Scan barcode
A review by gwenolabarr
Case File Compendium: Bing An Ben (Novel) Vol. 3 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
THIS SERIES IS A WALKING RED FLAG AND YOU MUST READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS. YOU CANNOT JUST DIVE INTO THIS SERIES WITHOUT DOING SO.
Prelim review: I will never be a He Yu apologist. He's reprehensible for his actions. During the highly problematic scenes I at times felt queasy, and needed to take breaks. Do not make excuses for his behaviour. Do not use his "psychological ebola" as a justification. Whether he FEELS the difference between right/wrong, he KNOWS the difference between right/wrong. He can objectively make a logical decision to stop his actions.
There was not enough of Xie Qingcheng's perspective in this volume. I understand why, and can see where this is going. We get glimpses of his perspective at the end.
I hate that the plot that threads and weaves underneath the uncomfortable, dark, problematic romance is so goddam good. Particularly the last 100 pages. I'm hooked and can't turn back now.
Meatbun excels at dark story telling, with hints of ridiculous levity (Titanic Songfic anyone?). I don't necessarily LOVE the narrative, but I am challenged by it. I appreciate it, and I'm intrigued. I cannot label how I feel reading this with simple emotions. Only complex over thinker emotions. Ultimately, being challenged and presented with conflicting worldviews or human behaviour is my favourite feeling in media engagement.
3 stars for plot and intrigue. I will never reward it higher than this. Readers will know why.
Prelim review: I will never be a He Yu apologist. He's reprehensible for his actions. During the highly problematic scenes I at times felt queasy, and needed to take breaks. Do not make excuses for his behaviour. Do not use his "psychological ebola" as a justification. Whether he FEELS the difference between right/wrong, he KNOWS the difference between right/wrong. He can objectively make a logical decision to stop his actions.
There was not enough of Xie Qingcheng's perspective in this volume. I understand why, and can see where this is going. We get glimpses of his perspective at the end.
I hate that the plot that threads and weaves underneath the uncomfortable, dark, problematic romance is so goddam good. Particularly the last 100 pages. I'm hooked and can't turn back now.
Meatbun excels at dark story telling, with hints of ridiculous levity (Titanic Songfic anyone?). I don't necessarily LOVE the narrative, but I am challenged by it. I appreciate it, and I'm intrigued. I cannot label how I feel reading this with simple emotions. Only complex over thinker emotions. Ultimately, being challenged and presented with conflicting worldviews or human behaviour is my favourite feeling in media engagement.
3 stars for plot and intrigue. I will never reward it higher than this. Readers will know why.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Death, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment