First of all, I believe that this novel may not be to everyone’s taste. And by that I mean, the plot may not entice everyone to read the novel as a whole. I’ve seen some comments saying that the story was boring and bland for them for the first few chapters, forgetting the fact that this is also a slice of life of genre and not your typical isekai overpowered MC stuff. LIFE IS ALL ABOUT THE SLOW AND BORING PACE PEOPLE. Some are expecting too much from the novel... more>> when this is actually normal for a slice of life kind of story.

The cons for this novel is that there are some scenes that seems to be discreetly repetitive. It’s not that very much evident since it’s still entertaining. With how the story goes, I believe that some things are bound to repeat itself when we’re talking about real life here. I guess that’s how it is for me but oh well.

Another is that there are some loopholes in the story. The cause of his rebirth is one thing, but I also find it hard to comprehend how and why the MC is equipped with a “language acquisition device” after his rebirth. I also don’t get why is it necessary for him to be a polyglot when learning 1 or 2 languages (apart from Korean) is enough considering how he only usually interact with those who knows the English language. I get that it aided him in doing one of his long-length novels in the story and had actually helped some people using it, but is learning all languages that really that vital in the story?

Now onto the reasons why you should TRY to read the novel. The plot? Amazing. The characters? Lovable. The translation? Fluffin EPIC. I’ve been doubting whether the novel is really just a typical novel to be read online and not some real literature. I really applaud the translators of this novel for giving their readers a wonderful reading experience. The story made me compel to read more literature than the usual ones I’ve been reading online. You’re even bound to learn a lot as you proceed to finish the novel and question things that are of the ordinary, like Life itself. Some parts are very philosophical as well. If you see comments saying that the story motivates them to write, then you’ll probably also feel it somehow too.

I beg to disagree with the comments saying that the novel lack angst and struggles to be experienced by the MC. Although I see their point since there is no ACTUAL antagonist in the story, I believe that the struggle is the one that the MC is facing, which is his fear of death and of himself. It’s just not that evident in the first half of the novel since it mostly revolves around the MC and his relationship towards his surroundings and his readers ((Which you won’t also get bored of since every character is very distinct from one another and every interaction would seem laughable and sometimes dumbfounding)). I love how the author had described the way the MC feels, conveying to its readers that this story will affect YOU as well. The way they also described how the MC thinks by putting their readers in the perspective or the world that the MC sees is simply astonishing. I won’t delve into the matter but you really should read it for yourself ajdslf

I was kind of sad with the time skip since it felt like they rushed everything for it to end. At first I was disappointed with its ending, thinking that it could’ve been done better. However, thinking what it would be like if I were to think of an ending, I thought that anything’s good as long as the MC wouldn’t die like how his first life’s turned out to be. I also like the addition of the crow and the kid ‘crow’ and how it is related to each other at the end. At least we all know what the crow symbolizes in the MC’s life, as well as the fact that there will be someone to carry on the MC’s literary work even after his death.

So, if a slice of life genre is not your cup of tea, MOVE ON. Although one should try other things as well to find out what really interests you in life. Who knows, this would also be your type of novel and inspire you to do other things in life (like be a writer perhaps) ;--D <<less

This novel is actually pretty good. But it sometimes pretty bland the more you read it, especially in the later parts. I think most of the slice of life story are like this. This novel is like you'll find yourself being distracted by other interesting novels and temporarily stopped and only read it again if you have much time and don't have things to read anymore–that kind of novel. The beginning of the story makes you feel interested towards the story, no- the interesting parts only stopped after he revealed... more>> himself to the public. I think that's when it started to become bland but not boring. Yes, not boring. One thing that makes this novel unique. It draws you closer and makes you want to read until the end but not to the point where you have to sacrifice your nights to read it. As I said, not boring but just bland and plain.

Overall, it was still a great read. <<less

I really appreciate this story since it's difficult to find novels that don't focus heavily on romance, and I like how the author focused on the novel's concept. I really like how the novel depicts the MC as he is writing.

It's a slice of life and REALLY F*CKING slow paced, so for those who don't like that, it's not for you. Personally, I really liked the philosophical portion of this novel and how it made me really reflect on my own life. The MC is very calm and not impulsive like other MCs. He's also a rare case of someone who is actually able to hide their second identity and not expose it immediately.

