mystery – Faceless One Blog

Finding Avalon: The Quest of a Chaosbringer Vol. 3 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

The Battle of the Classes draws near, and students must compete inside the dungeon for a weeklong exam to prove their superiority. Rising above their past defeats at the hands of the elitist bullies of the upper classes, the brave Class E students devise a cunning game plan to maximize their odds. Luckily, they have a secret trump card—Piggy, the overweight and overpowered former villain. His orders are “Tag along with the upper classes, and try not to embarrass us!” This is perfect for Piggy, not being a fan of the limelight! He can use this opportunity to get to meet the diva of class A, his game-era crush, as well as share diet tips with a newfound armored friend—but a spy in his class is determined to unearth his secrets. That’s the least of his problems, as the mastermind of Class B threatens the students of every class. Little does Piggy know that his greatest battle awaits him! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Class E’s Race to the Deepest Level!

With Finding Avalon’s second instalment providing Piggy with much-needed allies, the latest volume will test everything Piggy has learnt as the Battle of the Classes begins.

As one of the most major events in the original game version of Dungeon Explorer Chronicles, The Battle of the Classes makes this volume the most important of the series to date. Set up like an exam, the event serves as the first marker within the academy to decide status and power, both needed by Piggy and the rest of Class E.

Piggy’s role in the battle is to act as Class E’s dungeon diver. Under the estimation of Class E’s leaders, the role is not an important one, and all Piggy has to do is travel far enough through the dungeon to ensure that they don’t get disqualified. Unfortunately, things in fiction are never quite so easy, and Piggy is put on the same team as Class B’s villain, Suou, the heir to the sainthood, Sera, and several Class D thugs.

With Class D’s less-than-subtle antics and the foreshadowing of Suou’s scheme on the horizon, Piggy’s passages give him a lot to do as well as add a nice touch of tension to an event that’s been name-dropped since the very start of the series.

To go alongside an already action-packed volume, without the class president or his family by his side, the story also has Piggy trying to make some new allegiances with the continuance of Tenma and Kuga’s storyline.

Tenma is one of the few rays of hope in an extraordinarily cruel world. Owing to similar bodily circumstances, Piggy and Tenma quickly bond over the different dieting techniques they’ve used. As the volume speeds forward, however, it becomes clear that the bond between them stems from more than just their weight. Tenma is a truly upstanding character. She doesn’t act like the other nobles in the series and uses her judgement to know who to trust and support. This plays well for Piggy, as her friendship will lead to an easier ride through the ranks in the future.

As for Kuga, Piggy’s interactions with her lead to a fraught and shaky alliance. Deciding that having her onside is better than not, the time the two of them spend together raises her suspicions of him even further, and once they get back on the surface, it’ll be interesting to see how the author will handle the inevitable interrogation.

With the third volume signifying the end of the series’ first major event, the author has succeeded in keeping the story fresh and the action on point. This success is largely due to the volume’s uptake in tension. As several antagonists enter the fray, Piggy’s knowledge of the game is tested like never before. Moreover, the continued development of characters such as Tenma and Kuga helps provide a well-rounded read to the story overall.

Finding Avalon Vol. 3

My Rating: 9/10

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

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

The Gods Themselves Review

Synopsis:

In the year 2100, the invention of the Electron Pump – an apparently inexhaustible supply of free energy – has enabled humanity to devote its time and energies to more than the struggle for survival, finally breaking free of the Earth. But the Electron Pump works by exchanging materials with a parallel universe, and such unbalancing of the cosmos has consequences. Humans and aliens alike must race to prevent a vast nuclear explosion in the heart of the Sun – and the vaporisation of the Earth exactly eight minutes later… (Source: S.F.Masterworks)

A Discovery of Life and Death!

Winner of several awards and coming from renowned sci-fi author Isaac Asimov, The Gods Themselves comes with certain expectations.

Split into three parts, it tells a story surrounding the invention of the Electron Pump. A huge leap forward in technology, its inexhaustible energy has the potential to solve an ever-growing Earth’s list of problems, but is free energy really free? Some suspect that the Electron Pump’s energy exchange is unbalancing the universe, and if it is, it could have deadly consequences.

Part 1

The first part of the story concerns the initial inception of the pump. Imagined similarly to Fleming’s discovery of Penicillin, the subsequent invention of the Electron Pump shoots its supposed inventor, Hallam, to near godhood, whilst his naysayers are forced to the fringes of the scientific community.

Dr Peter Lamont is one such naysayer and the protagonist of part 1. Partly driven by his disgrace dealt at the hands of Hallam, his investigation into the science behind the energy exchange begins the mystery of the novel and the ever-pressing danger posed by the pump.

At 59 pages in length, the first part of the story is a testament to Asimov’s ability to get the reader engaged with the mystery. This comes from the decision to keenly focus on Peter Lamont. Hot-blooded for a scientist, he’s able to rile the right cages to get the answers he wants, which in turn moves the mystery along at a pleasantly spry pace.

Aside from an introduction to an engaging mystery, the first part provides ample opportunity for Asimov to share poignant insights into the human condition. Senator Burt’s speech on human comfort is especially well-thought-out and plays a key role throughout the rest of the novel.

Part 2

For the second segment of the story, the focus shifts to the other side of the Electron Pump – the parallel universe and the Para-Men.

If the first part was an exercise in mystery writing, then the sequel allows Asimov to let his imagination run wild. Aliens, alien culture and alien worlds all play a key role in the development of this section, and Asimov succeeds in visualising these concepts through an attention-to-detail approach.

Most impressive of all in this part is the creation of the para-men’s life cycle. Simplistic in a way, the parallel universe’s three role aliens each take aspects from animals in nature, e.g., the parental and the male seahorse. As a result, despite these chapters taking place in completely alien environments, they still manage to feel grounded and realistic.

As for the overarching mystery, whilst it takes a while to kick in, it’s clear that Asimov hasn’t missed a beat. It follows three unique soft-ones, Dua, Odeen and Tritt, as they navigate the complexities of triad life (alien mating/marriage).

Dua instigates concerns over the pump, and the mystery starts anew. More involved than in the previous part, all three of the triad utilise their uniqueness to question and investigate. Pushing past their own animalistic instincts, they hope, in vain, to reach someone who can put a stop to the pump and save two universes.

Part 3

Concluding the dangers surrounding the Electron Pump, the final part of the story concerns scientific developments on the moon.

Attempting to find a solution to the Electron Pump problem through a clumsy love story, part three is the weakest of the novel’s trilogy. An expected outcome, given that this part of the story doesn’t break any new ground. It also isn’t helped by the cluttered inclusion of a late-game antagonist.

With Denison and Selene focused on fixing the Electron Pump problem, others on the lunar colony would see their research used for more political ends. Traces of Asimov’s brilliance can be found in these characters’ nuanced motivations, but with several more pressing plot points to conclude, they were given little time to breathe and develop.

Fortunately, Asimov steadies the ship for the story’s conclusion. It’s a segment that plays wonderfully into an earlier theme of human comfort and is played out in a way that could only have come about due to the interference of Lamont, the Para-Men, and the Lunerites.

Asimov’s The Gods Themselves manages to live up to its lofty expectations. Despite a small setback in the final act, the author’s well-actualised concepts of alien society alongside a simple yet effective mystery manage to win out, creating a work of science fiction that’ll stand the test of time for many decades to come.

The Gods Themselves

My Rating: 9.5/10

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.

The Gods Themselves can be picked up at most major online stockists.

Butareba – The Story of a Man Turned Into a Pig Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Mystery, Tragedy, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Dark Fantasy, Perverted Protagonist, Weak Protagonist, Cute

Synopsis:

Cutie-pie Jess has regained her previously sealed memories, and oh my, she seems to be a little—no, very smitten with Mister Pig! Of course, there’s always the chance it’s just his social debuff as an otaku leading him to think so. Don’t worry—he knows the rules super well: he mustn’t overstep his boundaries. Luckily, there are other urgent matters he can focus on! Together with Jess and her fiancé-on-paper Shravis, Mister Pig hatches a secret plan that will decide the fates of the Liberators and every Yethma in Mesteria. A long-lost member of the royal family is the key to strengthening the fragile alliance between the Liberators and the royal court, so securing his cooperation is imperative. And strangely enough, Naut’s perverted dog Rossi, who loves to sniff girls’ legs, might be their best lead! (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Pig’s Quest to Kill an Immortal!

