Wonderful...

Like this novel legit made me stay up for a whole week to read it and like seriously, now that it ended I missed it sm

It just a masterpiece honestly, and the fact it somehow relate to us, the reader, reading this book and our imagination creating another world is just ?

Even the theory and details are perfect, especially those constellation effects and all the hilarious stuff with the MPREG and Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk ship too. It actually made my day sometimes, plus all the fight scenes are... more>> just so cool, and Kim Dojka is so OP (especially when he releases his status, with all the demon horn and wings and all) <<less

The thing I love most about ORV... I don’t know where to start because I honestly loved every single part of it.

For a novel that spans 551 chapters you can guess the sheer amount of plot that has to be developed, however I never felt any plot holes and everything I read intertwined so well it amazes me. The density of chapters for this novel far exceeds any other novel I have read but that allowed for amazing character and plot development in which I can feel the author (s)... more>> crafted every character with so much love and consideration.

Now that the novel has come to an end I’m still reluctant to let go, I hope that people will get to love this story just as much as I did. <<less

If you like very meta stories like Worm, and stories about a protagonist using the future to get ahead like Second Coming of Gluttony, this story will be right up your alley. Almost everything is explained very satisfyingly, even parts that may seem inconsistent or out of character at the moment. It's one of the few stories I've read that didn't leave me feeling wanting or empty after finishing, because the authors understand that feeling very well.

All I can and want to say is that I'm crying because this story actually managed to have a satisfactory ending. A setup this complicated usually has a terrible ending, but this one is perfect.
I won't talk about good or bad points - I feel like people should just give it a try. Decide for yourself whether it's your cup of tea, but worry not - the ending won't disappoint!

I finished it. Holy shit. I highly recommend it if you're willing to sit down and read all 551 chapters. It's only way you'll be able to see the whole picture. Rereading this novel will bring out an entirely new experience. I've never seen so many twists in a novel before, and if there are predictable twists-- chances are it was done on purpose because this story can get very meta.

It's good. This novel is my favorite novel or one of my favorites no cap. I'm telling you, you're going to miss out on A LOT if you don't read this. I (a cheapskate who rarely EVER spends money on books) BOUGHT chapters for this novel. It was lowkey super expensive for the amount of chapters I got to read. It's just that good ok? Read it.

I'm in chapter 354, and the story is very good so far.

This novel is a whole package. The plot is interesting. The world setting is fantastic. The characters are also very attractive. Although it's a bit tiring as there is barely any break between each scenarios, it's nevertheless a fun read. No wonder the rating would be so high, and this novel would always be on the top of the list.

I can understand the dislike though, this story is pretty cliché in terms of the MC being so OP, and... more>> that every main characters like him. I also dislike the fact that the MC constantly steals the protagonist's items, roles, and in the end becomes the protagonist himself. It would be better if he remains as the reader, and helps support the real protagonist towards the end instead. Now, the protagonist (YJH) is more or less like a second male lead, and it's pretty unfair for him. <<less

This story is sooooo greaaat.

Tho the ending is kind of... somethung but after reading the whole novel and understanding it wholeheartedly, you will feel that it all makes sense.

And there is too many mentions of deus ex machina, almost every time the chapter is in a hype scene.

But all in all, it really is a good read. I strongly recommend it.

I also finished it just now, and currently searching for a new novel to read.

Huge emotional impact potential.

I decided to check out ORV because it’s often paired with S-Class, and I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. It’s so intricate and Kim Dokja tries so hard to get Yoo Jonghyuk and the rest of his party to the Final Scenario, even at the cost of himself.

... more>>

Spoiler

The amount of times I’ve cried over him dying... Kim Dokja it’s all for you baby

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You grow to love the characters just like Dokja did. And he does really well for suddenly finding himself put into the novel he’s been faithfully and lovingly reading.

Spoiler

And some of the reveals are just like :0 woah what the f*ck cause they just come out like a right hook and it suddenly all makes sense

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The only thing I didn’t really like was the ending, but only solely because

Spoiler

I wish we saw Dokja and the party’s reactions to finally reuniting and then extras of them being all happy as a huge found family. Like, show me Yoo Jonghyuk’s reaction to Dokja waking up after two years of trying to find him again.

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Seeing the progression of Dokja and Jonghyuk’s antagonistic and untrusting relationship to becoming [Life and Death Companions] is such chef’s kiss. They still have petty arguments that are really funny even if they would throw down for each other.

