Starting Anew as the New Me

The Demon Lord who unified the Demon Realm, Dalewatts, starts his invasion of the Human Realm to bring it under his rule. At that time, the announcement “The one that shall pull out the Angel’s Sword will become the hero and defeat the Demon Lord” circulated through the Human Realm. Dalewatts, who heard about this, transferred his soul and magical power into a human body and slipped into the ceremony to try and destroy the hero and the sword himself, but there was no one who could pull out the sword. The onlookers were also made to participate in the ceremony and when Dalewatts’ turn came, with no way to escape anymore, he helplessly grasped the sword, then, at that moment, after his magical power got absorbed by the sword spirit inhabiting the sword, Erin, appeared and the sword fell out. By pulling out the sword he got recognized as the hero and his life of subjugating the Demon Lord started…… However, that Demon Lord is he himself. Thus the mysterious adventure of going to defeat himself began.

Original Publisher

estar

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Starting Anew as the New Me "Starting Anew as the New Me" promised a fresh take on the body swap genre, and while it has some elements I enjoyed, it ultimately left me feeling a bit conflicted. The premise, blending action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy with a male protagonist suddenly thrust into a new life, definitely piqued my interest. ### First Impressions The initial chapters did a decent job of setting the stage. The concept of a weak protagonist inheriting the body of someone powerful is always a fun trope, and I was eager to see how this story would play out. The shounen elements were apparent early on, hinting at a journey of self-discovery and growth. ### What Works Well The world-building has potential. The integration of magic and spirits creates a unique atmosphere, and I appreciate the hints of a larger, more complex world waiting to be explored. The comedic elements, while sometimes hit-or-miss, provided some lighthearted moments that kept me engaged. The action sequences, when they occurred, were well-written and exciting, showcasing the potential of the protagonist's new abilities. ### Areas of Concern However, I did find myself struggling with the main character's agency. There were moments where I felt like they were simply being dragged along by the plot, reacting to events rather than actively shaping them. This passivity made it difficult to fully invest in their journey. I also found some of the supporting characters to be somewhat underdeveloped. While they served their purpose in moving the plot forward, they lacked the depth and complexity that would have made them truly memorable. The pacing felt uneven at times, with moments of intense action followed by stretches of exposition that slowed down the momentum. I was hoping for more consistent character development. ### Final Verdict "Starting Anew as the New Me" has a solid foundation with its intriguing premise and world-building. However, the issues with character agency and pacing prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it offers moments of enjoyment, it ultimately falls short of being a truly compelling read. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy lighthearted fantasy with a focus on action, but be prepared for a protagonist who may not always take the reins.