Isaac

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Insane. Traitor. Terrorist.

The title given to Joon-young, a soldier who fought a lost war. Performing the most devious last stand befitting his titles, his memories were sent to another world.

Now named Isaac, he seeks to live out his days in relative peace. But with his family wanting him dead he is sent to the Campus, the Empire’s greatest centre of Education, in hopes that he would be expelled and tarnish his position as the heir of his family.

He is told that the school will treat him as if he doesn’t exist, that he isn’t protected by its rules. But Isaac, or Joon-young, sees it differently.

There are no rules to hold him back from getting what he wants.

Associated Names
One entry per line
ISSAC
아이작
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Trash of the Count’s Family (8)
Dungeon Defense (6)
The Second Coming of Gluttony (4)
Regressor Instruction Manual (4)
To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN) (3)
Isekai Apocalypse Mynoghra (3)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Korea Novel (Non BL)
  2. The most interesting Light Novels
  3. Favorite Best Novel
  4. Novels That I Have Read Over The Years
  5. Favorites

Latest Release

Date Group Release
02/24/23 Light Novel Bastion c214
02/19/23 Light Novel Bastion c213
02/13/23 Light Novel Bastion c212
02/08/23 Light Novel Bastion c211
01/28/23 Light Novel Bastion c210
01/19/23 Light Novel Bastion c209
01/15/23 Light Novel Bastion c208
01/13/23 Light Novel Bastion c207
01/02/23 Light Novel Bastion c206
12/21/22 Light Novel Bastion c205
12/19/22 Light Novel Bastion c204
12/19/22 Light Novel Bastion c203
11/26/22 Light Novel Bastion c202
11/19/22 Light Novel Bastion c201
11/19/22 Light Novel Bastion c200
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131 Reviews sorted by


Tiro
Tiro rated it
June 9, 2020
Status: c22
After reading the first few chapters I was pretty tuned because the story seemed 'mature' with a reality that is cold and harsh (his comrades died, usually it's rare) and the fact that korea got destroyed (even without reason) changes a lot with the usuals korean novels I read where the autors would make Korea prosper in any possible way so I tought the following story would be intersting but I was very disapointed because what follows seems in no way to be the same novel :

The plot is simply... more>> ridiculous and flawed, like how he gets a special status in the school for some reason that wouldnt make sense. Or how he is treated like a 'scheming genius' while it is just that all characters are dumb fools despite them being supposed to be the apex of society (top school) that let themselves be bind by rules that they set.

The ' war hardened veteran' feels the urge to pat the bear and elf that popped out of nowhere and stick up to him, what the actual f*ck. His lazy behavior supposedly because he's a 'war hardened veteran' is annoying and unfitting of how he was describbed at the beggining, Not a single fight and nothing to make it interesting to me

I stopped reading when he starts giving out free sandwiches for some logical reasons I didnt get

Also it seems as tought in this world transmigrator existance is known and he is being monitored ever since the beginning: was this a litle realistic they would've just captured and interogated him. To cover his disapearence would be a given fact since he should have died in battle with others, instead they monitor him during years and years to see if he has a different personality from the one they Never saw or if he is suspicious. That's maybe mejustbeing salty here

I read till chapter 22 in hope it will be interesting when he gets out of school but I understood that even if he gets out, the novel wouldnt get better <<less
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madghost
madghost rated it
May 9, 2020
Status: c88
Take my money and make it into a movie.

Thats my honest feelings for the first arc of the novel. In just a few chapter a tragedy of human nature was told. It wasn't deep it wasn't something cheap. It was pure honest truth.

The author lacks many things. Many details are left out. But nonetheless it leaves a huge impact upon reading. The reality that is unfolding for the characters was full of dark truth. Regardless weather the said scenario can happen or not. It tell human nature with cold blood.... more>> If made into a good movie with good acting it will be a diamond and oscar winning. I doubt they will ever make it though and of course win it. I am truly dying to watch it, if they decide to make it faithfully as it was presented in the first arc.

The first arc for me is one of the best novel in NU. A true 5 star.

Unfortunately, the second arc was absurd. It becomes a kind of meme of "it all changed, when the fire nation attacked"

The author tried to create a reality of the fantasy.

He s**ked.

As a dark humor the author work in the second arc may have been justified. But the way author presents the reality and mystery was simply absurd to me.

The main point is motivation. Isaac lacks motivation to do anything after crossing. All his choices were forced by the system he was into or the author. He is just driven by the author's choice to keep the mystery of the story alive.

There is no choices for him. The only real choice Isaac has, is to die. But due to author choices all we get is him blackmailing people with his su*cide threats and face slapping. People admiring his courage for doing so and forgetting it in the next story arc and repeating the cycle.

