(art by Takeoka Miho)

• 黄昏色の詠使い — Tasogare-iro no Uta Tsukai — “Twilight-Colored Song User”
• The novel: Amazon.jp — Books Kinokuniya — YesAsia
• The fan translation (by Mystrael): Baka-Tsuki
• MAL Entry — Forum

(Note: This site’s central focus is on light novels officially translated and published in English, but at times I will post reviews for stories that have only been translated by fans. Please support the Japanese books that don’t get English releases.)

Twilight-Colored Song User

There have been more than a few light novel series in recent years set in a magical school. The story of Twilight-Colored Song User is perhaps a somewhat more serious take on the concept, eschewing romcom hijinks and fanservice for complicated magic systems and a narrative that spans multiple generations. The series itself is in fact part of a larger fictional world, as it is a prequel series to Hyouketsu Kyoukai no Eden, both of which were written by Sazane Kei.

In this world, student specialize in a Color–a field of summoning magic that requires song-like Recitations in order to successfully utilize. The story starts with a lengthy prologue in which a boy vows he will become a master of all five Colors, and a girl vows she will create a brand new “Night Color.” We then jump ahead some number of years, and follow a new set of characters. The protagonist, Kluele, is a girl who is struggling to learn her field of magic (Red), but she soon becomes friends with a young transfer student boy named Neight. The boy is a sort of child prodigy, and is in the process of mastering–you guessed it–the brand new Night Color.

All in all this volume is a fairly dense read, one in which not a whole lot happens. We get to know the characters and the school, and then a rather straightforward dilemma is brought up for the final act for everyone to work together to overcome. In a way it reminded me much of an early Harry Potter novel, albeit less whimsical. There isn’t a lot in the way of surprises in this one, but some readers may appreciate the focus of the story, with its familiar themes of hard work, teamwork, and persevering in the effort to achieve lofty goals.

Though the story itself did not stand out to me a whole lot, I did like the characters well enough. I found it easy to relate to Kluele’s difficulties, and easy to root for the young boy Neight. Their character arcs seem to have only begun by the end of this volume, but that is just the type of slow-burner this series appears to be aiming for. Fans of extensive fantasy series with elaborate magic systems may find a lot to like about this one, and be more willing to put up with its methodical pace and relatively basic introductory conflicts.

Cho’s Rating: Maybe Recommended

(art by Jun Mochizuki)

For general information on this series: Pandora Hearts – Caucus Race entry

This review is for the first volume of Pandora Hearts: Caucus Race by Shinobu Wakamiya. The English edition was released by Yen Press in June 2015. The second volume released in September 2015, and will be followed by the third in January 2016. So far, there are three volumes available in Japan.

Volume 1

This is a somewhat harder book to review, as it is very much a light novel intended specifically for those who are already fans of the Pandora Hearts franchise. The four stories of this volume assume the reader is well-familiar with all the characters, and is aware of some of the plot twists made in the first half of the series. There is very little in the way of explaining setting-specific terms and giving background information on the characters’ relationships.

For those who know nothing about Pandora Hearts, I will go ahead and strongly recommend giving the manga a try. (It is published by Yen Press, and its final two volumes will be releasing over the next few months.) In a Victorian Europe-like setting with some fantasy elements, a group of characters deal with a variety of large-scale mysteries and a great deal of political intrigue. The character development is some of the best I’ve ever seen, and the artwork is quite lovely (and steadily improves with each progressing volume). It is my #1 favorite manga, and its themes resonate with me strongly.

With all that in mind, you can imagine I was quite excited by the Yen On announcement that the light novel spinoff volumes would be localized for English release. For those who are Pandora Hearts fans, your question now might be: Is this light novel any good? This book is not written by Jun Mochizuki, so in a way it could be considered a kind of fan fiction.

But as luck would have it, I feel the stories here are all written quite nicely, and feel right at home amid the canon of the manga storyline. The prose is simple, but has a bit of an elegant flair to it that I found fitting for Pandora Hearts. The author (Shinobu Wakamiya) seems to have a good grasp on all the characters, as all of them acted very much in a manner I’d expect them to. The stories themselves are overall of the inconsequential variety (perhaps making them “filler” for all intents and purposes), but I found them all enjoyable reads. If you like Oz, Gilbert, Alice, Sharon, Break, Reim, and the others as much as I do, you’ll get a kick out of the antics they get involved in throughout this volume. I considered listing some examples of the situations they end up in, but half of the fun is being surprised by it all.

If you like Pandora Hearts, be sure to pick this volume up. It may not advance the main plot in any way, but it’s a nice chance to spend some more time with a lovely cast of memorable and easy-to-like characters.

Cho’s Rating: Strongly Recommended… for Pandora Hearts fans

(art by Suzuhito Yasuda)

For general information on this series: Durarara!! entry

This review is for the first volume of Durarara!! by Ryohgo Narita. The English edition was released by Yen Press in July 2015. The second volume released in November 2015, and will be followed by the third in March 2016. The series is completed with thirteen volumes in Japan, but a sequel series titled Durarara!! SH is currently releasing there (with three volumes out so far).

Volume 1

Some years ago I watched the first season of the Durarara!! anime and thoroughly enjoyed it. And as luck would have it, the light novels are now releasing in English. This was a license I was hoping to see announced ever since Yen On was formed, and it seemed only a matter of time when considering the manga adaptation was already getting released by Yen Press. I think it is fun to go back and read the original source for stories you enjoy, and I am looking forward to later volumes that will include material that is new to me. (I have chosen to not watch the second season of the anime, which will be having its third cour this winter.)

Reading the first volume of Durarara!! is a bit like watching a number of criss-crossing roller coasters whoosh about at top speed, and wondering if/when some of the cars will crash into one another. Just looking at the colored illustration fold-out spread in the front of the book, there are fourteen significant characters introduced–and they are all surprisingly memorable, either in their unique quirks or in the mystery that surrounds them.

The story of Durarara!! would perhaps be better described as the stories of Durarara!!, as in there are a whole lot of unusual things going on in the wild Tokyo district of Ikebukuro, and half the fun is seeing how everything connects together. What is the truth behind the urban legend of the scythe-wielding motorcyclist? What is the aim of the mysterious gang known as the Dollars? What happened to the strange girl who was stalking that strange boy? And what exactly is the manipulative information broker scheming? Rather than dwell too long on any one plot point, the author Narita prefers to keep throwing new things at the reader. It’s certainly unorthodox, but somehow he makes it work.

The prose itself for this series is definitely a thing worth mentioning, as I found it quite unique for a novel in general. Narita likes to cut to the chase–in the scene late, and out of the scene early–and it all reads in a manner that is even more straightforward than I’ve found typical for light novels. There’s a bit of a rough and perhaps amateurish quality to it all, but I found it fitting considering the tone and pacing of the novel in general. I don’t think I’d recommend Durarara!! as an example of fine literary writing, but I feel the author’s primary goal here is to be something different, and something entertaining. I think he succeeded on both counts.

The first volume of Durarara!! is a wild one, but there is a lot to like here if its style clicks with you. Whether you are familiar with the franchise or not, I think this is a quirky yet approachable series that everyone should give a try.

