Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on In My Previous Life I Was a Saint, but Now I Want to Cut Corners
This web novel certainly grabbed my attention with its intriguing title! "In My Previous Life I Was a Saint, but Now I Want to Cut Corners" promises a fun subversion of the typical reincarnation trope, and while it has some bumps, there's definitely potential here.
First Impressions
The initial hook is strong: a saint who dies tragically, betrayed after a selfless act, gets a second chance and wants nothing to do with her past life. I was immediately curious to see how the author would execute this premise. The first few chapters are a bit clunky. A lot of information is thrown at the reader quickly, and the motivations of certain characters weren't immediately clear.
What Works Well
The concept itself is the strongest point. The idea of a reincarnated saint actively trying to avoid responsibility and live a normal life is refreshing. I also appreciate the world-building. The magic system, with its nuances of commoner exploitation and the historical context of saints sacrificing themselves, adds depth and complexity. The female lead is born with powerful magic and royal blood and the story is set up for an interesting school life with a prince who is the reincarnation of her previous fiance.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, let's dive into some spoiler-y bits. The circumstances surrounding the saint's death in her past life seem to be a major point of contention. The princess's actions and the reasons behind them weren't immediately clear, which led to some confusion. It seems that the saint had no choice but to obey the order to heal the princess.
Areas of Concern
I think the execution in the early chapters could be improved. Specifically, the initial chapters require a bit of patience as they can be confusing. Some readers might be turned off by the initial info dump and the seemingly illogical actions of the characters.
Final Verdict
"In My Previous Life I Was a Saint, but Now I Want to Cut Corners" is a mixed bag, but it has enough intriguing elements to warrant a read, especially if you enjoy reincarnation stories with a twist. With a bit more polish and clearer exposition, this could become a truly enjoyable series. I'm giving it a provisional 3/5. I'm curious enough to see where the story goes, especially regarding the protagonist's attempts to avoid her destiny.
