Drama – Faceless One Blog

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.

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.

A Young Lady Finds Her True Calling Living with the Enemy Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, Business, Conspiracies

Synopsis:

“We demanded reparations, not a bride.”

Pressed into marrying a general of the enemy nation, she would find only her future husband’s rejection and a cold reception in her new homeland…

As the daughter of a powerful marquess in a small, prosperous nation, Bertine was raised with all the privileges and expectations befitting her station. Yet not long before her wedding day, the king orders her to marry Cecilio instead, a representative of the nation victorious against her own. For she was part of the war reparations. Resigned to her fate, despair in her heart, she crosses the ocean, bound for her new home.

But all that awaited her was Cecilio’s absence and his servants’ humiliating treatment of her. “I can’t rely on my parents or my status. So I shall gain the strength to survive here through my own efforts.” Alone and armed only with her resolve, Bertine flees the estate and begins to carve a path that will allow her to live in enemy territory…

A young lady possessed of a hidden talent for business. A general known as “The Battle-Crazed Savage.” And their love story, predicated by a misunderstanding and a negotiation starts here! (Source: Cross Infinite World)

The Federations’ Alchemist!

Written by Syuu and illustrated by Fujigasaki comes a relatively recent title to the Cross Infinite roster focusing on a young lady’s effort in building business and power.

Starting off the Young Lady’s True Calling saga, the first volume follows the usual beats for the genre as Bertine settles into her new life and sets up her business to show her natural prowess. As the volume progresses, however, it becomes clear that there’s more to the series than meets the eye.

For one, Syuu’s writing style makes for an engaging read. They let the characters speak for themselves. As a result, you become engrossed within the author’s world and the story they are trying to tell.

Secondly, whilst the opening volume’s story begins simplistic enough, it eventually develops into a more grandiose affair. With small nods to the reveal scattered throughout the novel’s first half, the realisation that Bertine’s sudden trip abroad, as well as her business dealings leading to more than just a way for her to earn a new living, adds an extra layer to the plot that’s appreciated. After all, there’s only so far a story about dealing cloth will get you!

A Pawn, A Puppet, and a Powerful Leader

With the story eventually achieving its full potential by the volume’s end, there’s one aspect of the series that is a highlight throughout – characters.

Three characters immediately jump to mind as the series’ strong suit, Bertine, Cecilio, and Rose. From the outset, at least, Bertine comes across as the typical noblewoman with an eye for business. This impression changes with time as it becomes clear that Bertine has an innate understanding of people and their circumstances.

In order to assimilate within the Federation’s society, one of her first moves as a business owner was to hire war widows. A move that showed that Bertine as more than just a sheltered noble and that she understood that war affects all parts of society.

As for Cecilio and Rose, they both end up standing out for the same reason – show-don’t-tell character introductions. Through these well-choreographed segments, we can grasp a lot of information crucial to understanding how they’ll react to any given situation as the series continues. Hopefully, this character-building will continue when introduced to other hyped characters, such as the queen of San Luenne.

Overall, Living with the Enemy’s first instalment is an excellent addition to the genre. Whilst the author’s style helps to push the series along, what makes this series stand out are its characters. Complex with well-defined motivations, they help to bring this romantic fantasy to life.

A Young Lady’s True Calling Vol. 1

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

The Evil Queen’s Beautiful Principles Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Tragedy, Villainess, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Revenge, Politics, Conspiracies, Ruthless Protagonist

Synopsis:

A woman reborn, Crown Princess Luxeria is derided as a doll, beautiful and docile. But that’s merely the mask she wears. Powerful magic courses through her veins—magic that can corrupt hearts, erase memories, and pluck one’s innermost thoughts from the air. After years of being confined to a tower, she is finally set free…only to become embroiled in a grand conspiracy that kicks off with her parents’ murder. Thrust onto a tragic stage of love and betrayal, she will play her part to perfection. (Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)

The Doll Princess’ Revenge!

From the same author that brought us The Accomplishments of the Duke’s Daughter comes the newest light novel series from Seven Seas Entertainment featuring revenge, tragic romance and kingdom-building.

Personal Vengeance

Revenge can be a difficult theme to manage. A balance of catharsis and believable motivations, it’s a theme that, on the whole, The Evil Queen’s Beautiful Principles navigates adeptly.

