I Skipped the Exam Because It Was Too Much Hassle, and Started My School Life at The Bottom of the Ranking, but Can I Make a Comeback From Here?

My Thoughts on I Skipped the Exam Because It Was Too Much Hassle, and Started My School Life at The Bottom of the Ranking, but Can I Make a Comeback From Here?

Okay, let's dive into this ridiculously long-titled web novel, "I Skipped the Exam Because It Was Too Much Hassle, and Started My School Life at The Bottom of the Ranking, but Can I Make a Comeback From Here?" (I’m just going to call it "Skipped Exam" from now on, for my sanity). The premise definitely grabbed my attention – a reincarnated protagonist, strong from the start, opting for the easy route and then having to deal with the consequences. It sounds like a fun twist on the usual power fantasy academy setup. But does it deliver? Well, it's a mixed bag, to say the least.

First Impressions

Initially, I was intrigued. The whole "strong but lazy" character archetype is appealing. I'm a sucker for stories where the MC has hidden depths and potential. The promise of school life, magic, and action had me hoping for something engaging.

What Works Well

The core concept has potential. The idea of a powerful character deliberately slacking off and then facing unexpected challenges is interesting. The tags of "academy," "fantasy world," and "magic" promise a classic, enjoyable genre experience. The "strong to stronger" progression, while not unique, can be satisfying if executed well.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the execution seems to be where things fall apart. One major issue that immediately jumps out is the quality of the translation. If the translation is poor to the point of being incomprehensible, it's nearly impossible to enjoy any other aspect of the story. A confusing narrative will kill any story.

Another significant problem is the lack of world-building, particularly regarding the "Grimoires." Introducing a unique element like this and then failing to explain its function within the world leaves readers confused and frustrated. World-building is essential for immersion in a fantasy novel, and Skipped Exam seems to be lacking. This lack of explanation really hurts the story.

Final Verdict

"Skipped Exam" has an interesting premise and some potentially enjoyable elements. However, serious issues with translation quality and world-building hold it back significantly. Unless these problems are addressed, it's hard to recommend this novel. Maybe come back to it if the translation improves, but for now, I would recommend looking somewhere else.