Beast Taming: Starting with Undead, Becoming the Dark-Type King

My Thoughts on Beast Taming: Starting with Undead, Becoming the Dark-Type King

This novel grabbed my attention with its intriguing title and the promise of a unique take on the beast-taming genre. After diving in and considering the experiences of others, I've formed a pretty solid opinion of it.

First Impressions

The premise is definitely appealing: a female protagonist in a world where beast taming is key, focusing specifically on the often-overlooked dark-type beasts. The initial setup in a "secret realm" urban fantasy setting seems promising, with mysteries and world-building elements that hint at a deeper, more complex story. I was immediately curious to see where the author would take this.

What Works Well

One of the strongest aspects of this novel seems to be the main character. Many readers praised her personality, goals, and morals, which are apparently a refreshing change of pace in the beast-taming world. The focus on her genuine bond with her beasts, rather than treating them as mere tools, is another major plus. The character development of the main cast, including the beasts, is also a highlight, with each character having their own unique traits and motivations. The exploration of dark-type beasts is another interesting aspect, offering a less common niche within the genre. I also appreciate that the side characters have their own personalities and circumstances, even though the focus is primarily on the main cast. The romance is also apparently subtle and well-suited to the story.

Areas of Concern

While the story seems enjoyable, there are some significant drawbacks. The biggest one appears to be the "Deus Ex Machina" nature of the plot. The main character apparently never loses, faces no real struggles, and solves problems too easily. This lack of tension and challenge can make the story feel less engaging. Another concern is the cheat system, which relies on a gacha mechanic. This can feel like a convenient plot device that eliminates challenges for the MC, making the story less earned. Finally, the translation quality seems to be inconsistent, with changing skill names and inconsistencies in terminology. This can be a significant barrier to enjoying the story fully.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Beast Taming: Starting with Undead, Becoming the Dark-Type King" seems like an enjoyable but flawed novel. The strong female protagonist, the unique focus on dark-type beasts, and the well-developed characters are definite highlights. However, the lack of real challenges, the reliance on a gacha cheat system, and translation issues hold it back from being truly great. If you're looking for a light and easy read in the beast-taming genre and can overlook these flaws, you might find it enjoyable. However, if you prefer stories with more depth and challenge, you might want to approach this one with caution. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.