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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.

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.

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.

Even Dogs Go to Other Worlds: Life in Another World with My Beloved Hound Vol. 4 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Cute, Heartwarming, Medicine, Pets

Synopsis:

A Slow Life Where There’s Always Someone To Welcome You Home!

Together, Takumi and Leo were successful in warding off the Orc attack on the village of Lange. A fake merchant they find there finally tells them what they need to know—the Yugard store in Ractos is selling diluted medicine to people. Takumi and company are outraged at the dark truths that come to light.

“All preparations have been made, milady.”

“We’re finally ready to take on the Yugard store now.”

Finally, the time has come for the vile merchants to pay for their crimes! (Source: Cross Infinite World)

Takumi Takes the Fight Straight to the Source!

Picking back up with Takumi and Leo in the middle of a pursuit, the latest instalment of Even Dogs sees the Libert family representatives embroiled in a fight between the Duke and their neighbour, Count Bastler. With those under the Count’s employ causing mischief and mayhem throughout Ractos and the surrounding villages, Takumi and the Libert family must be clever to catch them in the act and make them pay.

A Count’s Dirty Deals

The fourth volume of Ryuuou’s fluffy fantasy follows Takumi and the rest of the gang as they move to resolve the series’ latest arc surrounding Count Bastler’s schemes. Causing an outbreak and profiteering off the resulting suffering has led the cast of Even Dogs to decide that justice must be served.

This plot leads to a surprising change to the usual stance of passivity set across by light novel protagonists as Takumi is well and truly in favour of seeing the Count and his cronies pay. Whilst the scheme is nothing over the top, it does successfully land eggs on the perpetrators’ faces in a way that doesn’t detract from the series’ usual cute style. Moreover, it shows that Takumi has thoroughly integrated himself into the fantasy world and its people by viewing their suffering as his own.

As well as bringing the perpetrator to justice, the resolution to the series’ latest arc also brings some new characters into the fold. Chief among them is Anrinnelesse. Count Bastler’s daughter and whistleblower, her character holds much promise for the future of the series. Otome villainess adjacent and completely uncompromising, she’s sure to keep Claire on her toes about her feelings for Takumi.

As an aside, whilst most of the volume’s runtime is dedicated to finishing off the arc, there are still plenty of the fun, slice-of-life moments this series is known for. There are Leo antics galore, with the Duke’s riding lessons being a particular highlight.

Overall, the latest volume of Even Dogs Go to Other Worlds continues this series’ fun-loving spirit. Successfully managing to resolve its newest arc, the fourth volume introduces interesting new characters that positively add to the fantasy world. Additionally, the volume develops Takumi, showcasing his resolve to those around him and how far he’s managed to integrate into his new surroundings.

Even Dogs Vol. 4

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 sixth volume of this series digitally through the distributors listed on the Cross Infinite World website.

If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Villainess, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Spirits, Cute, Personal Growth, Weak to Strong

Synopsis:

The Smallest Spark Can Grow into a Fire

When Prince Joseph broke off his engagement to Brigitte, her life was shattered—but meeting Yuri helped her start putting it together again. The two may have started off as rivals, yet the more she learns about him, the more she’s come to appreciate him…Unfortunately, Joseph is ready to turn everything upside down again, suddenly attempting to reinstate their engagement. Brigitte is far from eager to go back, but her relationship with Yuri is getting complicated. Not only that, but it seems her weak, no-name spirit might be something else entirely…! (Source: Yen Press)

A Villainess’ Spirit Awakens!

After picking herself back up from a broken engagement, the second instalment of If the Villainess and Villain Met follows Brigitte as her whole world is about to change.

It Peeped!

Unwilling to address the cliffhanger left over from volume one, the series’ sequel begins with new developments regarding Brigitte’s spirit. Above all other aspects of the story, segments surrounding spirits inject the most of Brigitte’s personality within them, hence why it continues to be the story’s strongest aspect in this volume.

Developments appear thick and fast as Brigitte’s magical powers transform, eventually inviting a spirit. As a result, the novel’s first half finds the series’ protagonist searching for personal growth as Brigitte is forced to confront her past and future.

The future offers a lighter side to her development. It is signified by her blossoming romance with Yuri, which has no shortage of cute moments. Confronting her past takes a more serious approach. These scenes find Brigitte forced to overcome her traumas, which remain raw and vivid. Her memories describing when her hand is put in the flame are especially poignant.

As for the spirit awakening itself, it adds some entertaining moments of comedy to the series. Brigitte’s spirit takes the form of a small chick that likes to peep away and cause all sorts of chaos.

Prince (Not so) Charming

The Prince Joseph question is eventually answered in the latter half of the volume. Determined to get Brigitte back, this plot line follows a similar path to others in its genre, as Joseph’s motives turn out to be less than pure. Joseph is obsessed with Brigitte due to his perceived notion that she’s the only person who’s more of a failure than he is.

For as cutesy as this series portrays itself, this segment turns out to be a rather unpleasant read. Prince Joseph’s cruel and vindictive behaviour feels out of place in a series as light-hearted as this one. It does, however, provide the series with some necessary developments for the future. Firstly, the romance between Yuri and Brigitte is solidified, and secondly, the event serves as the final key to unlocking Brigitte’s true spirit power.

Overall, If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love’s second volume builds on the solid foundations laid in its opening act.

In addition to further exploring the world’s spirit magic system, the second volume finally gives the boot to Prince Joseph, allowing for the romance between Brigitte and Yuri to take centre stage.

If the Villainess and Villain Vol. 2

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 second volume of this series physically and digitally through the distributors listed on the Yen Press website.

Butareba – The Story of a Man Turned Into a Pig Vol. 2 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

With the help of newfound comrades, our otaku protagonist makes a valiant return to the fantasy world of Mesteria—as a pig, of course! However, his most precious heroine, Jess, is missing. But that doesn’t matter because he didn’t come back to enjoy a fluffy fantasy life with Jess. He totally doesn’t miss the girl he fell head over heels for! He’s not s-whining or dis-grunt-led at all! There are also more pressing problems Mister Pig must deal with. Mesteria changed completely during his absence. The nation’s torn apart by a war between the royal court and the underground society, and the handsome huntsman Naut has become a revolutionary focused on liberating all Yethma. Our protagonist’s mission is to help Naut and save the poor Yethma of this world! Together with Ceres and a new pig companion, Sanon, Mister Pig sets out on a journey filled with twists and turns. Will he reunite with his sweet, angelic savior? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Pig Leads the Revolutionaries!

After saying a heartfelt goodbye, the sequel of Butareba sees the series’ titular pig return to this dark fantasy world as he has unfinished business to take care of.

Ever since he left the world of Mesteria, things over there haven’t been going well. His return finds a kingdom plunged into chaos. On the one side, a group called The Liberators, headed by a familiar face, are attempting a revolution to free the Yethma. On the other, the kingdom’s north has seceded, and their brutal regime seeks power through strange and ancient means. But what of Jess? Her memories with Mister Pig forgotten, fate is playing games with her once again as an unexpected reunion meets with tragic consequences.

A Returning Revolutionary

Returning to the scene of the crime, it seems that the three months Mister Pig spent out of the world haven’t diminished his hunt for the truth or his perverted nature. Paired up with Ceres and his friend from another world, Sanon, this time, his goal is to help free the Yethma and change the fantasy world for the better.

Even without Jess, the antics between the three don’t miss a beat as they seek to meet up with Naut and The Liberators and avoid the Underground’s attacks. Adding Sanon to the line-up helps to settle this new team. Another reincarnation from Japan, he provides an extra logical mind to complex situations, even if his perversions go far beyond the limit sometimes.

Their adventure together is much lighter in tone than usual for the series, but it still provides all the necessary twists and turns expected.

A Fallen Hero

Whilst not as dark as its opening volume, the sequel in the series still has plenty of tragedy to go around. Naut’s journey is particularly bleak.

Captured by the Nothens, he’s tortured and treated as entertainment as a fighter in the Colosseum. It’s a segment that’s unrelenting in its despair. What Naut suffers through and what he’s forced to participate in changes him throughout the story. When he escapes, it’s clear that his resolve to free the Yethma and destroy the system has only been strengthened by the experience.

Additionally, Jess doesn’t exactly have a nice time of things. As safe as she is as a member of the royal family, it doesn’t stop her intense longing as her memories with Mister Pig have been blocked. This missing piece of herself comes to ahead as fate intertwines all three of these stories by the novel’s second act.

A Hero’s Reunion

Eventually, the three stories intersect as The Liberators and The Royal Family agree to fight against the Nothens.

For Jess and Mister Pig, the latter half of the novel acts as a slow-burn reunion between them. Throughout their interactions, Jess’ memories slowly start to return, resulting in a recognition scene typical of the series – tragic and highly emotional.

The fight against the Nothens also provides the series with two excellent additional characters to the story. The first is Shravis. The king’s grandson and Jess’ fiancé, he beats the usual light novel stereotypes, being both level-headed and understanding. He’s instrumental in ensuring a truce between the two sides.

The second character in question is the Clandestine Arcanist. Without giving away any spoilers, he’s a mage with the possibility of opening many doors for the series. Moreover, his character offers the reader an interesting insight into the personality of mages before the great purge.

Overall, Butareba’s sequel continues with the strong foundations given in its opening act. As a series, it continues to provide shock, laughs and tears in its own signature fashion.

This time around, the story builds on world-building, widening the scope to show how different members of Mesteria react within their inhumane system as it begins to crumble. Whilst the comedic outlook of the series can sometimes detract from the harsh realities, they nonetheless remain. Steadfastly showcasing those who struggle for change and those who take advantage of the chaos, ultimately causing more suffering for their own selfish gain.

Butareba Vol. 2

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 on the J-Novel Club website.

The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows Vol. 2 Review

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

Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead, Cute

Synopsis:

Exhausted after dealing with the golem incident, Zenos decides to get some well-deserved rest and travels to a hot springs resort. His ability to actually rest, however, is greatly impaired when his collection of problem patients follow him there. Coincidentally, Umin, a healer affiliated with the Royal Institute of Healing, also happens to be staying at the exact same inn. When an accident befalls their hosts, Zenos once again demonstrates his “plain ol’ shadow healer” abilities, and in so doing yet again attracts the exact kind of attention he didn’t want. Now on the Institute’s radar, Zenos is faced with an unexpected request… (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Shadow Healer Visits the Institute!

After saving the slums from disaster, the sequel in the Shadow Healer series sees Zenos’ adventures begin as he gets some much-needed rest.

In the latest Brilliant Healer release, Zenos’ healing troubles begin as he travels to a hot springs for relaxation and recuperation. Using his powers liberally at the retreat has caught the attention of the official healing institute, and now he’ll have to navigate the world of politics and class if he wants his clinic to survive. With researchers going missing and an institute losing sight of its original purpose, Zenos sure has his work cut out!

A Case of Selective Healing

Sporting a stronger plot than its previous outing, The Brilliant Healer’s second instalment has Zenos go undercover at the Royal Healing Institute. Following the disappearance of a researcher at the institution, Zenos has to navigate the difficult world of an officially licensed healer. In this storyline, the series’ titular protagonist gets to see how the cheese is made, so to speak, as well as discover that his talents go far beyond that of even the most gifted of students.

Zenos isn’t alone in his adventures, of course. Lily and Carmilla also come along for the ride. Of the cast so far, these two are the most natural pick, given their history with the doctor and their ability not to raise suspicion. There’s also a bunch of new side-cast to discover, each with their little quirks. Cress is a particular highlight as his character softens and becomes just a bit too familiar with Zenos.

As for the volume’s mystery, whilst simplistic in nature, it does offer plenty of twists and turns along the way. It takes the series into more serious and tragic dimensions as the perpetrator’s past actions created a whole lot of suffering for the sake of fame.

It’s a direction that works well, especially since it allows Zenos to show the readers exactly what type of man he is and how he differs from the regular healers at the institute.

Overall, The Brilliant Healer’s latest volume improves on its opening number by adding new tones to the usually cute, comedic adventure series.

These strengthening themes come as the series takes Zenos undercover. As well as adding some new and interesting side characters, the storyline of the volume showcases the darker side of the healing institution and how Zenos differs from the norm.

The Brilliant Healer Vol. 2

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

I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness Vol. 3 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Cute, Heartwarming, Personal Growth, Family

Synopsis:

Ever since the misanthropic Dark Overlord Allen rescued runaway Charlotte, his secluded mansion has grown more and more lively. One day, he is shocked to discover by chance that it’s Charlotte’s birthday tomorrow. Everyone else brings her gifts, but he hasn’t prepared anything to celebrate! With his dignity as a boyfriend on the line, he racks his brains for the best present ever—but something strange befalls Charlotte… What secrets lie hidden in her past and identity? Will the lovebirds finally muster up the courage to share their first kiss? What awaits them on their family trip to Ryugukyo, the mysterious snowy resort? Things come to a head with the schemers behind Charlotte’s plight in this adventurous climax! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Naughty Final Confrontation!

After reuniting with her sister, the climactic volume in the Crash Course in Naughtiness series sees Allen and Charlotte enact their naughtiest pleasure yet – revenge!

In the latest chapter of this sweet rom-com, the action begins as the date nears Charlotte’s birthday. A supposedly momentous occasion, it’s an event that has Allen all up in trepidation. To kiss or not to kiss? And that’s not all that waiting for the blossoming couple. A surprise visitor from the past and an unfortunate meeting in the present will test this cute couple to their absolute limits.

A Birthday to Remember

As Allen and Charlotte’s relationship begins to blossom, an Evans family affair proves to be a final stumbling block to their happily ever after. All starting on Charlotte’s birthday, Allen’s wholesome anxieties about the right time to take the next step is interrupted by his significant others reincarnation syndrome.

With the first saint, Lydillia, stuck in Charlotte’s body, it quickly becomes apparent that Charlotte isn’t the first to get the short end of the stick in the Evans family. A tragic tale of duty and disease reveals that the saint may not be as ready to move on as she makes out.

Struggling to come to a solution, Allen’s magic turns out to be the key. Able to separate the two, the series goes into cuteness overload as Allen and Charlotte welcome Lydia into their ever-growing family as their adoptive daughter.

This isn’t the only family drama for Charlotte to deal with in the volume. Acting as the grande finale, the series finally tackles the confrontation between Charlotte, her parents and her fiancé.

Taking the form of a naughty revenge plot, the climax of Charlotte’s arc is handled adeptly by the author. It takes in Charlotte’s personality, her development over the three volumes, and the style of the series to provide a conclusion that gives the antagonists their just desserts, as well as not going too far to where it feels off-putting.

Overall, A Crash Course in Naughtiness provides everything and more as it ties up loose ends and prepares for a happy ending. For the third volume, the story goes into cuteness overdrive as it builds on creating the perfect family for Allen and Charlotte. Moreover, the story provides a satisfying conclusion to the betrayal arc that’s been ongoing since the series’ inception.

A Crash Course in Naughtiness 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.

Peddler in Another World: I Can Go Back to My World Whenever I Want! Vol. 6 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

On his return from the royal capital, Shiro learns that all is not well in Ninoritch. An encounter with the spirit of a loved one in the depths of some ruins has caused disquiet to spread among the adventurers of the Fairy’s Blessing guild, and unsurprisingly, all sorts of theories have been bandied about on the true nature of the apparition. This naturally piques Shiro’s curiosity, but he has little time to ponder the real meaning of this paranormal encounter before the town’s beautiful mayor, Karen, asks for his help with something urgent. Due to a variety of reasons—including Shiro’s burgeoning fame as a peddler—there is a major influx of people turning up in Ninoritch, and there isn’t anywhere near enough food, jobs, or houses in the little town to accommodate everyone. Between them, can Shiro and Karen find a solution to the problems caused by this sudden population explosion? And are people really able to meet loved ones who have passed on in these mysterious ruins? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Peddler’s First Dungeon Dive!

Continuing on from Shiro’s royalty debacle at the nation’s capital, Peddler in Another World’s sixth instalment sees the series’ titular businessman out of sorts as a strange set of developments have been taking place in Ninoritch in his absence.

In the latest release from Hiiro Shimotsuki, Shiro discovers that it’s all things go in his home base of Ninoritch. Ever since he journeyed to the royal capital, the once-sleepy village has seen an influx of visitors. From adventurers hoping to discover ancient treasures to merchants looking to take advantage of Shiro’s exotic wears, the village’s resources are barely enough to cope, and that’s only part of it. The discovery of a dungeon that brings the dead back to life is about to cause a stir, not only with Shiro and his friends but the entire village.

Casinos and Lost Loved Ones

For Peddler in Another World, the sixth outing in the series sees a short return to normality. With no siblings and royal plots to send him astray, the latest volume gives us a good old-fashioned Ninoritch adventure. In this case, Shiro’s acumen is tested by helping to solve a population crisis that includes an influx of pesky businessmen.

A problem easily solved, what’s worth reading here are the moments between Shiro and Karen. Criminally underutilised over the past couple volumes, this novel showed that the magic between them is still there and why they could be considered one of the better ships of the series.

Whilst this volume may send the Shiro x Karen shippers over the moon, those hoping for positive developments between Shiro and Stella are about to have their hearts dashed. In the second and stronger main plot of the volume, any chance that romance will blossom between the two are completely crushed as all signs point to Stella’s husband being alive.

The fountain plot explores several avenues of grief. Stella and Aina’s journey is the best explored, showcasing the unshakable bond that developed between them after their husband/father supposedly died. It’s one of the few instances where the happy ending for them feels truly deserved.

By focusing on and developing fan-favourite characters and by creating opportunities for emotional growth, the sixth volume of Peddler in Another World keeps the series on solid ground.

Refocusing the series back on Ninoritch has done it the world of good. Picking up dangling plot threads and developing members of the already-established cast leave plenty of potential for the series’ future.

Peddler in Another World Vol. 6

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