Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Summoner of Miracles
"Summoner of Miracles" is quite the mixed bag, and after diving into it, I can understand why the ratings are all over the place. It's a web novel that tries to blend the familiar with the fan-fiction, and while it has its moments, it also stumbles in some key areas.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of an MC traveling to different worlds, especially with a base in Chaldea from Fate/Grand Order. As someone with some familiarity with the FGO universe, that aspect definitely gave it a leg up. However, I can see how those unfamiliar with Chaldea might feel a little lost at the start, as the story doesn't hold your hand in explaining everything.
What Works Well
The strongest aspect of "Summoner of Miracles" is the MC's development. While he starts off as a fairly typical dense protagonist, he gradually grows into someone more capable of understanding and facing his relationships. I appreciate that the author puts effort into world-building. The MC's interactions within these worlds often lead to significant plot deviations, which keeps things interesting. This isn't just a straight rehash of existing stories; there are genuine attempts to create something new within these established universes.
Areas of Concern
My biggest issue lies with the author's reliance on certain anime worlds, particularly Sword Art Online (SAO). While SAO does provide a grounding point for the MC's humanity, its inclusion feels somewhat forced and unnecessary, especially considering how powerful the MC becomes. Some arcs feel like filler, not contributing significantly to the overall narrative or the MC's power progression. The ending also seems to be a point of contention, with some finding it rushed or unsatisfying.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, let's talk spoilers for a moment. Some readers have pointed out that the author seems to lean heavily on using Asuna's pregnancy as a plot device towards the end, which feels like a somewhat lazy way to drive the story forward. Also, the ending in the F/GO story seems abrupt, leaving some wanting more.
Final Verdict
"Summoner of Miracles" is a decent read if you're already a fan of the author's previous works or enjoy fanfiction with a focus on world-hopping. It has its moments of brilliance, particularly in its world-building and the MC's gradual development. However, be prepared for some uneven pacing, a reliance on certain anime worlds that might feel repetitive, and an ending that might leave you wanting more. Overall, I'd give it a tentative recommendation, but with the caveat that it's not without its flaws.
