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Past Life Countess, Present Life Otome Game NPC?!
Oh dear, it seems I was reincarnated into a modern otome game from a fantasy world! All I ever wanted was to be free of my responsibilities as a countess and I finally got my wish when I was reborn as a commoner in modern Japan. Everything was going perfect, except it turns out this is the world of an otome game and some crazy girl who goes around calling herself the “heroine” is upset at me for stealing all her “events” with the “love interests”… Now she wants me to team up with her against the “villainess”. I’m supposedly just a random NPC, so why am I being dragged into this?!
313 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
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158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 18, 2024
Re-read three years later and meh. Not sure what I saw in this to give it five stars. The premise of the Victoria/Victor thing is weak and it’s basically the MC H and all of his friends lying to the MC h. Why not just have this as a full yuri rather than a fake one? Still, glad it’s a standalone. Also, what’s with the one friend getting violent with the MC h?!? That was completely uncalled for.
3, re-assessed and found lacking, stars.
Original review below this point.
I really liked this one! One of my fav parts was the fact that it’s a standalone! No waiting for the next volume, and then the next and then the next! The epilogue at the end was very, very sad. I wish we had an inkling of if the second prince got his wish or not and if so, who he came back as. We can guess, but it’s not confirmed. Also, wouldn’t it be cool to read his and Annarose’s story without the duke’s daughter’s action ruining it? I would SO read that! Was going to be four, but after writing this, it’s 5 stars, all the way for me! Highly recommended if you like the reincarnation light novel craze. This is one of the better ones that I’ve read.
3, re-assessed and found lacking, stars.
Original review below this point.
I really liked this one! One of my fav parts was the fact that it’s a standalone! No waiting for the next volume, and then the next and then the next! The epilogue at the end was very, very sad. I wish we had an inkling of if the second prince got his wish or not and if so, who he came back as. We can guess, but it’s not confirmed. Also, wouldn’t it be cool to read his and Annarose’s story without the duke’s daughter’s action ruining it? I would SO read that! Was going to be four, but after writing this, it’s 5 stars, all the way for me! Highly recommended if you like the reincarnation light novel craze. This is one of the better ones that I’ve read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2020
Urara is a common, average, run-of-the-mill girl living a simple life at a fancy school courtesy of a scholarship. Except she’s in a light novel, which these days means she died somewhere and came back somewhere else. Somewhere else just happens to be an otome game and she was a countess in somewhere and THEN it gets complicated. Boys ensue.
Oh, I had high hopes, such high hopes. This book gets off to a good start, it really does. At exactly a fifth of the way through, there was a plot twist so shocking and unexpected that I almost wanted to reread the book and see it through fresh eyes. That’s good writing and all credit to the author - a good twist is hard to do.
That, however, is where the problems begin and I will be very up front and acknowledge that some of these problems are on me and some are not. I think this is aimed at a specific audience that I’m adjacent to rather than on target for.
To go back to the plot twist - this comes too early in the story and there is no hope for the story to hit that peak afterwards, so it becomes a bit of a slog waiting for the other shoe to drop for the rest of cast. I expect a certain level of obtuseness in many light novel characters so the fact that they don’t notice didn’t bother me, but the time in between just isn’t spent very well.
For my part, my level of knowledge of otome games is not deep and I spent this entire book feeling like I was missing out on some arch observations that would make the story more interesting. One other character is also reincarnated into this world and she knows these games very well, but it felt like nothing was being done with it.
Also, the guys aren’t that interesting, which for an otome game seems terribly damning. Part of it is my fault - I have a hard time getting Japanese names right (thank god I don’t spend all my time reading manga or anything!) and it takes some time to get my head around them. Here, I never did, so the boys turn into this amorphous blob of testosterone and sparkles after a while.
So after wading through competitive stuff that seems to matter rather little in the grand scheme, we get a final bit of plot that ties everything together, although I had kind of figured all that out when it first came up so it felt a bit flat. The last short story also doesn’t paint one of the main characters in the most flattering light and made me more concerned about the happy ending then elated.
