ecchi – Faceless One Blog

Magical Explorer Vol. 6 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Game Elements, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Synopsis:

Anything but Heavenly!

In the depths of a dungeon, Iori finds evidence of the Book of Raziel, a legendary tome that could destroy the world if it falls into the wrong hands. But when the Three Committees launch an investigation into the book, they discover that the school librarian, Rue Sakura, is actually an archangel! The Academy wastes no time in forming a team of capable students to subdue her, but Rue effortlessly quashes this resistance with her powerful magic. Just as all hope seems lost, however, Kousuke rushes in to confront Rue once again! Does he have what it takes to avert a bad ending of apocalyptic proportions?! (Source: Yen Press)

Takioto’s Heavenly Battle!

After saving the Eroge game’s ill-fated villainess, the sixth instalment of Magical Explorer has Takioto and the gang face even stronger foes. As the game world moves steadily forward, the latest threat threatening the ultimate happy ending is much closer than expected. Hidden in the academy’s library is a heavenly enemy stronger than they could ever imagine!

A Protagonist Steps Forward

Continuing at its usual pace, the latest volume’s newest advisory finds Takioto and his party members taking a trip down to the academy’s impressive library. What awaits them is no ordinary librarian. As it turns out, Rue Sakura is actually a powerful fallen angel.

The dungeon and boss package for this volume provides a suitable spectacle. In an unusual turn for the series, the battle between Takioto and Sakura is played seriously, lacking the fan-service and comedy attributed to the series. A move made to showcase the sheer difference in power between Sakura and the other foes Takioto has slain thus far.

Aside from the more serious tone, this battle leads to some interesting developments for cast members other than Takioto. Iori, the game’s original protagonist, finally gets some time in the limelight. Given Sakura’s relationship to the Eroge game’s plot, Iori has to get involved, which means we get to see a little snippet of what makes him protagonist-worthy. Moreover, this volume also sees the penny drop for the rest of the cast about Takioto’s long-term goals. With many of the main players asking questions, it won’t be long before he’ll have to come clean.

Erotic Mundanity

For those worried about the fan-service dungeon diving, the sixth volume of Magical Explorer also provides this in abundance.

Whilst the ecchi action is always fun, the highlight of this piece comes from the women’s general acceptance of these erotic extravaganzas being normal. For them, these events have started to become mundane and, in some ways, mirror my feelings about this series at present.

With little movement in the overall plot, the series is in desperate need of a shake-up. In the upcoming volumes, there needs to be some movement to show Takioto getting closer to realising his overall goals to avoid the series feeling like the author is resting on their laurels.

Whilst the latest volume of Magical Explorer is fun as a whole, the ending left me feeling as if the series is in desperate need of a shake-up. On a positive note, Iori gets some good development, and the side-cast has begun to take note of Takioto’s future sight. Moving forward, however, the series needs to focus on achieving Takioto’s overarching goals.

Magical Explorer 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 physically and digitally through the distributors listed on the Yen Press website.

Magical Explorer Vol. 5 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Game Elements, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Synopsis:

Two Little Sisters, One Hapless Dude

When Kousuke’s classmate Gabby gets word thathe’s been appointed assistant vice minister of the Ceremonial Committee, she’s so scandalized that she challenges him (and Yuika) to a dungeon clearing race where the losers have to step down from their positions. Despite the high stakes, Kousuke agrees to her terms when he realizes he can use the knowledge of Gabby’s up bringing he gleaned from the game to ensure she goes down the right path. But does Kousuke really have what it takes to stave off the sadness and insecurity weighing on Gabby’s heart? (Source: Yen Press)

The Side Character and Haughty Princess!

Mastermind of the Ceremonial Committee

Having saved Yuika from fiendish forces and settled into his role as part of the ceremonial committee, Kousuke’s problems within the committee are only just beginning.

Quickly appearing on the horizon is the problem of yet another one of the Eroge game’s heroines, Gabriella, who’s facing an unfortunate crossroads in her life at the academy.

Unlike previous problems faced by the series’ titular protagonist, solving Gabriella’s issue comes across as just another move as part of a Kousuke’s Eroge chess game. Kousuke may like her character, but on more than one occasion, he frames her issue as a stepping stone toward solving a larger future problem, saving the saint.

