February 16th, 2022
Light + Web Novels 2022 - 2023
Anime Relations: Ookami to Koushinryou, Ookami to Koushinryou II
PREVIOUS (2020 - 2021)
Nightfall (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Action, Adventure, Romance, Drama, Politics, Military, Isekai?
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Nightfall starts off as a revenge story with some Wuxia elements, allowing ordinary martial artists (especially archers) to not just be cannon fodder throughout. However it is a painfully slow burn that many will struggle to get through. Gradually introducing the world, countless named characters and the many sects/factions they are a part of. All of that backdrop without providing a real hook to keep readers invested. And even the revenge plot stalls out to focus on more highfalutin things like: calligraphy, philosophy, theology, cultivation and contemporary jokes. Eventually when a lot of what was foreshadowed begin to unravel, the story begins to pick up and the youths of the story rapidly develop. The focus isn't just on the young ones, as all characters I could remember are not as simple as I initially thought. Most notably the MC Ning Que, who is not only ruthless & calculation but also extremely shameless & witty. Nevertheless Nightfall is a fairly unique Xianxia novel full of continuous ups and downs. Unfortunately the way the author handles world building, makes the reading experience rather tiresome. With many details & plot points added for world building, yet feel like filler content due to how little they affect the story. Until this typical revenge story ends up becoming an insane romantic tale, of religious devotion that will make or break it for some.
Chronicles of Primordial Wars (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
Most MCs struggle when Isekai'd into a medieval like fantasy world, whereas Shao Xuan is forced to adapt, and learns to thrive within a Stone Age civilization. Surprisingly this author managed to get me invested in this story set during the least eventful period of humanity, especially with how dim-witted the other characters can be. But the college student with the body of a child, Xuan kept the story engaging by incorporating some "new age" ideas like: fishing, animal companionship & food variety. The focus here is less on filling this primitive hunter gatherer society with modern knowledge (like most Isekai) and more on the world building, surviving disasters and ancestral worship. With the known world revealing more of its secrets, to both the reader and tribe, as it continues to expands. Becoming rather chaotic, as many events spiral out of the MC's control. Then things quieten down rather late into the story, providing enough breathing room for some Kingdom Building. Though rather simplistic and not up to my standards, I simply cannot dislike it, since the novel offers a unique experience. Even though it has no real ending.
A VIP as Soon as You Log In (KR Web Novel)
LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Harem, Comedy, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
A VIP as Soon as You Log In doesn't do much to elevate itself from its middling title. A Korean WN, where Kang Shin-Hyuk, merges with the reincarnated soul of a VIP Blacksmith, allowing him to boost his mediocre status and join our world's Superhumans, in the usual monster hunting & dungeon/gate defence. Now under the moniker of "Anvil", when not digesting the legacy of a stellar blacksmith, the MC is stuck dealing with a gaggle of girls or out on a lucky mission. Yet this competent heroic crafter is written to be so dense at times, whilst the characters that surround him are thirsty as f@£k. Honestly this feels like the author Toika is writing EER-lite. With the same basic premise, tons of lucky coincidences and a heavy focus on artifact crafting. But this time offering a calmer rollercoaster experience of lesser highs & lows. A decent attempt that failed to wow me but managed not to piss me off, so I doubt I'll remember it.
Lazy Dungeon Master (JP Light Novel)
Dungeon Management, Isekai, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Romance, Comedy
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Okay, time for some Dungeon Keeping, and like most modern Isekai, the author assumes you know the drill. Failing to explain any back-story on why the Japanese MC (Keima Masuda) is such an inhumane foot-fetishist. Who arbitrarily seems unfazed by watching brutal massacres & r*pe, whilst partaking in a little slavery. But beyond that, it follows a formula I've gotten used to... Assimilate with a rudimentary dungeon core, learn the various rules & mechanics, experiment, clear first major threat with ingenuity and then things expand from there. And honestly I had some fun with this one. Tantalizing illustrations unsurprising for a Doujin artist. Seeing Keima balance the serious side of a Dungeon Master with that of a slow life Adventurer / Land Owner. Constantly shifting character perspectives to flesh out the world and other characters, however there are times when it was done needlessly. And the inconsistency of the author, left the story feeling like an assortment of random events, with barely a sense of progression.
Swallowed Star (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Action, Adventure, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
An alternate timeline where a Covid virus prolifically spreads around Earth and killed about a third of all life. But what it did not kill made all lifeforms a heck of a lot stronger. Swallowed Star follows the diligent Luo Feng, equipped with the basic protagonist perks of: accelerated growth, lucky chances & a rare ability. Making the early monster hunting and PvP enjoyable, although feeling rather lacking. Until the real levels of cultivation are revealed. Which honestly scales to an absurd degree, with everything eventually being measured in km, light years & eras. But before then there's a great deal of focus on VR, allowing Luo Feng to avoid any real danger for a great majority of the story. Cultivating and partaking in trials to get stronger, with the occasional killings; as we embark on a journey into space, the wider universe and beyond. Unfortunately there are very few interesting recurring characters throughout that journey, as the ladies (especially love interests) rapidly become irrelevant, whilst all the guys are out there simping or snitching. In the end the story becomes a predictable race for the MC to raise his cultivation to the appropriate level, in order to save the world/universe/whatever and unlock the "true endgame" we'll likely never see.
The Legend of Sun Knight (CH Light Novel)
Fantasy, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Mystery, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
Began reading The Legend of Sun Knight just knowing that it was highly rated and good to read when in need of something light-hearted. Didn't expect to have so much fun following the amusing facade of 12 Paladins (Holy Knights) and the absurd religious practises they have to uphold, whilst finding elaborate ways to circumvent such strict traditions. Although not all Holy Knights are as fleshed out as the titular Sun Knight, at least they aren't as one-dimensional as their names would imply. Beyond the initial hook; there's mystery, political intrigue and party adventures galore. The novelty of it all does begin to wear thin, but the cynical Sun Knight remains a fun characters to follow. And the major plot twists would keep most readers on their toes, as this author had me questioning certain tropes regarding the typical Demon King.
Hail the King (CH Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Harem, Military, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Hail the King is a weird Isekai where an ordinary student dies and reincarnates into the body of the retarded King Alexander, in an absurdly large fantasy world. This simple setup becomes a lot more absurd when he's able to unconsciously slip into the actual Diablo 2 Gameworld, to gain power & items that can somehow transfer over to the body of Alexander. Honestly if it wasn't for the prospect of some adequate Kingdom Building, I'd have stopped reading then and there. Unfortunately that aspect of the novel feels diluted by the fact that this is basically; 2 completely different stories, with 2 separate power systems, being forcibly merged into an engaging Frankenstein of a story. And I don't know if it's the fault of the author or translator but the MC comes across as immature, with his dialogue and romantic interactions. But there's no ambiguity with the author's fault in making all villainous characters out of the same annoyingly vile sheet of cardboard. At least some of the side characters remain relevant, right up til the inner conflicts between European Football teams and the final race wars.
Spice and Wolf (JP Light Novel)
Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Drama, Business Management
Volumes / Chapters: (v18/c86) - (???/???)
Grade: B
Now that I need to learn some Economics, Spice & Wolf is probably the most engaging read, when it comes to the subject matter. Especially for a medieval fantasy world, with each volume focusing on the type of trade deals that's prevalent during that era. But beyond the currency speculation and flip trading; the budding romance between the Spice (Lawrence) & Wolf (Holo) kept things engaging, with their playful banter. Unfortunately for such a cutthroat merchant, Lawrence is honestly too much of a soft-touch for my liking. Constantly getting the both of them caught up in local politics and trade disputes during their travels. And either being forced to make some tough decisions or leaving it up to Holo save the day. And then rapidly wrapping everything up in a nice neat bow, every 1 or 2 volumes. The author certainly manages to change up this formula every now and then. And there are some side stories sprinkled about to give side characters some love. But this is all about the banter between Spice & Wolf.
The Wizard World (CH Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
Noble young master, Angele Rio dies and has his body inhabited by a Chinese Reincarnator with a Biochip. Where have I heard that before? Well sadly in this case the Chinese man lacks the desire to bring modern ideas to this backwards medieval fantasy world and lacks the competency to infer, plot or scheme. Constantly leaving himself open to the whim of death seeking adversaries and the all mighty Biochip. Well at least Angele isn't OP and once the Wizardry kicks into full gear we get some pretty good battles. As he adopts a fairly unique combat method (Metal Mastery) with strengths and glaring weaknesses. Until the 2nd half, when the story shifts again, he switches specs to speedrun breakthroughs (Ancestral Bloodlines), old characters are forgotten and the MC must be strong enough to navigate through the chaotic mess that follows.
Castle Kingside (Rewrite) (EN Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Medical, Military, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: (v2/c121) - (???/???)
Grade: B+
Dimitry is a modern day Physician who somehow was forcibly Reincarnated into a medieval style fantasy world. I came into this story blind, but when it began with the MC literally having to work his way up from the absolutely bottom of society, I knew I was in for a slow burn. But after the author demonstrated his content rich chapters of extensive medical knowledge via Dimitry, I was there for the long haul. Even with how frustrating the set-backs could be, constantly hampering progress. Dimitry starts off as a witty Back Alley Physician; working his way up to Criminal Butcher, then Jade Surgeon and beyond. Whilst finding unique ways to merge this fantastical world's magic, with modern day medical and general scientific knowhow. There are quite a few fascinating female characters that aid in his endeavours, though very few male ones, which is a shame. Here's hoping the story continues as I'm very much invested in the progress of all the well developed characters and those that have yet to be fully realized.
Divine Throne of Primordial Blood (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Concocting, Sect Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
Su Chen is a prominent youth of a mid-tier clan and is on the fast track to becoming an arrogant young master, when all of a sudden a strange old beggar blinds him. Now humbled by the ordeal, Su Chen now has to struggle to cultivate and emancipate himself from his annoying clan. What follows is an epic tale within a world that revolves around the aristocratic power of Ancient Beast Bloodlines and Su Chen embarking on his grand ambition to upend the status quo. I've always enjoyed these civilization uplifting stories, especially one with an intelligent, scheming MC that would do anything to achieve a noble goal. Be it intellectual theft, human experimentation, destabilizing society or genocide. His amoral obsession over searching for ways to advance humanity, no matter the source, is what defines his character. Plus there are a few multilayered side characters that aren't simple throwaways, although some may dislike that the story becomes somewhat of a harem. And that unfortunately the author begins to get lazy, with physical conflicts just springing up from some random stupid interaction and a particular cheat item that allows the MC to circumvent so many issues, for an affordable price. But when all is said and done, this Xuanhuan novel tells a fairly unique story that ends up feeling like the prelude to a Xianxia cultivation adventure.
A Practical Guide To Evil (EN Web Novel)
YA, Fantasy, Military, Politics, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: (v6/c43) - (???/???)
Grade: B-
A long time has passed since I last blindly dove into a YA novel and this particular story (which I think is a YA novel) is about Catherine Foundling. A 16 year old orphan who's unfortunate circumstances have her stumbling into villainy, but that depends on how one interprets it. All in all she's inducted as the ruthless Black Knight's "Squire", a role that comes packaged with superhuman abilities. Because this world's power system is based on distilling the power of Good & Evil into Roles (Class). As long as one acts the part, like a Wandering Bard able to go wherever they please to gather stories, almost anything is possible.
Most interesting thing about the story is how it deconstructs a lot of the common tropes found in a Fantasy Tale about Good triumphing over Evil. Yet here it can also be frustrating to read from the perspective of an MC on the side of Evil, constantly on the back foot, with people withholding vital information just to create some easy tension. Or the constant wars, with losses that seem so endless it almost feels meaningless. However what kept me going through all the bullshit, was the impeccable writing (surprisingly liked the Interludes) and seeing Catherine and her companions eventually come into their own roles. Even if she's usually on the business end of a well-trained sword or swept up in the machinations of a superior foe. It ALMOST makes it worth it to see her finally dish out her own schemes and machinations. "Almost" is the key word here.
Isekai Tensei Soudouki (JP Light Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Harem, Kingdom Building, Business Management
Volumes / Chapters: (v14/c61) -HIATUS-
Grade: B
Here's a Kingdom Building Isekai where the one unique aspect is that the MC has a fractured soul. Containing: Baldr Cornelius the host body, Oka Masaharu the chuuni Highschool Reincarnator & Oka Sanai an old Edo War General. The way it's handled is fairly unique, but with the true purpose of allowing the MC to handle himself on the battlefield and have enough modern knowledge to revolutionize the kingdom.
