Faceless One Blog

The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem

Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead, Cute

Synopsis:

With everything at the Royal Institute of Healing settled, Zenos, Lily and Carmilla return to their routine at the clinic in the ruined city. As Zenos reminisces about his mentor and his past, the three demi-human leaders announce the slums’ first-ever night festival to foster camaraderie and provide people with much-needed entertainment. Of course, the three of them being who they are, the festival also ends up turning into a “friendly” competition for Zenos’s heart. In a shocking turn of events, the peaceful festival is very nearly ruined by the sudden appearance of a certain underground faction of the slums… (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Healer’s Trip to the Underground!

With the previous volume detailing Zenos’ dealings against a potential pandemic, the third instalment in the Brilliant Healer saga brings the adventure closer to home. For Zenos’ third adventure of the series, the author takes a closer look at the positive effect he’s had on the slums and those unhappy at the lack of chaos this has brought.

Ever since Zenos set up his clinic in the slums, the situation in the once-lawless land has begun to improve. Without the fear of injury and disease, the slum’s residents have been able to focus on the wider community rather than just survival, and as a fitting celebration, they’ve decided to hold a slum-wide festival. But not everyone is happy about this new, calmer existence. Hidden deep within the city streets, the dark guild wants to air its unhappiness and will do anything in its power to get rid of the new peacekeeper, Zenos.

The story of this volume is typical within the genre, and whilst it doesn’t stray too far from the dotted line, it is elevated by the author’s signature style of comedy and well-timed journeys to the past. This is all thanks to the member the Dark Guild chooses for their mission to eliminate Zenos-a succubus named Liz.

Prone to overthinking, her investigation into the slum’s ‘mysterious’ new leader leads to more than a few hilarious mishaps, the chief of which is her first introduction to Zenos’ clinic. Pretending to be unconscious to gain entry, Liz lets herself in for more than she bargained for as Zenos’ apprentice, Lily, performs a series of procedures that would make even the most experienced of spies break their cover.

As Liz’s schemes continue, however, it becomes clear that there’s more between her and Zenos than meets the eye as the two share a past. Both Liz and Zenos came from the same orphanage. These scenes of the past help to illuminate the unforgiving world in which they live as well as help to understand how both of these characters became who they are today. Zenos’ harsh treatment at the orphanage led to him wanting to help others, whilst Liz’s treatment led to her wanting to protect others instead.

Moreover, it seems that this positive depth to the series will continue in subsequent volumes, as several foreshadowed events hint that other members of the orphanage have achieved big things.

Overall, The Brilliant Healer’s latest instalment manages to keep the series going on the straight and narrow. Liz makes for an excellent addition to the series. While she adds a nice dimension of comedy to the story, her greatest asset is the past she shares with Zenos. This will lead to lots of new and exciting insight into his past as the series continues into its fourth and fifth volumes.

Brilliant Healer Vol. 3

My Rating: 8/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the third volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

Finding Avalon: The Quest of a Chaosbringer Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, School Life, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Villain, Weak lead, Dungeons, Video Games, Game Elements, Romantic Subplot

Synopsis:

The Battle of the Classes draws near, and students must compete inside the dungeon for a weeklong exam to prove their superiority. Rising above their past defeats at the hands of the elitist bullies of the upper classes, the brave Class E students devise a cunning game plan to maximize their odds. Luckily, they have a secret trump card—Piggy, the overweight and overpowered former villain. His orders are “Tag along with the upper classes, and try not to embarrass us!” This is perfect for Piggy, not being a fan of the limelight! He can use this opportunity to get to meet the diva of class A, his game-era crush, as well as share diet tips with a newfound armored friend—but a spy in his class is determined to unearth his secrets. That’s the least of his problems, as the mastermind of Class B threatens the students of every class. Little does Piggy know that his greatest battle awaits him! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Class E’s Race to the Deepest Level!

With Finding Avalon’s second instalment providing Piggy with much-needed allies, the latest volume will test everything Piggy has learnt as the Battle of the Classes begins.

