Note: I read this story on another site.
Every so often I come across a story on this site that really shines above others. This is such a story and really should be part of anyone's list of top 5 reads for this genre.
This will be a long review, covering books one and all of book two up to chapter 86. For those looking for the short version, know that this story is a Masterpiece with a capital M. From Grammar to style to story to character, it excels in all aspects, and I am hardpressed to find any real negatives. It is a nearly-flawless execution upon both the time loop and OP MC themes, so if you fancy those, you really ought to stop reading this review now and go check it out right now.
We start the story in media res, with minimal exposition, getting right into the killing, right into the mind of a hardened, inured veteran of the loop - our MC. The story skips past the zero-to-hero struggle found in most stories, joining the MC once he has already mastered his art to a fearsome degree. Some readers may dislike that. I was personally ecstatic about this, as I find that trope has been beaten to death. No, our MC is OP - even godlike - from the very first chapter.
Does that mean we're stuck with a static MC, unchanging through the course of the 600-something pages written to date? Far from it. Without diving into spoiler territory, all I can say is that the protagonist is acutely aware of what is and isn't real, and treats the two with entirely different weight. While he may come across as a cold-blooded murderer initially, know that there is far more to his character, which we are shown slowly but surely as the story progresses.
And what a story it is! Menocht Loop explores uncharted territory I've not seen from most other time loop fictions, and quite frankly, the unique quality of book two's focus is enough to make you lie awake at night, binging when you should be sleeping.
Book two spoiler below for those who want specifics on what I'm talking about. Be warned, this is a pretty major spoiler, but if you're on the fence, perhaps take a look:
Spoiler
Each loop layer brings with it its own unique set of challenges, and while I see other reviewers throwing shade over Ian's decisions, I ask that you have some faith in this author. They know what they are doing, and events that appear random or surprising always have a good reason behind them - that are sometimes not revealed until much further on. The worldbuilding and plotting are epic, detailed, and consistent, even if the information is not always spoonfed. The hints are all there, it's up to readers to find them. Having read through all of the content, this I can guarantee.
Minor spoilers below, regarding the execution of the timeloop aspect of the story:
Spoiler
The characters are truly a delight. Here again, I can't really mention specifics without spoiling, but every single side character, antagonist, and even the deuteragonist that appears later on(fret not, the focus is always on the MC Ian), feel real, like people you might reasonably meet in such a fantasy world. That's just about the highest praise I can bestow upon characters. Reading about them and their rich dialogue was truly pleasurable.
My only criticism here is regarding how readily some of these characters accept that they are inside the loop. This happens a few times with a few different characters, and there is generally very little denial there in what is otherwise a near-perfect simulation of both environment and people. I think a bit more hesitance would lend these reactions an extra bit of credence.
I also really enjoyed seeing Ian's character progression, especially in book two. While his development as an individual is minimal in book one(that's not to say it's absent - it's there), book two really brings forth some monumental changes. Interestingly, we not only see progression from him, but from some of the most important sides as well, which in turn influences his own development. I absolutely loved witnessing these complex character interactions and cross-influences. It felt very real.
On the other hand, I for one absolutely detest wishy-washy, incapable protagonists(both in mental attitude and outward power). This is a completely subjective personal preference, so I hesitate to even mention it here, but in case others feel similarly, read on. While Ian's power was never in question, I did begin to worry about his strength of will in book two. I am happy to report that these concerns were unfounded. I understand why Ian had a period of turmoil, but it was relatively short-lived, which works well for the story, in my opinion.
The story's pacing was absolutely spot-on for me. Action-intensive sequences(there are gobs of them) are generally followed by respite to give the reader a break, yet even these scenes are gripping and memorable. I was never once left feeling as though I had to slog through a passage or a chapter to get to 'more interesting stuff'. It's all interesting, engaging, and has caused me to lose a fair share of sleep lately.
There are some pretty epic twists and turns along the way, some foreshadowed, others less so. Yet even with the 'surprises', I never once found them to be Deus Ex Machina, or something conveniently placed solely for the purpose of moving the plot forward. Even the most surprising twist had me thinking 'oh my god!' rather than 'lame'.
I thoroughly appreciate that despite the nature of the story having shifted quite considerably in book two(even the narration style is different, from first-person present tense in book one to third-person past tense of book two), the transition was nearly seamless, and the tension and mystery that made book one so interesting is still well alive in book two. I know that some readers worry about how a story changes over its life, but with this one at least, nothing has gone off the rails, and book two remains every bit as engaging(if not more so).
That leaves the grammar and style. Regarding grammar, I believe I caught one minor issue, in 600 pages. One. That should tell you about how ridiculously well-edited this story is. The prose may get a polish pass when the author goes to release it officially, but honestly? It probably doesn't need it, such is its quality.
Sentences are beautifully constructed and flow from one to the next. Paragraphs are appropriately sized, and complement rather than detract from the contents, shrinking and growing as the story requires. I saw no occurrences of words being repeated too often, or of paragraphs and sentences following the same structure back-to-back. It's varied, polished, and disappears, letting you get into the story with no impediments. That's about as high I can praise style.
Lastly, I want to talk about the worldbuilding. We get snippets of this in book one, but in book two, things really explode. I don't know how many hours(days? weeks?) the author has put into building this universe, but it shows. Its richness oozes off the pages, and what an impact that makes! You can really lose yourself in the lore and backstory of the world, so if you're into complex, well-thought-out worldbuilding, you're really in for a treat.
So, to close this review, I just want to thank the author for sharing this magnificent gem with the world. It really is a gift we don't deserve. Ignore the naysayers and keep writing, because you've got something truly, truly special here.
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From the Publisher
After years trapped in a time loop, Ian Dunai has only one desire: escape.
Only 1% of the population is blessed with magic affinity at birth. Fewer still have high enough affinities to rule. Ian’s decemancy eclipses all, granting him ultimate control over Death. He conquers cities with a thought and turns them into ruins with a gesture.
But overwhelming power isn’t enough to escape the time loop or reveal its purpose. When Ian discovers a critical clue that he missed years ago, escape is finally at his fingertips.
Outside the time loop, threats are rising, placing Ian in the crosshairs of global conflict. He will need to reunite with his allies and fight for his survival.
And unbeknownst to all, a calamity looms overhead—a continent-shattering trial that only Ian can stop.
A top-rated serial on Royal Road with millions of views.
An Overpowered Protagonist Who Only Gets Stronger
Having spent years inside a time loop, Ian Dunai is already a master of Death at the story's start. However, he will need to continue to progress in order to survive.
Enter the Time Loop
More than just the story about a time loop, The Menocht Loop asks another question: what happens next? Still, the story features characters both inside and outside time loops, as well as special abilities that allow one to simulate future scenarios in real time.
A Fantasy World to Explore
The world of The Menocht Loop is a contemporary fantasy world of monsters and magic, inspired by classic GameLit and Cultivation stories. Featuring a story packed with magical action, mystery and intrigue!
Delve into a Deep Magic System
Explore a magic system of twelve affinities. Powers include the ability to manipulate Death, Wind or Light—but also more unusual abilities such as controlling Fate or computer-like intelligence. Even being able to see seconds or minutes into the future.
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2021
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Top reviews from other countries
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- James KilpatrickReviewed in Australia on December 9, 2021
Great progression fantasy