Key to this successful navigation is the volume’s central revenge act – Luxeria, the protagonist’s revenge against those who murdered her parents. Acting as a puppet ruler over the novel’s first half, it allows the revenge plot to build bit by bit. Throughout, her façade allows her to plan secretly gathering allies, leading to the perfect moment of catharsis as Luxeria reveals her true intentions in a bloody wedding sequence. It’s well-focused and staged, helping to feed into Luxeria’s prized narrative as the cold-hearted queen.

Unfortunately, the rest of the volume’s subplots aren’t so well-focused.

Romance and a Revenge for the People

In the case of the volume’s climax, the focus is taken away simply due to the novel already having peaked. Going one step beyond a personal vendetta, she takes her plans to stop the kingdom’s bureaucratic decay and create a system that helps both commoners and the nobility equally. A fine concept in practice, unfortunately, it falls foul of the fact that not one member of the nation’s ministry holds a candle to her power and, therefore, barely feels like a threat.

As for the series’ romantic subplot, the problem stems from an overall lack of connection between the series’ two romantic leads. Beyond a small flashback, Luxeria and Wilhelm barely speak more than two words to each other throughout the entire volume. As a result, I find it difficult to connect with their love story, and what’s more, I barely find it believable that she would use her abilities on him in a way that could endanger her entire motivation as ruler.

Fortunately, the theme of friendship is one subplot that offers some light at the end of the tunnel. The relationship between Luxeria and Alicia is the only link that the protagonist doesn’t sever from their childhood years. Offering a very different side to Luxeria from the ruthless ruler, their fun-loving moments together come as a welcome tension-breaker. Although, even this subplot suffers from a few holes. Explaining a plot point as being happenstance isn’t exactly a favourite of mine.

To conclude, whilst the story’s central revenge plot is well-focused and delivers the perfect amount of catharsis, this positivity doesn’t extend towards the rest of the story. A less-than-stellar climax and an underdeveloped romantic subplot mean that I won’t be picking up the sequel in the series.

The Evil Queen 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 physically and digitally through the distributors listed on the Seven Seas website.

Goodreads Review #4

Revolutionary Reprise of the Blue Rose Princess Vol.3 by Roku Kaname

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Topping off the trilogy, the climax of the Revolutionary Reprise saga proves the old saying – saving the best for last.

Reaching the point of the start of the revolution on her original timeline, the third volume finds that Alicia and her country haven’t come out of the woods just yet. In fitting for a series climax, the final volume is filled with twists, turns and tension as the journey delivers antagonists, political and systemic.

More than anything else, however, this volume delivers on character. This volume feels like the culmination of Alicia’s developmental journey throughout the trilogy. In a story that sees the empire plunged into turmoil, it forces Alicia to take the final steps toward becoming a ruler. Powerful in her own right, this volume sees her use her abilities to act as equal to the empress as well as talk two neighbouring nations out of war.

Alongside Alicia’s standout performance, Charlotte and The Prince get their moments in the spotlight. Both breaking tropes, their journeys of emancipation see them take very different paths throughout the volume.

For Charlotte, this journey is one of betrayal. Despite her admiration of her father and her lovesickness towards the Prince, she’s still able to stand up for what’s right, an act that sees her help Alicia, thus betraying the ones she loves.

For the Prince, this journey is an attempt at lashing out. With a mother who’s regarded as all-powerful and constantly being compared to her achievements, the Prince’s act of defiance is a way for him to move out from under her shadow. Damaging though the act may be, it eventually gets the job done.

For those looking for a complete villainess saga, this series is highly recommended.
4.5/5 stars.

View all my reviews

Reincarnated Into a Game as the Hero’s Friend: Running the Kingdom Behind the Scenes Vol. 1 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Game Elements, Video Games, Romantic Subplot, Strategy

Synopsis:

Someday, the hero Mazel will battle the Demon Lord with the fate of the realm at stake. But until that day…he better be carrying plenty of potions! While the hero is off saving the kingdom, it’s up to Lord Werner—a Japanese office worker reincarnated into the world of a classic RPG—to keep the rest of the world from becoming collateral damage. There’s no hero, luminary, or warrior of light who doesn’t need a friend like Werner! But can he truly defy the flames of fate and change the bittersweet ending of the game? (Source: Seven Seas)

Behind the Scenes: Defeating a Demon Lord!