After regaining Jess’s memories and discovering a mutual enemy to cause a truce between the royal family and the liberators, the third instalment of the titular pig Isekai follows a quest to find a missing uncle.

The latest volume in the series starts on a lighter note than usual. On a quest to find and return Sharvis’ uncle, Hortis, to his human form, Jess and Mister Pig get to spend some quality time together as they look for clues around the royal capital.

Far from a sightseeing trip around one of the kingdom’s few centres of peace and opulence, the author uses this quest as an opportunity to showcase the development in the relationship between the series’ deuteragonists. For Jess, in particular, these scenes provide solid insight into how her separation from Mister Pig has affected her.

Whatever fondness Jess had for the pig before has certainly blossomed into romantic feelings now. This spells disaster for Mister Pig’s original plans for idolisation, as Jess has become wilful and confident since getting her memories back. For better or worse, the romantic development between the two will only escalate from this volume onwards.

A Brother’s Quarrel

As the quest for Hortis draws to a head, the darker, serious aspects of the series reveal themselves once again as the protagonists turn their attention towards a secondary quest – a quest to find legendary objects that can rid a mage of immortality.

This quest serves as an opportunity to finally defeat The Clandestine Arcanist as well as a way for The Liberators to negotiate with the Royal Family as equals. As such, this plot line features subterfuge against the royal family heavily.

With the royal family in the spotlight, a closer inspection shows the dynamics between them are one-sided. Central to this is the new king, The Marquis. There are many words to describe him, but measured is not one. A walking stereotype for the world’s cruelty, he rules his people in much the same way as his family – with an iron fist.

As for the quest against the Clandestine Arcanist, this lacks the usual emotional punch of previous story climaxes. The only sticking point in the story and the series thus far, its one saving grace, comes from the scenes involving Hortis. I won’t spoil these moments, but needless to say, the moments between Hortis and The Marquis are why I keep coming back to the series.

Despite a slightly weaker climax, Butareba’s third outing still manages to entertainingly mix dark fantasy and comedy aspects. Jess’ wilful change and royal family dynamics are particular highlights as the volume’s ending leaves the journey for a new future for Yethma in an uncertain place.

Butareba Vol. 3

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 third 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.

Butareba – The Story of a Man Turned Into a Pig Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Mystery, Tragedy, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Dark Fantasy, Perverted Protagonist, Weak Protagonist, Cute

Synopsis:

With the help of newfound comrades, our otaku protagonist makes a valiant return to the fantasy world of Mesteria—as a pig, of course! However, his most precious heroine, Jess, is missing. But that doesn’t matter because he didn’t come back to enjoy a fluffy fantasy life with Jess. He totally doesn’t miss the girl he fell head over heels for! He’s not s-whining or dis-grunt-led at all! There are also more pressing problems Mister Pig must deal with. Mesteria changed completely during his absence. The nation’s torn apart by a war between the royal court and the underground society, and the handsome huntsman Naut has become a revolutionary focused on liberating all Yethma. Our protagonist’s mission is to help Naut and save the poor Yethma of this world! Together with Ceres and a new pig companion, Sanon, Mister Pig sets out on a journey filled with twists and turns. Will he reunite with his sweet, angelic savior? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Pig Leads the Revolutionaries!

After saying a heartfelt goodbye, the sequel of Butareba sees the series’ titular pig return to this dark fantasy world as he has unfinished business to take care of.

Ever since he left the world of Mesteria, things over there haven’t been going well. His return finds a kingdom plunged into chaos. On the one side, a group called The Liberators, headed by a familiar face, are attempting a revolution to free the Yethma. On the other, the kingdom’s north has seceded, and their brutal regime seeks power through strange and ancient means. But what of Jess? Her memories with Mister Pig forgotten, fate is playing games with her once again as an unexpected reunion meets with tragic consequences.

A Returning Revolutionary

Returning to the scene of the crime, it seems that the three months Mister Pig spent out of the world haven’t diminished his hunt for the truth or his perverted nature. Paired up with Ceres and his friend from another world, Sanon, this time, his goal is to help free the Yethma and change the fantasy world for the better.

Even without Jess, the antics between the three don’t miss a beat as they seek to meet up with Naut and The Liberators and avoid the Underground’s attacks. Adding Sanon to the line-up helps to settle this new team. Another reincarnation from Japan, he provides an extra logical mind to complex situations, even if his perversions go far beyond the limit sometimes.

