Not a Fairy Tale

Number one, perfectionist, ballerina, impulsive, and amazona—that was Alzeah Marie Constantino! She believed that she was beautiful, exceptional, and smart. But beware, because she never backed down. She cursed a lot; she didn’t have friends aside from her lazy, lazy, lazy childhood frenemy and neighbor, Tyrone James Dela Cruz. The only person Zeah had been ever kind to was him, but Tyrone was only ever unkind towards her. One time, Zeah witnessed how Tyrone’s friend and first love betrayed him. She was livid; she wanted to take revenge for Tyrone by being his tutor and life coach. Soon, Tyrone might fall for her; or Zeah might even fall for him, despite the fact that she had always prioritized her studies and career. One had to wonder if they were meant to be. “Once upon a time, there was no happily ever after and happy ending. Once upon a time, there was no once upon a time for life was not a fairy tale.”

Original Publisher

wattpad

Original Language

filipino

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Not a Fairy Tale "Not a Fairy Tale" is a title that immediately intrigued me, and diving into this story was quite the experience. With its blend of adventure, comedy, drama, and romance, it felt like a mixed bag of emotions and experiences, and I found myself surprisingly invested in the lives of these characters. ### First Impressions The premise is definitely unique, and the blend of genres is compelling. The story immediately throws you into the lives of college students, and the "gender bender" tag adds an interesting layer to the dynamic. I was curious to see how the author would balance all these elements, and I wasn't disappointed. ### What Works Well What I appreciated most about "Not a Fairy Tale" was its focus on the characters. Each student has their own distinct personality, quirks, and dreams, making them feel relatable and real. The story explores the challenges and triumphs of these characters as they navigate college life, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. The "slice of life" aspect is executed beautifully, capturing the essence of everyday experiences and turning them into something extraordinary. The romantic elements, though present, don't overshadow the other aspects of the story, allowing for a more balanced and nuanced narrative. It truly felt like a roller coaster of emotions, with each chapter offering a new lesson or perspective. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the story overall, the sheer number of genres and themes might be overwhelming for some readers. The pacing can be a bit uneven at times, with certain plotlines feeling rushed or underdeveloped. However, these minor flaws didn't detract significantly from my enjoyment of the story. ### Final Verdict "Not a Fairy Tale" is a refreshing and engaging web novel that offers a unique blend of genres and themes. With its well-developed characters, relatable storylines, and thought-provoking lessons, it's a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading. If you're looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, then I highly recommend giving "Not a Fairy Tale" a try. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.