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Lord of Goblins (Light Novel) #1
Lord of Goblins, Vol. 1
Anger. Pain. Happiness and sorrow. Lev left them all behind as he faded into the void. What of his victory? Had all his hardships been for naught? His dreams and enemies slowly slipped from his grasp as he was transmigrated into another body. He wanted to see the world change, but that opportunity was stolen from him — Or was it?
Shackled by slavery and cursed as a social outcast, Lev must claw his way up a new social ladder laden with abuse and destruction.
Shackled by slavery and cursed as a social outcast, Lev must claw his way up a new social ladder laden with abuse and destruction.
- GenresFantasyMangaLight Novel
235 pages, Audiobook
Published December 11, 2020
320 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
About the author
Michiel Werbrouck
13 books24 followersMichiel Werbrouck was born in Oxford, UK but grew up in the Belgian city of Leuven. He is currently studying Applied Computer Science while working as a freelance Graphic Designer and Marketing Assistant.
Aside from his studies, Michiel is an up-and-coming author, having started out writing short Sci-Fi stories on various online platforms before finally taking the next step. Since then he has improved his craft, honing his writing skills.
Now, his novel, Lord of Goblins, written in conjunction with his co-author, Hadi Bendakji, has brought him big success with its webtoon adaptation surpassing 4 million views.
In his free time, Michiel enjoys playing grand strategy games, hanging out with friends and reading fantasy novels. As a tech fan, he spends lots of time developing apps and games of his own.
In the future Michiel sees himself developing games about his books, working on software/web IT solutions, writing more books and travelling the world.
You can connect with Michiel Werbrouck at:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichielWerbrou1
Email: michielwerbrouck@hotmail.com
Subreddit: r/lordofgoblins/
Discord Server Invite: WG4d4pg
Aside from his studies, Michiel is an up-and-coming author, having started out writing short Sci-Fi stories on various online platforms before finally taking the next step. Since then he has improved his craft, honing his writing skills.
Now, his novel, Lord of Goblins, written in conjunction with his co-author, Hadi Bendakji, has brought him big success with its webtoon adaptation surpassing 4 million views.
In his free time, Michiel enjoys playing grand strategy games, hanging out with friends and reading fantasy novels. As a tech fan, he spends lots of time developing apps and games of his own.
In the future Michiel sees himself developing games about his books, working on software/web IT solutions, writing more books and travelling the world.
You can connect with Michiel Werbrouck at:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichielWerbrou1
Email: michielwerbrouck@hotmail.com
Subreddit: r/lordofgoblins/
Discord Server Invite: WG4d4pg
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 15, 2020
Preface: Lord of Goblins by Michiel Webrouck and Hadi Y. Bendakji is a light novel isekai, with interesting style and story, but otherwise straightforward and fun isekei. As per light novels, it was nice illustrations, and the writing style you would expect from light novels.
It was a very fun read, that I have started and finished in one go, if you enjoy light novels, YA, and want a quick fun read, this is a good book to go for.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Introduction: Lord of Goblins by Michiel Webrouck and Hadi Y. Bendakji discusses the main character, Lev, who gets assassinated, being transferred into the body of a goblinoid creature. (Not exactly a goblin, but that doesn't matter much at the moment). Initially, I looked at that beginning as the stereotypical random death in an isekai (which is fine, mind you), but upon further reading, as I will describe later, more information is shared and interesting things are discussed.
Writing wise, it was overall decent. Dialog was straightforward most of the time, and often made me smile. There were rare cases where I wasn't sure who said what, but even in those case it didn't really matter, but it was still noted in at least one or two occurances. I have found only one mistake, which i have noted to the author and is either already fixed, or will be fixed soon.
Story wise it was an interesting read, there is a number of flashbacks regarding the previous life, however it isn't the kind of flashbacks where its a small paragraph as the main character uses something in their new life, it is more of a fully fledged chapters at a time. Initially, it was jarring, however by the 2nd time it happened those chapters actually ended up being the favorite part of the story.
