I, a Lonely Otaku Was Surrounded by Some of the Most Beautiful Girls on Campus and Was Called Riajuu Before I Knew It Novel Review

My Thoughts on I, a Lonely Otaku Was Surrounded by Some of the Most Beautiful Girls on Campus and Was Called Riajuu Before I Knew It

First Impressions

Okay, that title is definitely a mouthful! Going in, I expected a fairly standard harem setup with an otaku MC. And, to some extent, that's what I got. We have a protagonist with a past trauma, a genius-level intellect hidden beneath a withdrawn exterior, and, of course, a sudden influx of beautiful girls. The initial chapters had a certain charm, and I found myself chuckling at some of the early interactions. However, as I delved deeper, some issues started to surface.

What Works Well

The premise itself, while not revolutionary, has potential. I appreciated that the MC isn't just a generic, average guy. His programming skills and backstory add a layer of depth, even if it's not always explored effectively. Some of the heroines, particularly the little sister and one of the other girls, Kiarara, show promise with their distinct personalities and motivations. I also found the initial humor engaging, and when the story focuses on the core relationships, it can be genuinely enjoyable.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the story suffers from some serious flaws. The biggest issue, in my opinion, is the character of the main female lead, the stepsister. Many readers, including myself, found her to be frustratingly selfish and, frankly, unlikeable. Her actions often felt illogical and her redemption arc, if you can even call it that, felt unearned. The MC's constant simping for her, despite her questionable behavior, only exacerbates the problem.

Another major issue is the pacing and plot development. There's a particular arc involving stocks and companies that many readers found tedious and irrelevant. It feels like a jarring detour from the main narrative and adds little value to the overall story. Moreover, the introduction of multiple love interests feels forced at times, and the lack of development for many of these characters makes it hard to invest in the harem aspect.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, I, a Lonely Otaku Was Surrounded by Some of the Most Beautiful Girls on Campus and Was Called Riajuu Before I Knew It is a mixed bag. While it has moments of charm and potential, it's ultimately weighed down by a weak female lead, questionable plot decisions, and a lack of meaningful character development. I can't wholeheartedly recommend it, but if you're a die-hard harem fan willing to overlook some significant flaws, you might find some enjoyment here. However, be prepared for a bumpy ride.