Their adventure together is much lighter in tone than usual for the series, but it still provides all the necessary twists and turns expected.

A Fallen Hero

Whilst not as dark as its opening volume, the sequel in the series still has plenty of tragedy to go around. Naut’s journey is particularly bleak.

Captured by the Nothens, he’s tortured and treated as entertainment as a fighter in the Colosseum. It’s a segment that’s unrelenting in its despair. What Naut suffers through and what he’s forced to participate in changes him throughout the story. When he escapes, it’s clear that his resolve to free the Yethma and destroy the system has only been strengthened by the experience.

Additionally, Jess doesn’t exactly have a nice time of things. As safe as she is as a member of the royal family, it doesn’t stop her intense longing as her memories with Mister Pig have been blocked. This missing piece of herself comes to ahead as fate intertwines all three of these stories by the novel’s second act.

A Hero’s Reunion

Eventually, the three stories intersect as The Liberators and The Royal Family agree to fight against the Nothens.

For Jess and Mister Pig, the latter half of the novel acts as a slow-burn reunion between them. Throughout their interactions, Jess’ memories slowly start to return, resulting in a recognition scene typical of the series – tragic and highly emotional.

The fight against the Nothens also provides the series with two excellent additional characters to the story. The first is Shravis. The king’s grandson and Jess’ fiancé, he beats the usual light novel stereotypes, being both level-headed and understanding. He’s instrumental in ensuring a truce between the two sides.

The second character in question is the Clandestine Arcanist. Without giving away any spoilers, he’s a mage with the possibility of opening many doors for the series. Moreover, his character offers the reader an interesting insight into the personality of mages before the great purge.

Overall, Butareba’s sequel continues with the strong foundations given in its opening act. As a series, it continues to provide shock, laughs and tears in its own signature fashion.

This time around, the story builds on world-building, widening the scope to show how different members of Mesteria react within their inhumane system as it begins to crumble. Whilst the comedic outlook of the series can sometimes detract from the harsh realities, they nonetheless remain. Steadfastly showcasing those who struggle for change and those who take advantage of the chaos, ultimately causing more suffering for their own selfish gain.

Butareba 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 Dark Guildmaster’s Smile Would Fit Best Vol. 1 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Yandere, Conspiracies, Strong Lead

Synopsis:

In a world of swords and magic, evil crime syndicates known as Dark Guilds terrorize the Kingdom of Efan. The most secretive and feared of them all is the Messianic Legion, Yerkchira—but its guildmaster is an ordinary, normal, harmless little guy! Despite his wishes for peace and happiness, the lovely ladies under his command have big plans for him, and he finds himself at the brink of a great destiny! This average individual is the center of a campaign for diabolical global domination—while remaining none the wiser himself. (Source: Hanashi Media)

A Master Unknowingly Gifted the World!

Written by Ryo Mizokami and Illustrated by Kozou, Hanashi Media’s latest release is an interesting mix of comedy and violence.

Following the infamous dark guild, Yerkchira, The Dark Guildmaster’s Smile lifts the lid on the criminal organisations’ day-to-day activities.

Yerkchira isn’t an ordinary guild. Albeit small, its members are some of the strongest species in the world, and they all have one thing in common – an infatuation with their Guildmaster. As their twisted love blooms, these guild members will stop at nothing to ensure their master’s happiness, even if it means taking over the world. Fortunately for them, Yerkchira’s guildmaster is none the wiser to their schemes.

Heroes and Villains

The first volume in the series follows the guild as they face their first great obstacle towards world domination – the hero’s party. A natural enemy for a criminal organisation, the Yerkchira members quickly identify them as a potential problem towards their future plans.

Encountering each other at the start of the story seemingly by accident during a “date” between Master and Laladie, the certainty of a battle between the guild and the hero’s party, and the interactions that arise as a result take up most of the volume’s runtime.

The author keeps the anticipation alive in these passages through several entertaining methods. The first is Laladie. The most developed character of the Yerkchira guild members, it takes everything she has not to kill the party immediately whilst on their little adventure together. This thin veneer she holds is made all the more poignant when she’s permitted to break free, unleashing her horrifying powers.

