Heavenly Castle

My Thoughts on Heavenly Castle

Okay, let's talk about Heavenly Castle. I went into this one with moderate expectations, intrigued by the flying castle premise. After diving in, I've come away with a mixed bag of impressions. It’s a novel with a unique hook, but it stumbles in key areas, leaving me ultimately underwhelmed.

First Impressions

The initial chapters were promising. The idea of a protagonist being granted a wish and choosing a sky-bound castle immediately grabbed my attention. The potential for exploring different lands and interacting with various cultures from a mobile fortress felt ripe with possibility. The manga adaptation also piqued my interest and led me to explore the web novel.

What Works Well

The central concept, the flying castle itself, is undeniably the biggest draw. I found myself wanting to learn more about its functions, its history, and the secrets it holds. Some also appreciated the reactions of different countries to the floating paradise, and found some enjoyment in that. For some, the lighthearted nature of the story is enough to keep them engaged, providing a stress-free reading experience.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the execution falters significantly. The main character is a major point of contention. He's supposed to be a thirty-year-old, yet he consistently acts with the maturity of a teenager, making bafflingly naive and sometimes downright stupid decisions. His lack of initiative and common sense is frustrating, and it feels like a waste of the potential that the castle provides.

The plot progression is also a problem. The narrative feels disjointed, jumping between perspectives without smooth transitions. This makes it difficult to stay invested in the story and follow the various plot threads. Many have also pointed out that the MC's kindness is overdone, to the point where it feels like he is letting villains get away with atrocities.

Final Verdict

Heavenly Castle has an intriguing core concept, but it's ultimately weighed down by a frustrating protagonist and a poorly executed plot. If you're looking for a light, mindless read with a cool setting, you might find some enjoyment here. However, if you value character development, logical plot progression, and a protagonist with at least a modicum of common sense, you'll likely be disappointed. I give it a 2.5 out of 5. It's not terrible, but it could be so much better.