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A Monster Who Levels Up
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Rating(3.6 / 5.0, 984 votes)
5    40% (390 votes)
4    18% (175 votes)
3    18% (180 votes)
2    14% (138 votes)
1    10% (101 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2017
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
Prologue + 174 Chapters (Complete)
Licensed
No
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 174.5 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #2000
Monthly Rank: #10917
All Time Rank: #113
Reading List
[Graph]
On 12375 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #52
All Time Rank: #189

Description

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This is a story of a man named Kim Sae-Jin, who one day, inexplicably wakes up as a Monster. Follow him and his perilous journey to get his life back as a Human, all the while growing even more versatile as a Monster in the process. This should be… complicated, somewhat.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Monster
레벨업하는 몬스터
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
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Recommendation Lists
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Latest Release

Date Group Release
04/15/18 Novel Life c159
04/15/18 Novel Life c158
04/14/18 Novel Life c157
04/13/18 Novel Life c156
04/11/18 Novel Life c155
04/09/18 Novel Life c154
04/08/18 Novel Life c153
04/08/18 Novel Life c152
04/07/18 Novel Life c151
04/07/18 Novel Life c150
04/06/18 Novel Life c149
04/05/18 Novel Life c148
04/02/18 Novel Life c147
03/30/18 Novel Life c146
03/28/18 Novel Life c145
1234…12
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175 Reviews sorted by


Krios
Krios rated it
May 6, 2018
Status: c174
Only reason im giving 2 star is because of early chapters, it was a great novel at start with great character development, you can feel everything MC has gone through from the first chapter clearly and how he changed, but last 10-15 chapter, especially the ending literally f*cked it up. Author clearly didnt even try to think about ending and just gone easy with it.

Its a good story, you can read it but be prepared to get dissapointed at ending, its the whole reason im cutting the 3 star.
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JapaneseFandom
JapaneseFandom
May 5, 2018
Status: Completed
Alright I'll just ramble about why this series deserves this rating. I though of giving this a solid 1/5 but taking into consideration the early chapters I decided to shoot up the rating. The first 60-70 chapters were really intriguing, the story kind of drew me in. Character development was actually a thing that existed, good fighting scenes were MC wasn't as victorious and also had difficulty beating his enemies and such, it really grabbed my interest, but then came the next part of the novel.

After these 70 or so... more>> chapters the novel becomes something like MC introducing something new --> shocking the world --> harem starts growing more affection towards him, or just replace the introducing new thing part with the repetitive fighting which doesn't contain any ounce of excitement, since we all know he'll win the fight. Then we have these repetitive "tadaima-okaeri" scenarios that happen in the later stages of the story (google the term not gonna bother writing the meaning) and annoying moments were MC tries to ignore other harem members feelings and such, hell there was basically no character development at this point only harem trying to grab the MCs d*ck, we didn't even get any decent back story time for them, they just exist to raise the esteem of the MC in some way.

Now towards the end it gets even worse, story devolves into a big pile of bullsh*t and rubbish and author trying to find a an excuse to add those things in there, and the last 5-2 chapters were so unbearable I wanted to close the tab but refrained from doing so to see how this will end, and I was disappointed.

I think I'd recommend anyone reading it but they should just know what they expect in the latter stages won't happen at all. (Props to the translation team for working on this, joined in at around chapter 50 and been a devoted reader to every release, would like to also apologize for reading the last 2 chapters on another website because chapters 173-174 didn't work on the official site when I was reading) <<less
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Taidakitsune
Taidakitsune rated it
May 5, 2018
Status: c174
So why a rating of 2/5.

The positive part, for me, in the novel is the evolution of the main character (from beginning to middle of the novel). The way his different monster forms evolves is interesting, the different abilities he gain from those forms make sense. But this is where the praise end.

The main bad part is most of his interaction as a human when he gains the ability to have a long time as a human. He stays secretive about his power for way too long which make his... more>> relationship with other awkward most of the time, the author puts a setting for harem, but chose one of the candidate very early which cause even more awkward and annoying to read/bear situation with the other girl and for the rest of the world, it's "hey, a mysterious guy can do crazy thing" then "oh, it's that guy (protagonist) again".

