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I'm the bad guy!? #1
Arrival
What if you found yourself in another world? In someone else’s body? And not as the hero of the story, but as its villain?
Our hero wakes to find himself in the body of one of his favorite Isekai anime characters. In this new world, the hero is a once-in-a-hundred-year prodigy, a master Arcanist, and is blessed by the god of magic himself. Renowned for his battle prowess, he has an empire under his control and access to the most powerful Arcana Spirits the world has ever seen.
Sounds great, right? Well, there's just one problem... Our hero isn't the hero.
Our hero is the bad guy with a tragic ending.
Can our hero, armed with only his knowledge of anime and the body of twelve-year-old Aren Ulvani, turn his life around? Or will the events of the anime come to pass regardless of what he does?
From Kenneth Arant, bestselling author of All-Knowing Novice (Clanless Cultivator) and A Snake's Life, comes a brand new adventure that takes every anime trope and flips them on their head!
Publisher's Note: I' m the Bad Guy!? Arrival is a rereleased work, originally published under the same title by the author, Kenneth Arant. This version, published by Shadow Alley Press, has been copy-edited, but no other substantial changes have been made to the story
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2019
126 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 6, 2019
Surprisingly good!
If you go in to this book expecting your run of the mill isekai then prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The story is well paced, power levels are slowly formed instead of info dumped, the world building is gradual with what little there is, and the characters are fun and interesting. I definitely recommend this book.
If you go in to this book expecting your run of the mill isekai then prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The story is well paced, power levels are slowly formed instead of info dumped, the world building is gradual with what little there is, and the characters are fun and interesting. I definitely recommend this book.
June 18, 2020
The book managed to save itself from 1 star rating in the last 20% when it finally started showing its own face. The first 80% was mostly snide ripping off of Harry Potter (down to the antagonising rival named 'Lukas Malkfey' and his two cronies, a magic academy in the theme of Hogwarts with 7 years of curriculum, classes which have extremely similar sounding names, an eccentric headmaster, and even a copy of Bertie Botts Every Flavoured Beans!).
Frankly the author has enough unique material that he should have been able to craft his own world, I don't know what was the obsession with Harry Potter.
Frankly the author has enough unique material that he should have been able to craft his own world, I don't know what was the obsession with Harry Potter.
April 11, 2019
Good Start
An interesting start to a new book, I’m looking forward to the next one to find out what happens next.
An interesting start to a new book, I’m looking forward to the next one to find out what happens next.
May 3, 2020
sorta pointless
The initial promise rapidly turned into yet another OP protagonist with no sign of real opposition, followed by the story heading into a blatant Hogwarts ripoff.
The initial promise rapidly turned into yet another OP protagonist with no sign of real opposition, followed by the story heading into a blatant Hogwarts ripoff.
July 10, 2019
This book was probably the best book I have read in awhile. It really does place you in the world of Anime. Can not wait to see where the rest of this story leads.
June 25, 2019
This book is awesome! I can't wait to see how the author continues the series. The MC is hilarious!
June 15, 2019
Fun read
I’ve always enjoyed a good anime , and that is what ya got here
Can’t wait to read more .
I’ve always enjoyed a good anime , and that is what ya got here
Can’t wait to read more .
December 15, 2024
This book is essentially perfect for me, with the right mix of intelligence and wit. The MC wakes up as the 12 year old bad guy from one of his favorite mangas. Having been an adult and knowing at least some of what is to happen gives the MC certain advantages, like greater emotional stability and discipline. This means that the MC is immediately better off than the character he inhabits since he doesn't feel the need to wreck his magic trying to be something other than a summoner. It also means the MC reacts calmly, if somewhat methodically, when insulted and accosted by other boys. The MC also trains his magic maniacally and begins an exercise and diet regiment to bring his over-weight 12 year old body into shape.
