Start With Contracting Sprites

My Thoughts on Start With Contracting Sprites

"Start With Contracting Sprites" had potential, a spark that initially drew me in, but ultimately fizzled out for a few key reasons. The premise itself, blending school life with a supernatural world of beast companions, is inherently appealing. I was eager to see how the story would unfold.

First Impressions

In the beginning, I found myself enjoying the quirky personalities of the Sprites. They added a welcome dose of comic relief to the training and battles, and I appreciated the early development of friendships and hints of romance. The pacing felt good, and the story had a lighthearted, mellow quality that was easy to get into.

What Works Well

The novel’s strength lies in its unique take on the monster-collecting genre. The main character's first few companions really stood out. One reviewer mentioned one of the MC's first pets as having the most personality in all the monster/pet cultivation stories that they have read.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the initial promise faded as the story progressed. I found myself growing weary of the repetitive cycle of one-sided battles and tournaments. The training sequences became monotonous, and the side characters, including friends and potential love interests, seemed to be relegated to the sidelines, their development stunted.

The quality of the translation is a major issue. Several readers pointed out a significant decline in translation quality after the first few hundred chapters. The butchering of jokes and inconsistencies in terminology detracted from the reading experience.

Another issue I encountered was the "human-like" behavior of the pets. While some level of intelligence is acceptable, the pets learning to read, write, and use cellphones felt a bit too far-fetched and detracted from the story's immersion. The lack of a proper pet storage system also felt like an oversight, especially given the size of some of the creatures.

Final Verdict

While "Start With Contracting Sprites" offers an interesting concept and some initial charm, the repetitive plot, declining translation quality, and other issues ultimately hinder its potential. It's a shame because there's a kernel of a good story here, but in its current state, I can't wholeheartedly recommend it. Perhaps with a thorough rewrite and a high-quality translation, it could become something truly special.