Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Original Vampire
"The Original Vampire" is a web novel that piqued my interest with its unique premise: a protagonist who believes himself to be a vampire in a world unfamiliar with the concept. After diving in and considering the broader reader reactions, I've formed a pretty solid opinion.
First Impressions
Initially, the story comes off as a bit silly, with the main character's early attempts to understand his supposed vampirism. However, I quickly found myself pulled in as the plot expanded into a war chronicle drama, a genre I'm quite fond of. The initial chapters do a decent job of setting the stage, introducing intriguing characters and political tensions.
What Works Well
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the characters. They're not perfect; they have their own agendas, flaws, and conflicting interests, making them feel believable. I appreciate that the MC isn't an all-knowing genius. He makes mistakes, especially early on, which makes him more relatable. The political intrigue and mysteries surrounding the MC's powers and the gods are also compelling. I found myself invested in unraveling these secrets. The author does a solid job balancing the various story components, preventing it from becoming an eyesore or dragging out any specific device.
Areas of Concern
While I enjoyed the war chronicle aspects, I have to admit that the "vampire" element felt underdeveloped for a significant portion of the story. I wanted to see more exploration of his powers and how they impact the world around him. There's also a sentiment that the plot can become overly complicated, with too many twists and turns that ultimately dilute the narrative. Some readers may find the war and army management aspects uninteresting. I also noticed that some readers have found the story to contain sexist tropes, though I feel this is balanced by others that indicate the MC's behavior is a flaw in the character, and not necessarily an endorsement of it.
Final Verdict
Overall, I'd say "The Original Vampire" is a worthwhile read if you enjoy war chronicles with a touch of the supernatural. While it has its flaws, the engaging characters, political intrigue, and unique premise kept me entertained. Just be prepared for a slow burn and a somewhat underdeveloped vampire theme for a good chunk of the story. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5.
