Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Crowbar Nurse
"Crowbar Nurse" is a wild ride, and I'm strapped in for the long haul! This novel throws you headfirst into a zombie-infested, game-like world, and it doesn't let up. The blend of action, comedy, horror, and even romance, is surprisingly well-executed. It's not your typical isekai, and that's exactly why I'm enjoying it so much.
First Impressions
The premise is immediately captivating. We follow a nurse who gets transported into a zombie game, taking on the persona of "Sera." The initial setup, as described by other readers, is that she teams up with Kiryu, a hottie who looks like he stepped out of an otome game. The contrast between the two characters, and the ridiculousness of their situation, had me hooked from the start.
What Works Well
The humor is a major draw. The main characters' interactions are hilarious, especially their dynamic of a reckless gaming nerd and a secretly OP pretty boy. The author's clever use of game mechanics within the story is also brilliant. Sera and Kiryu use their knowledge of the game to their advantage, exploiting glitches and loopholes in ways that would be impossible if they were actually playing on a console. I love seeing them break the rules of the game world, pushing boundaries and finding creative solutions to survive. The author has a good understanding of game mechanics and it shows! The illustrations are also a charming addition.
Areas of Concern
I don't have any concerns about the story itself, but instead, I'm concerned about the translation. The story is complete but the translation is ongoing. I hope it gets picked up again soon!
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
While I won't delve into specific plot points, some readers have mentioned the characters using glitches to slip outside the map, obtaining NPC followers, and triggering cutscenes. If you want to go in completely blind, maybe skip reading other reviews.
Final Verdict
"Crowbar Nurse" is a unique and entertaining web novel that's well worth checking out. The characters are endearing, the humor is on point, and the plot is genuinely engaging. If you're looking for an isekai with a twist, and a healthy dose of zombie-slaying action, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I'm eagerly awaiting more translations to see where this crazy adventure takes us!