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A review by scifi_rat
If Found, Return to Hell by Em X. Liu
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5
overall rating: 3.5 stars
plot: [.25] overall the plot was very straightforward, if a bit predictable, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of it. it was sweet and simple and perfect for a novella sized story.
prose: [.25] at times a little too casual, especially with the phone call formatting, it was still a solid entertaining and engaging narration. the second person narrative made sense only to support the gender fluidity of the main character but it also felt like a loose end because there wasn't a clear narrator so it didn't contribute to the story in any other way.
pace: [.5] perfect for the length of the work. i got through most of it in one sitting.
main character: [.25] i really did enjoy the main character a lot and watching the events unfold from their perspective. there were hints of more depth to their character though that never got explored, which i guess is understandable due to the length of the work, but i wish we got more background and motivations for them.
side characters: [.25] shine and wang ran once again felt a little fanfiction-y to me, just the way their emoting was described. shine's mom felt a little random with how she reacted to things. however, i'm OBSESSED with nathaniel, she was so vivid and interesting and lovely. also the king of hell and the reaper had such minor roles but were very memorable.
setting/worldbuilding: [.25] the most distinct part of the setting was the main character's apartment. the rest of the world felt just generic enough and i wish there were more specific images, of places and even of the corporate culture of one wizard.
concept/tropes: [.25] i enjoyed the concept of corporate wizardry, two people sharing one body, and just the trope of found family friendships in general. i do wish there was more of it.
ending: [.5] perfect, with that note of hope and a whole different future ahead.
entertainment value: [.5] i did consume this almost in one go and was endlessly entertained. just lighthearted enough but also just emotional enough.
vibes/themes: [.5]
plot: [.25] overall the plot was very straightforward, if a bit predictable, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of it. it was sweet and simple and perfect for a novella sized story.
prose: [.25] at times a little too casual, especially with the phone call formatting, it was still a solid entertaining and engaging narration. the second person narrative made sense only to support the gender fluidity of the main character but it also felt like a loose end because there wasn't a clear narrator so it didn't contribute to the story in any other way.
pace: [.5] perfect for the length of the work. i got through most of it in one sitting.
main character: [.25] i really did enjoy the main character a lot and watching the events unfold from their perspective. there were hints of more depth to their character though that never got explored, which i guess is understandable due to the length of the work, but i wish we got more background and motivations for them.
side characters: [.25] shine and wang ran once again felt a little fanfiction-y to me, just the way their emoting was described. shine's mom felt a little random with how she reacted to things. however, i'm OBSESSED with nathaniel, she was so vivid and interesting and lovely. also the king of hell and the reaper had such minor roles but were very memorable.
setting/worldbuilding: [.25] the most distinct part of the setting was the main character's apartment. the rest of the world felt just generic enough and i wish there were more specific images, of places and even of the corporate culture of one wizard.
concept/tropes: [.25] i enjoyed the concept of corporate wizardry, two people sharing one body, and just the trope of found family friendships in general. i do wish there was more of it.
ending: [.5] perfect, with that note of hope and a whole different future ahead.
entertainment value: [.5] i did consume this almost in one go and was endlessly entertained. just lighthearted enough but also just emotional enough.
vibes/themes: [.5]
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Blood