By the Way, I’m Now Living in the Mountains Novel Review

My Thoughts on By the Way, I’m Now Living in the Mountains

First Impressions

"By the Way, I’m Now Living in the Mountains" is a quirky title, and the story definitely lives up to that initial impression. The premise is simple: a guy moves to the mountains, and things get… weird. We’re talking about a blend of slice-of-life, fantasy, and comedy, all seasoned with a healthy dose of the supernatural. It’s a fun mix, and I was intrigued to see how the author would balance all these elements.

What Works Well

The humor is probably the strongest point. The situations our protagonist, Shouhei Sano, finds himself in are just absurd. I found myself chuckling at the sheer ridiculousness of his everyday life. The slow-burn reveal of the fantasy elements is also well-done. It's not an immediate "bam, you're in a fantasy world!" Instead, it's a gradual creep of the extraordinary into the ordinary, which makes the whole thing more believable, or at least, more digestible. The beast companions are a delight. I can appreciate the animal rearing aspect, and it is well written.

Areas of Concern

While the humor lands for me, I can see how some readers might find the reactions of the villagers a bit too nonchalant. I mean, if your neighbor's chickens are hunting wild boars and your response is, "wild boar hot pot," you're either incredibly chill or in serious denial. This aspect, while funny, occasionally stretches the boundaries of believability a little too far for my personal taste. I can see it being a common theme as the story progresses and it can become a bit repetitive.

Final Verdict

Overall, "By the Way, I’m Now Living in the Mountains" is an enjoyable and lighthearted read. It's perfect if you're looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously and offers a good dose of escapism. While the villagers' reactions might require a bit of suspension of disbelief, the humor and the engaging premise more than make up for it. I'm definitely curious to see where the story goes, and I'd recommend giving it a try if you're in the mood for something a little different.