M E M O R I Z E Novel Review

My Thoughts on M E M O R I Z E

M E M O R I Z E is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, primarily because it shares a universe with "Second Coming of Gluttony," a series I enjoyed. Diving in, I had certain expectations, but the reality of the story proved to be a mixed bag.

First Impressions

The initial premise is intriguing: a protagonist returning to the past with knowledge and abilities, ready to rewrite his fate. The early chapters certainly hooked me with the promise of intricate character interactions and a world ripe for exploration. I was ready for a deep dive into a gritty reincarnation story.

What Works Well

I found myself drawn to the detailed character interactions. The author does a solid job of portraying characters with their own motivations and principles, making their conversations feel realistic. The focus on group dynamics, rather than solely on the MC's power, is a refreshing change of pace. It's clear the author intended for the side characters to be more than just props, and that's something I appreciate. The swordmanship of the main character, which is based on Tai Chi is also very interesting.

Areas of Concern

However, the pacing is undeniably slow. The early "tutorial" arc drags on, and I found myself wanting the story to pick up the pace. This is further emphasized by the fact that the MC seems to be quite passive, with some finding him bland and indecisive. This is a shame, because the prologue gives you the impression of a hardened veteran.

I also noticed some inconsistencies in the MC's behavior compared to his supposed backstory. For someone who's supposed to be a seasoned survivor, he sometimes acts naively. There are also some concerns about the translation quality, with issues in grammar and word choice.

Final Verdict

M E M O R I Z E has the potential to be a great story. The world-building is interesting, and the character interactions are a strong point. However, the slow pacing, inconsistent character behavior, and translation issues hold it back. The ending is also underwhelming. If you're patient and willing to overlook these flaws, you might find something to enjoy here. However, if you prefer fast-paced stories with a decisive protagonist, this might not be for you. I'd recommend approaching this one with cautious optimism.