Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Does the Saintess Prefer Undead Over Handsome Men?! ~ A Man Reviled as a Necromancer is Reborn as the Hero’s Daughter and Becomes the “Saintess of Healing”
This title is quite a mouthful, but after diving in, I found "Saintess and Undead" to be a surprisingly entertaining read. The premise is certainly unique: a necromancer gets reincarnated as the daughter of the hero and saintess who killed him. It's a gender-bender setup ripe with potential for misunderstandings and comedic situations. And from what I've read so far, it mostly delivers.
First Impressions
The initial chapters are definitely attention-grabbing. The sheer absurdity of a former necromancer, now a baby, appreciating her saintess mother's… assets is certainly a choice. However, if you can push past that initial awkwardness, the story settles into a more consistent rhythm of misunderstandings and the MC's internal struggle.
What Works Well
The core of the story lies in the comedic misunderstandings. Our MC, Yuricia, still has the mind of a necromancer and is constantly evaluating people based on their potential as undead. However, her actions, driven by her morbid interests, are consistently interpreted as acts of saintly kindness. This contrast is hilarious and provides a lot of the story's charm. I found myself chuckling at the sheer irony of her "saving" people while secretly eyeing them as future undead materials.
I also appreciate the short, episodic nature of the arcs. It makes the story easy to pick up and put down, perfect for a quick and enjoyable read. Yuricia is overpowered, which adds to the comedic effect, and the supporting characters are interesting enough to keep the narrative engaging. The story also has a visual novel adaptation, though it seems to tone down some of the more… explicit elements.
Areas of Concern
While the story is generally well-received, I can see how some readers might find the protagonist's social ineptitude a bit frustrating. Even after reincarnation, Yuricia struggles with basic social interactions, which can be a point of contention. Additionally, while the Yuri tag is present, the romantic elements seem to be more Shoujo-ai, with a strong emphasis on friendship rather than explicit romance. So, if you're coming for a full-blown Yuri romance, you might be disappointed.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers have noted potentially squicky content in the early chapters concerning the MC's infancy.
Final Verdict
Despite a few minor drawbacks, "Saintess and Undead" is a fun and engaging read. The misunderstandings are hilarious, the MC is unique, and the overall tone is lighthearted and enjoyable. If you're a fan of gender benders, comedy, and a protagonist with a delightfully twisted perspective, I'd recommend giving this one a try. It's a solid 3.8/5 for me - a great option for a relaxing and entertaining pastime.