And you really grow to love some of the constellations.

Spoiler

Uriel best girl and Sun Wukong is insanely powerful? And Secretive Plotter? Step on me, sir. And Goryeo’s First Sword? Omfg whenever he came in, I lost it. Best boy.

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I have no words. I read this novel in three days and they were probably one of the most enjoyable three days of my life.

I'm to lazy to delve too deep into the storyline but to those rating low scores you should've read further. This novel is like a puzzle, although at time the development is a bit slow, as it progresses slowly everything falls into place. Although it's not visible I would probably say this novel in some ways is a tragedy. After all it isn't called a ruined... more>> world for nothing.

Spoiler

The ending is an open ending thus whether it is a happy or sad ending is up to us as readers to decide. Not to mention a lot of main characters will die, the backstories of many chapters will pull your heartstrings and many sacrifices will be made (the MC dies multiple times)

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Another thing I like about this novel is how easy it is to immerse yourself in it. Each character has a backstory, no character overshadows the other, in a way although the MC is obviously the protagonist, the other characters have storyline's that in some ways classifies them as protagonists to this story.

I also like how we as readers replace the MC's role as a reader as we in a way are put in the position that he was in before the plot started.

Spoiler

I also can relate to the Constellations (gods-like figures who are the viewers of the world) as we too are like the Constellations, watching over the world like gods

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I really recommend you to read this novel if you like novels like Solo Leveling, although the MC isn't invincible he works hard towards him aim... as for what that aim is.... read it to find out <<less

By the time I finished reading this story, I fully emphasised with Dokja's desire and emotions reading through a 3000+ chapter web novel. His favourite novel is not a necessarily good one given that he was its sole reader but the most important thing was how much personal value it had for him. For me, this was the case. Like any series, ORV has its good and bad points, but I enjoyed it, especially if you take things into stride. Otherwise, some people might get irritated with certain repeated devices.

A very unique albeit somewhat repetitive plot as the author keeps on creating new conflicts/ challenges out of the blue. This pattern repeats a lot. Also as some have mentioned the MC seems too smart or adjusted to the world considering he was an anti social and recluse in RL. I guess maybe because he believes he is in a novel he changes? Kind of strange.

Also there is a lot of plot armor as it is mentioned many times that he knows what is going on.

None the less very very... more>> unique in a sense. Esp if you normally read Chinese cultivation based novels. Good pick up to change tastes for a while <<less

This is a great story.

Everything made sense.

It came on full circle.

Idk. I love this. Period. Lol

Not everything is explained, but at least it has a happy ending after making me sobbing sometimes. (No sobbing when I was reading it, but I was woken up by my wife because of crying in my sleep, dreaming things that happened in the novel)

A transmigration novel where the MC knows many thing but still struggles through them and almost always cutting it close. Full of suspenses, but might irritate some readers because of some vague/mysterious resolve in each or at least later arc. I don't really remember the... more>> start, but I do remember liking them.

It's well written, but some of the characters really do need some bonking sometimes. <<less

This novel started out really strong. It was interesting to see how the main character used his knowledge to change the future. However, the story soon devolved into an endless parade of random super-powered enemies. The author kept secrets for too long so it always felt like you weren't part of the story b/c you knew less than every character. The enemies seem to come out of nowhere and, after explanation later, it makes sense but continues to make you feel disconnected. Overall, the story just keeps you apart and... more>> you never feel attached. <<less

SUMMARY
A good post-apocalyptic Korean novel written in 2018.
Well structured, but maybe a little too fast paced. Mostly logical plot developments although not well planned. World building and system mechanics are ok, not great. Decent cast of characters.
Nothing mind blowing or entirely new, but sometimes you don't need novelty to be original.

PREMISE
A sincere avid fan of a failed 10-yr apocalyptic webnovel finds himself confronting it as the novel world crashes into his reality. Armed with only some foreknowledge, he must use his newfound abilities to uncover the mysteries of the novel while leading a band of other survivors.

COMMENTS

(1) Lack of novelty... but core concepts are well executed
Other reviewers have noted that the author borrows from earlier successful novels/movies: But all of these concepts are put together in a way that makes sense.