Besides his young age this MC has the complete package to almost trivialize any hardships, be it economically, militarily or politically. And normally this would be a huge negative, but after reading several sadistic Western novels in a row, this Light Novel came as a breath of fresh air. And although the tale of brutal strife and enthronement is pieced together by some absurd coincidences, it doesn't prevent it from eventually becoming a compelling read for those who desire stories of territory enrichment. With a good helping of varied battles, on land and in the high seas. I just wish the author would've been a bit less gung-ho about cramming any downtime with Japanese harem nonsense. Even if the exasperating harem eventually graduates into genuine romance, before the abrupt hiatus.
Black Tech Internet Cafe System (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, LitRPG, Isekai, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy, Business Management
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Found myself a fun cultivation novel, with weird game elements. As Fang Qi is transported into a Xianxia fantasy world and forced to run a successful modern internet cafe, by some mysterious pretentious system. Warping the minds of unsuspecting cultivators and turning them into junkies, of what seems to be the author's favourite bits of entertainment from the late 1990s - 2020. The reader is meant to empathize with pro-gamer Fang Qi, who's forced into this predicament, with little to no reason why. Yet he's written to be far too competent a main character, constantly dabbing on noobs, that he comes across as a Gary Stu. At least there are more than enough side characters to pick a couple favourites from. But just like how the NPC-like side characters spew out the same trite dialogue, the novel and its concept gradually loses its novelty. The author does try to spice things up with the usual face slapping, some research & development and the occasional war. But one can never forget that even when the situation looks grim, at its heart, this is a comedy.
The Mech Touch (EN Web Novel)
Sci-Fi, VR, Xuanhuan, Military, Adventure, Business Management, Politics, Crafting, Clan Building
Volumes / Chapters: (v9/c5500) - (???/???)
Grade: A-
Found this novel by chance as I was in the mood for some engineering. And though this happens to be a Mecha, Sci-fi Space Opera, with a distinct focus on Crafting. The author manages to keep the technology mostly within the realm of theoretical possibilities. As the story follows Ves Larkinson. A competent, but genetically inadequate and annoyingly naive young man; who's forced to rely on a cheating {Mech Designer System}, to overcome a lot of the arduous requirements of becoming a formidable Engineer in multiple fields. With the author often struggling to convincingly contrive competitive or life threatening scenarios, for Ves and his ever growing pool of companions to overcome. Whilst gradually shifting his mundane personality into a bit of a paranoid sociopath. At least the companions in question have strong enough personalities that they can steer the story in any manner of direction. But often following the predictable adage of "What can go wrong, will go wrong."
Then concepts like Metaphysics & Spirituality are introduced to muddy the Sci-Fi waters, with Cultivation. And throughout this slow paced story, there's a great deal of build-up that could lead to nowhere important, or surprising outcomes either way. The Starlight Megalodon arc being the perfect example, as the ramifications of that arduously long adventure are so far reaching that a 1,000 chapters after its conclusion the author can still pull off a surprising payoff. Not sure I can say the same regarding all the dysfunctional relationships that I struggle to take seriously, as there's such a glut of domineering women that I wonder what the author is trying to say about Gender Norms & Transhumanism. In some cases this author is able to pull off some really novel ideas, with some fantastic pay offs. Eventually delving into Clan Building with more depth & intrigue than most Kingdom Building novels around. Just not sure it can completely make up for the excruciatingly slow pacing, having chapters of long-winded procrastinations and the ideas that fail to connect to readers.
The Unexplored Summoner://Blood-Sign (JP Light Novel)
Supernatural, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Action, Comedy, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: (v2/c18) - (v10/c80)
Grade: D
Mysterious Multinational Megacorp. "Toy Dream" has been revitalizing dying cities by turning them into Amusement Parks. Summoners are able to call down powerful "Materials" (summons) into "Vessels" (people with talent), using an "Incense Grenade" to create an "Artificial Sacred Ground" and do battle. Artificial Sacred Grounds last 10 mins, battles are controlled via "White Thorns" (regenerating resource) and Summoners are basically un-target-able throughout the battle. It's the needlessly convoluted plot & battle system that made this formulaic Sci-Fi Supernatural story a pain to get into. As I'm constantly asking "why?" Why 216 petals & 10 thorns? Why is the MC's super power being a Super White Knight? Why do ordinary people simply forget Summoners? When I observed how the author had to waste time explaining all the mechanics of the world, at the end of chapters & the beginning of volumes, rather than telling a good story. I simply gave up. Not even the overpowered yandere White Queen was enough to retain my attention.
A Monster Who Levels Up (KR Web Novel)
Supernatural, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Harem, Mystery, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Anyone coming into an obscure WN like this would know the drill by now. It's a S.Korean WN, set in our modern world and there's a system in play. Pretty standard fair, with the main hook this time being the MC (Kim Sae-Jin) transforming into low-tier Monsters that obvious end up overpowered in some way. Why though? Why does it matter. I came into this story looking for some dumb fun and that's what I got out of it. Watching the MC unlock countless abilities and expand his revenue stream beyond looting bodies. I even enjoyed seeing the lamentations of the TL, due to all the Korean "Kims" and dumb ideas the author comes up with. But the world building is treated like an afterthought and the calamitous events are routine at this point. And yet with how brain-dead the story and characters can feel at times, it still manages to pull off a well thought out final arc. Minus the epilogue.
Lord Xue Ying (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
A fairly typical IET cultivation story, initially with Knights & Mages. Following the titular character "Xue Ying", on his quest to save "x" by becoming stronger. We have intense training in spear arts, death seeking adventures and the usual arrogant Cultivators looking for a face slap. But what took me aback is the shear speed of progression, as it feels like the MC is near the peak less than 100 chapters in. But alas the journey of cultivation is never ending. Going from Mortal, to Transcendent, to Deity and beyond; with an engaging overarching plot at each realm. The best aspect about the story being that it never feels bogged down for too long. Sure that does mean that the story is lacking in plot twists and major setbacks for Xue Ying; nevertheless better that than slogging through an endless bloody war campaign, like in many similar web novels. Towards the end, things like measurements of "distance" & "time", lose all meaning and all that matters is the Dao.
Dungeon Builder: The Demon King's Labyrinth is a Modern City (JP Light + Web Novel)
Dungeon Management, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Harem, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed + (Sequel: 30 chapters)
Grade: B-
I can't help but be reminded of Lazy Dungeon Master as I read this novel. But where this novel differs; is that instead of being lazy and having a weird fetish, the MC is a gun otaku. Being as blank a slate as imaginable, the MC happens to be prime self-insert material. From the loli-tastic companions, with the sexy mentor, to the Dungeon Mechanics and the City Building aspect. I honestly wonder what novel popularized all these tropes I've been finding in recent Dungeon Management novels. But at least the city building & the method behind the acquisition of companions helps give this novel enough depth to keep me compelled. Nevertheless it also made the MC so obscenely overpowered that barely anything was a challenge. Allowing the author to easily rush to some form of conclusion. In the end, this is one of the more enjoyable Dungeon Management novels, just slightly better than Lazy Dungeon Master.
As for the sequel... It seems to be more of the same but with the author having to contrive a flawed way to get this overpowered MC out of the frying pan and back into the fire. All just to get readers feeling some tension, for a few chapters.
Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Josei, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Concoction, Medical
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
First time going for a WN with an autistic Female Lead. Who had her soul transmigrate into the body of another world's spoiled young lady (Jun Wu Xie). Now with a new lease on life, she plans to uplift her once powerful family. Not with the quackery that is commonly practised in this world. But with her "advanced" medical knowledge and her propensity to stumble across useful companions. Unlike the average male cultivator, who spends most of his time arduously cultivating & surviving lucky chances. This girl doesn't waste her time. Mercilessly slapping some faces in as many ways one can possibly imagine. So merciless that I'd rank her up there, with the most murderous & psychopathic male MCs. Shame the dumb overarching plot of "find map, get strong" just has her stumbling across one formulaic situation after another. Trying to be smart with plots & schemes, against the same maniacal villains who do nothing but blackmail & monologue. It isn't helped by how needlessly immature the character interactions are, but I can't be sure how much of that is the author's fault or the fault of the translator. In the end, I enjoyed it a great deal, except those flaws that grew more pronounced towards the end, when all the build-up is made irrelevant.
Common Sense of a Duke's Daughter (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, Josei, Fantasy, Romance, Kingdom Building, Politics
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
I'm going from one female oriented novel to another. From a brutal female-led cultivation WN. To a story with a typical "Overworked Office Lady Isekai'd into the role of a Otome-game Villainess" WN. Huge contrast between the two. This one following a not all that villainy MC (Iris Lana Armelia), the daughter of a duke. She's immediately cast aside to do her own thing, whilst obtaining the authority of a Feudal Lord. Which helps to quickly ramp up towards a startling amount of Kingdom Building, where the MC uses her modern knowledge to manage and uplift the territory. Focusing more on the various systems the MC puts in place, like tax reforms, than army building. Frequently switching to the POV of others, to get their thoughts on the matter and developing a budding romance. Which unfortunately takes a lot of time away from developing the MC and messes with the flow of the story. But nothing messes with the story more than the horrendous translations. Making this a good story that falters a bit towards the end and nevertheless offers a terrible reading experience.
Perfect World (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Clan Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: D+
Perfect World is a tough cultivation novel to get into, with both the world building and cultivation aspect done rather haphazardly. Requiring one to suspend their sense of disbelief. Opening up with toddlers able to battle and slaughter grown adults. Followed by a senseless amount of death, in a turning point event. From there the author did a good job making Shi Hao into a sympathetic hero, but then decides to lean heavily into the comedy and make the MC nothing but a stupid thieving brat. That is surrounded by stupid kids & adults alike. Including his own blood & kin.
It isn't until halfway into the story that the now 20yr old Shi Hao begins to mature and have a few memorable friends. Nevertheless this novel is all about the battles. While the battles themselves are well-paced, they are constantly instigated by fools with poor memory, who can't remember what happened the last time the MC made a breakthrough. Moreover the rapid pacing of the cultivation is plain absurd. With teenagers and their million year old peers, being on the same level. Only for the author to repeat constant reminders of an impending catastrophe and when it finally occurs, it ends up being more of the same, which isn't all that bad. Yet the Dumb Final Showdown and a million year old baby was the last straw... F**k this novel.
Throne of Magical Arcana (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Isekai, Supernatural, Science, Mystery, Action, Adventure, Romance, Politics
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
Throne of Magical Arcana is an Isekai, where Lucien is thrown into a world of Arcane Sorcery & Religious Zealotry. From beginning to end we get to see quite a few of the ideas, the author had, that were later fleshed out in his future novels (LOTM). With Lucien starting from the absolute bottom of society, does indeed make following his rise as a musician and the arduous journey into the circles of sorcery worth it in the end. Where it has spellbinding & thought-provoking fights, between intelligent individuals, who rarely try to just brute force their way into victory. But magical battles barely make up a quarter of the story. As apart from classical music, one most have an appreciation of the "Scientific Method" that increasingly has a more important role when peering into common magic principles. This also means the latter half of the story unfortunately focuses more on theoretical scientific papers & arguments and less on the practical applications. Because only when the focus shifts to the practical applications do we get to experience some awe-inspiring spell battles and a technological revolution that scratches my Kingdom Building itch. And though rather anti-climatic, the ending does seem fairly appropriate, by providing a scientific explanation on the nature of the MC's reincarnation. Followed by an extended Epilogue.
Tyranny of Steel (EN Web Novel)
Isekai?, Kingdom Building, Politics, Military, Romance, Harem, Smut, Supernatural
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
Tyranny of Steel... A rather apt title I must say. Had to double check the date, when this "Isekai-esque" novel began. With the MC getting caught up in the US Army's chaotic pullout from Afghanistan. Now sent back in an alternate Medieval timeline, the Baron heir Berenger (Julian Webber) finds himself caught up in: a strife for succession, religious reformation, territory expansion, subterfuge & espionage. All whilst using his future knowledge for some accelerated technological developments in his family's territory. Filling up a good amount of downtime, in-between all the wars and intrigue. It's fascinating seeing Berenger's lofty status rapidly warp his once humble personality, but his extreme Germanic nationalism and unhealthy proclivities are a bit irksome. Leading to a tiresome amount of illicit encounters that comprise at least two dozen pornographic "tags". Yet there are only a few Kingdom Building novels as engaging as this one. With a heavy focus on well researched territory development and a sordid harem that kind of makes sense. Even though his territory develops so fast that he can practically steamroll anything by the halfway point and the only true threat the MC's nation could have (Japan) was so heavily gimped it wasn't funny. In another timeline, maybe the author would have made the opponent's situation more identical in the beginning, providing at least some suspense to the inevitable outcome.