Another point that annoys me a lot is the way of thinking of the protagonist of the protagonist/author about other country, which can be resumed by "Korea is best, the rest of the world suck" kind of mentality, which is reminded to you several times during the novel.

Lastly, the ending, clearly rushed as one of the announced monster form was never used
Spoiler

Fenrir

[collapse]
and as some comment says it would have been the same ending if it was "He woke up and realise it was a dream all along".

Conclusion : It had a lot of potential at the beginning but ended as a bad one. <<less
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Reaper
Reaper rated it
May 4, 2018
Status: c174
A fairly decent read and first novel from this author, but in truth a fairly constant tease with no payoff. I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend you to read it as well, for it presents a character who has the ability to shapeshift into different monsters in his pursuit to help people, as well as bit of a story about an orphan come world celebrity in his tale of philanthropy, sacrifice, and self-indulgence. However, much of the ideas presented are left unexplored or abandoned, like certain monster... more>> forms or plot points. The ending, too, was thoroughly unsatisfying. <<less
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Zerak
Zerak rated it
May 4, 2018
Status: Completed
The story is amazing but the author is somewhat lacking in his ability to express what he wants to say.

There are 1-3 chapters that are somewhat boring and make you want to skip them but overall it was a fun read.

There are some contradictions in the novel and the world building is all over the place till it’s properly explain 3-4 chapters before the end of the novel.

I don’t know if I would recommend this novel or not to others but if I had the choice again to read it... more>> or not I would choose to read it.

Oh and the ending is ok and acceptable. <<less
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IsferV
IsferV rated it
April 13, 2018
Status: v139
The character starts out good, but slowly becomes more about gaining fame than anything else. He still loves the girl, fights the enemies, and wins so I enjoyed that part of it. The setting was very nice and different from what im used to and the mains ability were unique as well I found it showed how quickly people change there mind of you nice.

I enjoy this novel type so my enjoyment will always be above someone who doesnt enjoy the overpowered character type.

Personally if the main didnt focus so... more>> much on popularity I would love this series. <<less
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8Psycho
8Psycho
February 23, 2018
Status: c123
Start was pretty good, and main character ability was interesting.

However, direction plot has gone is completely bizarre, whatever you talking about monsters threatening the world, vampires, harem, potions and crafts, main character handles opportunities and calamities with a disgusting irrationality!!

Not to mention disproportionate amount of attention every fart of main character getting.
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k8J2H9tmN7Gf8Jk2dotcom
k8J2H9tmN7Gf8Jk2dotcom
February 22, 2018
Status: --
Fun to read first 50 chapters. But I absolutely hate it when he goes into human society all the time. I thought this was survival novel. The MC supposed to survive in the wilderness with little to no human contact. But he spends litterly every chapter after 50 talking to humans which shits on the novel.

TLDR

After chapter 50, dramatic decline in novel
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bigfatbrowncat
bigfatbrowncat rated it
January 30, 2018
Status: c110
The story itself great but just can't help that it's going the same route as others lately.

Way too many personas at this point and keeps on hiding himself. Enjoys fame and praise but doesn't have the balls to step out and admit it's him.

I just find that kinda thing too annoying. Yeah, other novel MC would shamelessly admit and boast being OP but the MC here just hides too much. Much like the MC in deathmarch :3
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Milkywings9
Milkywings9 rated it
December 10, 2017
Status: c24
Written well and translated well... yet... as much as I want to like this, I read Praise The Orc! too soon. The slaughtering of the creatures and the goblins by the MC here, as well as getting rewards/achievements from the system for doing so is just leading me to feel unbelievably hurt, torn, and resentful towards the MC. ... more>>
Spoiler

and I can't help but consider possible treachery of the system. Giving rewards to make him think he's doing what's right, when really the goblins have thoughts too and those skills etc. were actually gained by killing innocent lives : (just because the system likes it.

