By the Grace of the Gods Review: A Salaryman Reincarnates Into a Fantasy World and Immediately Becomes Content Raising Slimes
by Roy (story) / Rimel Ryusen (art)
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Quick Take
- The gentle isekai: a reincarnated man who had a difficult past life is given magic and peace, and chooses to use his new life for slime research and helping people without stress
- The appeal is specifically the lack of conflict — this is isekai as recovery, not isekai as power fantasy
- Ongoing; for readers who want the gentlest possible fantasy manga
Who Is This Manga For?
- Readers who want isekai fantasy without conflict, competition, or power struggle
- Fans of cozy/comfort fantasy who want a manga version
- Anyone who has had a hard time and wants to read about someone finally getting to rest
- Readers who want slice-of-life pacing in a fantasy setting
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: All Ages Content Warnings: Nothing significant. This is very gentle content.
The gentlest isekai on this site.
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Art Style | ★★★☆☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★☆☆ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★★★ |
| Reread Value | ★★★☆☆ |
Story Overview
Ryoma Takebayashi was a salaryman in Japan. His life was difficult — overworked, isolated, in poor health. He dies, and three gods apologize for this and offer him reincarnation in a fantasy world with some extra blessings.
He becomes an 8-year-old boy named Ryoma in a forest near a small city. He has magic. He has slimes as companions. He raises them, breeds them, discovers their abilities, and eventually enters the nearby town and begins building a cleaning business using his slime research.
The series follows this peaceful life.
Characters
Ryoma Takebayashi — His specific appeal: he had a hard life and was given a second one without the hard parts. His happiness at having time, safety, and a project he loves is the series' emotional core. He is kind, competent, and content.
The Slimes — The slime breeding and ability-discovery system is the series' most consistent creative element. Different slime breeds with different special abilities provide the series' internal world-building.
The Jamil Family — The noble family that befriends Ryoma and helps him integrate into town society; they provide the series' warmest human relationships.
Art Style
Ryusen's art is clean and appropriate for the material — pleasant without being exceptional. The slime designs across their many varieties are distinct and often charming.
Cultural Context
The "isekai for recovery" subgenre reflects a specific Japanese cultural concern — karoshi (death from overwork) and the pressure of Japanese work culture. Ryoma's story is specifically about a man destroyed by overwork being given a second chance that removes work pressure entirely. This resonates with Japanese readers experiencing similar stress.
What I Love About It
Ryoma being allowed to be happy. So much isekai is about proving yourself, gaining power, defeating enemies. By the Grace of the Gods is about a person who deserved better finally getting it. The pleasure of reading it is watching someone enjoy their life.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
Western readers who seek comfort manga cite By the Grace of the Gods alongside Tanaka-kun and Non Non Biyori as their go-to low-stress reading. The slime mechanics are cited as surprisingly engaging for how gentle the series is. The anime adaptation has a warm following. The lack of conflict is described as the specific feature, not a bug.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
The early chapters where Ryoma explains to the gods what his previous life was like — the specific weight of his old exhaustion — is the series' most emotionally resonant sequence and the one that establishes why his current contentment matters.
Similar Manga
- Tanaka-kun Is Always Listless — Contentment as character, similar gentleness
- Mushishi — Peaceful fantasy world encounters, different register
- Dungeon Meshi — Fantasy world, food focus, much more plot
- My Next Life as a Villainess — Comedy fantasy isekai, more active
Reading Order / Where to Start
Volume 1 — Ryoma's reincarnation and first years in the forest establish the series' tone immediately.
Official English Translation Status
Square Enix Manga is publishing the ongoing series. Multiple volumes available.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- All-ages, completely safe content
- Genuinely cozy — for readers who want this specifically
- The slime mechanics are more interesting than they sound
- Emotionally honest about why peace is valuable
Cons
- Very low on conflict or narrative stakes
- Ongoing without a clear endpoint
- The gentleness is the feature, not a compromise — readers wanting action will not find it
Format Comparison
| Format | Notes |
|---|---|
| Individual Volumes | Square Enix Manga; ongoing |
| Digital | Available |
Where to Buy
Get By the Grace of the Gods Vol. 1 on Amazon →
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*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Written by
Yu
Manga Enthusiast from Japan
I grew up in Japan and manga literally saved me during a tough time in elementary school. My English isn't perfect, but my love for manga is real — and I want to share it with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.