- #1
Having read the entire main story, and lots of after story, I can say that while there are definitely dark portions the overall story is positive, and often very funny. Yes, the first book is the darkest. The MC has his mind break to the point all he can think about is surviving to go home. The rest of the books are him recovering his mind/personality as he works to return home. A lot of people seem disappointed that the MC doesn't stay as a cold, mu*dering psychopath, but I really like that his character grows and changes due to the people around him. It seems way more natural to me, especially since there are people that knew him before and care about him. And the MC isn't the only one who grows and changes. It's true for almost all the characters. That's why I love this series so much. Overall, it's about people surviving horrible experiences, and overcoming their negative emotions, but with plenty of humor thrown in so it never gets too heavy. That doesn't mean that it becomes the kind of sugary story where it's all sunshine and rainbows though. The MC grows, but he himself acknowledges that he is still missing important parts and that they will never come back. Important characters die and stay dead. Dark emotions aren't magically gone, but the characters acknowledge them and work to get past them. It makes it more relatable, and more enjoyable. (At least for me) And the after stories are a lot of fun. There are definitely some that are better than others, but they are worth reading to see what happens after returning to Earth. Some are more serious, but many of them are hilarious enough that I reread them when I need something funny.
