Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Harem

Sub-Tags: Romantic Subplot, Old Man, OP

Old Man, New Adventures!

The Passive Swordsman

Having been writing reviews on this blog for a little under two years, I’ve come to find there are two different types of series – those that make an impression, either good or bad, and those that don’t. Unfortunately, From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman falls into the latter category.

Staring the ageing swordsman Beryl, the story finds him foisted into adventures down in the big metropolis when a former student whisks him away to become an instructor in the capital. From there, the plot moves around meeting old friends, reluctantly showing off his skills, or coming a cropper against fearsome foes.

Part of why this series failed to get out of the gate for me revolves around the series’ central protagonist. He comes off as extremely passive. Throughout the first volume, Beryl constantly belittles himself, referring to the fact that he’s old and past it. This is used all too often as a crutch. Viewing himself through this overly self-critical lens gives him ample reason to avoid major plot events and why it often takes the initiative of others to get him to do something other than train or run into old acquaintances. It can be exhausting waiting for Beryl to take action while the action is constantly moving in the background. 

There are some good moments to be found from the protagonist, however. They usually revolve around the conversations he has with old students and friends. Reminiscing brings out a chattier side to the protagonist, inevitably leading to a more interesting read.

The True Talents of a Master

With a protagonist who can take charge in absentia, it’s up to the women to make the plot move. The women have thus far been the best part of the novel. Ranging from soldiers, commanders, magicians and adventurers, their actions are what lead the readers and in-universe characters to realise the true extent of Beryl’s abilities.

Beryl can be quite the fighter when he wants to be, and it slowly becomes clear why all his former students are so enamoured with him. When the harem members put him up for an adventure, he excels in the challenge. In these moments, he’s cool, calm and collected, a world away from the normal version of Beryl.

Overall, whilst there are moments of potential sprinkled throughout the volume, I can conclusively say this series wasn’t for me. It comes as a shock even for me as someone who usually enjoys the typical harem series. I just couldn’t get into this one.

Personally, my problem with this series stems from the protagonist. Passive and overly self-critical, his disinterest in events causes the plot to stagnate through a loop of well-worn excuses. There are some great moments with the women of the series, but not even they could save it for me.