misunderstandings – Faceless One Blog

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

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

Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord Vol. 4 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Strong Lead, OP, Otome

Synopsis:

After defeating the god of evil, Yumiella has finally surpassed the level cap of 99. While this achievement ought to be a joyous occasion for a power-obsessed gamer like her, she can’t seem to focus on it with her marriage to Patrick just a few months away. When the reality of what a big, aristocratic wedding really looks like starts to set in, Yumiella realizes that while she wants to get married, she really doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of a whole ceremony. Impulsively fleeing home to clear her mind, Yumiella ends up in the neighboring kingdom, where she finds that the citizens are completely terrified of her. A mysterious man gives her shelter so that she can avoid conflict, but despite her best efforts, Yumiella finds herself entangled in the conspiracies surrounding a power struggle in the kingdom. How will she use her newly leveled-up Yumiella Strength to get out of trouble this time? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Hidden Boss Goes Undercover!

Managing to defeat her double and a demonic dark entity, the fourth volume in the series finds that even the hidden boss has trouble in paradise.

As Dolkness County prepares for the wedding of a century, the latest release in the series sees relations between Yumiella and Patrick at an all-time low. After they get into an argument, Yumiella flees only to crash land into the roof of someone in the neighbouring kingdom. Thinking it’ll be a great place to lie low, the hidden boss’ hopes are dashed when the unfortunate crash victim’s owner is seemingly involved in shady conspiracies and the kingdom’s long-held aspirations for war.

Crashing Right Into the Action

Back to the usual antics, the story this time around gets going after Yumiella and Patrick get into an argument. Quite literally crash-landing into the action, our titular hidden boss becomes embroiled in plots and conspiracies alongside her flatmate, Gilbert, who looks suspiciously like Patrick.

Unlike previous volumes, the fourth in the series bucks the trend, opting for a lower stakes threat. The conspiracy in the Kingdom of Lemlaestia and the return of the heroine, Alicia, are all overshadowed by Yumiella’s powers going out of control. And even that’s fixed with a quick word from Patrick. In some ways, this story should’ve come before volume 3. With her powers going out of control, it would make more sense why Lemn and the God of Light would want Yumiella eliminated. Paralleled alongside an already out-of-control Yumiella, it would serve as a wake-up call for her on the dangers of levelling up too quickly. Unfortunately, placing it afterwards feels like the volume was meant to fill in a gap for the next arc.

While the plot is underwhelming, what has soured me about this series a little bit since its previous entry is the way the characters treat Yumiella. They’ve gone from seeing her as an overpowered but lovable goofball to seeing her as this ever-present threat. Whilst the latter has always been true of those who don’t know her, this latest volume has seen the change of attitude occur in those closest to her.

Given Yumiella’s overall strength, this strong reaction is expected when she meets strangers, but not from Eleanora and Patrick. As her closest friends and the ones who’ve known her the longest, they should know her intentions. So, when they come to see her new power-up as a threat, it comes across as a little cruel and mean-spirited. I hope this is leading to something rather than the new norm between them.

Despite the convoluted entrance into the plot and its lowered stakes, there are some moments of joy to be found throughout. The interactions between Yumiella and Gilbert are a lot of fun. Cut from the same cloth, the dance of misunderstandings that alludes to the fact that they’re badmouthing each others’ real identities works well within the comedy of the series. Furthermore, Alicia’s return is handled well. After a year in prison, her newly acquired erratic behaviour is to be expected given her circumstances.

To conclude, whilst the same loveable antics can be seen throughout the volume, I can’t help but be underwhelmed by the overall plot. Add to this the new direction in which characters close to Yumiella treat her, and I can only hope that this volume is a blip in the road.

Villainess Level 99 Vol. 4

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

Fake It to Break It! I Faked Amnesia to Break Off My Engagement and Now He’s All Lovey-Dovey?! Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Josei

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Second Chances, Cute

Synopsis:

After Viola faked amnesia and Phillip tried to trick her into a romance, they’re finally in a real relationship. Now, in order to become a suitable duchess once they marry, Viola must learn to fight her discomfort of socializing with the other nobles. Phillip also takes up an appointment as a guide for a foreign princess. Viola knows it’s just a job, but she can’t help suspecting her fiancé of infidelity when she sees just how close they’re getting…and Little Vio repeating Phillip’s confession about Luna serves as the final nail in the coffin! Follow the needy heir and the oblivious heiress as they tangle with yet more misunderstandings in pursuit of their happily ever after! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Disturbance in the Happily Ever After!

Following the clear up of a host of misunderstandings, Fake It to Break It’s sequel finds that Viola’s amnesiac adventures aren’t quite over yet.

Kicking off exactly where we left the blossoming lovebirds last time, the series continues, this time with the misunderstanding of mixed-up feelings resolved. Now, the two of them are free to enjoy each other’s company and get to know one another properly, that is, until a new problem reaches their door. With a party of foreign princesses visiting and Phillip in charge of their care, new rumours start to swirl that Phillip’s conduct towards them could be considered more than just friendly.

In an unsurprising change-up to proceedings, the sequel of this misunderstandings fantasy rom-com sees Viola in the firing line, attempting to fight for her engagement. With the possibility of Phillip’s fidelity in question, this arc brings Viola’s feelings into the spotlight.

It seems that ever since her little amnesiac stunt, her feelings for Phillip have been quietly growing, making the rumour reveal a rather heavy-hitting event for the series protagonist. Thankfully, these feelings are also what saves their relationship, as she’s able to look beyond the circumstantial evidence and believe the truth of Phillip’s words.

In addition, the latest volume provides more than just misunderstandings. Adding to their more settled relationship at this point in the series, this volume provides ample downtime from the misunderstandings plot. Several cute dates take place throughout volume two’s story. Moreover, the author gives ample time to the wedding and to their happy life afterwards.

Fake It to Break It’s second volume makes for a fine albeit superfluous addition to the series. Tying loose ends and showing that Viola’s love for Phillip equals his for hers provides all the necessary ingredients for the epilogue’s happy end, even if this was already satisfied by the previous volume’s ending.

Fake It to Break It Vol. 2

My Rating: 6/10

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

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

Disciple of the Lich Vol. 6 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, OP, Tsundere, Gods

Synopsis:

HIGH FIVE WITH THE UNSEEN HAND

Grede’s dirty dealings in Ploroque City are taken care of thanks to Kanata and his crew. It turns out everything was orchestrated by the Unseen Hand of the Gods and their leader, King Veranta, the Ruler of the World, and they’re not too happy about Kanata’s meddling.

With the Hand’s grasping digits in hot pursuit, Kanata tries to pull information out of the obstinate dragon Ramiel—only for King Veranta to show up at the worst possible moment! Meanwhile, Lunaère is keeping close tabs on the gang with her ill-gotten Tiamat’s Eye. Good luck getting out of this one, Kanata! (Source: Seven Seas)

Kanata and the God’s Secret Weapons!

The Last of the Unseen Hand

After the fifth instalment’s side quest left the series on shaky ground, the sixth volume of Disciple of the Lich proves that there’s a slew of interesting ideas left in the tank.

In the latest volume of the series, the story finds Kanata and the gang up against their fiercest enemies to date. Upon defeating the homunculus and capturing Ramiel, the main cast has well and truly caught the eye of the Unseen Hand. Determined to rid Locklore of the aberration, the leaders have finally got to make their move, but they’re not the only ones with bad intentions. High above the world, the Gods have become sick of Kanata’s victory and are ready to play their secret weapon, one that could decide the fate of the world forever.

With the prospect of heavy battles ahead, the newest edition starts with a lull in the action. Expecting to face off against the leaders of the Unseen Hand, these plans go awry when an unexpected reunion with Lunaère solves this problem for them. Ever the dutiful tsundere, she completely de-fangs the organisation, worried about what they had planned for her beloved Kanata.

