I Was a Small Fish When I Reincarnated, but It Seems That I Can Become a Dragon, so I Will Do My Best

My Thoughts on I Was a Small Fish When I Reincarnated, but It Seems That I Can Become a Dragon, so I Will Do My Best

Okay, so I dove into "I Was a Small Fish..." with a healthy dose of anticipation. The premise alone—a reincarnated fish aiming for dragonhood—had me hooked. However, after swimming through a significant chunk of the story, my feelings are…complicated.

First Impressions

Initially, I found the early chapters genuinely funny and refreshing. The MC's initial struggles and evolution felt like a promising start to a unique isekai adventure. There was a certain charm to his interactions and the world-building seemed adequate.

What Works Well

The initial concept is undeniably strong. The early focus on evolution and the MC's adaptation to his new life as a fish held a lot of potential. Some readers found the supporting characters engaging, and the slice-of-life elements, when present, offered a breather from the overarching plot.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the novel seems to lose its way after the first arc. The promised evolution aspect takes a backseat, and the story pivots sharply into political intrigue, which many found jarring and unwelcome. Several readers expressed disappointment that the MC's growth and development stagnate, making him feel increasingly detached from the core narrative.

The MC's personality also proved to be a point of contention. Some felt he was irresponsible and frustratingly oblivious, making it difficult to connect with him. His actions, or lack thereof, often led to unnecessary conflicts and casualties, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. The translation quality was also noted as inconsistent, with some finding it difficult to parse at times.

Final Verdict

"I Was a Small Fish..." had the potential to be a standout isekai novel. However, the shift in focus, the inconsistent character development, and the questionable plot decisions ultimately undermine its initial promise. While the early chapters offer some enjoyment, the overall experience is marred by a sense of missed opportunity. I can only cautiously recommend it to readers who are particularly tolerant of abrupt genre shifts and flawed protagonists.