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Only the Villainous Lord Wields the Power to Level Up #1
Only the Villainous Lord Wields the Power to Level Up: Volume 1
Ryuichi Hasegawa, the top player in a strategic medieval RPG, is granted a special “bonus” by the developer and reincarnated into the game world—not as the protagonist, but as the villainous lord Erhin Eintorian who dies in the prologue!
This means Erhin’s survival is a race against time, for his domain is set to be invaded by a hostile foreign power in just one day. In order to save himself, Erhin must use the leveling system that only he can access and his knowledge of the game to prepare his forces. The only hitch, of course, is that there’s no way a villainous lord left a functioning military at his disposal! Can Erhin forestall the tragic fate scripted for him, or is he doomed to play out his own demise?
This means Erhin’s survival is a race against time, for his domain is set to be invaded by a hostile foreign power in just one day. In order to save himself, Erhin must use the leveling system that only he can access and his knowledge of the game to prepare his forces. The only hitch, of course, is that there’s no way a villainous lord left a functioning military at his disposal! Can Erhin forestall the tragic fate scripted for him, or is he doomed to play out his own demise?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2023
55 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 18, 2023
I liked that this was from the male POV and it wasn’t a harem/reverse harem story. I wish there were more storylines where the MC is a female who takes over politically AND there is no romance, not even a WHIFF of it until after at least the first few volumes. But this wasn’t bad. I like HEA and it’s clear that Good Will Win at the end, so I look forward to the next volume.
4, I needed the pick-me-up with the way work has been going, stars.
4, I needed the pick-me-up with the way work has been going, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
I've been looking for a gamelit story that uses strategy games as a base and I think this one might take the cake.
The MC is a 25-year-old who just completed the single-player campaign of a Warring States game and received an ambiguous message from the game developer about striving for further glory. He has a dizzy spell, passes out, then wakes up as one of the characters from the game he was just playing. Unfortunately, his 'character' died a pathetic small-fry villain's death in the game's prologue. He has less than a day before his town is attacked and, even if he alters history, he'll have to contend with his awful reputation and manage to build up his domain before the rest of the kingdom falls.
I really enjoyed the setup and the story actually stuck to the strategy game aspect. The stat screens were minimal and usually focused on troop sizes, skill levels, and morale. It gave me a similar feeling to when I used to play Total War games.
There are a few other light novels out there that have a semi-focus on building up a base or a kingdom, with one of the better ones being How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom. But that story didn't capture the same feeling of playing a grand strategy game the way this one did. I can't wait to dive into Book 2 and I would recommend this series for any gamelit fans looking for a strategy game story.
The MC is a 25-year-old who just completed the single-player campaign of a Warring States game and received an ambiguous message from the game developer about striving for further glory. He has a dizzy spell, passes out, then wakes up as one of the characters from the game he was just playing. Unfortunately, his 'character' died a pathetic small-fry villain's death in the game's prologue. He has less than a day before his town is attacked and, even if he alters history, he'll have to contend with his awful reputation and manage to build up his domain before the rest of the kingdom falls.
I really enjoyed the setup and the story actually stuck to the strategy game aspect. The stat screens were minimal and usually focused on troop sizes, skill levels, and morale. It gave me a similar feeling to when I used to play Total War games.
There are a few other light novels out there that have a semi-focus on building up a base or a kingdom, with one of the better ones being How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom. But that story didn't capture the same feeling of playing a grand strategy game the way this one did. I can't wait to dive into Book 2 and I would recommend this series for any gamelit fans looking for a strategy game story.
January 6, 2024
Granted a special “bonus” for completing the single player version of a game, Ryuichi Hasegawa is reincarnated directly into the game as a villainous character who dies early on. As Ryuichi, now Erhin Eintorian races against time to survive, he focuses on getting stronger and expanding his domain to bring glory!
From the title itself I knew that I’d enjoy this light novel. The story is evenly paced and written quite simply. As a reader who doesn’t play games, I found the terms, game strategies and references were well explained in simple terms and in a few words. The stat screens were also quite limited throughout, appearing in key areas to support the imagery. Written in multiple points of views, while primarily focusing on Erhin’s, the volume does a good job in building the game world and setting the stage of what’s to come in future volumes.
The writing doesn’t overwhelm the reader with too much information. Details about the world and game are mainly provided when they are encountered by Erhin. However, action scenes are quite lacking and the story doesn’t indulge in the side characters. We’re given enough information about everything to understand and enjoy the story but ultimately, it leaves a somewhat incomplete feeling. So far there isn’t a harem, for which I’m thankful for.
