Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Someday Will I Be The Greatest Alchemist?
"Someday Will I Be The Greatest Alchemist?" presents an interesting premise, but ultimately falls into some well-worn isekai traps. I went into this novel hoping for a deep dive into alchemy, but what I found was a bit more...scattered.
First Impressions
Initially, I was intrigued. The idea of a reincarnated salaryman dedicating himself to alchemy in a fantasy world held promise. The early chapters were decent, establishing the MC and his initial interactions. However, the accelerated skill growth felt a bit too rapid, pushing the MC towards "god mode" a little too quickly for my liking.
What Works Well
The lighthearted nature of the story is definitely a plus. It's easy to pick up and read, perfect for when you want something undemanding. Some readers have praised the translator's work, noting consistent updates and a high level of quality. The novel is categorized into adventure, crafting, other POV, and slice of life, which is nice. For a while the crafting was enough to keep me reading.
Areas of Concern
My biggest issue is the lack of focus. The title suggests alchemy, but the MC quickly becomes a jack-of-all-trades, dabbling in everything from taming and blacksmithing to tailoring and town-building. This dilutes the core concept and makes the story feel disjointed.
The MC's personality also became a problem for me. He often comes across as a pushover, easily manipulated by others, including spirits and villagers. I struggled with the lack of agency, especially as the story progressed into the kingdom-building arc. This lack of spine made it hard to root for him.
I also noticed a decline in the story's consistency. Details seem to be retconned, and the world-building lacks depth. The constant demands from others, without much personal gain for the MC, started to feel like a s*ave narrative.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some reviewers have pointed out specific instances where the MC is taken advantage of by spirits, essentially becoming their s*ave. The rapid skill progression and access to advanced technology also raise questions about common sense within the world.
Final Verdict
"Someday Will I Be The Greatest Alchemist?" had potential, but it ultimately didn't deliver on its core concept for me. The unfocused plot, inconsistent world-building, and passive protagonist make it a difficult recommendation, despite its lighthearted nature and dedicated translation. If you're looking for a deep dive into alchemy or a compelling narrative, you might want to look elsewhere.