As a result of the MCs actions the story begins to change. For starters the original character had very low magical ability but the MC's presence somehow changes that, placing him at the very highest of magical ability. Also, instead of creeping on the Princess the MC now seeks to avoid her as he is all too aware of how wrong things went for his character in the manga. Unfortunately for the MC the emperor wants the two together and so enlists the MC as a protector for the princess when they are at school. The princess, however, has changed from the manga as well by this time and seems to welcome the MC's company.
The MC's action result in a major deviation from the manga story in the form of an attempted kidnapping at school. Fortunately one of the kidnappers was too obvious about his intentions prompting an inquiry which brought the Emperor and his bodyguards to the school in time to help the MC stop the kidnapping.
I am not familiar with the author and what demands are made on his time so I cannot take that into account. Still it seems fair to point out this book is only 184 pages long. It could have been twice as long and still been a pretty easy read, and, given that this is just the start of a larger story, that would have likely worked out nicely. Nevertheless, the story ends with some fairly significant happenings so I didn't feel like it lacked resolution.
Bottom line: worth the read.
As a result of the MCs actions the story begins to change. For starters the original character had very low magical ability but the MC's presence somehow changes that, placing him at the very highest of magical ability. Also, instead of creeping on the Princess the MC now seeks to avoid her as he is all too aware of how wrong things went for his character in the manga. Unfortunately for the MC the emperor wants the two together and so enlists the MC as a protector for the princess when they are at school. The princess, however, has changed from the manga as well by this time and seems to welcome the MC's company.
The MC's action result in a major deviation from the manga story in the form of an attempted kidnapping at school. Fortunately one of the kidnappers was too obvious about his intentions prompting an inquiry which brought the Emperor and his bodyguards to the school in time to help the MC stop the kidnapping.
I am not familiar with the author and what demands are made on his time so I cannot take that into account. Still it seems fair to point out this book is only 184 pages long. It could have been twice as long and still been a pretty easy read, and, given that this is just the start of a larger story, that would have likely worked out nicely. Nevertheless, the story ends with some fairly significant happenings so I didn't feel like it lacked resolution.
Bottom line: worth the read.
July 29, 2019
This book is the perfect example of a simple, even cliche idea, done right. It's all in the execution.
The characters are interesting and not 2D, the plot is interesting and the plot curious.
Looking forward to book 2.
The only downside, and not one worth a lost star, is the cover picture is a bit offputting. It looks more like something seen on a random web fic than what you would normally see on a published book.
The characters are interesting and not 2D, the plot is interesting and the plot curious.
Looking forward to book 2.
The only downside, and not one worth a lost star, is the cover picture is a bit offputting. It looks more like something seen on a random web fic than what you would normally see on a published book.
June 19, 2019
A pretty good book. Glad I gave it a chance. Can't wait for book 2.
July 23, 2019
Enjoyable.
June 28, 2019
Simplistic story but done very good!
Overall the store is very simplistic but I do like the twist of the main character starting off as the bad guy and the diversion of the storyline from the original anime as he noted. I will point out that in many anime stories especially those that are long lasting some characters that start off as villains eventually become companions and actually helpful to the main anime character so it is not new that a villain character can become a hero.
Overall the store is very simplistic but I do like the twist of the main character starting off as the bad guy and the diversion of the storyline from the original anime as he noted. I will point out that in many anime stories especially those that are long lasting some characters that start off as villains eventually become companions and actually helpful to the main anime character so it is not new that a villain character can become a hero.
January 2, 2024
"Arrival (I'm the bad guy!? #1)" by Kenneth Arant
Kenneth Arant introduces readers to a compelling tale in "Arrival," the inaugural book of the I'm the bad guy!? series. With an intriguing blend of fantasy and mystery, Arant constructs a captivating narrative that leaves readers questioning perceptions and diving into a world of unforeseen revelations.
Plot Overview:
"Arrival" follows the protagonist's unexpected arrival in a fantastical realm, where they discover themselves in the role of the presumed antagonist. As they navigate this perplexing situation, facing challenges and confronting their perceived role, the story unfolds with twists that challenge the very essence of good and evil.
