Star-Slaying Swordsman

“…I want to slay the stars.” Julius, an ordinary villager, had a strange dream on the night of his eighth birthday—he dreamt about the life of a certain swordsman. Hoping to one day slay the twinkling stars in the night sky, the boy simply continued to swing a piece of stick, following in the footsteps of the swordsman who persevered in wielding his sword to the point of foolishness. Several years later, he encounters and fights a monster outside his village, finally awakening a deep, profound feeling inside of him. This is the story of a powerless boy who, through hard training and sheer discipline, goes beyond “absurdity” and “recklessness” to make even the impossible become possible.

Original Publisher

alphapolis

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Star-Slaying Swordsman "Star-Slaying Swordsman" is a bit of a mixed bag, and my experience reading it definitely reflects that. It's got some intriguing elements, but also some frustrating flaws that held it back from being a truly great read, at least in its current state. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise – a swords and magic world, but with a protagonist deeply devoted to Kendo. It's a refreshing twist on the usual fantasy fare. The idea of a mature-minded MC striving for strength is also appealing, especially in a genre often dominated by younger, less experienced characters. ### What Works Well The action sequences are definitely a highlight. The fights are well-described and engaging, which is crucial for a novel centered around swordsmanship. I also appreciate the darker tone of the fantasy world. It sets it apart from more lighthearted stories and gives the protagonist's struggles a greater sense of weight. While the world-building might not be the most comprehensive, I find the gradual unfolding of the world through the story's events to be a unique approach. ### Areas of Concern However, the pacing became a real issue for me. The story seems to drag on, with the MC's internal thoughts and motivations feeling repetitive and slow. This glacial pace made it difficult to stay invested in the plot, even with the interesting premise. I also struggled with the MC's characterization at times. While the intention might have been to portray a mature protagonist, his thought processes sometimes felt awkward and incomplete. This made it difficult to fully connect with him and understand his motivations, especially regarding his relationships with other characters. ### Final Verdict Overall, "Star-Slaying Swordsman" has potential, but it needs some refinement. The unique premise, engaging action, and darker tone are definite strengths. However, the pacing issues and inconsistent characterization hold it back. It's a story I'd keep an eye on, hoping that future developments address these concerns, but as it stands, I'd recommend approaching it with caution.