-- There are plenty of apocalyptic novels for immersion in the real world
-- A violent anti-hero novel protagonist is much more in vogue than a pure-hearted messiah. It's already 2018! Nobody looks for Captain America anymore!
-- The in-novel novel's (getting a headache with the meta) premise is that it's all a messed up intergalactic reality gameshow sponsored by a multitude of gods. So several mechanics makes sense as a gameshow element. Think of it as "The Running Man" film (1987) . There's also a lot of cultural context given the popularity of livestreaming in Korean entertainment industry.
-- Multiple gods pitting their powers through sponsorship of humans makes much more sense than a single insane god that created a death game just to see humans fight.

(2) Tons of golden meta critiques / self-deprecating humor by MC as a novel transmigrator

This is what you HOPE to see when an MC breaks the fourth wall and enters a "novel" universe. But hardly ever happens in most similar genre novels.

(3) None of the major flaws in "The Novel's Extra" (also 2018)
The MC Kim Dokja is a typical bored young man (mid 20s?). He's enamored with webnovels and geeks out at the chance to interact with his favorite author. I find that incredibly meta... every reader in this community can probably relate with the MC somewhat.

It's precisely because Dokja's JUST a fan/reader and NOT an author, that his immersion into the new apocalyptic world is more authentic. He doesn't have awkward relationships with the characters as their creator, he just wants to use his knowledge to make the best of the situation. Dokja has no OP editing powers, only a basic skill to identify novel characters that actually exist in real life.

That's an interesting dynamic since Dokja now has REAL AND BELIEVABLE AGENCY. He has competition, his actions have butterfly-effect consequences, and he's not just passively going along with a linear storyline unlike most other novels. Think of it like a sandbox open world. It's a constant challenge since he has to predict all possibilities to survive.

Because it's an integration of novel mechanics with reality, there are no problems with anthropomorphism. Novel "characters" are real living people, and Dokja has to take that into consideration.

At the same time, it's clear that the Dokja takes the time to reflect on his circumstances. He shows genuine regret and distaste for the novel. He wishes it was all just a nightmare he could wake up from. His life is affected, his family is affected, innocent people are dying. That's the rational response you'd expect from a novel transmigrator, not the nonsensical "holy sh*t this is amazing and fun!" attitude.

But this novel has it's own faults too....

(4) So-so World Building

Using "Overlord" as the gold standard...
-- Relatively detailed real world environment, but not well used.
If you check the location maps it actually makes sense. But would've been better if characters made good use of the urban environment to resolve situations and not just pointlessly power up and kick ass.
-- Decent use of Show-Don't-Tell writing style, but too many system elements introduced suddenly.
MC encounters various situations that necessitate brief exposition, but there are just way too many of these that don't really matter.
-- Average stats are emphasized (i.e. "my average stats are 50 so I should kick your ass since you're only 30!"), seems like speccing in one stat is pretty pointless. MC constantly just powers up EVERY stat at the same time.
-- Equipment below S rank doesn't seem to be important. Not sure what's the point of bothering with E - SSS grades when MC and his band jumped straight to S ranks.
-- Many gods/constellations are cleverly based on historical deities with unique modifiers (Sun Wukong, ArchAngel Uriel, etc). They have personalities and motivations that match their various human beneficiaries/incarnation. Humans are not just good and evil.
But the sudden introduction of hierarchies amongst the constellations don't make sense. Then there are wannabe-constellations (aka Guides/Heroes) that suddenly appear as well. Feels like author didn't think it all through at the beginning.

(5) Side characters could be better
None of those annoying side characters that revolve entirely around the MC (Kim Dokja).
All side characters have unique personalities, backgrounds and skill sets that were nicely developed for first 50 chapters but drops off afterwards. Only the original novel protagonist Yoo Jonghyuk is interesting since he's no boy scout.

(6) Other Issues

-- MC Kim Dokja's initial setup (as an unsuccessful new employee) doesn't gel well with his new role as a cunning novel "transmigrator". Even with foreknowledge of the novel, everything seems relatively trouble-free. Dokja seems to have adapted a little too well and too fast.
Unsure if this is a side effect of the abilities he gained as a transmigrator ("Fourth Wall") since it wasn't explicitly mentioned.
This could've been easily solved if the author had set him up as either a brilliant but bored employee who can't muster up enthusiasm at work, or a rabid fan that analyzed all possibilities for the novel while reading it. The latter option makes more sense.
Else it's hard to believe Dokja's actually that clever to memorize the details of the novel and formulate all of his schemes on the fly.