As one of the most major events in the original game version of Dungeon Explorer Chronicles, The Battle of the Classes makes this volume the most important of the series to date. Set up like an exam, the event serves as the first marker within the academy to decide status and power, both needed by Piggy and the rest of Class E.

Piggy’s role in the battle is to act as Class E’s dungeon diver. Under the estimation of Class E’s leaders, the role is not an important one, and all Piggy has to do is travel far enough through the dungeon to ensure that they don’t get disqualified. Unfortunately, things in fiction are never quite so easy, and Piggy is put on the same team as Class B’s villain, Suou, the heir to the sainthood, Sera, and several Class D thugs.

With Class D’s less-than-subtle antics and the foreshadowing of Suou’s scheme on the horizon, Piggy’s passages give him a lot to do as well as add a nice touch of tension to an event that’s been name-dropped since the very start of the series.

To go alongside an already action-packed volume, without the class president or his family by his side, the story also has Piggy trying to make some new allegiances with the continuance of Tenma and Kuga’s storyline.

Tenma is one of the few rays of hope in an extraordinarily cruel world. Owing to similar bodily circumstances, Piggy and Tenma quickly bond over the different dieting techniques they’ve used. As the volume speeds forward, however, it becomes clear that the bond between them stems from more than just their weight. Tenma is a truly upstanding character. She doesn’t act like the other nobles in the series and uses her judgement to know who to trust and support. This plays well for Piggy, as her friendship will lead to an easier ride through the ranks in the future.

As for Kuga, Piggy’s interactions with her lead to a fraught and shaky alliance. Deciding that having her onside is better than not, the time the two of them spend together raises her suspicions of him even further, and once they get back on the surface, it’ll be interesting to see how the author will handle the inevitable interrogation.

With the third volume signifying the end of the series’ first major event, the author has succeeded in keeping the story fresh and the action on point. This success is largely due to the volume’s uptake in tension. As several antagonists enter the fray, Piggy’s knowledge of the game is tested like never before. Moreover, the continued development of characters such as Tenma and Kuga helps provide a well-rounded read to the story overall.

Finding Avalon Vol. 3

My Rating: 9/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the third volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

Goodbye, Overtime! This Reincarnated Villainess Is Living for Her New Big Brother Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, School Life, Isekai, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Otome, Game Elements, Politics

Synopsis:

Yukimura Rina is an overworked twenty-something systems engineer who’s dangerously close to her breaking point. Her only comfort is an otome game with a charming side character, the brother of the villainess, who soothes her weary heart. She gets so hooked that she forgoes sleep and ends up blacking out…only to wake up inside the game as the villainess, Ekaterina. She’s now the little sister of her favorite character! Her new brother Alexei is handsome, kind, and responsible—the whole package. Rina, now Ekaterina, would be happy just staying by his side, except for one little problem. If she allows the game to run its course, she and her brother are headed straight for a terrible future! Can Ekaterina overcome the doom flags that threaten her new family and the empire, while also preventing Alexei from working himself to death? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Navigating Death Flags and Brotherly Love!

Written by Chidori Hama and illustrated by Wan Hachipisu, J-Novel Club’s latest title follows on from an earlier manga release.

Goodbye, Overtime is the latest in a long line of light novel releases focusing on the Otome genre. Following a Japanese businesswoman as she wakes up in the body of famed villainess, Ekaterina, her journey takes the form of many others within the genre as she attempts to quash a series of doom flags to stop her own downfall. The twist? Both she and her brother are major brocon/siscons.

Despite using an unusual gimmick, however, there’s more to this series than meets the eye.

Chidori’s Otome series is equal parts competent and well-written, ultimately creating a story with surprising depth. From the very start, the author’s seasoned penmanship is put on full display as they immediately add background to the game world.

