When I first read the title SOTUS I was utterly confused. What the heck is SOTUS?? Having never heard of the live action series OR the original novel (how?) this story was all new to me and so I had no idea what the heck we were talking about. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as it means I went into reading this with zero expectations. But, for context, here’s what SOTUS means (you’re welcome):

Now, for the synopsis: "SOTUS is an educational system in which upperclassmen impose “trials” upon underclassmen. Arthit, leader of the engineering seniors, plans to put his new juniors through a harsh training regimen to earn the symbol of their major—the gear. However, a first-year named Kongpob causes new headaches for Arthit when he declares he’ll snatch the gear from him: “I’ll make you my wife!”"

I’ll admit, for the first half of the book I had so, so many questions about this. SOTUS is like a bootcamp! Why would anyone tolerate such a thing at school? You literally have a team of hazers waiting for you and you’re still gonna go here? Just how big IS this school? Why is Arthit SUCH A PRICK? But I hung in there and I’m glad I did!

This is one of those cases where I feel the synopsis doesn’t do the story justice. My impression was that freshman Kongpob was going to be an aggressive, offensive jerk who gives kind upperclassman Arthit a difficult time and it eventually turns into something. Am I crazy for thinking that’s how it sounds? But it’s nothing like that. Kongpob is taller, younger, and sweeter while Arthit is shorter, older, and seriously not at all endearing for a good bit of time. What the context is for the “I’ll make you my wife!” you’ll just have to wait and see.

SOTUS definitely has plot, which I appreciate. While I was a little indifferent at first it did hook my attention by the end. While Kongpob endures Arthit’s public humiliation tactics time after time, various interactions slowly draw them closer together. By the end of the volume I was very interested in what kind of person Arthit truly is, as it becomes clearer that what he shows outwardly does not express his true feelings. Basically… they hooked me and I didn’t even see it coming. I’m actually legitimately eager for volume 2 just to see what will be the catalyst that brings these two together.

Content-wise this is a 16+ title, so there’s some adult elements to it but it’s limited to language, really. Given the statements, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if things heat up in volume 2, though I don’t expect it would be to a particularly graphic degree. Overall, I would consider this a bit of a rare title. For those who don’t enjoy smut, this is a pretty chaste story, though it is not really fluffy and cute like most non-smut BLs tend to be.

It’s been a while since we had a SWEET tag, but I think it’s the best fit for SOTUS, since there’s nothing frisky going on. I plan to hang on and check out volume 2 when it comes out - it seems to be heading into a cute space that I’m totally here for.

SOTUS will be released on February 21! Grab your copy HERE

TLDR;

5% spice with a sprinkling of “This might end up cute!”

Publisher: Yen Press

Age Rating: 16+

Page Count: 162

Release Date: 2/21/2023

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