[collapse]

In the end, I can't continue this series. <<less
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Bugis-san
Bugis-san rated it
December 2, 2017
Status: c40
It is not good but not bad too.

MC is attention seeking. Female lead is cardboard characters. The plot? Meh. Early in the story, the MC has clear goal but as the story progress, the goal become non existent. So how about action? If you want some action packed story, this is not for you. Fight scene is boring as hell because this sorry ass MC is attention seeker although indirectly.

Conclusion: if you doesn't have any novel to read to pass the time, then you can read this. You might... more>> find this novel fun. Idk <<less
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Bofhen
Bofhen rated it
September 20, 2017
Status: --
so far it is at-least interesting and a bit different from the usual monster MC but agree on the part he is saving ppl when they are trying to kill him and kill monsters when he is more or less one him self make me think he is naive but newer the less it's a interesting novel so far so will write a proper review after more chapters are out and it develops a bit more

So for now 3 stars but it kan increase or go down depending how the... more>> novel develops so only a temporary rating

and would I recommend it currently yea sure if you like Novel where MC is monster and don't instantly become op and slowly grows stronger then its defiantly for you , , , <<less
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Penguin Studio
Penguin Studio rated it
March 30, 2025
Status: Completed
3.5 rating ig

The story was really nice and interesting, the ending arc was good but for some reason the author fked up the last 2 chapters and did an unexpected shitty ending.

Overall reading the story was enjoyable. The author didn't really realise the various errors he made in his world building but somehow I could ignore them to enjoy

... more>>
Spoiler

Flaws:

The money and numbers in this story were always questionable

How can a top alchemist & a top class wizard somehow only save up <5 million dollars when in any typical story they would be filthy rich?

How can one man produce more equipment then a literal whole country's organisations combined?

The power levels in the story are really inconsistent

The author really introduced a lot of things he forgot bout.

A lot of things in the story, if you spend some time to think about it are pretty broken/over powered but under utilised

[collapse]
<<less
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WhyWritingWhy
WhyWritingWhy
November 14, 2023
Status: c72
Not through yet, it's readable but very bland.

I do however have an issue with how, idk, pe*ophilic it is?

There's a high school girl who is into the MC, the MC is doing his due diligence and saying no etc, but the whole thing is a bit weird in general, it's unneeded to be added and is just creepy.

It's more like the author just wanted to have a school girl drool over his character and push herself onto him. She's old enough and all so whatever, but my god is it... more>> creepy how she's referred to as a highschool girl who's not even had a coming of age party etc.. <<less
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FishCream
FishCream
February 6, 2023
Status: c90
This one may seem interesting at first but don't let it fool you. This novel is at no point really about being a monster and finding ways to evolve and get back to being human. From the very start the MC has no actual trouble ever fitting in with human society besides a growing "time limit" that never actually puts a limit on him since he has no trouble dealing with whatever he has going on anyway in whatever time he currently has. The evolutions and other powerups are complete... more>> nonsense based on seemingly random conditions chosen by plot convenience. He needs to grow stronger? Congratulations! That thing you just did is what you need to evolve! He needs to spend more time doing other things? Sorry, your evolution still have 3 conditions to fulfill and no way to figure out what they are until you already have them.

Everything always conveniently falls into place with no issues as it turns out that even low tier goblins and orcs have unique inherent knowledge and skills needed to master alchemy and smithing which immediately gives the MC all the money and connections he needs to get to the top of society. Of course the monster skills also adapt to for obvious reasons make him physically perfect, have a nice smell and give him a good voice with semi-hypnotic abilities such that everyone instanly likes him and no one opposes his wishes.

This novel was never about trying to protect his secret while growing stronger and becoming human. It's all about mr Perfect trying to suppress his manly beast instincts from making him reveal his secrets while conveniently not being bothered by anything out of his current ability to handle.

Oh, and it also turns out everyone in S. Korea is named Kim. Names are a mess when no character is unique. <<less
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kirtil
kirtil rated it
November 22, 2022
Status: c100
I started this because I liked other novels from the author, but it really shows that this was the first book.