The story does truthfully start a bit slow, not simply for the speed of events, but it was quite generic in the first third, approximately. The initial third I would've given a 4/5 for the story, mind you it was not bad, it was pretty good but generic. More forward, the main story like was a 4.5/5 for me, getting much better as some characters met and started interacting more. (and often putting a smile to my face), but as I mentioned, the star was definitely the flashback chapters. I would give them an easy 5/5. I went from thinking there was a bit too many, to wishing there was a LOT more. Ah well..
Keep in mind that like most light novels, while quite a few plot points are introduced and resolved, the story is still very much at the beginning, and the story isn't truly complete for the book (It does end up at a nice spot, but my point stands. Which is a side effect of the light novel format, admittedly.)
With regards to all this, I do recommend checking out the series, I did truly enjoy it and will be definitely following it.
Conclusion: I recommend this story if you enjoy YA or light novels, and want a quick read. The story doesn't shy away from deeper topics, but it is presented in a quick way for consumption.
It was a very fun read, that I have started and finished in one go, if you enjoy light novels, YA, and want a quick fun read, this is a good book to go for.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Introduction: Lord of Goblins by Michiel Webrouck and Hadi Y. Bendakji discusses the main character, Lev, who gets assassinated, being transferred into the body of a goblinoid creature. (Not exactly a goblin, but that doesn't matter much at the moment). Initially, I looked at that beginning as the stereotypical random death in an isekai (which is fine, mind you), but upon further reading, as I will describe later, more information is shared and interesting things are discussed.
Writing wise, it was overall decent. Dialog was straightforward most of the time, and often made me smile. There were rare cases where I wasn't sure who said what, but even in those case it didn't really matter, but it was still noted in at least one or two occurances. I have found only one mistake, which i have noted to the author and is either already fixed, or will be fixed soon.
Story wise it was an interesting read, there is a number of flashbacks regarding the previous life, however it isn't the kind of flashbacks where its a small paragraph as the main character uses something in their new life, it is more of a fully fledged chapters at a time. Initially, it was jarring, however by the 2nd time it happened those chapters actually ended up being the favorite part of the story.
The story does truthfully start a bit slow, not simply for the speed of events, but it was quite generic in the first third, approximately. The initial third I would've given a 4/5 for the story, mind you it was not bad, it was pretty good but generic. More forward, the main story like was a 4.5/5 for me, getting much better as some characters met and started interacting more. (and often putting a smile to my face), but as I mentioned, the star was definitely the flashback chapters. I would give them an easy 5/5. I went from thinking there was a bit too many, to wishing there was a LOT more. Ah well..
Keep in mind that like most light novels, while quite a few plot points are introduced and resolved, the story is still very much at the beginning, and the story isn't truly complete for the book (It does end up at a nice spot, but my point stands. Which is a side effect of the light novel format, admittedly.)
With regards to all this, I do recommend checking out the series, I did truly enjoy it and will be definitely following it.
Conclusion: I recommend this story if you enjoy YA or light novels, and want a quick read. The story doesn't shy away from deeper topics, but it is presented in a quick way for consumption.
July 5, 2020
Note that I'm reviewing the now-published version of this story, which has been professionally edited.
Lord of Goblins is an exciting reincarnation story of an accomplished veteran badass warrior from the future-turned political leader, who dies and is reincarnated as the lowest kind of Goblin, retaining all of his memories. From there we dive into an adventure story that hits on several genres including fantasy, war strategy, and dungeon crawler, punctuated by flashbacks to Lev's military days(where he was a total badass, of course.)
Story
The book is on the shorter side, serving to introduce us to the cast of characters, Lev's situation, and his plight. He begins sewing the seeds of something that could turn out to be great, but we're not quite there yet. I expect we'll get our much-desired payoff soon enough in the second installment though!
Style
The style doesn't get in your way, which is the highest praise I can give to a style. I did very much enjoy the flashbacks, and actually want to see a bit more of that.
Grammar
This has been edited by a professional publisher. It's great. 'Nuff said.
Character
Lev is an awesome protagonist. I can't wait to see him dominate the goblins with his superior knowledge and skills. Rak, Ghorza, and Rapha are well-development, and Vyrga is shaping up to be a good antagonist/rival, and is certainly more than meets the eye.