Arant's Narrative Style:
Arant's storytelling style intertwines elements of mystery and fantasy, engaging readers with a plot that steadily builds suspense and intrigue. The narrative is crafted with a sense of unpredictability, compelling readers to question assumptions and motivations along with the protagonist.
Character Dynamics:
The protagonist's journey of self-discovery is portrayed with depth, allowing for compelling character development amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and conflicting roles. Supporting characters are introduced with enigmatic personas, adding layers to the intricacies of the protagonist's predicament.
World-Building and Atmosphere:
Arant weaves an immersive world, blurring the lines between heroism and villainy. The vivid descriptions and atmospheric settings contribute to an intriguing backdrop that draws readers deeper into the complexities of this newly discovered realm.
In Conclusion:
"Arrival (I'm the bad guy!? #1)" sets the stage for Kenneth Arant's series with a promising start. With its intriguing premise, well-crafted characters, and a world ripe with mysteries, this book initiates an engaging journey that challenges conventional perceptions of heroes and villains.
February 13, 2022
Aren Ulvani is a twelve year old who during his life on earth had been a fan of anime but had never dreamt in his wildest dreams that he would one day wake up in the body of one of the characters from the series he followed and in an anime world. He is reincarnated as the antagonist in the series who had the love of his life, the princess, stolen, his kingdom destroyed, his family butchered, his magic sealed and ended up being worked to death as a slave but knowing all this Aren is damned if he was going to let his life follow this fate. He intended, once forewarned, to not make the same mistakes and choices, but to forge his own life path, however he finds himself being led by fate yet again. He is introduced to the princess and being forced into a planned marriage to her, but they both refuse to accept the Emperor's plans for their future. They do however embark on their seven year journey into the magic academy to train as magic wielders. Aren was bullied all his life but this time round he is prepared and he has stronger magical powers than the Aren in the series ever had. Can he put these to good use and really twist what fate had planned for him? I love the character's sense of humour and I can envisage another Harry Potter in the making with all the fun being a twelve year old in a magical academy entails. I really loved this first book and look forward to book 2. Kenneth Arant once again gives us an anti-hero as our hero and I love that he does this!
July 5, 2020
This was a very surprising and wonderful read.
I started this after something a slump and was expecting to just kind of half heartedly read it. Well it did much more than that and I feel invigorated to read even more now! I’m just bummed this book wasn’t 2-3 times longer. Hell give me the next 10 books right now!
The magic is fun, the interactions so far have been believable and the MC is just a relatable guy. Wish there was a bit more action but this was very short.
Only thing I don’t really like, and I can see this being an issue for a people in general, is that he doesn’t seem to know all that much about this anime that he has supposedly seen several seasons on. His knowledge of even the basic magic’s seem inconsistent and barely recognizes the faces of important people. My mind rationalized this by thinking that he watched the anime several years prior and hasn’t remember much of it. You’d think he’d still know more than he does now, which is basically nothing.
I also really wish that MCs dwelled on their past lives more. I’m sure someone/something was left behind that he’d miss but we learn nothing about it at all.
8/10
I started this after something a slump and was expecting to just kind of half heartedly read it. Well it did much more than that and I feel invigorated to read even more now! I’m just bummed this book wasn’t 2-3 times longer. Hell give me the next 10 books right now!
The magic is fun, the interactions so far have been believable and the MC is just a relatable guy. Wish there was a bit more action but this was very short.
Only thing I don’t really like, and I can see this being an issue for a people in general, is that he doesn’t seem to know all that much about this anime that he has supposedly seen several seasons on. His knowledge of even the basic magic’s seem inconsistent and barely recognizes the faces of important people. My mind rationalized this by thinking that he watched the anime several years prior and hasn’t remember much of it. You’d think he’d still know more than he does now, which is basically nothing.
I also really wish that MCs dwelled on their past lives more. I’m sure someone/something was left behind that he’d miss but we learn nothing about it at all.