This is displayed best when looking at Ekaterina, the villainess. The motivations behind her original obsessive behaviour towards the prince are made clear with scenes taking a closer look at the emotional abuse and isolation she and her mother suffered at the hands of the family’s matriarch. This informs Rina which direction to take Ekaterina for a journey of redemption and doom avoidance.

As the story continues, it also becomes clear to see that even the series’ main gimmick has extra layers. Originally played for a few laughs, the deuteragonists’ unusually close displays of affection evolve into a more down-to-earth sibling relationship. Through thick and thin, they’ll always protect each other, and their more over-protective nature stems from the two of them being all that’s left of their family.

Finally, what helps this series stand out in a crowded field, is giving Ekaterina more grounded reactions to the fantastical and horrifying aspects of the world.

For the volume climax, a monster attack threatens the academy. Not out of place for an Otome series, the experience between in-game and real life are miles away, and the Japanese businesswoman side of Ekaterina shows this. Even if you’ve experienced the scene hundreds of times within the game, it’ll still bring you on edge considering your life is on the line, and it’s something that series within the genre tend to neglect. The resulting scenes provide a fresh sense of realism that most series often miss.

For its opening instalment, Goodbye, Overtime provides an offering that goes beyond the generic setting and seemingly gimmicky twist. Key to this success is the author’s seasoned writing skills and clear focus for fleshing out the original game world. Most important of all, however, is how the author has turned a quirky plot device into the heart and soul of the series. By volume’s end, it’ll be all but guaranteed that you’ll be rooting for Ekaterina and Alexei to escape their doom and create a new and exciting future for each other.

Goodbye, Overtime! Vol. 1

My Rating: 9/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the first volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

A Surprisingly Happy Engagement for the Slime Duke and the Fallen Noble Lady Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life

Sub-Tags: Cute, Heartwarming

Synopsis:

After her sister’s engagement to the crown prince is broken off suddenly, tragedy strikes, and Lady Francette and her family lose all of their wealth and status. Left with nothing but her name and determination, Francette moves to the slums and ekes out a living selling homemade pastries. That’s when she meets an unlikely new friend named Wibble, a talking slime who introduces her to the one and only slime duke himself: Gabriel! To her surprise, the unusually stoic Gabriel soon asks for Francette’s hand in marriage–and she accepts. Now she must adapt to Triste and its eccentric people, and she soon finds herself breathing life into the strange but endearing backwater. What was once a marriage of convenience becomes something much more in time…and—of course—expect lots of slime! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Land of Slimes, Slimes and More Slimes!

Written by Mashimesa Emoto and illustrated by Kasumi Nagi, J-Novel Club’s latest series involves a surprise proposal and plenty of friendly slimes.

A Surprisingly Happy Engagement for the Slime Duke is another series that adds to the ever-growing roster of fallen nobility given cute, happy endings. Typical of the genre, the story centres around Francette, a perfect mild-mannered young lady whose situation has become fraught after her ducal family was disgraced.

With her father too busy having affairs, Francette is forced to make ends meet by baking cakes, that is, until a knight in shining (or should I say slimy) armour shows up in her hour of need.

If everything I’ve written about the series so far seems generic, then you’d be right on the money. Everything about this series could be summed up by any number of reviews that I’ve already written on the genre already. From the perfect young lady, the strong yet demure love interest, to the threats that they face together, it’s all been done before and you’ll know the conclusion to the story before it’s even begun.

Whilst there’s nothing inherently wrong with being generic, in fact, there’s a nice comfort factor to the series, I do find myself wishing that there was something more on offer, especially with the series’ strongest aspect, the slimes.

The veritable twist in the fallen noble tale, the slimes take the form of both man-eating monsters and miracle helpers, once tamed. The main window into the actions of these creatures is through Wibble, Gabriel’s first slime and Fran’s faithful helper. Wibble acts as a great piece of comic relief. His tumultuous relationship with Gabriel serves as a way to bridge the gap between the fantasy’s two lovebirds.

