Survive Romance
Long ass review ahead because I'm in love w this manhwa.
Surviving Romance is one of the best, and I repeat THE BEST, manhwas out there in terms of storytelling and execution. It's got everything you didn't know you wanted and needed to get your heart pumping - an intoxicating concoction of the romance, thriller, and horror genres with a hint of friendship.
I went into this blind because I saw someone recommend this in a reddit thread while I was looking for a good manhwa to read. This isn't just a good webtoon - this is THE webtoon to read.
I just had to keep reading. I can't put it down even if I wanted to. I really needed to know what happens next to each of these characters, why things are progressing at this rate, and how they'll fix the problems that inevitably come up.
Surviving Romance is a skillful showcase at storytelling, with incredible pacing and plot twists, all paired with just the right amount of suspense. The author takes the time to unfold the premise of the story, and explore the realistic physical and mental changes the main character goes through. And following a thrilling inciting incident, the story dives into an exciting development full of interesting conflicts.
There's so much to praise here but for me, the biggest and best element are the characters. The characters were written by the author to be inherently flawed people. They do not have stereotypical roles to fulfil, despite being part of a novel, and they have biases and interests that make them feel like they could be your real-life friends and acquaintances.
Although having a cool and interesting MC is ideal, having a cast of characters that seem to have their own autonomy over their own existence and have goals outside of the main character weaves together an intricate tapestry that makes the story vibrate with life.
The author is so SKILLED I'm left reeling in the aftermath of the world they've made. They're just so goddamn GOOD. This takes expertise to craft and my god, they are as skilled as they are bold. I have never once felt like the story is dragging or the characters were too generic or obvious. They know when to withhold important information, how to introduce elements for maximum impact in the story and to the reader, while maintaining the tightest pace despite controlling a huge cast of characters.
As a big fan of otome isekai manhwas and their random spin-offs, I more or less have a gauge with the story and the common tropes that populate the genre. But this? This manhwa feels like I'm experiencing the genre like it was the first time all over again. The author utilizes tropes unique to the genre and puts a twist on them that tests them to their limits.
Please if you haven't read this yet. PLEASE give this a try, words can't describe how in love I am with this.
By any chance, if you guys know any manhwa out there that makes you feel like it can match up to this, please let me know. I need to feel alive again lmao.
EDIT; NO FUCKING WAY ITS BACK OMGOMGONGKMGOMG
Little Mushroom
WAIT. WHAT THE FUCK?? IVE READ THE NOVEL BUT I WAS NEVER AWARE THERE WAS A MANHUA ADAPTATION?? IS THIS FR? WHATTSTUDG. JM ACTUALLY SXCREMAING RIGHT NOW. SYHESHHSBJA. WHERE'S THE REST OF THE CHAPTERS? HOW LONG IS SOON? NO FUCK IJ GN WAY
Lightning Degree