The mystery was the worst. It just ruined what was once a great 5 star novel to a blackmailing using su*cide threats and face slapping, while contributing to dark humor a little. And it goes on and on, from first arc in first 10 chapters to chapter 88.

With how long each chapter is, some may enjoy it but to me it was a plain torture to read until, a little comedy relief happens from time to time to keep me going.

Because obviously there's so much interest I can keep for some face slapping and boring dark humor after reading so much In NU. And between that, sh*t tons of explanations and inner thinking of characters and the authors.

With how much each characters mystery and inner thoughts were explained, you would think it helped to reading. But its opposite, cause they dont really matter. Their views isn't even a little bit of use in the story. When the whole mystery was unveiled at last it had a feeling of being f*cked and cheap.

There's so many things wrong with it. I honestly felt If the author wanted the real story could have been finished by now. But I guess his money earning urge took over when writing the 2nd arc.

The most useless thing in it is isaac way of always saying this "since I cant win, I will just get along with their choices for now".
And face slap happens for him to win then realize he lost.

Isaac has completely different mindset then when he was first introduced to be. So that the whole story becomes baseless and meaningless.

If you introduced as a person who follows his own rules then make him do that. But the author decides to force him, change his personality, make him his puppet for money, give him gold spoon and face slapping power and absurd mystery instead. The way the story is going I can feel what the author is trying. Which is super disappointing when seen in that s*upid cliche isekai world building.

It may feel great world building to others but to me everything he is explaining seems pointless. It was just for cliche rather than the story at this point.

This is a good work cause the author succeeds with picking my emotions. That's also the disappointing part. Because the start of the novel is so good that what ever author Is doing after that feels meaningless. The author is not faithful to his characters developments.

I had the same feelings when I watched "sword art online", the beginning was so grand yet the execution of the main part was mediocre. Other examples should be "shield hero" and "arifureta""kumo desu ga nano ka". First arc being awesome then going straight boring and sh*t road.

A masterclass start and a disappointing performance following. A disappointing mess of work serving nothing but to earn the author meal tickets.

But overall it isn't bad a read. I absolutely recommend the first arc. Then proceed with your choice afterwards.

edit:- some people are suggesting to wait for something interesting that will happen so keep patience. But you lot are doing the wrong thing, I feel like you guys are suggesting me to watch x-men cause Dark Phoenix will be good. At least learn to recommend people "green lantern" that was good on it's own place cause of deadpool. <<less
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alcachoo
alcachoo rated it
February 2, 2020
Status: c76
this is the best psycoligical book i've read and thats saying something. The author puts in a futuristic fantasy world and the guy is just trying to go through things he put through using really unique and unimaginable schemes so he always gets what he wants. I even made an account just to rate the book.
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UnknownSaint171
UnknownSaint171 rated it
January 28, 2020
Status: --
Dam this started too deep. No Chinese Novel would dare write this type of story. It's not nationalism, it's a cold reality of war. This has deeply surpassed my expectations. I thought I was reading a JP for a moment there. It's a Harem where MC is centered around girls stronger than him but he keeps it together and in a sense, he's stronger than all of them. It's that type of novel.

I'm rating a 5 star for how well dam written this is. I never thought there'd be a... more>> better "Harem Writer" then the Author of TNE/Monster Who Levels-Up. It deserves a manga at the most. Heck, I can even imagine a successful anime if done right.

I have such high expectations for this novel since it's been a long time since I've seen something like this.

Romance: There is no Loyalty or Trust. Only 3-4 people are loyal to him. (His Harem of girls are loyal) It's very confusing as we don't know where Romance is. Honestly, I want it for Polygamy. All the girls play a role in this story and have a background story. Not only that but well-fleshed out which is something rarely seen in 'Polygamy' Novels. The Author has raised too many flags with each girl so I truly hope he doesn't go half-ass and gets with each of those girls.

Spoiler

Elves: They're like Succubus/Incubus in this world, which it's very interesting. They take pleasure out of the tragedy of men and see them as toys. Reisha whose unique though she too inherited their mercilessness though she's not as a psychopath as them.

Bear Race: They are just as cold-hearted, seeing humans nothing as toys. Even though the Chief loves the Heroine Kunette, she does not give a f*ck about them. I can't blame her. Despite how much they love her, she can see how 'evil' they are too other races. She quickly grew fond of MC as being able to see his true nature, this proves it.

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The MC is a Anti-Hero, no a good guy but not a villain either. I guess a Jester card suits him well. He's like a Godfather having his own code.