It’s great to see Kanata and Lunaére back together again. One of the series’ strongest aspects, the interactions between them, were a thing of joy, and I’m glad to see that even after their time apart, their relationship hasn’t skipped a beat. What’s more, now that Lunaère is together with the whole gang, the story provides a nice outsider’s perspective, showing how hopelessly in love they are.

Fallen Saints and Angels

With the whole gang back together and the members of the Unseen Hand persuaded to join, the latter half of the novel finds the lot of them facing off against Naiarotop’s final solution.

Hoping to stop Kanata once and for all, Naiatop’s last move has him summon into the world imprisoned beings who’d gotten a little bit too powerful for the Gods to control. As enemies go, both Reniement and Lucifer make for great bossfights. Either equal in strength or more powerful, they act as one of the few great challenges for Kanata and the first time we’ve seen him struggle since first landing in Cocytus.

The battle against Lucifer is especially poignant. Stronger than both protagonists and the climactic battle of the volume, he forces Kanata and Lunaère to fight together. These scenes then show how in sync and made for each other the two of them are.

Having concluded the sixth volume, Disciple of the Lich’s latest outing is one of the strongest so far by playing the series’ original strengths. Featuring a cornucopia of overpowered bossfights and a touching reunion between Kanata and Lunaère, it reminds me of all the positive reasons that drew me to the series in the first place.

As the series reaches its dramatic conclusion in the next volume, I’m looking forward to all the thrill this series still has yet to throw at me.

Disciple of the Lich Vol. 6

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 sixth volume of this series digitally from the list of distributors found on the Seven Seas website.

Young Lady Albert is Courting Disaster Vol. 4 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Otome, Game Elements, Misunderstandings

Synopsis:

Another school year begins! This time, Mary’s friends from Elysiana College join her at Karelia Academy for an exchange program. With crybaby Parfette, icy Carina, and ambitious hunter Margaret thrown into the mix, Mary’s life becomes all the more boisterous. But her lively routine is swiftly interrupted when Veltina, a younger girl from the exchange program, swoops in and starts doting on Adi! Veltina openly loathes Mary, taking every opportunity to bully her. The girl’s cheap tricks remind Mary of her in-game self and shake loose yet another insight: Veltina is an original character from the Heart High anime! Could Veltina have past-life memories too? How will former villainess Mary deal with this targeted harassment? And why does a strange dark mist swirl within her chest whenever Veltina embraces Adi? It’s enough to make poor Mary fear that her heretofore blissful relationship with Adi may be headed through troubled waters for the very first time… (Source: J-Novel Club)

Lady Mary and the Curious Case of Indigestion!

Lady Veltina and Lady Mary

Having found her happy ending, my latest review catches up with the cast of Young Lady Albert as someone seems set to tear the young lovers apart.

In the series’s latest instalment, Lady Mary suffers an about-face, discovering what it is like to receive petty harassment and bullying. As her friends from Elysiana join the academy in an exchange program, their reunion is cut short when someone else on the program steals the limelight. A junior member of the exchange, Lady Veltina creates ripples, openly doting on Adi and treating Mary with copious amounts of venom. Whilst her treatment of Mary amounts to little more that childish tricks, her open affection towards Adi causes an awakening of strange feelings within Mary.

As the story of the Heart High anime begins, the novel’s main plot follows the conflict between Lady Mary and Lady Veltina. A hilarious ordeal to add to Mary’s growing list of oddballs, it finds her at the mercy of all manner of childish tricks reminiscent of what the original Lady Mary would do.

From silly name-calling to committing faux pas on guest invitations, Lady Veltina’s actions can be shooed away with little more than admonishment or just ignoring her.

Indigestion or Jealousy

What can’t be easily shooed away, however, are the feelings brought about by Lady Veltina’s constant fawning over Adi. Serving as the major conflict of the volume, the plot forces Mary to come to terms with her true feelings for Adi.

