- #1
Here is a summary of the full review from my blog-This novel follows a common regression trope where the main character (MC) from Earth is transported to a dark fantasy world, becomes a s*ave, suffers ab*se, dies, and then regresses to the moment he first entered the world, now armed with knowledge from his first life. The MC isn't naïve, and while he treats people with kindness, he often rationalizes it as cruelty or realism. The setting is compelling enough, and the characters, though two-dimensional, are consistently written.The novel begins mostly in first-person, but as the chapters progress, it incorporates more third-person scenes. The descriptions are decent, though the novel suffers from excessive internal monologues. The MC often over-explains his rationale, which leads to unnecessary repetition and word padding, making it feel slow and dull.A major issue is the lack of a clear overarching plot. The MC's primary goal is simply survival, and after the early chapters, he faces little real threat. The world-building is minimal, especially since the MC spent his first life as a s*ave and didn't learn much about the larger world. The author later introduces a plot about the church being the enemy and invaders from another world, but it feels too convenient and lacks depth.The MC also enters a quick relationship, but the romance is shallow and undeveloped. Additionally, the author awkwardly spares a female character who wronged him in both lives, which feels inconsistent.Ultimately, this dark fantasy novel is predictable, with decent planning and world-building but lacking in conflict and excitement. It's a 6/10—readable but not particularly engaging.