The resulting future planning finds the first half of the volume with the unenviable task of making several information-heavy sections enjoyable. A task performed admirably thanks to the help of Kousuke and Nanami’s couple banter and Kousuke’s new idea to cause ire as part of the ceremonial committee.

Setting Gabriella Free

Once the volume finishes focusing on Kousuke’s master plan, the plot to save Gabby is a lot of fun, involving all the series’ best elements.

To free Gabby from her brother’s chains and start to live a life filled with her own unique dreams, Kousuke accepts a challenge from the haughty princess and enlists Yuika to help him win. Taking the form of a dungeon hunt, the challenge should be a slam dunk for Kousuke, but as per usual, things don’t go quite to plan.

Being stuck in a dungeon’s secret layer leads to some great moments of character growth and interesting interactions. Originally fighting like cats and dogs, being stuck together has Gabby and Yuika change from becoming bitter enemies to best friends. Furthermore, being led into a dangerous situation leads Gabby to get perspective, a perspective that changes her life to no longer follow in her brother’s footsteps and become her own person on the student council.

Despite the volume’s information-heavy start, Magical Explorer’s fifth outing remains a lot of fun. Even in its fifth volume, the comedy and fan service are fresh, and the addition of a haughty character to the mix opens a field of possibilities for the series’ future.

Magical Explorer Vol. 5

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 fifth volume of this series both digitally and physically through the list of distributors on the Yen Press website.

Magical Explorer Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Game Elements, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Synopsis:

After clearing forty layers of the Tsukuyomi Academy Dungeon solo in record time, Kousuke is finally invited to join the Academy’s most politically powerful student organization: the Three Committees. As Kousuke continues to do everything he can to guide his friends to a happy ending, he senses that something strange is happening with Iori Hijiri’s younger stepsister, Yuika. But what should be an easily resolvable event quickly gets out of hand when Kousuke realizes that the story of the game has branched off into uncharted territory! (Source: Yen Press)

Kousuke and the Committee Conundrum!

The Truth Behind the Committees

Taking place after Kousuke’s successful dungeon exploration, Magical Explorer’s fourth outing is conveniently split into three plot lines. The first focuses on the academic aftermath of his actions, having been invited to the Moon Court to join one of the three committees.

This plot line heavily focuses on world-building, immersing the reader in the academy’s inner workings and showcasing the committees’ pivotal role in law and order. Kousuke’s decision on the matter is simple, joining the ceremonial committee. In keeping with his character, the ceremonial committee acts up the role of the villains, providing the students with a mutual enemy so that they may improve their abilities and academic performance.

The committees also play an important role in the original eroge story. Through the connections Kousuke makes here, several avenues are opened to ensure the protagonist can reach his goal of a good ending.

A Smooth Talker

One of the main aspects of Eroge games concerns improving the protagonist’s affinity with each of the main heroines. The second plot of the volume has Kousuke continuing to make headway by asking each of the female leads to take a Seed of Possibility. Rare and expensive items, these seeds help in growing a person’s innate magical and fighting abilities.

The presenting of the seeds takes place one after another, and the influence of eroge games permeates these scenes. They play out like an important decision moment from the game, with each of the heroines offering different reactions depending on how far Kousuke’s raised their affection levels. At this point in the series, only sis refuses, meaning her affection levels aren’t high enough yet.

Stalkers and Saints

Kousuke’s smooth-talking act is also found in full force with the new characters introduced in this volume. Iori’s step-sister Yuika has arrived at the academy, comprising the third and final plot of the volume – getting the good ending.

Yuika is yet another one of the main heroines in the original Magical Explorer game. Blessed with high levels of holy magic, her issue comes into play earlier than expected for Kousuke.

Kidnapped by a demonic stalker, Kousuke’s plan to save her involves using his newfound influence as part of the ceremonial committee gathering Benito and Shion for a dangerous dungeon mission. The plan bears fruit, and Yuika is eventually saved.