The world building kind of sucks. A lot of things are happening, there are a lot of different races, monsters, people, organizations, powers, talents and traits. But none of them are explained adequately and some even just plain abandoned.

The power/talent system, leveling system seemed interesting. You had numerical values for your stats, letter coded power levels.. And then you did not. Author keeps doing this where he introduces something, and... more>> when you expect to see more, or an explanation, he abandons that idea.

Plot armor was also something I did not like. MC can do everything, and do it better than all the people combined. It made sense if he was the only one doing it but no. Take alchemy for example. The world has a pretty developed alchemy industry when MC learns alchemy and in a couple of weeks he is the alchemist everyone talks about. Later on he can rival most alchemy houses by himself.

I also didn't like the MC. Most of the time the only reason he got a pass for what he did was because he had MC aura. He groomed, SAd, bullied.. <<less
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CatMachina
CatMachina rated it
April 2, 2022
Status: Completed
This book is about Kim Sae Jin a hardworking, pitiful guy that suddenly gains the ability to turn into a monster. At the beginning, his human form is not strong enough to contend against his other monster forms and cannot remain as a human for much of a day. Thus, he is forced to become stronger so that he can live as a human but faces inner struggles over what he has become. As he gains abilities however, he finds a place he can call home and people important to... more>> him, while contending on the world stage with his faction.

Pros

What I liked the most about the novel was the interesting premise: Kim Sae Jin, a human that can turn into a monster, a unique existence across the entire world he lives in. Not only can he shapeshift, but he also learns species specific abilities and uses it to dominate every field he dabbles in.

Minor spoiler:

Spoiler

His trait is not all good however, as it affects his rational thought and changes his physical appearance once one monster form becomes far stronger than another.

[collapse]

The plot can be considered decent, there is always a direction for the MC to head towards. It started as becoming stronger to retain his humanity, to uncovering some mysteries about himself and the world. There was never a moment where I was confused as to why he was doing what he was doing.

Finally, the characters in this story all have a good amount of depth in them. Their personalities are not 1D, they all have different sides to them, their own beliefs, their own demons, and their own dreams. One thing I wish the author did better however was to include more backstory and develop their character progressively, as sometimes it was much too abrupt in my opinion.

Moderate spoiler:

Spoiler

There was no explanation about why Hazeline was so jumpy and anxious as other times she's competent and feisty. When she made up with Kim Yu Rin, there was no emotional appeal there other than knowing that they settled their beef and that she started crying. The author could have definitely included a dialogue in there or some flashbacks to make it more tragic. The way that she acted around Kim Yu Rin was subservient (in what I presume was out of guilt), but there was no exposition towards their history together, so it remains somewhat questionable for me. This is what stood out to me the most, but that doesn't include things like Yu Sae Jung and her position in Dawn and relationship with her family, Kim Yu Sohn's curse, Bathory's history as a vampire, MC's inner tussle about his humanity, and honestly, so much more.

[collapse]

There is so much possible depth in each character that the author has left untouched and that wasn't revealed to the audience, even when it could have explained the actions behind each character much better.

Cons

Honestly, the romance was not bad, but there was much to be desired. Not a harem, and the MC and FL becomes a couple halfway through the story with romantic developments as early as a quarter in. Their relationship is sweet, but not much focus was placed on it; it seemed like a decoration like all the other love interests in this novel.

Moderate spoiler:

Spoiler

The MC was a complete douche to the FL and was struggling to not be seduced by the other people who crushed on him. Although he did try and distance himself, he did not seem to be completely in love with FL.

[collapse]

One thing that can be a slight turn off would be that there was a lot of things that became irrelevant towards the end. One being the trait levels, they were very important during the power creep at the beginning, but after 50 some chapters they never showed up again. It was the same with stats. The only relevant thing that stuck with MC were skills and they ended up being OP anyways. But even when updating skills, the proficiency levels of those skills ended up being barely mentioned during the middle of the story, and completely omitted towards the end. Why even have a game system when you're not going to use it very well?

