Review Detail of IamMountTai in Trickster: The Apostle of Loki

LONG CRITICAL REVIEW; easy binge Read 119 (Up to date as of review) I want to say its a hidden gem (tho I think it's somewhat lacking for me to give it that), but in the first place this SHOULDN'T be a hidden gem and something that is popular. I will go bash on it later along this review. Anyways, the story is decent, but quite slow. The novel starts in an academy and the author takes a lot of time of giving various povs to develop the characters of the novel. There aren't many twists or anything that comes to obstacle the protagonist. It's a very smooth for the most part and the academy was all slice of life. Initially it seems that there is 2 protagonists but that changes in the latest chapters. The main protagonist a beta, insecure, anti-social, so it's not for everyone, but I think the author did pretty well to make him likable. I really liked how he turned out compared to other stories which have a loser like protagonist they want to make grow but they aren't really likable besides through their shallow traits and so readers won't stick around. But there is huge development for this protagonist so you don't have to worry about him staying like that. I really enjoyed the comedy and I definitely think the author has talent for it. The misunderstandings were great if you like that genre. I laughed quite a lot during the slice of life. Yes, the slice of life ends at one point. That's the part when the story gets extremely serious and shi* hits the fan. When that happens all those fun, funny slice of life moments really hit you because you had gotten attached to the cast: why did things have to end up like this? It turns into all sorrow, pain, and tragedy. The author's English is quite good for webnovel standards. The quality of chapters also doesn't fall at all and its constant along with the amount of chapter updates. The world building is surprisingly underwhelming with its supposed amount of big things happening in the background and looming big plot, but fortunately the characters are driving the story well. Should you give it a go? Definitely reckon you should give it a try. Keep in mind it is quite slow, so you will have to wait for the payoff. Hopefully the comedy and characters are able to keep you readers interested. It's not a heavy read, but its slow and slice of life despite the whole demons vs the race alliance ( tho it is very apparent there is much more than that with gods playing at work). ------------------------------------------- Critical Bashing for the Author. Usually, when I write reviews I put points of improvement scattered but here I really need to set things straight for advice. Simply put, it's not getting the attention it deserves. It's actually really sad because you should get much more. I really do enjoy it, so don't take this as me trying to attack you (even tho i do be bashing u). 1. CHANGE YOUR SYNOPSIS- The current synopsis really doesn't tell me anything about the book. It's cryptic and it's like you want the readers to come find out if they want to understand it. However, the truth is, most people want to know what they are getting into. (That's the point of a synopsis). Trying to be secretive doesn't work. I had no idea your book was about 2 transmigrated people getting chosen by gods and then sent into a world similar to a game they've played. JUST MERELY ADDING THIS TO YOUR SYNOPSIS, SO MUCH MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE ATTRACTED. ITS A POPULAR GENRE OF STORY EVEN IF ITS CLICHE. Then you just spice it with whatever! I've seen this novel back when u first released it, but it didn't catch my attention AT ALL. I only just randomly took a shot today by MERE CHANCE, only to be extremely surprised. 2. Change you cover image. As one person I saw mention, they suggest changing it to make it more attractive. I also agree. You don't necessarily have to make it click bait, but its an option. You really need something much more that stands out. At the end of the day, a cover is a cover, so it will be your story content that determines if they stay, but everything is dull right now. It's to the point that I would personally make a new synopsis and cover image for you. --------------------------------------------- Other than those 2 big reasons, some reasons of why your novel isn't as popular as it should be would be... how slow your story is. I mentioned in the above, but it was a complete smooth- sailing slice of life. The protagonist barely faced any problems. Obstacles, twists and such were minimal and that may bore the reader. Fortunately, you had comedy to compensate it, but a slice of life was really contrary to what a reader would expect coming into the novel. You could still show characters having a good time, enjoying the moment, but you could make it more interesting to pressure the protagonist even tho it may be contrary to what you wished to establish. Alternatively, you could cut down the amount of development and povs for other characters, but that naturally would make the pay off when that big event occurs to hit less. Imo, the slice of life was far too slow, for most readers ( I really enjoyed it tho). The people who stuck around got their patience paid off and now are suffering cliffhanger city, but I'm sure there are far more people who left unfortunately. It's a shame. In your future novels, you should keep this in mind. Another reason would be your beta-like protagonist that a lot of people dislike. But fortunately, I didn't really see people hating on him but that may be because they were comments from diligent readers. As I had mentioned, I thought he was unique and I like him. Your story in the early parts also kind of wanders and there isn't a firm sense of direction. While I do acknowledge that its linked to the internal issues of the MC and its much complex than that, I think it's quite needed. Goals/want is what drives the character and merely getting stronger is meh. It could've been gotten away if executed well, but it wasn't interesting enough. Fortunately, there's lots of character development at play and that kept the story at interest. I think a more overarching plot at play would've helped immensely with your novel. In the current chapters there also appears to be a very big leap in pacing. So I have some concerns with that. As a result, Ezral, who seems pretty important for the plot, ended up becoming a really rushed character which is very contrary to all the build up and care you put in with the rest of the cast. ---------------------- I end up reviews with shipping. After all I only read harems/romances. Well firstly in terms of romance of how you have handled it so far, I'm quite happy. Cruel in fact I could add, but its decent so I'm happy. You did some really nice scenes with the mc and the princess. Although I feel that it was a bit rushed as you approached the event that shattered everything. I'm a fan of harems, but not in the sense of multiple wives, but many romantic interests and 1 winner. Hopefully and I hope to Theia it is. I suppose for now the main ship would be Sarah and MC after all that's developed. That said, if you really wanna twist with us more I really do think you should be mindful of other characters. I think Bitc* Bella and Adriana are really worth considering. Each of them would be very interesting. Bella being a bitc* but ironically she completely changes into someone that would take on the world for the mc. I can see her doing that. And If I were you, author, I just might do that even tho I may pi** off 70% of the readers lol. But the pay off would just be amazing. Watching her mature from bitc* to a really awesome best girl. After that big event, she has changed herself and I really like the fact that her and Adriana seem to have doubts about what had occurred. Tho its still unclear in regards to Bella. You know what, screw Sarah (tho I like her a lot). Their relationship is what you say- 'What we could've been'. I ship BellaxMC all the readers can fight me. Tsunderes ftw! Adriana and the mc? It's the classic fire and water. 'Enemies to lovers'. Being a diplomatic elf, she is naturally super important so I suppose it would be easy to set events for her in contrast to Bella. We never got too much on her besides her being sneaky and bully so its hard for me to say my opinion on her. Ezral?- Well she kinda just appears as well as her relationship with the mc. Thus, I much prefer the other characters. Sophie?- LET'S NOT BE THAT CRUEL SHALL WE? Don't do that to Arthur! No seriously, the relationship between Sophie and the Mc is pretty special so I wish for it to remain that way. Stop bullying her tho and let her see the mc already! Might be the longest review I've done. Although I did a lot of bashing, I will say I really enjoyed the story so please keep up the good work. Don't push yourself to put out extra chapters. We are getting spoiled!! Keep the quality! 5/5 stars- tho I'm lenient.