Unfortunately, Wibble is the only slime we get to know throughout the volume, and as a result, the series’ main twist ends up lacking a certain level of depth. By the end of the first volume, both slime culture and why slimes act the way they do once tamed remain a mystery.

Despite a generic setting, Slime Duke’s first volume makes for a good spare afternoon’s comfort read. As mentioned previously, there’s nothing wrong with generic and Wibble’s antics about Triste can make up for almost any fault in the series.

Regrettably, a comfort read this series must remain. With little to no depth beyond the usual paint-by-numbers plot, it hardly makes an impact in an already saturated market.

Slime Duke Vol. 1

My Rating: 6/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the first volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

The Gods Themselves Review

Synopsis:

In the year 2100, the invention of the Electron Pump – an apparently inexhaustible supply of free energy – has enabled humanity to devote its time and energies to more than the struggle for survival, finally breaking free of the Earth. But the Electron Pump works by exchanging materials with a parallel universe, and such unbalancing of the cosmos has consequences. Humans and aliens alike must race to prevent a vast nuclear explosion in the heart of the Sun – and the vaporisation of the Earth exactly eight minutes later… (Source: S.F.Masterworks)

A Discovery of Life and Death!

Winner of several awards and coming from renowned sci-fi author Isaac Asimov, The Gods Themselves comes with certain expectations.

Split into three parts, it tells a story surrounding the invention of the Electron Pump. A huge leap forward in technology, its inexhaustible energy has the potential to solve an ever-growing Earth’s list of problems, but is free energy really free? Some suspect that the Electron Pump’s energy exchange is unbalancing the universe, and if it is, it could have deadly consequences.

Part 1

The first part of the story concerns the initial inception of the pump. Imagined similarly to Fleming’s discovery of Penicillin, the subsequent invention of the Electron Pump shoots its supposed inventor, Hallam, to near godhood, whilst his naysayers are forced to the fringes of the scientific community.

Dr Peter Lamont is one such naysayer and the protagonist of part 1. Partly driven by his disgrace dealt at the hands of Hallam, his investigation into the science behind the energy exchange begins the mystery of the novel and the ever-pressing danger posed by the pump.

At 59 pages in length, the first part of the story is a testament to Asimov’s ability to get the reader engaged with the mystery. This comes from the decision to keenly focus on Peter Lamont. Hot-blooded for a scientist, he’s able to rile the right cages to get the answers he wants, which in turn moves the mystery along at a pleasantly spry pace.

Aside from an introduction to an engaging mystery, the first part provides ample opportunity for Asimov to share poignant insights into the human condition. Senator Burt’s speech on human comfort is especially well-thought-out and plays a key role throughout the rest of the novel.

Part 2

For the second segment of the story, the focus shifts to the other side of the Electron Pump – the parallel universe and the Para-Men.

If the first part was an exercise in mystery writing, then the sequel allows Asimov to let his imagination run wild. Aliens, alien culture and alien worlds all play a key role in the development of this section, and Asimov succeeds in visualising these concepts through an attention-to-detail approach.

Most impressive of all in this part is the creation of the para-men’s life cycle. Simplistic in a way, the parallel universe’s three role aliens each take aspects from animals in nature, e.g., the parental and the male seahorse. As a result, despite these chapters taking place in completely alien environments, they still manage to feel grounded and realistic.

As for the overarching mystery, whilst it takes a while to kick in, it’s clear that Asimov hasn’t missed a beat. It follows three unique soft-ones, Dua, Odeen and Tritt, as they navigate the complexities of triad life (alien mating/marriage).

Dua instigates concerns over the pump, and the mystery starts anew. More involved than in the previous part, all three of the triad utilise their uniqueness to question and investigate. Pushing past their own animalistic instincts, they hope, in vain, to reach someone who can put a stop to the pump and save two universes.

Part 3

Concluding the dangers surrounding the Electron Pump, the final part of the story concerns scientific developments on the moon.