The world building in this novel frankly s**ked. There were so many things that didn't make any sense. The power levels literally have no relativity. Although they are defined, the lines are very blurry and there is no real sense of how strong everyone is. Especially the MC since his ability is clearly above his level, except we do not know exactly how much until he actually matches up against an opponent. Even then, it's hard to know exactly how strong each of his forms are since they are not always maintained in equilibrium. Even the supporting characters feel out of touch in how strong they are.

The scope of activity is a really poor choice as well, Kim Sae Jin is essentially limited to the area of Gangwon even though he can fly anywhere in the world in like 30 minutes. The Korean government and knight orders, as well as all the other countries literally let him monopolize everything and make no attempt at a show of force to make him hand over his riches. No, they literally cannot do anything because of so called public sentiment. In a world full of monsters, I can see how public sentiment would be important but at least send some assassins or something.

The faction building also grows very out of scale, sure his alchemic and crafting abilities become OP because he can change into Orcs and Goblins, but how the heck do entire alchemy houses only produce 50 potions a month? MC can easily match that because of course he can.

Finally, the fights are literally just charging in after a while. Besides the beginning where the MC is actually cautious and smart, and some select few planned operations, everything else is just charging in, fighting a damn strong opponent, then fainting. Or he stomps on some people who are targeting him. There are no cool action sequences, and the MC just rolls over every other human being with his OP skills.

TL;DR, Overall, it was a pretty fun read with some improvements here and there. Not my go to novel, but since it's pretty short I would recommend you pick it up if you have nothing else better to read. <<less
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rexs101
rexs101
September 6, 2021
Status: Completed
I loved the most part of the story. I'm saying this in the perspective of a casual reader that didn't really get much reading done until a little over a year ago. The novel had a relatively good storyline, loveable characters and a cool MC. There were some parts which I felt that the author could've elaborated about but overall the flow was still acceptable to me; almost to the point that I didn't feel like working and wanting to just keep reading.

... more>>
Spoiler

But the ending left me totally in a daze. I did not expect the author to just leave the story like this and not give us a satisfying ending. It was like everything that built up in the finale was just meant to make the ending even worst; also that the end boss fight didn't leave much to my imagination. I am thoroughly devastated to the point that my original 4 star rating had to drop this novel to 3 stars (I wanted to give 2 star but I thought it was unfair to the author). If you're the kind that need a satisfying ending please turn back, just skip GO and do not collect the $200.

[collapse]
<<less
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letswinwin
letswinwin rated it
August 22, 2021
Status: c133
i found this and read this on a different website before because I thought it'd be good, but no I practically forced myself to read past the 130s. I thought it was going to be decent??? But no theres random harem and

... more>>
Spoiler
[collapse]
he got a gf and embraced her multiple times, okay we get it but what angers me the most is this one other girl fell for his monster form and this elf fell for him and HE KNOWS IT TOO yet he keeps them around him. I typically don't mind a lil romance but the fact it was harem and there wasn't a harem tag made me rage. Just thinking about how stress I was when I read this made me realize why I dropped this. I gave it a chance but it wasted my chance. (I'm just venting at this point) <<less
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MasterWiky
MasterWiky
May 25, 2021
Status: c174
TLDR: Addictive reading at first, a chore to finish at the end.

This novel's beginning is quite good, but it goes downhill hard.

The author starts forgetting what he has written and foreshadowed events aren't addressed untill way later than they should be (after all the urgency they supposed to have), dates and names change from one chapter to another...

... more>> And if you love timeskips wou will be rewarded, since they are MANY with no aparent cohesion.

The MC has an acute case of "horror movie character" where he just don't uses his skills and the viewer finds himself yelling at the screen "why don't you just do X!?"

The main love relationship between the MC and his GF is quite toxic, as they both are overjealous and controlling, even though they keep saying they "trust" each other.

The ending feels rushed and convoluted, specially the intense BS of the last two chapters...

I don't know what may have happened to the author but I hope is nothing specially bad. <<less
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