I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic Vol. 1 Review

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

Sub-Tags: OP, Strong Lead, Spirits

Cover Illustration for Volume 1

Synopsis:

What’s a guy to do when his life suddenly changes while innocently enjoying a nice, cold drink after work? And I mean really changes. This middle-aged commoner now finds himself in the body of Liam Hamilton, the young son of a noble house teetering on the brink of collapse. Between his fervidly desperate father and his utterly apathetic brothers, the only bright side to his new situation is that Liam can finally try learning magic like he’s always wanted. Little does he know his hobby of choice may be about to turn his life upside-down yet again! Will Liam be able to master the craft of magic? And will it be enough to save him from the shadow looming over his family…? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Magic Mastery and the Key to Independence!

Written by Nazuna Miki and illustrated by Kabotya, I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin is JNC’s latest release that focuses on all the wonders that magic has to offer. Starring Liam Hamilton, the fifth son of a noble house, the story follows his journey as he chooses a completely different method from his siblings to avoid commonerhood.

Instead of marrying up, Liam focuses his efforts on learning the ins and outs of magic after a little nudge from a helpful fugitive. To this end, magic mastery makes up the bulk of the first volume’s story.

Best described as a light-hearted power fantasy, the first volume follows a well-trodden path within the genre as Liam’s introduction to the world of magic quickly snowballs into him becoming one of its strongest users.

Whilst Liam learns the basics, we’re given some of the best moments of the volume. The relationship between Lord Liam and his master is the highlight of the novel. The magic master’s tips and tricks always push Liam into finding new ways of using his magical abilities and gives some credence to how powerful he eventually becomes.

Unfortunately, what this series makes up for in magic, it needs to improve in character development. Of the several side characters introduced, none are complex or well-developed. Most, if not all, are nothing more than yes men, there to praise Liam for every little thing he gets right. There are some interesting moments of conflict between the protagonist and his family, but this isn’t well-realised as it isn’t given enough time.

Furthermore, the way the topic of a harem is brought about in this series is a little problematic. The dynamics between Liam and his potential love interests just don’t feel right, and hopefully, they’ll rectify this as the series continues.

Overall, whilst I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin’s foray into magic is both fun and entertaining, the volume itself is let down by a lack of vision in creating complex characters and a troubling dynamic that’s developing between Liam and the members of his harem.

I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin 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 digitally on the J-Novel Club 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

Cover Illustration for Volume 2

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.

I Only Have Six Months to Live, So I’m Gonna Break the Curse with Light Magic or Die Trying Vol. 3 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Heartwarming, Spirits, Strong Lead

Cover Illustration for Volume 3

Synopsis:

My academy life continues, but I hate the unfair caste system that causes discrimination in the school. I know I can’t change it all by myself, but I can’t just stand back and let this inequality continue. Meanwhile, I decide to investigate a large hole that mysteriously appeared in the academy. What secrets does it hold? Can it help me get rid of my curse? I’m excited to learn everything I can, but I’m suddenly transported to unknown ruins while a dangerous monster awakens from its centuries-long slumber. I have to get out of here so that I can save my friends and my kingdom before it’s too late! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Callus and the Beings of Darkness!

Attack of the Darkness

Still determined to discover the truth behind his curse, my latest light novel review follows Callus in his third outing as a mysterious hole appears on academy grounds.

Written by Genkotsu Kumano, the latest edition of Six Months to Live continues Callus’ journey within the academy. The joys of everyday school life don’t last, however, when proceedings are interrupted by the appearance of a mysterious hole in the academy. Deep within the hole lie previously unexplored ruins that hold many secrets. For Callus, these ruins could hold the secret behind taboo beings and something much darker as well. 

As the series finishes its third volume, the decisions that are shaping the overall journey of the story are beginning to take shape. Alongside Callus’ longstanding goal of curing his curse, the latest volume adds the antagonists that’ll attempt to hinder his progress. Known as beings of pure darkness, these creatures have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, and the opening of the academy ruins provides just that.

