It's worth reading. The character development is one of its strong points. You get to see the transformation of the protagonist from a weak hunter to a powerful force. Moreover, the relationships between the characters add depth to the story, whether it's the friendships or rivalries that are depicted.
Sure was! Solo Leveling began as a novel and gained popularity, which led to its adaptation into various mediums. The novel laid the foundation for the story and characters that fans came to love.