The Back-Alley Mage’s Return
By 카이로스
702 chapters
2022
Description
I decided to retire in search of freedom. But then, what the hell is this? “Nice to meet you. My name is Paheren von Dekulan.” Goddammit… Isn’t it a bit much for the head of a noble house to personally come after one runaway hound? Huh? “Return once more to the shadow of Dekulan.” What? Return to the shadow? Wow, what a tempting offer… my ass! After all the effort I put into deciding to retire, you think I’d become a dog again? It’s an inevitable death, but I will face it head-on! Better to die a free wyvern than live as a pampered dog! But then… “…?” I’m not dead? “Heheh. I see, I see how it is.” As the old saying goes, even a hundred years is too soon for a great sage’s revenge. I’ll show you the revenge of a true great sage! The return of a back-alley mage who started out as a vagrant!
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- jk media
- Original Language
- korean
- Type
- Web Novel
The Back-Alley Mage’s Return Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on The Back-Alley Mage’s Return
"The Back-Alley Mage’s Return" is a fantasy novel that hooked me with its premise: a mercenary betrayed and killed, only to be reborn with a second chance at revenge. The blend of action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy is definitely appealing, and the promise of a "carefree protagonist" navigating a world of magic and nobles was enough to get me to dive in.
First Impressions
The initial chapters were strong, setting up the protagonist's past life, his betrayal, and his unexpected return. I was immediately invested in his quest for revenge against the evil family that wronged him. The introduction of Damien, the son of a duke, added an interesting dynamic, and I was curious to see how their relationship would develop.
What Works Well
The character interactions are a definite highlight. The bond between the MC and Damien is genuinely heartwarming, and adds a layer of depth beyond just revenge. The "undead guy," whether mentor or rival, is another standout character, bringing a unique dynamic to the story. I found myself looking forward to his appearances and the impact he had on the MC's journey. The moments where the MC finally unleashes his power are satisfying, and the author does a good job of building anticipation for these moments. There are also emotional beats scattered throughout the story that provide a good contrast to the action and comedy.
Areas of Concern
The pacing is definitely an issue. The story can feel slow at times, with arcs dragging on longer than necessary. While the endings of these arcs are often rewarding, getting there can be a bit of a slog. The power scaling is also somewhat inconsistent. There are moments where the MC seems incredibly powerful, and others where he struggles with tasks that should be relatively easy for him. This can make it difficult to get a sense of his true strength and can lead to some frustrating reading experiences.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "The Back-Alley Mage’s Return" has enough going for it to keep me invested. The engaging characters, satisfying revenge plot, and occasional emotional depth make it a worthwhile read, even if you have to wade through some slower sections. If you're willing to be patient and enjoy the journey, you'll likely find something to appreciate in this novel.
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