I’m a Holy Knight Who Fell in Love with the Heroine, But She Keeps Becoming Part of That Guy’s Harem – Can Someone Please Tell Me What I’m Doing Wrong?! Novel Review

My Thoughts on I’m a Holy Knight Who Fell in Love with the Heroine, But She Keeps Becoming Part of That Guy’s Harem – Can Someone Please Tell Me What I’m Doing Wrong?!

This title alone hooked me, and I dove into "I’m a Holy Knight…" with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given the mixed reactions I'd seen. It's a story about a holy knight, our MC, who finds himself constantly losing the heroine to the hero, and... well, the title pretty much spells out the premise. Let's break down my experience.

First Impressions

The initial setup is intriguing. The MC is a hard worker, diligently training and studying, a stark contrast to the seemingly lazy hero. The budding romance with the princess, fueled by shared complaints about the hero, feels promising. However, that promise quickly fades, leading to frustration as the hero inexplicably steals the spotlight – and the girls.

What Works Well

I can definitely see the appeal for some readers. The MC's journey from a sensitive individual to a more determined one is compelling. His dedication to self-improvement and his unwavering goal of returning home are admirable. The story explores themes of betrayal and the importance of overcoming setbacks, which can resonate with readers who enjoy character-driven narratives. The manga adaptation suggests the story has some inherent potential, and I'm curious to see how it addresses some of the issues raised in the web novel.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the execution seems to fall short of the initial promise. The reasons behind the hero's success with the women are often poorly explained, leading to a frustrating sense of contrivance. The pacing can be slow, with events repeated and rehashed from multiple perspectives. There's a sense that the author stretches the story thin, relying on tropes and clichés rather than exploring the unique potential of the premise. The "betrayal" itself feels underdeveloped, lacking the emotional impact it could have had. The MC's reluctance to use a wish-granting item to resolve his problems also seems baffling.

Final Verdict

"I'm a Holy Knight…" is a mixed bag. While the premise is interesting and the MC's growth is commendable, the execution suffers from poor pacing, unexplained plot points, and reliance on tired tropes. It might appeal to readers seeking a quick, somewhat angsty read, but those looking for a well-developed and logically consistent story may be left wanting. I'd recommend approaching this one with tempered expectations.