Bad Born Blood

Brilliant. Please, please, please do not pay the low rating or tr*sh synopsis any heed. This novel is SO well-written, on par with solid published novels while keeping the addictive potential of web/ light novels. There's never any time to feel bored. Usually, you'll have genuinely interesting world building, character development, and violent struggles for survival all in one chapter. There are no meaningless sections. I'm enjoying the arc that another reviewer sees as a major flaw because of the delicious character development and the despair that has taken on a different form. ... more>> It keeps things fresh while remaining the same story at its core. The power system and fights are beautifully designed. MC is OP enough to my liking but does lose occasionally so the reader is kept on his toes. The cast consists of smart, independent characters. You'll know you've found a good story when the characters actually possess their own will apart from the MC and their actions inconvenience him at times, even when they're on his side. The writing style? Chef's kiss. For those who want a non-spoiler-y outline: Spoiler The story explores the tension between Luka's desire to prove himself as a soldier and his need to belong, i.e. to protect the people that fulfill it. They're not mutually exclusive, of course. Cue the plot twists! If you're into unreliable narrators, you'll be hooked by the indoctrination that dominates Luka's entire narration at the beginning. As in - wow, he's a lost cause, but boy am I looking forward to his first subversive thoughts and the decisions that follow. A bit further into the story, maybe around chapter 40, there's the first major plot point that evinces the overarching theme. Spoiler We find out that Luka's instructor is a possible enemy spy. Everything about him is suspicious. The chaos might swallow the MC whole if he doesn't learn how to position himself. It's fun to watch him detect and master physical or metaphorical death traps. [collapse] [collapse] TL;DR I'm the type to reach for low brow novels. I don't even care for Science Fiction. But this... it's intelligently written and thoroughly entertaining, and now I'm left wanting for more. Read it!!! Also, the manhwa is a disappointment, ignore it. <<less

This is a fantastic story. Of all the isekai and regressor stories, this one has been such a refreshing take. There is no unrealistic romance or cliche plot traps. I love the storyline and the characters are relatable and delightful to get to know. I have laughed so many times reading this story. It is a well thought out story with many details considered. I did not expect to find a story with depth like this given how the webtoon version portrayed the characters. The successes and achievements of the protagonist ... more>> feel truly earned and he acknowledges the limits of his regressor knowledge <<less

FYI: The novel is actually complete I believe at 353 chapters. I found this story a masterpiece in terms of how it handled the main character and his struggles regarding his humanity, his abilities, the complex political system, his nebulous allies and enemies alike. Following the story with many of the major characters, it never became very predictable at all, and was always stimulating. Other reviews mention a filler section; I never found any such thing to be true. Every single piece of this story is for a purpose, either to ... more>> develop the character (s) or to lead to the next plot. For me, this novel was a constant flowing adrenaline rush, full of mystery as the main character desperately tries to catch up to the darkness surrounding his enemies while at the same time reckoning with his humanity. The one thing I have to mention though, was that the ending surrounding a pivotal character felt rushed. The justification made sense, it was the result of the entire story, and yet I found it slightly unsatisfying. I wish that that section was developed more. <<less

I was hoping to read a story about a smart protagonist. This one starts out pretty good, but it declines as ... more>> Spoiler the protagonist becomes figuratively and literally brain-damaged. Yes, the thing that was foreshadowed early on in the story becomes real, but I didn't expect how much it sucks to actually read. [collapse] The major plot structure is also deeply unsatisfying. Spoiler After the rebellion arc ends, many major questions of what transpired are left unanswered as Luka enters a coma. The story flash-forwards twelve years to when his brain is restored. We learn that Luka's sacrifice was mostly invalidated as his loved ones suffer mysterious misfortunes during the time-skip. The story then enters what is essentially a filler arc where Luka is stuck in Bellato working for an alien tycoon and a temperamental, promiscuous idol. [collapse] At some point, this story gradually became a chore to read. The worldbuilding and characterization are actually pretty good, but they don't compensate for the major flaws. <<less

This was soo good, The story kept just ramping up and the world kept getting bigger the more we found out about what is going on in the background. Just 1 problem, a BIG problem. Spoiler He kisses his sister, I know he is adopted but still... [collapse] This came out of nowhere and ruined my reading experience, so I am putting it at a 4 instead of the 6/5 I wanted to give it. If you guys don't care continue otherwise don't read it as you will feel empty after this : (