Saint of Black Kite~ The Banished Healer Masters Dark Magic with Abundant Magical Power

My Thoughts on Saint of Black Kite~ The Banished Healer Masters Dark Magic with Abundant Magical Power

Okay, let's dive into "Saint of Black Kite." I went in with some mixed expectations after seeing how others felt about it. It seems like this novel has a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it vibe, and honestly, I can see why.

First Impressions

Initially, the premise is pretty standard fare: the hero gets kicked out of the party, discovers hidden powers, and proves everyone wrong. It's a trope we all know and sometimes love. I was hoping for a fresh take, and in some ways, the story delivers... but not consistently. The accelerated growth aspect is definitely present, and the early chapters do a decent job of setting the stage.

What Works Well

What I appreciated most was the potential subversion of the typical revenge-driven narrative. The main character isn't consumed by bitterness, which is a nice change of pace. Some readers praised his more caring nature and found it refreshing, particularly compared to other protagonists in similar stories. Also, the concept of a healer mastering dark magic is inherently interesting, and the abundant magical power aspect is enticing. Some readers even found the alternative POV with the old party members more entertaining, which is a testament to the author's world-building.

Areas of Concern

However, the execution seems to falter for many, myself included. A recurring criticism is the MC's character development, or lack thereof. Several readers felt he was too passive, even to the point of being a "beta" character with no real drive. I noticed that the early likeability of the MC fades for some, especially after certain plot points. Some readers felt that the plot becomes generic and the pacing becomes slow. Also, some readers feel that the "saint" aspect of his character isn't developed enough and that the world development is lacking.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

Some readers have expressed negative views about the introduction of the childhood friend back into the story, and the forced introduction of a goddess character, noting that it detracts from the original plot.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Saint of Black Kite" is a mixed bag. While it offers a potentially interesting twist on a well-worn trope, the execution seems to stumble in the later arcs. The protagonist's character development feels inconsistent, and the plot loses its initial momentum. It has its moments, and some readers will undoubtedly enjoy the ride, but it ultimately falls short of its potential. I'd recommend approaching this novel with cautious optimism.