As another thing to note, the side characters. They were actually relevant and not the type of... more>> people to just disappear in a few chapters and I personally love the friendships in this novel.

The timeskip was not my favorite because it was kinda abrupt and left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I guess I kinda get why it happened.

Last, but not least, THERE'S NO ROMANCE WOOHOO!!!

PS. Coin and Juho have the best dynamic, don't try to change my mind <<less

as someone who writes themselves, I can candidly say that I enjoyed this novel. I learned quite a bit about writing and I enjoyed seeing Juho’s journey of accepting himself and his past mistakes. I really enjoyed him as a protagonist and I think he ended up really growing on me.

i do feel as though the story skipped quite a bit, though. Mainly starting from somewhere in the 300 chapter mark. It feels like a lot of important information is skipped over, and every chapter is a time-skip of 2-months... more>> or more. A lot of points seem rushed, without being properly elaborated on.

im not saying that this is a “super deep, philosophical experience, ” but this story has its own charm that I haven’t seen in a like this novel before. It tries to build on its characters and make the story deeper than just “protagonist really skilled at something” troupe. I enjoyed when the author touched up on things like racism, or alcohol ab*se. This is a slice-of-life, relaxing kind of story, so yeah, it might not be your cup of tea, but if you don’t mind this kind of genre, I recommend this novel. It’s captivating and unique in its own way. <<less

Slice of life isn't my cup of tea yet after reading this novel, I changed my mind. Seriously one of the best novel out there, one of my favorite after The Omniscient Viewpoint! Normally, slice of life novels are boring (most of 'em, not all!) but in this case, you can't stop at any chapter because every part of it is exciting (especially the thrill of knowing when will Yunwoo reveal himself?) At first, I kept going because of that reason too haha! Aside from that, the literature on... more>> this novel is very strong which I found so much interesting and lovely coz I also wish to be an author myself. Those books that Juho wrote, though I can't read it completely, the idea was enough and it's so amazing, I can imagine.

This novel is worth it! Totally think that it was too short: (I need moreee novels like these. Kudos to Author-sama, I heard that this was your first work (WOW!Waiting for your future novels:D). And thank you Translator-san, you did a great job translating.<3 <<less

This is hands down one of the best I've ever read. Like seriously, It's freaking awesome!!! I HIGHLY recommend this!

The Great Storyteller

Honestly I was surprised since I thought it will be another boring read with a tag of Second Chance which is my focus for a while now. But I was wrong and I am even proud to say to myself that I am an idiot to think that this experience will be anything but lackluster.

I was moved, euphoric, entertained but most of all ecstatic for finding this novel so deep that I want to read it not once or even twice but forever and I will never tire.... more>> Even if I were to starve, go poor, be disabled and more so if death accompanies me, it would not distract me from losing my focus on this book that is rich in many luxurious experience that life has to offer.

This book taught me many things from different perspectives to types of people and personality. I don't know why but while reading the book further I found myself questioning thee pace and story not in a critical way but more of a curious view to something that is questionable and eccentric.

It really makes one curious of stories of those written in the book although the TIMESKIP is what makes me feel uncomfortable as there are many thing still yet to be shown like how a book has still many pages left to be read but ultimately the author chose to close that book to show its end I honestly am very dissatisfied of this this author!!! But even if that is so I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME CRY! THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO DREAM! Of realities that I won't touch. And most of all I would like to thank the TRANSLATOR! THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!! For delivering such a valuable gift to this person even if it is unintended.

P.S. The Ending was a let down in more ways than one <<less

I’ve been reading novels almost everyday for more than 14 years. If we want to count only online English translation, I started reading it since 2015. I found novelupdates at the beginning of 2016.

I read countless stories (mostly action and fantasy. Some romance novels. Not much science of life) and never left any comments (although I’d recommend my friends to read some of them if they’re really good).

This is going to be the first comment. I just want support this story which I found by chance. For some reason, there’re... more>> not many people reading it and talking about it. May be it’s because the story is about literature and writing?

It’s really good. Really really good. Good story, good translation, good characters.

