I Was Reincarnated as a Prince With a “Serves You Right” Flag

Looks like I’ve been reincarnated as a prince. My mother is a concubine, but since I’m the first prince, I have the top claim to the throne. I’ve finally gotten control over my body and thoughts, but my situation isn’t great. Apparently, my father, the king, wants to make the second prince—his son with his beloved queen—his successor. So, he’s been ignoring me and my mother, the concubine. Isn’t this like a cliché I’ve seen in some novel? A prince whose mother is a neglected concubine, feeling unloved, grows up throwing tantrums and being spoiled. Then, at the graduation ceremony, he breaks off his engagement with a perfect fiancée chosen by the king and gets his fiancée stolen by his virtuous younger brother, leading to a “serves you right” moment. No way. I’m not falling for that. My future is more important. First, I think I’ll quit being a prince.

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on I Was Reincarnated as a Prince With a “Serves You Right” Flag "I Was Reincarnated as a Prince With a “Serves You Right” Flag" promised a compelling blend of drama, fantasy, and school life, but my experience was mixed. While it has moments of potential, some significant flaws held it back. ### First Impressions The initial premise, where the protagonist awakens to his past life as a neglected prince, intrigued me. The idea of navigating complex family relationships and a potentially hostile court felt like a recipe for engaging political maneuvering and character development. However, the execution left something to be desired. ### What Works Well The novel's accessibility is a definite plus. The grammar and writing style are smooth, making it an easy read – or listen, as one reviewer pointed out. I also appreciated the attempt to break away from typical isekai tropes. The protagonist isn't an overly emotional or reactive character, which can be a refreshing change of pace. He attempts to handle situations with a degree of rationality, which, while perhaps leaning towards the "beta" side, is a departure from the often-overused "face-slapping" trope. ### Areas of Concern Unfortunately, several significant issues impacted my overall enjoyment. The world-building and political intrigue felt underdeveloped. Characters, including the king and his court, often acted in ways that seemed illogical or childish, undermining the story's credibility. The "serves you right" plot line, which I expected to be a central theme, appeared to resolve too quickly and without much impact. The protagonist's personality seemed to flatten out after this initial conflict, making him less engaging. The lack of depth in character motivations and the seemingly random actions of some characters detracted from the overall experience. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Specific plot points were raised that highlight issues within the story. The early resolution of the initial conflict, and the subsequent lack of meaningful consequences for those who mistreated the protagonist and his mother, were disappointing. The ease with which the protagonist confronts the court and extracts confessions felt unrealistic, especially considering the supposed political complexities of the setting. The handwaving of accountability through fabricated excuses further weakened the narrative. ### Final Verdict While "I Was Reincarnated as a Prince With a “Serves You Right” Flag" has moments of promise, its underdeveloped world, inconsistent character motivations, and rushed plot resolutions ultimately left me underwhelmed. The smooth writing style and attempt to avoid common tropes are commendable, but the story needs more depth and nuance to truly shine. I am giving this novel a 2.5/5.