Pokemon Master Novel Review

My Thoughts on Pokemon Master

"Pokemon Master" initially grabbed my attention with its unique premise: a soul transmigrating into a parallel world where Pokemon exist alongside humanity. It's a concept ripe with potential, and for the most part, this novel delivers a pretty enjoyable experience.

First Impressions

I was immediately drawn in by the world-building. The idea of Pokemon integrating into modern society, influencing everything from school lessons to daily life, felt fresh and exciting. The main character, armed with his knowledge of the Pokemon games and anime, sets out on his journey, and I found myself rooting for him. The fact that he doesn't rely on a system or cheat abilities adds to the appeal, making his progress feel earned and believable.

What Works Well

The early parts of the story, especially the World Pokemon Championship arc, were particularly engaging for me. The author does a great job of leveraging the MC's knowledge of Pokemon to help him understand and navigate his new reality. I also appreciated the focus on character development, both for the MC and his Pokemon. Seeing his Eevee grow and develop its own personality, even becoming obsessed with playing games on a smartphone, added a charming and lighthearted touch to the story. The innovative training methods and strategic use of moves were also a highlight.

Areas of Concern

As the story progressed, I did find myself feeling a bit fatigued by the escalating stakes. The shift towards parallel dimensions and the introduction of MacGuffins felt somewhat forced and detracted from the initial charm of the story. While the early focus on leveraging game knowledge was great, the later reliance on "inheritance" and other unexplained cultivation elements felt a little inconsistent and hand-wavy. The ending felt rushed, as if the author was simply trying to wrap things up.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Pokemon Master" is a fun and engaging fanfiction with a strong start. While the later arcs might not appeal to everyone, the world-building, character development, and innovative training methods make it worth a read, especially for Pokemon fans. I'd recommend going in with an open mind and being prepared for a shift in tone and scope as the story progresses. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.