World-building and developments in romance make the backbone of this volume. Taking time out of the dungeon exploration has given some much-needed space for the series to delve deeper into the school setting, thoroughly explaining the committees and the vital role they play in the academy’s development. Moreover, with this volume’s more slice-of-life feel, each of the romantic interests gathered gets a chance to make waves with the protagonist. Overall, Magical Explorer remains a strong, entertaining series even when broaching slice-of-life style plots.

Magical Explorer Vol. 4

My Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

You can read the fourth volume of this series digitally and physically through the list of distributors found on the Yen Press website.

The King’s Proposal Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, Gender Bender, Sci-Fi, School Life

Sub-Tags: Perverted Protagonist, Futuristic Setting, Tsundere

Synopsis:

Two Bodies in One

With looks to die for, Saika Kuozaki is the most powerful mage in existence and the only one who can thwart the annihilation factors that attempt to destroy the world once every three hundred hours. When Saika is mortally wounded, however, she bequeaths both her powers and body to the normal high school boy who happens to find her, Mushiki Kuga. Just because Mushiki inherits her abilities, though, doesn’t mean he can control them. To stand a chance of saving the world, Mushiki will have to attend an academy for mages as Saika—while trying to keep his true identity under wraps! (Source: Yen Press)

An Imposter in the Garden!

My newest review looks at Yen Press’ latest ecchi series, King’s Proposal, featuring mages, knights and the constant prospect of annihilation!

The series stars Mushiki Kuga as he struggles to come to grips with his new life after witnessing the final moments of Saika Kouzaki – the most powerful mage in history. Inheriting her abilities, the two converge, leading to Mushiki’s mind being in Saika’s body.

Now welcomed into the world of mages, Void’s Garden, Mushiki’ll learn what Saika meant to the world the hard way. The earth is in ever-present danger and only Saika and her band of knights can stop it. For everyone’s sake, Mushiki must control her powers all while keeping the convergence a secret; a simple task…if he didn’t constantly change back every time he does something lewd!

A Nostalgic Vision

The first thing noticeable about this novel is the author’s flair for the dramatic and the perverse. From the very first line, the author attempts to make grand spectacles, especially starting the series on a tragic first love and making Mushiki’s introduction to the garden coincide with an annihilation event.

Unique in the light novel space, this dramatic sensibility helps in creating a level of omnipresent threat as well as the tension deserved in the larger-scale fight sequences.

Alongside its serious dramatic side, the author also has a talent for perverse fan-service elements. There’s something innately nostalgic in how these elements are presented to the reader. Throughout the novel, I was constantly brought back to the ecchi action-harem series of the 00s and 10s.

Lots of lucky pervert moments and trope-laden potential harem members lead the nostalgia train. Great as tension breakers but not so much when trying to make a well-rounded main character.

Mushiki and the Knights of the Garden

While managing to convert his aims into action by the novel’s end, Mushiki’s character at the start is far from believable. Focused almost solely on trying to get Saika to like him, he often lacks critical thinking or any thinking at all.

It takes characters around him to ask the right questions or to get the mystery moving. There are no questions from him about where he is? How he ended up in Saika’s body? Why are annihilations threatening the Earth? Or even who tried to kill both him and Saika? This lack of curiosity about anything other than Saika’s favourite hobbies could detach the audience from his character.

The one thing that Mushiki has going for him is his overwhelming natural ability to become a saviour and that his morals overall are in the right place.

Luckily there are some great side characters. Anviet, Kuroe and Mushiki’s sister Ruri are particular highlights. All of them are much more well-rounded and are perfect players for interesting development down the line.

Anviet comes over as hot-headed at first, but his teacher role reveals him to be measured, tough but fair. Kuroe seems like the typical kuudere, yet there’s something deeper going on under the surface. Finally, Ruri plays the role of the typical tsundere, loving her brother yet always wanting him to leave the Garden. What’s interesting about both of them stems from their unusual family dynamic.

Past and Future

Closing out the novel and the volume’s mystery is a spoilerific boss-fight action sequence. Trying not to cover any potential spoilers, there’s a wonderful use of descriptive imagery, making the scenes extremely vivid. One can certainly picture the world’s created as if they’d be adapted into an anime.

Furthermore, the action sequence sets the bar for future stakes in the series. Character mortality and the potential consequences of not achieving Saika’s full power all come into play, and whilst everything ends up okay, I can’t imagine that this status quo will continue as the number of volumes grow.

Overall, King’s Proposal sets the bar high with its first volume. Featuring a healthy mix of comedy, drama and action, it’s sure to satisfy anyone looking for something different other than the usual isekai fare.

King’s Proposal Vol. 1

My Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! You can help support my work by buying me a coffee over on my Ko-Fi account.

You can read the first volume of this series digitally and physically from the Yen Press website.

Magical Explorer Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Eroge, OP, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Synopsis:

Still in his first year at Tsukuyomi Magic Academy, Kousuke Takioto continues his freewheeling routine of clearing dungeons with the heroines between bouts of training. However, his tendency to cut class isn’t lost on the other students, who now view him as a slacker. Despite this, Yukine Mizumori can’t help but marvel at how none of this seems to phase our hero. But Kousuke isn’t content leaving things there—this time, he’ll settle for nothing less than achieving the fastest dungeon clear time in the Academy! (Source: Yen Press)

The Underachiever Aims for the Top!

My second review of the week returns me to the world of Eroge in Magical Explorer as Kousuke aims for the fastest dungeon clear of the academy!

Magical Explorer’s third volume sees Kousuke earn the moniker of an underachiever amongst his classmates. Paying them no heed, however, his over-abundance of dungeon diving is all necessary to achieve part of his ultimate goal, solo the first 40 layers of the academy’s dungeon. But first, he’ll have to figure out what’s eating away at Yukine and come up with the perfect dungeon solution to her problems!

By now, I’m sure most of you know what to expect from this series in terms of ecchi fun. Most of it this time around takes the form of a special fan service dungeon requiring an offering of used panties. Cue some great laughs here as each of his party members’ reactions come off as unique, to say the least.

The fan service is always great, but where this volume really shines is in its more serious moments that have consequences going forward. The first of which involves Yukine.

Her’s is a problem that has been developing quietly throughout the past three volumes. Forever thinking that she’ll be in her older sister’s shadow has caused her abilities to stagnate. To help her fix her situation, Takioto takes her to a special dungeon that’ll be her resolve to the test.

Facing off against the shade of her sister is one of the most important moments within the series. Yukine’s character grows immensely due to this experience and so too does her relationship with Takioto. She gains the special powers she had in the game, which is not only a confidence booster for her but an important milestone for Takioto’s overall goal.

The second important development comes from Takioto challenging the first 40 layers of the academy dungeon. A difficult challenge for sure, but doing this opens so many doors for the future of the series.

Achieving this will ensure he gets the top grade amongst the first years, alleviating the unsavoury rumours and allowing him access to any of the committees of his choosing.

On top of this, challenging the dungeon gives the audience a great view of how each of the heroines so far feels about him. Ludie, Yukine, Nanami and Hatsumi all have unique farewell scenes that help to exemplify their personalities. By the end of volume three, I feel as though I can now predict how each of them will react in different situations, which is a good thing.

To conclude, Magical Explorer’s third volume continues to stand out amongst the crowd with a series full of fan service that is both thoughtful and actively engaging. Character development comes to the forefront of this volume, strengthening their resolves as well as their reason to gravitate towards Takioto. This is a series I highly recommend.

Magical Explorer Vol. 3

My Rating: 10/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments!

You can read the third volume of this series both digitally and physically from the list of distributors on the Yen Press website.

Magical Explorer Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Harem, Ecchi, School Life, Martial Arts, Isekai

Synopsis:

New School, New Dungeons, New…Maid?

At long last, Kousuke enters Tsukuyomi Magic Academy, the main setting of the erotic dating sim into which he’s been reincarnated. But between training every spare moment and using his knowledge of Magical Explorer to win the hearts of all the heroines he can, our hero’s student life turns out to be anything but easygoing. And that’s all before he activates a (literal) angel of a maid in the depths of a hidden dungeon! (Source: Yen Press)

The Game Begins as Kousuke Enters the Magic Academy!

