A review by myapocalypse
How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler

adventurous
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.75

I picked up this book because I realised that Percy Jackson series aside, I have been snobbing fantasy written by white men. It was a mistake.
I thought the main character being a woman would be a fun experience, and the weird 12-years-old-vibes oversexualisation of most of her interactions was annoying and boring.

On the plus side, the last part of the book with more action and a main character that starts to show growth was entertaining. And the trials scene were a good read.
 
I know I can be a harsh critique of pop culture references in fantasy, and isekai in general, but having just read (and liked) I got abducted by aliens and now i'm trapped in a romcom by Kimberly Lemming I can safely say that it's not a genre problem, I just disliked this book. 

Don't let me put you off of it though, maybe overtly wordy footnotes and movie-esqu flashbacks and triple betrayal are your thing? And in this case, you'll be having a blast reading it.

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