Attempting to find a solution to the Electron Pump problem through a clumsy love story, part three is the weakest of the novel’s trilogy. An expected outcome, given that this part of the story doesn’t break any new ground. It also isn’t helped by the cluttered inclusion of a late-game antagonist.

With Denison and Selene focused on fixing the Electron Pump problem, others on the lunar colony would see their research used for more political ends. Traces of Asimov’s brilliance can be found in these characters’ nuanced motivations, but with several more pressing plot points to conclude, they were given little time to breathe and develop.

Fortunately, Asimov steadies the ship for the story’s conclusion. It’s a segment that plays wonderfully into an earlier theme of human comfort and is played out in a way that could only have come about due to the interference of Lamont, the Para-Men, and the Lunerites.

Asimov’s The Gods Themselves manages to live up to its lofty expectations. Despite a small setback in the final act, the author’s well-actualised concepts of alien society alongside a simple yet effective mystery manage to win out, creating a work of science fiction that’ll stand the test of time for many decades to come.

The Gods Themselves

My Rating: 9.5/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

The Gods Themselves can be picked up at most major online stockists.

Butareba – The Story of a Man Turned Into a Pig Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Mystery, Tragedy, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Dark Fantasy, Perverted Protagonist, Weak Protagonist, Cute

Synopsis:

Cutie-pie Jess has regained her previously sealed memories, and oh my, she seems to be a little—no, very smitten with Mister Pig! Of course, there’s always the chance it’s just his social debuff as an otaku leading him to think so. Don’t worry—he knows the rules super well: he mustn’t overstep his boundaries. Luckily, there are other urgent matters he can focus on! Together with Jess and her fiancé-on-paper Shravis, Mister Pig hatches a secret plan that will decide the fates of the Liberators and every Yethma in Mesteria. A long-lost member of the royal family is the key to strengthening the fragile alliance between the Liberators and the royal court, so securing his cooperation is imperative. And strangely enough, Naut’s perverted dog Rossi, who loves to sniff girls’ legs, might be their best lead! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Pig’s Quest to Kill an Immortal!

After regaining Jess’s memories and discovering a mutual enemy to cause a truce between the royal family and the liberators, the third instalment of the titular pig Isekai follows a quest to find a missing uncle.

The latest volume in the series starts on a lighter note than usual. On a quest to find and return Sharvis’ uncle, Hortis, to his human form, Jess and Mister Pig get to spend some quality time together as they look for clues around the royal capital.

Far from a sightseeing trip around one of the kingdom’s few centres of peace and opulence, the author uses this quest as an opportunity to showcase the development in the relationship between the series’ deuteragonists. For Jess, in particular, these scenes provide solid insight into how her separation from Mister Pig has affected her.

Whatever fondness Jess had for the pig before has certainly blossomed into romantic feelings now. This spells disaster for Mister Pig’s original plans for idolisation, as Jess has become wilful and confident since getting her memories back. For better or worse, the romantic development between the two will only escalate from this volume onwards.

A Brother’s Quarrel

As the quest for Hortis draws to a head, the darker, serious aspects of the series reveal themselves once again as the protagonists turn their attention towards a secondary quest – a quest to find legendary objects that can rid a mage of immortality.

This quest serves as an opportunity to finally defeat The Clandestine Arcanist as well as a way for The Liberators to negotiate with the Royal Family as equals. As such, this plot line features subterfuge against the royal family heavily.

With the royal family in the spotlight, a closer inspection shows the dynamics between them are one-sided. Central to this is the new king, The Marquis. There are many words to describe him, but measured is not one. A walking stereotype for the world’s cruelty, he rules his people in much the same way as his family – with an iron fist.

As for the quest against the Clandestine Arcanist, this lacks the usual emotional punch of previous story climaxes. The only sticking point in the story and the series thus far, its one saving grace, comes from the scenes involving Hortis. I won’t spoil these moments, but needless to say, the moments between Hortis and The Marquis are why I keep coming back to the series.

