Finally, a kingdom novel which is more focused on kingdom management and less about magic flinging OP stuff.

The MC take management very seriously and really does things with plan. Unlike many kingdom founding novels, he did not make a kingdom which relied heavily on his and his follower's power, he improves the kingdom with his management policies.

The antagonists so far are believable and reasonable not just some evil bastards. In the first arc we got food shortage and natural disaster from management oversight. In the second arc, we are getting... more>> dukes and foreign nation which did not just attack our MC just because they want power, but have believable reason for doing so. (They still do want land and power though.) <<less

This series starts out really strong. Up to volume 5 is quite fun and interesting, but after that it starts to go down hill before promptly falling off a cliff.

Seeing how the manga is already past volume 5, there is in my opinion no reason to read the novels. Unlike the manga which has some stellar art, the light novels have probably the worst art I've ever seen in a jp light novel or any light novel for that matter.

My biggest problem with this series starts in volume 9 with... more>> the introduction of a horribly written 'charismatic' antagonist. It's hard to even call him an antagonist because he gets several volumes dedicated all to this character and seeing how he succeeds in his goals and how cool of a guy he is. Volumes that the MC and the other protagonist characters hardly appear in. Despite being giving plenty of opportunities to stop the antagonist, the MC only ever ends up helping him. (At least up until volume 15)

Recalling how much I hate this one character it's temping to lower my review to 1 star, but I must reiterate I liked the early volumes.

My other big issue is that it's an apocalyptic fantasy story, which is genre I think is quite boring and over played. My problem is that it isn't until around volume 6 where they start dropping hints to it, so it really caught me by surprise.

Also the harem aspect is needlessly over played at times. The author does a good job balancing screen-time between the 5 love interests and giving them different personalities, but at times it just makes me think the effort could have been better spent fleshing out fewer characters more in-depth. <<less

Average novel.

Considering the target audience of novel are age 14 kids, this novel could be considered as decent. But I found it childish and silly. There's no character depth, I didn't even bother to remember anyone's name except MC.

If you like kingdom building then try it, maybe you will like it. Just dont have much expectations from it or you will be disappointed like me.

I tried to like this novel, but I can't.

Here's why:

1. 1. I don't feel like the author try to make the readers anchor/attach themselves to the characters, especially the MC. They feel really shallow.

1. 1. There are lacks of world building/build up. The MC suddenly given the work as a king. Shouldn't that involve many processes before we reach that point?

1. 1. Early impression of MC's interaction between his potential harem and other characters is lackluster. It feels like we're just watching characters in the game The Sims interacting with each other.

I guess that's all. Other stuffs like the plot and pacing, I don't mind those at all. I guess what makes me not wanting to continue this is the point 1 I mentioned. I can't get to like them at all when the interaction proceeding at absurd pace without even knowing the characters themselves, or at least let me learn about the MC only. Make me feel attached/anchored to the MC, but nope. The author doesn't feel like they're even trying to do that. For the cherry on top, he suddenly pulled out his phone and use it to play music. And that's it. I'm done. This is, for some reason I don't know why, the final nail in the coffin for me.

These issues affecting my impression might change in the future volumes but I'll stop because my early impression of this novel is quite bad already, and because of that, my momentum/motivation to read this novel dropped to rock bottom. Also, you might like it or you might not. Just go try it yourself

First couple of volume very interesting with main hero using his knowledge of realpolitik and modern thinking to solve problem which country what summoned him facing: from food crisis and internal dissidents to aggression from neighbor country. It is very interesting. Unfortunately after 3 volumes with most immediate treats resolved pacing come to are screeching halt and story devolve in harem sitcom where more then half space of volumes reserved for exploring relationship between cast, sometimes not even main characters but some background mob which don't even will have impact... more>> on story if you just cut them out. Other half of story's revolve around main hero going to places and meeting people which can become his allies or future enemies and again half of that time exploring relationship between hero and new characters. And remaining half is resolving problems. So in all volumes after 3 3/4 of text is unnecessary padding what easily could be cut in more them half and not lose anything. <<less

It's rare to find a good novel (now turned to manga which I also favor very much) like this. It is extremely realistic, even to the point of using realistic philosophies (Machiavelli, et. Al) that explain and demonstrate how a good ruler rules. It brings light to topics not usually tackled by novels, like sewage and hygiene problems, education, food shortage and many more. It is higly enjoyable especially if one is looking for an intellectual novel.

The main character, Souma, is the "hero" turned king. Unlike usual heros in... more>> isekai stories, he does not possess particular extraordinary strength. Instead, he owns incredible knowledge that helped shaped the ruined kingdom. The characters also possess great individual characteristics, not perfect, but great.

It is a beautiful blend of reality and fantasy, isealosm and realosm, a great read to those who wish for a clever protagonist and those who wish to learn (I have learned a lot just by reading this novel). <<less

I have read many other novels, and not many actually divides me more than this one, in one hand we have the usual stereotiped characters the plot armor and quite some easy going attitudes from the population he rules and some of his policies (like the project lorelei, kinda cringy), still there are really serious topics of politics mention of great souces like machiavel, japanese sengoku era, three kingdoms, Suntzu and ancient rome, really interesting ideas about how diferent warfare could be in another world with magic, great story potencial... more>> due to the diferent countries that exists in this novel and it has overall good story build up, despite rushing the becoming king part.

