school life – 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.

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.

Goodreads Review #1

For the sake of audience and archives, take a look at the reviews I’m publishing on Goodreads. You can follow my profile here: FaclessOneLN

Reincarnated Into a Game as the Hero’s Friend: Running the Kingdom Behind the Scenes (Light Novel) Vol. 1 by Yuki Suzuki

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Written by Yuki Suzuki, Reincarnated Into a Game follows all the hallmarks of a typical modern isekai story. Spinning the tale of the protagonist, Lord Werner, sees him use his memories of the game world to survive as well as knowledge from his former world to stand out and influence events to a brighter future.

Whilst there’s nothing inherently wrong with treading on familiar ground, on this occasion, Suzuki’s foray into the familiar left me out in the cold.

I suspect the reasons why I didn’t warm to Werner’s fantasy journey mainly stem from the author’s tendency to wander. Despite a gift for the descriptive, the author, in this case, tends to focus on the wrong things. More often than not, possible world-building aspects that could help build tension and a sense of scale to the encroaching demon army are left as mere footnotes. Instead, we’re left to explore the “magical” world of nobility and the slight difference between titles in the game world and that of Earth. This unappealing foray also isn’t helped by the fact that the author likes to give this information in blocks, which can really bog down the pace of the plot.

Thankfully, there are themes that stop this series from being a complete disaster. Whilst small, the blossoming romance that begins to develop by the end of the volume shows promise. Their potential relationship has ramifications more widely in bridging the gap between the bureaucratic aristocracy and those who gain valour on the battlefield.

Furthermore, the protagonist’s realisation that his actions change events in the game world has intriguing possibilities. Without foreknowledge of the future, he’ll have to think on his feet to avoid now all too real dangers.

Unfortunately, whilst I didn’t enjoy this novel myself, those who enjoy a lesson in noble society over action may find something to entertain themselves with here.

View all my reviews

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.

If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Villainess, Shoujo

Sub-Tags: Spirits, Cute, Personal Growth, Weak to Strong

Synopsis:

The Smallest Spark Can Grow into a Fire

When Prince Joseph broke off his engagement to Brigitte, her life was shattered—but meeting Yuri helped her start putting it together again. The two may have started off as rivals, yet the more she learns about him, the more she’s come to appreciate him…Unfortunately, Joseph is ready to turn everything upside down again, suddenly attempting to reinstate their engagement. Brigitte is far from eager to go back, but her relationship with Yuri is getting complicated. Not only that, but it seems her weak, no-name spirit might be something else entirely…! (Source: Yen Press)

A Villainess’ Spirit Awakens!

After picking herself back up from a broken engagement, the second instalment of If the Villainess and Villain Met follows Brigitte as her whole world is about to change.

It Peeped!

Unwilling to address the cliffhanger left over from volume one, the series’ sequel begins with new developments regarding Brigitte’s spirit. Above all other aspects of the story, segments surrounding spirits inject the most of Brigitte’s personality within them, hence why it continues to be the story’s strongest aspect in this volume.

Developments appear thick and fast as Brigitte’s magical powers transform, eventually inviting a spirit. As a result, the novel’s first half finds the series’ protagonist searching for personal growth as Brigitte is forced to confront her past and future.

The future offers a lighter side to her development. It is signified by her blossoming romance with Yuri, which has no shortage of cute moments. Confronting her past takes a more serious approach. These scenes find Brigitte forced to overcome her traumas, which remain raw and vivid. Her memories describing when her hand is put in the flame are especially poignant.

As for the spirit awakening itself, it adds some entertaining moments of comedy to the series. Brigitte’s spirit takes the form of a small chick that likes to peep away and cause all sorts of chaos.

Prince (Not so) Charming

The Prince Joseph question is eventually answered in the latter half of the volume. Determined to get Brigitte back, this plot line follows a similar path to others in its genre, as Joseph’s motives turn out to be less than pure. Joseph is obsessed with Brigitte due to his perceived notion that she’s the only person who’s more of a failure than he is.

For as cutesy as this series portrays itself, this segment turns out to be a rather unpleasant read. Prince Joseph’s cruel and vindictive behaviour feels out of place in a series as light-hearted as this one. It does, however, provide the series with some necessary developments for the future. Firstly, the romance between Yuri and Brigitte is solidified, and secondly, the event serves as the final key to unlocking Brigitte’s true spirit power.

Overall, If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love’s second volume builds on the solid foundations laid in its opening act.

In addition to further exploring the world’s spirit magic system, the second volume finally gives the boot to Prince Joseph, allowing for the romance between Brigitte and Yuri to take centre stage.

If the Villainess and Villain Vol. 2

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 second volume of this series physically and digitally through the distributors listed on the Yen Press website.

My Magical Career at Court: Living the Dream After My Nightmare Boss Fired Me from the Mages’ Guild! Vol. 3 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, OP, Tsundere, Bickering Couple, Banishment

Synopsis:

Noelle may be a commoner from the middle of nowhere, but she’s a rising star in her dream workplace—the Royal Court Magicians’ Division! It seems like a world away from her horrible old job at the Mages’ Guild, but life as a royal court magician comes with its own challenges. She’s already fought off a dragon and battled her way through the perilous Weissrosa Abyss, but can she survive making a fool of herself in front of all the magi? Now, Noelle has been thrust into the unexpected situation of being picked to take part in the famous World Magic Championships—and she hasn’t even been a royal court magician for a year! Along with her old friend Luke, another impressive young magician, she has to face off against some of the toughest magicians from around the world. On her new globetrotting adventures, Noelle is confronted with sneaky aristocrats, powerful magic duelists, the mysterious Fairy Queen…and maybe even some romantic developments! (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Court Mage and the Magic Championship!

