Forced stupidity is NOT a viable plot device. When you go out of your way to tout a character’s genius and sheer mental capacity, you cannot then go and make simple problem solving skills the bane of that same character’s existence. Throughout the book, the MC continually shifted between somewhat clever, and grossly dense, depending on what was convenient (plot-wise) at the time. Using Luck as a relentless factor, in order to counteract these convenient (and ultimately lazy) writing habits, is ALSO not a viable plot device. It felt like too much effort went toward the development of stat sheets and logistics, and, subsequently, the author’s plot development and execution became more of a secondary concern… If THAT.
*Sighs* it’s a bummer too, considering the interesting storyline. Despite my grumbling and concerns, the ending is still alright (even decent)… It was just a long, bumpy ride to reach it.