The Golden Forest centers on Reniae, a slave girl who received a goddess’ blessing. But good fortune is more of a curse, and for reasons unexplained, she fled to the northern highlands, where she disguises herself as a boy to escape notice.
She encounters Kun there, a young guy who is critically injured. Slowly, she brings him back to life. Eventually, they part ways, but she (and, I guess, he) have both changed permanently. I appreciate how much the online comic emphasizes mythology, narrative, and overall world-building. We get a lot more specific information about the Golden Forest’s relationship to the White Mountains and how they both have a shared past. I also appreciate Renae’s agency.
The plot of the golden forest has currently taken a turn in Reniae’s history as a young slave girl. My main complaint with this is that we’re left wondering how Reniae and Kun are connected, and the flashbacks have now lasted for around 10+ episodes.
Since the current events are what drew me in, I’m eager to get back on track because it feels like we briefly veered off the path. It’s good I’m still reading it but I’m expecting it to become even better as I go.
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- Part 1: Read The Main Storyline of the Golden Forest
- Part 2: The Main Characters Settings on the Golden Forest
- Part 3: What I Love About The Golden Forest
- Part 4: Wrap-up
part1:Read The Main Storyline of the Golden Forest
I enjoyed reading this golden novel. The storyline of this novel is about Reniae, an escaped slave girl, who was endowed with a goddess’ gift of natural charm. Given that Reniae is unable to control who or when she charms, this blessing feels more like a curse. She tries to flee to the Northlands to escape her curse and the Golden Forest, which serves as her prison.
She discovers Kun there, lying still in the snow. The extent of the “curse” that might befall Reniae because of this “blessing” is not held back in this series. It’s remarkable to observe how Reniae’s “blessing” has altered every aspect of her perspective.
The golden forest story’s pace is a touch off, but it’s not too bad. Some scenes drag on interminably, and the longest “flashback that is technically exposition” narrative element I’ve ever seen occurs in the second part of this season.
This narrative has amazing world-building and power systems! Exciting politics also exist between the South and North. Both sides are caught in a religious battle inside themselves, where none is right or wrong in what they are doing. The next story of the golden forest should hopefully return us to the present and provide us with additional information about Kun.
One of my all-time favorite tales, by far. Even if you’re not a major fan of manga, manhwa, or webcomics, I wholeheartedly suggest The Golden Forest! I find it hard to believe this story has never been told before because everything about it is unique.
Part2:The Main Characters Settings on the Golden Forest
Renaie was initially difficult for me to appreciate as the primary character. She comes out as resentful and cynical for what seems like no reason at all. But as the series unfolds, everything makes perfect sense once you are familiar with her backstory.
As the novel progresses, there is a natural flow of understanding between her and the reader that I like, and I come to understand that everything she does is either done with forethought or for a very good cause. I still have mixed feelings about Renaie, but I can respect her as a key character and the caliber of writing that went into her.
I’m not even exaggerating when I say that I’ve read thousands of novels and books. However, this is a well-thought-out story with distinct world-building and character creation. Renier, the MC, is one of my favorite MCs.
She is not flawless, but she is powerful (both emotionally and physically; one of the finest hunters there is) and she loves fiercely despite all her uncertainties and anxieties. The fact that the main character (MC) picked the ideal man who genuinely loves her the most shows how the novel does not romanticize abuse and manipulation.
Reniae, the protagonist, is powerful, intelligent, and possesses extremely firm convictions. She also understands how to protect herself. Although she is not particularly powerful or attractive, she believes in her destiny and that she can overcome it overnight in the golden forest.
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Part3:What I Love about The Golden Forest
The male character is also incredibly committed; he respects Reniae’s decisions and genuinely cares for her. The narrative demonstrates how, through adversity, he matures and develops into a strong, cold man. He is not strong and OP from the beginning.
Regarding the second male protagonist, it’s possible that he previously had a genuine love affair with Reniae while they were still young and was a decent man at that time. But he was the one who decided to put his purpose ahead of his affection, which ultimately turned into an obsession. He is a complete scumbag, and he even injured Reniae. So, he is just a self-centered bad guy.
I enjoyed this narrative after reading spoilers about it in the spoiler thread. I hope a deserving translator picks up this novel, as it is a hidden gem, so we may read this masterpiece. I adore this series. The plot is grounded, and the fantastical realms are wholly original and devoid of isekai or second chances.
Although this novel has some annoying misconceptions, they are extremely solid ones with genuine reason and logic and are resolved in the end. Even fantasy and magic have logical reasons behind them.
Part4:Wrap-up
To me, labeling The Golden Forest as merely a fantasy-set romance is pretty demeaning. One of, if not its best strength, is how it pays attention to mythology and general worldbuilding as well as the series’ commentary on religion, faith, bigotry, and biases created out of and justified through lore.
Although the relationship between the three characters is undoubtedly the focus of the narrative, other topics are also covered. I’m fascinated by it because of this, possibly in the same way that guys are with Renaie.
The golden forest All of these play a significant role in how the plot develops overall as well as how they influence Renaie, our primary heroine, and others around her. And it’s like seeing history being written for us readers.
There is no one right view, yet at some point in the narrative, every character accepts a certain version of the events as fact, at least until that opinion is refuted. For me, it’s one of the highlights of this series.