Written by Yuki Suzuki and illustrated by Sanshouuo, Seven Seas’ latest light novel title looks at the hero’s party’s journey from a different perspective.

Reincarnated Into a Game as the Hero’s Friend takes a look at who helps save the world whilst the hero is busy saving a kingdom or going on a quest. Spinning the life of Lord Werner, the story follows his exploits as he tries to survive the world of a classic RPG whilst maybe even saving a few lives along the way.

Trouble with the Plot

From an initial event that solidifies Werner as different from others within the fantasy world to the classic training arc featuring well-known methods from Earth, Reincarnated Into a Game follows all the hallmarks of a typical isekai series. Whilst not necessarily a bad thing, as there’s still merit in the generic, my problems with this series start almost from the word go.

As a writer, Yuki Suzuki seems to be the type to get caught in their own flights of fancy. All too often, the story’s good rhythm is disturbed by the baffling choices made for conveying background information. Instead of being brought up when necessary, the series sometimes takes 20-page detours, just enough time to forget why the information was important in the first place.

Moreover, despite displaying a talent for the descriptive, the story tends to focus on the wrong things. A masterclass on the differences between Western and Japanese nobility is all well and good, but it shouldn’t take precedence over ascertaining the fear felt within the general populace. In volume one, the demon’s first assault on a town is left as a mere footnote. Where a vivid picture painted to show the public’s suffering when those to protect them aren’t around should be shown, we’re given a small sentence that tells us nothing.

Sparks and Changes

Whilst the journey through the plot of the novel is a thorny one, there are still numerous moments of enjoyment to be found throughout. These flashes of inspiration usually come through in its subplots.

By the end of the instalment, a theme of romance begins to blossom between Werner and a member of a rival house. Based on a change in pre-conceived notions, Werner’s development as both a statesman and fighter throughout the story brings the subdued interest of Lady Hermine. Sparks of mere words spoken between the two slowly change into meaningful conversations and a chance for the two of them to get to know each other.

Furthermore, the end of the volume reveals to the protagonist that there are differences between the world he currently inhabits and the original game world. These revelations bring with them positive possibilities for the series’ future. With the protagonist unable to correctly predict future events, it’ll force him to think on his feet and act more cautiously as danger nears.

Unfortunately, whilst the first outing of Reincarnated Into a Game as the Hero’s Friend sported some well-thought-out subplots, the author’s tendency to wander from the main storyline left me out in the cold on this occasion. But, If you like a story that takes a detailed look at Western and Japanese noble societies, then maybe this series is for you.

Reincarnated Hero’s Friend 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 physically and digitally through the distributors listed on the Seven Seas website.

Revolutionary Reprise of the Blue Rose Princess Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Reincarnation, Politics, Conspiracies

Synopsis:

The Romantic Finale For The Blue Rose Princess & Her Adviser!

After the eventful visit to Erdal, Princess Alicia finally confesses her feelings to Clovis. The two savor a short-lived period of bliss—but memories from Alicia’s previous life suddenly plague her, etching the fear of losing Clovis deep in her heart. Resolved to prevent his death, Alicia hatches a plan, only for it to create a rift between the new couple…?! How will Alicia’s revolutionary reprise end for her, Clovis, and everyone they’ve worked with throughout the years? (Source: Cross Infinite World)

The Princess’ Problems in Erdal!

Saving the best till last, the final outing of Revolutionary Reprise ramps up the pace as Alicia and Clovis close in on the tragic events that led Alicia to wake up in the past. Revolving around the relationship between the Kingdom of Heilland and the Empire of Erdal, it sees the series’ titular romantic duo trying to catch a traitor willing to start a war for the sake of unification between the two nations.

A True Future Queen

A step up from the author’s previous writings, the plot of the third volume makes for a tense read. Successfully employing numerous twists and turns, it proves to the very last page that Alicia and Clovis’ happy ending is a hard-fought affair.