8/10
January 19, 2021
An interesting take on the genre
While not completely ground breaking in its approach to the isekei genre (transported to another world story line), main character wakes up, with no explanation, as one of the characters from an anime he really likes. Is stuck without a way back to his own body or world and due to the character he's now playing being a villain in the series he wants to change his fate. What is refreshing is the mentality of the protagonist, he's not over confident, arrogant, or even really meek. He comes off as very genuine and human. I like overpowered characters and he's shaping up to be one but its not the standard of the character starting insanely over the top, he actually is working pretty hard on it and will get there through the hard work expanding his potential. In the sea of isekei stories this ones standing out because of how relatable and human, the main character is. The only real draw back is that the setting and plot arc isn't doing anything terribly new or interesting as of this first installment, which does render the rest of the story a bit flat. I do look forward to how this story continues.
While not completely ground breaking in its approach to the isekei genre (transported to another world story line), main character wakes up, with no explanation, as one of the characters from an anime he really likes. Is stuck without a way back to his own body or world and due to the character he's now playing being a villain in the series he wants to change his fate. What is refreshing is the mentality of the protagonist, he's not over confident, arrogant, or even really meek. He comes off as very genuine and human. I like overpowered characters and he's shaping up to be one but its not the standard of the character starting insanely over the top, he actually is working pretty hard on it and will get there through the hard work expanding his potential. In the sea of isekei stories this ones standing out because of how relatable and human, the main character is. The only real draw back is that the setting and plot arc isn't doing anything terribly new or interesting as of this first installment, which does render the rest of the story a bit flat. I do look forward to how this story continues.
June 17, 2020
This book surprised me! I went in with low hopes and cliches in mind, and it surpassed my expectations. There are, of course, still a few small issues in the book. Small grammatical errors, and a confusing POV change for a chapter. Overall, though, I'd highly recommend this book for anyone who loves isekais or reincarnation light novels.
One thing I paid close attention to was continuity. Locations, clothing, and consistency between actions and such. It's easy to mess this stuff up and have the reader feeling a little confused or have a crack in immersion appear.... aaaand I found no issues. None. The author clearly paid close attention to this, and as a result, I couldn't poke any holes in continuity or plot for this entire story. Which makes me proud for the author, but also is a strange feeling for me. I love poking holes in the stories I'm reading, and this one never gave me the chance.
4.5/5 stars - half a star taken off for minor issues stated in the first paragraph. I plan to follow this series with interest.
One thing I paid close attention to was continuity. Locations, clothing, and consistency between actions and such. It's easy to mess this stuff up and have the reader feeling a little confused or have a crack in immersion appear.... aaaand I found no issues. None. The author clearly paid close attention to this, and as a result, I couldn't poke any holes in continuity or plot for this entire story. Which makes me proud for the author, but also is a strange feeling for me. I love poking holes in the stories I'm reading, and this one never gave me the chance.
4.5/5 stars - half a star taken off for minor issues stated in the first paragraph. I plan to follow this series with interest.
November 15, 2019
It is decent if I am bored one day I might even read the next one. For an mc that likes mentioning things being cliche he himself is a walking anime/isekai cliche. He is the super talented mc that for some reason thinks he isn't talented and other who notice are wowed but never tell him. And as usual sustaining the conceit longterm borders on ridiculous. (he saw the cast time of arcanists in the anime and think his Summoner magic should be as fast but it is normal to be much slower but he trained himself to the speed of an average arcanists anyway + of course an enormous mana pool. And apparently control range an summon copy speed. He has read books about summoning and is part of a Nobel family, how has he avoided learning anything about summoning beside how to use it? ) also of course he is oblivious to someone being into him.
Story is nothing special, style/flow is decent. It passes the time.
Story is nothing special, style/flow is decent. It passes the time.
