Tempest of the Battlefield

My Thoughts on Tempest of the Battlefield

"Tempest of the Battlefield" is a web novel that definitely took me on a ride, though perhaps not always the ride I expected. It's a blend of genres, and whether that's a good thing really depends on what you're looking for.

First Impressions

Going in, I was intrigued by the synopsis, painting a picture of a sci-fi world ravaged by monsters, with humanity fighting back using bio-suits. The early chapters delivered on this promise, throwing me into a brutal survival scenario with the main character, Wang Tong, struggling on a monster-infested planet. However, this initial setting doesn't last as long as I anticipated.

What Works Well

Despite my initial expectations, I found myself getting invested in the school life arc that followed. The author does a decent job of creating a world with likable characters and interesting dynamics. There's a certain "wish-fulfillment" aspect to the story, with the MC being talented and admired, which can be appealing if you're in the mood for that kind of read. The romance, though sometimes unclear, also had its moments, and I appreciated that it didn't devolve into a typical harem situation. I also found that the story has an exciting feel, with an interesting blend of Wuxia cultivation concepts and sci-fi technology. The male lead is also calm and collected, which is a nice change of pace.

Areas of Concern

The biggest issue for me was the shift in tone and focus. The initial survival plot is abandoned rather abruptly, and the school life arc, while enjoyable, felt somewhat disconnected. I noticed that several readers felt cheated by the synopsis, expecting a more consistent focus on the monster-infested world. Also, the storyline can be unbelievable at times, as the MC is too talented in too many things. Furthermore, the Zerg, which are mentioned in the synopsis, are more like bugs than a challenging enemy that threatens humanity.

Final Verdict

"Tempest of the Battlefield" is a mixed bag. It has its strengths, particularly in its characters and world-building, but it also suffers from a lack of focus and some questionable plot choices. If you're willing to go in with an open mind and embrace the shift in genres, you might find it to be an enjoyable read. However, if you're expecting a gritty survival story, you might be disappointed. Overall, it's a decent, but not exceptional, web novel.