Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Exiled Saint is Living Happily in the Beastman Country: A Comfortable Life as a Hostage with Homemade Medicine and Delicious Meals!?
This title certainly grabbed my attention! "The Exiled Saint..." is a fluffy-sounding fantasy story, and overall, I found it a fairly enjoyable read, but with a few caveats that held it back from being truly great. It definitely scratches that itch for a relaxing, feel-good story with a strong female lead.
First Impressions
The premise is pretty standard isekai fare: a saintess is dumped by her fiancé and sent to a neighboring country as part of a political marriage. But the "beastman country" setting immediately piqued my interest. I was hoping for some fun world-building and interesting character interactions, and for the most part, the novel delivered.
What Works Well
The core of the story – the saintess finding happiness and purpose in her new life – is genuinely heartwarming. Seeing her use her skills to create medicine and delicious meals for the beastkin is satisfying, and the "doting husband" trope is definitely present, offering plenty of sweet moments. The overall tone is light and comforting, perfect for a quick and easy read when you're looking for something to unwind with. The European-inspired setting is nicely done.
Areas of Concern
My main issue lies with the ending. I felt a distinct sense of abruptness, leaving me wanting more. The resolution of some key misunderstandings felt rushed, happening off-screen, which was a bit disappointing. I was hoping for a more fleshed-out conclusion, especially after investing time in the characters and their relationships. The writing style, while perfectly serviceable, could have been a bit more descriptive and engaging. It felt a little basic at times, preventing me from fully immersing myself in the world.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, if you haven't read the story yet, skip this section! The ending, or lack thereof, is my biggest gripe. The fact that it just cuts off with the saintess making a gift for the prince is rather unfulfilling. It feels like several plot threads are left dangling, and the story just... stops.
Final Verdict
"The Exiled Saint is Living Happily in the Beastman Country..." is a decent read if you're in the mood for a light, fluffy fantasy with a strong female lead and a sweet romance. Just be prepared for an ending that might leave you feeling a bit unsatisfied. I give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a fun little story, but it definitely could have benefited from a more complete and satisfying conclusion.