I get the point - this is a story about wish fulfillment and second chances and starting over and also romance. It just works fitfully rather than from start to finish. I was also not expecting it to be so long - it’s definitely big for a light novel - and yet not say much in the end.
I feel like I’m being super mean here, when this book truly wasn’t that bad. But I can’t help but see things I would have preferred to be done better or differently or ways the characters could have been more interesting and it’s kind of a bummer. I don’t regret reading it, but I wouldn’t read it again or continue on if it were a series.
3 stars - I loved that plot twist, but I think this is going for a particular type of romance and story that I’m not always a fan of. There’s too much journey and not enough destination. It’s definitely frilly and swoony and full of declarations, so if that’s up your street this book won’t let you down.
Oh, I had high hopes, such high hopes. This book gets off to a good start, it really does. At exactly a fifth of the way through, there was a plot twist so shocking and unexpected that I almost wanted to reread the book and see it through fresh eyes. That’s good writing and all credit to the author - a good twist is hard to do.
That, however, is where the problems begin and I will be very up front and acknowledge that some of these problems are on me and some are not. I think this is aimed at a specific audience that I’m adjacent to rather than on target for.
To go back to the plot twist - this comes too early in the story and there is no hope for the story to hit that peak afterwards, so it becomes a bit of a slog waiting for the other shoe to drop for the rest of cast. I expect a certain level of obtuseness in many light novel characters so the fact that they don’t notice didn’t bother me, but the time in between just isn’t spent very well.
For my part, my level of knowledge of otome games is not deep and I spent this entire book feeling like I was missing out on some arch observations that would make the story more interesting. One other character is also reincarnated into this world and she knows these games very well, but it felt like nothing was being done with it.
Also, the guys aren’t that interesting, which for an otome game seems terribly damning. Part of it is my fault - I have a hard time getting Japanese names right (thank god I don’t spend all my time reading manga or anything!) and it takes some time to get my head around them. Here, I never did, so the boys turn into this amorphous blob of testosterone and sparkles after a while.
So after wading through competitive stuff that seems to matter rather little in the grand scheme, we get a final bit of plot that ties everything together, although I had kind of figured all that out when it first came up so it felt a bit flat. The last short story also doesn’t paint one of the main characters in the most flattering light and made me more concerned about the happy ending then elated.
I get the point - this is a story about wish fulfillment and second chances and starting over and also romance. It just works fitfully rather than from start to finish. I was also not expecting it to be so long - it’s definitely big for a light novel - and yet not say much in the end.
I feel like I’m being super mean here, when this book truly wasn’t that bad. But I can’t help but see things I would have preferred to be done better or differently or ways the characters could have been more interesting and it’s kind of a bummer. I don’t regret reading it, but I wouldn’t read it again or continue on if it were a series.
3 stars - I loved that plot twist, but I think this is going for a particular type of romance and story that I’m not always a fan of. There’s too much journey and not enough destination. It’s definitely frilly and swoony and full of declarations, so if that’s up your street this book won’t let you down.
October 16, 2020
I went into this expecting it to be funny. Surprise! Instead this is a lovely story about second chances using the "reborn in an otome game" subgenre as its backdrop for the dual reasons that one reincarnated character (there are, count 'em, three) loved the games while a second would have her best shot at happiness in that sort of world. (You'll have to read the book to find out about number three.) Hints abound for the character to whom the title refers and how this reincarnation is related to her past life, but what's impressive is how much emotional weight Sorahoshi manages to get out of the concept, especially in the second short story.
So I didn't get what I was expecting. I like what I got much more.
So I didn't get what I was expecting. I like what I got much more.
December 25, 2020
A Different Spin
I read a lot of webcomics and novels about reincarnated young ladies who wind up Dukr's Daughter's or Princesses or Noble Lady Villainess characters of otome games they played before their unfortunate deaths.
I expected something similar here and was pleasantly surprised when Urara wound up being a NPC who got upgraded to Main Cast as the Heroine's (Shizuku) friend. Though in a way Urara was actually the Heroine in the end.
