So, I've never written one of these before, and I've never gone into playing one of these VN's with any intention of writing one. However, it would be an injustice to not sing this story its praises. Sorry for the wall of text that may follow.
I remember seeing Adastra pop up quite a while ago, likely when it was still in its infancy. I remember I recognized that it had all of the chemistry to be a great fit for me, but I never picked Adastra up. I forgot all about this gem until I feel the itch to find and read a decent VN.
I immediately stumbled back onto Adastra and recognized the handsome wolf in the icon, before downloading Adastra. I stepped into this thinking I'd have a cute and campy experience with maybe a bit of smut thrown in. What I got out of Adastra still has me reeling.
I try to distance myself from the MC in these VN's, because it's their story and not mine(As much as I may wish it was). For the first time I've read a VN... It didn't work.
I had my heart flutter in excitement and arousal, and I had it broken and pieced back together, before being completely shattered all over again. I felt the adrenaline spikes, the creeping dread, and sheer emotional torment as I read.
Immediately, the MC is shown to pragmatic, level-headed, and best of all relatable. Our handsome wolf is shown to be the same in some respects, but hes still a unique and lovable character. I don't really know when I fell for that wolf, but oh boy did I.
I loved the fact that in the beginning, the MC and the wolf are pretty unsure of the other. It's not one of those dump two randos together and they're instantly soulmates type of thing. The interactions between the two as they stumble and trip their way along fit the tale perfectly. Two people from two completely different worlds, no matter the compatibility, are going to have some rough spots.
The plot and drama had my mind constantly twisting and on edge, unsure of who stood where. The only safety net being my wolf. I had suspicions of everyone. I would race to connect the dots in my head of who could be trying to hurt my wolf and what their next move might be. I recognized about a quarter of the way through that Adastra had completely drawn me in. I was invested, and I friggin loved it. I was also a sniffling mess several times thanks to Adastra. The first time I've EVER had that type of emotional resonance with any form of art.
As my time on Adastra began to come to an end I was genuinely morose and afraid. I don't want to put any details regarding the ending besides the fact I got the "good" ending. That final scene tore me apart though. I was already sad that my experience with Adastra had come to an end, but to end in such a way hurt that much more.
After it was over, I just sat there teary eyed and empty. I wanted to see and read so much more. I wanted to see more of my wolf. I was so jealous of that bond and that place I could never really be. I pouted for a bit, before I realized I was being silly. I love Adastra for everything that it is and I am blessed to have found it again. However, I wont be truly satisfied until I see the true happy ending for my wolf and his human!
I don't know if the publishers will see this, or if they check this page, but I do hope they know what an amazing experience they made.
Now I'm probably gonna go and play through things again, and savor the details a bit more if not just to see more of my wolf for a bit. The catharsis Adastra gifted me has left me feeling better than I have in quite a while. Irrespective of my own post "book" depression and pouting. I pray the developers never drop this storyline, as its one I'm very keen to follow.
Again, Sorry for the wall of text, but honestly... Adastra deserves its praises sung.