Pursuit of the Truth (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Action, Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Pill Concocting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
"The goal of cultivation is not mere everlasting life, but it is to pursue the truth." - Su Ming
Pursuit of the Truth is a Xianxia that feels a lot like Er Gen's other novels, but set in a more primitive cultivation world. Where Su Ming somehow cheats his way into becoming a Berserker, one of the cultivators of this world. From then it becomes a sort of coming of age story. Shifting focus onto the mysterious origins of this amnesiac MC. And it does get gut wrenching to see the frustrations & lamentations of Su Ming; a young man with no true memories, no home, no family or kin. Which the author milks for all its worth, to keep the slow paced story compelling, as it undergoes drastic changes from each advancement in cultivation realm. Realms that become confusing once we switch from Berserkers, to Immortal Cultivators and then other races. Sure it's interesting how the world incorporates Daoist Immortals into the story and how they are perceived by the savage Berserkers. What's not so great is how the author fails to incorporate a single compelling female character. No love interest, family, companion or anything of the sort. And how Er Gen is still inept in writing large scale battles, without relying on suicidal explosions and how unnaturally long the author drags out the inevitable reveals.
Posted by Master10K | Feb 16, 2022 4:34 PM | 0 comments
August 11th, 2020
Light + Web Novels 2020 - 2021
Anime Relations: Zero no Tsukaima, Zero no Tsukaima: Futatsuki no Kishi, Zero no Tsukaima: Princesses no Rondo, Zero no Tsukaima F, Isekai wa Smartphone to Tomo ni., Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e, Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
PREVIOUS (2010 - 2019)
My Disciple Died Yet Again (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Josei, Isekai, Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Romance, Comedy
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
I've now stumbled across a Xianxia WN that's unlike any other, which got me thinking about the brutal nature of typical face slapping Xianxia WN. Here's a Xianxia WN with a concept that feels more like a 'RogueLite' with completely randomized starting parameters, than your bog-standard Cultivation power fantasy. With a constantly reincarnating female MC who's antagonistic towards the generic tropes (i.e. Mary Sues & Gary Stus). And instead of going around killing bandits and crippling arrogant young masters, this rather naive MC is honestly trying to complete her goals via the "Pacifism" route, whilst inadvertently activating "Death Seeking" arts. And around the halfway point, things become a hell of a lot more thrilling, due to how perfectly it depicts the butterfly effect. This novel is an amazing critique on most Xianxia novels, but as someone who enjoys a good power fantasy I could not enjoy it as much as the kind of novels it critiques. It can just be frustrating to constantly read about the MC being taken advantage of, tortured or just simply beaten up from the 1st volume right up until the end.
Rebirth of the Thief Who Roamed the World (CH Web Novel)
VRMMO, Fantasy, LitRPG, Military, Adventure, Romance, Business Management
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
A Chinese "2nd Chance" story that kicked off in a way that could have easily led down any avenue. Be it a revenge thriller or a romance drama. But I guess if it wasn't a VRMMO, with good money making, I probably wouldn't have read it. Especially since this author can barely write charming character interactions. But at least the story doesn't take too long to ramp up to some of the more exciting BAM fights, raids and numerous Guild Wars with pretty overbearing full loot PvP. However a lot of these moments consist of Nie Yan using some "future knowledge" exploit, which the game devs don't seem to care about, or the spectators mindlessly singing his praises. Well even with how unbalanced the game gets once it begins to focus heavily on Factions, Mounts & Master Classes, overall I still enjoyed the experience.
Magika no Kenshi to Shoukan Maou (JP Light Novel)
Harem, Supernatural, Action, Romance, Comedy, Smut
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
In a world eroded by magic & myths... To the point where one's suspension of disbelief is required to make sense of the world's technology, military & religious practices. One dark-haired Japanese boy, with his trusty Sword, joins a Magic Academy full of cute girls. Getting into ecchi harem hijinks with the female archetypes & faffing about, with there being a general lack of urgency from the naive youngsters. I've experienced several other Anime, Manga, LN & VN just like this. Even the incorporation of various fairly well-known myths & legends. The only thing that sets this one apart is that it is incredibly straight forward with its harem aspect, as the Japanese MC here actually has some balls. Turning it into a bit of a Galge, with a {contains: sexual content} tag.
Infinite Competitive Dungeon Society (KR Web Novel)
Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Harem, Comedy
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Finally going back to get a sense of ToyCar's roots, with this other young lad, who has cultivated into a muscle-brained spearman. In what feels like 2 stories running parallel, with the bulk of it spent following the MC climbing a 100-Floor dungeon to represent Earth/S.Korea; and of to the side, monsters are now spawning on Earth, leaving it to new ability users to sort shit out. Although both plot lines are incredibly simple (before the final villain's reveal, where I just tuned out), the character interactions are what make it fun. Like the rarely seen father and son bonding. It's a shame that the author's penchant for "thirsty bitches" makes the harem fairly tiresome.
Classroom of the Elite (JP Light Novel)
Psychological, Slice of Life, Drama, Thriller
Volumes / Chapters: (v4/c31) - (???/???)
Grade: B
I enjoyed the anime adaptation, about this closed off High School with its own currency & caste system, except when it came to all of the anime's flaws. I was curious to see how the actual story continues, though the early chapters had me feeling tense, annoyed, frustrated, impressed and frustrated by certain character's actions. Ayanokouji-kun being part of the problem & also the solution, with his contradictory actions being an element of his character. The annoyances kept stacking until the hook at the end of Vol.2, where events and character traits begin to unravel. With each main volume focusing on a specific rule-based task and coming to a satisfying finish. Having thoroughly developed at least one more character by the end of said volume.
In Another World With My Smartphone (JP Light Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Harem, Action, Adventure, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: (v28/c143) - (???/???)
Grade: C+
Here's a Light Novel that feels more like an "Iyashikei" than an "Isekai" to me and I would have labelled it as such, if it didn't develop a world-ending plot. Honestly it's easy to see how bland Touya-kun is, after experiencing countless other Light & Web Novels, with the typical Japanese "Mr. Nice Guy" who is as dense as a neutron star. Not until the "plot thickens" that Touya-dono is troubled by the people and the land he has to protect that you start getting hints of his progressive yet surprisingly sadistic side. If only he wasn't hampered by a PG-Rating and author didn't half-ass the conflicts & resolution. On the other hand harem would have felt annoyingly clichéd if it wasn't for best girl Yumina keeping the others in check. Nevertheless beyond the harem, it was the {all cheats unlocked}, trouble-free Kingdom Building that hooked me in at first. Allowing it to almost break the mold of a stock standard Isekai fantasy world, whilst it become incredibly expansive and constantly changing as the story progresses. Yet no matter how many interesting plot points are added to the story, the stakes remain incredibly low throughout and one thing is for certain. Any semblance of story is wrapped up by Volume 19 and beyond that is just an extremely long and occasionally entertaining epilogue.
Arena (KR Web Novel)
Supernatural, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Isekai
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Whilst reading Arena, I couldn't help but think of Gantz. Where people are posthumously summoned by a strange entity, only to be forced into deadly "exams" in a fantasy world. Surviving against strange beings, acquiring points, getting weapons, getting stronger. And Arena also had its own Gantz-like Buddha mission moment that thoroughly grabbed my attention. A lot of potential for some amazing world building, as there's some good downtime with a tribe of Elves that I found very enjoyable and some interesting character development, with its rather unorthodox MC starting set-up (gun-toting spirit summoner). But a las, just like every other Korean WN I start getting into, it rushes right through to the end in under 200 chapters.
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (KR Web Novel)
Supernatural, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Isekai, Comedy
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
From the very beginning this is a weird story; where the apocalyptic scenario of a barely read WN becomes everyone's reality. With deadly missions portrayed like some sadistic live streaming game show. With little Korean Goblins as the host & well-known Legends as voyeurs. Following the only "average" adult male who read the whole WN (really?), as he struggles to find helpful companions, whilst rapidly trying to survive through these messed scenarios. At times the scenarios become difficult to follow, with how much info is dumped into all of them, how convoluted character's schemes are and how not a single one of Kim Dokja's plans is without its hiccups. But its sporadic nature is what allows this novel to avoid a lot of obvious clichés, making outcomes incredibly difficult to predict. Yet even that becomes its own formula, where I end up foreseeing the exact moment for yet another nonsensical battle, with the last 200 or so chapters becoming a chore to read.
The New Gate (JP Light Novel)
Isekai, VRMMO, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: (v15/c61) - (???/???)
Grade: B-
Going from a VRMMO death game to an actual Fantasy World based on the game, certainly feels like something an author inspired by SAO & Overlord would come up with. Shin being a dark-haired, black-clad, sword-wielding young man doesn't help deter any comparisons. Especially with how ridiculously OP he starts off in this novel, leaving not much to drive the story, except a weak desire to return to the "real world". Each volume focuses on a problem for Shin & pals to solve, thus making for a predictable formula. However all the other characters end up becoming vessels of intrigue, bringing sense to this muddled fantasy game-like world.
Taming Master (KR Web Novel)
VRMMO, Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Comedy?
Volumes / Chapters: (v???/c598) - (???/c1028)
Grade: C+
An "Original" Korean VRMMORPG where players are locked into their one and only avatar, and class resets are blasphemous to non-beginners. And so the story follows the hardcore gamer Park Jinsung, who's socially inept and the bane of existence for the incompetent game devs trying to balance their exploitable game. He stumbles upon the Super Special Summoner class, that's 100% reliant on pets, unlike all the other AI companion classes found in these type of VRMMO WNs. And for a time this story is nothing but fun, when delving into the mechanics of raising pets and the build up of Guild territories. That is until the "Devildom" Patch, which irrevocably breaks the game's balance, the fan translation turns to complete garbage and the author continuously espouses the greatness of Ian/Jinsung. This could easily have been an incredibly engaging Gamer's Wet Dream, with a solid romantic relationship & business management aspects, if the author was any good at conveying subtle details in both the dialogue and the world. Nevertheless often he just skips past potentially good moments, just to return to more grinding & questing.
Renegade Immortal (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
"If they don't mess with me, I won't mess with them. If they do mess with me, I'll kill them!" Simple words for a Simple Cultivator.
The opening of Renegade Immortal really ruffled my feathers. Experiencing worthless adults heap on huge expectations on a kid, only for it to inevitably fall apart. The story doesn't waste time in having the ruthless Cultivation world corrupt the simple filial village boy Wang Lin, as things went from 0 - 100 real quick. With it only taking its time on people's reactions to some new heaven defying thing the MC did. Like during the repetitive "one hit KO" fights in the early chapters, or the more extravagant & insidious fights later on. But beyond the extravagant fights & moments of Dao comprehension, this story really lacked in engaging character interactions. Where it doesn't have to force in a romance subplot and can instead just have fun & witty dialogue. Alas, this is a ruthless cultivation world that will not allow it.
Mushoku Tensei - Jobless Oblige (JP Web Novel)
Fantasy, Action, Slice of Life
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
Mushoku Tensei being one of my fave novel series of all time, I had to check out the 2nd son Sieghart's adventures. But it's more just the meanderings of a NEET named Sieg, the "Allied Of Justice!". Who's stuck living in his father's shadow, whilst his siblings do more productive things. This could easily have developed into a fun sequel, Sieg struggling with many insecurities, since his older sister Lara was prophesized to be the hero. It just feels like the author had a good idea of passing the torch to the younger generation, but didn't know where to take the story. Until the final chapter that left me longing to see what happened within that exciting time-skip.
Return of the 8th Class Mage (KR Web Novel)
Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Politics
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: D+
Of all the "2nd Chance for Revenge" WNs I've read, this seems to be the one that makes the most narrative sense. Instead of just randomly going back in time because of... "reasons". Ian uses an untested, self-made spell, to do the job. So one can forgive his arrogant personality for achieving such a feat; annoying as it may be. So next job is to gradually become OP again, deal with power-hungry nobles aaaannd that's about it. Finding out the answers to a few ongoing mysteries is the only thing that kept me going beyond the halfway point. Especially with all the "bastard" translators hindering my progress.
Lord of the Mysteries (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Isekai, Supernatural, Mystery, Action, Adventure, Concocting
Volumes / Chapters: (v9/c1407) - (???/???)