Cho’s Rating: Strongly Recommended

(art by Shirana)

• 魔女の家: エレンの日記 — Majo no Ie: Eren no Nikki — “The Witch’s House: The Diary of Ellen”
• The novel: Amazon — Books Kinokuniya — YesAsia
• The fan translation (by vgperson): vgperson’s blog
• MAL Entry — Forum

(Note: This site’s central focus is on light novels officially translated and published in English, but at times I will post reviews for stories that have only been translated by fans. Please support the Japanese books that don’t get English releases.)

The Witch’s House: Diary of Ellen

First, a little context. This light novel is a prequel for a Japanese indie horror game made with an RPG Maker program. This game (titled The Witch’s House) was translated by vgperson into English, and can be played for free here (which is officially supported by Fummy, the creator of the original game). I recommend giving it a try if you’re interested! It only takes a few hours to play through, and a walkthrough is included (on the linked site) if you get stuck on one of the puzzles. I recommend playing through once, and then going back to get the “true ending.” This light novel is still understandable if you haven’t played this game, but it would certainly add a lot to the experience, knowing what ultimately becomes of the two main characters.

The Diary of Ellen, as the title implies, covers the life of Ellen, the girl who would become the witch of The Witch’s House. We get to learn about her childhood, her parents, her ambitions, and all the events that set the stage for the beginning of the game. I found it all very interesting to read, but the way the narrative is laid out may feel dry to some readers. At times, there is that sense of disconnect in listening to someone go over her life story, rather than feeling like you are experiencing the story firsthand. For some readers, it might just take some getting used to.

But all that said, The Diary of Ellen is a rather somber and disquieting piece, and I appreciated just how unique of a perspective was being portrayed with Ellen’s point of view. She is very much a villainous protagonist. She does some very bad things, but because of the harrowing backstory that is laid out and the way her understanding of things is presented, I still found her a sympathetic character to follow. This a story that is as uncomfortable as it is tragic.

And it is those who are interested in reading such a tragedy that I will recommend this one to. This book is not a fun read, but it is a gripping one in the same sort of way that a horror story can engage its readers. The storytelling vibe of the prose itself overall works nicely, and the text is translated with the same level of expertise that can be expected from vgperson. So I won’t only recommend The Witch’s House and its prequel novel The Diary of Ellen, but also some of the other games and novels she has translated. Definitely give some a try, if you are interested in this kind of atmosphere in storytelling.

Cho’s Rating: Recommended

(art by Miho Takeoka)

For general information on this series: Book Girl entry

This review is for the fourth volume of Book Girl by Mizuki Nomura (with art by Miho Takeoka). The English edition was released by Yen Press in January 2012, and the entirety of the eight-volume series has been localized.

Vol 4 – Book Girl and the Corrupted Angel

I plan to review all eight of the Book Girl novels, but it’s a task I don’t mind taking my time with. Every now and then I will be in the mood to read through one of the series’ volumes once again, and I always find myself loving the experience from start to finish. In this case, when Christmas arrived I couldn’t help but think back upon the fourth title: Book Girl and the Corrupted Angel. I picked up my copy with the intent to just skim through it a bit really quickly, but instead I ended up reading the whole thing in two sittings. Even when I know how the mystery ends, I still find myself surprised by the way everything unfolds somehow.

It is Christmas time, and the eponymous “book girl” Tohko is busy preparing for exams (as she will graduate high school the following April). It is then left to the protagonist Konoha to help solve a mystery when his classmate Nanase Kotobuki shares a sudden dilemma: her friend Yuka from another school has gone missing, potentially lured away by an “angel of music.” What follows is a story that draws many parallels to The Phantom of the Opera–the French novel by Gaston Leroux that would become a famous musical play.

When I learned that the fourth Book Girl story would be associated with The Phantom of the Opera, I decided to read the original novel (or more specifically, its English translation) in preparation. It’s a great read, and I’ll recommend it even to those who are already well-familiar with its film adaptations, as the original work lends a unique experience–one that the characters in Book Girl study out and manage to find holds applicable weight to their own lives. You don’t have to be familiar with the works of literature that are referenced in the Book Girl stories (as the characters go over all pertinent details), but I’ve found myself gravitating toward said works of literature regardless. I’ve always enjoyed books in general, but Tohko’s (and really, Mizuki Nomura’s) insatiable zeal for the classics is truly contagious.

And so I always want to recommend this series to those who have a love for books, as well as to those who really value strong character development. Though the way things play out is just about as theatrical as The Phantom of the Opera, the characters involved in The Corrupted Angel have a great deal of depth that makes them all feel like flawed, real people. There is still more to learn about Konoha, and the setup of this tale does well to offer further examination into his fragile psyche. At the same time, we finally get to learn more about Nanase, a favorite character of mine who I found easy to relate to (though I wouldn’t say our personalities are that similar). She and all the other side characters involved in this story have to go through a dark and sorrowful trial–but as was the case for the first three volumes, The Corrupted Angel is still a hopeful narrative at its heart. And at least to some degree, it is thanks to literature that the characters can come to better understand one another, as well as their own selves. It’s a message I appreciate, and one I’d like to share with others by recommending the Book Girl series here.

Cho’s Rating: Strongly Recommended

(The Devil is a Part-Timer! official art)

For general information on this series: The Devil is a Part-Timer! entry

This review is for the first volume of The Devil is a Part-Timer! by Satoshi Wagahara (with art by 029 [Oniku]). The English edition was released by Yen Press in April 2015. The second and third volumes have since been released, and in Japan there are so far fifteen volumes in all.

Volume 1

2015 has been a really big year for light novel releases! So much so, that I haven’t been able to fully keep up with all the series I would like to read. But I did want to make sure I got started on The Devil is a Part-Timer! before the year ended, as that was a series I had been looking forward to ever since its license was announced. I really enjoyed the anime adaptation and wanted to see how well the humor would hold up for a second round, but this time in its original novel format.

As the title of the series hints at, the story is about a devil overlord from a fantasy world who ends up stuck in our world’s modern-day Tokyo, working a part-time job at “MgRonald’s” fast food restaurant. Our protagonist Sadao Maou is not alone, as he was whisked away with his demon general Ashiya–and the two were soon followed by the fantasy world’s Joan of Arc-like heroine Emi Yusa, who is determined to vanquish Maou for good. But with only a fraction of their magical power, these fish out of water have to get by living normal, everyday human lives–or at least, as normal as they can mange! It’s a clever setup for a comedy series, and I’m glad Yen On has included this in their lineup for the sake of maintaining some variety for the light novel imprint.

And in a sea of light novels featuring teen protagonists, I find it a refreshing change of pace to get a story starring slightly older characters who have to deal with issues unrelated to high school. Maou works at MgRonald’s while Emi works at a call center, for starters–but then there’s dealing with paperwork at the police station, worrying about bills and health insurance, and wondering what’s up with the apartment’s imposing landlady. The banal situations are spun into a humorous series of events that have both the proper setup and the rewarding payoff. The viewpoint in this volume also switches from one character to the next, which makes instances where the readers can foresee an incoming ridiculous situation much more feasible.