So, despite some of the bad and cringy parts that the story offers, the politics, kingdom building and potencial (anticipation it creates) to me far more than make up for it, itś not perfect but I can garantee its far better than most, its mostly a very warm story but it does has realism to it, it has steriotiped characters and villains (which I agree it is one if not the most that hurts the story) but at least there is quite the relationship and character development (although for the heroines it mostly happens after marriage). As such I wish I could give it a score of 4.6 (because for it to be 4.7 it has to be like Dungeon Defense). <<less

Of all the light novels that I've read, this is by far the most unique. It has an extremely good implementation of politics and the main character is definitely one of the few smart and logical main characters in a light novel. The world building and character development is also absolutely phenomenal and the story has a very enjoyable slow and steady pace. For me this novel is tied in first place with two other novels, namely Release That Witch and The Arcane Emperor. By the way, if you haven't... more>> read those two other books, you definitely have to give them a try. They are unique and have less politics so if you didn't like Gen no Ouko, there is still a very high chance that you'll like at least one of them. For instance, The Arcane Emperor has almost no politics at all. Anyways, thanks for reading and have an awesome day! :) <<less

I highly enjoy management / city building genres and this series is up to a good start.

Souma is a great guy. Though he does think that living a normal life is the best so he only thinks being crowned as a king is a huge bother. Nevertheless, he decided to make the country prosperous instead of doing a half-a*s job as a ruler.

The harem is not forced and the characters are all interesting people. While it's shown that he's doing a great job as a king, in the second volume,... more>> it was revealed that Souma is

Spoiler

"breaking", and the person himself hasn't noticed it. We then realize that he's still, in the end, a normal person after all.

[collapse]

And I find this quite impressive.

It's a good series if you're into kingdom building genres with a bit of romance at the side. The plot is not overly fantastic but it is still definitely a good read.

Also hoping it gets an official English paperback edition so I can buy it and add it to my collection. <<less

This flutters between "meh" and "holy crap, did that just happen!?" so I read in batches and thoroughly enjoy. While it has the standard elements of the educated, enlightened man fixing the mess of those silly fantasy folk, it doesn't drop down to the condescending levels that some stories do. You know the ones I mean, where the author has the MC introduce such miracles as basic strategy and common sense. "And lo, Prometheus from another world apparently stole enough IQ to allow fankind to *use*... more>> their opposable thumbs! Hail!"

Another point in its favor is that all these reforms are accomplished through political savvy and delegation, rather than the sheer awesomeness of one MC and his magnificent cheat. It even gets dark, bloody, and a teeny bit philosophical. And yet, there's still action, comedy, harem fun, and a silly premise that keeps it all on familiar and comfortable ground. Good fun all around. <<less

It's an enjoyble read.

A nice fantasy-type adventure with "summoned hero"... with a twist.

No op MC. No OP (One Punch) kind of MC.

It's refreshing story of courage, determination and bitterness of the monarch.

A bit slow paced and still winding-up atm, so we shouldn't really look down on it's potential.

The only thing that annoys me is the split translation between two forces, which goes kind of slow (weird, considering it's done by two folks/groups). But, that grief goes outside of novel's rating. 4/5.

I can feel that this what release that witch suppose to be without all that extra b**bs. The series is inserted by anecdotes from Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, etc. Make the story give the feels of lesson without boring. The romance is sprinkle there, enough to give a tug in smile without being nauseating.

What I don't like from this series, it gave too much foreboding. One or twice in a while maybe interesting, but well..

A wonderful novel of epic strategy, kingdom building and story telling.

I you want a story that will tell you in details the plans he would have to build a kingdom up and what book he based those plans on then this is the novel for you. This novel is full of descriptive and funny moments that would leave you for more.

The novel that EVERY single world leader of our world need to read at least once. It's quite rare to find a reading of political and strategical nature to be no only interesting and engaging but makes a damn lot of sense. It is a fresh breath compared to the typical OP MC who is practically God incarnate. MC is OP, no doubt about it, but in the sense that he is incredibly down to earth and has a wide knowledge as well as priority on what he should... more>> be doing. I do admit that sometimes it can be hard to follow, especially for those who are expecting light-hearted and easy reading. But to those who wouldn't mind using a bit of brain, this novel is a gold of the 24 karat variety. <<less

One of the novel that I "dare" to give 5 star. Its interesting but I still hope that the author still make MC OP on his battle skill not only on his MIND OP skill.

The novel focuses more on kingdom building, politics, and planning rather than the actual fight, which is a refreshing read. The negative point about the novel:

Downgrade rating to 3-stars

- Cultural / language barriers. For example, the difference usage between of the word 'I' - 'Watashi vs. Ore. Boku' - can sometimes depict a character's personality (overly polite vs. Manly / brawny vs. Wussies) . Seems like lots of it is being used recently & I don't necessary enjoy it.

- Too many stereotypical Japanese anime character tropes start showing up in... more>> later chapters. <<less

This novel is one of the best i've ever read. It is so refreshing. I was tired of the reincarnation novels with op characters, cheat abilities and instant harems that lack character development.

All the tactics and management of kingdoms is something fresh for me. A really enjoyable read.

Love this story, it's a new take on the otherworldly adventure genre. The main characters are also interesting but they do need a little more fleshing out. Hopefully it won't become to war oriented and it will stay slice of life/world building.

This novel is different from standard hero summoning types. Rather than physical boosts and cheats, MC is given burden of becoming king against his will. It's an awesome story.