Adaptation: Reborn in the Perfect Fantasy World Book 1 – Book Review
Book 1 of 1: Reborn in the Perfect Fantasy World
Cristoph A. T.’s “Adaptation: Reborn in the Perfect Fantasy World” is a compelling introduction to this fantasy fiction world that combines aspects of high intrigue, cultivation, and isekai. Readers are transported on an enthralling and fascinating journey from the moment Anessa is reborn into a world full of gods and magic.
I was drawn in immediately from the first paragraphs:
DEATH, IT SEEMS, is a liar. I expected peace, but found myself trapped and afraid. Bound by the lies that we often tell ourselves, only to discover that the fear and loathing was a side-effect of being reborn.
I, Anessa, came into the world of Anfang strikingly aware from the moment I was born. Blurs of colors and blotches swam across my sight as I was suddenly flooded with light. The blurs cleared, to at least a few inches in front of me, after a minute passed. An almond-skinned mousy woman’s face appeared in front of me. Since I had no idea who she was, I thought, What the hell is going on? Who is this woman and where am I?
The central theme of this book is Anessa’s journey to learn the truth about her death and deal with the challenges of her new life. The narrative unfolds in a thoughtful and captivating manner, engrossing us in an intricately detailed universe. One reviewer said there is a bit of culture shock to the story, as well as some “xianxia-like subtext that seems to affect how people think and work despite it seeming like it’s a Western focused narrative” but I did find these to be things that kept the story unique and interesting. It definitely helps sets this book apart from other Western fantasy novels.
This is a prologue book, but it does a great job of introducing the world, the characters, and what we can expect from the series.
“Adaptation” features likable and well-developed characters. Anessa is a sympathetic and engaging protagonist because of her curiosity and tenacity. Her brother often steals the show, as an equally likable character. The relationships between the siblings are fascinating to read about because of his charming demeanor, which adds a dimension of charm to the plot.
I enjoyed the way dialogue was written, showing us more insight into the characters and their relationships and also helping us to better understand this fantasy world. I loved how certain themes were handled, such as exploration of self, sexuality, gender roles, familial expectations, and other coming-of-age type issues our main character experiences.
The author skillfully blends intimate moments with suspenseful, high-stakes storytelling to produce a well-balanced story that captivates readers from beginning to end. The exquisite full-color pictures and intricate map that bring the world to life in the inside illustrations by Alice Waites are a visual delight that elevate the reading experience.
“Adaptation” is, to sum it up, a delightful and thought-provoking read. With characters and a universe that will stay with you long after you flip the last page, Cristoph A. T. has written a story that is both captivating and intricately detailed. This novel is a must-read if you enjoy fantasy, isekai, and cultivation stories. I’m eager to see where the series goes from here and heartily recommend it.