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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.

Goodbye, Overtime! This Reincarnated Villainess Is Living for Her New Big Brother Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, School Life, Isekai, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Otome, Game Elements, Politics

Synopsis:

Yukimura Rina is an overworked twenty-something systems engineer who’s dangerously close to her breaking point. Her only comfort is an otome game with a charming side character, the brother of the villainess, who soothes her weary heart. She gets so hooked that she forgoes sleep and ends up blacking out…only to wake up inside the game as the villainess, Ekaterina. She’s now the little sister of her favorite character! Her new brother Alexei is handsome, kind, and responsible—the whole package. Rina, now Ekaterina, would be happy just staying by his side, except for one little problem. If she allows the game to run its course, she and her brother are headed straight for a terrible future! Can Ekaterina overcome the doom flags that threaten her new family and the empire, while also preventing Alexei from working himself to death? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Navigating Death Flags and Brotherly Love!

Written by Chidori Hama and illustrated by Wan Hachipisu, J-Novel Club’s latest title follows on from an earlier manga release.

Goodbye, Overtime is the latest in a long line of light novel releases focusing on the Otome genre. Following a Japanese businesswoman as she wakes up in the body of famed villainess, Ekaterina, her journey takes the form of many others within the genre as she attempts to quash a series of doom flags to stop her own downfall. The twist? Both she and her brother are major brocon/siscons.

Despite using an unusual gimmick, however, there’s more to this series than meets the eye.

Chidori’s Otome series is equal parts competent and well-written, ultimately creating a story with surprising depth. From the very start, the author’s seasoned penmanship is put on full display as they immediately add background to the game world.

This is displayed best when looking at Ekaterina, the villainess. The motivations behind her original obsessive behaviour towards the prince are made clear with scenes taking a closer look at the emotional abuse and isolation she and her mother suffered at the hands of the family’s matriarch. This informs Rina which direction to take Ekaterina for a journey of redemption and doom avoidance.

As the story continues, it also becomes clear to see that even the series’ main gimmick has extra layers. Originally played for a few laughs, the deuteragonists’ unusually close displays of affection evolve into a more down-to-earth sibling relationship. Through thick and thin, they’ll always protect each other, and their more over-protective nature stems from the two of them being all that’s left of their family.

Finally, what helps this series stand out in a crowded field, is giving Ekaterina more grounded reactions to the fantastical and horrifying aspects of the world.

For the volume climax, a monster attack threatens the academy. Not out of place for an Otome series, the experience between in-game and real life are miles away, and the Japanese businesswoman side of Ekaterina shows this. Even if you’ve experienced the scene hundreds of times within the game, it’ll still bring you on edge considering your life is on the line, and it’s something that series within the genre tend to neglect. The resulting scenes provide a fresh sense of realism that most series often miss.

For its opening instalment, Goodbye, Overtime provides an offering that goes beyond the generic setting and seemingly gimmicky twist. Key to this success is the author’s seasoned writing skills and clear focus for fleshing out the original game world. Most important of all, however, is how the author has turned a quirky plot device into the heart and soul of the series. By volume’s end, it’ll be all but guaranteed that you’ll be rooting for Ekaterina and Alexei to escape their doom and create a new and exciting future for each other.

Goodbye, Overtime! Vol. 1

My Rating: 9/10

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

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

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.

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.

Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Vol. 11 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Weak to Strong, Video Games, Game Elements, Strong Lead, Gods

Synopsis:

A thousand years in the past, Makoto Takatsuki has successfully recruited the legendary hero party, and they’re finally ready to take on Demon Lord Bifrons. At least, that was the plan. But then the demon lords assemble, rallying an army that outnumbers the heroes a thousand to one. Makoto must shift tactics to counter the onslaught, and just when the situation seems dire, Ira reveals a shocking secret about water magic that could turn the tide of battle. Unfortunately, the Great Demon Lord is hardly one to play fair. Seeing the might of the heroes’ army, Iblis offers Makoto something truly tantalizing: power. The final showdown for the fate of history has begun. Can the heroes’ light pierce through the Clouds of Darkness? And is Makoto’s will as strong as his magic? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Makoto Meets the Great Demon Lord!

