The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

My Thoughts on The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

"The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated" is a web novel that I found myself both intrigued and frustrated by. It boasts an interesting premise: a summoned hero arrives in a world where the Demon Lord is already defeated, and humans, demons, and gods are trying to coexist. The story follows the anti-heroic MC, Skien, as he navigates this world, building a harem and trying to avoid the usual isekai tropes.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the subversion of expectations. Skien's aversion to clichés and his attempts to forge his own path were refreshing. However, the constant internal monologues and the author's tendency to point out and then proceed with the very tropes he's supposedly avoiding began to wear thin.

What Works Well

The novel shines in its character interactions, particularly within the harem. Unlike many similar stories, the female characters possess unique personalities and motivations, making their relationships with Skien feel more genuine. There's a lightheartedness to the story that makes it easy to pick up and enjoy, especially if you're looking for a relaxing read. The plot, while not groundbreaking, offers enough twists to keep you engaged, and the world-building is detailed and consistent. Later in the story, I found that the plot improved and became more enjoyable to read.

Areas of Concern

One of my main issues is the pacing. The story often gets bogged down in excessive dialogue and exposition, slowing down the plot's progression. I also found the MC's power level to be inconsistent. He's portrayed as incredibly overpowered from the start, yet the author frequently downplays his strength to create tension in battles, which feels contrived. The humor, while present, relies heavily on the MC's cynical commentary and can become repetitive.

Final Verdict

"The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated" is a mixed bag. It has moments of brilliance, particularly in its character interactions and world-building, but it's also hampered by pacing issues, inconsistent power scaling, and repetitive humor. If you're a fan of isekai stories with a focus on harem and don't mind a flawed but engaging protagonist, this might be worth a read. However, be prepared to wade through lengthy explanations and occasional plot contrivances. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, leaning towards a 3.5/5 rating.