Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Became A Zombie After Being Deceived And Killed, But I’m Going To Evolve And Become The Strongest ~ Since I Became A Monster, I Tried Eating Dungeon Cores!
Okay, let's dive into this title that's longer than some of my favorite short stories. "I Became A Zombie After Being Deceived And Killed, But I’m Going To Evolve And Become The Strongest ~ Since I Became A Monster, I Tried Eating Dungeon Cores!" certainly grabs your attention. I went in with a mix of excitement and trepidation, and my experience ultimately landed somewhere in the middle.
First Impressions
The premise is undeniably appealing: betrayal, death, and a monstrous rebirth with the promise of power. It's a classic revenge fantasy setup with a twist. I was definitely intrigued by the potential for unique evolution paths and the whole "eating dungeon cores" aspect. Who doesn't love a bit of dungeon crawling and monster shenanigans?
What Works Well
The story clearly aims for the "tried and true" power fantasy route, and that's not inherently bad. The MC's journey from a weak, deceived victim to a potentially powerful monster is a core element that kept me somewhat engaged. I appreciated that the MC wasn't solely driven by revenge. This allowed for some exploration beyond a simple "get stronger, kill everyone" plotline. It provides some moments of respite and allows the MC to grow beyond a single-minded goal.
Areas of Concern
Unfortunately, the execution seems to falter in some key areas. I noticed some inconsistencies in the MC's motivations and actions, which made it difficult to fully invest in his journey. The writing style, at times, feels more like a running commentary from the MC rather than immersive storytelling. This can become quite tiresome after a while. There were also issues with the pacing and plot development, with the MC seemingly becoming overpowered a little too quickly for my liking.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, here's where I have to tread carefully. Some plot points seem to undermine the potential of the story. For instance, the MC's acquisition of a cursed sword that leeches mana and the subsequent robbery feel like unnecessary setbacks that hinder progress rather than add meaningful conflict. Additionally, while the idea of the MC eating dungeon cores is cool, the story doesn't explore the dungeon master aspect as much as I'd hoped.
Final Verdict
Overall, "I Became A Zombie After Being Deceived And Killed, But I’m Going To Evolve And Become The Strongest ~ Since I Became A Monster, I Tried Eating Dungeon Cores!" has a compelling core concept but struggles with execution. While it offers some entertainment for fans of the genre, inconsistencies and a somewhat flawed narrative hold it back from reaching its full potential. It's a mid-tier read that might satisfy those looking for a quick power fantasy fix, but don't expect a groundbreaking story.