The story takes place in a medieval setting during wartime, so be wary if you’re not comfortable reading about rape, assault, death, trafficking and murder. They aren’t explicit or take up large parts of the story but there are mentions.
The volume has a handful of well placed artwork throughout. The artwork has a similar feel to the cover; detailed yet soft and simple. I liked how the artwork doesn’t just focus on Erhin but showcases a variety of scenes and characters. The backgrounds are descriptive and they don’t disrupt the story’s flow.
Volume one has a happy ending and although Erhin may be considered overpowered, there are other characters who can best him if Erhin is without his “bonus”. I liked the execution of this story and the world building, given there is quite a bit of strategy. Overall, I enjoyed this light novel and will be continuing this series soon.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
From the title itself I knew that I’d enjoy this light novel. The story is evenly paced and written quite simply. As a reader who doesn’t play games, I found the terms, game strategies and references were well explained in simple terms and in a few words. The stat screens were also quite limited throughout, appearing in key areas to support the imagery. Written in multiple points of views, while primarily focusing on Erhin’s, the volume does a good job in building the game world and setting the stage of what’s to come in future volumes.
The writing doesn’t overwhelm the reader with too much information. Details about the world and game are mainly provided when they are encountered by Erhin. However, action scenes are quite lacking and the story doesn’t indulge in the side characters. We’re given enough information about everything to understand and enjoy the story but ultimately, it leaves a somewhat incomplete feeling. So far there isn’t a harem, for which I’m thankful for.
The story takes place in a medieval setting during wartime, so be wary if you’re not comfortable reading about rape, assault, death, trafficking and murder. They aren’t explicit or take up large parts of the story but there are mentions.
The volume has a handful of well placed artwork throughout. The artwork has a similar feel to the cover; detailed yet soft and simple. I liked how the artwork doesn’t just focus on Erhin but showcases a variety of scenes and characters. The backgrounds are descriptive and they don’t disrupt the story’s flow.
Volume one has a happy ending and although Erhin may be considered overpowered, there are other characters who can best him if Erhin is without his “bonus”. I liked the execution of this story and the world building, given there is quite a bit of strategy. Overall, I enjoyed this light novel and will be continuing this series soon.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
September 15, 2025
This book was an interesting read, but not without its flaws.
The game mechanics are intriguing — I especially liked the idea that you can only be killed by someone with a higher stat in a specific attribute — but the setting is otherwise a fairly standard medieval fantasy with few surprises. The protagonist declares he wants to “conquer the world,” but how? Is he gonna be a king, emperor, head of a federation? He doesn’t feel like a man with ambitions, ideals, or inner conflict — more like a narrative function programmed to play the “conqueror.” Real historical conquerors — and fictional ones like Reinhard von Lohengramm (Legend of the Galactic Heroes) — are far more compelling.
The supporting characters are more engaging, and the constant references to the original game’s timeline add tension, but I’m not sure I’ll continue the series.
The game mechanics are intriguing — I especially liked the idea that you can only be killed by someone with a higher stat in a specific attribute — but the setting is otherwise a fairly standard medieval fantasy with few surprises. The protagonist declares he wants to “conquer the world,” but how? Is he gonna be a king, emperor, head of a federation? He doesn’t feel like a man with ambitions, ideals, or inner conflict — more like a narrative function programmed to play the “conqueror.” Real historical conquerors — and fictional ones like Reinhard von Lohengramm (Legend of the Galactic Heroes) — are far more compelling.
The supporting characters are more engaging, and the constant references to the original game’s timeline add tension, but I’m not sure I’ll continue the series.
July 18, 2023
Good story and plot.
The first volume in this series brings a good story and plot, nothing new, nothing revolutionary in this genre, but still fun and easy to read. The pacing is good, with no boring moments. The MC is well described and his personality, although not fully developed is quite good. Overpowered, but not in excess, the author manages to bring a good balance here. A weak point, that hopefully will be address in next install,ents is the secondary characters, mostly Euracia. Her personality, goals and skills are just confusing and her introduction was a little strange. Overall, a fun book and easy to read.
The first volume in this series brings a good story and plot, nothing new, nothing revolutionary in this genre, but still fun and easy to read. The pacing is good, with no boring moments. The MC is well described and his personality, although not fully developed is quite good. Overpowered, but not in excess, the author manages to bring a good balance here. A weak point, that hopefully will be address in next install,ents is the secondary characters, mostly Euracia. Her personality, goals and skills are just confusing and her introduction was a little strange. Overall, a fun book and easy to read.
