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A review by inmydreams
最佳契合 by 十九瑶
5.0
Non official english title: Perfect Match. Length: 82 chapters + 4 extras.
Warning: long review incoming (sorry I just have many thoughts).
Alright, first of all it's necessary to clarify that this one isn't for everyone. It starts very dark (please check CWs), however it becomes sweet and even comical later, which is an incredible achievement due to the themes it explores.
The premise is simple: He An (omega MC) and Zheng Feiluan (alpha MC) are a perfect match of 100%. In this universe, percentage is the main drive to form couples. Usually they're between alphas and omegas, the ones affected by the pheromones the most. The story begins with He An being abused by Zheng Feiluan, and the plot reveals the past events until it got to that point. The alpha is an massive asshole, while the omega hopelessly cares for him. Since this is a chasing crematorium novel, MC isn't treated right and goes away, then the ML later realizes he's the one he loves and tries to get him back (but this time, it isn't easy).
I really liked the progression of the story. The truth gets revealed as the chapters continue and it is satisfying to see ML get the realization that he is losing it all because of his grave mistakes. The novel also feels slow paced, which the author did with only a few chapters (I say this because danmei novels are usually much longer, and the length of each one is on the shorter side as well).
About the characters, I thought this novel would depict the cliche that is found in many others with an abused MC and the abuser ML. Not that I have anything agaisnt them (there are books for everyone after all), but I am more interested in those that explore each side from a social and psychological view. To my surprise, the initial dynamic changes and the story gives the MC time to heal and for the alpha to mend what he broke (which isn't possible, however the process matters and it didn't feel as if he changed just for the sake of them ending up together). I love when authors aren't afraid of separating a pairing for a long time and not take the easy road to jump years later and have then reunited a few pages later.
There is a reason that I enjoyed following both MCs: character development. For He An (omega MC), I enjoyed that. For Zheng Feiluan, I don't think forgiveness is the word to use, but the fact that . Another thing is that the novel actually shows . I definitely have a preference towards the omega MC though, he became my favorite character.
On the reasoning for the relationship to work for me, the key is the new dynamic in the second half of the story:. And here comes another point to discuss.
For such a dark beginning, the novel shows then a very comedic side. The couple are actually funny together. I would've never thought I would say this about a story with such heavy topics, because it does have some realistic depictions of society treatment towards those with less power, the low autonomy omegas have, the secrets behind the entertaiment and business industries and the impact of family. This is supported by the incredible cast: a beta and another alpha who are the omega's friends and the alpha's parents. These two other pairings complement the story in the best way, I got invested in both. One is funny (the type to bicker all the time) the other is tragic (the type of doomed established relationship with too many wounds). Again, it balances out the hurt and the comfort side.
I wouldn't say this novel is perfect, but to me it is a 5 out of 5 because of how it managed to pull off a strong and acceptable grovelling with HEA in an organic way.
Warning: long review incoming (sorry I just have many thoughts).
Alright, first of all it's necessary to clarify that this one isn't for everyone. It starts very dark (please check CWs), however it becomes sweet and even comical later, which is an incredible achievement due to the themes it explores.
The premise is simple: He An (omega MC) and Zheng Feiluan (alpha MC) are a perfect match of 100%. In this universe, percentage is the main drive to form couples. Usually they're between alphas and omegas, the ones affected by the pheromones the most. The story begins with He An being abused by Zheng Feiluan, and the plot reveals the past events until it got to that point. The alpha is an massive asshole, while the omega hopelessly cares for him. Since this is a chasing crematorium novel, MC isn't treated right and goes away, then the ML later realizes he's the one he loves and tries to get him back (but this time, it isn't easy).
I really liked the progression of the story. The truth gets revealed as the chapters continue and it is satisfying to see ML get the realization that he is losing it all because of his grave mistakes. The novel also feels slow paced, which the author did with only a few chapters (I say this because danmei novels are usually much longer, and the length of each one is on the shorter side as well).
About the characters, I thought this novel would depict the cliche that is found in many others with an abused MC and the abuser ML. Not that I have anything agaisnt them (there are books for everyone after all), but I am more interested in those that explore each side from a social and psychological view. To my surprise, the initial dynamic changes and the story gives the MC time to heal and for the alpha to mend what he broke (which isn't possible, however the process matters and it didn't feel as if he changed just for the sake of them ending up together). I love when authors aren't afraid of separating a pairing for a long time and not take the easy road to jump years later and have then reunited a few pages later.
There is a reason that I enjoyed following both MCs: character development. For He An (omega MC), I enjoyed that
Spoiler
he didn't stay a victim for the entire story, and instead he got out of that cycle and worked on the rest of the areas in his life, for himself and his familySpoiler
the one who did such monstrous actions towards the omega was his inner alpha due todisease caused by rejecting the match and the omega's pheromones, made it somewhat easier for me to separate him from that other side that commited such crimesSpoiler
how he becomes a much better person, leaving his mistaken ideas behind, and did everything in his power to never harm those he loves ever againOn the reasoning for the relationship to work for me, the key is the new dynamic in the second half of the story:
Spoiler
He An becomes the one with the most power from the couple, while Zheng Feiluan is like a big puppy that does absolutely everything his omega and his child ask. Since alphas in any omegaverse universe are 'stronger' and have much power over omegas, this balances out the relationship and it gives He An space to take his own decissions. Zheng Feiluan becomes such a changed person that it's even funnyFor such a dark beginning, the novel shows then a very comedic side. The couple are actually funny together. I would've never thought I would say this about a story with such heavy topics, because it does have some realistic depictions of society treatment towards those with less power, the low autonomy omegas have, the secrets behind the entertaiment and business industries and the impact of family. This is supported by the incredible cast: a beta and another alpha who are the omega's friends and the alpha's parents. These two other pairings complement the story in the best way, I got invested in both. One is funny (the type to bicker all the time) the other is tragic (the type of doomed established relationship with too many wounds). Again, it balances out the hurt and the comfort side.
I wouldn't say this novel is perfect, but to me it is a 5 out of 5 because of how it managed to pull off a strong and acceptable grovelling with HEA in an organic way.