Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Became the Demon Lord and my Territory is an Uninhabited Island
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "I Became the Demon Lord and my Territory is an Uninhabited Island." Honestly, the title felt a bit misleading at first. I was expecting a demon lord ruling over a desolate island pretty early on, but the story takes its sweet time getting there. It starts as more of a slow-burn slice-of-life, focusing on the MC's upbringing in a village and his daily life. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it definitely wasn't what I initially anticipated.
What Works Well
I have to admit, the world-building is quite interesting. It's a familiar fantasy setting with a unique twist, focusing on the lives of demons. The MC's resourcefulness and his application of Earth-based knowledge to magic are definite highlights. Instead of relying solely on cheat skills, he uses his creativity, which I found refreshing. Many readers seem to appreciate how he improves the lives of those around him with his past-life knowledge, particularly in agriculture and developing new magic uses. The characters, especially the first love interest, Suzuran, are generally well-written and likeable, making the slice-of-life aspects enjoyable. The romance, though slow, feels genuine.
Areas of Concern
The pacing can be a major issue for some. It takes a considerable amount of time for the MC to actually become a Demon Lord, and even then, the story remains slow-paced. The MC's personality can also be frustrating. He's often portrayed as a coward, indecisive, and overly reliant on others. Some readers may find his lack of ambition and his "going with the flow" attitude annoying. The harem aspect is handled delicately, but the circumstances surrounding it might not sit well with everyone, particularly the way certain relationships are initiated.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers have pointed out specific plot developments that might be considered spoilers. For example, there's a situation involving a succubus being "pushed" onto the MC, which some found problematic. Also, the time skip to the demon lord arc feels rushed, skipping over potentially interesting developments.
Final Verdict
"I Became the Demon Lord and my Territory is an Uninhabited Island" is a bit of a mixed bag. If you're looking for fast-paced action and a proactive MC, this might not be for you. However, if you enjoy a slow-burn slice-of-life with a focus on character development and world-building, it could be worth a try. Just be prepared for a potentially frustrating MC and a story that takes its time to get to the "Demon Lord" part. I'd give it a tentative 3 out of 5 stars.
