacing felt OFF, and the plot was so ludicrous I couldn’t make it past the first episode. Jacked up Santa Claus made me feel things I NEVER wanted to feel about Santa. However, if you like off-the-beaten-path anime like Dandadan, you might like this one.
Detectives These Days Are Crazy (2025)
Sexualizing teenagers is a big fat NOOO for me. Plus, the characters weren’t all that interesting. Some of the faces (like the one above) did make me laugh but for the most part I was happy to set this one aside for other things.
My Sweet Tyrant (2018)
If you can’t tell, pacing and staging can make it or break it for me when getting into a show. For this one, that was a HUGE problem. Plus, I was more interested in how these kooky teenagers got together in the first place, not in their boring dating life with so many misunderstandings.
Yakitate! Japan (2004)
Too much extroverted energy for me. I love bread, but am not willing to sit through dozens of episodes watching anime characters gush about how they make it.
Tsukimichi! Moonlit Fantasy (2021)
This. . . was. . . so. . . BORING!!!!!!! I couldn’t make it past the first TEN MINUTES without wishing it to get on with it already. Isekai are not my thing on the BEST of days, so trying to sit through some weebs’ attempts at making it in a new world where he’s UGLY(???) nearly did me in. Plus, Uncle From Another World (2022) did this concept better.
See You Tomorrow at the Food Court (2025)
There is nothing terrible about this show, really. It’s just a tad TOO slow for my liking. I would have liked to see these two interact more outside the food court to make their strange friendship seem more authentic.
Psychic Princess (2019)
Oh boy, the Chinese voice acting in this was absolutely AWFUL, and the story so generic I could feel myself falling asleep with my eyes crossed in pain. I can’t think of anyone who would like this, honestly. So many Manhua do this story better, without the cringy dialogue or stilted animation.
Shoshimun How To Become Ordinary (2024)
This show COULD have been great with better pacing and characterization. I didn’t understand WHY these two wanted to be normal, or what the real conflict was. Hyouka (2012) is similar in tone to this show, but it executes its story better with some good old-fashioned storytelling and engaging dialogue.
Parallel World Pharmacy (2022)
Ahhhh. . . I didn’t make it five minutes with this one. I realized too late that it was an Isekai and jumped ship once I figured it out. It MIGHT be good, but I’m not really interested in finding out.
Skull Face Bookseller Honda-san (2018)
This anime suffers from bad in-betweens syndrome. To save on time and money, sometimes animators will purposefully leave out in-between images between main poses, thinking that as long as the story is fine, the audience won’t care. Well, I care, and it annoyed me. It reminded me of the time I tried to watch The Way of the House Husband on Netflix. What started as a brilliantly drawn manga turned into a stilted manhua commercial-esque sludge watch. The same can be said for this anime.
Books
Edenbrooke (2012), 8/10
Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.
From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.
Synopsis via Goodreads
Sometimes I just want some good old-fashioned cheesy romance! This book gives that to you and more! It’s female lead, Marianne and male lead, Philip actually had personality beyond their romance with each other, which is good for people like me who love to imagine them growing into their relationship in the future.
The Secret of Chimneys (1925), 8/10
What is The Secret of Chimneys? A young drifter finds out when a favor for a friend pulls him into the heart of a deadly conspiracy in this captivating classic from Agatha Christie. Little did Anthony Cade suspect that an errand for a friend would place him at the center of a deadly conspiracy. Drawn into a web of intrigue, he begins to realize that the simple favor has placed him in serious danger. As events unfold, the combined forces of Scotland Yard and the French Sûreté gradually converge on Chimneys, the great country estate that hides an amazing secret.
Synopsis via Goodreads
Yet again, I fell in love with one of Agatha Christie’s books. I was pretty smart when listening to this one and, although I didn’t fully guess the MAIN mystery, I did figure out the side mystery! There is some racist commentary about Africans in this book, which I didn’t like, but I understand that in the context of 1925, it made sense that the characters spoke and felt the way they did.
Christmas With the Elf King (2025), 8/10
They said the Elf King had lived a thousand years. They said he was the most beautiful creature anyone had ever beheld. They said he took whatever he wanted. And Noelle was no exception.