With her citizens and even the Empress under threat from the unionists and their malicious schemes, facing off against members of the empire’s highest nobility forces Alicia to put all her previous training into practice and don the role of a future queen. In this plot, all of Alicia’s previous interactions and development over the past trilogy come into play here as she uses wit, cunning and intelligence to ensure a peaceful solution that doesn’t end in all-out war.

Alicia’s interactions with the Empress are particularly noteworthy. As conversations between a present leader and a future one, they show how far Alicia’s come to be able to gain approval about becoming a future queen.

Clovis also gets his own moments to shine throughout this volume. Whilst getting more in touch with his emotions makes for good progress, his best moments come as he proves himself every bit a match for the princess. By the end of the volume, it only takes a few words from Alicia for Clovis to know what to do.

A Usurper in the Empire

As for the usurper’s side, thanks to some quick thinking on behalf of the story’s heroes, it culminates as a trial. The Prince and Chancellor Yggdrasil are revealed to be behind the plot. A short-lived alliance, their different reasons for wanting reunification end up being their undoing.

The prince and Charlotte steal the show in these segments partly due to the final touches of development being added to make them complex and nuanced characters. In this volume, Charlotte moves away from the typical light novel Otome heroine archetype. Despite her lovesickness and admiration for her father, she’s still able to break away from their moments of folly and act alongside Alicia for what is right.

At the same time as Charlotte, the Prince finally reveals his full character. Long held under the shadow of his mother, his need to break free and accomplish something beyond the powers of the Empress is understandable and makes for a natural progression for his character. His eventual repentance also makes sense as a result.

Overall, the climax of the Revolutionary Reprise saga makes for a solid ending to this tragic romantic fantasy. Including a final plot filled with twists and turns and a set of nuanced, complex characters, it’s a series that is highly worth checking out.

Revolutionary Reprise 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 through the distributors listed on the Cross Infinite World website.

The Otome Heroine’s Fight for Survival Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Tragedy, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, Ruthless Protagonist, Game Elements, Dark Fantasy

Synopsis:

Orphaned by a monster attack on her village, young Alicia spends three horrid years in an orphanage before finally running away. When she flees, however, Alicia has a violent encounter with an older woman hell-bent on killing her. During their tussle, she comes into contact with a strange crystal that bestows upon her a wealth of knowledge, transforming her from an innocent child into a cool and calculated planner. Now aware that she was meant to be the protagonist of an otome game and disgusted with her supposed fate, Alicia decides to take matters into her own hands and become strong—by any means necessary. Using her newfound knowledge, and with some help from a stranger she meets in the woods, she learns to survive by herself in a world far too harsh and unforgiving for a girl her age. Ready or not, she’s determined to carve her own path. (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Heroine’s Ruthless Emancipation!

Mixing dark fantasy and Otome elements, Harunohi Biyori’s Otome Heroine’s Fight for Survival is one of the latest titles to finish its pre-pub on the J-Novel Club website.

Upon discovering that she’s a heroine from an Otome Game, the series follows the story of Alicia as she attempts to shirk off her game character credentials and forge her own path in a world filled with violence and treachery.

A Heroine’s Awakening

Not for the faint-hearted, Otome Survival wastes no time in setting the tone of the series as a dark fantasy. With a deadly attack on the protagonist instigating the story, it finds Alicia wrestling with the idea that she’s a heroine from a game and the ways with which she can emancipate herself from this fate.

Whilst emancipation is the major theme, it isn’t the driver of the volume’s first half; it’s survival. As an orphaned child in a violent world, learning to act on instinct and fight is the only way to avoid death. This ideology shapes Alicia, resulting in a ruthless character willing to kill to survive.

Ruthless though she may be, that doesn’t mean that Alicia is unlikeable. Logical and determined, she never kills without reason and keeps to a set of principles that develop throughout the volume.

Two adventurers from the early parts of the novel are likely what stopped her from becoming a mindless killer and showcased that there’s good in the unforgiving world. Known as Feld and Viro, they help in Alicia’s survival quest by teaching her useful abilities and skills in both combat and sorcery. Detailed and intricate, the mechanics of growth within this fantasy world come alive as Alicia learns alongside the adventurers. Unfortunately, the author doesn’t quite keep the level of excitement when Alicia learns on her own. Often, the novel grinds to a halt as Alicia attempts to enunciate incantations.