December 29, 2020
Its pretty good, interesting concept and while the characters still have an almost 2Dness to them (since based off anime, writing characters with a key trait or two is a lot easier than creating a personality) I find both them and the world a lot more interesting than a base anime Isekai story as the protagonist gets to view the normally flat characters from the angle of basically knowing their future, as well as getting to explore their normally predetermined behavior from the show. My biggest pet peeve is the story just fast-forwards by the end, missing out on moments. Another pet peeve is that the main protagonist is just a fan with a basic moral compass before he wakes up in his new body, no distinguishing features aside from an iron will to change things, although it would probably just turn the story into another isekai.
February 21, 2020
Interesting plot design
Liked the story, irritated it was so short. MC was likable and earnest, other characters were a little bit "tropey" and a bit two dimensional. This may be done on purpose since the story is based on a reincarnation into an anime. But, it made the immersion choppy. Hopefully, the following books will build on the interesting storyline. Don't change the narrative POV just add more meat by adding conversations or having the MC reflect on conversations to show not tell the reader why the MC acts and responds in certain ways. It started out this way at the beginning of the story, but faded away as more characters were added. Interesting and good first effort.
Liked the story, irritated it was so short. MC was likable and earnest, other characters were a little bit "tropey" and a bit two dimensional. This may be done on purpose since the story is based on a reincarnation into an anime. But, it made the immersion choppy. Hopefully, the following books will build on the interesting storyline. Don't change the narrative POV just add more meat by adding conversations or having the MC reflect on conversations to show not tell the reader why the MC acts and responds in certain ways. It started out this way at the beginning of the story, but faded away as more characters were added. Interesting and good first effort.
March 17, 2022
Book One
Mistakes: First I need to say that I don’t count this as a book. At one hundred and fifty pages this is a novella. I do kind of like the idea of a novella to see if there is enough interest in the story to go forward with a series.
I found one mistake, an extra word. I posted it on Goodreads.
Plot: The MC is transported into the body of one of the characters from his favorite cartoons. Turns out he landed in the body of the bad guy when he was twelve.
He however has no plans to let the story play out the way it did in his world.
Characters: I like the MC and find him and the story interesting.
8/10
Mistakes: First I need to say that I don’t count this as a book. At one hundred and fifty pages this is a novella. I do kind of like the idea of a novella to see if there is enough interest in the story to go forward with a series.
I found one mistake, an extra word. I posted it on Goodreads.
Plot: The MC is transported into the body of one of the characters from his favorite cartoons. Turns out he landed in the body of the bad guy when he was twelve.
He however has no plans to let the story play out the way it did in his world.
Characters: I like the MC and find him and the story interesting.
8/10
November 8, 2022
Wow. Awesome and fun.
Well I enjoy this book and we had to see the end but I'm off to the next book. I really enjoyed it. The humor among the things was Awesome. Even though there's not much meat to the magic System At least not yet as described. Of course actually a good guy but His favorite would have it he arrived in the bad guys body but he's changing all that so what he knows is becoming rapidly useless. End of course he's got juice. Lots of juice at least for his age and training. Always a good thing when you are the underdog. I highly recommend this book for a light fun read. Off to the next
Well I enjoy this book and we had to see the end but I'm off to the next book. I really enjoyed it. The humor among the things was Awesome. Even though there's not much meat to the magic System At least not yet as described. Of course actually a good guy but His favorite would have it he arrived in the bad guys body but he's changing all that so what he knows is becoming rapidly useless. End of course he's got juice. Lots of juice at least for his age and training. Always a good thing when you are the underdog. I highly recommend this book for a light fun read. Off to the next
February 27, 2020
This is one of the best books I’ve read. But it has one big problem. I am hoping this is fixed in the sequel. In the book the character is betrayed by the person he loves. Although his body has been taken over. Glimpses of his life is seen. But the MC simply ignores glosses over that. I was hoping for a scene where the heroine pretty much asks him to live her. I wanted him to reply something like ‘Being in love with you... such a terrifying thing’. I wanted a bit of angst where he wakes up and remembers the despair felt in the original timeline before death
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
This book was a blast to read
I felt like the book was over too quickly, it totally sucked me in. The main character is smart and pragmatic, using his head to solve his problems and put in the work to get better. Truly a joy to read with some great moments that made me laugh and other moments that I thought held the glimpse of possible greatness but we shall see how the story progresses. When does book two come out???