Flaws: Despite the story progressing well and I do agree with other reviewers that there is development but you can tell that the story arcs are extremely rushed and the Author probably did not know what to do with the Characters. The World Building is too small and characters who we think are big-shots are actually insignificant. Like the Nobles in the beginning.

The Intelligence the characters show and how the MC outsmarts them is very pleasing.

Spoiler

The Scientist Girl also goes to the other world and is a s*ave-scientist as it's hinted in the beginning. She gives MC her "Artifact" which makes MC curse the 'unknown' person who gave it to him as it makes him even more targeted then he was. However it saves him a lot of times and it shows the Heroine Scientist actually did it to protect him... The story has too much potential.

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rhianirory
rhianirory rated it
January 25, 2020
Status: c50
don't be fooled, it's nothing like tr*sh of the Count's Family, which it keeps getting compared to for some reason. There are a ton of logic issues, plot holes, and problems with characterization and pacing. All of the females with any personality are annoying and only there to make the MCs life even harder. The author seems to revel in making things as bad for the MC as they can then pushing it even further. At first, I got mad and wanted to smack the author but it happens so... more>> often that now I no longer care; I can't imagine how numb and indifferent I'd become if I were to continue to the end. I don't like it and am dropping as of ch50.

also,
Spoiler

the prologue is terrible for anyone who knows even the slightest bit about politics. That wouldn't have been so bad if the writer had set it in an alternate reality but it's supposed to be set in this one. Ignoring how the EU and America wouldn't just abandon a country they've invested in so heavily, the Chinese absolutely loathe the Japanese and it would be a cold day in h*ll before such an alliance happened.

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TigerTerror
TigerTerror rated it
June 14, 2019
Status: c38
One of the character's describes the main character as 'Lazy, like a sleeping monster' (paraphrasing, the actual quote it too dramatic to spoil here). And I kind of feel like that accurately represents the story as a whole. There's something lazy about it, in a 'hopefully a sleeping-monster' way somewhat more than the 'Just a lazy writer' way.

I'll preface with the advice: Skip the first five chapters if you're unsure about this story. Those are the war-ravaged world our Main Character comes from; they're backstory and tell us about the... more>> character, but the details haven't been super relevant so far. It's only in chapter six that we start in the world this story is about, and the tone and plot take a pretty big shift.

The setting is good; it's got just enough variation from a classic isekai fantasy to make it something that you can get invested in. The circumstances that our MC, Isaac, lives through are not so unrealistic that it throws you out of the story, and unfair enough that the reader genuinely looks forward to seeing him overcome it. It relies on a number of cliches, but pulls out a clever twist on them often enough to stay engaging and unpredictable.

The characters are, unfortunately, a bit flat and one-note; but they work off each other well. I feel like the writing style is partly responsible for these flaws; it likes to stick to the plot events, skips past any filler; and leaves us with little opportunities for character development or flesh out the character dynamics.

Unfortunately, I think the writing style is fairly weak. When I said the story and the main character are similar to each other, it was the writing in particular I was thinking of. It feels like it wants to grow dramatic tension and give us a satisfying payoff, but it doesn't know how to give us that payoff. Basically, the writing and plot builds events, but keeps circling back to the idea that Isaac is a sleeping monster, and that we - the audience watching him suffer - should wait with anticipation for when the monster awakes.

It hasn't. The writing style struggles to give us a feeling of scale or impact; and that leaves me feeling disappointed - like I was promised some amazing scheme that demonstrated that Isaac is powerful and perhaps mad, and instead it gets ripped away for a cheap 'clever' trick. Each arc builds my investment in the story well enough, but the climax drops the ball.

So, all up, the story is... decent. Its setting is enjoyable. The characters are flat, but use the right cliches that they're just 'fine'. The plot draws you in, and I retain hope that we will get that payoff that we keep getting promised - that each false start is just a tease to a greater payoff than I can imagine. But it's also frustrating and slow at times because of those false starts. 'Lazy', but hopefully it can wake up. <<less
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miscreant
miscreant rated it
August 5, 2023
Status: Completed
Personally I didn't really like it that much but it's probably that I'm not it's intended reader.

It's an Isekai but not really a standard Isekai so it's definitely novel in it's interpretation. As far as what I didn't like I'll put it in a spoiler tag but it's fairly general so not specific spoilers within.

... more>>
Spoiler

First of all I wasn't keen on fact that MC is quite literally a psychopath. The very first 3 words of the synopsis are "Insane. Traitor. Terrorist." and this is an accurate description of the MC. The other problem is that MC doesn't really change over the course of the novel so he's still a psychopath at the end of it. A lot of the actions of the MC I think most people would frown upon and I felt it was hard to cheer for the MC.

Secondly there's also the issue that a lot of the plot lacked foreshadowing so it felt like author was doing an ass pull each time a new plot development came to give an unexpected plot twist. I think aim was to say that MC was so crazy no one could predict his actions so reader can't either. Then to add to it you get half a dozen secretive organisations that out of nowhere impose obstacles or help MC randomly. Some characters actions also seem irrational where the only plausible explanation is brainwashing or stockholm syndrome

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If you're OK with the following flaws and like dark stories then you'll probably enjoy this. Although it's not really a cheerful novel imo <<less
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uwu_monkey
uwu_monkey rated it
July 19, 2023
Status: c109
Okay so I don’t get the reviews and criticisms that’s it’s “full of plot holes” or “the MC is pitifully weak”.

the novel has good pacing and the writing is very good. How the author develops the story and his character is really interesting. It never a strays from the point that because of his experiences in the past world he is war torn solider who has ptsd but is trying to have a good life while staying quiet but not really. Also the plot just keeps building to a climax... more>> I can’t wait for. This novel is the opposite of boring plus the funny moments of seeing the MC bring inventions to his own world while making profit no matter what in the most insane way. An example
Spoiler

him burning a city because he can’t have it during a war and lying shamelessly infront of the emperor. That’s pure entertainment.

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mariartis
mariartis rated it
December 12, 2022
Status: c21
Hardened war veteran become teenager.

In prologue MC was defined as badass soldier. However, after his reincarnation he became typical reincarnated MC.

He wants to be magic swordsman (failed). He flinches against jealous schoolgirl. He pushed around by anyone. His 'business' only works because plot reasons. School could easily take over and MC would left with nothing.

He don't have any drive and only does things when necessary.

Sadly, crazy bastard died with prologue and only left typical 'badass' teenager.
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garbagenovelconsumer
garbagenovelconsumer rated it
November 1, 2022
Status: c19
I'm getting this nagging feeling that most Korean authors are actually just losers or even incels. The writing and MC are so cringeworthy, he's just constantly acting 'aloof' and negging the female characters. It's like these incels think that being cool and attractive means going out of your way to be boring, disrespectful and act like you don't care, but in reality it just screams 'give me attention!!!'.
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jonikemod1981
jonikemod1981 rated it
October 22, 2022
Status: c199
It's worth your time to read this novel. Isaac is a war torn veteran whose only wish to have a peaceful live after "reincarnate" to another body and world. It's not only your typical MC with OP system and ridiculous skill. More like "Batman" type MC.

I have red to chap.199 and give it four stars for now, because there are some plot hole about female age. Overall, its worthy of my time.
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backyard_gamer
backyard_gamer rated it
September 19, 2022
Status: c195
Up to the latest chapter.

The story is all about Isaac who is "war worn that wants to live a peaceful life after he transmigrates to another world, but doesn't get the chance due to everyone wants to use him as a "pawn", a chess piece."

He is not scheming nor takes the initiative for destruction, but would be ruthless and cunning to play guerilla war tactics to destroy the enemy.

... more>> Once he is motivated, he doesn't even care about his life (just wants to die).

For this story, you can't determine anything until you complete reading all 10 volumes (not completely translated though). This story is full of mind games and politics.

I will surely update this review once, I finish reading the full story.

Gamer <<less
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Bmcarloss
Bmcarloss rated it
September 9, 2022
Status: c193
It really isn't spoiler but if you want to start without absolutely 0 knowledge don't read it.
Honestly one of the best novels I've read, I mean since the beginning you don't have no clue of what's happening its like an onion schemes after schemes and you never know the bad from the good
... more>>
Spoiler

(metaphorically because the majority of them are a**holes) and I really love how ruthless Isaac is when given the chance and obviously when pissed.

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Its truly recommended, although in the beginning may be a little confusing it all clears up. <<less
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bethatcat
bethatcat rated it
February 16, 2022
Status: c1
Really promising start. I loved the first few chapters, laid out Isaacs character meticulously and the description of the action was really exciting and well thought out. My bad for hoping that this would carry through to the rest of the plot.

Author effectively nerfs protagonist by putting him into a boring situation with genuinely boring characters. The female leads especially disappointed me, as they were all harem cut-outs to a T. I stopped at around 40. Especially disappointed because the first few chapters had me hype.
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obake
obake
November 27, 2021
Status: c156
good plot and world building, nice pacing and also a unique plot in the isekai genre. Don't listen to idiots who have not bothered to read it properly, (what's the point of review if you haven't completely read the material available), anyways it's good and provides a new perspective with author actually creating a world that keeps on changing and people using their brain for once, it's meant for a more mature audience anyway, so yeah go read it, that's all
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Uhoh_
Uhoh_ rated it
October 7, 2021
Status: Completed
Amazing! My favorite kind of main character! Shameless, cruel, smart and quite OP in his field of expertise. I love Isaac! (151 chapter)

Edit in 2023: Finished the novel. I don't know how to feel about the ending and the led-up to it. It just seems a bit... convoluted to me. I don't know if it was written complicatedly for complicated sake. It's still fun to read, there was so much tension because of the political schemes. For those concerned about the Harem tag, don't worry about it. The romance... more>> in this novel is none existent. The tag is just for the ending. <<less
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Tom2349283
Tom2349283 rated it
October 5, 2021
Status: c151
This is one of the greatest novels I have read so far with a reasonable MC. Most of his actions and thoughts are to be expected, not the childish ones, he does not care for what does not matter to him, like the lives of most people in the world like as would be expected of other MCs, trying to be a hero, save the world and get laid. Though it's frustrating as he does not care about girls at all but overall it's super great.
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me_a_daynosaur
me_a_daynosaur rated it
October 3, 2021
Status: v3c46
I don't seriously understand those who gave low ratings about this story. So far, it's good, it's great actually. It didn't show an OP MC who only thinks about the cliche stuffs like saving the world or what-nots after having another chance to live his life again. It's great that the author makes the character more human or realistic even though he lives in a world with magic. It's so realistic that it shows how mature the MC is as a former soldier from his old world who just wanted... more>> peace and would rather live quietly than to immerse himself into something like justice or trying to be the real MC.

Spoiler

"I mean, everyone would consider themselves to be main character but that fact suddenly changes when you're put in the stage called world. There's the protagonist: side characters, extras, villager 1 and 2, tree 1, and rock 1."

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This is just one of the most realistic lines that you can read if you continue on reading this. This story has lots and lots to teach, about how cruel and cold the world is and how people can change rapidly from your side to the other the moment things look ugly at your side. The author did a great job on showing its readers these things.

The MC is not weak, if you consider him weak just because he got no magic or even became a swordsman, then I'll tell you, that magic power, being physically strong, having a divine back-up or something is not the only factors of being strong. The MC is strong with his wits and...

Spoiler

'He said she can see true nature right?'

He overlooked it for the first time, but he became curious after Kunette saw through Rivelia. What do her eyes see in me?

"What about me?"

Kunette looked deep into Isaac's eyes when he asked that question. Isaac could see his reflection in her puppy like eyes. She stared at him without a word, and Isaac smirked.

"If it's too difficult to say it, then don't bother. I'm not that curious."

"... Lazy."

"Lazy? I think that's perfect."

Isaac laughed once more, but Kunette hadn't finished speaking.

"... Lazy. A lazy, sleeping monster that has shackled itself until someone bothers it."

"..."

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This means that the MC has still a lot more to give. Everything that the MC has shown was yet the tip of the iceberg, and even reading till volume 3, MC still sees everyone around him silly and doesn't take them that seriously to the point that the sleeping monster still haven't woke up. I recommend this as one things you should read.

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SnowX
SnowX rated it
August 28, 2021
Status: c147
One of my favorites novels.

The MC gets screwed over by various powerful people and he finds ways to screw them back in return. So we have a great situation where he would have just been a village chef with no intervention but he gains a tremendeous status over time.

Don’t pay attention to the 1 star reviews, sure the fact that the character doesn’t do much outside of scheming is quite frustrating sometimes but each arc is better than the last one if you know how to enjoy it.

Finally, except for... more>> the common "medieval isekai" premise, the world building is really original when he finallh learns the real power structure of the world.

Only bad point would be the translation speed but the flawless quality compensates for that. A definitive must-read ! <<less
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chorey
chorey rated it
March 22, 2021
Status: c12
I thought to myself "this is the story I'm waiting for" up till chapter 9. I even thought of giving it a 5 star as I'm very satisfied with the MC's character and behaviours, thinking it will make a great story if the pre-isekai scene is that good.

But no, things took a down turn. A vertical slope on top of that.

Just like other commenters have said, the MC's character took a 180 change after he entered the isekai world. From an experienced smart but crazy and don't care about anything... more>> not even life soldier to a think himself is so smart teen. And the story is outright sexist, to both gender.

I don't know, it feels like going to a Michelin-star restaurant with good interior and great expectation, but the taste of the dish is just tr*sh. Not average, but tr*sh. <<less
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