Grade: A
Going from Release that Witch to this, certainly made the whole premise easier to accept, as it was for Zhou Mingrui to just transmigrate into Klein Moretti. Within an Industrial Era "Fantasy" world, full of the Supernatural, Powerful Religious Organisations, Eldritch Horrors & Secret Societies. A nice change from all the readily available Medieval & Chinese Fantasy worlds. Unfortunately I found this novel to be quite difficult to get into, as a procedural investigative drama. Until the first major turning point that comes out of nowhere and upends the focus of the story. Unveiling an unsettling atmosphere full of body horror more suitable for a visual medium. This being a Xuanhuan WN where there's the constant apprehension of be deceived or mislead. It has a very distinctive spiritualist system of combat that follows a Class format (e.g. Warrior, Assassin, Sailor, Seer), with a "Path" of progression and enough room for creativity to allow for some mesmerizing battles or mind games. The meticulous Mr. Moretti and his endeavours are a delight to read. With how his words & actions lead the other well established characters to some amusing misunderstandings and the build-up of his impressive Tarot Club, Which I find to house some of the best interactions. Towards the end I began to lose interest, as the story ramps up and the power creep accelerates through the roof. Nevertheless it is overall a fantastic novel, bar non-ending (hoping there's a sequel), followed by the seemingly pointless side stories.
Mother of Learning (EN Web Novel)
Fantasy, Supernatural, Mystery, Action, Drama, Thriller
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
Start Over... Start Over... All You Need is Kill, HakoMari Vol.1, Groundhog Day. Seen this premise done well many times, yet I was surprised by how expertly this amateur author handled it. Set in a world undergoing its industrial revolution and with a rather expansive magic system, to eventually offer an explanation for the global phenomena. Yet leaving enough mysteries for the story to remain compelling. And as for Zorian himself... I couldn't help but appreciate the parallels to our scattershot method of learning. Being taught the importance of "Anchors". Plus I like that his family circumstances reminded me of Malcolm in the Middle, but the overall situation being grave enough to spur on some decent character developments (not just for him). Offering so many engrossing character moments, where I end up concerned about so many side-characters I could care less about in previous chapters. And to finally come away feeling satisfied from a web novel's ending.
Reincarnator (KR Web Novel)
Isekai, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
S. Korean, 2nd Chance, Apocalyptic, Transmigrator No. 32... Decided to read it just because it's fully translated and I couldn't handle another intense mystery. But what this one offered was a world turned on its head, by yet another bored sadistic god, who's entertained by watching batches of mortals struggle to "get good" and survive the progressively fucked-up game-like challenges. With future knowledge being the key, to allow this Stoic MC to carry the useless dregs on his back. Unfortunately the way the "friendly" characters are written/poorly translated, makes their inane dialogue frustrating to read. The action isn't that much better either and the author might known this, as major confrontations (like the Tutorial's Final Dungeon) are constantly skipped over. However what kept me going was the sense of Progression. With the different settings, in each zone, leading up to the Abyss. Stronger weapons & Skills. Even the gradual build up of bearable characters. All nicely wrapped up & a bit rushed, in an ending that didn't piss me off.
Dungeon Engineer (EN Web Novel)
Dungeon Management, LitRPG, Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: (v1/c49) -HIATUS-
Grade: C+
It is hard to find a decent Dungeon Management novel I'd enjoy reading, making it easier to be more forgiving with the ones I do find. With an old space engineer for the MC and likely an engineer for the author. One can tell that a lot of thought was put into even the little details and incessant experimentation. But apart from the self referential humour & amusing satire; this is a very dry novel, as more research & testing is always needed. Something exciting did eventually happen... Just before it went on Hiatus.
Thieves' Dungeon (EN Web Novel)
Dungeon Management, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Politics
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Another Western Dungeon Management novel, this time with a greater emphasis on the LitRPG aspect. The nature of this Dungeon Core MC initially comes across as a bit vague. Monologuing like a Reincarnator, but without the moral quandaries of one, when it comes to slaughtering dungeon delvers. And my god, is there a lot of that. The story doesn't waste time, getting straight into the thick of it, however this pacing does sacrifice any early world building that could easier the reader in. Just like the Dungeon Core, one has to get through all the turmoil and vital dungeon expansions, in order to be rewarded with some good world building and character additions (human & beast). Then shit hits the fan and it's over. Just like that.
Shura's Wrath (CH Web Novel)
VRMMO, Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Harem, Smut, Sci-Fi
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: D+
As the world's conflicts are now resolved in VR, rather than IRL. Nationalism is abound! Is what normally would happen. Siscons Unite! Is what actually happens when Ling Chen & Yun Feng get acquainted. Now Ling Chen gets into the new VRMMORPG on day one and it doesn't take long to understand why most other author's choose to handicap the MC with late entry or something. As he quickly unlocks more than enough cheats to make even a Xianxia MC cough up mouthfuls of blood. So many cheats that the author had to get rid of the most broken one (Qi Ling) in a ridiculously contrived manner. Whilst making sure Ling Chen never learns from his suicidally reckless ways. To once again senselessly jump into more impossible situations, with bullshit luck on his side, making out with more OP loot & abilities. There are some decent side character moments but sadly this MC just becomes too powerful, too easily that it's hard to care about this nonsensical international "game world" that revolves around China.
Worse is how it dedicates an entire volume on the usual China vs Japan nationalism. Taking it to a whole new level that'll disturb most people who read it. That and the author endlessly appraising this vile genocidal rapist of an MC, as a righteous trustworthy hero, made this novel a chore to finish.
The King of the Battlefield (KR Web Novel)
Isekai, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Kingdom Building?
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
I came into this expecting some good LitRPG kingdom building & escalating warfare; however once it finally appears, it ends up being pretty brain-dead & straightforward. Primarily this is the generic S. Korean, 2nd Chance, Apocalyptic, Transmigrator No. 33. With the stoic lone wolf MC Muyoung, hiding said knowledge, as he steamrolls ahead, to somehow save humanity. And since he believes he has to go solo, then of course he has to have a super rare Melee + Necro class. With all that said, the story as a whole is pretty solid, going through fights at a steady clip. At least the author learns and allows the characters (main & side) to go on their own fulfilling journeys to grow and develop, right up until the cluster-f*ck of an ending. That I'll likely forget, shortly after I finish this sentence.
Legendary Moonlight Sculptor (KR Web Novel)
VRMMO, Action, Adventure, Romance, Crafting, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: (v56/c635) - (???/???)
Grade: B
Just can't make a good S. Korean VRMMO webnovel, unless the MC is poverty stricken and able to acquire an impossibly short alias. But from the get go Lee Hyun (a.k.a Weed) earnestly carves his own path as the ultimate hard worker; cooking, crafting & slaying his way to money & fame. All with a super secret hidden class, resulting from some pretty interesting chain of events. Although it is unfair how Weed's legendary class is able to do all that it can (i.e. Sculptural Transformation), the author manages to keep the power creep in check, allowing other players and their basic classes to remain relevant in the story. And it helps that the death penalty hurts but isn't too extreme, allowing the MC to fail, rather than just luck himself out of every crisis. Forcing him to lean on the support of others, as he grinds mobs and embarks on the most epic of quests. What helps make it more enjoyable is that those "other" characters also happen to have stories of their own, ranging from annoyingly skippable to surprisingly good. What doesn't help is how uninspired a lot of the IRL moments are and how the usual misunderstandings and unfunny jokes just waste time that could be spent on making the kingdom building more engaging. But I guess that's the limitation of the Gameworld & the author's writing ability. In the end this is an all round good novel, it's just frustrating at times and a bit of a slow burn.
Battle Through the Heavens (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Isekai?, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Harem, Concocting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C-
BTTH doesn't waste time when beating down the MC within his Sect, only for him to rise back up and commence the slapping of many faces. Aided by his very own Super Secret Spirit Elder stuck in an ancient artifact, who honestly is way too helpful, making a good chunk of the story feel like an extended tutorial. Beyond the usual clichés, it's the playful relationship between the MC Xiao Yan and his mysterious childhood friend Xun-Er that made going through the opener more enjoyable. Followed by Xiao Yan's low stakes adventures containing random encounters with Arrogant Assholes and Jade Beauties... Way too many beauties. Unfortunately most characters seem to be mentally deficient, leading to the same old stupid dialogue & conflicts repeating ad nauseam. Even worse is how every capable faction seems to ignore the big bad Hall of Souls, which goes against their best interest. Occasionally something like an Auction or Competition will break up the monotony. But over 1,600 chapter even these become repetitive, making this novel a drag to read, right up until its forgettable end.
The Second Coming of Gluttony (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Harem, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed + (Side Stories)
Grade: B+
Well this "S. Korean Second Chance" WN kicks off in surreal manner, as it does a lot of vital little things to set itself apart from all the other group Isekai novels with game elements. Like the way in which our own world connects with the other and how Seol Jihu develops as a MC, rather than remaining a nuisance from start to finish. The struggle of having to go through hell is real, rather than taking the easy way out. Plus I certainly underestimated the "Yandere" tag, with the diverse range of crazy bitches there are to choose from. Just a shame Seol has to act dense sometimes, to enable cliché moments. Doesn't change the fact that this WN is full of well paced battles, with plenty of fulfilling downtime interspersed in between, culminating in a typical final battle. Followed by a batch of ramen & harem filled side stories, to end things on a light-hearted note.
The Iron Teeth: A Goblin's Tale (EN Web Novel)
Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
The Iron Teeth: A Goblin's Tale is a first for me. An genuine Goblin with its simple mind (not a human mind within a goblin's body), was actually able to portray a compelling yet enjoyable tale of struggle and strife within an Early Medieval Fantasy world. Rising from the status of a useful pet to a confident killer. And as the titular Goblin evolves as a character, so does the very nature of the story and in my opinion, for the better. Adding a great deal more agency to the non-human characters, making the concept of an "obsession" such a delightful character trait. One thing that doesn't change as the story goes on, is how easily this little monster gets swept up in the schemes of stupid smelly humans and horses. Some of the humans are actually pretty well defined, in particular the Goblin's master & mentor, who receives almost as much attention as the phenomenal world building. Which does well in showing that no matter how much the power-hungry nobles & bandits rage war amongst themselves, humans with all their hubris, are rather insignificant within this vast world. Something I really wish was expanded on, as the kingdom building was really ramping up but a las the author wanted to close it out, leaving me high & dry.
The Nine Cauldrons (CH Web Novel)
Wuxia, Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Military, Sect Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
The Nine Cauldrons starts by getting readers invested in a young Master's wuxia journey, to become a Grandmaster. All within a modern setting. And sure that remains the essence of the story, but everything else changes. The setting change feels like another world, when it's implied to be an incomprehensible version of Ancient Times. The MC just remains as some martial arts nut, who's tunnel-visioned into walking down his own martial path. Which would honestly make him a boring character, until he eventually stops focusing so much on raising his cultivation level and starts pioneering a new field of martial arts, with his own Sect. It helps bring things back down to earth and guiding it away from the Xianxia path, the story was going down, once his cultivation reached the Innate Realm. Unfortunately it's still plagued with the usual issues of incessant repetition to pad out the word count and most female characters being useless. I'm just glad it didn't overstay it's welcome, like so many 1,500+ chapter Chinese WN.
Zero's Familiar (JP Light Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Harem, Romance, Comedy, Action
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C-
Hopping on the "Wayback Machine" to finish off this classic Summoning Isekai, where our world (ie. Japan) actually impacts this world directly; beyond just the average Japanese boy being summoned. A fairly well-built magical fantasy world, set in a prestigious Magic Academy, steeped in an annoying aristocratic culture & backed by religion. But with an author relying on countless conveniences & contrivances to force events, even at the detriment of its characters decision making skills. So the MC Saito becomes little more than a doormat, when paired with the classic tsundere Louise, who exudes an exhausting amount of "Tsun". Floundering about in a toxic relationship, constantly breaking up (temporarily) to perform foolish feats of self-sacrifice. There's a swath of other important characters like: Colbert the teacher, friends Tabitha, Henrietta, Tifania, etc. Fully decked out in tempered plot armour, to survive the relentless amount of gags & plot contrivances they are forced into. Honestly the only justifiable reason the story is as long as it is, is because the main villains always lacked weapons that could bypass plot armour. And likely this author wanted to drag this story out till retirement, which sadly came much sooner than anyone expected. RIP.
The World Online (CH Web Novel)
VRMMO, Kingdom Building, Military, Politics, Business Management, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
A Chinese 2nd chance WN, where the world is about to explode and humanity's at the end of its rope. Except none of that matters, because Ouyang Shuo's gotta get an early start in a Full-Dive VRMMORPG that will blow your mind. A Gameworld that progressively feels more and more real, as time goes on; with annual updates, balance patches and hotfixes to disrupt the meta. This being one of the better thought out Gameworlds, it didn't waste any time getting straight into the Kingdom Building, with a heavy focus on efficient organisational structures and long drawn out historical battles. Elements that rely heavily on hundreds of named Chinese individuals & historical figures. Names one can only hope to remember and Ancient battles I struggle to care about. But beyond the author's obnoxious propagation of Chinese history, the heavy focus on technical & territorial progression and all manners of conflict, are always desirable in my books. Especially with an MC who doesn't have to be an infallible genius, to not always be on the back foot. The final push towards the ending is a bit rushed, but it is evident that the author had an ending in mind from the very beginning.
