Starting from Zero

My Thoughts on Starting from Zero

"Starting from Zero" promises a rags-to-riches tale in a futuristic VRMMORPG setting. With tags like "dragons," "elves," and even "fallen angels," my expectations were set for a grand adventure. However, after delving into various reader opinions, I'm left with a mixed bag of impressions.

First Impressions

The cover art definitely seems a bit misleading, and while that doesn't directly impact the story, it does set a certain expectation. The premise itself, a spoiled rich kid starting from scratch in his mom's game, has potential. But the execution seems to be where things fall apart for many readers, and honestly, for me too.

What Works Well

Some readers appreciate the lighthearted and comical nature of the story. The MC's interactions with NPCs are sometimes funny, and if you're looking for pure escapism without heavy thinking, this might scratch that itch. There's a certain appeal to a story you can just "go along for the ride" with, especially if you enjoy an overpowered character and don't mind turning off your brain for a while. I also saw a couple of people mention that the story picks up around volume 3, so there's potential for it to improve later on.

Areas of Concern

The biggest sticking point, and the one that comes up repeatedly, is the MC's unbelievable luck and how easily he becomes overpowered. Random rewards dropping into his lap, game mechanics bending to his will, and a general lack of struggle make it hard to invest in his journey. The game mechanics themselves seem poorly thought out, and the world-building is lacking. Several readers found the pacing too fast, with the MC leveling up at an absurd rate and skipping past important milestones.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, "Starting from Zero" seems like a novel with a potentially fun premise that stumbles in its execution. If you're looking for a lighthearted, comedic story with an extremely lucky MC and don't mind a lack of depth or challenge, you might find some enjoyment here. However, if you prefer well-developed characters, engaging plot, and a sense of believable progression, this might not be the novel for you. For me, the lack of meaningful conflict and the reliance on sheer luck make it difficult to recommend, despite its occasional moments of humor.