Overall an entertaining and promising setup to what could end up being an epic series. And if you're not normally a goblin fan, take comfort in knowing that these are probably the most honorable, human-like goblins you've probably seen. They're even monogamous!
Lord of Goblins is an exciting reincarnation story of an accomplished veteran badass warrior from the future-turned political leader, who dies and is reincarnated as the lowest kind of Goblin, retaining all of his memories. From there we dive into an adventure story that hits on several genres including fantasy, war strategy, and dungeon crawler, punctuated by flashbacks to Lev's military days(where he was a total badass, of course.)
Story
The book is on the shorter side, serving to introduce us to the cast of characters, Lev's situation, and his plight. He begins sewing the seeds of something that could turn out to be great, but we're not quite there yet. I expect we'll get our much-desired payoff soon enough in the second installment though!
Style
The style doesn't get in your way, which is the highest praise I can give to a style. I did very much enjoy the flashbacks, and actually want to see a bit more of that.
Grammar
This has been edited by a professional publisher. It's great. 'Nuff said.
Character
Lev is an awesome protagonist. I can't wait to see him dominate the goblins with his superior knowledge and skills. Rak, Ghorza, and Rapha are well-development, and Vyrga is shaping up to be a good antagonist/rival, and is certainly more than meets the eye.
Overall an entertaining and promising setup to what could end up being an epic series. And if you're not normally a goblin fan, take comfort in knowing that these are probably the most honorable, human-like goblins you've probably seen. They're even monogamous!
September 6, 2020
This was my first ever Light Novel. I feel I bring a unique perspective on this work because of that very reason. Leonard Erand Vandersteen (Lev) seemed to have it all. At his highest moment, a shot rang out and his life ended. He was not gone however, as he reincarnates into the body of an injured Goblin (Gherm), known as a greyborn in world different from his own. Gone are his friends, subordinates, and overall council. Greyborn are the lowest of the low in this goblinoid society. He makes it his mission to advance in society, raise rank, conquer enemies, and seemingly establish his own empire. This is the beginning of his journey. I loved the storytelling once he becomes a greyborn. The art found within in the novel is phenomenal, although the character representations are different from what I imagined as I was reading. There exists a sequence of flashbacks for Lev in his prior life that one could consider jarring as the main story takes place in a fantasy setting, while said flashbacks occur in an advanced society of armored suits and plasma rifles. Another small issue I found within the pages were small grammar and spelling mistakes. These are not prevalent, but do exist. Being a debut work is more than enough reason for forgiveness, but it should be mentioned all the same. Overall, I found the story to be very engaging and I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here. Hopefully, there are still more questions to be asked in this series before others are answered.
September 12, 2020
Is it a good story - yes! Is it the best story you have read? It all depends on your taste. However, the world Werbrouck and Bendakji have created will leave you wanting for more. And the great art included inside by Vu Dinh Lan adds so much to enrich the setting, characters and story. If there is one flaw to the "Lord of Goblins" it is the start. Just like any isekai story, you can almost predict the steps, but before you know it, that doesn't matter. The narrative has caught you in its trap and you just have to continue reading. Is there anything more important than that? I would say no! All that is left is to wait for Vol. 2.
May 13, 2021
Fun read, but I felt like the story flow was a slow build and didn't really pay off at the end. I'm not sure if it was a publishing thing, but I feel like this should have been combined with volume 2 to make more of a longer 400 page novel. You get introduced to characters and pieces of the world, but not much else happens. The descriptions of characters was lacking, you had to rely on the art to put a full picture in your mind, which I loved the art, but I don't want to rely on it to have the imagery of the story. Especially when it's limited art pages. I will stick with this author and read volume 2, because I think there is a great story coming, but the first volume to me doesn't really get you hooked.
January 29, 2021
The first audiobook I ever bought on my recently purchased kindle. The voice actor is solid with a myriad of voices. The protagonist is likeable, the antagonist all have their own stories and depth. They take action to pursue their goals and for their own survival. There are consequences for mistakes and the side characters notice when something is wrong. How many "reincarnation" stories have you read where the side characters simply never notice that the main character is acting differently or knows something they shouldn't? Or if they do, nothing comes of it, or it's just used as a running gag?
