Thereafter of an Exiled Magician ~Somehow My Engagement Was Cancelled, and I Was Driven Out, so I Will Stop Living the Tough Aristocrat Life, and Live Leisurely in a Distant, Foreign, Developing Village~

My Thoughts on Thereafter of an Exiled Magician Somehow My Engagement Was Cancelled, and I Was Driven Out, so I Will Stop Living the Tough Aristocrat Life, and Live Leisurely in a Distant, Foreign, Developing Village

First Impressions

Okay, that title is a mouthful, right? Going into this novel, I knew the premise was going to be fairly standard: exiled OP magician finds peace in a rural setting. And for the most part, that's exactly what you get. It's a slow-burn slice-of-life with action, comedy, and harem elements sprinkled in. It’s a pretty generic fantasy novel, and the early chapters didn’t do much to dispel that feeling.

What Works Well

Despite the common tropes, there are some redeeming qualities. I found myself enjoying the world-building. The author attempts to rationalize RPG elements like stats and farming, which I appreciated. The "kingdom in turmoil after MC leaves" trope is done well. I also liked the side stories that show the comeuppance of the initial antagonists; seeing those corrupt nobles get their due is satisfying.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue lies with the protagonist. He's incredibly passive, allowing himself to be mistreated with little resistance. This lack of agency makes it hard to connect with him. The constant POV switches, sometimes mid-chapter, feel jarring and unnecessary. The pacing can be glacial, especially during explanations of the magic system. I also found that the harem elements are underdeveloped. The girls are cute, but their interactions with the MC feel more like a teacher-student dynamic than a budding romance. The villains are cartoonishly evil, which makes their eventual downfall less impactful.

Final Verdict

"Thereafter of an Exiled Magician…" has some charm, particularly in its world-building and the comeuppance of its antagonists. However, the passive protagonist, slow pacing, and underdeveloped harem elements hold it back. If you're looking for a light, easy read with low expectations, you might find something to enjoy here. But if you prefer a proactive MC and a more engaging plot, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, I'd give it a hesitant 3 out of 5 stars.