“Now That I Think About It, I Was a Magician.” ~When I Realized I Was a Reincarnated Person After Becoming an Ad**t, I Started Living the Life of an Adventurer Leisurely, Going Back and Forth Between Another World and Earth~

My Thoughts on “Now That I Think About It, I Was a Magician.” When I Realized I Was a Reincarnated Person After Becoming an Ad**t, I Started Living the Life of an Adventurer Leisurely, Going Back and Forth Between Another World and Earth

This title is quite a mouthful, isn't it? I went into this novel with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, as the premise seemed both intriguing and potentially riddled with clichés. After reading a fair bit, I've formed a fairly balanced opinion.

First Impressions

The initial hook – an adult realizing they were a powerful magician in a past life and then straddling two worlds – definitely grabbed my attention. The promise of a "leisurely" adventure also sounded appealing, like a breath of fresh air compared to the usual high-stakes isekai.

What Works Well

I appreciate the attempts to ground the protagonist in reality, even with his magical abilities. The novel touches upon the mundane struggles of modern life, like taxes and the need for a stable income, even when you can hop to another world. This adds a layer of relatability that's often missing in similar stories. The core concept of a protagonist who is strong from the start due to past-life talents is also executed reasonably well, providing a foundation for his actions in both worlds.

Areas of Concern

My main reservation lies in the handling of the harem aspect. It feels like it was introduced too quickly and forcefully, overwhelming the narrative. The protagonist, while potentially intended to be "dense," comes across as oblivious, which can be frustrating. The rapid accumulation of romantic interests, especially within the all-female adventurer party, felt somewhat contrived. I would have preferred a slower burn and more organic development of these relationships, allowing the plot to breathe and the characters to have more depth beyond their attraction to the main character. The balance between adventure and romance definitely needs some tweaking.

Final Verdict

“Now That I Think About It, I Was a Magician” has potential, but it stumbles in its execution, particularly with the harem elements. The attempts at realism are commendable, and the core premise is engaging. However, the story needs a more focused plot and a more nuanced approach to character relationships to truly shine. It's a decent read if you're looking for something light and relatively easy to get into, but don't expect a groundbreaking masterpiece.