Despite a slightly weaker climax, Butareba’s third outing still manages to entertainingly mix dark fantasy and comedy aspects. Jess’ wilful change and royal family dynamics are particular highlights as the volume’s ending leaves the journey for a new future for Yethma in an uncertain place.

Butareba Vol. 3

My Rating: 8.5/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the third volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

The Frontier Lord Begins with Zero Subjects Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life

Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead, Family, Heartwarming

Synopsis:

It’s summer on the grassy plains. With war behind him, Dias has his hands full with everything daily life can throw at him. There’s the new but strangely familiar merchant, the dogkin refusing to spend their hard earned coin, and the appearance of some of Dias’s old friends and family, each of whom has their own reasons for searching him out. On top of it all, Dias is about to meet Alna’s brother, who is convinced he has to rescue his sister from the evil new lord of the plains! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Family Affair Out on the Frontier!

Fresh from defeating Diane and her evil machinations, the latest volume out on the plains turns out to be a family affair.

Scaling back the action and the scheming of royalty, the third volume of The Frontier Lord focuses more on the slice-of-life aspects of the story. As Dias’ territory has grown over the past three volumes, news of his lordship has started to travel far and wide, reaching the attention of those who want more than to settle in the frontier. This time around, each of the visitors to the frontier has personal connections to either Dias or Alna and provides interesting insight into their growth as characters.

A strong yet kind protector defines Dias’ character. Throughout the volume, revelations reveal that these foundations began with his parents and were honed through his time at the orphanage. The tough times that Dias and the others went through in the orphanage mean that even now that they’re adults, they all still refer to Dias lovingly as either a Dad or big brother.

As for Alna, her visitor to the plains reveals a time of family hardship. With her absentee brother returning on the news of Alna’s marriage, it becomes instantly clear why she would favour Dias as a partner. Dias is a dependable provider, unlike her brother. He’s gullible and too trusting, traits that saw him lose the family savings and leave them in dire straits. With his return to the tribe by the end of the volume, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for healing over the coming volumes.

The Baar Hierarchy

Beyond the main plot of the third volume, there are plenty of entertaining and hilarious side stories to enjoy. The most entertaining of which comes from another episode in the Baar’s nature documentary.

This time, the episode focuses on the Baar’s leadership and hierarchy. When two males arrive on the scene, these sheep-like creatures take a rather novel approach to settling who gets to become leader. Rather than fight it out, they take the more pacifist approach of choosing which male has the best song. This is a fitting solution, given that these creatures are said to have similar intelligence to humans.

Overall, The Frontier Lord’s third instalment keeps the series feeling fresh and entertaining. Key to the series’ longevity, this time around, comes from the development of its deuteragonists. Both get a part of their past revealed throughout the volume, offering interesting insights into how they became the people that they are.

The Frontier Lord Begins with Zero Subjects Vol. 3

My Rating: 9/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the third volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

Rendezvous with Rama Review

Synopsis:

Rama is a vast alien spacecraft that enters the Solar System. A perfect cylinder some fifty kilometres long, spinning rapidly, racing through space, Rama is a technological marvel, a mysterious and deeply enigmatic alien artefact.

It is Mankind’s first visitor from the stars and must be investigated … (S.F. Masterworks)

First Encounters of a Cylindrical Kind!

Hurtling through the solar system and reaching perihelion, an alien object sets the stage for one of Arthur C. Clarke’s sci-fi masterpieces.

As a novel focusing on the potential ramifications of humanity’s first contact with alien life, Rendezvous with Rama takes an interesting approach to the genre. Instead of using its page time to showcase humanity’s reaction, it places this in the background in favour of a story focusing on exploring a new and exciting alien environment.

A more descriptive-style novel suites Clarke’s writing to a tee. From the very start, he’s able to contextualise the stakes of the story with a poignant retelling of Earth’s near misses with asteroids. This descriptive style is then brought into full effect as the story moves to explore the spacecraft, Rama.