The bulk of Part-Timer‘s comedy stems from the characters themselves and their constantly-meandering Seinfeld-esque banter. Maou and Emi are perfect foils for one another, neither ever managing to keep the upper hand in their silly arguments for too long. Rounding out the solid cast are the aforementioned Ashiya (who ends up in a kind of househusband role, and who I’ll go ahead and say is endearingly “adorkable”), and a young cutesy co-worker of Maou’s named Chiho (who offers a perspective from our world to work off of when supernatural events begin to transpire). I found everyone in this story easy to like, and fans of the anime will find just as much in the story to enjoy in this introductory volume, save perhaps for a couple points in the middle act that I felt dragged on too long.

Well-worth mentioning for this book is its translation, which I felt had a bit more flavor to it than your average light novel. The story is written in a lighthearted manner, with a choice in words that appears more premeditated than what I’ve typically found in translated works. It all in all made for an enjoyable read, and one that I will recommend to anyone looking for something a little more upbeat and playful.

Cho’s Rating: Recommended

(pictured: Ballad of a Shinigami)

Are you interested in writing a light novel review? I am going to go ahead and accept submissions for more guest reviews on this site now, as there have been a few requests lately. But be sure to check out these guidelines before you email me!

• I will try not be a stickler here, but I feel 400-700 words is a pretty good length for a succinct review. Give your words substance!
• A review needs to be more than just a summary. It’s easy to find a plot synopsis for stories online, so a review should focus more on your own thoughts about the book. It’s good to start with a quick rundown of what the light novel is about, but try to keep it to one paragraph.
• Be careful to not include any spoilers. You don’t want to ruin any surprises for those who have yet to read the book.
• What did you like and dislike about the story? Rather than simply say something about the book is good or bad, try to explain why you feel that something is good or bad.
• Some things you might want to consider: the major themes of the book, the author’s writing style, the pacing, the characters, the setting, the plot, the tone or atmosphere, how unique the light novel is, how much the story resonated with you, and how well you feel the author carried out the purposes of the book. You don’t have to delve into every facet of the story–just the ones you feel are most pertinent or interesting. Feel free to comment on anything you wish, including the illustrations or the quality of the translation.
• A brief summary at the end of your review is always helpful. What kind of readers would enjoy this light novel? I feel that even for stories I don’t think are very well-written, there is still an audience for them, as different readers look for different things when they want to pick up a book.
• For this site, I’d rather we not give a numerical or grade score to light novels when we rate them (e.g. “7.2 out of 10,” “four stars,” or an “F”). I personally like to just note how strongly I recommend the book, but you can word your final verdict in other ways if you wish.
• I can check grammar and spelling before the review gets published, and if you have questions or want any suggestions I can try to offer what help I can. I’ll give you the chance to look over the “final draft” and give the final okay before your review goes up.
• I am also fine with finding a picture to use for the review’s banner. If you have an image in mind, you can suggest one so long as it’s at least 750 pixels wide and decent quality. (Do note, I try to keep these under “PG-13.”) Otherwise, you can leave it to me.
• Reviews for officially released light novels are obviously good, but I’m fine with reviews of fan translations as well. For now though I’d like to limit guest reviews to published light novels from Japan. Also, it’s okay to write a review for a title I (or someone else) has already reviewed, as second opinions can always be interesting to read.
• If you’d like, I can include a link to your personal blog, Twitter, Tumblr, etc at the start of your review.
• All right, I think that just about covers it? You can email me now: englishlightnovels@gmail.com

If you have a question, you can comment here as well! Again, I wish to help out anyone who is interested in giving this a shot.

Daybreak on Hyperion

Daybreak on Hyperion is an online novel series written in English by Aorii. It can be read freely at Krytyk’s Translations or on Baka-Tsuki.

Storytelling is something I have always loved, and over the years I’ve enjoyed a wide variety of fiction: classic literature, genre fiction, foreign works, novels for adults, and plenty of young adult series. I suppose I’m not a huge expert on anything in particular because I enjoy variety (which would be a major reason for my getting into manga and anime). I’ve dabbled with visual novels at times (such as a story called Code: Realize, which I’ve been tweeting pictures of lately), and have found storytelling through video games a curious topic as well. And, as you are hopefully all aware, I’ve taken a particular liking for light novels in recent years. I like them enough to run this website at least, ha!

Over the past year or so I’ve kept tabs somewhat on trends in online fiction and its overlap with the small light novel community (outside of Japan and East Asia). I find it a bit difficult to say too much on this topic really, as the English LN online world is small and not terribly active at any of the sites I visit from time to time. But the world of online fiction in general? That is extraordinarily massive, and it’s been that way ever since the internet first took off. (Remember LiveJournal?) At any rate, web novels today are a bigger deal than they ever have been. Many light novels in Japan start off as amateur works published on blogs (with “transported to or reincarnated into a fantasy [RPG] world” apparently being the popular trend), Korean and Chinese web novels (in particular the “wuxia” genre) have been making waves, and many English speakers have been taking a stab at similar works of their own. Interestingly, I’ve even been getting a couple emails each month from English web novelists asking me to review their works, so the overlap in “light” fiction-loving communities at least has been made clear. At perhaps no surprise to anyone, many people who enjoy stories often like to write some of their own too–myself included.

(I apologize by the way, for not being able to read everyone’s stories! Turning down requests is no fun, but I simply don’t have that much free time, and what little I have I would typically prefer to use reading my backlog of light novels.)

With all that rambling out of the way, I’ll turn now to volume 2 of the fantasy adventure Daybreak on Hyperion. This series of web novels is written by Aorii, whom I interviewed last year–and I promised I would read and review the second volume of his series once I found the time to do so. I finally made the time this past month, and overall I found the experience an interesting one. Hyperion is quite different from the sorts of stories I generally like to read these days, the second volume even more so than the first. But again, variety is a good thing–I always feel readers ought to shake things up a bit in their queue of fiction from time to time and expand their world view a little more.

Hyperion‘s second volume continues where the first one left off, diving into a much more plot-driven narrative now that major characters (namely Pascal and Kaede) have been well-established. Following a nice flashback chapter to shed some light on another important character (Princess Sylviane, the lady betrothed to Pascal), the rest of the novel is almost entirely devoted to following the events of a war.

What stands out the most in this volume (as well as the first) is the amount of attention the author has given to the setting of the story. It’s readily apparent a lot of time was put into researching politics, government, war tactics, and history in general–and this is something I feel authors could afford to attempt more in their own stories. That said, this is definitely the sort of story that will appeal most to those who are big fans of intense world-building. Many pages are devoted to the analysis of social structures, in-depth magic systems, and the various strategies that are employed on the battlefield.

For me personally, I grew weary of the war fairly quickly, and I feel that is in large part due to the massive number of viewpoint characters. Pascal and Kaede have relatively small character arcs this time around, and what feels like at least half the text is allotted to the many side characters that take part in the battles that ensue (many of whom I did not care as much for, truth be told–but again, advancing the plot is more the focus here than characterization). Meetings in which characters plan for battles, chapters in which characters prepare for battles, and the many events that shift the tides of war in the battles themselves make up pretty much the entire story here.