Valhalla Saga (KR Web Novel)
Isekai, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Harem, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
Valhalla, the land legendary warriors strive for, now seems to be real. But for some reason a pro gamer is posthumously sent there, along with a lot of actual warriors. Lee Tae Ho is rushed straight into the thick of it, with barely an explanation or world building. Just going with the flow, from battle to battle, which is great for action lovers. Not so much for those like me, looking for a bit more meat in the story, as I'd find myself getting hungry and losing interest in the plight of all the characters. Reminiscent of my experience with another Korean WN "Omniscient Readers Viewpoint" and how that gradually became a chore to finish. Luckily at the time of reading this, I needed a refresher on Norse, Celtic & Greek Mythology, so the good vs evil storyline managed not to bore me to death. Plus the brevity of the combat, the quirkiness of the romance and the sudden outcomes didn't annoy me either. Valhalla Saga will just become one of those middle of the road WNs that will fade in my memory.
Reverend Insanity (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Isekai, Action, Adventure, Drama, Concocting
Volumes / Chapters: (v10/c2334) - HIATUS-
Grade: A-
Hard not to go into Reverend Insanity with high expectations, as it is recommended everywhere. In the end it certainly does set itself apart from the typical Xianxia WN. With a fairly unique Cultivation System (Gu Worms), akin to working towards a synergistic build in my MMORPG of choice; but without all the simple game mechanics, as acquiring strength is an extremely costly adventure. Featuring Fang Yuan, who's exactly what I'd expect from a reincarnating centuries old monster. Ruthless & indifferent. Which he needs to be as his finest opponents are far too competent, a rarity in this genre. Although some righteous characters that will become his greatest foils are exasperatingly optimistic, covered in Adamantium levels of Plot Armour, yet surprisingly well developed. As Fang Yuan's schemes often don't follow the route one would expect; every now and then the story tiresomely falls back onto the well-trodden Xianxia path, with the MC getting chased around by everyone, alongside some mind-numbing protracted battles. Until something greater at play is revealed. Like Heavenly Will or involving Time. Even though the story tends to drag and dialogue or events are often repeated, this is still one of, if not the best Xianxia WN around that may never see a definitive ending.
Tales of the Reincarnated Lord (CH Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Kingdom Building, Military, Action, Crafting, Harem
Volumes / Chapters: (v1/c590) -INDEFINITE HIATUS-
Grade: B+
It's easy to feel apprehensive when starting a novel that's on "Indefinite Hiatus", but I needed a break from 2,000+ chapter long Xianxia novels. Came in hoping this Medieval-ish wartime novel could scratch my Kingdom Building itch. But alas the MC starts of as a mercenary, academy instructor & gullible super simp. Sure it makes him an upright & straightforward character, yet not so suitable for intricate schemes. Until later when there's a huge shift in focus, alongside some dull info dumping. Fortunately the author manages to grab my interest in this warring world, with a decent "Battle Force" system, before transitioning into some large battles, army building & domain development. And a hefty amount of both tasteful and irksome sexual content, sprinkled on the side. In the end I can't help but appreciate how this author doesn't shy away from anything this genre has to offer. From the importance of an alliance, Intel & logistics. To the troubles of having a harem and the spawning of arrogant young masters. Shame he couldn't give the MC a worthy adversary, right up until its abrupt end.
Dungeon Maker (KR Web Novel)
Dungeon Management, Isekai, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Harem, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
A Dungeon Management WN, with an MC who's an Engineer, is something I should wholeheartedly enjoy. Unfortunately the author made Yong-Ho far too immature for my liking. So dealing with an unfamiliar evolution system and slaughtering dungeon invaders aren't that big of a deal for him. But throw a hot female into the mix and Yong-Ho squirms in anguish and losses that calm demeanour. Guess I could just parrot the author by saying "it's because he studied in an all boys middle, high school & college." But there's too much focus put on the harem and not enough on world building. Alas this is primarily a story on Dungeon Management and Dungeon Maker does enough things right to make it worth a read. By way of all the planning & prepping the dungeon for tense battles, the gathering of likeable characters along with their controlled evolutions. Yet as per usual, the author gets lazy as the story progresses. The intricate litRPG aspects disappear and the story simplifies into just "Get stronger & Fight!" Ending in a rushed and predictable manner.
The Charm of the Soul Pets (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Chinese Pokemon in a ruthless Cultivation world, is the easiest way to describe this fairly unique WN. But being Xuanhuan at heart, it follows the usual motions. A clan on the decline, several slaughtering arcs, the MC Chu Mu's incessant desire to get stronger, his acquisition of a unique strength and arrogant Assholes lining up to die, or worse... to lose some face. It is really the Soul Pet's development, combat style and Chu Mu's uncanny yet highly adaptable attitude keeping me engaged through all the nonsense. Nonsense like how arbitrary the Power Levels & the Value of Money becomes, even though I do welcome the thought of this form of cultivation being prohibitively expensive, but only in a way that makes sense. Unfortunately there are no surprises to be found here, as the Spoilerific Chapter Titles and story narration in general leaves nothing to the imagination. Which makes it more annoying how characters unnaturally withhold information, for later reveals that are in the chapter titles. One such reveal being the big messy elephant in the room known as "Heavenly Palace". Thankfully the author kept the romance tasteful & simple, neither did he name the Soul Pets "Little White/Blue/Green".
Enlightened Empire (EN Web Novel)
Kingdom Building, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Politics, Military, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: (v6/c374) - (???/???) - HIATUS -
Grade: A-
It appears this author did exactly what I wanted to do, after reading a bunch of Kingdom Building novels and finding so few noteworthy ones. And right away he almost addresses one of my main gripes, by having the MC (Corco), with an ungodly amount of modern knowledge, be a resident of this Fantasy world. Rather than someone who's Isekai'd. Yet the otherworldly memories Corco receives basically makes that point moot, due to how it immediately affects his personality. Becoming a confident & innovative leader, able to handle all manner of power struggles, which is clearly where this novel excels & derails at points. Struggles for the throne, for territorial control and to enact change. Constantly eliciting certain emotions from readers whenever Corco and his companions find themselves constantly on the back foot, which can be frustrating due to its frequency. Especially for someone like me who enjoys downtime with the engineering, innovations and side character POVs, yet there's barely enough to wet my appetite. Instead the author prefers to handle touchy subjects around Economics, Philosophy & Theology (not entirely my cup of tea). But the author does well in his attempt to inject more nuance into disagreements, rather than falling back on some tired clichés. And so far I've been enjoying the ride. Even with how small the known world feels, the ride up until "Chapter 374" remains immersive. Hoping to see things expand in the future, though that prospect has been looking pretty bleak, as of mid 2022.
City of Sin (CH Web Novel)
LitRPG, Kingdom Building, Fantasy, Harem, Action, Adventure, Politics, Military, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
Wow. An impressive Prologue, to kick off City of Sin. Compelling me to power through the slow start to Richard's childhood full of studying, angst and jealous young masters. Slow enough to really delve into the world's rather in-depth system of: Swords & Sorcery, Runecrafting, Deities, Ancient Bloodlines & Noble Families. But once the adventurous tutorial is complete, the true story of Planar Warfare begins. With a lot of Army Building, Money Making and some Kingdom Building that has more in common with Dungeon Management WNs. Colonizing Planes along with his growing batch of companions, who grow and develop with him. Where Richard himself maturing into a charismatic yet flawed protagonist, with a harem of sexual partners gravitating towards him, who all surprisingly remain relevant throughout the story and rarely as a damsel in distress. A story where the writer occasionally gets lazy when it comes to forcing dilemmas onto characters I like. Often by morphing their adversaries into inflexible Alzheimer's sufferers, often forgetful of who they are dealing with, leading to endless conflicts. The author did do an alright job building up towards an epic conclusion, but unfortunately I'm just not a fan of endless battles.
I Am The Monarch (KR Web Novel)
Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Politics, Military, Romance, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: (v1/c334) - (v1/c348)
Grade: C
A Korean WN set in a fantasy world, where the MC inexplicably gets a 2nd Chance in life. Not my first rodeo and it comes right out the gate with the usual issues. The MC Roan acts like he's smarter than everyone else, since he can just spoil upcoming events with his advantage. Using it to speedrun through personal developments and gain enough merits to rapidly promote through the army ranks, to inevitably become a monarch. Yet even with how fast paced the story is, with an endless supply of conflict, the author takes his sweet time to introduce any sort of Kingdom Building. By the time it is introduced, Roan has built up such a solid intelligence network and military advantage that most tension is lost. Especially when all his adversaries seem to run the same script.exe. Then the true final conflict of the Middle World occurs and I gradually lose the desire to continue, as it becomes near impossible to find any sort of translated ending.
The Legendary Mechanic (CH Web Novel)
VRMMO, Sci-Fi, Isekai, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Politics, Military, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
The author seems unafraid to make the readers feel as lost as Han Xiao, who appears to have been transmigrated into the body of an NPC, in what will become a monumentally popular VRMMORPG. Forced to immediately become a Mechanic class to survive the mess he's found himself in; Han Xiao grinds, deceives, crafts and fights his way out of peril utilizing his future knowledge. Plus him being classified as an NPC plays a huge role when 'players' start arriving. But that also makes one question the very nature of the gameworld Han Xiao has found himself in, as he's able to manipulate so much about the game's intended storyline & player's actions, without a peep from the Devs. As he rapidly accumulates wealth, knowledge, status, strength and military might. Becoming a huge influence on the galactic stage. Yet it's not all good as there's a great deal of immature humour which constantly leaves me groaning and for an MC with 1,000s in Intelligence and 1 point in Luck, he's honestly a bit too lucky at times. In the end The Legendary Mechanic does well to not make the class as OP as a Sculptor or Blacksmith found in other popular WNs. There are obvious pros & cons (weak early game, strong late game) and it manages to have some of the most engaging duels, group brawls and galactic battles I've read in a long time and all within a fantasy sci-fi setting. The ending does over complicate things, when trying to explain the world, but overall I enjoyed reading this.
NEXT (2022 - 2023)
Posted by Master10K | Aug 11, 2020 2:43 PM | 0 comments
February 26th, 2018
Light + Web Novels (2010 - 2019)
Anime Relations: Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid, Juuni Kokuki, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (2009), Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu, Sword Art Online, Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai, Overlord, Hai to Gensou no Grimgar, Isekai wa Smartphone to Tomo ni., Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari, Douluo Dalu, Goblin Slayer, Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken, Kumo desu ga, Nani ka?, Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu, Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki, Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu, Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki Part 2
Full Metal Panic (JP Light Novel)
Mecha, Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: (v10/c50) - (v12/c72)
Grade: A
This novel feels like a one of a kind. A hardcore military thriller, with some typical yet funny high school antics. Got me into light novels, because I had to see how the story continued. "Continuing on My Own" is the best arc, but "Burning One Man Force" is my most memorable. Favourite couple of all time that never really got together, as far as I know. Hoping to see how it ends in a future anime... Someday... Or I'll just re-read it, now that it's been officially resurrected.
Suzumiya Haruhi Series (JP Light Novel)
Supernatural, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life, Romance, Comedy
Volumes / Chapters: (v9/c43) - (???/???)
Grade: B+
A bit too wordy and esoteric at times, but out of all the media I've read or watched, this one portrays time travel the best. All whilst doing the usual highschool slice of life hijinks, within its short stories. With an overarching plot I may never see the end of.
Sword Art Online (JP Light Novel)
VRMMO, Sci-Fi, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: (v15/c120) - (???/???)
Grade: B-
Great first attempt for this author, but a bit of a mess to read. The game worlds & mechanics are fascinating but not fully fleshed out. Vital short stories are all over the place, out of chronological order and the writing only gets better by the Alicization arc. Glad it's getting fixed in the 'Progressive' reboot, so I probably won't continue with this one.
12 Kingdoms (JP Light Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: ???/???
Grade: A
Great collection of character stories, with some of the best world-building imaginable and it is what got me into the "Kingdom Building" genre. Although I find some character stories more agreeable than others, I still appreciate how the author tried to make each Kingdom distinct, whilst being a part of a greater whole. I just wish there was more Youko Nakajima, since I would like to see how she would rule her kingdom, beyond just 3 years. Shame the series seems to be on "Hiatus", or whatever.
