Rating: ★★★☆☆
This is the second novel I’ve read with a mind-reading male lead (ML) 🧠✨—the first being The Wealthy and Influential Fiancé Has the Ability to Read Minds—and I have to say, the concept is just as intriguing here. But while it had a lot of potential, the execution left me scratching my head at times 🤔.
First off, the timeline. It’s wild 🕰️! The first 80-90 chapters somehow cover just six months, during which the ML and female lead (FL) miraculously take down almost all the old ministers ⚔️. And let’s talk about logistics—like the general returning overnight when it clearly should’ve taken days. Are you kidding me?! 😅
Then there’s the FL’s transmigration. It seems she transmigrated at birth 🍼, based on her memories of her hometown and family. But if that’s true, why did she only start writing novels after entering the palace? 🏯 Also, the translation didn’t help. One moment, the FL is having a single baby (adorable crown prince alert! 👶❤️), and the next, people are talking about twins. Twins?! When did that happen?! 🤷♀️
That said, the gossip-driven plotlines were an absolute treat! 🍿 Every juicy scandal—whether happy, sad, or downright cruel—shook things up and made you root for justice ⚖️ and equality. My favorite part was the dowager and Scholar Qi’s love story 🥹❤️. It was so heartfelt and really helped the ML grow as a character.
While the story nailed themes of women’s empowerment 💪 and equality, it missed the mark with LGBTQ+ representation 🌈. Gay and intersex characters deserved better, and that was disappointing.
Would I reread it? Probably not 🙅♀️. But would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you love palace intrigue 🏰, supernatural twists 🪄, and plenty of drama 🎭, give it a shot. Just don’t expect everything to make perfect sense!
Novelupdates Link: https://www.novelupdates.com/series/my-beloved-concubine-only-wants-to-eat-melons/