That doesn't happen here, nearly right out of the gate the side characters in the book show awareness of change around them. What a breath of fresh air to have supporting roles that aren't as dense as a sack of bricks! To have a protagonist that has to work towards growing more powerful rather than being the 'chosen one' anointed by the gods. There are no spontaneous abilities that no one else has or has ever seen. No sudden inexplicable power increase for the protag's followers. Everything that is gained is due to hard work and/or by using the people and environments.
Truly an enjoyable listen. Sadly there seemed to be some editing mishaps here or there in the audiobook version. Not often, but I would sometimes hear things like rustling paper or clinks of something being set down. A single sentence with the wrong voice and the like.
4 stars easily, don't regret it as my first purchase, a good book for any fantasy fans.
That doesn't happen here, nearly right out of the gate the side characters in the book show awareness of change around them. What a breath of fresh air to have supporting roles that aren't as dense as a sack of bricks! To have a protagonist that has to work towards growing more powerful rather than being the 'chosen one' anointed by the gods. There are no spontaneous abilities that no one else has or has ever seen. No sudden inexplicable power increase for the protag's followers. Everything that is gained is due to hard work and/or by using the people and environments.
Truly an enjoyable listen. Sadly there seemed to be some editing mishaps here or there in the audiobook version. Not often, but I would sometimes hear things like rustling paper or clinks of something being set down. A single sentence with the wrong voice and the like.
4 stars easily, don't regret it as my first purchase, a good book for any fantasy fans.
Read
May 16, 2021A refreshing isekai
This story avoided a good many of the numerous pitfalls offered to anyone attempting yet another isekai story. They use familiar tropes, which is a must to at least some degree when writing in an established genre, without heavily leaning on cliches or sterotypes. Is there such thing as a truly original story? No, but the challenge of creativity is to tell an old story in a new way, and this story is creative.
This story avoided a good many of the numerous pitfalls offered to anyone attempting yet another isekai story. They use familiar tropes, which is a must to at least some degree when writing in an established genre, without heavily leaning on cliches or sterotypes. Is there such thing as a truly original story? No, but the challenge of creativity is to tell an old story in a new way, and this story is creative.
August 23, 2020
Excellent piece of writing. Fantasy at its finest. Once the readers delve into the world of Lord of Goblins, they will find it difficult to drop. The worldbuilding, characters and story line are well planned and thought out.
Highly recommended by me.
Highly recommended by me.
August 24, 2020
It’s keeps you glued to the book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Finished it all in a single day waiting with baited breath for the next coming scene. Can’t wait till the next book comes out!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Finished it all in a single day waiting with baited breath for the next coming scene. Can’t wait till the next book comes out!
December 13, 2020
Good Story
Great read can not wait for the next one. Can not wait to see what happens next. Cliffhanger sucks though. Lol
Great read can not wait for the next one. Can not wait to see what happens next. Cliffhanger sucks though. Lol
December 9, 2020
Good first book
It leaves you satisfied at the end and wanting more which is hard to find nowadays in books. It doesn’t overly complicate things and fleshes out several of the characters whom most likely will be important, I look forward to book 2 when it comes out.
It leaves you satisfied at the end and wanting more which is hard to find nowadays in books. It doesn’t overly complicate things and fleshes out several of the characters whom most likely will be important, I look forward to book 2 when it comes out.
September 28, 2020
This is the first Original English Light Novel (OELN) I read, and it's fascinating. Granted, I haven't read a lot of Isekai and other Light Novel, so I can't offer the best review on this, but it is very good.
The first part of the series shows Lev, as he's reincarnated as Gherm in another world of goblins and bugs. It covers a brief arc, where he uses his past memories to organise against a strong enemy, but soon goes into a dungeon crawler.
It is slow at first and gets to the crux of the long-term arc in the last scene, but Lev is an interesting character for he uses memories from both lives to overcome their difficulties and discover the mysteries of the universe. It even gets you interested in both worlds and keen to learn more about them in the later volumes.
It's a good start and managed to break the ice with a story that subverted expectations from an Isekai light novel story.