If you are interested in that sort of story, you should find a lot to like in this web novel! Be sure to start with the first volume if you are giving Hyperion a try for the first time, and once you’ve become invested in that fantasy world you can keep up with story updates on the krytykal website.

Cho’s Rating: Maybe Recommended

(art by Kurousagi)

For general information on this novel: Monogatari entry

This review is for Kizumonogatari by Nisio Isin. This was the third volume of the Monogatari series in Japan, but was the first to be translated and released in English. It is a prequel to the first two volumes of the series (collectively titled Bakemonogatari), and it was suggested by Nisio Isin’s team that Vertical start with the Kizumonogatari volume. It was released in December 2015, and it was just recently announced that English volumes for Bakemonogatari will begin releasing December 2016.

Kizumonogatari

I will start by noting that I am not familiar with the popular anime adaptations of the Monogatari franchise, so I went into the story of Kizu pretty much blind, primarily picking it up because the series in general has been highly regarded for its writing. I have also read and reviewed a couple of Nisio Isin’s other works which have released in English–Zaregoto (volume 1) and Death Note: Another Note–and I found both of those to be entertaining (and quirky) mysteries.

Glancing at a synopsis, Kizu isn’t the sort of story that sounds all that special. At first mention of the word vampire, one can’t help but think of the hundreds of novels that have been circulating over the past decade which all deal with that popular concept in some manner. But this is the premise: a high school boy named Koyomi Araragi comes across a vampire woman named… Kissshot Acerolaorion Heartunderblade… and in their chance meeting Koyomi ends up becoming a vampire himself. It’s a basic setup, but the way things play out afterward is clever and rewarding.

The thing that stood out to me the most while reading Kizu though was the prose itself. Nisio Isin has a particularly distinct style of writing, and the translation felt like it was handled superbly all throughout. In fact, I found the writing so enjoyable I had to start putting small post-it notes on some of the lines I liked the most. Lots of amusing dialogue and narration in this one–for example, after one character has explained her abilities of “matter generation” and transformation, the protagonist notes to himself:

Where are you, laws of conservation of energy and mass? Oh well. Something must have happened to them.

Or when he first tests out his vampire strength:

In light of laws against the destruction of property, permit me to remain silent.

And this dialogue between Koyomi and class president Tsubasa Hanekawa, who asked Koyomi what he studied that day (which was nothing):

• Koyomi: U-Unfortunately, all I studied today was Spanish.
• Tsubasa: Spanish? Hunh… Too bad, I don’t know much Spanish.
• Koyomi: Th-That really is too bad.
• Tsubasa: Yeah. Just enough for basic conversations.
• Koyomi: …… Spasibo!
• Tsubasa: … Spasibo is Russian. Also, it doesn’t have any connotation with wonderful if you wanna know.

Suffice to say, I got quite a few good laughs from this story. Instead of simply describing what happens, the author often takes a roundabout way of explaining things. Dialogue between characters at times is almost completely random, with conversations straying into as many tangents as the author feels like. And just when it begins to seem like the plot is following a certain pattern, the author throws a plot twist that sends the final act into a new and exciting direction.

The story could perhaps be described as half-action and half-drama, each of which is handled with a tone that is half-comedic and half-serious. It surely won’t click with everyone, but I think it’s worth a try for anyone looking for a more unusual light novel to read. Even when scenes of “fan service” ensue–a facet of anime, manga, etc I generally don’t care about–Nisio Isin handles it with such an over-the-top gusto that you can’t help but wonder if he is simply playing around with familiar tropes or if he is making some kind of tongue-in-cheek jab at his audience. Either way, there were many times in the book that briefly left me wondering: Did that honestly just happen?

All in all Kizumonogatari is a ridiculous story, but it was an enjoyable romp that has left me anxious to see what more Vertical will bring to English light novel shelves.

Cho’s Rating: Strongly Recommended

(art by Juu Ayakura)

For general information on this series: Spice and Wolf entry

~A guest review by Gee~

This is a review for Spice and Wolf 16, Isuna Hasekura’s penultimate book in the series, with illustrations by Juu Ayakura. As a direct follow-up to the 15th volume, this newest volume of Spice and Wolf–The Coin of the Sun II–ends the main story of this classic series in the best way. Originally published in Japan in February of 2011, Yen Press’s English edition was released in December of 2015.

Continuing from the cliffhanger of the previous novel, our main characters Lawrence and Holo once again find themselves getting involved in trouble. With the developments of the last volume, things had seemingly all fallen into place up until the last page–and the follow-up from that mood-changer certainly fuels the actions and developments of this book, with tension high for characters and readers both.

But even more so, the focus on Holo and Lawrence’s relationship is the highlight of this volume. There’s a quote early on in the book that goes “If you are afraid of losing something, why not find someone to fall in love with?” and I feel this really sums up the series as a whole. Holo’s longing to return to her homeland, and to return to the friends she hadn’t seen for centuries had always been the thing that started this 17-volume journey on its path. And following the travels of the merchant and wisewolf up until now, you can really see how each discovery and tribulation has affected our mains. Even though this volume is about the politics of currency and the power of business, both take a back seat to the smaller and quieter scenes of affection between our leads: pay-off for the culmination of emotions up until this point in the series.

That’s not to say that the main plot is lacking though–in fact it’s quite the opposite. The fantasy-infused setting of fifteenth-century Europe has always shown that the society in which they live is changing. No longer is it a land where monarchs or god-like beasts rule paramount–now clever business deals can achieve much more than sword-swinging battles ever could. The politics of how currency can control areas is the focus of the main story, and how greed corrupts people. It’s a timeless tale of the human condition, and even if you’re not the most financially and politically-aware person, you can still understand the motivations of characters new and old.

As usual, the translation quality that Yen’s team has done is wonderful here, explaining in-depth economics and politics in easy-to-understand ways without making you feel like you’re being patronized as a reader. Ayakura’s artwork is gorgeous too, illustrating important moments perfectly. If you’re a fan of light novels and looking for a more mature entry in a medium full of teen wish-fulfillment, Spice and Wolf is definitely recommended–and for existing fans, this novel is a crucial finale that does everything right.

Gee’s Rating: Highly Recommended

(art by Takeshima Satoshi)

• 付喪堂骨董店―”不思議”取り扱います” — “Tsukumodou Kottouten – ‘Fushigi’ Toriatsukaimasu” — Tsukumodo Antique Shop: We Handle “Mysteriosities”
• The novel: Amazon.jp — Books Kinokuniya — YesAsia
• The fan translation (by EusthEnoptEron): Baka-Tsuki
• MAL Entry — Forum

(Note: This site’s central focus is on light novels officially translated and published in English, but at times I will post reviews for stories that have only been translated by fans. Please support the Japanese books that don’t get English releases.)

