Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on I Really Am Not The Lord of Demon
"I Really Am Not The Lord of Demon" is a web novel that piqued my interest with its blend of comedy, fantasy, and even a touch of sci-fi. The premise of an oblivious, overpowered bookstore owner is inherently appealing. However, diving into this story is a bit of a mixed bag, and I've got some thoughts.
First Impressions
Right off the bat, the story presents a seemingly ordinary guy running a bookstore, unaware that he's basically a god among mortals. This setup had me hooked, and I was eager to see how the misunderstandings would play out. The initial chapters were promising, introducing a cast of quirky characters who perceive the MC's actions as divinely inspired, while he just thinks they're eccentric customers.
What Works Well
The core concept of the story is undeniably strong. The side characters are surprisingly well-developed, with their own motivations and backstories that add depth to the narrative. I appreciate that the MC, though initially simple, evolves as the story progresses, becoming more complex and interesting. Some readers have pointed out the world-building takes cues from Lovecraftian horror, which adds a unique flavor to the xuanhuan genre. I also appreciate the lack of a blatant harem, despite the presence of many female characters. The MC's perceived "face-blindness" adds a comedic layer, as he genuinely can't distinguish between appearances.
Areas of Concern
Unfortunately, "I Really Am Not The Lord of Demon" isn't without its flaws. A recurring criticism is the heavy-handed nationalism present in the story. The author seemingly goes out of their way to praise the MC's home country (easily identifiable as China) while subtly bashing others, which many readers found off-putting and immersion-breaking. Furthermore, some feel the author copies too much from other franchises.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers have noted that later in the story, the MC begins to awaken, and the narrative shifts to focus on his struggle to suppress his monstrous instincts and retain his humanity. Others have mentioned the story takes inspiration from World of Warcraft and Warhammer 40k.
Final Verdict
"I Really Am Not The Lord of Demon" is a novel with a lot of potential that's somewhat undermined by certain choices. While the premise and characters are engaging, the nationalism and perceived lack of originality may be a turn-off for some. If you can look past these issues, you might find an enjoyable, if flawed, read. Personally, I would give it a cautious recommendation, with the caveat that readers should be prepared for the aforementioned criticisms.
