Stop, Friendly Fire!

My Thoughts on Stop, Friendly Fire!

"Stop, Friendly Fire!" is quite the ride, a web novel that throws you headfirst into a world plagued by the undead, with a protagonist who's, well, one of them. It's a blend of action, comedy, and fantasy, and while it has its quirks, it kept me entertained.

First Impressions

Initially, I was hooked by the unique premise: a reincarnated hero as a skeleton, tasked with purging the undead. The early chapters were a strong start, filled with dark humor and a protagonist who, despite being bone-dry, had a surprisingly sharp wit. I found myself chuckling at the fourth-wall breaks and the sheer absurdity of the situation. However, as I delved deeper, I started to see some of the cracks that other readers had pointed out.

What Works Well

The dynamic between the main character, Lee Shin Woo, and his companion, Jin Taylor, is a definite highlight. Their interactions are genuinely funny, and their friendship feels surprisingly real amidst the chaos. I also appreciated the author's attempt to subvert the typical harem tropes, even if it does eventually succumb to them. The action is well-paced, and the world, while not always deeply explored, offers enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. I particularly enjoyed the cleverness of the protagonist, who uses his intellect and resourcefulness to overcome challenges.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the novel does suffer from some pacing issues and a lack of tension. The protagonist becomes overpowered relatively quickly, which can make battles feel less impactful. I also felt that the power-ups sometimes felt forced. While the MC is clever, the story suffers from the enemies and antagonists not being nearly as clever, making them easy to beat. I also noticed a certain repetitiveness in the plot, with the MC constantly grinding for power and acquiring new skills. I can see why some readers might find this monotonous.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "Stop, Friendly Fire!" is an enjoyable read. It's not a masterpiece, but it's a fun and engaging web novel with a unique premise and a memorable protagonist. If you're looking for a lighthearted adventure with plenty of action and dark humor, this might be right up your alley. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.