The Tyrant Empress is Obsessed with Me

My Thoughts on The Tyrant Empress is Obsessed with Me

"The Tyrant Empress is Obsessed with Me" promised a wild ride, and after diving in, I can confidently say it delivers... mostly. It's a novel that knows what it is: a comedy fueled by absurd luck and constant misunderstandings. If you're looking for a story to make you smile and not take itself too seriously, this might be right up your alley.

First Impressions

Initially, I was a bit thrown off. The opening chapters felt a little rushed, like a prolonged prologue. It took a bit for the story to find its footing and for me to really connect with the characters. But once it did, I found myself hooked by the sheer ridiculousness of Ascal's situation.

What Works Well

The core of the story, Ascal's constant "failing upwards," is undeniably entertaining. He's desperately trying to get fired to avoid a future rebellion, but his actions, no matter how poorly intended, always result in success. It's a classic misunderstanding trope, but the author executes it with a good balance of grounded logic and absurd development.

I particularly enjoyed the self-contained nature of many chapters. It felt like each one was its own little episode, which kept the story fresh and prevented it from dragging. The characters, especially the prince, are also quite memorable and add to the overall comedic charm. The author's writing style and the translator's effort to explain slang and references are also commendable.

Areas of Concern

While the novel is enjoyable, it's not without its flaws. The humor can be repetitive, with the "failing upwards" gag occurring in almost every chapter. This can make the plot predictable and, at times, boring. Also, the novel's title can be misleading, as the "tyrant empress" aspect isn't as prominent as you might expect, at least not early on.

Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, "The Tyrant Empress is Obsessed with Me" is a fun and lighthearted read. If you're looking for a serious, plot-heavy fantasy, this isn't it. But if you're in the mood for a comedy with a healthy dose of absurdity and a protagonist who can't catch a break (even when he wants to), I recommend giving it a try. Just don't take it too seriously, and you'll likely have a good time.