The second method of entertainment arises from the interactions between the members of the hero’s party. Comprised of three otherworlders and a native, their origins aren’t the only thing that far from being a monolith. Their conversations throughout indicate how divided the party is, from the member seeking justice to one wanting to go home and the one who seeks glory and victory above all else. These divisions pay off by the end of the volume as they play into the reasons for betrayal amongst the hero’s party teammates.

Aside from the plot between the guild and the hero’s party, this volume also looks at the dynamics between the members of Yerkchira. Whilst this look at all the different variations of Yandere is an enjoyable side quest, it lacks depth because we’re not given the background as to how the Guildmaster was able to tame some of the world’s most dangerous women.

Overall, The Dark Guildmaster’s first volume makes for an entertaining read. It balances its comedic and violent themes with constantly developing character pairings and team dynamics. I only hope the next volume delves deeper into the guild’s backstory and creation.

The Dark Guildmaster’s Smile Vol. 1

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 first volume of this series digitally on the Hanashi Media website.

The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Heartwarming, OP, Strong Lead, Weak to Strong

Synopsis:

Every Family is Unique

Setsuna continues his journey with his apprentice Alto in tow. Along the way, Alto experiences a host of new feelings toward Setsuna—from doubt to envy to love—as their teacher-pupil relationship evolves. But the pair’s bond is put to the test when Setsuna is attacked by two beastfolk who mistake him for a slave trader and attempt to separate them. Still, this is but one more trial they will have to overcome as Setsuna and Alto happen upon a mysterious woman in a cave and they begin to consider what it means to be family… (Source: Yen Press)

The Beginning of a Hero’s Journey!

A Troubling Start

Following on from Setsuna’s brief stop in Gardir, my latest review returns the blog to the Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey as both he and Alto finally start the trip of a lifetime.

Beginning their long journey, the latest volume of Setsuna’s Journey finds the Master and Apprentice making their way towards the nation of Kutt. Styled as a journey of self-discovery and exploration, they’ll travel to experience all the world has to offer, including its people. From beastfolk mercenaries to imprisoned dragon maidens, each will provide our titular protagonists with a new perspective on the fantasy world.

After the positive developments brought forth in the series opener, the second instalment begins by building on this momentum. This starts almost as soon as their trip begins when the author once again focuses on the series’ strong point of character-driven narratives.

Known as Rudol and Kara, these beastfolk mercenaries aren’t afraid to use force against those they believe are harming other beastfolk. To put an end to their murderous intentions, Setsuna agrees to have them follow the pair as they make their way to Kutt. To convince them that he means no harm to Alto, Setsuna intends to both tell and show them on their short trip together. With each passing step, Setsuna’s actions toward Alto, as both a parental figure and Master, manage to turn their opinion of him around. His firm but fair nature ensures that the two mercenaries are convinced that Alto is in safe hands – a considerable achievement given Rudol and Kara’s history with humans.

This part of the journey also reveals some much-needed insight into Alto’s thinking as well. In the short time that he and Setsuna have spent together, Alto has begun to see him as someone extremely important in his life. This is showcased when, in the company of the two mercenaries, Alto willingly comes to Setsuna’s defence, even against opponents beyond his level.

The Passion of Dragonfolk

Reaching Kutt by the second half of the volume, the story turns to focus on Setsuna and his impact on the world and vice-versa. For only the second time in the history of the series, something breaks Setsuna from his stoicism.

Whilst searching for medicinal herbs in Kutt, Setsuna and Alto stumble across a prison uniquely designed to hold dragonfolk. Upon seeing the woman held inside, to say that his reaction was love at first sight is a bit of an understatement. It’s out of character but fitting, given that his body and experiences have changed since being in Japan.

Overall, the latest volume of The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey exceeds expectations.

As Setsuna and Alto begin their grand journey, it is one fraught and filled with adventure. From their interactions with the mercenaries and their confessions with the dragon maiden, the second volume in the series hits all the right emotional and character beats.

Setsuna’s Journey 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 and physically through the list of distributors found on the Yen Press website.

