After My Childhood Friends Fiancé Was Taken Away, and I Was Subsequently Banished Along With the Saints Stepsister, I Decided to Watch as Those Who Betrayed Me Meet Their Downfall

My Thoughts on After My Childhood Friends Fiancé Was Taken Away, and I Was Subsequently Banished Along With the Saints Stepsister, I Decided to Watch as Those Who Betrayed Me Meet Their Downfall

Okay, that title is a mouthful, isn't it? I dove into this novel with a healthy dose of skepticism, given the sheer length of the title and the… specific premise. Let's just say my expectations weren't sky-high.

First Impressions

The initial setup is classic betrayal fare: a protagonist wronged, a kingdom seemingly gone mad, and a promise of eventual comeuppance. I was ready for a fun revenge story, but I quickly found myself struggling to connect with the narrative.

What Works Well

Honestly, finding positives was a bit of a challenge. The idea of a kingdom regretting its rash decisions is intriguing, and the inclusion of elements like dragon riders and spirits hints at a potentially rich world. However, the execution… well, that's where things get dicey.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue, and one I suspect many readers share, is the characterization. The MC’s decisions often felt baffling. The idea of willingly exiling himself, despite possessing the power to enact change, struck me as odd. It’s hard to root for a protagonist who seems to actively contribute to his own misfortune.

The intelligence of the surrounding characters also feels questionable. The fact that the kingdom's ruling class so easily falls prey to an obvious villain, and then seems surprised when things go south, strains credulity. It makes it difficult to invest in the world or feel any satisfaction in their inevitable downfall.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, After My Childhood Friends Fiancé Was Taken Away, and I Was Subsequently Banished Along With the Saints Stepsister, I Decided to Watch as Those Who Betrayed Me Meet Their Downfall falls short of its potential. While the premise offers a glimmer of hope for a satisfying revenge tale, the execution, particularly in terms of character motivations and world-building consistency, leaves much to be desired. I'm giving it a pass for now, but I'll keep an eye out in case it manages to turn things around.