Pretty analogous to the genre as a whole, these beings of darkness do find several ways of standing out. The first is their potential. Beings of Darkness are intelligent and can change their shape at will, providing a smorgasbord of possibilities in the future. The second is their power scaling. The battle between our heroes and the beings are evenly matched, leaving plenty of room for growth in the main characters’ strength. 

The First Taboo Being

Dark beings aren’t the only things hidden in the ruins. For Callus, a dragon statue located within the ruins holds new revelations about his curse.

Transported alongside The Saint away from the action, the statue reveals a hidden dimension home to the first king’s former companion. Whilst there, Callus learns more hints about his condition and their relation in regards to Arth, the first king.

The news about the future of his curse isn’t inherently good, but it does keep the mystery ticking. With a true timeframe now in place, developments should come in thick and fast in future volumes.

In conclusion, Six Months to Live’s third volume provides excellent stepping stones as the series looks towards its future. With the introduction of long-term antagonists and a tangible timeline given on Callus’ curse, the plot is shaping nicely alongside Callus’ infectiously positive attitude.

Six Months to Live 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.

If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love Vol. 1 Review

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

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

Cover Illustration for Volume 1

Synopsis:

Sometimes Fire and Ice are Perfect for Each Other.

Brigitte Meidell belongs to a noble family, which means high expectations were placed upon her spirit contract. However, her bonded spirit turned out to be a weak no-name, and ever since, she has been a source of shame to her family. She thought her engagement to the prince would turn her life around, but when he publicly breaks off their relationship, she finds herself alone again. After her haughty, villainous behavior as the prince’s brideto- be, no one shows her much sympathy—except for the duke’s son Yuri, who attends the same magic academy. Yuri is feared for his incredible abilities and icy personality, but with him on her side, her fortunes might have changed… (Source: Yen Press)

A Romance of Ice and Fire!

Opposites Attract

From romcoms to fantasy romance series, the next light novel on my roster asks whether a misunderstood villainess and villain can fall in love.

Heading back to the roots of the villainess genre, Met and Fell in Love starts with the protagonist, Brigitte, facing down a classic broken engagement scene. Accused and cast out by the usual suspects, Brigitte’s fancy-free new life leads her into the arms of Yuri. Cold and distant, he’s the only man in the academy more hated than this series’ titular villainess.

The romantic aspect of this novel gets off to a rocky start. As expected, given Yuri’s default nature, there’s very little love loss between them as his overly harsh, straight-talking nature constantly rubs Brigitte the wrong way. As their relationship begins to blossom, however, a sweet coupling between them starts to take place. Their cutest moments come through their competitions against each other and the awkward stumbling as seen through the perspectives of their attendants. 

Spirits of a Fickle Nature

For the plot’s main meat and bones, the story takes a highly intriguing look at the magic system within the world, spirits. The summoning of strong spirits is highly valued in this world, especially for nobles, and it’s another reason why Brigitte is isolated at the start of the novel.

Despite having contracted with a seemingly weak spirit, one of Brigitte’s few passions in the series is her love for spirits and their study. Throughout her investigations, we’re given an in-depth look at how these beings operate as part of this fantasy world. They are given a great amount of agency and, in many ways, aren’t too dissimilar to humans. Strong spirits are all said to be able to talk, love and feel.

This agency makes up the backbone of the story’s mystery. As it turns out, Brigitte’s spirit contract may not be as weak as first thought. After revealing itself to save Brigitte and her classmates, it is implied that there’s more to a bond between humans and spirits. Physically and emotionally linked, perhaps one of the main reasons Brigitte’s Spirit is considered “lazy” comes from her fear of fire. A trauma that she goes someway into combating by the end of this volume. 

Met and Fell in Love’s first volume is a tale of two halves. Whilst its romantic aspects are predictable yet solidly written, the series’ in-depth look at magical world-building is something to write home about.