Volume 2

I quite enjoyed Akihiko Odou’s first volume of Tsukumodo Antique Shop, so I was looking forward to reading some of the following entries in the seven-volume series (four of which I believe have been fan translated at this time). Just like the first volume, this second book includes four short stories that each deal with a different Relic–a supernatural item that tends to get used in such a manner that it leads to a great trial for the owner. While Tokiya is the main protagonist, these stories generally follow the secondary characters who come across the Relic of the episode.

The first story, “Silence,” is easily my favorite of this volume. In it, a composer obtains a mirror that turns a room completely silent, which allows him to focus on the music he pieces together in his mind. The characterization for this story is great, and the ending is especially memorable. The second story, “Self,” works with an interesting setup that would feel right at home on The Twilight Zone. A high school boy obtains a mask which can create a perfect copy of himself when placed on a puppet. It’s a premise that feels familiar as the boy has his clone do all the chores and obligations of life, but there is a good twist for this story that spices things up nicely. The third story, “Eyes of Death,” was one I didn’t particularly care for. A fortune teller wears glasses that allow her to peer into the lives of anyone she makes eye contact with, but the plot goes in a strange and action-focused direction I felt was out of place for Tsukumodo. The fourth and final story, “Makeup,” was much like the fourth story of the first volume in that it was about Saki and her relationship with Tokiya. After a camera Relic reveals a less-than-glamorous look at her future appearance, Saki dives into the world of makeup and skin care… and I’ll let you find out for yourself how that goes, ha ha.

Tsukumodo Antique Shop

Overall I think the first volume had a more solid lineup of stories, but those who enjoyed it will still find things to like about this follow-up volume. I think the translation for this volume could have used some editing though, as there were more grammar and spelling errors than I would have liked, along with sections that felt like they could have flowed a bit better. There also seemed to be a lot more “colorful” language this time around, which also felt out of place for Tsukumodo. For another point I didn’t care for, I have to mention the character Towako-san (the owner of the antique shop), who I feel has become increasingly difficult to like. Before I might have likened her somewhat to the mysterious Yuuko of xxxHolic, but in this volume she just seemed constantly mean to poor Tokiya.

Regardless of these nitpicks, I do intend to continue reading this series. The general tone for Tsukumodo is unique, I like most of the concepts the author plays around with, and I am anxious to see what becomes of Tokiya and Saki–both of whom are still very likable characters.

Cho’s Rating: Recommended

(art by Miho Takeoka)

• ヒカルが地球にいたころ…… — Hikaru ga Chikyuu ni Itakoro…… — “When Hikaru Was On the Earth……”
• The novel: Amazon.jp — Books Kinokuniya — YesAsia
• The fan translation (by Teh_Ping): Baka Tsuki
• MAL Entry — Forum

(Note: This site’s central focus is on light novels officially translated and published in English, but at times I will post reviews for stories that have only been translated by fans. Please support the Japanese books that don’t get English releases.)

Volume 2

The second volume of Hikaru works with the same setup established in the first book: the ghost of recently-deceased prince-figure Hikaru is tied to the hot-blooded pseudo-delinquent Koremitsu, and this ghost won’t leave until he fulfills the various promises he made to the many high school girls he shared his affections with before dying. Judging by how the first two volumes have played out, it appears each entry focuses on a different girl–and each one of them is loosely based on a character from The Tale of Genji. The author, Mizuki Nomura, seems to enjoy tying classic literature to modern-day tropes of light novels, etc. (In this case, the premise feels very reminiscent of a visual novel.)

This volume deals with a timid girl named Yuu (or Yū, but I don’t like figuring out how to add that line above the u), who has become a shut-in hikikomori after a case of bullying at her school and difficult family issues. Hikaru gets Koremitsu to try helping her out, but chooses to remain silent in regard to what his promise specifically entailed. This gives Koremitsu a few mysteries to work out over the course of the story, and though it takes a while for the plot to pick up I did enjoy seeing how everything ultimately tied together. I would probably say this second volume is quite a bit slower than the first one, but the ending had enough interesting developments that I still found the experience worthwhile. That said, certain aspects of the plot did come off as rather melodramatic this time around, to the point where it was a bit difficult to take some characters seriously.

When Hikaru Was On the Earth…

One thing the author pulls off very well is her portrayal of Koremitsu, and how he struggles to identify his emotions as he gradually forms a bond with Yuu. Though inexperienced in matters concerning love, Koremitsu is always earnest in his attempts at interacting with girls. As such, his brash behavior and rough words actually lend him a sort of adorable quality, albeit in a clumsy fashion (or rather, it is that clumsiness which helps make him endearing). It is easy to root for Koremitsu, but I have to wonder where the overarching story will go in regard to all the girls Hikaru is having him assist.

Overall, the quality of the second volume is comparable to the first–and that goes for not only the story, but for the artwork (which is lovely) and for the translation (which works, but has some issues [e.g. the ALL CAPS yelling, which I still don’t like]). And as before, I still see potential for all the characters and the tangled web of relationships they are continually weaving. If you enjoyed the first entry in the Hikaru series, be sure to read on!

Cho’s Rating: Recommended

(art from music video)

• 告白予行練習シリーズ — Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu — “Confession Rehearsal”
• Author: Touko Fujitani — Artist: Yamako
• The novel: Amazon.jp — Books Kinokuniya — YesAsia
• The fan translation (by Renna): Renna’s Translations
• MAL Entry — Forum

(Note: This site’s central focus is on light novels officially translated and published in English, but at times I will post reviews for stories that have only been translated by fans. Please support the Japanese books that don’t get English releases.)

Volume 1

Sometimes I’m surprised to see what light novels have already been translated by fans. I had become aware of Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu (AKA “Confession Rehearsal”) some time last year, but did not think to try searching for a fan translation until a couple months ago. As it turns out though, there is a translation available–and overall it’s a good one too. At the very least, it reads smoothly and most of the dialogue sounds natural.

Similar to Kagerou Daze and a number of other light novel series in Japan, Confession Rehearsal is based on a series of Vocaloid songs. I am not familiar with them, so I can’t comment on how this book works as an adaptation or expansion of the music. But it’s an interesting sort of cross-media promotion?

On to the story itself, Confession Rehearsal is about as straightforward as it gets for a shoujo high school romance. Our protagonist Natsuki (a girl in the art club) has fallen for her childhood friend Yuu (a boy in the film club). She manages to confess to him… but gets cold feet and rescinds her declaration. That was actually a confession rehearsal, she explains, and she won’t give away who she intends to give the real confession to until she’s built up the courage for it. How awful! Especially when it turns out Yuu actually likes her too, but isn’t going to confess now that he’s under the assumption Natsuki likes someone else. As can be expected, the web of misunderstandings grows all the more tangled when other friends enter the game of romance, and things play out the same sort of way they would in a volume or two of a shoujo manga.

There isn’t a lot to delve into for this one. I found the characters easy enough to relate to (i.e. they’re very normal), and there’s a cute and fluffy atmosphere to it all that makes Confession Rehearsal a quick and easy read. I also liked the portrayal of the two school clubs, and the everyday struggles the main characters face in dealing with some personal issues related to them. My main complaint is that the book’s ending felt rather sudden–or more specifically, while the main storyline played out okay, all the other subplots seemed to just fall off the face of the Earth. I’ll have to assume the side characters will all be dealt with in subsequent volumes (A Solution for Jealousy, etc). Regardless, I’d still say this volume’s worth checking out, so long as you’re a fan of the genre.