I really like the protagonist, his personality, and how he comes up with stories. It’s dreamlike.

He’s really a great storyteller.

It’s really worth all the money I paid for it.

Anyway, just read it. Give this story a try. It’ll exceed your expectation. <<less

I liked it.

It was a good read for me to the point that I ended up binge reading it for 2 and a half days. It may not have had romance or actual "antagonists" but it was great. The translators did a good job translating the novel so I'd like to thank them even if indirectly.

It was a bit jarring for that sudden timeskip though. It came to me as a surprise for a moment and made me think that maybe the author was running out of things to add... more>> and just wanted to have a timeskip to immediately deal with the protagonist's greatest problem. Himself.

Anyway, I'm not good at reviewing and just wanted to leave it as "I liked it" but I ended up writing more.

It's a novel not meant for everyone, you either like it or you don't.

But try it anyway ? <<less

This is not for everyone it's boring but it was not badly written. I hate this novel, it was centered around a writer but there's not even a romance on the story, hell it was even time skipped! WTF!

I mean the author does not really know how great people are made! They're always accompanied by their loved ones!

This novel is just his hypothetical novel, the protagonist of the story is made by him and he was just dreaming and feeling like how to be a genius and successful writer, but... more>> sadly he was not, he has no experience with it, he has no clue about it. The author really f*cked up the characteristic of the protagonist he made him a genius, literally, anything around him can be made a masterpiece it's so unrealistic that it made it boring, the novel was supposed to be a fiction that has reality on it. Even if we take into account that he has experience in his first life doesn't mean he can write just like about anything like a BANG! Just like that, he does not really need a lot of experiences to be able to write anything and that's the reason it's boring because of the premise that he's a 47-year-old within the body of his younger self, the author basically restricted his story. The author just made us take everything for granted.

Even the other characters in the story are so not well done it's just there for basically filling up the small parts of the plot around the protagonist.

I wasted time reading this sh*t the time skip was so abrupt but I was already reading it near the end so I got no choice but to continue.

This is the problem with the Korean web novels it's always short and time skipped. <<less

I can see why this story isn't for everyone. At the same time, I absolutely enjoyed this novel. Thus, I am writing this review based completely on how I feel personally. Though the writing club shenanigans and many of the side characters were of the weaker side, I didn't mind it that much. I actually enjoyed reading about the types of novels the MC wrote, and how he came up with his ideas. Sadly, that process slowly diminished toward the end of the novel. Still, I enjoyed the novel immensely,... more>> and I have reread it quite a few times. I recommend you trying the novel, perhaps you will like it. However, it also wouldn't be surprising if you don't, in which case, drop it right away, because the concept/quality doesn't change much throughout the entire story. <<less

It's been a long day since i've been searching for a good novel. And to be honest, I never expect the novel I search will exceed what i've been reading as a reviewer ever since. And boom, guess what? I stumbled on this novel, never ever I read a calm peaceful novel with such a chaotic and storm breaking writing. With deep psycology and philosopy which really hit me. And today the emotion from this novel overwhelm me again. Totally totally different novel from what i've readed in my journey... more>> of my life.

just read it. It's really enjoyable and don't forget the wild rollercoaster emotion writing in it. <<less

Currently taking a break due to the one thing I dislike enough about this novel to MAKE me take a break.

First off, the novel itself is more like an actual novel than what's mostly on NU. I know that seems odd to say, but it's not a cultivation/face slapping novel. Yes, the MC is reborn, but in reality he really doesn't use that too much to his advantage. The only advantage he has is that while he's only a teenager (in the beginning), he has the mind of a middle... more>> aged man. That doesn't really account for how he's suddenly such an incredible writer. To be honest, it kind of makes it so the story itself doesn't make much sense. Going back in time wouldn't suddenly make someone incredible at what they do. He came out with one great novel but failed after in his original life, yet now he can pump out stories with ease? Sorry, I got distracted. There's also him being able to understand all languages, but so far, 4/5ths in to the book, besides translating a novel for someone and impressing a couple people, it hasn't been used as a tool in the novel at all. So, the whole super power thing isn't very strong like in other novels. This is more like a novel you'd pick up at a bookstore rather than one you'd read online.

