Suterareta Yuusha no Eiyuutan

My Thoughts on Suterareta Yuusha no Eiyuutan

"Suterareta Yuusha no Eiyuutan," or "The Epic Tale of the Forsaken Hero," is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, largely due to its reputation as being similar to "Arifureta." While the isekai genre is a favorite of mine, the revenge-driven aspect, coupled with harem elements, made me wonder if this would be a hit or miss.

First Impressions

The initial premise, where an MC is betrayed and left for dead, only to gain powers through death, definitely grabbed my attention. It felt like a darker, more angsty take on the typical transported-to-another-world setup. I was intrigued to see how the author would handle the MC's descent into a revenge-fueled antihero.

What Works Well

I found the pacing of the first few volumes quite engaging. The MC's acquisition of power and his initial steps on the path of revenge were well-handled. The "Revenge of the Resented" ability, where he grows stronger upon death, is a unique twist that keeps things interesting. I also appreciated that the MC's journey wasn't a complete solo act; the gradual introduction of companions and the slow burn of harem building felt organic, at least initially.

Areas of Concern

While the initial volumes held promise, I did notice some potential pitfalls. The characters, while not entirely bland, could have been more fleshed out. Some of the relationships, particularly the romantic ones, felt rushed and lacked depth. The shift in the female leads also felt a bit jarring and potentially driven by reader feedback rather than organic plot development.

Final Verdict

"Suterareta Yuusha no Eiyuutan" is a mixed bag. The first few volumes offer a decent, albeit familiar, revenge story with an interesting power system. However, the later volumes, particularly the infamous Volume 4, seem to derail the plot and character development. If you're looking for a quick, action-packed read with a dark edge, give the first three volumes a try. But be prepared for a potential disappointment if you venture beyond that point. I'm hoping the author's rewrite of Volume 4 can salvage the story, but for now, I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm giving it a tentative 3/5.