A Battle Maid’s Impetus to Change

Having learnt the basics of survival, the second half of the volume re-introduces the theme of emancipation. Accompanying Viro on a job, she ends up apprenticing as a battle maid. Serving under the royal family, they act as bodyguards, and it’s here that Alicia discovers her impetus for change – Princess Elena.

Alicia and Elena are birds of a feather. They see the world in the same way and are trying to carve out their own path in the world. For Alicia especially, this meeting between them is important as it gives some directionality to her abilities and opens plenty of doors for the future.

As an aside, the battle maid arc also provides an element of coolness to the volume. Through her time with the organisation, Alicia develops her fighting style with strings. Constantly catching her enemies off guard, it adds a layer of swagger to the numerous battles she has as the volume progresses.

Overall, Otome Survival’s opening instalment makes for an entertaining read. The series achieves this by creating detailed foundations and managing to balance the dark aspects of the series without coming across as edgy. Alicia is the highlight of the volume. Ruthless yet likeable, you can’t help but route for her as she attempts to break away from the rules of the game.

The Otome Heroine’s Fight for Survival Vol. 1

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

Finding Avalon: The Quest of a Chaosbringer Vol. 2 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

Betrayed and left for dead by members of the Soleil Clan, Piggy and his sister must fight against an overwhelming monster. Although they come out victorious, the battle leaves Piggy a shell of his former self. The siblings now have to dive deeper into the dungeon to enlist the help of a fiend to heal him. Piggy vows revenge on Soleil, but acting soon would put his family at risk. The only solution? A family trip to the dungeon to slaughter some monsters! Meanwhile, Akagi’s defeat has soured the mood in Class E and bolstered the rest of the school to keep them on their knees. Piggy will need to keep his true identity a secret as his classmates prepare for the Battle of the Classes. But the other students are taking notice, and something seems off about his classmate Nitta. More adventures await the overweight villain as he teams up with his beautiful classmates, fights crooked proctors, and impresses sexy ninjas! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Glutton Faces Training Sessions and Ninjas!

Picking back up after Piggy defeats the dungeon anomaly, Finding Avalon’s sequel sees the protagonist having to buck up his ideas as important game events draw near.

After defeating such an overwhelming foe, the second instalment of the titular villain’s story sees new developments happening left, right and centre. Escaping death by the skin of his teeth has shown Piggy just how important being over-levelled is to survival in the game world and, as such, renewed his efforts to level up his entire family.

Furthermore, monsters aren’t the only thing Piggy’ll have to protect his family from. With a host of conspiracies surrounding the academy, the latest big event, The Battle of the Classes, will give Piggy ample opportunity to interact with his classmates and scope for hidden dangers, but are these dangers closer than he thinks? Downtrodden and at their lowest, Class E is hiding many secrets, including characters who might’ve come from outside the game.

Conspiracies and Corruption

Finding Avalon’s second volume confidently establishes its world-building and plot development. Starting with the enactment of Piggy’s family protection plan, it expands by showcasing yet more layers to the corrupt and conspiratorial world of DEC.

The dance with death that Piggy suffered at the hands of Volgemurt has spurred him into action, deciding to power-level his family. Trapping orcs becomes a family affair as they each head towards level 30. These fun family moments are ultimately overshadowed, however, by the seriously twisted nature of the world around them.

Throughout the first half of the novel, all sorts of corruption and conspiracies that Piggy could end up fighting against are shown – from low-level corruption and criminality amongst guild employees to the high-stakes conspiracies that lurk within the academy societies with which Piggy has to navigate on a day-to-day basis. The author makes it abundantly clear how Piggy has adapted to his new family and why he would go to such lengths to protect them.

Ready Player Two

Speaking of the academy, a plot surrounding the upcoming Battle of the Classes makes up the second half of the volume.

This plot thread holds numerous positive aspects as Piggy interacts more widely with the world beyond his family in search of allies. The class president and her roommate, Risa, are key to this change. The two of them become Piggy’s first true friends among his classmates, and their interactions during dungeon dives together make for some of the more enjoyable moments throughout the volume.