I felt like the book was over too quickly, it totally sucked me in. The main character is smart and pragmatic, using his head to solve his problems and put in the work to get better. Truly a joy to read with some great moments that made me laugh and other moments that I thought held the glimpse of possible greatness but we shall see how the story progresses. When does book two come out???
February 23, 2022
Very enjoyable
This was a very enjoyable read. A change of pace from Arant's usual main characters. I honestly enjoyed this more than his other books because of it. The world is interesting and the main character is relatable. His lack of knowledge of the minutiae of the world make this all the more entertaining, even if he is given to a Harry Potter level of unawareness at time lol.
This was a very enjoyable read. A change of pace from Arant's usual main characters. I honestly enjoyed this more than his other books because of it. The world is interesting and the main character is relatable. His lack of knowledge of the minutiae of the world make this all the more entertaining, even if he is given to a Harry Potter level of unawareness at time lol.
March 30, 2022
fun
Not really deep. You tend to get spoon fed everything you need to make the world and narrative work.
Which is interesting. Because the MC is trying to use his knowledge of the anime series, and it highlights how shallow tv programs are while forcing him to learn the things a person in his position *should* know.
I’m going to keep reading. It was short, but quite amusing.
Not really deep. You tend to get spoon fed everything you need to make the world and narrative work.
Which is interesting. Because the MC is trying to use his knowledge of the anime series, and it highlights how shallow tv programs are while forcing him to learn the things a person in his position *should* know.
I’m going to keep reading. It was short, but quite amusing.
May 1, 2022
Actually pretty good read if a bit short!
I'm not into anime or whatever at all but you don't really have to be to appreciate this book.
Overall great read. Only gripe is how the main character seems really attached to his parents, despite not knowing them since he's brought to the world.
He acts as if he really cares that his parents leave him somewhere and they go off doing whatever but honestly why would he care anyway? Doesn't make sense.
Otherwise it's a fun book!
I'm not into anime or whatever at all but you don't really have to be to appreciate this book.
Overall great read. Only gripe is how the main character seems really attached to his parents, despite not knowing them since he's brought to the world.
He acts as if he really cares that his parents leave him somewhere and they go off doing whatever but honestly why would he care anyway? Doesn't make sense.
Otherwise it's a fun book!
December 25, 2022
It's a sad day when I'm picking up all these anime-esque books. I hope this stinks and dissuades my further curiosity into this genre, and stops ,me from picking up another.
It's weakness like this that gets people into bad situations.
This was very short, and very cliched. I can't believe I actually found this tolerable, and don't mind reading the sequel... I hope this isn't a gateway into bad novels.
3/5 Stars
It's weakness like this that gets people into bad situations.
This was very short, and very cliched. I can't believe I actually found this tolerable, and don't mind reading the sequel... I hope this isn't a gateway into bad novels.
3/5 Stars
July 28, 2019
Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it in fairness. Writing was fine felt was building but yet to get anywhere really... Was too short, ended maybe if had gone into book 2..... Kind of felt like getting first few chapters rather than a rounded story sorry. Just didn't feel any excitement or find I cared what happened to the characters.
January 19, 2020
What to do if you were the bad guy?
Would you follow his path knowing the issues he had? Would you try to change the path taken? What if you were just the annoying "bad guy" that can't do anything?
This is a fun take that needs more books that takes that idea and runs with it turning it into a good story. Can't wait for book 2 and 3,4,5 lol
Would you follow his path knowing the issues he had? Would you try to change the path taken? What if you were just the annoying "bad guy" that can't do anything?
This is a fun take that needs more books that takes that idea and runs with it turning it into a good story. Can't wait for book 2 and 3,4,5 lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews