episodic – Faceless One Blog

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.

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

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

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

Synopsis:

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

An Oddball Goes Dungeon Diving!

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

A Certain Trading Card Joke

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

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

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

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

The Importance of Diving Prepared

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

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

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

After-School Dungeon Diver Vol. 1

My Rating: 7.5/10

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.

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.

Peddler in Another World: I Can Go Back to My World Whenever I Want! Vol. 5 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

After rescuing Aina from the clutches of her kidnappers and successfully reuniting Suama with her dragon mom, Shiro is more than ready for things to calm down a bit and for his life in the other world to finally return to some semblance of normality. Unfortunately for him, it isn’t long before trouble crosses the threshold of his store again in the form of a total bombshell who claims to be the dragon Shiro had last spoken to only days before. She isn’t the only unexpected visitor though, as Aina’s abductor and Suama’s former pursuer, Celes, also turns up on his doorstep, having decided she would become Shiro’s slave to repay him for all he had done for her. And the worst part? Both women absolutely despise one another. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, Shiro receives a strange letter from a good friend of his, urging him to drop everything and come to the royal capital. Worried that his friend might be in trouble, Shiro sets off for the distant city. But what awaits him there? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Shiro and a Dress Fit for a Future Queen!

The Problem with a Bratty Princess

Having defeated demons and made in-roads amongst the nobility, Shiro’s latest capers see him set his sights on the capital. Following an SOS message from Zidan, the latest volume finds Shiro embroiled in a royal plot after his fashion-forward exploits go awry.

After helping Karen stand out at the local lord’s ball, news of Shiro’s fashion sense has travelled fast. Among those who’ve heard of his exploits is the first queen of the nation, Anielka, who believes that Shiro’s fashion-forward attitude might be just what she needs to help her daughter, Shess. Tasked with finding the princess the perfect dress, Shiro’s latest job becomes ever more complex as the circumstances surrounding the royal family begin to unravel.

As the volumes of this series have gone on, it has become ever-clearer that the author has a penchant for writing bratty characters. Much as with Shiro’s sisters in the previous volume, the main character focus of the volume, Shess, has quite an unfortunate attitude.

Thankfully, the author has learnt their lesson from the previous volume, providing understandable justification and eventual growth to Shess’ character. As Shiro spends more time at the royal palace, he quickly comes to understand that Shess’ unhealthy attitude and lack of self-confidence stems from the abuse suffered at the hands of the second queen, her daughter, and cronies.

The Wrath of Nobility

The second Queen and the all too familiar guild leader, Bart, are the main antagonists for this volume. As Shiro builds Shess’ confidence by showing that she’s ever as much a princess as her sister, their schemes against her get more and more dangerous.

By the end of the volume, Bart and Eleene’s hatred drives them to do awful things uncharacteristic of the rest of the series. From blinding a child out of jealousy to attempting to murder business rivals, their unconscionable actions go so far as to even get Shiro to rescind his pacifist ways. It’s a wonderful change of pace for the series, and as a result of Shiro’s actions, Shess finally gathers the confidence necessary to become the first princess.

Peddler in Another World’s fifth volume shows some notable improvements over its previous entry. Whilst the series keeps up with the bratty characters, the author has made the correct decision this time to add more depth. Adding understandable justification and eventual growth into the mix.

Furthermore, the actions of the antagonists in this volume finally get Shiro to make more direct decisions. Their unforgivable acts show promise for the future of the series as Shiro starts to get involved emotions in the new world that he now lives in.

Overall, Peddler in Another World’s latest volume makes for an enjoyable read.

Peddler in Another World 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 digitally on the J-Novel Club website.

Peddler in Another World Vol. 4 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

After a successful trip to Mazela where his products quickly became the talk of the town, Shiro returns to Ninoritch with the intention of slipping back into his usual routine at the store. Cue his two younger sisters turning up on his doorstep to throw his life into disarray by announcing they plan to stay at his house for a while. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t take the twins long to find the portal to another world in the closet. Keen on exploring, they set out into the forest on the other side with Shiro, who tags along to make sure his fearless sisters don’t meet an untimely demise. All’s fine and well—until one of the girls finds a mysterious giant egg and insists on taking it with her. Just what kind of egg is it? And how will the siblings deal with whatever hatches out of it? More to the point, will Shiro be able to cope with his two high school-aged sisters running around and causing mayhem in his adopted second home? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Businessman’s Dragon Quest!

A Case of Double Trouble

From finding fairies to founding a business in another world, eventually, Shiro’s secret travels between the other world and Japan were bound to catch up with him. Opening up the fourth volume sees Shiro backed into a corner as his twin sisters discover the door to another world. Knowing all the sibling tricks of the trade to convince their brother to let them visit the other world, it isn’t long before Shiori and Saori get stuck in on the action.

Introducing Shiro’s sisters to the series ends up being a rough ride for the titular protagonist. The twins spend no time making their presence known, and as a reader, their full-on personalities take some getting used to. Thankfully once the main plot of the volume starts to get going, the pair settle down and end up learning some valuable lessons during their first adventure.

A Baby Dragon Quest

The main story of this volume takes place as Shiro and the twins discover a sizeable monster egg in the forest, and after asking around, it’s identified as a dragon egg. While wondering what to do next, the egg hatches and the dragon chick imprints on Shiro.

Christened Suama, she quickly becomes another member of Shiro’s extended family. While she bonds with everyone, Suama’s introduction to the series becomes extra important for Aina as the two form a special bond.

Unfortunately, all good times must come to an end, and all plots must continue. Being a dragon, and especially being an intelligent dragon that can transform into a human, means there are those looking to use her for nefarious gains.

Of Demons and Immortal Dragons

As a backdrop to the story this time, the Ninoritch guild has become increasingly weary of demon activity in the nearby vicinity. One demon in particular, Ceres, has been making regular appearances in town searching for a giant egg. Coincidences be damned, it soon becomes clear that she’s looking for Suama. After missing each other for a while, it isn’t long before Ceres strikes, leading to a more pressing final act.

From here on out, the author makes a clear choice to muddy whether Ceres is acting out of distress or through antagonism. Her actions at the start make a bad impression on the main character (kidnapping and attempted murder will do that), but the truth of her motivation becomes clear as everyone seeks Suama’s real mother.

As most of the readers of this series have come to expect, Ceres’ actions are made out of desperation. Keeping Aina safe during the kidnapping and holding back her power so as not to kill anyone, her mission in the human world involves saving her sister. In typical peddler style, her sister is easily saved by medicine found in Shiro’s storeroom.

Aside from the story’s rough start with Shiro’s sisters, Peddler in Another World’s fourth volume continues strongly with its cute story style. Unlike previous volumes, the latest in the series focuses on a singular adventure which brings its own unique advantages.

In the case of this adventure, there’s the introduction of several interesting characters and an expansion of the world surrounding the protagonist. As the volume ends with Nonoritch making an allegiance with the demon realm, it provides Shiro with new opportunities to visit lands beyond the medieval backwater.

Peddler in Another World Vol. 4

My Rating: 8/10

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 on the J-Novel Club website.

Peddler in Another World Vol. 3 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

Ninoritch’s harvest festival has been a resounding success, but just as it’s wrapping up, Shiro gets accosted by a young woman claiming to be his grandmother—the very one who vanished years ago! Shiro’s not sure what to think at first, but he quickly realizes she’s telling the truth…even if she does look sixty years younger than how he remembers her. Meanwhile, Karen has to trek to the capital to pay the town’s taxes to the lord of the region and attend his annual banquet. This proves a great source of anxiety for Ninoritch’s beautiful mayor. How in the world is she supposed to attend an exclusive high-society function when she has absolutely nothing to wear? Thankfully, Shiro’s there to save the day. For one night only, he’ll become her personal stylist and make sure she’s the most dazzling head-turner at the party! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Peddler Heads to the Capital!

Family Troubles

Adjusting to the revelation that his grandmother’s still alive, there are a lot of questions swimming around Shiro’s head. Revealing herself during the town’s festivities, not only has his grandmother de-aged, but she also happens to be the infamous Immortal Witch.

One of the main focuses of the third volume is family. This theme first arises between Shiro and his grandmother, Alice. Having her turn up now after all these years gone missing is a hard pill for Shiro to swallow – perhaps made even worse because he’ll have to keep Alices’ return a secret from the rest of his family. A task made all the harder given that his twin sisters have decided to make a surprise visit.

Family conflicts aside, Alice’s appearance leads to all sorts of fun mischief and a good way for Shiro to see the isekai world from a larger perspective. Whilst Shiro might’ve been living in the world for a little while, he’s still missing some of the world’s finer details, such as what’s popular, which his Grandmother can provide in spades.

Shiro’s family isn’t the only one dealing with rifts in this volume. Aina and Stella have a falling out by the end of the plot over her father’s memory. This is a normal form of family strain, but it is handled adeptly by the author and by the main character, who has a moment of emotional intelligence due to his own problems.

Business and Taxes

On the series’ lighter side, Shiro’s business management abilities come into play as he escorts Karen to the capital. Karen having to pay the town’s taxes comes in handy for Shiro as he’s been wanting to explore the capital and set up a new part of his business.

The capital of Mazela has opened the door to noble clientele for Shiro as well as several uncomfortable meetings with business guilds. Shiro’s newest idea is to sell shampoo, and with numerous visits to bathhouses and Karen and Aina showing off the shampoo’s effects, it becomes a roaring success.

Speaking about showing off, Shiro also procures a dress for both Karen and Aina as part of the Lord’s Ball. The funniest moment of the third volume features the introduction of these new dresses, which happen to be of the magical girl variety. Who’d have thought that another world’s fashion places magical girl dresses that high?

Overall, Peddler in Another World’s third volume continues to be a fun ride, and the introduction of serious themes makes for a nice welcome change. As the story ends on a cliffhanger, I’m highly anticipating what the author’ll do as two more people from Earth manage their way to the isekai world.

Peddler in Another World Vol. 3

My Rating: 8.5/10

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

Peddler in Another World Vol. 2 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

Just as Shiro’s settling in to his peaceful life as a merchant in Ninoritch, he is rocked by the news that the grandmother he believed to be long deceased is, in fact, very much alive. What’s more, she’s apparently somewhere in Ruffaltio, the fantastical world Shiro can visit through his closet. This discovery gives him a new objective: find her and ask her why she’s been pretending to be dead all these years. But rather than going on a wild goose chase in search of her, he decides to stay in Ninoritch in the hopes that she’ll visit for the annual harvest festival. In the meantime, the Blue Flash adventuring party asks for Shiro’s help in gathering some rare medicinal herbs, a quest that takes him to the sprawling forest just outside town. But when he ends up separated from the group, he finds himself relying on the help of a mysterious girl… Just who is she? And why is she so tiny? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Shiro Gets a Fairy’s Blessing!

Moving on to the second of three reviews, my latest post focuses on Peddler in Another World’s sequel, where fairies are on the scene, and Shiro uses the upcoming festival to search for his grandmother!

Lost and Found

Peddler’s second volume pleasantly improves on the foundations cemented in the first, and I believe this is all down to the running theme connections between most of the stories. Themes involving searching and belonging take centre stage, ultimately making the larger plots more focused and impactful.

Patty’s story is where these themes and impact can be felt the most. Coming to Shiro’s rescue after he almost drowned, they make fast friends under the guise of boss and subordinate. There’s a great dynamic between the two that just makes their dialogue pop from the page.

Indebted to his saviour, Shiro aims to help his new fairy friend by finding her ‘hume’ friend, an adventure that’ll take this fairy on a journey of discovery and belonging.

Whilst the truth of what happened to her friend is bittersweet, her time amongst the humans has made her a stronger person overall and one who belongs not only in the fairy dwelling but in the human world as well.

A New Business Venture

Shiro also has a few searching adventures, but his highlights of the volume revolve around some of the more comedic misadventures. This major sub-plot has Shiro once again developing his business to improve the lives of those living in Ninoritch.

Cue his plot to bring Japanese alcohol to the locals, resulting in a hero battle for the ages (it seems even dwarves struggle with vodka of 90% proof)!

Sub-plot quality has definitely improved over the previous volume. Clearly, the author has gotten into a good rhythm choosing wisely as to the type of humorous atmosphere best fitting the series. This isn’t to say that the previous volumes’ side stories were bad, far from it it’s just that the author has taken their content to the next level.

Peddler in Another World’s second volume is an improvement on its first. More engaging central plots with running themes and a series of hilarious side plots make this series more than worth continuing. And now that Shiro’s grandmother has returned to the scene, I’m sure there be several great mishap plots ahead!

Peddler in Another World 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! 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 second volume of this series digitally from the J-Novel Club website.

My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at Level 1 Vol. 1 Review

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

Sub-Tags: OP, Episodic, Strong Lead, Dungeons

Synopsis:

Overworked Ryota Sato has been transported to another world!

No matter how hard he tries, he’s stuck at level 1—but in return, he has otherworldly luck when it comes to item drops! Despite his low level, a few stat-boosting item drops have his stats maxed in no time! Throw his special equipment into the mix, and he’ll be the strongest—even at level 1! (Source: Kodansha)

A World Reliant on Drops!

Filled with veggie drops, bunny girls and seed grinding, my first of three promised reviews looks at the Kodansha series My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at Level 1.

A Novel Concept

Episodic by nature, this series tells the story of Ryota as he dungeon dives in another world for a living alongside his housemate, hammer-wielding Emily.

It follows in the licensed footsteps of similar series within the genre, such as Drugstore in Another World and Killing Slimes. Similar day-to-day formulas and ways of adding new side characters with twists added as a way to set each other apart.

This series chooses to set itself apart from the competition in its novel style of world-building. In Unique Skill’s isekai world, every aspect of life is reliant on dungeons; from the food they eat to the materials they use, it all comes from monster drops found in the dungeons.

These unique concepts are built on further within the volume. Firstly, it’s shown in the way that Ryota has to upgrade his skills. Within the city exists a dungeon with no drops, Nihonium. Ryota discovers that rather than the usual drops, it creates seeds for otherworlders allowing them to skill up.

The second instance takes the form of a magic storm. For regular, brief periods, storms that inhibit magic ability form. As a result, the country’s economy faces uncertainty as mages are unable to work and items dropped by monsters only susceptible to magic can’t be collected.

It’s these types of details that can really grab the reader’s attention, investing them in the overall intricacies of the world. Furthermore, it’s nice to see a bit of experimentation on behalf of the author, changing the underlying properties of isekai dungeons beyond the usual tales of heroism and monster stampedes.

Hammers and Carrots

As for the series’ main characters, there are two standouts to take away from the first volume. Emily is the first person that Ryota meets in the new world, and they quickly form a friendship. It is clear that the author is attempting to set up a romance between the two as they quickly form into a husband and wife-duo.

Eve is the second highlight. A strong adventurer in a bunny suit, she quickly grows attached to Ryota and Emily after discovering that Ryota’s carrot drops are the tastiest in the city. A bit of an oddball, I can see there’s plenty of development potential for her subsequent visits in future volumes.

The Missing Link

Unfortunately, Unique Skill’s opening volume has a glaring problem – details! Important information is often missed or completely skipped over. Take, for example, the very start of the story, where Ryota and Emily first meet. Within a couple of pages, they’re already moving in together completely skipping over the moments in the dungeon when they grow close to each other.

This continues to happen several times throughout the volume, such as Ryota’s introduction to a city in another world or how Erza falls in love with him. These are crucial story points overlooked for seemingly no reason. Consequently, at no fault of the translator, the volume sometimes ends up losing its flow. Hopefully, the author will fix this before the next volume.

Overall, My Unique Skill is a tale of two halves. The first consists of novel and interesting world-building, twisting what it means to have dungeons within another world. The second is the unfortunate lack of character dynamic, developments, often skipping over important moments in their interactions. Thus, this series becomes increasingly difficult to recommend without knowing how the series pans out in subsequent volumes.

My Unique Skill Vol. 1

My Rating: 6.5/10

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 first volume of this series both digitally and physically from the list of distributors listed on the Kodansha website.

Peddler in Another World: I Can Go Back to My World Whenever I Want! Vol. 1 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

After quitting his job at a toxic company, Shiro Amata moves into the house his grandmother left him in her will. There, he soon makes two life-changing discoveries: one, his grandmother was really a witch from another world, and two, said other world is just on the other side of her closet door! Thanks to a book she left for Shiro, he also manages to obtain an all-powerful skill called “Equivalent Exchange,” which allows him to turn money from his world into otherworldly currency and vice versa. With this, Shiro decides to set up shop and sell convenient items like matches to the colorful inhabitants of the other world. His plan: make a massive profit on the goods he brings from home to become so rich that he never needs another job ever again! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Starting a Business in Another World!

Reaching the third and final pre-pub review, the latest J-Novel Club series has the cheat code for doing business in another world!

Quitting his job and moving to his Grandmother’s house in the countryside opens a whole new world of possibilities for our protagonist, Shiro. Within the house lies a door to another world, and upon picking up a language and exchange skill, he decides to open a business on the other side. Not only in it for self-enrichment, he, with the help of his new friends will hope to help the everyday people of Ninorich with items from Earth.

With flower girls, cat girls and even the mayor pitching in, will Shiro’s and the people’s lives be filled with happiness!?

Peddler in Another World is very much a light-hearted series. Fun and free of tragedy, it achieves its goal of leaving a smile on your face. Its episodic nature means there’s a variety of different types of stories throughout the volume. Perhaps the best of these fill the latter half of the book and provide more meat to the world and protagonist.

A good example would be the story where Shiro attempts to improve his business by following adventurers on a quest to gauge what items they need. Bringing sample items along for the ride, he ends up using several of these, each then getting the approval of the adventurers.

This story also does well in placing Shiro’s skill level within the world. He is weak, and he knows he’s weak. Thus, he comes up with the idea of using bear spray against monsters, an idea that works and will likely keep adventurers safe for years to come.

Alongside strong short stories, this type of series requires a steady stream of interesting characters, which I’m thankful to say it does. Highlights include Aina, Shiro’s first worker. Hardworking and dependable, even at such a young age she’s willing to try her best. Then there’s Karen, the town’s mayor, a kind and strong leader who’s often trying to playfully tease Shiro.

Unfortunately, I find one aspect a little weaker than the others. This is nothing to do with the plot’s content, but rather with its build-up towards a finale. Throughout the volume, many questions about Aina’s mother are raised.

At the start of the story, Aina is seemingly left to her own devices, selling flowers before Shiro hires her as a store worker. As it turns out, Aina’s mother is ill and whilst everything works out quite nicely, I question Shiro’s lack of interest in knowing why Aina’s out alone or why the townspeople don’t question it.

To conclude, J-Novel Club’s latest slice-of-life fantasy is filled with light-hearted fun. Most of the stories are a joy and fit in quite nicely with the author’s attempted atmosphere. I’m looking forward to the second volume especially given the revelations at the end of the volume.

Peddler in Another World Vol. 1

My Rating: 8.5/10

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

You can read the first volume of this series in pre-pub format on the J-Novel Club website.