One reason could be the marketing. Maybe it didn't get as much promotion as other popular isekai novels. Without proper marketing, it's hard for a book to reach a wide audience, even if it has good content.
The target audience could also be a factor. Some isekai novels are more aimed at a younger audience, while others target older or more niche groups. If this novel is in a category that has less of a following, it won't be as popular. Also, if it has elements that are too controversial or not in line with what most isekai fans expect, like a very dark and gritty tone in a genre known for its light - heartedness at times, it could turn readers away.
Yes, many people think it is a common isekai story as it follows some typical tropes and themes of the genre.
Common isekai stories typically follow a set formula. There's the sudden transfer to a different world, often accompanied by a truck-kun moment (where the character is hit by a truck and wakes up in another world). Then, there's the discovery of new powers or skills, making friends or allies, and usually a grand quest to save the new world or achieve something great.
Well, a common isekai novel usually has a few typical elements. For example, the protagonist is often transported from our normal world to a fantasy world, either by being reincarnated or some kind of magical accident. There's often a system in place that gives the protagonist special abilities or quests to complete. Also, there's usually a power - up journey where the main character gets stronger over time.
A big trope is the 'fish out of water' situation. The character from the real world has to adapt to the strange rules and customs of the isekai world. Also, there's the 'chosen one' trope. The protagonist is somehow destined to save the isekai world or fulfill a great prophecy. And let's not forget the 'gaining levels' or 'power progression' trope, where the character gets stronger as they complete tasks or defeat enemies.
It depends. Sometimes what seems common at first glance can have unique elements as you delve deeper into the story.
Well, it could be the character development. In some isekai novels, characters are just one - dimensional. But if this one has complex, evolving characters, that's a big plus. Also, the world - building might be more intricate than the common isekai. Instead of the typical medieval - like setting, it could have a blend of different eras or cultures.
One element could be the setting. For example, instead of the typical fantasy world, it could be set in a post - apocalyptic isekai world where the protagonist has to deal with both the new world's magic and the remnants of a destroyed civilization. Another aspect could be the protagonist's unique ability. Most isekai protagonists have common powers like magic or super strength, but if the protagonist has an ability that's not often seen, like the power to control time in a very limited and strange way, it would make the story less common. Also, the way the story deals with the concept of 'returning' can be different. In a common isekai, the protagonist may not think about returning at all, but if the whole plot revolves around the protagonist's struggle between staying in the new world and finding a way back to the old one, it would stand out.
The 'OP (overpowered) protagonist' is a big trope in isekai. If this story doesn't have that and the protagonist struggles a lot more than expected, it's a subversion. In many isekai, the protagonist quickly adapts to the new world. But if in this story, the protagonist has a really hard time adapting, like constantly getting into cultural misunderstandings or being unable to use the magic system effectively for a long time, it's different. And the 'defeat the big bad evil' plot is common. If this story focuses more on the smaller, personal battles and character growth rather than a grand, world - saving mission, it's subverting the trope.
One popular isekai novel is 'Sword Art Online'. It combines elements of virtual reality and isekai, where players are trapped in a virtual game world. Another is 'Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World', which is known for its complex plot and character development. 'Overlord' is also very popular, where a player finds himself in a different world with his in - game character's powers.
Well, 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' is a great isekai novel. It tells the story of a man who gets reincarnated as a slime in another world and gradually builds his own kingdom. 'No Game No Life' is also popular. It features two siblings who are transported to a world where everything is decided by games. And then there's 'Konosuba: God's Blessing on this Wonderful World!', which is a comical take on the isekai genre.