A review by aurumwitch
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Vol. 1 (light novel) by Tappei Nagatsuki

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 

Only the beginning 

It’s been a while since I’ve gone through the first volume. However, I did take notes on what I felt when I first went about it. 

Even early into the novel you can feel the charm coming off from the story. 

It has an interesting plot hook, however the real impact comes from the interactions between the characters. Subaru is a very interesting isekai protagonist, he’s a complete chuuni, bit of an eccentric and unapologetically cringe which, if this were handled by another author it would be hard to watch. And it is! But it’s so captivating you just can’t look away. 

I love the way Tappei describes the world, especially when we get our first look at the other worldly beauty that is Emilia. And then there’s the magic, the otherworldly people, fantasy creatures. It all just sucks you in. 

It’s fun escapism. 

However. It’s missing something. 

I’ve read other isekai with stronger starts, and those left a much more lasting impression on my mind. Perhaps it’s too early to judge. 

It’s only the beginning after all.