Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Previous Life was Sword Emperor. This Life is T*ash Prince.
First Impressions
Okay, so I went into "Previous Life was Sword Emperor. This Life is Tash Prince." with a bit of trepidation, I'll admit. The title alone screams "edgy," and after diving into the first few chapters, I could see why some readers were... vocal about their dislike. The premise itself is intriguing: a powerful sword emperor reincarnated as a "trsh" prince. It has all the makings of a compelling power fantasy with a twist. The initial world-building definitely hooked me, painting a picture of powerful "Heroes" and a world on the brink. However, that initial promise quickly became muddled.
What Works Well
Despite the criticisms, there are definitely aspects I enjoyed. The core story, beneath all the angst, has potential. The concept of a broken, traumatized protagonist trying to find a different path in a new life is compelling. Some readers praised the author's ability to create a character with a clear past and present, someone whose mindset is shaped by his experiences. I also appreciated the author's attempts to explore the protagonist's internal struggles and motivations. The action scenes, when they occurred, were well-written and engaging. The world-building, with its focus on powerful "Heroes" and political intrigue, was also a strong point.
Areas of Concern
The biggest issue, and it's a recurring theme in many of the reviews I read, is the protagonist's overwhelming edginess. The constant self-deprecation and reminders of his tragic past quickly become tiresome. It feels less like nuanced character development and more like a repetitive, one-dimensional loop of self-pity. I found myself wanting to skip sections where the MC launched into yet another internal monologue about how "tr*sh" he is. The pacing can also feel rushed at times, with the protagonist's motivations shifting abruptly. It's hard to connect with a character who seems to contradict himself at every turn.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers have pointed out specific instances where the protagonist's actions feel particularly jarring. For example, his initial reluctance to use a sword, followed by a decision to show off his power to a maid, struck some as inconsistent and poorly motivated. The protagonist's death in his previous life, attributed to "loneliness" after achieving the peak of swordsmanship, was also criticized as being overly dramatic and lacking depth.
Final Verdict
"Previous Life was Sword Emperor. This Life is T*ash Prince." is a flawed but not entirely unredeemable read. The underlying story has potential, and the world-building is interesting. However, the protagonist's constant angst and the repetitive nature of his internal monologues ultimately detract from the overall experience. If you can stomach the edginess and appreciate the deeper themes the author is trying to explore, you might find something to enjoy here. Otherwise, proceed with caution.