Cho’s Rating: Maybe Recommended

(art by Kouhaku Kuroboshi)

For general information on this series: Kino’s Journey entry

• キノの旅 -the Beautiful World- — “Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World” — Kino’s Journey
• Author: Keiichi Sigsawa — Artist: Kouhaku Kuroboshi
• The novel: Amazon.jp — Books Kinokuniya — YesAsia
• The fan translation (by ???): Baka-Tsuki
• MAL Entry — Forum

(Note: This site’s central focus is on light novels officially translated and published in English, but at times I will post reviews for stories that have only been translated by fans. Please support the Japanese books that don’t get English releases.)

Volume 3

Kino’s Journey is filled with wonderful stories, and I feel my appreciation for them only grows with each passing volume. Whenever I am in the mood for something different from the norm–a breath of fresh air for light novels and for fiction in general–I can easily turn to one of Keiichi Sigsawa’s volumes of thoughtful and thematic vignettes. If people start going off about all light novels being the same (be it in reference to magic school harems, video game world escapades, or Narnia-style fantasy misadventures), I feel they can be directed to something like Kino’s Journey to enjoy something that’s a little different, but still a light and easy read.

I believe only one story in this volume made it into the anime, and from this point on the vast majority of material in the light novel series has yet to receive any kind of adaptation. Here are my brief thoughts on the stories of volume three:

• A Land of Love and Peace — a brief story for Shizu and his dog Riku, in a city that protects its people from invaders via a “song of love and peace”
• A Land Without Borders — in which Kino and Hermes meet a group of nomads with some troubling practices; a great example of the author’s specialized “gut punch” ending
• Power of Persuasion — a flashback for Kino learning self-defense from an old woman
• The Land of Identical Faces — Kino ends up in a city populated entirely by clones of two individuals; this story didn’t click with me as much, but it’s still an interesting concept
• A Tale of a Mechanical Doll (ep 10 of the anime) — Kino meets an old woman living in the middle of the forest, but it quickly becomes apparent she is hiding something from Kino; I really like how this story plays out, as every single plot element fits together just right
• A Land Not Permitting Discrimination — as the title implies, this city will NOT tolerate anything that its citizens deem offensive; I got a really good laugh from this story (I think everyone on the internet ought to give this one a read, ha ha) — but what starts off as an exercise in absurdity eventually turns more somber, and in the end this might be my favorite story of the volume
• A Finished Tale — this story follows a pirate hopeful named Inid, and what becomes of her ten years after an encounter with Kino; a rather cute story for Kino’s Journey actually

Overall it’s a really nice volume, so I’ll highly recommend it to everyone interested in this series. Of particular note, much more than the first two books, I feel that this volume does a fantastic job of showing through its dialogue the kind of person Kino is.

First, an exchange during “A Land Without Borders”:

• Hermes: I bet they’ll be your friends if you ask.
• Kino: No, I’ll pass. I doubt I’d fit in either.
• Hermes: Well, where would you fit in?
• Kino: Is that something… I should look for?

And secondly, from “A Tale of a Mechanical Doll”:

“Don’t you have someone you truly need from the bottom of your heart?” asked a monotonous voice.
“Right now, there’s no one. Well, except for myself.”
“No way! Not having a person important to you, isn’t that sad? Isn’t that sort of life empty? Humans have to be together with someone. Humans have to live for somebody. If not, wouldn’t that be really painful?”
Kino shook her head. “It depends,” answered a monotonous voice.

All of this really helps give Kino’s Journey its unique tone. And regarding the type of person Kino is–namely her role as an observer rather than a heroic figure out to save the day–I feel like that could warrant a post in and of itself? I will probably want to read more volumes first.

Cho’s Rating: Strongly Recommended

(art by Colorz)

For general information on this series: Legend of the Galactic Heroes entry

This review is for the first volume of Legend of the Galactic Heroes by Yoshiki Tanaka. The English edition was released by Viz Media’s Haikasoru imprint in March 2016. The second volume will release this summer, and will by followed by the third in the autumn. There were ten volumes in all in Japan, released from 1982 to 1987.

(Note: From time to time I will post a review for a book published through Haikasoru. Most of these Japanese titles [including the one for this review] are not light novels, but still may be of interest to those who enjoy them.)

Volume 1 – Dawn

When I think of Legend of the Galactic Heroes, the phrase that comes to mind is “cult classic.” Before this year, the only way English-speakers outside of Japan could really experience this space opera epic was through its anime adaptation–and more specifically, through fansubs of it. (The anime was announced for official localization by Sentai Filmworks just last year, incidentally–no release date yet though.) This anime was a huge hit for those who watched its 110 OVA episodes, and to this day it continues to be one of the top ten highest-rated anime on MyAnimeList (along with about a half-dozen versions of Gintama). At any rate, I never saw the anime myself–but when the license for the novels was announced I told myself I’d give the first volume a read once it came out.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes takes place about a thousand years from now, with humanity settled across many planets in the galaxy and split between two warring factions: the Galactic Empire, and the Free Planets Alliance. The lengthy prologue detailing all the major galactic events leading up to the time volume one begins feels much like a college history lecture. How interesting readers find all this will perhaps depend on how much they like history in general. The author, Yoshiki Tanaka, certainly appears to have a great love for the subject, as he noted in this Forbes interview:

“When I read about history, I always find myself wondering why a certain person made a particular decision at a given time. I love to imagine alternate realities where things might have turned out differently… In the case of Legend of the Galactic Heroes’ battles I took historical events and imagined someone making alternative decisions, then extrapolated them from there.”

The story’s two main characters–the ones making the big decisions Tanaka alluded to–are Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen Li. The two serve to show both sides of the war that ensues between the two interstellar nations, and the contrast between them extends to their personalities and motivations. The determined Reinhard is a lesser noble in the Galactic Empire who quickly climbs the ranks of the military thanks to his genius and his personal ambitions of freeing his sister, overthrowing the corrupt oligarchy, and ultimately reuniting the galaxy under his rule. Meanwhile the laid-back historian Yang would much rather stay out of the spotlight entirely, but through a series of events he finds himself the lead strategist of the Free Planets Alliance Star Fleet thanks to his knowledge of military tactics throughout the ages, and thanks to his willingness to use “sneaky” tactics that his prideful superiors and enemies repeatedly spurn. Both nations are interestingly portrayed in a rather negative light, and in turn both Reinhard and Yang have their obvious flaws.

The story for volume one is rather straightforward, and much of it is expository in nature–again, feeling a bit like a history text. As such, the prose in general can come off as stiff or dry to some readers. I found it acceptable overall, but I think it helps if readers keep in mind this book was written in the 80s, and it is a translation from the relatively formal Japanese. In my case, it probably also helped that I experienced this story through its audiobook. If you are interested in audiobooks at all, I highly suggest that route for Legend of the Galactic Heroes. The narrator, Tim Gerard Reynolds, gives a dramatic and theatrical performance that fits the narrative perfectly. I found it lots of fun to hear how the various space battles would unfold that way.