In Another World With My Smartphone (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Harem, Action, Adventure, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: (v24/c214) - (???/???)
Grade: C-
Fairly mediocre Isekai, Adventure, Harem, with Touya Mochizuki being so incredibly overpowered. Until it adds "Kingdom Building" to the mix. Military defence, trade & commerce, cultural exchanges, diplomacy, scientific revolution (i.e. mechs). Now it's just fun to see where the hell the story goes, within the immense world that is built, even if the stakes are incredibly low. Also interesting to know that this bland MC has surprisingly good music taste (Earth Wind & Fire).
Mushoku Tensei (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Harem, Romance, Slice of Life
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A
One of the best character redemption stories I've ever come across. Especially after introducing such a vile MC, within this stale genre. Going from birth, to childhood adventures, school life, family life and ultimately passing the torch to the next generation. This being a chronicle of Rudeus' life, there are extended periods of exciting adventure and extending periods of dull slice of life, but that's life. Though super strong, Rudeus does not feel all that OP, since he is lacking in areas that other characters excel in. There's great depth in both the characters and the world they inhabit, with no black or white but a good deal of moral grey. The extreme perversion of Rudeus (especially in the early volumes) does make it difficult to recommend, to less "cultured" individuals, but said perversion is necessary for the character's progression.
Sevens (JP Web Novel)
Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Harem, Comedy
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
A pretty good fantasy of noble family conflict, typical adventure guild quests, with a ludicrously huge harem. I just wish that Lyle the MC had a bit more of a personality. During all the trekking Lyle tends to get overshadowed by all the girls he picks up, or by his annoying ancestors; who are there to constantly advise him and mold his already sparse personality. The adventure does get intense at times, with Lyle's overpowered little sister, but tends to drag during the downtime. Various factions start forming within the huge harem, making it more interesting than it deserves to be. Quite a few running gags are repeated ad nauseam and I ended up skipping a couple dozen of those pages.
Everyone Else is a Returnee (KR Web Novel)
Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Harem, Comedy, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
An entertaining Isekai/Reverse-Isekai (I dunno), with Yu Ilhan being the most overpowered MC imaginable, outside of a Xianxia novel. Beyond the ridiculously hype action moments, as our planet Earth begins to experience various degrees of accelerated cataclysmic events, I took great pleasure in the gear progression. As Yu Ilhan's crafting becomes more and more extravagant. So far this is one of my favourite crafting novels, as it's one of the few I know of that go through the whole process (gathering, dissembling, processing, tailoring/smithing & finally mana-crafting/enchanting). Would have been graded an "A+" if it wasn't for all the pop cultural references and its dreadful ending. Definitely one of the few Korean novels that's easy to recommend and it is one I enjoy re-reading.
Breakers (KR Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, LitRPG
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
A fun simple read with interesting character progression. But the RPG videogame nature of this Isekai felt a bit weak to me. Especially with how detached the MC was with his "character", making it difficult to really care about his plight. A decent yet highly forgettable story and a TL who ruined a particular character for me, due to their gender political vernacular. Though this fantasy novel happens to have the best Orc side character I've come across. He deserves his harem.
The Rising of the Shield Hero (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, LitRPG, Business Management
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C-
Strong start to the story, with Naofumi starting from the bottom to rise to the top, whilst dealing with some of the most annoyingly petty characters imaginable. But since he got most of the way there fairly quickly, it eventually devolves into a collection of mildly enjoyable B-stories for 2/3rds of the novels. Story ends in a nonsensical, over-the-top fashion. The mild kingdom building, business management and character development; saves the latter half of the story for me. Quite a lot of "Edge" but lacking the "Blade" to follow through. Someday I'll check out the LN version, which I hope is better.
Seoul Station's Necromancer (KR Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, LitRPG
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
An Isekai After-Story that progresses into an exciting dungeon crawler, with political intrigue; only to end up jumping the shark, with some bullshit multidimensional eSports and a Matrix-y ending. Yet before the BS towards the end, this novel has some of the hypest moments I've read, some of which involve the side-characters, which is rare for this type of WN. As side characters tend to end up forgotten in similar Korean WNs. Despite this being a bit of a poorly written mess (or maybe it is just the way it was translated), it's still an easily enjoyable read and Kang Woojin offers an OK power fantasy... for those who enjoy a brutal psychopath.
Coiling Dragon (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Sect Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
I'm glad this is the first Xianxia/Xuanhuan WN I'm reading, because in hindsight, this is a rather easy one to get into; as it shares traits of a Chinese novel, with Japanese characteristics. Clan revitalization & Cultivation via swords & sorcery that an average LN reader can understand, rather than diving head first into Daoist themes. Though a bit long & uneventful at times, I still enjoyed the Magic Academy Arc, followed by an unrelenting quest for vengeance and then godly battles. The main problem is that the writer focused far too much in describing the intricacies & the mechanics of the world(s), rather than making the Realm of the Gods as interesting as the Mortal Realm. Plus most of the characters are rather dim-witted. But still this is one of the few Chinese WNs that I can see myself re-reading in the future.
Rakuin no Monshou (JP Light Novel)
Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Military, Drama, Politics
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
A Game of Thrones-esque low fantasy world following a village boy, turned gladiatorial-slave, turned imperial battle tactician. Unfortunately the politics and annoying characters just bogs down the pacing and thus I got bored halfway through and re-read something more exciting (EEiaR), before coming back to finish this. This is a great novel that I just did not enjoy reading. Yet I can also say that it ended much too early, with far too many lose ends regarding the nature of the world.
Dungeon Hunter (KR Web Novel)
Dungeon Management, Reverse Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, LitRPG
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Nice reading a dungeon crawler story like this, told almost entirely from the perspective of the asshole Demon Dungeon Master Randalph. With a "Second Chance" being what gives this lowly invading demon a bit of an advantage over all the other bigshots out there, on their future subjugation of us Earthlings. Unlike other Korean WNs I've read before, this one seems to focus on its actual plot without going too far off the deep end. By making it enjoyable to read Randalph manipulate his dungeon environment and the human dungeon crawlers with the right incentives. Although it has some of the most memorable Auctions I've read, it doesn't take long for MC's 2nd life advantage to seem so woefully unfair, with the author constantly stacking the deck in his favour. Along with some terrible pacing issues, skipping over any meaningful character development or world building, the story suffers and concludes in a rather jumbled & forgettable fashion.
Warlock of the Magus World (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Isekai, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Concocting, Sect Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
A Chinese Isekai with the most ruthlessly, calculating MC I have seen so far. Now as the weak young noble lad Leylin, who takes it upon himself to follow a rather unorthodox path in cultivating the Dark Arts. Him being so incredibly cautious and paranoid ends up slowing down both story & character progress. At least it prevents him from making the usual facepalm-inducing mistakes (that and his OP A.I. chip), leaving very little suspense in what could go wrong, since Leylin always has contingency plans. Bit of a double-edged sword, but without it then I wouldn't have witnessed the creation of the incredibly insidious magical artifact, the "Coin of Destiny". Leyin's core drive is the everlasting cycle of the accumulation of wealth & power. Especially with how needlessly strict the power scaling is.
Dimensional Sovereign (KR Web Novel)
Supernatural, Action, Adventure, Harem, LitRPG, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
Interesting take on kingdom building with strategic RPG mechanics. How property acquisition in the real world can affect the territory of a Dreamscape & vice versa. Shame the MC here constantly bemoans about people born with "golden spoons" in their mouths, even though it feels like the MC gains a shit ton of "bonus luck". His progression ends up being so fast that he quickly makes his previous achievements obsolete. This novel later on gives off the impression of an over-the-top Xianxia novel, without technically being one (lack of gods, cultivation & Chinese).
The Place You Called From (JP Light Novel)
Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological, Romance, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
Did a good job in leaving sufficient breadcrumbs, to keep me interested enough to read it through to the end, but that's about it. Whilst reading this short novel, it was pretty difficult to tell what kind of story it was going for. Mostly it just felt like a "be content with your body" PSA / thought experiment, within a morbid romance.
Sovereign of Judgement (KR Web Novel)
Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Action, Adventure, LitRPG
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C-
Feels like this whole 'real world becoming an RPG' plot is very popular amongst Korean WN (my 4th one already). It's a shame that the MC here comes across as a bit of an irrational, simpleton, with a few nuggets of genius sprinkled in there. "At least this is a grim story that builds into something epic" is what I would like to say, but even that feels severely lacking; due to corners being cut in world building and whole sections of character building being skipped over, until the 2nd half. But in the end it's just a simple post-apocalyptic revenge story, until it's not. Though whether that's a good thing or not, is something I cannot say.
So I'm a Spider, So What? (JP Light Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Mystery, LitRPG
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
A rather amusing, yet intriguing take on the Fantasy Isekai with Game Elements. Told mostly from the first person viewpoint of a "peculiar" female MC, who gets reincarnated as a weak Spider in a hostile labyrinth. First goal, survive. Second, to grind, grind, grind until there are no longer any threats. This is a story told from multiple perspectives & timelines, which does add a fair amount of intrigue; however going from a Kumoko chapter to another character tends to illicit a few groans of annoyance, as it ruins the flow of the story. Such side stories would have been best served in much larger chunks, than spread about willy-nilly. Nevertheless Okina Baba shows that even when allowed to make drastic changes when ascending from Web Novel to Light Novel, the amateurish writing still bleeds through. Even if the various side stories are necessary to flesh out the world, reading them feels like the author has rather unique ideas to expound upon, but is unable to tell it in a coherent fashion. As if "chronology" is a dirty word. Sure the world gets more complex, characters gain more depth and the skill sheets get ridiculously long as the story goes on. But there comes a point, when none of that even matters, once all the mysteries are revealed. Though it certainly has some gorgeous illustrations in the: Light Novel Covers, Monster Encyclopaedias & Character Profiles.
I Shall Seal the Heavens (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Concocting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
"All of this takes some time to describe, but happened in an instant." - says The Author, as he spat out 3 mouthfuls of blood.
A well-meaning scholar, becoming a murderous con-artist, is an interesting way to kick off a surprisingly entertaining Xianxia novel. Many such novels have tidbits of Daoism in it, but this particular one is steeped in Daoist theology and principles. So it does take some getting used to, especially regarding the depth of cultivation it is willing to go. Making fools of arrogant young masters, provides a cathartic experience, though it does end up getting slightly repetitive. Along with all the Trial by Fires, overblown divine abilities and burnt incense sticks. In the end what really brings this fantastic story down for me is the long and grueling war with the 33 Heavens and its glum aftermath. Nevertheless of the Er Gen novels I've read (3 as of Mid 2020), this may be my favourite and the Deathblade translations helped a lot in that.
Hokuou Kizoku to Moukinzuma no Yukiguni Karigurashi (JP Web Novel)
Slice of Life, Romance, Fantasy?
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Rare to come across a web novel, with such gorgeous cover art, though this one seriously needs a proof-reader. Story feels more like a 19th century Nordic tale, than a traditional European-style Fantasy novel. A chill slice of life, of an interesting odd couple that are made for each other. There's a lot of nothing important happening throughout and also A LOT of cooking.
Praise the Orc (KR Web Novel)
VRMMO, LitRPG, Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
A VRMMO where one's real life real life abilities, can affect one's level of assimilation with their avatar, is an interesting concept. So it obviously can't get away with having an unhealthy otaku becoming the OP chick magnet, within the game, trope. Instead we have a working adult, becoming what feels like the Orc "Punisher", within a fleshed out fantasy world. Until the convoluted plot twist that adds a confusing layer to it all and the story continues to escalate, which unsurprisingly leads to a rather lacklustre ending. But before all that crap, the tale of "Jung Ian" gradually becoming "Crockta" was enthralling, never feeling the need to flood the reader with stat sheets. Plus it has a fascinating Epilogue. "Bul'tar!"
Galactic Dark Net (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Action, Adventure, VRMMO
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
A world where advanced technology and the supernatural intermix. Reminds me a lot of "Toaru Majutsu no Index", whilst incorporating some typical Chinese characteristics. However as the story goes on, besides not shying away from illegal activities, the MC comes across more & more as a "Gary Stu". Experiencing numerous coincidences, to conveniently escape dire situations. Yet this amateurishly written novel, still manages to be an enjoyable read, until its abrupt end.
Evil God Average (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Comedy, LitRPG, Dungeon Management
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
A short simple Isekai that doesn't mess about by wasting time, but just jumps straight into the thick of it. With a snarky female MC, who's OP from the get go and then ends up as a raid boss/deity. Great deal of world-building, for what's equivalent to 2 LN volumes of content. It's a shame that this fairly light-hearted story, felt incredibly tame to me. Could've done a lot more if it weren't T for Teens, but due to the lack of good dungeon management novels out there, I'm left with this.