For six hundred years, the elves have taken human masters of craft and maidens back to the Undying Lands of Ravensong as part of an uneasy treaty between human and elf. To be chosen is seen as a gift, as the families are richly rewarded. But to Noelle Baker, it is a curse. She wants only to bake all of her Christmas favorites with her family, until the Elf King comes for her.
Forced to leave her family behind and bake for the cold yet frustratingly handsome king, Noelle is thrust into a world of strange elven magic where she learns of a curse on the land. Infected by this shade curse, Noelle must hone her new baking magic to cure the dying land before it takes her life and the life of the king her heart is beginning to thaw toward.
Synopsis via Goodreads
Here is another super gushy romance I read this last week before Christmas. I actually bought this book on a whim after seeing it advertised on Pinterest because it looked wholesome. I appreciated how the Elf King turned out to be such a gentleman, but I thought the overall mystery was solved too easily. Also, there wasn’t enough actual CHRISTMAS in this story. I normally wouldn’t say that, but I mean, it is in the title.
Tunnel of Bones (2019), 8/10
Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.
She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass’s parents are filming their TV show about the world’s most haunted cities. Sure, it’s fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there’s true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs.
When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter — and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger.
And if Cass fails, the force she’s unleashed could haunt the city forever.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I’ve talked about this series before, so I’ll just say I enjoyed this and the book below just as much as I did before! I will need to give it a bit of a break, though, since I’ve read it a bit too recently.
Bridge of Souls (2021), 8/10
Where there are ghosts, there is Cassidy Blake…
Unless it’s the other way around?Cass finally feels like she’s got the ghost-hunting thing down. She and her ghostly best friend Jacob have survived two cities full of ghosts during her parents’ TV series tour.
But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, where everything spooky happens out in the open. In a city full of adventurous tours and tombs, raucous music and all kinds of magic, Cass could easily get lost among all the colorful but eerie local legends. And the city has one more big surprise in store, an enemy Cass never expected: a servant of Death itself.
Synopsis via Goodreads
(See previous book)
Comics/Manga
Anything But Marriage, Mr. Villain! 7.5/10
How is the reincarnated heroine supposed to survive as Enrica, a powerless noble lady who gets killed by her archduke husband on her wedding night? Fortunately, a mysterious but kind Count Belbrington hears Enrica’s plight, suggests that she find another man to marry, and even says yes to her following proposal!
Everything seems strangely smooth sailing from there. Not only is Enrica’s power-hungry father surprisingly cool with her marrying a man of lower status, but the murderous archduke isn’t retaliating at her for breaking off their engagement, either. Something’s not adding up, but what could it be…?
Synopsis via Tappytoon
This series looks like it should be a super twisted, sexy romance, but it isn’t. I started reading it on a whim and actually am more interested in how long it will take for the naive female lead to figure out the man she’s engaged to is the guy she was running away from. I’m actually shocked at how absolutely clueless she is, since she knows the story.
I’m sticking around because the story is actually pretty engaging and the romance is sweet, despite the cover-ups and misconceptions.
The Beloved Gardener of the World Tree 7/10
The transmigrated Lilith La Noella does everything she can to avoid her fiancé, Duke Edrion La Arkshad, the cause of her death in the original story. She even chooses an unpopular job as a horticulturist in the rural South to get as far away from him as possible.
But this choice backfires when the empress calls Lilith back to the capital to give her the nearly impossible task of flowering the World Tree. Otherwise, her entire family will be put to death. Can Lilith dodge another tragic end? And will she flower something more in the process?
Synopsis via Tappytoon
This is yet another story where the isekaied female lead is like, “No! I need to run away from the man I’m supposed to marry, otherwise I’ll die! He doesn’t love me anyway, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Wait a second! Why won’t he leave me alone now? (It’s still a mystery!).” I don’t mind these romances as long as the author makes the romance believable and the characters are not wooden puppets doing whatever the plot tells them to do.
