I Became the Academy’s Genius Shikigami Summoner Novel Review

My Thoughts on I Became the Academy’s Genius Shikigami Summoner

I dove into "I Became the Academy’s Genius Shikigami Summoner" with a mix of curiosity and caution, given the isekai and academy setting – tropes I've seen done well and, well, not so well. Overall, I found it to be an okay read, but it didn't blow me away.

First Impressions

The initial chapters hooked me with the familiar premise: a protagonist armed with future knowledge transmigrates into a game he knows intimately. The idea of a genius shikigami summoner in an academy setting felt fresh enough, and I was eager to see how the author would play with the established tropes.

What Works Well

I particularly enjoyed the strategic element of the story. The MC's approach to problem-solving, leveraging his game knowledge and adapting it to the new reality, was engaging. The power scaling felt reasonable, and I appreciated the MC's focus on building a strong foundation by mastering the art of shikigami summoning. There is a certain charm to the MC's obsession with the game and his determination to conquer the challenges within it. I found myself rooting for him to succeed, despite the predictable nature of some plot points.

Areas of Concern

However, several issues kept me from fully embracing the story. The translation quality was a significant problem, with inconsistent terminology and awkward phrasing making it difficult to follow the plot at times.

The generic nature of the plot also detracted from my enjoyment. While the shikigami aspect offered some novelty, the story often fell back on familiar tropes, making it predictable. I also found some of the character interactions to be stilted and unconvincing, and the lack of depth in character development made it hard to connect with the cast.

Final Verdict

"I Became the Academy’s Genius Shikigami Summoner" is a decent read if you're looking for a light, trope-filled story with a strategic MC. However, be prepared for translation issues, a predictable plot, and potentially questionable character motivations. It's not a standout in the genre, but it offers some entertainment value for those who enjoy the familiar tropes of isekai and academy settings. I'd give it a tentative 3/5 stars.