Emperor of Solo Play (KR Web Novel)
VRMMO, Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
I guess: Traffic accident + NEET otaku != Isekai (in this case at least). Instead it's the regret filled, "Second Chance" plotline, that I've read before in other Korean WNs. The full-dive MMORG world here is horribly underdeveloped, yet the game mechanics are rather interesting, with the skill trees reminding me of Path of Exile. There's a heavy emphasis on online media & money making, which can be both fun yet annoying to read through, when the MC barely uses the money IRL. Instead the reader gets to witness the most Pay to Win class imaginable, with his overpowered Necro build. Honestly this whole thing felt like the author himself was fucked over in 1 too many MMOs and was simply venting his frustration. Surprisingly solid ending though.
World of Cultivation (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Military, Sect Building, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
Right after reading EoSP, I encounter another poverty stricken MC, whose constant struggles can be both amusing and annoying to read. But as the title states, this takes place within a world of cultivation and the amnesiac Zuo Mo gradually delves into every form of cultivation imaginable (elemental spells, sword techniques, pill concocting, beast taming, body cultivation, formations, etc.) Continuously ramping up from the 2nd volume onwards, but before that you'll have to suffer through the incredibly slow start. To then experience one of the few Xianxia novels that natural progress army building into sect/kingdom building. The world itself feels alive and I truly appreciated how it never felt like the world revolved around Zuo Mo (until the final stretch), as it spent a great deal of time fleshing out other characters. However the writing style and questionable translations, makes the reading experience needlessly difficult and the ending incredibly rushed.
The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria (JP Light Novel)
Supernatural, Mystery, Psychological, Romance, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
A story of one's everyday high school life interrupted by supernatural hijinks, with increasing levels of teenage angst & melodrama. Rarely have I seen it done as well as it has been done here, through common supernatural plot devices handled in unique ways. Volume 1 sets the bar high, with its "groundhog day" like story. Plus other extreme & unpredictable supernatural phenomenon as the focus in every other volume or two. It is a shame that it has such a weak-willed male protagonist, paired with an excessively competent female protag to compensate. Sure Hoshino Kazuki's insane obsession with having an ordinary school life does eventually take an interesting turn, but by that point the story lost a lot of its appeal, as I end up suffused in melodrama.
The Book Eating Magician (KR Web Novel)
Fantasy, Harem, Action, Adventure, Military, Politics
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Weak downtrodden MC, acquires unique power/ability and with hard work... blah, something, blah. A premise I've seen countless times in material aimed at young boys, but this time in a slightly more mature tone (for the most part). Ancient civilizations, magic academy, quests and countless thrilling battles that are found in countless fantasy adventures. With a Swordsman x Mage system similar to "Mushoku Tensei", many aspects from "Full Metal Alchemist" and a crap ton of Norse & Greek mythology. I still enjoyed reading this novel, with rivaling nations and its intense relationships between certain characters. However what should be a mature harem, feels annoyingly childish, from time to time and the world building ends up becoming horrendously lazy. A lot of it just feels like wasted potential, because I really enjoyed the MC's thirst for magic in this non-Isekai world.
Mushoku Tensei - Redundancy (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Slice of Life
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C-
Collection of short After/Side Stories from one of my favourite WN. A bit of a mixed bag, where some add something fun & interesting to the character's story (Zanoba's & Rudeus' android adventures) and others are pretty meh (Hot Springs). Would be interesting to see how much of this remains canon, in the official Light Novel release.
God of Crime (KR Web Novel)
Supernatural, Action, Psychological, Thriller, Drama, LitRPG
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
Koreans really do love these "Second Chance Revenge", type of stories. Plus lately it feels like it's only in Korean novels that I find RPG-like mechanics in a modern world setting. This time with a shrewd anti-hero of an MC, given an opportunity to build up his character; whilst solving crimes that feel like they're influenced by Western media and real life events. Though instead of finding Seo Tae Hyuk's assortment of supernatural abilities incredibly weird, what I find most strange is how a South Korean citizen finds himself embroiled in all these crimes.
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (JP Light Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Kingdom Building, Politics, Military, Harem, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: (v18/c242) - (???/???)
Grade: B- / C+
As a fan of Kingdom Building, I've been meaning to check this one out. Besides the repetitious walls of text, piss poor illustrations and the general lack of thrill; the story it tells is an easy one to get into. Like reading a world's history in the making, as Kazuya Souma is forced to resolve the apparent silly struggles, of his foolish liege who ceded the throne. It certainly feels like the story peaks real early (around vol. 2), with story beats barely reaching that level of excitement again. Often just adding to the mystery of world, developing interpersonal relationships and following the implementation of his rudimentary governing policies. It's just never as deep as the non-Japanese offerings like "Release that Witch" or "Enlightened Empire". However for what it's worth, I really like King Souma's thoughtful nature, how he doesn't remain celibate or rely on an OP "cheat skill". But what he does rely on is a shit ton of references to Machiavelli's "The Prince" and Sun Tzu's "The Art of War". Unfortunately once the main members of the harem have been acquired and the most pressing threats have been handled, the story ends up in a long lull. With only a few engaging chapters of World Building & Domestic Affairs and the author becoming obsessed with hooking up all the named characters with one another. It's not until the 17th Volume that all the major mysteries are finally revealed, one mystery being the author's inability to set up a convincingly good conflict. Instead after hyping up this supposed Gigachad Emperor (Fuuga Haan), this battle maniac was merely used as a means to showcase new technology and battle tactics.
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash (JP Light Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: (v10/c149) - (???/???)
Grade: B
A change of pace from all the "Casual" Isekai I've been watching & reading; Grimgar being one on "Hardcore" difficulty, with a dysfunctional group of misfits. Pretty much all of them have some realistic yet unappealing traits, making parts of the story a bit of a slog to get through. Ranta being the worst offender, nevertheless as the story progresses, even I can't help but empathise with his frustrations. The physical copies I bought are thick with pages of content, but lacking in print quality; with washed out black & white illustrations, making the darker ones more difficult to make out. At least all the volumes I've read have their own highlights, to make up for a lot of its flaws, with immense world building throughout. However it's an extremely slow burn. Later parts of the story beginning to meander with the author seemingly not providing much purpose. I grew tired of waiting for the overall payoff and have no idea if and when I'll get back into it.
Ark (KR Web Novel)
VRMMO, Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
"Ark is like LMS, but worse" are the kind of comments I kept seeing. But Ark is the one that has currently run its course, so I had to read it first and to me it felt more like Emperor of Solo Play (similar character, build, AI companions, epic quest lines and all). Well Ark is your simple, yet horribly self-centered MC; playing a VRMMO that "is more real than reality", who ends up on the bad side of numerous incompetent individuals. Constantly having to deal with escalating threats, although shit does get real dumb at times. This WN ends up like a forgettable B-action movie, something to enjoy, but with a predictable formula and lacking in any substance.
A Will Eternal (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Fantasy, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Concocting, Harem
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Here I thought Meng Hao from Er Gen's previous work (ISSTH) was the ultimate con-artist. Perhaps "con-artist" may in fact be the wrong descriptor, as Bai Xiaochun is a walking contradiction. An annoying, chin-jutting trickster, who will sacrifice a lot for those he cares about. A weak-willed individual that fears any threat to his poor little life, but will cough up a many mouthfuls of blood to obtain immortality. A walking repetitive joke of an immature cultivator, but with a snap of his fingers will reduce any obstacle to ashes. Shame I can only talk about the MC, because it feels like the other characters aren't allowed to be interesting, less they may take attention away from Bai Xiaochun.
Douluo Dalu (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
Don't know whether to call this an "Isekai" novel; as Tang San goes from one fantasy world, with its own "Wuxia" power system, to this other fantasy world. The power system in this world is a mix between JoJo "Stands", "Wushu" style martial arts and typical "Xianxia" cultivation systems. It was nice to gradually see the building blocks of an epic story, comprising a group of remarkable kids, as they grow up to become hugely influential adults. There are enough hints throughout the story to give one an idea on the general direction of the story, but it still manages to throw in a few curve balls along the way, to make it not wholly predictable. The subtle commentary on how the world's cultivation relies so heavily on a non-renewable resource (Spirit Beast) also adds an interesting layer to the story. Shame it begins to feel like a typical Xianxia novel towards the end.
I Reincarnated For Nothing (KR Web Novel)
Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Harem, Comedy
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
From one of my favourite junk food Korean WN authors (Toika)... This feels like a story told from the perspective of a self-aware NPC, within a Fantasy RPG, who's basically grooming the "Chosen One". Although with so much prior knowledge he is basically doing a speedrun. Cheats, Glitches and Exploits abound. Overall it is the most generic Heroes journey to defeat the Demon Lord kind of story, with a "meta" style of comedy, giving it some incredibly fun character interactions. All while providing basic commentary on free will and self-determination.
Katahane no Riku (JP Web Novel)
Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Isekai
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
It is so weird for such a brutally gruesome WN to be an Isekai, with an Otome Game / Dating Sim as its backdrop. It is so weird for the Heroine the reader mostly follows to be the most oblivious individual, surrounded by annoyingly self-aware characters. It felt weird rooting for such a heroine, but it's still intriguing seeing the ripple effects such an insignificant pebble could set off, disrupting all the machinations. But my god the translations are awful.
Master Hunter K (KR Web Novel)
Supernatural, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Yet another Korean "Second Chance" WN; but unlike other stories, the MC here actually earns it, for being the last man standing. As both a pro & con, the action here is intense & relentless, but also lacking any tension. Meaning there is little to no downtime between all the IRL PUG raids. Making this the perfect story to adapt into a Western Summer Hollywood Blockbuster, with its international cast of characters and great set pieces. Unfortunately I also tend to enjoy the downtime this story lacks, as it allows the characters to unwind, which is why the characters here are so basic & clear-cut.
Heavenly Jewel Change (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Harem, Romance, Military
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B+
A change of pace with this "initially" more Archery focused story, since most fantasy settings are saturated with Swords & Sorcery. Was instantly hyped around chap.20 when I first noticed the link with Douluo Dalu, only to then be slammed with some random rape. Would have been surprised if I didn't already check the "tags". The power-system of this world is pretty convoluted but at least the power-levels are not insurmountable, lending to more unpredictable outcomes. The world building itself is pretty strong, with a greater focus on character progression and gradually building up its cast of characters. That in turn leads to some annoying harem clichés, but at least the MC is charismatically shameless enough to be worthy of his harem.
I Alone Level-Up (a.k.a. Solo Leveling) (KR Web Novel)
Supernatural, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Another Modern Day, Dungeon Crawler, Korean WN I've stumbled across that I found to be incredibly similar to 2 other Korean WNs I've read "SSN" & "MHK". In both the dungeon runs happening in the forefront and the mysterious "true" story slowly unravelling in the background. What it does to set itself apart from the countless other similar novels I've read is that the story remains pretty solid throughout, without jumping the shark towards the end. Though it doesn't change the fact that the ending is about as abrupt as you can get, with about 20 side story chapters to tie up any loose ends. Plus the incredibly overpowered Sung Jin-Woo becomes incredibly dull and most other named characters just become irrelevant. Simply because the story will not allow others to Level, giving them nothing to do towards the end. Although just like how MHK would be suitable as a Hollywood Live Action, Solo Leveling is best experienced as a Manhwa & possibly Anime.
Martial World (CH Web Novel)
Xuanhuan, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Concocting, Harem, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
About as straight-forward a story you can get in this genre. As this time we have Lin Ming, who is the lucky individual that happens to stumble across a "one of a kind" heaven-defying treasure, which kick starts his speedy cultivation journey. Through sheer Determination and the Deus ex Machina known as "Destiny"; he gets stronger, the world opens up and he inevitably gets sucked into escalating blood feuds & full-scale wars. With a great deal of arrogant young masters, wagers and "lucky chances" thrown in for good measure. Definitely the epitome of a typical Xianxia novel, holding every trope one can imagine. Even a Little {Insert Colour Here} pet companion, making this only worth reading if you're fairly new to Xianxia, as it's a solid read. One major issue I had is with how repetitive & long-winded the character's dialogue & thoughts are of this needlessly long 2,200 chapter novel.
