I Ended up Doing Too Well as a Professor of the Enemy Nation Novel Review

My Thoughts on I Ended up Doing Too Well as a Professor of the Enemy Nation

This web novel is a wild ride, and I found myself chuckling more than once. It's a fun blend of academy life, spy antics, and a protagonist who's just trying to get by, even if his plans are constantly going awry.

First Impressions

I was immediately drawn in by the premise: Ruin, a legendary demon spy known as Flame Butterfly, just wants to retire. After disappearing for 50 years, he returns to find his retirement funds under an academy controlled by the enemy Union. His solution? Infiltrate the academy as a professor. The setup is ripe for comedy, and the story definitely delivers.

What Works Well

The humor is definitely a strong point. Ruin's constant internal monologues, juxtaposed with his attempts to appear as a competent professor, are hilarious. He's always on edge, fearing his cover will be blown, and his bad luck always seems to kick in at the worst possible moment. It's frustrating for him, but entertaining for the reader.

I also enjoyed the unreliable narrator aspect. Ruin constantly underestimates himself and others, leading to unexpected outcomes. He thinks he's weak, but he's actually incredibly powerful, which adds another layer of humor to the story. The world seems to be built on the foundation of Ruin having a home to return to, so I'm curious about the curse he has that prevents him from returning.

Areas of Concern

The only real criticism I could see is that some readers might find the world-building a bit cliché or the academy setting not entirely believable. One reader felt the "professors" acted childishly and that the world was uninspired. I personally didn't mind this so much, as the focus is more on the comedic situations and character interactions than deep world-building. However, it's something to keep in mind if you're looking for a more serious or intricately detailed fantasy world.

Final Verdict

Overall, I'd recommend "I Ended up Doing Too Well as a Professor of the Enemy Nation" if you're looking for a lighthearted and funny read. It's not a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it's certainly entertaining, and Ruin's antics kept me hooked. Just be prepared for some over-the-top situations and a protagonist who's hilariously out of his depth, even when he's the most powerful person in the room.