Continuing Makoto’s journey one thousand years in the past, the eleventh volume of Full Clearing in Another World finds the hero’s party facing their ultimate challenge.

Managing to unite the hero’s party from the past, the latest chapter in the series picks back up after a small training arc. With their powers tested and successfully upgraded, Makoto and the gang are finally ready to face off against the big guns of the demon army. Making Bifrons their first target, they set out on their final assault, unaware of the big plans Iblis has in store for them.

Fight, Fight, Fight!

Using the build-up and darker setting of the previous novel to its advantage, the final volume in the “thousand-year” arc produces a worthy climax. With their training done and all the preparations made, this story is all about the fight.

The author has managed to surpass themself. Throughout the volume, three fights are showcased against different demon lords that effortlessly manage to upgrade the scale whilst managing to dangle the prospect of even bigger fights to come.

The promised battles against Bifrons, Astaroth and Iblis all get a look in, each showing the awesome might of the demon lord’s army. Furthermore, these battles show that the hero’s party’s true power is nothing to be sniffed at. Makoto and Anna/Abel get massive upgrades to their abilities, giving credence to the world’s written history and their victory by the end of the volume.

The Thousand-Year Question

In addition to the demon’s defeat, this volume also answers the lingering plot thread of Makoto’s thousand-year journey home. Meant as a one-way trip, it was always going to be interesting to see what solution the author would come up with to have Makoto join back up with the action in the present day.

Whilst I won’t spoil the events surrounding the solution in this review, I would like to highlight the segment focusing on Momo’s perspective. Detailing her life up to meeting Makoto in the present day, it’s a truly wonderful, heartfelt perspective that’ll surely win Momo more than a few fans by the end of the volume. As they say, the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Concluding Makoto’s journey in the Age of Demons, Full Clearing in Another World’s eleventh volume is a fascinating read filled with action, comedy and tragedy. Both Momo and Anna are the highlights of the volume. Their actions and perspectives secure them as some of the best characters in the series thus far.

Full Clearing Vol. 11

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 eleventh volume of this series digitally on the J-Novel Club 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

If you like what you read and what I do, why not consider supporting me through Ko-Fi. Any donation helps keep this site up and keep me writing.

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

The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases Vol. 1 Review

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

Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead, Game Elements, Banishment

Synopsis:

Deemed a “good-for-nothing” for his low level and lack of a god-given Gift, Allen is stripped of his noble status and banished from the Duchy of Westfeldt. But Allen has a secret: he was a great hero in a previous life, and he’s thrilled for the chance to finally live the way he pleases! His drama-free existence, however, is soon interrupted by a desperate encounter with his ex-fiancée. As a former hero who still possesses the incredible powers from his past life, Allen can’t ignore someone in need—no matter how much he might like to! And so begins the new heroic saga our former hero never wanted! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Saga That Starts at the Frontier!

Written by Shin Kouduki and illustrated by Chocoan, The Banished Former Hero is one of the latest adventure fantasy series to finish its pre-pub on the J-Novel Club website.

Following the story of Allen, the former prodigy of the Westfeldt Duchy, it starts as he’s banished from his noble household upon discovering his lack of a gift. Elated by the prospect, he sets out to live life as a free man, no longer shackled by the duties of nobility or his former role as a hero. Unfortunately, fate has other ideas. On his way to the frontier, he runs into his former fiancée, setting off a chain of events that’ll rock the shape of the kingdom.

A Trip of Nostalgia

An overpowered protagonist banished due to their perceived weakness has become par for the course in isekai light novels, and the Banished Former Hero is a rather generic example of the genre. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, as the series neatly falls into a personal nostalgia zone, taking me back to when I first started reading light novels, constantly seeking series featuring overpowered protagonists who end up gaining harems. As a result, I ended up liking it quite a bit more than I should have.

Whilst the series is never going to be on anyone’s Novel of the Year awards, it does serve its job well as the occasional guilty pleasure. Once the story moves past the banishment storyline and introduces his former finacée, Riese and her bodyguard, the plot picks up at a blistering pace. From here on out, Allen is defeating strong enemies left and right and picking up harem members just as quickly. It’s clear that the author has understood the brief, hitting all the right beats for this type of series.

Aside from Allen’s overpowered antics, there’s another aspect to the series that stands out – the conspiracy between the members of his former family. Typical for this genre, they are comically villainous, but their potential as long-term antagonists elevates them to something more than just cackling hyenas.

Although The Banished Former Hero’s beginning may appear generic, it is still an engaging journey. The author, Shin Kouduki, manages to hit all the right beats within the series’ specific genre. Allen fells powerful enemies and unwittingly grows his harem at an almost alarming speed. Meanwhile, his family start the long, winding road towards an ultimate comeuppance.

The Banished Former Hero Vol. 1

My Rating: 6.5/10

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.

Fake Saint of the Year: You Wanted the Perfect Saint? Too Bad! Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, School Life, Villainess, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Otome, Game Elements, Misunderstandings, Romantic Subplot

Synopsis:

Ellize gave her life to save Verner’s and rid the world of the witch for good—or so she thought! Unfortunately, while the poor people of the royal capital are grieving the loss of their beloved (fake) saint, the witch’s curse strikes again! A giant abomination that contains the darkest emotions of all the previous witches materializes and marches on toward Ellize’s final resting place. But who else can save Fiori from the strongest, most wicked foe in its history if not for its greatest (fake) saint? Bear witness to the true ending of Kuon no Sanka in the last volume of this thrilling comedy, followed by a collection of short stories! (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Fake Saint’s Final Threat!

Reaching its epic conclusion, the final volume of Fake Saint of the Year finds the cast of Kuon no Sanka facing their toughest opponent yet.

In the final volume, things aren’t looking good for the citizens of Fiori. The (fake) saint is dead, and the grievances of the saints throughout history have grown form into the most all-mighty witch. With their greatest light extinguished and tragedy and sorrow engulfing the world, who will save Fiori in its time of need?

The Brightest Timeline

The saint is dead…or at least she was for the first few chapters. After dying in battle upon defeating Alexia, the end of the previous volume left the rest of the Kuon no Sanka cast at a bit of a loss as the final boss, the witch of all witches, makes an appearance ready for the grande finale.

With a big final fight on the horizon, it’s understandable that the author didn’t want to keep Ellize dead for long, not that this was in any doubt given the series’ temperament. She’s able to return with the help of a little in-universe magic, and the fight between her and the amalgamation of witches constitutes the rest of the main plot.

Taking the part of a long, drawn-out battle, the fight between them is suitably epic and grand for a final climax. Over half the novel is dedicated to the fight and sees Ellize dig deeper than ever before. The actual finishing move, however, was sappier than I would’ve liked.

The Darkest Timeline

As for the rest of the volume, the pages are filled by two feature-length extra stories. Perhaps better placed in a .5 volume and the final fight added on to volume 3, they are strong entries into the series nevertheless.

The first features Ellize as she travels to the darkest timeline and one of the original endings of the game. A type of “have your cake and eat it” situation, it achieves Fuudo’s dream of pairing off Eterna and Verner. Additionally, it provides an interesting look at the Otome world without the overpowered version of Ellize.

The second story sees Ellize go back to Japan for a few adventures. Not as strong as the first extra story, it still gives some great goodbye moments between Ellize and Proftea.

To conclude, Fake Saint of the Year’s climactic volume manages to stick the landing, creating a series filled with action, comedy and tragedy.

My only gripes about the volume come from knowing that only half the novel is focused on the main plot and that some of the extra stories could have done with a change of perspective. A look at Alexia or Eterna’s new life beyond a single line wouldn’t have gone amiss.

For anyone looking for a new Otome or villainess series to get stuck into, this series shouldn’t escape your notice.

Fake Saint of the Year Vol. 4

My Rating: 8/10

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

Now I’m a Demon Lord! Happily Ever After with Monster Girls in My Dungeon Vol. 7 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Cute, Heartwarming, Dungeons, OP, Game Elements

Synopsis:

This time around, a plot to ruin Nell gets in the way of Yuki’s ideal life! Yuki’s exciting second life as a demon lord in another world continues. He and Nell arrive safely at Alisia’s royal capital, where they immediately set off to explain her situation to the king. There, they learn of a nefarious scheme designed to undermine Nell’s role as the country’s hero. Determined to find and crush those intent on hurting his precious wife, Yuki uses all the skills and tools at his disposal to gather information. And when he learns that the mastermind is planning to attack at the royal ball, Yuki, with the king on his side, makes his move to settle things once and for all! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Yuuki’s Royal Problems Return!

What Makes a Hero

Continuing his demon lord antics in a new world, my latest review calls back upon Yuuki as he faces a problem of royal proportions.

After discovering that the threats in Alisia are far from over, the seventh volume of Now I’m a Demon Lord finds Yuuki and Nell in the royal capital. Far from a visit to his old friend, the king, Yuuki’s visit concerns a nefarious scheme surrounding Nell. Someone within the royal courts is pulling the strings to undermine Nell’s actions as a hero by throwing all sorts of problems her way, from monster attacks to vicious societal ploys. With his wife under attack, Yuuki will do anything within his power to stop these fiends before they succeed.

Back in the royal capital, and it quickly becomes clear that Yuuki and Lefi aren’t the only power couple in the series. With the focus switched away from the dungeon, it allows the second official coupling of the series, Nell and Yuuki, a chance to stretch their wings and become closer. Investigating a new scheme that involves Nell proves to do a world of good for their blossoming relationship. To stop these schemers in their tracks, the two must fight, think and dance together to get an edge on their opponents.

As for the schemers themselves, whilst most are easily brought down by Yuuki’s clever use of theatrics, their leader makes an interesting introduction to the series. Surviving relatively unscathed from the incident, his ideology revolving around the nation’s survival beyond all else will cause a fair few challenges for Yuuki as the series presses forward.

Upon closing the incident in the royal capital, these events give Nell some pause for thought, whether to stay in the dungeon or continue to be a hero. Deciding on a hybrid between the two, the climax of the volume finds her leaving the dungeon.

Nell’s departure brings out a rare sentimentality in Yuuki, a man normally seen as a hedonistic thrill-seeker. It’s a touching moment that shows, behind the jokes, that he cares about those he loves deeply.

A Dungeon’s New Guest

In the interim, there are also plenty of slice-of-life moments to enjoy in this volume as well. These are best highlighted when the dungeon plays host to a new guest, the king’s daughter, Ilyr.

With the others so used to their life in the fantastical place, it’s nice, once in a while, to get a new first-time perspective on the comfy life the dungeon provides. Moreover, this experience is especially poignant for Ilyr. As a member of the royal family, playtime comes as a rare occurrence, and life in the dungeon offers an opportunity, however small, for Ilyr to act like any normal kid should.

Overall, the latest volume of Now I’m a Demon Lord continues to let the series shine. This time around, its main highlights surround Nell and Yuuki’s relationship and the new guests hosted in the dungeon.

Quickly giving the original couple a run for its money, the development between Nell and Yuuki shows just how much of a natural fit the two of them are together. By the end of the volume, the author showcases several clear reasons why their relationship should be seen with as much merit as Yuuki and Lefi’s.

Furthermore, even the slice-of-life sections in this volume aren’t without their purpose. With Ilyr’s first introduction to the labyrinth, we’re given an interesting perspective on what a fluffy dungeon life could mean to those who could have everything they could possibly ever want.

Now I’m a Demon Lord Vol. 7

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