Review Detail of Anachan in Extra Time: Rise of a Champion

Although this book is still in its infancy stages (only 8 chapters so far) its so absolutely fabulous that I had to give a review. I usually don’t like system novels because I get the feel that the protagonist relies on it too much, losing their individuality and being just another overpowered host to the system, however this systems novel does exactly what systems are supposed to do: support! The system does not feel forced and it’s entire purpose is to bring out the potencial of the host, not turn him into something new. In other words, it provides the host with a good environment and resources for him to develop himself into a better version of himself, something that was unviable because of his toxic family but something that he always strove for and had the chance to become, the best soccer player in the world. What makes this novel a real gem, however, is not the system, but the emotional connotation it has. It’s a blend of pure and untamed sadness with bright hope, determination and just the right amount of normalcy. And it’s not forced at all!!! (This is a big compliment because I can make an enormous list of novels which’s introductions I just skipped through because the sad background was way too forced, like an observer throwing out information of someone’s pitiful situation while just writing lots of words of self pity to try (keyword ‘try’)to put some feeling to the whole forced narration... ignore my rant) Anyway, the important thing is that feelings are not shown through descriptions, but through actions. Readers can understand and sympathize with the way the MC feels and thinks (even when we cannot relate, and I would hope no one could relate with MCs situation, but unfortunately the world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows). The individuality MC is present in all situations, and it can be observed by the simplest things, such as when he describes his school colleagues, they are not ‘tall and blue eyed’ ,they are ‘midfielders, forwards, defenders’. It’s descriptions such as these together with thoughts and actions clearly based on his life experiences and interests that turns the protagonist into more than just a character, he is a person, he’s Aidan. The side characters are also nothing to scoff at, they are not physical appearance and clothes, they have their own personality and individuality. They go about life in their own way and the interactions they make between themselves and the MC are not absurd, they are normal, part of their daily lives. And I don’t say this as a way to imply the author fills the story with fillers (he does not!!), but as a compliment because it’s in daily interactions that our personality shows the most and the author uses this not only as a way to build character development but also as an important part of the story. All has a motive, conversations and thoughts are never useless additions, and it’s clear. The same way, the world development and character background is not built as an info dump, it’s seamlessly integrated with the flow of the story and only when you analyze it will you notice that you already know things you didn’t before, things that maybe weren’t even said, but were clearly understood. I can only say that no matter who you are, if you stumbled upon this gem, it’s your obligation to give it a chance.