From the Endeavour’s first entry into the dark and seemingly lifeless ship to its awakening into something between a manufacturing plant and the perfect primordial soup, Clarke succeeds in creating a vivid landscape, completely alien yet completely awe-inspiring. It’s a testament to his skill as a writer that he can take complex ideas, making them both understandable and entertaining to an audience.

Furthermore, these ideas and images are helped by Clarke’s grounded science that holds the foundation of the story together. Both theoretical and applied physics are at play in the novel, helping to provide a sense of realism, which often helps sell a first-contact story.

The Endeavour and Space Bureaucracy

Away from the mighty spectacle that is Rama itself, it is also worth noting the characters laid forth in the novel. Set between the crew of the Endeavour and members of a galactic committee, it is the story’s weakest aspect.

Despite the relatively small cast, few characters are well-developed, and their attitudes have started to show their age. Sexism and stereotyping all come into play, and whilst it doesn’t necessarily detract from the awe of the exploration, it is nevertheless noticeable.

Of the characters that are developed, Commander Norton, The Ambassador of Mercury, and Jimmy Pak are the highlights.

Norton is the Endeavour’s commanding officer; an experienced space pilot, his calm demeanour helps steady the ship and save the crew from sticky situations. Pak is the ship’s most inexperienced member. Throughout the novel, he gets to experience the dangers of Rama first-hand, all of which slowly mould him into a possible commander in the future.

As for the Ambassador of Mercury, he’s a part of the Rama committee and is the living embodiment of his people. His storyline representing the more rash nature of humanity isn’t groundbreaking but is well-written.

Rendezvous with Rama is an excellent example of descriptive storytelling. Focusing on the exploration of Rama gives ample opportunity for Clarke’s vivid imagination to shine through, creating a complex yet awe-inspiring picture of what alien technology might look like.

Despite its age showing a little, there’s plenty to love about this story, and I can see why it’s deserving of the title, a science fiction masterwork.

Rendezvous with Rama

My Rating: 8.5/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

Rendezvous with Rama can be picked up at most major online stockists.

Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, OP, Gods, Slapstick

Synopsis:

Makoto Misumi was an average, everyday high schooler, who found himself shipped off to another world at his parents’ whims. Upon arrival, however, he’s insulted by the Goddess for being too ugly and thrown into a desolate wasteland. He frantically searches for human warmth and connection, but can find nothing but monsters and inhuman settlers. When he finally meets companions he can trust, they turn out to be a pair of powerful perverts in a former dragon and a former giant spider! His high-octane, incredibly misfortunate trek through this foreign world has only just begun! (Source: Hanashi Media)

A Monster at World’s Edge!

Written by Kei Azumi and illustrated by Mitsuaki Matsumoto, Hanashi Media’s latest acquisition is a comedic fantasy isekai series that many may recognise.

Whether familiar with the anime or a newcomer to the series, Tsukimichi’s first volume makes for a great opener. Despite treading on what is now familiar ground, this series shows why this isekai sub-genre became popular in the first place.

The key to encapsulating the essence of a harsh start to Isekai life comes from the author’s composition of a protagonist. Far from the usual mild-mannered hero, Makoto Misumi isn’t afraid to speak his mind. His raw and unfiltered feelings toward a world that sends nothing but bullshit his way helps bring his experiences within the world to life.

Furthermore, I personally like the author’s decision to have Makoto be a descendant of those from the Isekai world.

As part of this background, it is revealed that to earn their place on Earth, Makoto’s parents had to promise one of their children to the Isekai world. As a result, they’ve been secretly training both Makoto and his sisters from birth to prepare them for a world where fighting is a part of everyday life. This eventually sets up a good explanation as to why Makoto is so calm in the face of terrifying monsters and horrifying situations.

The Tale of a Dragon and Spider

For the series’ first volume, the story follows Makoto as he journeys through the edge in the hopes of discovering fellow humans as well as introducing his main companions for the trip.

Whilst this type of journey would be nothing out of the ordinary for any isekai series, it’s led to stand out from the crowd through the introduction of his legendary beast companions.

Tomoe and Mio are great additions to the series. Both legendary creatures, the contract that bonds them together with Makoto reveals them to be rather unique characters. A weeaboo for Samurai culture and a masochist with a taste for blood, they send the chaotic nature of the series to new limits as they cause Makoto no end of trouble. Martial arts training can only do so much when your overpowered companions are extremely unpredictable and can destroy a town with the slash of a sword.

In conclusion, Tsukimichi’s first instalment makes for a great introduction to the series for anime aficionados and newcomers alike. Hanashi Media’s translators have done an excellent job of keeping the humour and Makoto’s unfiltered emotions that make the series iconic. This, coupled with unique characters and ample amounts of chaos, and you’ve got yourself a smash series.

Tsukimichi Vol. 1

My Rating: 9/10

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You can read the second volume of this series digitally through the distributors listed on the Hanashi Media website.

A Young Lady Finds Her True Calling Living with the Enemy Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, Business, Conspiracies

Synopsis:

When Respect Transforms into Love!

Using her courage and business savvy as weapons, Bertine earns more for the Federation than the reparations owed in her role discovering and marketing the country’s specialty products. The scarlet fabric, fruit jams and marmalades, spices, boats, and even a hotel… She shapes her ideas into reality one after another, ever expanding her businesses. The way she lives her life inspires and moves Cecilio deeply. But the general isn’t the only one affected as Bertine’s influence inadvertently spreads to the Empire’s second prince and even his uncle. All of which leads to political upheaval in the Kingdom of San Luenne, which scorned Bertine’s very existence. Thus the adventurous tale of a young lady who awakened to her potential in a new land reaches its rousing conclusion! (Source: Cross Infinite World)

Bertine and the Federation Force Change!

Managing to settle into life as a citizen of the Federation and having picked the course for her new life, the climactic volume of A Young Lady’s True Calling finds Bertine embroiled in a plot that threatens her new life as well as her old one.

After a promising opening act, the sequel of Syuu’s romantic fantasy series left me a little disappointed.

In the first volume, the storylines featuring Cecilio and the San Luenne royal family were interwoven tightly in between Bertine’s new business ventures, a move which let the overall grandiose nature of the plot shine. In the sequel, however, Bertine’s business ventures end up becoming a hindrance to the main plot’s development.

As hinted at throughout the previous volume, the series’ climax sees Bertine help in a scheme to overthrow the declining royal family in San Luenne. Made up of several different moving parts, its highlights include a more focused look at Bertine’s father as well as the youngest crown prince of the Empire, Claudio.

Unfortunately, this more involved plot is often forced to take a back seat to Bertine’s business escapades. For as much as I enjoy these little adventures, hunting for black pepper and building boats, they don’t hold a candle to a continental cue attempt.

The Empire and the Emperor

Whilst the final volume’s storyline lacked the punch it deserved, thankfully, the character writing is still strong.

Two of the characters that see play this time manage to keep up with the tight character development showcased in the opening instalment. The first is Cecilio. This time, the story focuses on his reasons for taking the reigns of the Federation. A tragic tale surrounding the death of his mother reveals his impetus to change the future as well as reveal the true depths of the Empire’s unparalleled cruelty.

The second character of note is the Emperor. Newly introduced for the series’ final arc, he’s a harsh but fair ruler. Despite being painted negatively by others, this volume shows him to be an intelligent man blinded by guilt. Through his son’s strength, however, he’s finally able to see the light and enact changes that will secure the future of the palace and the people.

Overall, whilst A Young Lady’s True Calling failed to quite stick the landing, there’s still plenty to enjoy overall. Key to this is the author’s continued tight writing concerning the characters. Cecilio and the Emperor are particular beneficiaries of this. Both end up becoming complex characters by the series’ end.

A Young Lady’s Calling Vol. 2

My Rating: 6/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

You can read the second volume of this series digitally through the distributors listed on the Cross Infinite World website.