I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated (WN) - Reviews

"I was a Sword when I reincarnated" (also known as "TenKen" or "Sword Dad") is one of those series I always find myself revisiting. While other series might offer more dramatic plots or unique twists, this one delivers a solid, enjoyable adventure through a typical fantasy world, filled with exciting escapades and battles.

If you’re diving into it for the first time, don’t be misled by the initial arc where the main character (a sword, of course) goes solo, flying around and slaying monsters. The series truly finds its footing once the MC meets Fran, a quiet, adorable catgirl whom he rescues from slavery. She becomes his wielder, and their dynamic forms the core of the story.

The unique dual-protagonist relationship is what sets this series apart. Although the narrative is told from the sword’s perspective, the "public face" that other characters see and interact with is Fran. This setup provides a distinctive viewpoint where the MC acts as a backseat driver, guiding and worrying about Fran as she faces challenges and dangers.

And, let’s face it, Fran is just plain cute.

This is a heartwarming father-daughter relationship novel.

The story begins with the main character (MC) reincarnated as a sword. After a bit of mischief, he meets Fran, who rescues him from being stuck, thus starting their master-student relationship that feels more like a father and daughter bond.

There isn't much else I can say about this novel except that it is incredibly wholesome. The characters introduced are not particularly engaging, there's almost no character development, and the slice-of-life segments are quite dull.

While slice-of-life elements in fantasy novels can be used for world-building and exploring different cultures, this novel doesn't delve into those aspects. Instead, it focuses heavily on food and cooking, which, personally, are the most mundane and overused slice-of-life topics.

However, the fight scenes are quite impressive. The MC utilizes every tool at his disposal, and the action sequences are vividly described.

The plot isn't overly complex, but it's not simplistic either. If you're looking for a heartwarming father-daughter novel, this one is definitely worth reading.

I find it a really good novel, different from the rest, where the protagonist is a weapon. However, from my perspective, the true protagonist is Fran. It's a fantastic novel that had me eager to find out what happens next.

I attempted to dive into this novel, but I simply couldn't continue. I might be giving up too soon, having only reached chapter 12, but the story feels dull. It might improve later, but the first six chapters are poorly translated, and even the better-translated sections are just plain uninteresting.

The primary issue I had with the story is the plot. The concept of a flying magical sword is intriguing for a moment, but it quickly becomes absurd. Perhaps my initial ideas of how it should have developed are overshadowing what's actually there. A more engaging story might involve someone reincarnated into a legendary hero's sword, embarking on a quest to save the world. However, even if this novel eventually evolves into something like that, the damage is already done. What ultimately turned me off was the sword's absurd skill-stealing ability, which smacks of poor storytelling. In summary, I wouldn't recommend reading this. As it stands, it's a major letdown.

The story has a unique setting, but the plot itself doesn't significantly deviate from the standard "isekai MC becomes an adventurer and does stuff." The worldbuilding is quite good, and even though the story isn't anything special, it is at least well-told.

The Sword (MC) has more or less the personality of the average Japanese protagonist, the type that acts a bit like an idiot (which may or may not be annoying), but at least he's not a pushover. However, he's not particularly deep.

The wielder (the other MC) is unique in that she is very laconic and has a goal that isn't a generic revenge plot or "I wanna be the strongest." That said, she also doesn't have a very deep personality, and aside from her quirk of being laconic, she is pretty much your average musclehead MC. Additionally, she could very well be male, and other than her appearance and the reactions of other characters, nothing would change.

The side characters are generally interesting and not basic clichés (at least the important ones), but don't expect them to be deeply characterized either.

The translation is good.

, it's an above-average novel, but it's not so good that I'd recommend it to someone who isn't interested in the genre (a generic but well-told story with unique but shallow characters).

[Note that I'm trying for a stricter personal rating scale; your star rating may vary]

Simple and cute popcorn reading. I also recommend reading the manga, which streamlines the early parts and dives right into the true focus of the series: Fran. The only downside is some visualized lewdness, which isn't as prominent in the novel.

Some stories are great, but not necessarily *readable* or *easy*. Following them can require significant effort, especially when you're keeping up with a translation project over a long period. If the effort required exceeds the immediate enjoyment you get from each chapter, it can become harder to stay engaged. These kinds of reads are better consumed in larger chunks.

"Reincarnated As A Sword" is the opposite. It's pretty brainless, fluffy, and lacks depth, but it's like a bowl of popcorn flavored with cuteness and occasionally seasoned with gory dismemberment. Despite its lightness, there's a core story that you can vaguely care about. You can pick up the latest chapter without worrying about the previous plot points; it's just five minutes of comforting routine.

