A Banished Failure Survives in the Borderland and Becomes an S-Rank Exorcist

This world is ruled by the Twilight. 150 years ago, war broke out between humans and demons. The humans suffered massive casualties as a mysterious phenomenon called “Twilight” took over the world. In that world, there exists a certain average boy. One day, unfairly abandoned by his party members, he is consumed by the Twilight. Two years pass. In the uninhabitable Twilight, that boy struggles like mad to survive. Eventually, he returns to the barrier city with the powerful skills he acquired in the Twilight. What awaits him next? No matter what, he moves forward, believing that a blue sky awaits him beyond.

Original Publisher

hobby japan

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on A Banished Failure Survives in the Borderland and Becomes an S-Rank Exorcist Alright, let's dive into "A Banished Failure Survives in the Borderland and Becomes an S-Rank Exorcist." With a title that long, you know you're in for *something*. I went in with an open mind, and here's what I found. ### First Impressions Honestly, the premise hooked me. An academy setting, betrayal, demons, and a banished protagonist trying to survive in a dangerous world? Sounds like my kind of story. However, I quickly noticed a trend in the reviews that gave me pause. Several readers pointed out issues with the protagonist's characterization and the overall pacing, which definitely tempered my initial excitement. ### What Works Well Despite some criticisms, there are definitely aspects to appreciate. The world-building seems interesting, with a post-apocalyptic fantasy setting that blends familiar RPG elements with a unique twist. A few readers have mentioned enjoying the interactions with demons and the unique power system, which suggests that the author has some cool ideas. The translation quality has also been highlighted as a positive, making the reading experience smoother. Some also find the side characters interesting. ### Areas of Concern Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the protagonist. A common complaint is his inconsistent personality. Some feel he's portrayed as timid one moment and then suddenly becomes sarcastic or heroic, depending on the plot's needs. This lack of consistency makes it hard to connect with him, and it feels like the story dictates his character rather than the other way around. I've also seen some readers mention the pacing feels rushed, with plot points being resolved too quickly and lacking proper build-up. Dialogue is also another point of concern, with some readers finding it unnatural. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some of the reviews contain spoilers regarding specific plot points and character developments. If you want to experience the story without knowing what's coming, I recommend skipping this section. Several reviewers mentioned the protagonist's initial betrayal and subsequent personality shifts. The lack of lasting impact from his experiences in the "hell" he was banished to also raises questions about believability. Also, the handling of the betrayers might frustrate some readers. ### Final Verdict "A Banished Failure Survives in the Borderland and Becomes an S-Rank Exorcist" has potential, but it's held back by inconsistent characterization and pacing issues. The world-building and translation are definite strengths, and if you can look past the protagonist's flaws, you might find it an enjoyable read. However, if you prioritize character development and a well-paced plot, this might not be the novel for you. I'd say it's a decent time-killer, but not a must-read.