Apparently, I’m a Childhood Friend of a Saint in the World of Light Novels, and When We Meet Again After a Few Years at School, She’s Turned into Some Kind of Yandere?

My Thoughts on Apparently, I’m a Childhood Friend of a Saint in the World of Light Novels, and When We Meet Again After a Few Years at School, She’s Turned into Some Kind of Yandere?

This title is quite the mouthful, isn't it? I went into this novel expecting a potentially trashy but entertaining yandere story, and what I found was... a mixed bag, to say the least. It has elements that could be promising, but also some pretty significant flaws.

First Impressions

The premise is pretty standard fare for a light novel: childhood friends reunited, one turns out to be a bit… intense. The initial chapters set the stage, introducing the characters and hinting at the yandere tendencies to come. It’s fast-paced, which can be both a blessing and a curse.

What Works Well

What I appreciate most is the protagonist. He's not the typical wishy-washy MC you often find in these types of stories. He's surprisingly decisive and proactive in his relationship, willing to stand his ground and fight for it. This is a refreshing change of pace and kept me somewhat invested in the story, even when other aspects felt a bit lacking. I also found the build-up of the relationship to be well done, laying the groundwork for what's to come.

Areas of Concern

However, I can't ignore some glaring issues. The power scaling and world-building feel incredibly weak. The explanations for the MC's abilities, especially at a young age, are flimsy and unconvincing. It feels like the author prioritized getting to the romance aspect without properly establishing the foundations of the world or the character's capabilities. This lack of depth extends to the romance itself, which, despite being a central focus, feels shallow and underdeveloped. The dialogue is often simplistic, and the interactions between the characters lack genuine emotional resonance. It feels like the story is pandering to the audience with a shallow romance that lacks depth. The story also relies heavily on clichés, and the character development seems non-existent.

Final Verdict

"Apparently, I’m a Childhood Friend of a Saint in the World of Light Novels, and When We Meet Again After a Few Years at School, She’s Turned into Some Kind of Yandere?" has potential, mainly due to its proactive MC. However, the weak world-building, shallow romance, and questionable power scaling hold it back. If you're looking for a quick and easy read with a focus on romance and don't mind overlooking some significant flaws, you might find some enjoyment here. Otherwise, proceed with caution.