Finding Avalon: The Quest of a Chaosbringer Vol. 1 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

When a hardcore gamer downloads an update that transports him into his favorite game, Dungeon Explorer Chronicles, he expects a life of pretty girls and epic fights. He starts as a student at Adventurers’ High, the top school for budding adventurers, eager to dive into the fantastical dungeon that’s appeared in modern-day Japan. But one glance in the mirror shatters his dreams of badassery! He’s entered the game as Piggy, the love-to-hate overweight villain whose stalker-like obsession with his reluctant fiancée spells his doom. With elitist bullies roaming the school halls and cutthroat adventurers lurking in the dungeon, our hero has to act fast to lose weight and level up if he wants to survive and break free from his scripted fate. Using his peerless knowledge of the game, he’s ready to exploit every trick to become the world’s greatest unsung hero! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Piggy and the Cutthroat Dungeon World!

Piggy in the Game World

At first glance, Finding Avalon may remind you of another series featuring a titular Piggy protagonist. Other than an overweight villain facing doom, however, this series strikes its own path. Written by Akito Narusawa and illustrated by KeG, The Quest of a Chaosbringer provides a much more serious and darker tone to the genre.

The series’ plot finds its main protagonist reincarnated into the body of Piggy, one of Dungeon Explorer Chronicles’ doomed villains. Desperate to escape his fate and save his family, he develops a plan using his insider knowledge of the world’s dungeons to become stronger. Unfortunately, best-laid plans are never quite so simple. With his arrival, the plot begins to move forward and as he explores more of the world, a series of potentially deadly mysteries start coming to light.

Concerning the first volume, the story finds Piggy starting out his new life in DEC, wherein he reveals his main goals to be steering clear of the game’s plot and keeping his new family safe. This sees two versions of Piggy come to life throughout the volume – the action-savvy family protector and the passive villain side character.

As the family protector, Piggy vows to become stronger. This part of the plot sees him become a fledgling dungeon explorer, using every possible trick from his past life to exploit the system and level up fast enough to weather any incoming storm.

Motivated by the continued survival of those he loves, the protagonist’s ingenuity is only matched by their determination as part of this persona.

As for his passive character as part of the game’s original plot, likely, controversiality among readers can quickly be put to rest given that it serves a purpose to his main goals. In a cruel world where you can never tell friend from foe, the reasons for Piggy’s inaction becomes understandable as anyone may want to exploit his skills. In the context of this volume, this is shown through the first major plot point of the game, where the hero comes face to face with elitist bullies. Whilst Piggy could solve the situation with ease, he chooses not to, given that he could draw their ire, and there’s evidence suggesting more than one reincarnate is in the world of DEC.

Enemies, Allies and Family

Alongside clear-cut motivations, character dynamics is another strong suit of the series. Of the characters introduced in volume one, two stand out as the most important – Piggy’s sister, Kana, and his fiancé, Kaoru.

As Piggy’s sister, Kana provides a constant reminder of what he’s fighting for. Later, joining him on his dungeon quests, she differentiates herself from her brother by playing the role of the immature teenager. Decidedly reckless, she makes a good example of the dangers of becoming an adventurer, something not shown with Piggy due to his game knowledge.

Kaoru represents a more complex character dynamic within the series. As Piggy’s fiancée, she shares a sizeable past with the protagonist. Throughout the first volume, their relationship can best be described as strained. With little indication of the cause of the rift, we are left with both character’s actions in the present. With the protagonist clear in his wishes to steer clear of the obsessive allegations, it’s Kaoru who comes over as unnecessarily cruel. Her ideals of a past Piggy have clouded her vision, and when he fails to live up to her mark, she berates him. Moreover, she comes across as petty, with several instances of her spreading false rumours about the protagonist, likely in an attempt to lower his standing in class.

Also of note in the series are the elitist bullies targeting Piggy’s class and the student council president. Whilst the bullies are the typical flavour of nasty, they do open up an underlying mystery regarding reincarnates. As for the student council president, she represents one of Piggy’s few allies outside of his family. Unwilling to believe in rumours, she’s one of the only characters to take a closer look at Piggy and see him and his skills for what they are.

Overall, Finding Avalon’s opening instalment makes for an engaging start to the series. Where the series succeeds best is its focus on world-building and character dynamics.

Whilst the plot starts slow, the end result provides nothing but benefits for the series. Piece by piece, the world of DEC comes together, creating a cruel reality where only the powerful and ingenious can hope to survive. This, in turn, drives the understandable motivations of the protagonist, as well as sheds light on the variety of interactions he has throughout the volume.

Finding Avalon 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.