Fans of military sci-fi won’t want to miss this series, though I wouldn’t be surprised if most of you already picked up this introductory volume right when it released. For everyone else, I suggest giving it a try if you are in the mood for something grand in scope, rather than more character-driven fare.

Cho’s Rating: Recommended

(art by Suzuhito Yasuda)

For general information on this series: Durarara!! entry

This review is for the second volume of Durarara!! by Ryohgo Narita. The English edition was released by Yen Press in November 2015. By the end of this year, there will be five volumes out in English. The series is completed with thirteen volumes in Japan, but a sequel series titled Durarara!! SH is currently releasing there (with four volumes out so far).

Volume 2

The second volume of Durarara!! builds upon the things established in the first volume–namely that Ikebukuro is a part of Tokyo where anything can happen. The real-life issues of an urban metropolis are thus displayed through a lens of “what if some urban legends are true.” Most won’t notice since there’s so many people, and even the strangest-looking trees get lost in a forest. In the case of this volume, the anomaly at large is a slasher who attacks random bystanders in the night with a blade. Is there a wannabe serial killer on the loose? Is this mysterious assailant actually the work of a full-blown gang? Or is there some kind of supernatural force at play?

There are a couple things about Durarara!! that really make the series stand out. One is its large cast of memorable characters. Many of these people were introduced in the first volume, but the second book focuses on a few that didn’t have as much “screen time.” Though I had seen the anime adaptation’s first season before, I found the character arcs and back-stories for Shizuo and Anri to be much more engaging here in the novel. The action surrounding Shizuo is filled with a burning intensity, clearly displayed as a metaphor of his personal internal struggle. Meanwhile for Anri, because she is a quiet character who is trying to keep out of everyone’s way, it was really helpful to get her point of view and thoughts on the whirlwind of events that transpire around her. The theme of love and all its twisted forms meanwhile continues further along, the subplots of all the other characters interweaving with one another. Celty the dullahan is still working on the mystery of her missing head, and the information broker Izaya is still plotting some kind of high-grade ruckus.

The other thing that really stands out about Durarara!! is its prose, the text itself. Ryohgo Narita seems to have had fun experimenting with his writing style in this series, and the end result entails a text that is not only fun to read, but can be interesting to look at page-by-page. For the most obvious example, chapters are broken up with online chat sessions between various characters (all using pseudonyms), and this is all displayed like the text would be on a computer screen. It’s a clever way to keep the plot moving, and to get across information quickly from one character to another. Plus, it plays into that concept of “supernatural happenings in an urban setting” very nicely, thanks to modern-day myth-making having found a new home in the world wide web.

The English release of this volume felt like a particularly good translation–and to give credit where it’s due, I don’t think I ever noticed a single issue with spelling or grammar. All in all this was a great read, and something easy to recommend to anyone looking for a little more pizzazz from their light novels.

Cho’s Rating: Strongly Recommended

(Kagerou Daze — official artwork)

For general information on this series: Kagerou Daze entry

This review is for the second volume of Kagerou Daze by Jin (Shizen no Teki-P), featuring art by Sidu. The English edition was released by Yen Press in September 2015. By the end of this year, there will be five volumes out in English. There are six volumes of this series out in Japan, with a seventh releasing this August.

Vol 2 — A Headphone Actor

If I were to review the second volume of Kagerou Daze in one line, I would simply call it a fun and pleasant experience. It is a light and breezy read, filled with characters that are easy to like. Good art, and a good translation. The plot meanders in this story just as much as it did in the first volume, but at this point I think it’s safe to say reading Kagerou Daze is more about enjoying the ride rather than anticipating the reveal.

That said, there are still some tricks up this story’s sleeve that manage to keep things interesting. The first two acts of this volume are devoted to a new set of characters, and a conflict that at first appears entirely unrelated to anything established in the first volume. It would probably be accurate to describe Kagerou Daze as a series of interconnecting short stories, and it remains a mystery what it is exactly that all of them are leading up to. It’s not a typical setup, and this volume follows in the first’s footsteps in regard to not answering any of the bigger questions that the story brings up. This can feel like the overarching story is dragging its feet, but I was overall able to overlook this thanks to the lively characters and their spirited interactions with one another.

The first two-thirds of volume 2 features the viewpoint character of Takane, a grumpy and hotheaded girl who is secretly one of the nation’s highest-ranking video gamers. In high school she attends a class that has only one other student–an airheaded and cutesy boy named Haruka. The two make for a bit of a gender reversal of a typical light novel setup, amusingly lampshaded right off the bat with a scene of Takane walking in on Haruka while he’s changing clothes (complete with illustration, of course). Rounding off the cast is their questionably lackadaisical teacher, Mr. Tateyama, who was part of an amusing scene in the first volume. The story centers on the three preparing for a school festival, but as you can imagine that’s simply the stage for a more dramatic plot that builds up under the surface.

The final act returns to the cast from the first volume, giving us Shintaro’s point of view once more as the Mekakushi-dan group takes a trip to an amusement park. It’s perhaps as close to “slice-of-life” as you’re going to get from current English LN releases, to the point where you can almost forget most of these kids have some kind of supernatural ability. But perhaps that is the charm of Kakerou Daze? On paper the characters’ back-stories are larger than life, but that does not stop them from getting scared by a tacky haunted house exhibit. It’s silly, but there’s a genuineness behind it all that manages to smooth things over.

Cho’s Rating: Recommended

(art by Tamaru)

For general information on this series: Zaregoto entry

This review is for the second volume of the Zaregoto Series by Nisio Isin (with art by Take). The English edition was released by Del Rey in December 2010. There has since been no word regarding the remaining seven books.

Zaregoto: The Kubishime Romanticist

Following the events of the previous volume, our protagonist, “Ii-chan”, returns to the bustling life of a student in Kyoto. Though lively, the city is now host to a serial killer named “The Kyoto prowler”, a skilful knife-user who chops his victims in pieces. This isn’t the least of his worries since just after partaking in a birthday party, he finds itself in the middle of a murder involving Emoto Tomoe, whom he just befriended. Directly suspected, alongside his new found friends from college, Ii-chan will stumble on an affable murderer, two cunning police officers and the ever-blazing contractor.

Ensues a classic detective story, intertwined with lengthy philosophical monologues about death, killing and forgiveness, subjects our nonsense babbler is very knowledgeable about. This ties with Nisio Isin’s “stream of consciousness” writing style. And again, the translator, Greg Moore, did a fine job transcribing Ii’s mind and thought process. The read is enjoyable, yet a little disturbed by Nisio Isin’s quirks. The wordy prose can be tiring at times, especially at the end of dense paragraphs who almost feel tacked to the story.

The murder is a simple one, the methods employed get as convoluted as possible, with little to no clear suspect until the big reveal. And like before, when everything ends, new details are unveiled and change our vision of the whole mystery. The latter being complemented by slice-of-life moments showcasing the relations between Ii and the whole cast. An important point as, by now, it becomes evident that each Zaregoto book delves into bits of the human nature and relations.