That's the main point of the novel I wanted to get across for people considering reading it so far, as I haven't finished it yet. I'll update this once I do.

However, the thing that irks me enough to make me take breaks from the novel is that he can be too passive to a point. I don't mean in fights or arguments and what not. I mean that most actions he takes is because people are forcing him into it. He always acts like it's something he wouldn't do, until someone says three or four sentences to convince him, and suddenly he's doing it. I really dislike main characters like that. Stick to your ideals, man. Normal people wouldn't cave that quickly. It's like the author is pushing too much on the whole "unfazed, always calm" personality the MC has. <<less

I'm at the end, the closer I know it will end the more unwilling I'm to finish this story, what will I read, will I find another story like this, far from all those others,

love this unique, light, n charming novel.

I was expecting something along the lines of reincarnation followed by exploitation of future knowledge with writing being slowly moved back as less and less important.

This was not the case.

It fully focuses on writing and follows our author as he tries to adapt to the new life he has been given and resume writting. It's definetely more of a slice of life and art novel. Though, strangely, it was still good enough for a epic action fantasy lover like me. That should say something about the quality of the work.

The... more>> biggests plusses are the characters (and their growth) and the work/thoughts behind authors novels. While the minuses would be the overall lack of suspense (though maybe that's just me being reincarnation genre fan, where most reincarnees go on to fight monsters).

Unexpected gem. <<less

To be honest, this book exceeded my expectations so much that I read it five times. It was a relaxing experience reading this book.

So if you are ever tired of dog-blood dramas, revenge, cliché romances, etc., I highly recommend this book. While some of you might think it is too long, remove that thought out of your mind quickly because you will be missing out.

But if some readers just don't like slice-of-life, then don't bother reading.

Though there's also a bit of face slapping, it's not too much. The MC is... more>> a calm and peaceful guy (but definitely not a pushover) . I guess the most attractive aspect I found in the MC is his dedication and how uses his own strength (or books) to chase away all those negative things people say about him. <<less

Good read for times when you are always interrupted lol. It comes in pseudo- arcs

We can see the character development of not just the MC but his friends, and his influence on them as well. Everything is well, but there are a few random things that are thrown in like

I would change my rating to a 4/5 but I miss-clicked, but hey it otherwise is a 5/5 for me.

"The Great Storyteller" by Im Han Baek is a mixed bag. On the positive side, it's a captivating and imaginative journey with a richly detailed world, skillfully crafted narrative, engaging prose, and well-developed, relatable characters. The themes of creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling are thoughtfully explored, blending fantasy, adventure, and emotional depth. However, the story has significant flaws, including uneven pacing, excessive exposition, underdeveloped characters, stilted dialogue, and reliance on clichés and predictable twists. These issues detract from its potential, making it less compelling and memorable.

I have a love/hate relationship with this story... Even after thinking on it for over a week, I can’t tell if I want to give it a 5 or a 1, hence 3. The fact that it’s been on my mind is probably a good sign for it though.

The overall plot is really well thought out, but gets rather boring in small sections. There is no one arc that I really enjoyed (except maybe the first one since everything was fresh and the second last one about Wol), but I... more>> really like all the pieces once they’re put together. Each book that Juho writes connects with how he learns and grows as a person, and the flow between them feels incredibly natural. But when you have chapters seemingly dedicated to just listing article titles and internet comments praising the last book to come out, it gets hard to keep reading. As well, while Juho’s writing process is interesting, there are too many moments where the novel prioritizes giving us abstract fantasy over actual plot developments. Despite all that, it does enhance the emotional development between the character and the reader.

I guess, usually when I have something I don’t like about a novel, I can pin point what that bit is. But here, despite loving it, I also am incredibly frustrated by it. It drags on in seemingly worthless ways but gives those moments value after the fact. I wish I could cut out the middle of the novel, but then the beginning and end that I loved would make no sense.

Spoiler

One thing I really don’t like however is how much Sung Pil is built up just to be dropped in the last quarter of the novel. I think he would of made a much more significant character to meet right at the end rather then having Bo Suk come in as a reporter. I guess he was replaced as the rival since Coin was in a better position?

[collapse]

<<less