At first, fearing that it might be a serious case of chronic indigestion, it is through her friend’s tireless work that she’s able to face up to the truth of her jealousy. This results in a much-needed outpouring of emotion from Mary, similar in style to the one given by Adi only two volumes previously. Moreover, with each other’s feelings laid-bare, it puts both protagonists on equal footing within the relationship emotionally.

After a previous volume, which mainly consisted of side stories, I’m glad to see that the latest edition of Courting Disaster is a fantastic return to form.

Much in the same fashion as the series did with Adi in the second volume, the story of the latest outing forces Mary to come face to face with the depths of her feelings for her beloved husband.

This comes to pass through the use of Lady Veltina. A handy mirror into her own past, her constant doting on Adi makes Mary realise a horrible future where she and Adi are no longer together. No longer content in merely watching the drama unfold, for the first time, she truly has to fight – a move that inevitably makes their relationship stronger.

Courting Disaster Vol. 4

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

Fake Saint of the Year: You Wanted the Perfect Saint? Too Bad! Vol. 3 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

With the royals off his back, Fudou Niito is finally free to focus on his main goal: getting rid of the witch to make sure his favorite waifu and the rest of the cast of Kuon no Sanka can finally enjoy a happy ending. Everything seems to be going according to plan at first. He’s gathered seven of the magic academy’s finest students (plus one creepy teacher) and armed them to fight the witch. But right when he’s about to put his scheme into action and send Verner and others down to the basement…his beloved Eterna suddenly goes missing! Thankfully, a trip to the neighboring pond and a little help from Profeta, the clairvoyant turtle, is all Niito needs to find her. He rescues his waifu without a hitch, but there’s just one teensy-weensy complication—Eterna has finally awakened as the saint! What’s Niito to do now that there are two saints in town?! (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Fake Saint’s Fated Battle!

The True Saint and the First Saint

Having fought off royal interference and the witch’s loyal knights, my latest review follows the Fake Saint’s story as a fated battle appears on the horizon.

As Fake Saint of the Year reaches its penultimate instalment, the story finds Elize finally ready to take action against the Witch. Unfortunately, her best-laid plans are about to go awry. Alexia’s latest scheme has shuffled the board, causing Eterna’s powers to be awakened. What’s more, the appearance of the first saint and Verner’s confession all put a spanner in the works as Elize attempts to stop the continent’s millennium of suffering.

The third volume of Kabedondaikou’s Otome gender-bender is all about putting the final pieces into place. This starts when Eterna awakens. A shock to the titular protagonist at first, it doesn’t hinder her overall plan to have the strongest academy students weaken the witch. Things change, however, when Elize discovers the first saint whilst training her hopefuls.

An interesting addition to the series, Alfrea is the furthest thing from saintly. Whilst being a fascinating insight into the evolution of the saint’s image, she also provides much-needed information on the witch’s curse, especially given that the original witch was her mother.

Alfrea isn’t the only important source of information. Niito also discovers the truth behind the Otome Game. Confronting the scenarist, the author ultimately provides a satisfactory conclusion behind the transmigration.

The Unfortunate Witch

For the third volume’s grand finale, the focus falls on the battle between the fake saint and the witch, Alexia.

As the first volume to give major page time to Alexia, her overall mood can best be described as scared shitless – no wonder Elize had to turn to such a roundabout plan. Anybody would be willing to run away if their allies had been killed and they faced the strongest saint in recorded history. In a way, you almost feel sorry for Alexia, who has been forced into a vicious cycle where expectation and hatred ride hand in hand.

In regards to the battle itself, it’s a team affair. What should’ve been an easy conclusion, however, is swiftly changed as Verner’s powers run wild, and the volume ends on a harrowing cliffhanger.

To conclude, Fake Saint of the Year’s latest outing continues the series’ strong writing style.

Steadying the narrative towards its conclusive battle reveals numerous highlights, including the first saint, Alfrea, and the Witch, Alexia. Both are interesting additions to the series not only because of their well-developed characters but also due to how they flesh out the Otome Game’s world-building.