Advent of the Archmage (CH Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Kingdom Building, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
I feel like the best way to describe this is Chinese "Overlord", unfortunately the way this WN handles its initial premise makes it feel much less believable than Overlord. Where in Overlord the MC was sent to a similar yet different fantasy world and not sent back to the same game world like here. This is a WN that has a lot of elements that tick the right boxes for me; be it the establishment of one's own domain, the intricate crafting or the LitRPG mechanics that remain consistent throughout. And yet this WN failed to excite me. May have something to do with the way the author continuously forced this extremely guarded & meticulous MC, to leave obvious threats alone to fester. But one thing I did particularly enjoy about the story was the huge focal shift in the 2nd half. As I liked how it affected other aspects of the story; making this one of the few WN where the seemingly OP MC takes the time to set up various systems for a solid foundation, not just constantly adventuring.
The Antimagic Acadamy "The 35th Test Platoon" (JP Light Novel)
Supernatural, Military, Action, Adventure, Harem, Comedy, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C-
A Supernatural Battle Academy style LN, set in the modern day, with an ongoing war between regular folk and witches as its backdrop. The author does a good job when dealing with issues like discrimination & retribution, because like the X-Men, you can't wholeheartedly side with the naive "good guys". Shame all this is interspersed between generic "For my NAKAMA!" speeches, from the hypocritical Takeru and his fan girls. Plus the harem comedy antics, like the MC tripping into some jiggling titties and inevitably doing the honourable Japanese thing by passively getting beaten by his female cohorts. I'm getting too old for this shit. Especially since I saw some potential when the story took itself seriously, but by the end I could care less about the outcome.
At least the illustrations are appropriate.
The Lazy King (KR Web Novel)
Isekai, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Comedy, Psychological, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Just like another 2 volume WN I've read (Evil Average God), here we have a story about a seemingly OP Demon Lord, who just wants to chill in his domain and nothing else... Is what this story initially comes across as. But as this short tale shifts between various perspectives, it becomes clear that this is a collection of anecdotes, about demonic beings, going through their own existential crisis. The 1st volume executes on this very well but the 2nd volume tends to meander a bit. The classic "7 Deadly Sins" manifests here and it happens to offer up a rather interesting power system.
The First Hunter (KR Web Novel)
Supernatural, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Kingdom Building, Military
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Just another modern day in S. Korea, when monsters spawn out of nowhere coming to wreck shit up and of all the similar Korean WNs I've read, it's nice to find one that deals with the initial fallout. So instead of jumping in when all the monster hunting infrastructure is in place, the reader gets to witness such a society rebuild from the ashes of civilization. Following the highly logical and somewhat sociopathic Kim Tae-Hoon, who initially comes across as a selfish prick. Nevertheless instead of remaining an anti-social asshole, who monopolizes everything like a tyrant, he quickly learns that he can't do it all alone. Which helps in giving the story some stakes that actually matter. But I would like someone to explain to me... this author's obsession with COFFEE?
Release that Witch (CH Web Novel)
Isekai, Kingdom Building, Military, Politics, Crafting, Romance, Slice of Life
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: A-
An Isekai where China-man Chen Yan's soul transfers to, the already grown up, European-esque nobleman Roland Wimbledon, is the kind of Isekai transfer I usually don't like. However the world building here does a phenomenal job of making up for it. Especially when dealing with the very nature of witches, the Battle of Divine Will and the various other mysteries of the world. Where Low Fantasy meets Science, creating a fascinating element to the Industrial Revolution and the ongoing effects it has on the people's way of life. Especially with how it often switches perspectives for other character's Slice of Life moments. Honestly it makes this one of the, if not the best Kingdom Building WN. However the Slice of Life moments also slow down the pacing a bit too much. Then a new realm is later introduced to over complicate the story and trivialize the earlier experimentation & ingenuity. And a shame that Roland, although ridiculously smart and proactive, has a dry personality. A stark contrast from all the amazing side characters.
The Desolate Era (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B
From the get go we dive straight into the cycle of reincarnation, with Ji Ning gaining some benefit there, but not enough to make him OP like the usual immortal treasure & spirit elder/companion. A gauntlet of escalating conflict is the name of the game here; going from blood feuds, to tribal warfare to huge realm wars. All of which seemingly focuses around Ji Ning, rendering other characters useless. However as the world gets bigger and focus draws more towards the endless nature of Cultivation & Dao comprehension; quite some interesting characters are introduced, nonetheless with only a few of those becoming recurring characters. Eventually I grew to enjoy the story more as it went on but alas, I had a few gripes that impeded me from fully enjoying this novel. Such as the glut of repetition to pad out the word count and how the author relies too much on Deus ex Machina, rather than the tools he gave the MC but left mostly forgotten (i.e. Archery).
Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, LitRPG, Fantasy, Action, Kingdom Building, Politics, Romance
Volumes / Chapters: (v6/c297) - (???/???)
Grade: C+
Previously the 'seemingly average' & physically inept Makoto Misumi, forcefully Isekai'd without his consent. Now the reactionary & still socially inept OP MC, stuck in a fantasy world, doing whatever he can to subvert the human supremacist world the twisted Goddess sent him to. Eventually there is some intrigue & mild enjoyment to be had. Especially when it comes to the gathering and the development of Makoto's companions, who often outshine him. But before it gets good, one has to stomach how messily written the story is: most early fights having no flow, how the mercantilism is forced in, a lot of the humour and various aspects of the world not making much sense. Not to forget the other 2 OP Human heroes: one brain-dead bishounen & a naive bishoujo with some potential. By the hundredth chapter the story does find its footing, with a lot of introspective character moments, large-scale conflict and kingdom building which feels less like 'Civilization' and more 'Black & White'.
The Novel Extra (KR Web Novel)
Isekai, LitRPG, Supernatural, Action, Adventure, Romance, Drama, Crafting
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Feels like fate for me to come across this novel, right after reading one that just went on Hiatus. But it doesn't prevent this whole "transmigration into a web novel" premise from being so incomprehensible. And even with the author critiquing his own generic & shitty work, with an OP Hero; it doesn't prevent this Hero Battle Academy setting from being generic. Along with annoying characters that constantly misunderstand everything and the MC decked out with Cheat Skills. Yet amidst all this BS, I still found myself captivated by this story. Witnessing characters that undergo some surprising developments, a particular arc that reminded me of HxH's Greed Island and a fairly satisfying ending.
Night Ranger (CH Web Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, LitRPG, Action, Adventure, Kingdom Building?
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C+
Now I'm going from the fairly original "Isekai into a WN" (The Novel Extra); to a fairly bog standard "Isekai into a Fantasy MMORPG game" (like in Overlord or Advent of the Archmage). Along with an MC having advantageous future knowledge, so the story loses a great deal of tension from the get go. But what it has going for it are the enjoyable side-characters and the pacing; as the story continuously flows from one event leading to the next, at a steady pace, which makes it such an easy read. Right up until the author rushes through the endgame. Plus the subplots (romance) & sub-genres (kingdom building) are left to the wayside, to focus on Marvin's rapid rise to fame.
How to Kill Reincarnators from Earth (JP Web Novel)
Isekai, Parody, Harem, Smut, Comedy, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
In a Fantasy World that's infested with degenerate Reincarnators from Japan, requires another, even more degenerate Reincarnator to cull this genocidal horde... for the sake of diversity. Such a ridiculous anti-hero's journey, involving a lot subterfuge & psychological manipulation for Tits & Ass. A fun read. Wish it was a bit longer.
Overgeared (KR Web Novel)
VRMMO, Harem, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Crafting, Kingdom Building
Volumes / Chapters: (v???/c1210) - (???/???)
Grade: B
Got to appreciate how Overgeared kicked off with a "Second Chance" plot, in a more natural way than I'm used to from Korean WNs. But it leads to a meandering story regarding a super advanced VRMMORPG, inundated with countless misunderstandings and inane dialogue. Featuring a naive, self-centered, lucky ass-hat of an MC. Until other character storylines converge into his, forming a decent 'rise to fame' story. Filled with epic quest, massive Guild conflicts and the kind of fun crafting I haven't read since EEiaR. With so many remarkable NPCs that'll easily immerse anyone in the vast expansive virtual world. A virtual world that feels so lived in that it's easy to ignore the unbalanced nature of the game, until stats like "Divinity" come into play. Eventually it does get tiresome, once Grid becomes tolerable, as side characters continuously sing the praises of God Grid's every competent action. Or whenever there's a fun event and near everyone spews out excessive amounts of nationalism.
Skyfire Avenue (CH Web Novel)
Xianxia, Mecha, Sci-Fi, Romance, Drama, Action, Adventure
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
Took a while to get into this world of sci-fi and nobility. Felt like jumping into a story that was mostly done. With the MC already near the peak of cultivation, yet suffered a huge loss along the way. Now sequestered from his hero's journey and settling down as a noble mentor. A pleasant surprise, as it is nothing like a typical Xianxia WN full of: trials, lucky chances & some sacred treasure that speeds up cultivation. Nonetheless it kept my interest in the earlier chapters, when there's barely a plot to speak of and in the later chapters once the plot arrives. Although it would have been nicer for the Alien threat introduced later into the story to not be so 1-dimensional. With there being a fair amount of romantic relationships in the story, it also would have been nice if the female characters came in more than 2 flavours (Jade Beauty & Hot-Tempered).
Starting Over (JP Light Novel)
Supernatural, Psychological, Romance, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: B-
First time I've come across a 'Second Chance' story as depressing as this. As it also has me wondering how much more I would fuck my life up, if sent back 10 years. Since all we really remember in our lives are the highs & lows but not much of what happens in-between.
Three Days of Happiness (JP Light Novel)
Supernatural, Psychological, Romance, Drama
Volumes / Chapters: Completed
Grade: C
Although I appreciate how she went out of her way to write the type of novels she struggled to find, I feel like I'm done with Sugaru Miaki. Sure her novels are easily digestible, but they are all painfully bittersweet. This one's no different, involving another thought experiment, dealing with the value of life. Definitely fascinating, yet I just didn't like this story much and the ending left some loose ends.
Dungeon Defense (KR Light Novel)
Isekai, Fantasy, LitRPG, Psychological, Harem, Romance, Politics, Military
Volumes / Chapters: (v5/c34) - (???/???)
Grade: B
From the get go I really liked this Master Manipulator "Dantalian", as I knew I could enjoy a more cerebral Isekai. With world building so phenomenal that one does not even think about the ridiculous circumstances that got him into this fantasy world. Until the game elements popup and then swiftly disappear by the end of volume 2. With a title like Dungeon Defense, I expected a dungeon keeper oriented story, like the lesser known KR WN "Dungeon Hunter". Nevertheless beyond the usual Human vs. Demon military conflict and politics; this felt more like a story of twisted love & strife, with lunatics having an insane amount of chemistry with one another. Coupled with a lot of character introspective moments, which can be both a good and bad thing. Shame this LN has been stuck in Hiatus, because I eventually got into it.
NEXT (2020 - 2021)
Posted by Master10K | Feb 26, 2018 8:30 AM | 0 comments
December 14th, 2013
My Visual Novel List
Anime Relations: Grisaia no Kajitsu
~ I'm tired of all the mediocre romance anime, so I've started reading Visual Novels. ~
~ I'll be keeping track of the ones I've played, with my brief thoughts on them. ~
~ I'll be keeping track of the ones I've played, with my brief thoughts on them. ~
~ Year 2013 ~
Kawata Shoujo
Routes Completed: 3/5
Grade: C+
Sharin no Kuni: Himawari no Shoujo
Routes Completed: 4/4
Grade: B
Sharin no Kuni: Yuukyuu no Shounenshoujo
Routes Completed: 3/5
Grade: C-
Swan Song
Routes Completed: 1/1 (multiple endings)
Grade: B+
Wanko to Kurasou
Routes Completed: 1/2
Grade: B-
Katahane
Routes Completed: 0/3
Grade: D
Prison Battleship
Routes Completed: 1/2
Grade: D-
Kimi no Nagori wa Shizuka ni Yurete
Routes Completed: 1/1
Grade: C+
Grisaia no Kajitsu
Routes Completed: 5/5
Grade: A
G-senjou no Maou
Routes Completed: 4/4
Grade: A-
~ Year 2014 ~
Period
Routes Completed: 7/8
Grade: C+
Wind -a breath of heart-
Routes Completed: 5/5
Grade: C-
Hoshizora no Memoria - Wish Upon A Shooting Star
Routes Completed: 4/7
Grade: C
Rewrite
Routes Completed: 4/5
Grade: B
Sono Hanabira ni Kuchizuke o
Routes Completed: 1/1
Grade: D+
~ Year 2015 ~
Coμ - Kuroi Ryuu to Yasashii Oukoku
Routes Completed: 5/5
Grade: C+
~ Year 2016 ~
Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate
Routes Completed: 3/5
Grade: C
If My Heart Had Wings
Routes Completed: 5/5
Grade: B-
Posted by Master10K | Dec 14, 2013 3:18 PM | 0 comments
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