Thanatophobia: A Man Who Aimed for Immortality in His Second Life, Spreads Despair Around Him, Even if He’s Called a Psychopath

“Thanatophobia” It was a type of illness characterized by an extreme fear of death. The man, who had severe thanatophobia, was constantly terrified of death, but he died without fulfilling his natural lifespan. Just as he was momentarily freed from the fear of death, by some twist of fate, he was reincarnated and once again began to fear death. Despairing at the thought of experiencing the fear of death again, one day, a ray of hope appeared. It was magic. Discovering that it was not just a simple reincarnation but an “isekai reincarnation” into a world of swords and magic, the man thought that in this world he might be able to achieve immortality. This is the story of a man who, regardless of being called a devil or being deemed insane by those around him, forged ahead in pursuit of his ultimate wish.

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Thanatophobia: A Man Who Aimed for Immortality in His Second Life, Spreads Despair Around Him, Even if He’s Called a Psychopath This title certainly grabs your attention, doesn't it? "Thanatophobia" promises a dark and twisted journey, and for a while, it delivers. It's a story about a man reborn into a fantasy world with a thirst for immortality, and a willingness to go to extreme lengths to achieve it. But does it stick the landing? Let's dive in. ### First Impressions Initially, I was hooked. The premise is intriguing. A ruthless protagonist in a world of magic and swordplay creates a compelling, if unsettling, atmosphere. The early chapters painted a picture of a morally bankrupt character driven by a primal fear of death, and I was ready to see how far the author would take it. ### What Works Well The world-building, at least initially, is quite engaging. The magic system, the political landscape, and the general sense of danger kept me invested. I also appreciated the author's willingness to explore the darker aspects of human nature. The protagonist's descent into cruelty is certainly a central theme, and when the story focuses on the psychological impact of his actions, it shines. ### Areas of Concern However, I began to feel that the narrative lost some of its initial focus as the story progressed. The "psychological and practical grounding" seemed to fade, replaced by elements that felt more like standard power-fantasy tropes. This shift diluted the impact of the protagonist's ruthlessness, turning it into a mere accessory rather than a core element of his character. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, here's where we need to tread carefully. Some readers might find the following details disturbing. The novel delves into graphic depictions of torture and mutilation, particularly involving slaves. The protagonist's actions towards his sister, including exposing her to horrific experiments and carving magic into her flesh, are particularly disturbing. Also, there's a reveal that the fantasy world is actually a technologically advanced sci-fi world. This might not be everyone's cup of tea, and I can understand why some readers might find it jarring. ### Final Verdict "Thanatophobia" is a novel with a lot of potential that, in my opinion, stumbles along the way. While the initial premise and dark themes are captivating, the shift towards power-fantasy elements and the increasingly graphic content might alienate some readers. If you have a strong stomach and an interest in morally ambiguous protagonists, it might be worth a read. However, be warned: this isn't a story for the faint of heart. I'm giving it a cautious 3/5.