Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Isekai
Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead, Spirits
Synopsis:
What’s a guy to do when his life suddenly changes while innocently enjoying a nice, cold drink after work? And I mean really changes. This middle-aged commoner now finds himself in the body of Liam Hamilton, the young son of a noble house teetering on the brink of collapse. Between his fervidly desperate father and his utterly apathetic brothers, the only bright side to his new situation is that Liam can finally try learning magic like he’s always wanted. Little does he know his hobby of choice may be about to turn his life upside-down yet again! Will Liam be able to master the craft of magic? And will it be enough to save him from the shadow looming over his family…? (Source: J-Novel Club)
Magic Mastery and the Key to Independence!
Written by Nazuna Miki and illustrated by Kabotya, I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin is JNC’s latest release that focuses on all the wonders that magic has to offer. Starring Liam Hamilton, the fifth son of a noble house, the story follows his journey as he chooses a completely different method from his siblings to avoid commonerhood.
Instead of marrying up, Liam focuses his efforts on learning the ins and outs of magic after a little nudge from a helpful fugitive. To this end, magic mastery makes up the bulk of the first volume’s story.
Best described as a light-hearted power fantasy, the first volume follows a well-trodden path within the genre as Liam’s introduction to the world of magic quickly snowballs into him becoming one of its strongest users.
Whilst Liam learns the basics, we’re given some of the best moments of the volume. The relationship between Lord Liam and his master is the highlight of the novel. The magic master’s tips and tricks always push Liam into finding new ways of using his magical abilities and gives some credence to how powerful he eventually becomes.
Unfortunately, what this series makes up for in magic, it needs to improve in character development. Of the several side characters introduced, none are complex or well-developed. Most, if not all, are nothing more than yes men, there to praise Liam for every little thing he gets right. There are some interesting moments of conflict between the protagonist and his family, but this isn’t well-realised as it isn’t given enough time.
Furthermore, the way the topic of a harem is brought about in this series is a little problematic. The dynamics between Liam and his potential love interests just don’t feel right, and hopefully, they’ll rectify this as the series continues.
Overall, whilst I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin’s foray into magic is both fun and entertaining, the volume itself is let down by a lack of vision in creating complex characters and a troubling dynamic that’s developing between Liam and the members of his harem.
I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin Vol. 1
My Rating: 6/10
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You can read the first volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.
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