I Picked Up the Main Character

My Thoughts on I Picked Up the Main Character

"I Picked Up the Main Character" is a bit of an odd duck, to be honest. It's a story that juggles several genres, and while it shines in some areas, it stumbles in others. Overall, I found myself enjoying parts of it, but also feeling a bit let down by certain aspects.

First Impressions

The premise is certainly intriguing. A guy gets reincarnated as a 14-year-old girl into a world with hunters and gates (think Korean hunter novels), and decides to raise the baby protagonist of the novel. It's a fun twist on the usual reincarnation trope, and the initial chapters had me hooked. I was ready for a heartwarming story with a bit of fantasy sprinkled in.

What Works Well

The strongest aspect of this novel is undoubtedly the childcare/slice-of-life element. The story truly shines when it focuses on the MC raising the protagonist. The interactions between them are often very cute and endearing. I really enjoyed seeing the protagonist grow and develop, and the MC's struggles as a young, inexperienced parent were relatable and often humorous. The early chapters, particularly those focusing on kindergarten and elementary school, were a definite highlight for me.

Areas of Concern

However, the novel is not without its flaws. One of the biggest issues is the disconnect between the slice-of-life focus and the supposed "modern fantasy" setting. The hunter/gate elements are barely present, and it often feels like they were just tacked on as an afterthought. I kept expecting them to become more relevant, but they never really did.

I also felt like the ending was rushed. The pacing felt great for the first half of the story, but then things suddenly sped up, and important plot points were glossed over. It felt like the author wanted to wrap things up quickly, which was a shame.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, "I Picked Up the Main Character" is a mixed bag. It's a charming slice-of-life story with a unique premise, but it's also held back by its underdeveloped fantasy elements and rushed ending. If you're looking for a heartwarming childcare story with a bit of a twist, it might be worth checking out. However, be prepared for some potentially uncomfortable themes and a lack of resolution in certain areas. I'd give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.