So, obviously better than 98% of the other stuff on this site.

I completed a marathon reading of this series. , it's a good series, though it does have its flaws. The plot can be predictable, and the characters are overpowered, which comes with its own set of issues. There's a reincarnation element, but it’s largely underexplored, and I’m not sure whether that’s a positive or negative.

That being said, the main characters, especially Fran the Black Cat, are truly charming. This is particularly appealing if you're tired of the typical beta Japanese male protagonist cliché and the accompanying harem that often plagues Japanese fantasy. The battle scenes are well-executed, ensuring that these sections remain engaging due to the author's strong focus on combat and character progression.

In summary, while the series isn’t a masterpiece, everything is handled competently, with many quirky characters who have surprising depth. Additionally, Fran is an adorable and likable focal character.

Good plot. BUT, too many roundabouts. Problem can be solved but still, left loose ends, so the chapter/story will be longggggggg. At chapter 3000+ Out of 5000+ already and still, slow progress.

I would recommend this for a read. However, I have to be honest—the first eleven chapters were quite a chore to get through. It only became truly engaging when the living sword finally met its wielder.

Spoiler:
A certain expressionless lolita (?) cat save-girl who wanted to evolve or something.

Well-written isekai with an interesting twist but held back by some flaws.

One of these flaws is the main character (MC): not the homicidal, excessively cute catgirl, but the reincarnated magical sword, a murder hobo, who acts as her master. Too often, he comes across like those overenthusiastic jerks at little league games.

This leads to the most significant flaw: the novel has elements of an *excellent* slice-of-life story. However, these great moments are weighed down by an overly technical, game-like skill/talent system that feels contrived and relies too much on deus ex machina. Seriously, this novel is *so* close to being excellent but is consistently held back by grinding combat and game elements.

If you can tolerate the grind (and have the patience to skip through unwanted parts of the novel), this isekai is still a solid recommendation.

It's a bit disappointing; it can feel dry at times and a bit forced, but overall, it's disappointing. The first few chapters were good, but when the main character meets the heroine (the wielder), he essentially gets held back, as if she’s chaining him down from reaching his full potential. It has more of an adventure with a slice-of-life feel.

The early chapters are admittedly quite slow, primarily focusing on a floating sword encountering the monster of the chapter. This changes around chapter 10 when the sword and its wielder finally meet, transforming the series into a more conventional tale of an adventurer engaging in typical quests. The plot remains relatively straightforward, following a one-quest-at-a-time format with some downtime in between. However, around chapter 100, the narrative picks up momentum with a larger overarching plot and more intricate twists. It’s evident that the author has gained more experience in storytelling, making the recent arcs particularly engaging.

The characters are likable and well-developed. Fran, the protagonist, is hard to dislike as she strives to achieve her goals while enjoying the journey. Unlike many other isekai stories, Fran isn’t afraid to confront or eliminate those who deserve it, without veering into excessive revenge. The main character, viewed through the eyes of the sword, acts more as Fran’s father, guardian, and teacher, offering guidance and support. While the story is told from the sword’s perspective, Fran is arguably the true main character. The supporting cast is also well-fleshed out, with the antagonists having their own motivations, though some could benefit from deeper exploration.

The world-building, while not entirely original, provides a solid foundation. The setting includes familiar elements like an adventurer’s guild and a pantheon of gods, typical of a medieval European fantasy. However, there’s enough unique world-building to rise above the clichés. Notably, there’s no overt reference to a Japan-like setting, although hints of katana superiority may be emerging.

The novel incorporates RPG-like game mechanics, which are reasonably integrated into the story. These mechanics provide a plausible explanation for power levels and character growth, though the occasional use of skill purchases during combat can feel a bit contrived. Whether you enjoy these mechanics depends on personal preference.

, "Swordbro" is an enjoyable read if you can overlook the game mechanics and the slower beginning. If you’re a fan of catgirls and typical Japanese isekai stories, this is definitely worth checking out. Even if you’re not a huge fan of game mechanics in novels, it’s still worth considering if you have the time.

**Update (Chapters 201-304):** With the web novel translation being dropped by CardboardTL due to the light novel licensing, it’s a good time to update this review for new readers. The story continues to be a solid, enjoyable read, much as it was in the earlier chapters. While slightly predictable, the strong characters and writing style keep the narrative engaging.