Mistaken For the Villain’s Lover 7.5/10
Enter Heilbronner: gentleman thief! The main villain of a novel, who fought against the heroes, steals from the rich at night, but by day takes on the identity of Ludger Kassen, the philanthropic son of a duke, more interested in history than politics or power. As commander of the ragtag Ruby Knights, isekai’d knight Clara has no choice but to get involved in the Heilbronner case. However, in doing so, and in working alongside Ludger himself, Clara learns he secretly has far grander motives…
Synopsis via Tapas
This is a unique take on the villain turned hero in an isekai’d book. I think the romance between Clara and Heilbronner is slow and sweet, and the mystery is interesting. Also, the art in this one is pretty stellar, too! I’m so used to janky, AI drawings that whenever I come across something like this, I get a bit excited.
The Duke Needs His Coffee 7/10
Beauty, brains wealth—Duke Claude Winterville had it all, except one thing: sleep. Then April Renoen, a healer-barista, walks in and cures his insomnia with a single cup of her coffee. As they grow closer, Claude discovers that it’s not just her coffee that captivates him, but the woman herself…
Synopsis via Manta
This is a normal romance that hasn’t really done too much for me. I’ll make it to the ending, for sure, but I think it’s boring overall.
The Male Lead is Unhealthily Obsessed With My Health 6.5/10
I was reincarnated as an extra, the non-existent childhood friend of the male lead, who dies early in the novel. I can’t even avoid the time limit dead flag. That’s why I was living like this…
The male lead became obsessed with my health. Oh, please, can someone get rid of this guy! — I was definitely reincarnated as an extra with no presence. But my new life is unfolding strangely.
Synopsis via Mangadex (Courtesy of AI probably)
Although, realistically, people who suffer from trauma and depression probably WOULD react similarly to the female lead in this story, I think the pacing and character growth are egregiously SLOOOOOOOW. I’ll stick around to see where this story goes, but I probably won’t read it all the way.
The Cafe Owner is an S-Class Guide 6.5/10
A newly awakened guide slash cafe owner fights an uphill battle trying to protect her business from a handsome yet explosive esper, who finds both her and her powers as addicting as caffeine.
Synopsis via Tappytoon
Got to love Yandere-type characters who get with the female leads anyway, despite their possessive natures and junky personalities! That said, this story isn’t that bad. I’m just annoyed with how abruptly it ended and got the characters together.
Offering Salted Fish To Master (4/10)
Liao Tingyan, the newest and lowest-ranking disciple, unexpectedly managed to subdue the terrifyingly powerful demon of Gengchen Immortal Palace, sparking widespread debate among everyone.
Synopsis via Kunmanga
Imagine my shock when I realized there is an actual Korean drama based on this manhua. Its story has some of the worst pacing I’ve EVER seen, and its romance… isn’t romance at all, really. Some people think Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991) showcases Stockholm Syndrome, where the captive is manipulated by circumstance to empathize with their captor. Although I think Disney’s movie DEFINITELY doesn’t have that, this manhua is a living testament to the phenomenon. I’ll talk about this more in my end of the year posts.
The Northern Warrior’s Beloved Bride 7/10
After witnessing the horrors of war, Princess Meltia of the kingdom developed a deep trauma toward men. Deemed “useless” and shunned by her family, she is forced into a political marriage with Altor, the “most feared warrior of the northern frontier.” Terrified by the rumors, she braces herself for a rough first night—but instead of violence, Altor simply whispers gently, “You’re safe.”
From that moment on, a sweet yet frustratingly tender married life begins. Though rough around the edges, Altor is sincere and slowly reaches into Meltia’s heart. With every gentle touch, she finds herself melting into his devoted love.
Synopsis via Mandex
This is truly a great example of how to write a romance between a married couple. While I wouldn’t keep in some of the more blatant marriage scenes between the couple, I did like several things in the story:
- The male lead was super respectful of his wife. He never forced himself on her sexually and was completely invested in making their marriage a partnership.
- The female lead overcame her trauma in her own time, by her own merit, NOT just because of her husband.
- Patience, respect, and love seem to be the main components of creating a good romantic relationship in this story. The other stuff seems to be more of an added bonus.
- Both characters are interested in clearing up misunderstandings and openly communicating with each other, rather than stewing unnecessarily on stupid things and making rash decisions.
Anyway, although I did appreciate what this story is promoting in relationships, I am not really in a place in my life where I should be reading it, so I’ll put it aside for now until later after I am married myself.
That is my December! My winter break opened up TONS of time for me to read and watch things! Hopefully, I can keep it up in January.
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 