The first part of the series shows Lev, as he's reincarnated as Gherm in another world of goblins and bugs. It covers a brief arc, where he uses his past memories to organise against a strong enemy, but soon goes into a dungeon crawler.
It is slow at first and gets to the crux of the long-term arc in the last scene, but Lev is an interesting character for he uses memories from both lives to overcome their difficulties and discover the mysteries of the universe. It even gets you interested in both worlds and keen to learn more about them in the later volumes.
It's a good start and managed to break the ice with a story that subverted expectations from an Isekai light novel story.
October 11, 2020
I absolutely loved Lord of Goblins. An Isekai story done right. This was my first OELN and I can now say that I am an OELN fan! The book tells the story of Lev, a politician who is killed and reborn in a fantasy world as a goblin. From there he sets out to take over and improve the quality of life for all of the goblins in this unfamiliar world. Definitely worth the read and I cannot wait for book 2! Additionally, if you want to see me go into a bit more detail on it, I did a video review that you can see here: https://youtu.be/zNTdcXPBHDQ
October 23, 2020
Fun read good build up
A Fun fantasy karma with good pacing of story and action ends abruptly like almost all light novels otherwise a fun read
A Fun fantasy karma with good pacing of story and action ends abruptly like almost all light novels otherwise a fun read
December 4, 2023
A very interesting start to a series. I did enjoy the setup in this book but it does start of very very slow. I also kept losing interest at a lot of points in this book. However, around the 60% mark I was very taken in by the novel and the plot. I think I will pick up the second book at some point but not for now.
If you enjoy isekai and looking for a good entry point to the genre I would recommend this to you. The characters are very interesting and the world building is pretty solid. Like I said earlier the setup for the plot took a while for me personally to get through but once it gets going I found it very enjoyable.
I would also just like to say that I think this novel is very good! Personally it didn’t hit all the marks just yet but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to people who enjoy the genre. :)
If you enjoy isekai and looking for a good entry point to the genre I would recommend this to you. The characters are very interesting and the world building is pretty solid. Like I said earlier the setup for the plot took a while for me personally to get through but once it gets going I found it very enjoyable.
I would also just like to say that I think this novel is very good! Personally it didn’t hit all the marks just yet but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to people who enjoy the genre. :)
November 20, 2021
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This was okay I guess just seemed slow a not much happened even the conclusion at the end did not make me interested in what was happened. I guess this is a story of what happens when reincarnation goes wrong. It was okay but I don't have strong feelings one way or another but the illustrations were nice.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg4e...
This was okay I guess just seemed slow a not much happened even the conclusion at the end did not make me interested in what was happened. I guess this is a story of what happens when reincarnation goes wrong. It was okay but I don't have strong feelings one way or another but the illustrations were nice.
February 28, 2021
Failure to launch
MC is introduced as a successful do gooder as he is assassinated. His mind/personality then replaced that of a low cast goblin while conveniently retaining its memories. Based on the novels blurb he then goes on to repeat his do holder deeds in the new world. I wouldn't really know because that's as far as I got before cutting my losses.
MC is introduced as a successful do gooder as he is assassinated. His mind/personality then replaced that of a low cast goblin while conveniently retaining its memories. Based on the novels blurb he then goes on to repeat his do holder deeds in the new world. I wouldn't really know because that's as far as I got before cutting my losses.
March 7, 2022
A fun read.
I enjoyed reading this book. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. The ending seemed a bit abrupt. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is worth reading.
I enjoyed reading this book. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. The ending seemed a bit abrupt. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is worth reading.
April 17, 2021
DNF
Got 40% of the way through this and gave up. Was hoping for magic, adventure, and an epic world. All I got is politics and plotting. Bleh.
Got 40% of the way through this and gave up. Was hoping for magic, adventure, and an epic world. All I got is politics and plotting. Bleh.
October 16, 2022
Not bad
I enjoyed reading this book, I think it would have gotten a 5 from me if the Segway between scenes were more fluid.
I enjoyed reading this book, I think it would have gotten a 5 from me if the Segway between scenes were more fluid.
August 11, 2023
Was ok but honestly not great. Still was worth reading
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews