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Description
From Tokyopop:
High-school student Moon Bin Lee has difficulty sleeping due to a recurring nightmare: he's stranded over a thousand years in the past chasing a dark-haired girl into a deep abyss.
Before long, the nightmare overwhelms him, and he is unable to tell whether he is Moon Bin, a Seoul teenager at the end of the second Millennium, or Sa Kyoung Kim, the son of a prominent warrior family in the middle of the first Millennium. People in his present-day life assume roles in his historical life as he struggles to learn exactly who he is and what he's expected to do, straddling a transmigratory portal through time and space.
In the present, his school's kendo club battles to stay in the championships... but in the past, Moon Bin finds himself at the threshold of a territorial dispute on the plains of Mongolia.
Type
Manhwa
Related Series
N/A
Associated Names
撒禮塔 살례탑 Dòng Thời Gian Sal rye tap Sal-Le-Top Salitai Salletop
The plot was really, really good, and the twist was amazing, but it was hampered by the execution. The battle scenes were so boring that there were multiple times when I just wanted to throw my computer across the room. Actually, a lot of the story was boring. That may just be me, because a lot of other people seem to love this manhwa. The whole "sister magically brings him back to the past" thing was a bit awkward, but it worked so whatever.
One thing I liked was the characterization. I hated Sali Tayi (um, psychotic rapist alert), but I did enjoy his love (which reeked more of psychological dependence, but w/e) for you-know-who. Moon-Bin was a kid at first, but he eventually grew mature. The ending was great. It showed how MB had grown, and how he reacted to things he had simply angsted about in earlier chapters.
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
I didn't like the sudden romance with glasses girl at the end of the story. It's true she's a reincarnation of Atan Hadas, but she's still in essence a different person, the way Moon-Bin isn't truly Sali Tayi, even at the beginning of the story.
The manhwa is a decent read and recommended for people who enjoy stories about the sentiments of one's life. And despite the 'karma' thing and time travel, the manhwa was realistic. Though I think the development of romance was a bit slow at the start and sudden at near end (only from my POV maybe because I read shoujo), the end emphasized the depth of Sali's love and became one of the factors that marked in me.
As for the ending, unlike the others, I was not disappointed. Though I'd say that it was kind of expected. But I think it was the appropriate ending. Well, that was just the last two chapters. But the CLIMAX was really great. The TWIST blew my mind. I never expected it.
Last but not the least, the characters were great. Especially the main antagonist, Sali. He was an antagonist you'll probably hate but love and pity at the same time.
I Can't not describe how breathtaking the plot and storyline of this series is. It is just a nice little ball you can read in one day and get a complete great ending. I have run out of things to say about how good this series is.
Pros: A good, flowy read. A nice mix of everything, including action, drama, darkness, great art, humour, with original and realistic aspects in the storyline (Particularly with the true unglamourous side of war, from the violence and social status, to the sad fate and treatment of women who are the spoils of those wars. Yet while serious and realistic, it isn't overdone where it gets painfully gloomy) The manga also gets you thinking about life in general, as it can be quite thought provoking. If you enjoy snippets of Korean History, you will get that too.
And, for those who fancy it; there is a subtle romance story. And an unconventional one too, as it is not the usual "Boy meets girl, boy is strong, girl is dainty, boy saves girl, gush gush love" yada yada. Both characters are quite strong in their own right, and play their roles and personal goals. Overall felt like a partnership in many areas.
Cons: Sometimes battle scenes can be a bit too prolonged. Or, at least, might just cover too much space in pig pictures covering whole pages. At least a couple of volumes can be read within minutes because, well, there is just displays of fighting scenes and very minimal dialogue. I buy a book, an then I am done in a snap because of that.
Some parts will also feel a little bit too random/rushed, or have instances where the characters will be developed and announced as one thing, but then have a turn of being a bit OOC later on.
A con or a pro, it will depend on you: You will either think the ending a true plottwist, incredibly deep and unique, with a dash of "OMG Mindf**k".
Or, you will be disapointed in the ending. Either finding it a bit anti-climactic, or react with a solid facepalm.
I myself have mixed feelings about the ending. I was legitimately surprised, but at the same time...I would have definitely prefered another alternative, between the final meeting between the dubbed antagonist and the protaganist. I also wanted something more.
Anyhow -> Altogether, I do highly recommend this series. It's a quality Manhwah.
This manwha is great. An interesting, gritty story, action done well, and a bit of interesting romance. The art is good, the characters are done realistically, and they are easy to empathize with. I loved it.
The one thing this story had that I really didn't like was the end. I found it unsatisfying and almost painful. I'm not going to spoil anything, so read it yourself. It is worth it, despite the end.
Going for the karma explanation just killed it for me. Done. He did manage to somehow wrap it up. As usual I don't find the ending good enough.
The characters.... are realistic (in other words, n00b), I guess. It just seems like they change and act one way at a certain point so it all fits in with the storyline. I kept on thinking "Why did you go do that back then ?? Are you stupid?" and/or"Why didn't you do that back then ?? It was so obvious you newb---!" ( I don't like to swear). This did make it realistic, in a lame way, just like a real human would do. Whenever this happens, it feels like the author is controlling the characters and the story, not the characters themselves writing the story. But he did in such a way that he almost had it.
Of course this is just my personal opinion. It was good in general, it's just not something I would like to read again.
Tbh I was holding only a slight interest in the plotline for most of it, but as it was pulled together I was speechless about how good it was... the lines between good and evil blur, plot is well explained, and could even be written off as a hallucination for those who prefer it that way..... the character growth was amazing, the small twists that completely deny expectation are amazing, and the ending was astounding.... one of my all time favorites, but one I will rarely reread... several points of the story make it feel like my heart is ripping apart ;-;.
This was prettttty damn good. That ending was supers, especially that ending, who would known?!?! Definitely recommend this to anyone who likes: character growth, sweetish romance, amazing twists in story, war, bloodshed, awesomeness in general
This was a very nice Manhwa with an unexpected turn. Unfortunately It took a while to develop and get the whole story going, which is why I had to deduct two points. The art was really nice, too. I definitely recommend reading it, because of the very interesting and different ending. Didn't see that one coming; in a good way though.
Reading this one right now at v6 .Just finished 20th century boys and Bokko so this one pales in comparison but is still alright . It seems a bit over the top at times but the art is nice . The comedy is misplaced and seems awkward mostly but is more than made up by some amazing action sequences . If you want to read something good but not great this is for you .
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