- #1
I absolutely adore this novel! It quickly drew me in with its cast of intriguing characters trapped together in a prison setting.The protagonist is a total scene-stealer. His cunning use of mind-reading abilities to manipulate those around him makes for such entertaining psychological games. Yet he still has a moral compass and relatable backstory that endears him to the reader.The other main characters - like the vampire progenitor and the crossdressing regressor - are also charming in their own ways. Their interactions are the heart of the story. The dialogue is witty and reveals so much about each character's motivations and personality.The overarching plot revolving around averting an apocalyptic future adds great stakes too. Uncovering those mysteries with the protagonist makes me feel like a detective!I'll admit the setting is a bit limited so far, but the author has clearly put immense thought into the magic system and world building. Even confined to a prison, the creativity shines through.Some might be put off by the lack of intense action so far, but I'm enjoying the refreshing focus on wits over brawn. And I have a feeling exciting battles are inevitable once they break free from the prison.Overall, this is a truly stellar read. From the quirky characters to the gripping plot, it draws you in and leaves you eager for more. I can't recommend this gem enough for fans of intelligent, character-driven stories. This will surely top Childhood Friend of the Zenith as my favorite among the novels translated by Genesistls!