With plenty of plot threads still hanging, I’m looking forward to more enjoyment of the series as it reaches its finale.

Fake Saint of the Year 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.

You Like Me, Not My Daughter?! Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Slice of Life

Sub-Tags: Age-Gap, Misunderstandings

Synopsis:

Despite several twists and turns, Ayako and Takumi finally managed to have a successful first date. It’s looking like Ayako will be able to come to terms with Takumi’s feelings at her own pace…or so she thinks until her daughter suddenly lays down the gauntlet, declaring that she’s gunning for Takumi! Now forced to choose between accepting Takumi’s feelings or handing him over to her daughter, will Ayako finally come to see him as a potential partner? Or will her daughter’s advances close the book on her and Takumi’s romance forever? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Mother-Daughter War of Love!

A Daughter’s Game

With their progress at love at a stalemate, my latest review returns to this age-gap rom-com as a war of romance has begun to rage.

As You Like Me, Not My Daughter reaches its third instalment, the tides of romance between Ayako and Takumi have run aground. Sick and tired of all the will they won’t they routine, the latest volume finds Ayako’s daughter Miu attempting to change the status quo. Confessing her own feelings for Takumi, the gauntlet has been laid for the ultimate contest of love and war.

This latest volume perfectly plays into the reader’s usual frustration over a lack of progress in light novel romcoms. Miu, much like the audience, has grown tired of all the pussyfooting around that’s been happening between her mother and childhood friend. As a result, Miu decides to take action to get the two of them together by making Ayako jealous and realise what she would miss without him.

On the whole, this isn’t a bad plan. Her actions lead to a series of suitably hilarious situations between the two promising lovebirds. From swimsuits to hot spring breaks, Ayako gets more and more daring. Unbeknownst to her, Miu’s actions seem to have had a very solid effect.

A Mother’s True Feelings

These new feelings that Ayako has been suffering from finally take full effect as the volume reaches its climax. Fully coming to terms with the fact that she loves Takumi forces her to decide whether she can be selfish for once in her life.

What follows is an emotional scene as mother and daughter come together as equals to discuss their feelings and their future. The acceptance that change is okay and that their family dynamic will still keep brings a conclusion that I’m sure many readers will be happy about.

Overall, the third volume of You Like Me, Not My Daughter continues the series’ fun yet slightly risqué antics. Keeping the series’ signature blend of spice, the focus on the mother-daughter relationship in this volume was appreciated, and by the end, all three members of the main cast feel like family.

As this volume brings the will they won’t they chapter to bed, it’ll be interesting to see how the series develops now that both main characters’ feelings are out in the open.

You Like Me, Not My Daughter?! Vol. 3

My Rating: 8/10

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

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

Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord Vol. 3 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Strong Lead, OP, Otome

Synopsis:

Things have calmed down since Duke Hillrose’s coup d’état, and now Yumiella can return to focusing on Dolkness County. Lady Eleanora has even moved into the Dolkness estate, making every day a little livelier as the county continues to flourish. Just when things seem to be back to normal, a mysterious boy that has been plaguing her dreams appears before Yumiella, claiming to be the god of darkness. The boy, called Lemn, says there are parallel worlds, and he knows that Yumiella isn’t really “Yumiella.” Will Yumiella have to reveal that she was from another world in a past life, and if so, what would that mean for her and Patrick? On top of that, Lemn reveals that one of his other selves was killed by…the Yumiella from that world?! Defeating a version of herself from another world would raise Yumiella’s level cap, allowing her to surpass level 99, but can she face this god-killing version of herself? (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Hidden Boss is Seeing Double!

What Makes This Yumiella Different!

Having defeated demon lords, an uprising, and the church’s magical barrier, the third instalment of Villainess Level 99 finds Yumiella facing off against her most powerful opponent yet – herself!