Risa, especially, makes for a good friend for Piggy. One of the many revelations throughout the volume reveals her to be a player from Japan and heralds the prospect of several players transported into the game rather than one or two. Likely to be one of the protagonist’s only player allies, they serve an important function to each other. The ability to talk about the game, its future, and its differences without repercussions.

The end of the volume reveals yet another player within the DEC world. Unlike Risa, however, their view of the world as a game and complete contempt for the characters within will likely have them and Piggy at odds at some point in the series.

By building and expanding on the world fostered in its opening act and deepening the motivations of the characters within it, Finding Avalon’s sequel makes for an excellent addition to the series.

Key to its continued improvement relies mainly on the storylines expanding the world’s corruption and those looking at other players within the game. Risa’s introduction is a particular highlight as she adds a new level of fun not seen in the first volume.

Finding Avalon Vol. 2

My Rating: 9/10

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

The Oblivious Saint Can’t Contain Her Power: Forget My Sister! Turns Out I Was the Real Saint All Along! Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Romance

Sub-Tags: Personal Growth, Politics, Family

Synopsis:

Lady Carolina, the overlooked daughter of a powerful duke, has always believed herself to be the black sheep amid her illustrious kin. Her father is the distinguished prime minister; her elder sister, a prodigious mage destined to become their nation’s next Saint. In comparison, Carolina resigns herself to a quiet existence in their shadows until a sudden and unexpected royal decree alters her destiny, thrusting her into a political marriage with the formidable “Bloodthirsty Prince” of the neighboring Empire of Malcosias. Determined to prove her worth, Carolina takes a bold step into a world fraught with both political and mortal peril. As royal obligations intertwine with hints of true love and the stirrings of her own latent power, Carolina moves ever closer to understanding what it truly means to be exceptional. (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Powerless Daughter’s Journey to the Empire!

Written by Almond and illustrated by Yoshiro Ambe, The Oblivious Saint Can’t Contain Her Power is the latest license to grace the J-Novel Heart line of novels.

Following the story of Carolina, the premier volume in the series finds the protagonist at a point of great change in her life. Sick to death of her sister’s constant abuse, her chance to escape comes in the form of a royal decree commanding her to take part in a political marriage. Ushered away to the Empire of Malcosias, her new life as the bride of the “bloodthirsty prince” will bring a whole set of new challenges for the meek duke’s daughter. From political upheaval to assassination attempts, life for Carolina will never be quite the same again, and that’s before she discovers she might not be so magicless.

The Saint Misunderstands

The Oblivious Saint’s story takes a similar form to the often-used “suffer then rewarded” trope. Faced with acts of abuse or indifference from her family, Carolina’s reward in this situation is her chance at escape through political marriage.

In all fairness, Oblivious Saint is a well-written example of the trope. To avoid a generic take on the genre, the author does a good job adding layers to the overall simplistic narrative and successfully pulls off several attempts at subversion. Carolina’s father makes for a good example of the latter.

During the novel’s first act, Carolina misunderstands her father’s actions. What she sees as indifference is quickly turned around to show remorse. Her father loves her but finds it difficult to express given the situation he’s put her in. It’s a rare act in light novel series that adds to the overall humanity of the characters.

Carolina and the Power Struggle

As for Carolina’s reward section, the author wastes no time in showing that Carolina’s happy ending will not be so easily won. As she journeys alongside her new fiancé, Edward, several mysteries appear surrounding the Empire. Power struggles, assassinations, a loss in magical strength, and the true identity behind Carolina’s powers all crop up.

Unfortunately, it is with these mysteries that my major problem with the volume appears. Given the interesting plot threads set up, I can’t help but feel that the author chose the wrong one to start with.

The plot of a power struggle between brothers lacks impact. Aside from being able to see the development from a mile away, the plot can’t get to full throttle due to the lack of players introduced and the fact that Carolina can only play the victim, given that her powers haven’t awoken.

Overall, The Oblivious Saint’s first volume sets some good foundations for its continuation. Subverting genre expectations and setting up interesting plot threads for the future holds promise for the series. Unfortunately, what sours the volume a little is the power struggle plot. Poorly placed and lacking the right impact, I can only hope the next plotline is better realised.

The Oblivious Saint Vol. 1

My Rating: 7/10

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.