Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The God Slaying Hero and the Seven Covenants
"The God Slaying Hero and the Seven Covenants" is quite the mixed bag, and diving into it has been an interesting experience. It's a story about a hero after the big battle, dealing with the consequences and aftermath, which is a refreshing change of pace. However, it's not without its quirks.
First Impressions
Initially, I found myself intrigued by the premise. A hero who defeated a god, now living a seemingly ordinary life? That's a hook! The slice-of-life elements mixed with fantasy action promised a unique blend. But as I read on, I quickly realized this story demands patience. The pacing is deliberate, almost glacial at times.
What Works Well
I appreciate the author's attempt to create a realistic fantasy world. Fighting goblins isn't a walk in the park, and even heroes can be vulnerable. This adds a layer of tension to every encounter. The character interactions, while slow-burn, also have a certain depth. I found myself drawn to the protagonist's internal struggles, his problems with identity and self-esteem are slowly elaborated upon and appear much less childish after getting to know the background of the story.
Areas of Concern
The pacing is definitely the biggest hurdle. There were times when I felt like I was slogging through filler, waiting for the next plot point to emerge. The main character, Renji, can also be a source of frustration. His constant self-deprecation and whining, while explained by his backstory, can become grating. Some might find his behavior annoying, especially early on.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers mentioned that the story expands a bit on the background behind why the main character constantly underestimates himself and doesn't feel heroic, and it is pretty heartbreaking. The MC is very likely depressed because he failed to keep a promise with Ermenhilde and she died in his arms while they were fighting the demon god, and they seem to have been in love with each other. Something happened afterwards, but the current Ermenhilde seems to be different from the human version who died, and he seems to be trying to get the current one to be more humanlike. Since he was unable to protect her, he is trying to carry out his promise with her with this (different?) Ermenhilde, and it seems like he hasn't been able to get over her death, causing him to lose all confidence in himself due to his inability to protect her.
Final Verdict
"The God Slaying Hero and the Seven Covenants" is a novel with potential, but it requires a specific kind of reader. If you enjoy slow-paced, character-driven stories with a focus on internal conflict and realistic fantasy elements, you might find something to love here. However, if you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed power fantasy, this probably isn't the novel for you. I'd recommend giving it a try, but be prepared to exercise patience and empathy.
