The Strategy to Become Good at Magic Novel Review

My Thoughts on The Strategy to Become Good at Magic

"The Strategy to Become Good at Magic" is quite a ride, and not always the one I expected. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy, with a shoujo twist, all wrapped around a clever, if somewhat abrasive, female protagonist who finds herself in a game-like world after some age regression shenanigans.

First Impressions

Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. A character thrown into a game world, with a focus on strategic magic development? Sign me up! However, I quickly realized that the title is a bit misleading, at least in the early stages. The "becoming good at magic" part seems to take a backseat to other shenanigans.

What Works Well

What really grabbed me was the MC, Sue Lin. She's not your typical goody-two-shoes protagonist. She's pragmatic, profit-driven, and not afraid to be a bit of a jerk. She's an assassin at heart, and that shines through in her actions and decisions. This makes for a unique and often hilarious dynamic, especially when she's interacting with the more naive inhabitants of this new world. The comedy is definitely a strong point. The author does a great job of highlighting the clash between Sue's "common sense" and the world's, creating plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I found myself enjoying her interactions with the powerful beasts she befriends (and maybe abuses a little) as she power-levels and schemes her way through the world. There's a certain charm to her ruthlessness and her ability to manipulate situations to her advantage.

Areas of Concern

The biggest issue I have is the pacing. The story can feel slow, especially if you're expecting immediate magical development. It takes a while for the plot to really get going, and some readers might find themselves getting impatient. Also, the lack of detailed descriptions can make it hard to visualize the characters and settings. I sometimes struggled to picture Sue Lin, which detracted from my immersion.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, I found "The Strategy to Become Good at Magic" to be an enjoyable read. If you're looking for a lighthearted, comedic story with a unique and morally ambiguous protagonist, this might be right up your alley. Just be prepared for a slow burn and a title that doesn't quite match the initial content. I'd give it a solid 3.75/5. It's not perfect, but it's entertaining, and I'm curious to see where the story goes.