Summoning at Random

My Thoughts on Summoning at Random

Okay, let's talk about "Summoning at Random." As a huge fan of web novels, I went into this one with high hopes, especially considering its connection to "Evil God Average." While it has some redeeming qualities, I can't say it fully lived up to my expectations.

First Impressions

Initially, I was intrigued by the premise of a new protagonist being thrown into the same world as the characters from "Evil God Average." The idea of seeing familiar faces and exploring the aftermath of the previous story was definitely appealing. I was ready for a fun, lighthearted adventure.

What Works Well

There are moments where the humor shines through, and the interactions with the established characters do provide a nostalgic kick. Seeing how the world has evolved since Anri's adventures is genuinely interesting, and the author clearly has a knack for world-building. The action sequences, when they occur, are decently paced and keep you engaged.

Areas of Concern

However, the novel stumbles in several key areas. The main character, unfortunately, falls into the trap of being a generic isekai protagonist. His personality feels bland, and his decisions often left me scratching my head. I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with his lack of development and the seemingly random nature of his actions.

The plot also suffers from pacing issues. The "trolling" by the Evil God, while intended to be comedic, often feels disruptive and detracts from the overall narrative flow. Instead of moving the story forward, these moments feel like forced attempts at humor that ultimately fall flat. Furthermore, some of the plot developments and romantic pairings feel rushed and unearned, lacking the necessary build-up to feel believable.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Summoning at Random" is a mixed bag. While it offers glimpses of potential and benefits from its connection to "Evil God Average," it ultimately falls short due to a weak protagonist, uneven pacing, and forced humor. If you're a die-hard fan of the original series, you might find some enjoyment in seeing familiar characters. However, if you're looking for a compelling isekai adventure with a well-developed protagonist and a cohesive plot, you might want to lower your expectations or look elsewhere. I give it a 2.5/5. It's not terrible, but it could have been so much more.