I Tell You Monster

バケモノのきみに告ぐ · Original Japanese title

Also known as: Bakemono no kimi ni tsugu, I Tell You, Monster., バケモノのきみに告ぐ

By ryunosuke, 柳之助

★★★★★ 3.7 9 ratings

japanese Light Novel

Our review

Reviewed by Kana

Who it's for, and whether it holds up.

Author profile

My Thoughts on I Tell You Monster

"I Tell You Monster" promised a unique blend of genres, and after diving in, I can say it mostly delivers. It's a strange brew of detective work, monster girls, and a dash of the supernatural, all wrapped up in a world that feels both familiar and utterly alien.

First Impressions

I was immediately drawn in by the premise. The protagonist, navigating a world where "unlaws" (monsters) exist and integrating into a police force tasked with handling them, felt fresh. The initial mysteries were intriguing, and the hints of a larger, perhaps darker, plot kept me hooked. The dynamic between the characters also grabbed my attention.

What Works Well

The romance aspect is definitely a highlight. The protagonist isn't your typical oblivious male lead; he's perceptive and responsive, which makes the interactions with the female characters genuinely enjoyable. The author does a great job of creating sweet and flirtatious moments. I also appreciated the mystery elements. The cases presented are engaging, and I found myself trying to piece together the clues alongside the protagonist. The action sequences were well-paced and didn't drag on, providing a good balance with the other elements of the story.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the overall experience, the world-building felt somewhat lacking. I was left with many questions about the world's history, the origins of the "unlaws," and the overall political landscape. The story throws you into the thick of things without much explanation, which can be disorienting. I also felt that some aspects of the plot are delivered through dialogue rather than being explicitly shown through the narrative. This requires the reader to actively piece things together, which may not appeal to everyone.

Final Verdict

"I Tell You Monster" is a fun and engaging read with a unique blend of genres. The strong romance, intriguing mysteries, and proactive protagonist make it stand out. While the world-building could be more fleshed out, the strengths of the story outweigh its weaknesses. I'm eager to see where the story goes and how the relationships between the characters develop. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a light-hearted, action-packed story with a touch of mystery and romance.

Synopsis

Have you ever fallen in love with a monster? A certain boy’s recollections and confession. Baldium, the walled city – here in some dimly lit room. The boy Norman was restrained. It seems I’m about to be interrogated. I will speak of the Unlaws, those with the anomalous ability to convert emotions into power. And my memories of confronting the 4 beautiful girls named [Tear Flower] , [Demon Dog] , [Jewel] , [Fairy] , and the monsters. “Just hurry up and defeat them, Norman. Let’s go home and cuddle.” “……No, I want you to do your best too?” Fulfilling the desires of those strongest, most ferocious girls who had no motivation. Secretly dealing with the strange incidents occurring in the city. This was supposed to be my true mission. But now, I am the great criminal who has thrown Baldium into chaos. Magic, miracles, fantasies – it seems none are permitted in this city. However, there is still hope. Why? –You’ll understand if you listen to this . This unorthodox tale of the extraordinary that caused ripples at the 30th Dengeki Novel Prize finals. At the end, the boy’s certain that shakes the balance of the world–.

I Tell You Monster