Watching as Shizuku slowly started taking her new life (for she was Reincarnated years ago into this world) seriously as a life and not as a game, was a highlight for me. Urara was a good character, and I enjoyed her storyline with Chouko, but I definitely understood where Shizuku was coming from.
The side chapters, from different character POVs that explain their connection then either Chouko or Urara were nice additions. It gave some scenes more context (especially with Shinmyou who I still don't quite get his deal).
The ending chapter (Secrets of Spoiler Spoiler) also shed some light on things, but also made me wonder when exactly it happened. There wasn't any indication til very late in the book.
A solid entry for fans of MY NEXT LIFE AS A VILLAINESS or similarly subversive reincarnation stories.
I read a lot of webcomics and novels about reincarnated young ladies who wind up Dukr's Daughter's or Princesses or Noble Lady Villainess characters of otome games they played before their unfortunate deaths.
I expected something similar here and was pleasantly surprised when Urara wound up being a NPC who got upgraded to Main Cast as the Heroine's (Shizuku) friend. Though in a way Urara was actually the Heroine in the end.
Watching as Shizuku slowly started taking her new life (for she was Reincarnated years ago into this world) seriously as a life and not as a game, was a highlight for me. Urara was a good character, and I enjoyed her storyline with Chouko, but I definitely understood where Shizuku was coming from.
The side chapters, from different character POVs that explain their connection then either Chouko or Urara were nice additions. It gave some scenes more context (especially with Shinmyou who I still don't quite get his deal).
The ending chapter (Secrets of Spoiler Spoiler) also shed some light on things, but also made me wonder when exactly it happened. There wasn't any indication til very late in the book.
A solid entry for fans of MY NEXT LIFE AS A VILLAINESS or similarly subversive reincarnation stories.
July 25, 2023
such a wholesome ending
February 10, 2021
I honestly was expecting more comedic shenanigans on this book because the plot felt like it could set itself up for a disaster with how odd the heroine would appear in a modern world but nah. It was meant more for drama/intrigue as . It's nice how the main heroine of the game became friends with her since some otome isekai I've read before tend to make them look like the bad guys. I also love how the protagonist is such a confused, bisexual mess because that's definitely a mood.
All in all, it's sweet, a bit over-the-top and can get draggy in some parts but it's not a bad read.
All in all, it's sweet, a bit over-the-top and can get draggy in some parts but it's not a bad read.
September 21, 2021
Towards the end, I was dragging my feet trying to finish this book. Honestly, the final task should have been the most exciting part, but the unnecessary drama made me really not care about the completion of the book. In addition, I could not keep the names of the boys straight, so that made it harder to engross myself in the story.
With those two “strikes,” I didn’t enjoy this book as a whole. I really like the premise of the story until the final act because the interactions between the two characters (the commoner and the lady) were fun and flirty. Can’t be bothered to remember how to spell their names....
I’ll probably never read this again, but I had fun!
With those two “strikes,” I didn’t enjoy this book as a whole. I really like the premise of the story until the final act because the interactions between the two characters (the commoner and the lady) were fun and flirty. Can’t be bothered to remember how to spell their names....
I’ll probably never read this again, but I had fun!
February 23, 2023
Normally, the isekai reincarnation light novels I read bring present-day individuals to a world more reminiscent of a fantasy of the real world's "past". So what drew me into reading this was its gimmick of bringing a "fantasy world" character into the "current present".
Urara is obviously out of place as a traditional noblewoman, but the people around her just can't help but be drawn to her one way or another, ranging from the casual awe and/or derision of her classmates, to the frustration of fellow canon immigrant Aritomo, to the fondness of school madonna Chouko. I liked seeing how the friendships between the girls panned out, and though I did see the twist coming from a mile away...it does make sense why Urara falls for her LI. Let's leave it at that 👀
Originally posted on Instagram.