I Guess This Dragon Who Lost Her Egg to Disaster is My Mom Now Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Shounen

Sub-Tags: Gender Bender, Heartwarming, Second Chances

Synopsis:

The Way Of The Dragon Is The Way To Become Strong!

XXXX, a man used and abused for general tasks by his adventuring party, finds himself on the verge of death in dragon territory in the Kugus Mountains after a party member stabs him in the back. Literally. Next time he opens his eyes, he’s in the nest of a red dragon named Kaphal whose egg was destroyed in a natural disaster. Having lost both his memories and his name, he turns instead into a young girl named Lushera. And apparently Kaphal plans to raise Lushera as her own daughter…? This is the story of the odd fate binding one dragon and one human, the story of an unconventional mother and daughter. (Source: Cross Infinite World)

The Man Reborn as a Dragon’s Daughter!

Survival on Mount Kugus

Written by Suzume Kirisaki and illustrated by Cosmic, my latest review looks into a newly released light novel series highlighted by a most unusual mother-daughter pairing.

On the surface, The Dragon Who Lost Her Egg could draw a comparison with another dragon-rearing series, Dragon Daddy Diaries. Beyond the similar bond between their protagonists, however, the two couldn’t be more different.

More mature and mystery-focused, the story finds the series’ protagonist in the most unusual situation after being literally stabbed in the back by his former adventuring party. Changed into a girl named Lushera, her new life begins with a series of incomprehensible developments. Not only does a foggy haze keep Lushera from memories of her old life, but a dragon named Kaphal seems more than eager to raise her as a dragon’s daughter. With the two awkwardly learning the roles of mother and child, a strange fate seems to be binding the two together.

The start of this series sees the story split between Lushera’s new life as the daughter of a dragon and her old life, represented by the actions of his former party, The Seven-Sided Die.

The parental relationship between Lushera and Kaphal starts as the very definition of the odd couple. Unable to communicate and neither knowing much about the other’s way of life leads to many misunderstandings and false starts. Over time, however, their relationship develops into a uniquely heartwarming affair.

In her own way, Kaphal cares for Lushera like any doting mother would; it’s only the method that’s changed. Licking Lushera clean and having her fight monsters is a dragon’s way of trying to get their offspring stronger and healthier. Kaphal’s actions eventually get through to Lushera, and the author does well to visualise the strong bond of love the two forge.

A Dragon About Town

The novel’s latter half sees Lushera and Kaphal’s new bond tested. Becoming aware of a threat to the mountain finds the two looking for allies in the nearest human town. It’s here that the volume’s mystery begins to unfold, as well as the fate of Lushera’s former party.

Within a town that knew her previous identity, small pieces of information begin to fit together, revealing the true nature of the nameless adventuring manager. With a shocking reveal that should’ve caused a rift between the protagonists, it ends up making them stronger and makes the actions of the final fight feel all the more deserved.

As for the Seven-Sided Die, whilst their story begins rather typically for a banishment setting, it grows from strength to strength with the introduction of Lushera’s former adventurer card. What follows for the party and Gimmel in particular is a slow descent into madness.

With their adventuring manager still alive and growing stronger beyond human comprehension, they quickly realise that a nasty fate awaits them. With few good options ahead of them, their motivations for self-destructive behaviour and eventual treachery are understandable. In turn, the author has fleshed out what are usually comically evil villains, making their eventual end all the more satisfying.

Overall, The Dragon Who Lost Her Egg’s opening instalment makes for a strong start to the series. Its strength comes from the development of the relationship between the two protagonists as they move through stages from a comedic odd-couple to a heartfelt parent-child bond that can survive even the toughest of upheavals.

As a story, it has all the potential of becoming a well-written and character-driven long-running series.

The Dragon Who Lost Her Egg 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 from the list of distributors found on the Cross Infinite World website.

Butareba – The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig- Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Mystery, Tragedy, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Dark Fantasy, Perverted Protagonist, Weak, Cute

Synopsis:

A run-of-the-mill otaku collapses from stomach pain after tasting raw pig liver and wakes up in a whole new world—as a pig, of all things! He’s helplessly trapped in his pen until Jess, a girl who can read minds, comes along and rescues him. Our porcine hero will have to work to keep his boar-ish thoughts to himself, but sweet Jess isn’t deterred. In fact, she wants to spoil this little piggy rotten! By Jess’s side, it seems like life as a hog might not be so bad after all, yet there’s more to this strange fantasy world than meets the eye. Jess is a girl of many secrets, and she’s in danger. But what can a mere pig with no special powers do to protect her from her cruel fate? Will his modern knowledge, quick thinking, and sharp nose be enough to ham it up and save her? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Journey to Discover the Truth (Pig Escort Included)!