Upon conquering the strongest dungeon in the kingdom, the latest chapter in the Magical Career saga sees Noelle face her toughest challenge yet, the World Magic Championships. Filled with some of the most powerful magicians on the Western Continent, Noelle and the chosen few selected for the tournament will be tested to their uppermost limits, but the competitors aren’t the only thing they’ll have to contend with. At the heart of the tournament lies a noble conspiracy willing to do anything and everything to put wilful commoners like Noelle in their place.

The Ultimate Underdog

Continuing to prove her naysayers wrong, this volume gives Noelle the largest stage yet to show off her abilities – the World Magic Championships. From nobility from across the globe, the hordes of spectators in the stands, and even her fellow competitors, this volume has finally given me the impetus to ask: How many volumes does it take before my patience runs thin with the never-ending perspectives from Noelle’s detractors? This volume cuts it close.

Three volumes in, and this series has answered a longstanding hypocrisy within my reviewing methods – tropes and striking the right balance. When it comes to the trope of “secretly overpowered individual in a world full of naysayers,” the balance personally is struck with the relative vocality of a main character’s supporters. A hard measure to quantify, the third volume of Magical Career falls foul of the line due to the sheer number of detractors in comparison to her supporters. After all, there’s only so far someone can go on willpower alone.

Thankfully, this seems set to change as the number of Noelle’s allies grows throughout this latest volume.

Willing a Victory

Fortunately, beyond this volume’s balancing act issues, there’s still plenty to enjoy. The tournament itself is suitably grandiose. It features a slew of powerful individuals that would normally be deemed impossible for anyone to defeat. Only Noelle could treat some of these opponents as if she were doing regular court magician work on a weekday.

Of the competitors introduced, Evangeline holds the most potential. Fairy Queen and naturally gifted magician, her frankly odd personality meshes well with Noelle. Their blossoming friendship by the end of the volume gives off positive vibes for the future of the series.

Additionally, the competition provides some much-needed character development for Luke. The boy-wonder whom everyone perceives as a prodigy who, in reality, is the hardest worker of anyone. There’s a genuinely heartfelt moment to be had as his efforts see him piped at the post by an overwhelmingly powerful opponent. In some ways, following Luke’s story would’ve made for a better series. The only thing stopping this reality is the fact that we wouldn’t get enough of Noelle’s infectious personality.

Despite the latest volume of Magical Career’s initial teething trouble regarding trope balancing, there’s still plenty of entertainment to be drawn from the story. The tournament is well-presented, offering everything one could want, from vivid fight sequences to interesting opponents. Moreover, there’s ample character development, especially for Luke. His segment ending in defeat is genuinely heartfelt.

My Magical Career in Court Vol. 3

My Rating: 7/10

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.

The Fruit of Evolution Vol. 8 Review

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

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

Synopsis:

In the royal city of Teruber, a historic meeting was held between King Lanze of the Kingdom of Wimburg and Rutia, the daughter of the Demon King. This meeting, intended to bridge the divide between demons and humans, was suddenly disrupted by a violent assault from the “Majin Cult”. Despite valiant resistance, Rutia fell victim to a curse from the cult’s attack. The situation escalated with the approach of an enemy army, among whom shockingly included the parents of Saria. The highly anticipated eighth instalment of this beloved series unfolds! (Source: Hanashi Media)

A Game of Dungeons and Demons!

Continuing to ascend from the realms of humanity, the eighth instalment of The Fruit of Evolution sees the return of an evil cult and an introduction to some slithery foes.

Picking up where the previous volume left off, the latest release finds the Kingdom of Wimburg embroiled in a battle against The Cult of the Wicked One. A hard-fought affair, the kingdom’s most valiant heroes face down fearsome foes. Luckily, their salvation might be around the corner as an unexpected group joins the fray. Meanwhile, Seiichi faces foes of his own. Asked to scope out a new dungeon, he and his friends come face to face with monsters, traps and a sentient dungeon?!

The Cult Returns

Returning to Terbelle for the novel’s first half, the plot finds the nation under attack during an important peace negotiation. With Seiichi noticeably absent from the action, this part of the story allows others to share in the spotlight for a little bit.

Making themselves the MVPs of the performance, the underworld heroes prove themselves to be every bit as overpowered as Seiichi. Moreover, this part of the novel provides some excellent moments as Saria’s parents are introduced to the series, and they are exactly as strange as you’d expect them to be.

Seiichi’s only role in this section is as a saviour to the demon king’s daughter. Known as Routier, even she’s not immune to Seiichi’s secret skill of harem king.

A Slithering Dungeon

The latter half of the novel finds Seiichi and his companions in their element as they go dungeon diving. A well-put-together segment, it plays to the strengths of the series – comedy and absurdism.

Putting the whole gang back together was a great idea. There’s nothing more crazy to the series than when all their quirks work together in perfect harmony. Constantly setting off traps and getting friendly with the enemy, they cause headache after headache for Seiichi, much to my personal glee.

This dungeon dive also sees the return of the tragic dungeon boss’ tale. All about an accidental medusa, it differs from others in the series by having a happy ending. Unlike the others, Zora is alive and has a fully fixable problem, which means zany solutions and another member added to the harem.

The Fruit of Evolution’s eighth instalment proves to be yet another strong entry into the series. Featuring a hilarious dungeon dive with all the main characters and a battle that highlights some of the lesser-developed side characters, it shows promise for the series as it heads into its final stretch.

The Fruit of Evolution Vol. 8

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 eighth volume of this series digitally on the Hanashi Media 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

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.