The fun eroge fantasy isekai series returns mixing its unique blend of dungeon crawling and eroge dating game silliness. This time, freed from the prologue of the game itself, Kousuke enters the game’s main setting, Tsukuyomi Magic Academy. Providing himself with a year’s time limit, he starts enacting his plan of making every heroine in the game happy by building up his abilities and testing himself against some of the unknown dungeons the world has to offer.

Tsukuyomi Magic Academy is like a dream come true for our protagonist and invites a host of future plotlines for the series to explore. Not only will Ludie, Yukine and the game’s original protagonist Iori be in attendance but we as an audience get the first glimpses at some of the eroge’s other heroines. Main box heroines Monica and Stef make their first grand appearance, wasting no time in asserting their dominance when it comes to magic power and putting on full display the fractured relationship between the highest bodies on campus – the student council, the morals and the ceremonial committee. The standout in the academy sections, however, goes to Rina Katou. She is one of the first characters to make friends with both Kousuke and Ludie, and her honesty and hardworking nature will likely make her a fan favourite when her arc eventually appears.

Ludie and Yukine continue to be great characters and it seems as though both characters have started to catch feelings for the MC after the events of the first volume. Yukine has an interesting point of view segment within the volume that showcases her deep level of trust in Kousuke as well as open up her insecurities about her jack of all trades abilities and the inability to catch up to her older sister, likely to come into play when her event from the game starts.

Kousuke ever remains the horndog with a heart of gold. This volume puts into perspective what puts him above most of the other MCs within the genre, the actions and training he puts in to achieve his dream of becoming the strongest making each of the heroines happy. In this volume, Kousuke takes to dungeon crawling and speedrunning to improve his abilities. Although improving his skills is his main goal, he has also come to one of the dungeons to meet with the next heroine he wants to save, the angel maid Nanami. Nanami is 100% the best part about the volume, she’s a great quirky character that has immediate rapport with Kousuke. Their scenes together always come with some nice back and forth as if they’d been friends for years. She gives the girls at the Hanamura household quite the shock, providing Ludie and Hatsumi with a reason to be more aggressive in their love approach. Moreover, Nanami’s introduction allows for another certified inspirational speech from Kousuke. Given that the angels are usually used as dungeon fodder, Kousuke’s speech on wanting her to live a free life and follow her dream, whilst cringy, has a deep effect on Nanami and why she continues to follow him by the end of the novel.

The main aspect that I think will continue into the next volume is the rumours surrounding the MC. To most outside of his circle of friends, Kousuke is an underachiever, a serial class skipper who doesn’t care about his appearance at the academy. Whilst this couldn’t be further from the truth and his friends know it and defend him, he’s already garnered the attention of the ceremonial committee. This committee is famous for its hate of slackers and underachievers and by the end of the volume both its president and vice-president have got their eyes on Kousuke, so it’ll be interesting to see how this develops alongside Yukine’s role as part of the morals committee in the next volume.

The second volume of Magical Explorer continues to be a fun and entertaining read as it was in the first volume, this time settling on the main location of the game. As characters continue to grow and Kousuke’s power multiplies we’re introduced to the speedrunning mechanics of the game as well as furthering the world-building beyond what the eroge could provide. Hopefully, there will be a little more conflict in the next volume as this volume has really hyped up some of the potential problems to kousuke’s plan as well as perhaps plant the seeds for some future antagonists.

Magical Explorer Vol. 2

My Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments!

You can read the second volume of the series from the distributors listed on the Yen Press website.

The Insipid Prince’s Furtive Grab for the Throne Vol. 1 Part 1 First Look Review.

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Harem, Romance, Ecchi, Seinen

Synopsis:

The secret battle fantasy of the strongest prince who hides his claws!

Arnold is a lethargic prince who is ridiculed by the entire empire as an “insipid” runner. But in fact, he is the most powerful prince with a secret identity as Silver, an SS-grade adventurer who manipulates forbidden ancient magic! The story of the strongest prince who plays the role of an incompetent, and his secret struggle for the throne begins! (Source: Bookwalker)

After Kadokawa’s recent first English Light Novel release, Higehiro, came out to some rather mixed reviews when it came to its translation. I decided to check out their latest series, The Insipid Prince, to not only review the story and characters but to take a closer look at whether their translation is up to scratch.

