The Undead King of the Palace of Darkness (LN) Novel Review
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By tsukikage, 槻影
1 volumes
2019
Description
I don’t want to die. I want to be free. To that end, I shall….reconcile myself to the fate of becoming a “monster”. A strange disease that racks one’s entire body with intense never-ending pain, until the person slowly withers away and eventually dies. After a few years of braving through the pain, the boy is in no luxury to even feel despair. With nary a soul to tend to him, he breathes his last. The next time he opened his eyes, the boy had become an “Undead” of the lowest rank through the power of an evil Necromancer. The boy rejoices at having his earnest desire fulfilled, which is a body that will never feel pain. However, he realizes that he is still under someone’s control and how it was no different from when he was cooped up in the hospital ward. But the world would not leave alone the boy who only wished for peace. The Necromancer who revives the boy from the dead, names him “End” and attempts to gain control over him. The Undead Knights, lay their lives on the line to persistently chase after and annihilate the beings of the darkness. With countless monsters under their command, the Demon Lords rule over their own lands while they all contend for ultimate supremacy. The motivation being survival and freedom. The requirements being caution and power. This is the tale of the cowardly King of the Undead. In his pursuit for freedom, he heads into battle and turns tail at times. He knows when to fear his opponents and when to waver in his decisions.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- enterbrain
- English Publisher
- yen press
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
The Undead King of the Palace of Darkness (LN) Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on The Undead King of the Palace of Darkness (LN)
First Impressions
"The Undead King of the Palace of Darkness" grabbed my attention right away with its intriguing premise and darker tone, something that I often find myself searching for in the world of light novels. The idea of a cunning and cowardly protagonist navigating a treacherous world as an undead king? Count me in! It's a refreshing change from the typical overpowered hero trope, and I was eager to see how the author would execute it.
What Works Well
What I appreciated most was the morally grey nature of the main character, End. He's not your typical hero striving for justice. Instead, he's a Machiavellian figure focused on survival, even if it means making questionable choices. I found his resourcefulness and adaptability compelling, especially since he often finds himself at the mercy of others. This constant struggle for control, coupled with his cunning nature, made him a fascinating character to follow. I also enjoyed the exploration of his ethics and rationale. He's not a psychopath; he has lines he won't cross, adding depth and complexity to his personality. The potential for romance, though perhaps only budding, also added another layer of intrigue.
Areas of Concern
My main concern stems from the fact that it was axed after only one volume. This leaves a lot of unanswered questions and makes it difficult to fully invest in the story. It's a shame, because the foundation was solid, and I was genuinely curious to see where the author would take the plot and character development. The abrupt ending leaves me feeling somewhat unsatisfied, knowing that I'll never get to see the full potential of this unique world and its characters.
Final Verdict
Despite its premature ending, "The Undead King of the Palace of Darkness" offers a refreshing take on the fantasy genre with its morally ambiguous protagonist and intriguing premise. While the lack of closure is disappointing, the first volume is still a worthwhile read for those seeking a darker, more cunning protagonist than the usual shounen fare. I'd give it a tentative 7/10, acknowledging its strong start but lamenting its unfulfilled potential.
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