The Grill-Wielding Saintess of the Dead Novel Review

My Thoughts on The Grill-Wielding Saintess of the Dead

"The Grill-Wielding Saintess of the Dead" is quite the rollercoaster, a blend of comedy, fantasy, and a dash of gender-bending that I found myself surprisingly invested in. It’s a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet manages to weave in deeper themes amidst the dungeon diving and monster grilling.

First Impressions

The premise alone grabbed my attention: a Korean man isekai'd into the corpse of a saintess, defeats the Demon Lord, and then returns to Korea sixty years later only to become a livestreamer who cooks monsters found in dungeons. It's bonkers, I know, but the execution is surprisingly smooth. The initial arc does a solid job of setting up the world and the protagonist's unique situation without overwhelming you with exposition.

What Works Well

The humor is definitely a highlight. The livestreaming segments are filled with comedic gold, and the interactions between the Saintess and her viewers are genuinely entertaining. I especially appreciate how the story balances the lighthearted moments with more serious undertones, exploring themes of trauma and morality. The Saintess's pro-life stance, her belief that "death is an escape," adds an interesting layer to her character. The world-building is decent, and the side characters, including the colorful viewers, help bring the world to life. The action is also pretty good and keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Areas of Concern

I did notice some potential inconsistencies in the story's internal logic. For example, the Saintess's body suddenly digesting food normally after a certain point felt a bit contrived. Also, the focus on the protagonist's body and mental state might not appeal to all readers, as it can sometimes feel a bit overdone. The plot can occasionally feel generic, relying on familiar tropes like the overpowered returnee and dungeon crawls.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "The Grill-Wielding Saintess of the Dead" is a fun and engaging read. The unique premise, comedic elements, and surprisingly deep themes make it stand out from the crowd. If you're looking for a lighthearted yet thought-provoking fantasy novel with a healthy dose of absurdity, I'd recommend giving this one a try.