I Became a Swordsman in the Middle Ages

My Thoughts on I Became a Swordsman in the Middle Ages

I went into "I Became a Swordsman in the Middle Ages" with fairly low expectations, mostly because the title feels incredibly generic. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quirky, fun story that unfolded. It's definitely not what I initially judged it to be, and I found myself enjoying it quite a bit.

First Impressions

The premise is that our protagonist, a top-ranked VRRPG player, gets transported into the world of the game as their character – a six-year-old girl. Ten years later, she's waiting for the "players" to arrive, intending to become a beloved NPC who guides them. It's a fun twist on the isekai trope, and the initial chapters do a solid job of setting the stage.

What Works Well

What really makes this novel shine is the main character, Sisilia. She's ridiculously overpowered but actively restrains herself, not wanting to overshadow the future "players." Her personality is a delightful mix of confidence, narcissism, and a genuine desire to help others (while also craving praise). She's basically roleplaying as a perfect, stoic Sword Maiden, but underneath it all, she's a bit of a brat who loves gaming the system. The humor derived from her skewed common sense and inner thoughts is a major highlight.

I also appreciate how the side characters are well-developed and feel like more than just background NPCs. The dynamics between them and Sisilia, particularly her relationship with her adoptive father, Cairon, add a lot of heart to the story. The world-building is also surprisingly well-done, blending medieval elements with fantasy and unique game-like aspects. The action scenes are well-executed, and Sisilia isn't afraid to get her hands dirty when necessary, especially when dealing with demons.

Areas of Concern

One potential issue I can see is that the plot, while engaging, isn't necessarily groundbreaking. Since Sisilia is holding back her true power, the story relies on her orchestrating events and guiding others, which might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, the quality of the translation has been called into question, with some readers noting inconsistencies in names and occasional errors. This can detract from the overall reading experience.

Final Verdict

Despite some minor drawbacks, "I Became a Swordsman in the Middle Ages" is a genuinely enjoyable read. The unique protagonist, humorous situations, and solid world-building make it stand out from other novels in the genre. If you're looking for a lighthearted, fun story with a strong female lead, I highly recommend giving it a try. Just be prepared for a potentially quirky translation.