July 3, 2023
8/10
I wish Goodreads tracked it a bit better, but it seems like my Kindle may have gotten disconnected from my Goodreads, hence the late posting.
Finished this book a few days ago, so this isn’t the most accurate rating, but:
The pacing is very good, never to slow or too fast. The action is just good or okay though. Having the entirety of his combat be him pressing “Attack” takes a lot away from the actual fighting.
The leveling seems good, and he acts within a realm of reason I’d like to read.
Overall, good book, and I’m excited for the future releases.
I wish Goodreads tracked it a bit better, but it seems like my Kindle may have gotten disconnected from my Goodreads, hence the late posting.
Finished this book a few days ago, so this isn’t the most accurate rating, but:
The pacing is very good, never to slow or too fast. The action is just good or okay though. Having the entirety of his combat be him pressing “Attack” takes a lot away from the actual fighting.
The leveling seems good, and he acts within a realm of reason I’d like to read.
Overall, good book, and I’m excited for the future releases.
May 8, 2023
I read the pre-pub that was available on J-Novel for subscribers.
The story is overall not bad, although war strategy plot lines are not my favorite, and at times it was a little boring. Also the hero is not terribly sympathetic since often he’s more interested in winning the game than any other higher calling, but he still does the right thing most of the time.
It was entertaining enough that I’ll probably read the next volume.
The story is overall not bad, although war strategy plot lines are not my favorite, and at times it was a little boring. Also the hero is not terribly sympathetic since often he’s more interested in winning the game than any other higher calling, but he still does the right thing most of the time.
It was entertaining enough that I’ll probably read the next volume.
January 1, 2024
If you like litrpgs or just rpgs in general you will like Only the Villainous Lord Wields the Power to Level Up.
The main character is somehow transported into a conquest game that he has been playing. In game, he is able to see his stats and the stats of other people and makes use of all the game elements to level up and begin his conquest.
He is a bit OP, but not so much that it is annoying. I'm really looking forward to reading more of this one.
The main character is somehow transported into a conquest game that he has been playing. In game, he is able to see his stats and the stats of other people and makes use of all the game elements to level up and begin his conquest.
He is a bit OP, but not so much that it is annoying. I'm really looking forward to reading more of this one.
June 27, 2024
An interesting take on isekai with kingdom management and war strategy however the characters like jint feel rushed and his backstory was written very casual compared to what happens in it. I think this book is worth a try if you dont take it too seriously and expect too much.
November 9, 2023
Три зірочки лише за те, що читалося легко. Але все тут дуже поверхнево. Ніяких сюрпризів чи цікавиї ідей немає. Більше схоже на чорновик, ніж на бажаний фінальний результат.
May 17, 2023
A fan and expert of a RPG strategy game about uniting a shattered empire is placed in a world much like the game, except he is a character which died early on in the game. He has very little time to reverse his fate, but reverse he must, using the game mechanics only he appears to have access to.
The story is fairly simple, the characters not very detailed, which in some cases can at least be explained away by game mechanics and the world purposely been crafted that way. For example, in RL somebody does not listen to a lord just because that person is noble, and no noble can suddenly dismiss all his allies without expecting serious repercussions. The title is a bit misleading. Yes, the MC's body was a villain, but not the MC. Still, the battle tactics are decent, the story is intriguing enough and the writing style not off putting. So, a decently entertaining read, but definitely not the best in the genre.
The story is fairly simple, the characters not very detailed, which in some cases can at least be explained away by game mechanics and the world purposely been crafted that way. For example, in RL somebody does not listen to a lord just because that person is noble, and no noble can suddenly dismiss all his allies without expecting serious repercussions. The title is a bit misleading. Yes, the MC's body was a villain, but not the MC. Still, the battle tactics are decent, the story is intriguing enough and the writing style not off putting. So, a decently entertaining read, but definitely not the best in the genre.
February 10, 2024
Plot - 3 🌟
Character - 3 🌟
Writing Style - 3 🌟
World Building - 3 🌟
Art - 3 🌟
Cover - 3 🌟
Overall - 3 🌟
Character - 3 🌟
Writing Style - 3 🌟
World Building - 3 🌟
Art - 3 🌟
Cover - 3 🌟
Overall - 3 🌟
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews