I know that this is the novel listing (? for lack of a better term), but my review is for the manhwa version of this story (which isn't on goodreads)(Chapters 1 - 100).
Honestly, my opinion of this series has changed quite a bit over the years; I had first read it as it released back in 2021 and had re-read it this year (2026) since I couldn't remember where I had left off. I had remembered really liking this series- I thought it had a unique premise, interesting characters, and a unpredictable plot- now having re-read it (and being a bit older) my feelings have changed quite a bit.
Overall I feel like this manhwa is just okay, the premise is still interesting to me - but nothing else really is. It's your typical isekai/reincarnation plot; a girl reincarnates into the little sister of a dating sim's main villain, trying to avoid her fate she acts like the cute/dumb little sister while plotting to run away. What interested me was the unique idea of the "transcendent" people- basically super human people, but what took me a bit aback re-reading this series is that they are just kindof a bad portrayal of the stereotype of autistic people (if this portray was done more in-depth with less stereotyping I feel like this could have been a really nice)- but with that on-top of the literal death sentence they face, it just felt a bit icky :( The main character Dahlia is sweet but is just kind of a Mary Sue, making it kinda boring at times to read. Even in the beginning with her "plotting" to run away- she just gives up- the "plot" carries her, as it does many characters.
I really liked the idea of this manhwa but I was wanting a lot more from the characters and plot. That being said, it is still a lot better than some other manhwas I've read- but it is just mid (to me). I'm not sure if I will continue this one or not :/
Edit: I continued it (chapters 100 - 149). It picked up quite a bit, and I really like where it's going, while the characters aren't very strong, the plot has gotten a lot better and is quite interesting- if it continues to update regularly, I hope this is one that I end up finishing! ^^
Our lead awakens as a character who didn't exist in a dark otome game. The transcendentals are humans who have magical powers based on special bloodlines in the empires. As they use their powers, however, they become more unstable until they turn into a catastrophic disaster. The current emperor has put together monitoring and response teams but in a few years even that won't be enough. Most of the current generation of transcendentals will become obsessed with the female lead Adriana and destroy themselves battling for control of her. As Dahlia, our lady, decides to pretend to be naive and harmless while she collects some money and run away. Her first hurdle is surviving her brother Hikan and his awakening. As she grows attached she wonders if she can change the storyline, meanwhile the emperor discovers Dahlia's abilities to calm the magical fever and Second Prince Cedric falls in love. * * * * *----------* * * * *----------* * * * * This entry is composed of well trod tropes regarding esper novels, time looping, and not quite true isekai adventures. The characters are sympathetic for the most part despite their violence, coldness, or unusual choices. The manga follows the source material closely and I would have preferred some expectations to meet or overthrow. The setup volume is a little repetitive. The second adds in new characters and shenanigans. Then we build up the antagonist and explain the how events became this way. Then we try to give as many people happy endings as possible. There are a few quibbling issues that don't make sense or alter establish logic. I also thought the amnesia bit for our romance in the side stories was an odd choice. Still, it is a fine little ro-fan adventure if you don't mind the lack of originality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love this story. All of the characters are great and fully fleshed, as is the romance. The main character's ability is unique in the fact that it's based off of her affection. Even though she can't fight and isn't a super genius, at least she can choose who to save. At the end when Aceras is complaining to her, I loved how she just let him have it. She suffered so much because of his selfishness.
Cedric is also a great ML! I love how he's so devoted and it feels like he actually loved Dalia. He never tries to tame her or keep her away from others. He wants her to be happy. I also quite like when the ML falls in love first and pursues the MC, so that was a bonus.
As for the actual story, it was good. The premise was interesting and though I disliked that the entire conflict was one whole man, it made sense in terms of how the world was set up.
My complaints are very few. I would have liked more romantic scenes between the main couple. We did get to see them fall in love, but I would have liked more. On that note, I would have liked more scenes of the MC with the other characters. After she conquered them, they kinda just disappeared. It would have been fun to see them hangout and get closer. Especially with the MC and her brother — I loved them! Finally, there were a few plot holes or things that didn't make logistical sense. They weren't big, but they were there.
Translation was great and the story was even better! I loved this so much. It's definitley my favorite romance novel of all time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.