This fantasy series sees Arnold embroiled in a battle of survival when inheritance for the throne is left up in the air after the eldest son the Emperor tragically dies. In order to save his Mother and twin brother Leonard from the certain death that awaits them if any of the other candidates win the throne, Arnold ends up scheming from the shadows to ensure that Leonard is placed on the throne. The only candidate that’ll allow for his current lifestyle to continue.

Don’t be ridiculous. I’d lose my life of leisure if I ever became emperor. My life plan involves marrying a beautiful woman and having fun.
Arnold Lakes Aadler

Arnold’s motivation can be perfectly summed up by this quote. He has no aspiration to become the Emperor and can’t quite fit in with how royalty is supposed to act. He wants a more laid back lifestyle, one which mostly revolves around the exciting life of adventuring. There, as his adventuring alternate, Silver, he’s respected and relied upon, he is one of the strongest adventurers in the country and is seen as a trusted party when it comes to defeating some of the toughest monsters and foes. That isn’t to say that as a prince he’s completely useless. He’s incredibly intelligent and has a certain manipulative streak, he knows what strings to pull and which contacts to make in order to help his brother succeed. Yet, people still seem to find him trustworthy and someone with a good heart – they know that he won’t cross lines that should never be crossed.

In the first part of this novel, Arnold puts these skills to the test in trying to gain the support of one of the only neutral ducal families left in the game, the Keinert family. Here, he uses his personality as Silver in order to help them with a high ranked monster problem that they’ve been having recently. Things go according to plan as he’s sent away and given the perfect opportunity to put the Duke into Leonard’s debt. We get a really good scene as a part of this chapter when Arnold and Silver play off each other adding pressure and guilt onto Finne, the ducal house’s representative. Arnold knows exactly that she has an honest personality and will do anything for the sake of her house making his manipulation all the easier. However, after defeating the Mother Slime, Arnold manages to slip up revealing both identities to Finne leading to her becoming a member of the “get Leonard the throne” team.

Finne Von Kleinert serves as a great character addition to the series. For Arnold, she as a good source of motivation as well as a good anchor point in order to keep his moral compass in check. She believes that he’s got a good heart and that everything he’s done as been for the sake of the people and his family and whilst he says this isn’t true he always does his upmost to ensure Finne isn’t in any unnecessary danger. Finne also works into Arnold’s plans to further Leonard’s cause for the throne. With her on his side, he can perhaps move some of the other neutral nobility to their side as well as stoke some rumours of a potential courtship between Finne and Leonard.

Hopefully as this volume continues, we actually get to see Arnold and Leonards mother and her opinions on the battle for the throne. Furthermore, I hope we get to see a more direct confrontation in regards to the throne battle, perhaps even a part of the volume dedicated to showing one of the other candidates point of view to see how they are scheming to get the throne.

The Translation

Given some of the reviews that I had seen concerning Higehiro’s translation, I was expecting some terrible level of translation for this series, however, its not that bad. It could certainly use another passover through editing but it is certainly still enjoyable to read.

Whilst I’m certainly no English major, I did manage to find some problematic translation points. There are some localisation problems that crop up, although these are few and far between, for example “having a laugh at me” instead of “making fun of me” or “having a go at me,” and there’s a confusing small paragraph within the first chapter where they talk about how someone could rise to the level of duke. Otherwise most of the other problems are small grammatical errors or have to do with uncommon words that aren’t used in a specific context e.g., proffered or supplication.

One thing that I do have to mention concerns ease for the reader. A section of this part of the volume has a scene where Arnold talks to himself as Silver trying to convince Finne of a slight caused. This could be rather confusing to the reader as is, considering there’s no mention of differences in their voicing or a clear difference within the text. Putting Silver’s talking moments in this section and having them in italics or in bold may fix this problem.

Overall, a pretty good start to the series and I look forward to seeing how the battle for the throne will develop as not only the volume continues but also the series into upcoming volumes.

There won’t be a rating for this review because it’ll come once I’ve finished all parts to the volume.

The Insipid Prince’s Furtive Battle for the Throne Part 1 is available to purchase from Google Play, Bookwalker and Kobo