The Duke’s Eldest Son Escaped to the Military

My Thoughts on The Duke’s Eldest Son Escaped to the Military

This novel, The Duke’s Eldest Son Escaped to the Military, is quite a ride. It's a story about a guy who, after a first go-around in a dangerous world, gets a second chance and decides the best way to survive is to toughen up in the military. There are definitely things that hooked me, but also some aspects that made me pause.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise. The idea of escaping a crazy family obsessed with strength by joining the most difficult army branch? Intriguing! The early chapters set the stage well, and I found myself connecting with the protagonist, even if he was a bit young at the start. The whole "child soldier" thing is a bit jarring, but the story does try to justify it within its world.

What Works Well

The MC's growth is a major draw. He's not overpowered from the get-go, which I appreciate. He struggles, works hard, and slowly carves his own path with the help of others. I enjoyed that the side characters weren't just disposable stepping stones. The large-scale wars and political elements also kept my attention. I also found that the author did well in showing the MC is confident but knows his deficiencies like an adult, not like an OTUEE (OP and whimpy) Japanese MC or I KNOW EVERYTHING FROM THE WEATHER TOMORROW TO YOUR DAILY PANTIES CHINESE MCs.

Areas of Concern

The translation quality is a recurring issue, particularly the overuse of certain slang terms ("rolling" and "jjambap"). It can get distracting, especially when these terms appear multiple times per chapter. I also felt like the story became repetitive after a while, with the protagonist constantly fighting monster herds, powering up, and being hailed as a hero before moving on to the next fight. Additionally, some of the side characters felt underdeveloped, and I wished the protagonist's family had a more active role in the story.

Final Verdict

The Duke’s Eldest Son Escaped to the Military is a decent read if you're looking for a military-focused fantasy with a determined protagonist. While it has its flaws, particularly in the translation and repetitive plot structure, the world-building and character development are solid enough to keep you engaged. Just be prepared for a long haul, as the story unfolds over many chapters. I'd recommend giving it a try, but don't expect a masterpiece.