Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Sharpening The Knife Doesn’t Delay The Cutting of Vegetables With The Bow [eSports]
This web novel boasts a title as long as the list of tags it carries, but does it live up to the hype? As someone who enjoys a good eSports story, I dove in eager to find out.
First Impressions
The premise is definitely intriguing: a martial artist suddenly finds himself in a futuristic eSports world, needing to make money and fulfill the original body's dream. I was immediately drawn to the unique blend of martial arts and gaming. The idea of a calm, confident protagonist who's a battle maniac in-game but reserved in real life also piqued my interest.
What Works Well
The focus on weapons and martial arts, rather than just the game itself, is a refreshing change. I can get burned out on repetitive game strategies, so this novel's approach is a welcome deviation. The main character’s growth, while arguably rapid, is engaging. He has to adapt his real-world martial arts skills to the game, which creates a compelling dynamic. The male lead, with his "gap moe" personality and chip addiction, is also quite endearing and relatable. The side characters seem well-developed with their own goals and quirks which is always a plus in my book.
Areas of Concern
The "OP" nature of the main character is a common point of contention. While some readers are fine with it, others find it diminishes the suspense. It seems that the story can become predictable as the MC quickly masters the game. Additionally, some feel that the relationship between the MC and ML is forced and lacks genuine development, with shallow comments from side characters not backing up the supposed "pink atmosphere". Also, the game mechanics and fight scenes can be hard to visualize, and some of the author's writing choices are criticized.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers felt the reveal of the MC's real-life martial arts skills early on removed a key element of surprise. The rapid power-up after surgery was also a point of criticism, making the story feel less realistic, even for a futuristic eSports novel.
Final Verdict
"Sharpening The Knife…" has a lot going for it: a unique premise, interesting characters, and a blend of action and eSports. However, the pacing and the MC's rapid rise to power might detract from the overall experience for some readers. If you enjoy OP protagonists and don't mind a fast-paced plot, this could be a fun read. Otherwise, proceed with caution. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.