-- Unfortunately some annoying plot armor/skills are randomly introduced when MC is in trouble..

-- Previous reviewers have mentioned retcon issues, but not a deal breaker
-- The AND-THEN-THIS-HAPPENED plot development is annoying. As earlier reviewer @OneChompMan mentioned, although it's fairly logical, it's also sudden and unexpected. Author likely didn't storyboard very far and is making up stuff on the fly. e.g. Situation A/B/C/D/E (a new disaster, a cataclysmic event, a random boss) suddenly happens after the conclusion of a previous event, and we're told that the MC and all of the False Prophets already knew this, and the author just glosses over that fact.

I've been reading this webnovel recently. Its popularity caught my attention and I'm glad I decided to check it out!

This is a paid novel, and up to chapter 43 is free on webnovel dot com.

• • The story is about our protagonist, Kim Dokja's, favourite webnovel coming to reality. He gets caught in it and finds himself facing the events exactly as they happened in the webnovel he reads, he also meet the characters from the webnovel itself. The said webnovel, [Three ways to survive in a ruined world] was not very popular and he was the sole remaining reader by the time the last chapter came out.

Due to the story and settings of this story, I think a warning for its contents is appropriate:

The worldbuilding (or I guess, set-up) is quite well done, it's not perfect but you can tell the author put effort on it. If you like modern world and apocalyptic scenarios with a large dose of survival games, then you might like this novel. Since the majority of it takes place in Seoul, S. Korea, you might not recognise a lot of the landmarks and places that are mentioned here, unless you are well acquainted with the city. Not that it becomes an issue. The incorporation of multiple mythos and legends from different countries, cultures and religion is also nicely done and provides interesting and important twists in the story.

The characters is one of my favourite things about this novel. The main character, Kim Dokja himself is a very intriguing character. Since the story is told in first-person, we spend most of the time in his head.

The other characters are also well written, rounded and the other protagonists are likeable, even with their own massive flaws and issues. Despite how dire the situations they get into, and even when against other humans, I can't help but cheer for the protagonist and his team. I like the incorporation of a character's important facet towards the 'attribute' they receive in the story (ie; a boy who likes catching bugs receives a skill to 'tame' insect type monsters, etc.).

Another thing I love about this novel is that there are no 'dead chapters'. In every chapter, something gets done or something big happens. There is no filler chapter and the length of every chapter is perfect. Never too long, and never too short. A lot of fast-paced novels I read have dead chapters in them that are so uninteresting that I end up just skimming through it.

There is a running gag regarding a romantic attraction between Kim Dokja and the webnovel's protagonist, Yoo Jonghyuk. It's merely a bait by the author, mostly played for comedy, so no this isn't a BL story (in case you were wondering!)

I think the weakest part of this webnovel is the beginning. But I can vouch that it gets better as the story runs.

As expected of a paid translation, the work is good. I just wish that the website would at least hire a proof-reader because there is quite a lot of spelling errors.

Update: some fans are raising their concern regarding how badly the official novel is mistranslated in a lot of parts. (Ie; Yoo Jonghyuk's name is actually Yoo Joonghyeok, dialogues changing meaning, etc) so keep this in mind! I think this is very important considering that this is a paid work. I hope webnovels do something about it in the future because their translation is the only source for the western fans.

this is made me question whether this story was actually Shounen AI... I mean, there is too much bromace here.

Well, for now the stories was well written but nothing ground breaking nor special about it, it just well executed. The phase, the story plot (don't get mistaken with the MC plot armor tho), the interaction was well balanced, though it's a bit remind me of The Reincarnator which is similar type of story except from side-character POV.

I might recommend it if you're looking something that not too heavy but not... more>> too light either, a well balanced dish. I rate it 4 stars because it's average and I'm a bit biased to rainbow turtle, hehe <<less

This is good. I don't have much to say. But if you like story that builds on character and finds reason on the actions of people, then read this. Not every character they meet is "overbearing" like in chinese novel. Sadly it's only on chapter 27 for now so it'll take a while before anything repetitive shows. But at least it isn't like most chinese novel which is a set pattern of

1. Found enemy
2. Fight enemy
   2a. Too strong - retreat and power up
   2b. Too weak - blows them away and slaughter you path through.
3. Go to next location
4. Repeat.

Can't say every Korean novel isn't like this too. But if there isn't a realistic objective, then it just feels repetitive.