A Journey Fraught with Danger

From the way this series uses an animal protagonist to its overtly crude humour and fan-service, I believe many might dismiss this series out of hand. Appearances can be deceiving, however, and those who might dismiss this out of hand will miss an intriguing mystery series filled with tragic depth.

Centring on a run-of-the-mill otaku, the story follows his journey as he’s transmigrated into a pig after eating a raw pig’s liver. In his new fantasy world, he quickly befriends a Yethma named Jess. Naïve but kind, it’s with Jess’ appearance that this seemingly sweet fantasy world begins to change. This world harbours secrets both dark and harrowing, and the Yethma are at the centre of them all!

This series shows its true intentions as the plot begins to move with Mister Pig agreeing to go on a journey to the capital with Jess. A journey that all Yethma must make, the plot ramps up its mystery and dark fantasy aspects as they get closer towards their destination.

Making it to the capital is no easy feat, especially for those powerless like the protagonists. It’s a path laden with hidden obstacles and dangers specifically meant to stop all but a chosen through from making it to the end, and that’s even before we consider the harrowing stories of previous Yethma and the horrors brought on by Yethma Hunters that they hear during their stops. It is through these challenges that the overtly crude humour and fan-service centralises itself to the plot.

It serves as a juxtaposition to all the horrors that go on around the protagonists. Almost, in some ways, a coping tool. Without it, both Jess and Mister Pig would be more psychologically worn, and it would become more difficult to keep up spirits when the times really do become tough.

Companions and Chabirones

Jess and Mister Pig are the perfect candidates for this comedic juxtaposition. Together, they speak to each other via telepathy. A characteristic of the Yethma people and the only possible way to speak to a pig, this skill is invaluable when dealing with precarious situations or for the odd chuckle when Jess reads too far into his mind.

Their comedic timing, however, is only one aspect of their well-written characters. Jess, for example, is kind and naïve – the type of character that any noble light novel or anime protagonist would wish to protect. Throughout her journey, she’s helped to develop a sense of self and the courage to make decisions. Skills which become instrumental by the end of the volume.

Mister Pig (no name given) is the brains of the operation. Readily agreeing to become Jess’ companion/chabirone, it quickly becomes clear that without his help, Jess would’ve been long since dead, even before she starts on her journey. Hidden beneath the façade of perversion lies a man with a deeply analytical mind. He’s able to look at the full picture and, as a result, is the best person/pig for the job when it comes to helping Jess survive her long journey.

Other than Jess and Mister Pig, there are numerous other significant side characters introduced along their journey. The most influential in this first volume is Naut. First introduced as a potential love rival for Jess’ affections, this rivalry is quickly abated with the telling of his own tragic interwoven history with the Yethma. A fighter by nature, he agrees to join Jess and the Pig’s journey for a period, acting as their hired muscle.

Naut’s character brings brawn into the equation, and as the fights get tougher with each step closer to the capital, to make a success of things, all three elements are necessary.

The Nature of Yethma

With a dark story and well-woven characters, there is only one aspect of the series so far that tops them – the mystery.

The mystery concerns the nature of Yethma and the secrecy surrounding the capital. It’s handled well by the author as he drip-feeds readers small amounts of information scattered throughout the book so that we never learn more than the protagonists.

Unfortunately, I can’t say much more than this about the mystery without giving my readers any huge spoilers. What I can say is the climatic reveal chapter is thoroughly worth the wait. Dark, harrowing and tearfully tragic, it is best experienced when discovering it through a first read-through.

Mixing dark fantasy and cutesy animal reincarnation, Butareba proves there’s traction in making these series not all about sunshine and rainbows.

The initial scenes of crude humour and fan-service are but a mere façade. Venture deeper, and you’ll find a series focusing on a harrowing and heartfelt journey filled with an intriguing mystery and well-developed characters.

For those who are quick to judge, I highly recommend giving this series a second look. You never know; This series might just surprise you.

Butareba Vol. 1

My Rating: 9.5/10

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.