While the first book, The Kubikiri Cycle, took a stab at jealousy and pride, our second volume takes an interest in love and how far a person could go for another. This fits right into the numerous talks mentioned before, shared between Ii and his interlocutor, a certain killer…

At the end, Zaregoto: The Kubishime Romanticist is a convoluted detective mystery, à la Agatha Christie but with a more interesting moral than a simple “bad guys killing for a simple reason”, as no one is a clear stereotype of the brainy detective with unyielding common sense. The method follows the one set in the previous instalment and while it doesn’t become stale for the moment, I think a renewal of the story development is welcome.

Then again, I love my pun-filled mystery monologues. I’ll have another serving of Zaregoto, please.

Melody’s Rating: Strongly Recommended

(pictured: Aldnoah Zero fanart by aki)

• アルドノア・ゼロ — Aldnoah.Zero (“Extra Episode 02”)
• Author: Ayumi Sekine
• The novel: (bundled with Aldnoah Zero Blu-Ray set 3)
• The fan translation (by Frog-kun): NanoDesu Translations
• MAL Entry — Forum

(Note: This site’s central focus is on light novels officially translated and published in English, but at times I will post reviews for stories that have only been translated by fans. Please support the Japanese books that don’t get English releases.)

Aldnoah Zero (Blu-ray set 3)

Aldnoah Zero, for those who don’t know, was an anime that aired in summer 2014 and winter 2015. It’s a mecha series about a future conflict between the people of Earth and Mars, and overall it was an anime I enjoyed watching. The action sequences were exciting, the soundtrack was fantastic, and I really liked the character Slaine.

This tie-in novel that was bundled in Japan’s third Blu-ray release for the series features none of these things. It is a prequel story about Inaho and his older sister Yuki, back when they were orphan children simply trying to get by in a world that has been severely impacted by the destruction of war. It’s a shorter novel, and has a “slice-of-life OVA” feel to it that will likely only be appreciated by those who are fans of the anime.

The story is told from the perspective of Yuki, the older sister (a refreshing point of view for light novels, right?). She is a character who is much easier to relate to than Inaho (who was the protagonist of the anime), and it’s not hard to sympathize with her dilemma. After an incident that forces the two siblings to leave their orphanage, Yuki (despite still being a child herself) takes it upon herself to raise her little brother… but he is an unusual boy in that 1) he doesn’t emote, and 2) he hardly needs any supervision whatsoever, repeatedly proving the more capable of the two in everyday, practical matters. This extra episode is thus about how Yuki struggles to connect with her little brother, and all in all it’s a sweet and tenderhearted story. It makes for a good addition to the series, as it gives some useful context for understanding the two characters.

It makes me wish something along these lines could have made it into the anime, actually! And makes me wish Yuki could have had a bigger role in the series, for that matter. At any rate…

Cho’s Rating: Recommended… for Aldnoah Zero fans

(Note: For those wanting a prequel story for Slaine and Princess Asseylum, there is an “extra episode” for that too, in the form of a short manga Frog-kun translated.)

(art by Kana Ishida)

For general information on this series: The Irregular at Magic High School entry

~A guest review by Aaron~

Since its genesis as a web novel, The Irregular at Magic High School went on to be adapted into a 2014 anime that drew wildly differing opinions, with some hating it as an overly “talky” sci-fi power fantasy with questionable political subtext. Along with manga spin-offs, the original story’s light novel form has gotten a release in North America thanks to Yen Press. Up front, I am a huge fan of this series’ anime adaptation and have seen the Enrollment Arc three times.

Vol 1 – Enrollment Arc: Pt 1

The Irregular At Magic High School is set in the year 2095 in an alternate future where magic is now a quantifiable scientific resource replete with its own special training academies for those who show enough promise in wielding it. The focus of the story is on the titular Irregular Tatsuya Shiba, an often taciturn but brilliant high school student who due to low practical scores on a standardized magic test is put in the “remedial course” known officially as Course Two of First Academy, while his younger sister Miyuki is the best student in the “advanced course” known officially as Course One. Meanwhile other students enter into the siblings’ lives, including the seemingly coquettish school president Mayumi Saegusa, the peppery and feisty Erika Chiba (who along with Tatsuya is a Course Two student and becomes friends with Miyuki), and the shy Mizuki Shibata (who also becomes friends with Miyuki and harbors delusions that Tatsuya and Miyuki are a “couple”).

In between character growth and plot development, author Tsutomu Sato crafts the world that makes the technology and structure of the world believable, though the explanations of magic can be hard to understand at times and feel convoluted or overwritten. The narrative structure meanwhile switches between a third-person omniscient and second-person objective, with the occasional interior monologues mingled in. This was a little disorienting in some of the fight scenes, as it was hard to tell what character was being focused on until a name was mentioned. It’s an interesting writing style mimicking the close-ups and panoramic shots one would find in cinema, but it feels clumsy at times.

Tatsuya for his part as a protagonist is outwardly inscrutable, cold, and often enigmatic, while inwardly he is more a detached observer always trying to stay two steps ahead. Hints of his mysterious past show up in his almost militant protection of his younger sister, acting less like a big brother and more like a hard-boiled bodyguard–but also hinting that they may each be the only emotional support the other has. Meanwhile Miyuki only has eyes for her brother, which could make her an annoying stereotype–and if implied incest is a turn-off then this book might best be avoided. Sato writes her with enough undercurrents of emotion that the almost incestual feelings she harbors for her brother seem to stem from a much darker source than what is found in most siscon fantasies of other series. Overall she is seemingly perfect, which could make her an annoying “Mary Sue” — but I’d say Miyuki is well-written in the few introspective moments she has in the novel. This could be some kind of irony on the author’s part–a sort of criticism of perception versus reality. Miyuki is also shown to be violently jealous of any girl that appears to be taking Tatsuya’s affections, and his subsequent efforts to calm her down is funny in a grim kind of way.

Kana Ishida’s illustrations have a young and fresh quality to them with the characters looking young but not prepubescent. And as for the future portrayed here, I came up with the phrase “preppy cyberpunk” to describe the series’ general style, which features an outwardly crisp and clean society with burbling social unrest underneath. If the barely-hidden classism of some First Course students is any hint, I expect later volumes will flesh out some socio-political issues and show how they are dealt with. As this volume sets up a strangely prim dystopia, the story portrays even elite students becoming the victims of “soft bigotry” of their own. Meanwhile the powers of the students encompass everything from enhanced weaponry to psychic ice bullets, making it diverse and avoiding the nebulous “ESPer powers” sometimes used in sci-fi in which nothing is really defined or made tangible.

Tsutomu Sato has constructed a world filled with alienated families, confused feelings, and unspoken bonds. With an engrossing world and occasionally funny or sad interactions between characters, The Irregular At Magic High School is a series that deserves a hearing. As a solid introductory volume to the world, this somewhat divisive story has something to say that will surely be expanded upon in later volumes.

Aaron’s Rating: Highly Recommended