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zachisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I read this book in a night, which isn't surprising. Frankly, there isn't much to it's 300+ pages.
This is the print publication of a web novel. There isn't a well defined story arc that the book covers. Things happen to the main character, then it ends with the promise that more things were going to happen. Outside of fighting the main character has little impact, the main points of conflict are resolved with little to no input from him. At points where he has input, the omniscient narrator shows that the decision was already arrived upon by the other characters involved.
This isn't unforgivable, but a certain lack of editing is obvious. This is also the authors first foray into writing and mistakes are bound to be made. It is also important to question how much is on the author versus how much is on the translator. While certain large elements are obviously clumsy, the language surrounding it isn't necessarily the fault of the writer. Plenty of grammatical mistakes and unexplained cultural elements can be placed upon the translators, who no doubt were told to rush what they were doing given the release schedule for these books.
So what is there that is redeemable about this? Why is this such a huge hit, getting both an anime and live television adaptation? My first assumption would be the webcomic version, but that isn't entirely fair. I did finish this book, and in a night, no less.
The short answer is it's a power fantasy. The slightly longer answer is its a very fast-paced power fantasy. Why isn't he telling anyone, especially those in positions of authority of this groundbreaking and amazing breakthrough in the world as he knows it? Well, they might use him or not like him very much, don't think about it, just move on to the next action sequence. Why is he feeling the need to intimidate and threaten the person he just saved? Don't think about it, just look at the pretty level up stats. The book devolves into a skinner box anytime you might look critically at it. And that's fine. You aren't meant to be too critical of this. It's a roller-coaster. You get on, enjoy the ride, get off, and remember having fun even though the details don't seem to make sense.
If you're looking to scratch that power fantasy itch, and have exhausted other outlets, and don't like comics or anime because if the pictures, then read this. It's acceptable.
This is the print publication of a web novel. There isn't a well defined story arc that the book covers. Things happen to the main character, then it ends with the promise that more things were going to happen. Outside of fighting the main character has little impact, the main points of conflict are resolved with little to no input from him. At points where he has input, the omniscient narrator shows that the decision was already arrived upon by the other characters involved.
This isn't unforgivable, but a certain lack of editing is obvious. This is also the authors first foray into writing and mistakes are bound to be made. It is also important to question how much is on the author versus how much is on the translator. While certain large elements are obviously clumsy, the language surrounding it isn't necessarily the fault of the writer. Plenty of grammatical mistakes and unexplained cultural elements can be placed upon the translators, who no doubt were told to rush what they were doing given the release schedule for these books.
So what is there that is redeemable about this? Why is this such a huge hit, getting both an anime and live television adaptation? My first assumption would be the webcomic version, but that isn't entirely fair. I did finish this book, and in a night, no less.
The short answer is it's a power fantasy. The slightly longer answer is its a very fast-paced power fantasy. Why isn't he telling anyone, especially those in positions of authority of this groundbreaking and amazing breakthrough in the world as he knows it? Well, they might use him or not like him very much, don't think about it, just move on to the next action sequence. Why is he feeling the need to intimidate and threaten the person he just saved? Don't think about it, just look at the pretty level up stats. The book devolves into a skinner box anytime you might look critically at it. And that's fine. You aren't meant to be too critical of this. It's a roller-coaster. You get on, enjoy the ride, get off, and remember having fun even though the details don't seem to make sense.
If you're looking to scratch that power fantasy itch, and have exhausted other outlets, and don't like comics or anime because if the pictures, then read this. It's acceptable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Torture, Blood, Vomit, Cannibalism, and Abandonment
Minor: Chronic illness, Xenophobia, and Classism
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