Urara is obviously out of place as a traditional noblewoman, but the people around her just can't help but be drawn to her one way or another, ranging from the casual awe and/or derision of her classmates, to the frustration of fellow canon immigrant Aritomo, to the fondness of school madonna Chouko. I liked seeing how the friendships between the girls panned out, and though I did see the twist coming from a mile away...it does make sense why Urara falls for her LI. Let's leave it at that 👀
Originally posted on Instagram.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2020
Reincarnation and isekai stories aimed at a female audience have really been picking up steam lately and Past Life Countess has a pretty refreshing take on the genre. Having someone from a fantasy world reincarnate into the modern world is pretty unique! I wasn't sure what to expect going into the story, but was happily surprised by the end!
July 1, 2021
More a 3.5, but since I can't give exactly that rating on here, I'll round it out to a 4.
An interesting twist on the reincarnation genre, although the story had a lot of things going on until it hit its stride towards the end. I think if this wasn't just the one book maybe the story and character elements could've been explored better.
An interesting twist on the reincarnation genre, although the story had a lot of things going on until it hit its stride towards the end. I think if this wasn't just the one book maybe the story and character elements could've been explored better.
March 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, until like the last chapters then it just went all down hill. The FL is a master at running away lmao. I thought it was super fun and wacky, until the end. I also never fully understood why Kogetsu had to be Chouko like... whatttttt 😵💫. I do recommend this book, but I was so disappointed with the ending🥲
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2020
I want more
I want more! I want to know more about Urara past and the 2nd prince. I want to know her past life history. Damn her past life sounds so tragic and my heart. This deserve a sequel.
I want more! I want to know more about Urara past and the 2nd prince. I want to know her past life history. Damn her past life sounds so tragic and my heart. This deserve a sequel.
January 24, 2021
Not a particularly good
The main twist for this one is stupid in my opinion, and the logic used by the MC is concerning to say the least. I was just disappointed completely by this one, can't recommend.
The main twist for this one is stupid in my opinion, and the logic used by the MC is concerning to say the least. I was just disappointed completely by this one, can't recommend.
January 4, 2023
It was hard to give this one a rating... I adored the characters and the concept is great, but some reactions and choices the characters make don't make sense or come out of nowhere. Overall, it was a fun read, if a little too nonsensical.
November 22, 2020
It was a good read but kind of predicable. Unfortunately the book had hand full spelling mistakes but it wasn’t so bad that it would distract from the story.
Read
March 17, 2021I cannot see the picture of my favorite reading
October 4, 2021
Unique take with reverse isekai instead of the usual trope.
September 22, 2023
DNF @ 39%
PASS.
PASS.
January 19, 2024
Couldn't finish it. Didn't like how the ml pretends to be a girl & acts like a friend to the fl.
June 29, 2022
Throughout the end even the twist I found to be predictable which is why for the low score. The first twist, I think the author gave it up too quickly. If they waited towards more towards the end I think the revelation would have been more shocking. But I did find the idea a countess being isekaied into a modern setting to be very interesting since it’s usually the other way around.
The book’s setting is of an otome game with the main character Urara not knowing anything about it which is why the original female lead gets mad at her for getting in the way of her “events.” The beginning of the story I really loved I’ve played otome games before so I could understand some of the jokes they were making.
Personally, I think there was too many supporting characters. Many of them ended up being less rememberable than others. I even had to look up who was who at parts of the books after taking a break from the book for a while since because I ended up forgetting their names. I think the publishers has character profiles for all the characters on their Twitter which was where I ended up using as a reference.
The book’s setting is of an otome game with the main character Urara not knowing anything about it which is why the original female lead gets mad at her for getting in the way of her “events.” The beginning of the story I really loved I’ve played otome games before so I could understand some of the jokes they were making.
Personally, I think there was too many supporting characters. Many of them ended up being less rememberable than others. I even had to look up who was who at parts of the books after taking a break from the book for a while since because I ended up forgetting their names. I think the publishers has character profiles for all the characters on their Twitter which was where I ended up using as a reference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews