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Disciple of the Lich Vol. 7 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, OP, Tsundere, Gods

Synopsis:

All Aboard for the Ultimate Battle

The Unseen Hand of the Gods helped Kanata’s group to take out Reniement and Lucifer, two of the vilest villains around. Too bad the higher beings’ plot is well underway: they’re activating Zero, the Silent Void’s life-siphoning curse to obliterate Locklore. Kanata and company rush to stop the curse only to crash into the gods’ final trump card—Zoras, a lich with a mastery of magic. The wicked god Naiarotop shows his face at last to herald the ultimate showdown between Kanata and the higher powers governing this world. And what is Lunaère up to?!

It all ends here, in the final volume of Disciple of the Lich! (Source: Seven Seas)

A Human Battles Against the Gods!

The stage is set. Across seven volumes, the pain in the Pantheon’s side, Kanata, has been slowly derailing the gods’ entertainment world. Growing ever stronger, much to the God’s annoyance, in the series’ final act, they’ve finally decided that enough is enough and need to take the nuclear option-kill Kanata and destroy Locklore.

In preparation for the series’ final climax, the story begins with the last bastion of Locklore training in earnest. Suitably setting up the sheer magnitude of the uphill battle they face, it’s also one of the few moments of downtime within the volume. With nothing but action and tragedy on the horizon, these segments serve as a last little moment for a bit of humour. Here, the author falls back on some of the series’ ever-faithful staples, including the training mirror from hell and a bit of Lunaère teasing, which are always a blast.

The rest of the story is split between two fights. These begin with Naiarotop’s last pawn, Zoras. A staged fight on behalf of the gods, it hits all the right notes for a spectacle finale. It features an overpowered antagonist as well as the omnipresent threat of Locklore’s destruction. It’s unlucky for Naiarotop that Kanata’s mere existence breaks all the normal conventions of a typical Isekai.

The second and final fight is a more hyped-up affair. It sees Kanata go toe to toe with the god Naiarotop himself. Teased throughout the past six volumes, it’s perhaps inevitable that the event doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Unfortunately, the level of threat carried by a god isn’t there, and it seems like the segment is meant more as a joke than anything else.

Finally, the closing instalment deals with the ‘will they won’t they’ between Kanata and Lunaère. This is always a strong point for the series, and the scenes in this volume are no different. A mixture of tender emotions and joyous elation brings the saga between the two to a satisfying conclusion. It’s a shame that, like most of the other romantic moments in the story, they are so strikingly short. Hopefully, in the author’s next series, they will pay more attention to this theme, as they have a real talent for writing rom-coms.

Concluding the series, Disciple of the Lich’s final volume succeeds in creating a fun, action-packed adventure. Despite a slight setback in the creation of Kanata and Naiarotop’s battle, the seventh volume has some of the most enjoyable action scenes in the series to date, but these pale in comparison to the scenes between Kanata and Lunaère. Tender and heartwarming, it’s just a shame they’re always so short.

Disciple of the Lich Vol. 7

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 seventh volume of this series digitally and physically through the distributors listed on the Seven Seas website.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 Hanashi Media website.

Peddler in Another World: I Can Go Back to My World Whenever I Want Vol. 7 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Harem, Slice of Life, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Weak Lead, Episodic, Cute, Business

Synopsis:

Shiro’s first venture into a dungeon—albeit accompanied by the majority of the adventurers attached to the Fairy’s Blessing guild—turned out to be a resounding success. With the grimoire written by Nathew (the Father of Alchemy himself) in hand, he was able to perform the ritual that summoned lost loved ones without a hitch, allowing everyone to say one last goodbye to their dearly departed. Yet one much-missed soul was conspicuously absent at this gathering of spirits: Aina’s father. What could this mean? Is he still alive somewhere? And if he is, how can Aina and Stella find him after being parted for such a long time? Shiro has little time to ponder these weighty questions, however, because a familiar face is moving to Ninoritch, and Shiro is forced to rush around preparing lodgings for the imminent arrival of their entourage. But what could possibly bring such a distinguished person to this tiny little town out in the sticks? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Peddler Prepares to Celebrate!

Fresh from the revelations put forth by a prize at the bottom of a labyrinth, the latest volume of Peddler follows Shiro as he prepares to celebrate a very special occasion.

A Birthday Fit for a Princess

The seventh volume of Peddler in Another World continues to provide a series of fresh and fun adventures. This time, the series chooses to focus on the fallout after discovering that Aina’s father might still be alive. As a result, the latest instalment is Aina and Stella heavy.

On the more fun side of their story, a major part of the volume focuses on Aina’s upcoming birthday. An understandably large occasion, it gives the author a good excuse to expand the story’s world-building. Throughout the segment, we’re given little tidbits that showcase the difference between birthdays in Japan and in the fantasy world.

Moreover, to coincide with Aina’s birthday, this storyline also sees the return of Shess. Having calmed down from her original appearance, this novel does a better job of showing Shess and Aina as best friends, and they end up doing a lot of normal kid stuff that they didn’t have time to do during the Capital arc. Luza also gets her time in the sun. Her scatterbrained personality is still plenty entertaining.

A Mother’s Choice

The more serious plot line this time around centres on Stella. Upon discovering that her husband is still alive, she comes across a difficult question; whether to search for him or not.

It’s a subject that the author treats with suitable delicacy, especially on the side of the protagonist, Shiro. Choosing to do the opposite of the normal protagonist moves, he questions himself on what would be the best way to help Stella rather than rushing in and making things worse.

Ultimately, the decision that Stella makes comes down to how Shiro has managed to integrate into the Ninoritch community. Since the very start of the series, he’s become an invaluable member of Stella and Aina’s family, and now, seven volumes in, Stella’s built-up trust in him will pay off as he’s put in charge of looking after Aina whilst she goes on her own quest.

Overall, Peddler in Another World’s seventh volume remains an entertaining read. Whilst the return of Shess provides some much-needed development for her friendship with Aina, the main highlight of the volume comes alongside Stella’s painful decision. It’s a segment that shows Shiro’s importance to the people of the fantasy world and how well he’s managed to integrate over seven volumes.

Peddler in Another World Vol. 7

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 seventh volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic Vol. 1 Review

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

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.

After-School Dungeon Diver: Level Grinding in Another World Vol. 1 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Dungeons, Cowardly Protagonist, OP, Episodic

Synopsis:

Why not unwind in another world once in a while? High schooler Kudo Akira happens upon the ability to travel between Japan and the fantastical world of Do-Melta. Not bound by any dire mission or duty, he leisurely enjoys exploring his way through the massive dungeon in the center of the world and all the trappings that come with it. The guild receptionist is trying to mooch off of him, his magic instructor has “rewards” for him, and he just might have some fun with a girl he saves… A brand-new fantasy adventure from Hitsuji Gamei begins! (Source: J-Novel Club)

An Oddball Goes Dungeon Diving!

Written by Hitsuji Gamei and illustrated by Karei, the latest light novel series to grace the JNC library features a cowardly high-schooler’s adventure in the exciting fantasy world of Do-Melta.

A Certain Trading Card Joke

Deep down in the dark dungeon shines a rather strange figure.

Equipped like a Victorian going on a safari, Kudo Akira’s oddball approach to dungeon diving embodies the overall light-hearted atmosphere of the series. Essentially episodic, the first volume serves as an introduction to the fantasy world of Do-Melta. As the protagonist comes and goes from his daily dives, he runs into all sorts, fleshing out the world as a vibrant environment filled with interesting people and culture.

Key to this volume’s staying power, however, comes from the author’s well-timed comedic undertone. Giving the volume a bit of “get up and go,” it gets its best use showcasing – how the protagonist has already settled within the world and has already made connections. The ongoing jokes shared between Kudo and some of the traders and fellow divers are a highlight. Look out, especially for a few fun conversations revolving around a certain trading card game!

The only little niggle I had about the comedic aspect is the author’s habit of going over the top with the lewd tone. I could’ve done without the story about the raging boar incident.

The Importance of Diving Prepared

As for the characters, Kudo’s clearly the most fleshed out after volume one. Cowardly and a bit of an oddball, he stands out from the crowd by being one of the only residents of Do-Melta, diving in the dungeon for fun and a way to upgrade skills rather than doing it for a living.

Other characters of note in volume one are Scrael and Eldrid. Both helped by Kudo after coming to the dungeon unprepared, they grow closer to him as a result. Both are quirky in their own right, and I’m hoping that the promised trip to Earth next volume expands on their characters.

Overall, Hitsuji Gamei’s latest series, After-School Dungeon Diver, is an entertaining and light-hearted read. Aside from a few lewd moments, the comedic undertone is its highlight. Chocked full of understandable references, it adds a nice vibrancy to the series as a whole.

After-School Dungeon Diver Vol. 1

My Rating: 7.5/10

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