Peace doesn’t last long on the Dolkness Estate. Even after stopping a country-wide uprising, the troubles keep on coming. This time, Yumiella and her motley crew gain the attention of some of the local Gods. Not visiting on a peacekeeping mission, they agree not to eliminate Yumiella on the condition that she help them with a little multiverse problem. Throughout the infinite universes of the Otome game, one of the other Yumiellas has been causing a lot of death and destruction.

With a plot involving two different versions of Yumiella, you can expect this volume to be heavily focused on the series’ titular protagonist. The volume’s focus mainly showcases the uniqueness of our version of Yumiella through the clever introduction of a multiverse filled with the same version of the Otome’s original hidden boss.

Furthermore, to differentiate herself from those in the multiverse, this volume finally deals with Yumiella telling the truth to Patrick and Eleanora about being a reincarnated person. Given how Yumiella acts, this fact isn’t hard for either of them to believe, making the reveal all the easier on her. Additionally, revealing this fact provides a perfect reason for Lemn and Sanon to stop attacking her.

The Battle of Ones and Twos

In a multiverse filled with exhaustive Yumiellas, there’s another that has managed to escape the crowd – this volume’s supposed antagonist.

Typical for the series at this point, the version of Yumiella that’s supposed to be a bringer of chaos and destruction isn’t all she’s cracked up to be. Although she might fight like cats and dogs with this universe’s Yumiella (which is hilarious, by the way), she doesn’t seem up to much killing or destroying.

This lack of bloodlust is likely due to the real mastermind behind Yumiella 2’s outburst – The Dark God. The only slightly weak point of this volume, The Dark God is stereotypically evil with heaps of overpowered administrative abilities. He is defeated in typical Yumiella fashion, however, which is always fun to read.

Overall, the latest volume of Villainess Level 99 manages to continue this series’ signature hilariously entertaining ride. Raking up the danger on previous volumes, it finds the protagonist pitted against Gods and even herself.

Key to this volume’s enjoyability comes from Yumiella’s reincarnation confession and the introduction of Yumiella 2. The former finally puts to rest a hanging plot thread, whilst the latter shows the hilarious consequences of having two very different versions of Yumiella in the same room.

Villainess Level 99 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.

Fake It to Break It! I Faked Amnesia to Break Off My Engagement and Now He’s All Lovey-Dovey Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Josei

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Second Chances, Cute

Synopsis:

Viola wants nothing more than to break off her dull arranged engagement with Phillip. He’s the son of a duke, and Viola is thoroughly convinced she’s an unfitting future wife for a man of his station. Worst of all, he seems utterly uninterested in her. So when Viola is in a carriage accident, she takes the opportunity to fake amnesia in hopes of getting out of her betrothal. Little does she know Phillip is also an opportunist, and he takes advantage of the situation by feeding the “amnesiac” Viola a tale she can scarcely believe—that they’ve been passionately in love this entire time! Now trapped in her own lie, Viola is forced to play along. Can this curious couple outwit each other into happiness? Or will their bizarre web of deception get them both caught? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Lie that Leads to a World of Love!

Liar, Liar

Featuring lies, love and truth, my latest review sees me return to the J-Novel Heart catalogue and their latest title – Fake It to Break It!

The story finds its protagonist, Viola, at an impasse. Stuck in a seemingly loveless engagement, she’ll do anything to find a way out. Luckily for her, the chance arises after she’s caught up in a carriage accident. Taking advantage of the situation, Viola pretends to have amnesia as an easy way to escape her engagement without repercussions. She is blindsided, however, when her fiancée also uses this as an opportunity. No longer dull and uninteresting, he regales the amnesiac Viola of how much they love each other, forcing her to find out the truth.

Whilst this series won’t win any awards for originality, the story is solid and written entertainingly and engagingly. Mixing up themes of misunderstanding and second chances, it finds the two leads locked in a battle to keep their versions of reality alive. As the two investigate to find the truth, they become closer to each other than ever before. Perhaps even realising that love can blossom between them where once there was nothing.

Parroting the Truth

Key to the series’ entertainment value comes from its deuteragonists, Viola and Phillip. Viola brings the comedic value to the partnership as her constant lies about her amnesia bring with it a house of cards. Not naturally gifted in the art of deception, she often only manages to blunder through tense situations. Phillip, on the other hand, brings along the intrigue. After Viola’s amnesiac event, Phillip undergoes a sudden personality change that forces Viola to investigate. Slowly picking apart his tangled web, she discovers that his newfound feelings may be older and deeper than she ever realised.

Both of their lies, however, are brought hilariously crashing down in no small part thanks to an overly talkative parrot. Whilst this brings with it its own convoluted misunderstanding from the past, this doesn’t stop the two blossoming lovebirds as they move to accept each other’s failings.

With all the misunderstandings put to rest, the last parts of the volume finds their relationship moving into a fluffier dimension. In a move that’ll likely have any fluffy rom-com enjoyer jumping for joy, the end of the story sees the sugar piled on for a conclusive happy ending.

They say two wrongs don’t make a right, but sometimes, two lies do. Solid and entertaining, Fake It to Break It makes for a great addition to the J-Novel Heart line-up, with a foray into misunderstandings and second chances.

Fake It to Break It 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.

The Girl I Saved on the Train Turned Out to be My Childhood Friend Vol. 4 Review

Tags: Comedy, Romance, Harem, Slice of Life, School Life

Sub-Tags: Misunderstandings, Introverts, Childhood Friends, Idols

Synopsis:

Only One Can Win!

Finally, the screenplay is complete, and Ryou Takamori and the crew can start filming their short movie! After borrowing equipment from Ai Himejima’s agency, they head to a faraway beach to shoot one of their scenes. It’s not all fun and games, however, when an argument breaks out between Hina Fushimi and Shizuka Torigoe— and that’s before Ryou learns Hina and Ai are auditioning for the same role in a musical! He roots for both, but he knows only one of them can pass… (Source: Yen Press)

A Battle of Love and Acting!

Film Antics and Stagnation

Marking my 200th post on this blog site, my latest read finds me returning to a series filled with potential blossoming romances. For the latest outing of The Girl I Saved on the Train’s story, its cast of characters move on to the next stage of making a movie – starting filming.

As part of shooting for a movie, Ryou and his potential lovers have plentiful opportunities for harem hijinks and misadventures. However, through reading this volume, I couldn’t help but shake the feeling that this series is suffering from a short burst of stagnation. Four volumes in, and on the romance side of this rom-com, the lack of progression has started to wear thin.

For as much as I find the constant run-around between Ryou, Hina, Ai and Torigore entertaining, it’s becoming ever more apparent that this series can’t sustain itself on this content alone. At some point, something will need to take place to move both parties from their current seats of complacency and toward an eventual confession.

Something to Strive For

Thankfully, not everything about the series falls under the category of stagnation. Featuring in the latter half of the novel, the author makes a great realisation of the main character’s motivations and development.

One of the principal themes of the series is about the actualisation of one’s future. By the end of this volume, three of the main characters have moved closer to realising their possible futures – Hina, Ai, and Ryou. Hina and Ai, despite the former’s setback, have come to the decision that they want to follow a career in acting. In the same vein, Ryou has also discovered a possible path to ambition, finding himself behind the camera. Seeing others display their talents has unlocked his talents for directing and scriptwriting.

Ryou discovering his first moments of ambition and purpose holds potentially great things for the series’ future, especially if Ryou’s new purposeful outlook leads to development in romance.

The Girl I Saved on the Train’s fourth volume provides an overall mixed experience. Whilst the series’ usual mix of hijinks continues to be entertaining, the romantic aspect of the story leaves something to be desired.

Fortunately, the final moments of the story save this volume somewhat. Renewing a sense of ambition and purpose into several of the main characters can only mean good things for the future of the series. With their goals set in motion, it provides some more room for a potential romance to finally blossom.

The Girl I Saved on the Train Vol. 4

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