The prospect of further investigation into the world of spirits and the hidden potential of Brigitte’s spirit are all reasons why I’ll be continuing this series into its sequel.

If the Villainess and Villain Met and Fell in Love 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 and physically through the list of distributors found on the Yen Press website.

I Only Have Six Months to Live, So I’m Gonna Break the Curse with Light Magic or Die Trying Vol. 2 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Heartwarming, Spirits, Strong Lead

Cover Illustration for Volume 2

Synopsis:

My days of bedridden suffering are over now that I’ve learned light magic. I can finally venture beyond the manor and attend the Academy of Magic! I’m excited to meet new friends and experience new things at school, but it isn’t all fun and games. Students are getting dragged into a conflict between aristocrats and their factions, and there’s a mysterious clock tower on campus that holds a secret deep underground. Who is this moon magician, and why does she seem to know about my curse? I don’t know if I can trust her, but she might be my best shot at getting rid of my curse for good! (Source: J-Novel club)

Callus and the Academy of Secrets!

Academy Life Fit for a Prince

Managing to temporarily suppress the effects of his curse, the latest volume in the series sees Callus’ quest for a cure take him to the Kingdom’s best academy. A place for nobles and commoners alike, Callus believes it to be the best place to begin searching for new light magic methods.

Now that Callus is living his life in public for the first time, more than just his family has the opportunity to be drawn in by the young prince’s infectious positivity. He quickly settles into his new surroundings and finds himself forming friends all over the place, both old and new.

On the reunion side of things, the second volume has the return of both Cryssie and Sissy. Time has done little to abate their feelings for Callus, and whilst Cryssie is willing to go toe to toe with Shizuku for Callus’ affections, Sissy is taking a more cautious approach as she’s at the academy in an official capacity.

The Mysteries of the Clock Tower

As for the new friends Callus makes in his first weeks at the academy, the most notable is Saria. Known as the hermit of the clock tower, it isn’t long before Callus’ insatiable curiosity leads to him sniffing her out.

Considering she dislikes people, she quickly takes a liking toward Callus, making him an assistant to her research.

Callus discovering Saria working within the walls of the clock tower is an overwhelmingly positive development for both characters. Given Callus’ ability to draw people together, Saria’s life is changed dramatically, hoodwinked into many an adventure with Callus alongside his friends.

Becoming friends with Saria leads Callus closer to discovering the truth behind his curse. As it turns out, the clock tower hermit isn’t the only mystery hidden between the bells and gears. The clock tower is also home to a strange dungeon, one that only Callus can enter. Hidden deep within is a part of history that perhaps is best left forgotten. A secret that involves a strange moon magician known as Luna. Born before the modern era, she has powers long lost to time. One of which is the power to cure curses, and she’s willing to share as long as Callus helps her escape. Whilst Callus agrees to the arrangement, there’s definitely more to her story than meets the eye.

Faction Fights

The clock tower isn’t the only place that reveals new information about Callus’ curse. Not everything is fine and dandy at the academy. Those lucky enough to pass the entrance exam are soon faced with the problem of factions.

An academy tradition, factions serve as an unofficial way to gain influence for later in life, although they’ve now turned into events where those in charge of faction tend to abuse their power. Callus wants none of this and decides to try and create his own faction.

Callus’ curse reveal is shown during a fight to add a powerful ally to his side. In a twist of fate, the curse of darkness may not be as malicious as it seems, saving its host from certain doom.

To conclude, Six Months to Live’s second volume continues the series’ overall positive outlook. Callus’ constant optimism in the face of adversity is one of the series’ greatest strengths, as it makes for such a change compared to similar series within the genre. This optimism also gives a more natural method for the author to have people surround the protagonist beyond being the nation’s prince.

Furthermore, the second volume reveals more regarding the series’ overarching mystery. Revealing the curse’s link to the country’s history and its lack of animosity holds interesting avenues for the series to explore in upcoming volumes.

I Only Have Six Months to Live Vol. 2

My Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

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

I Only Have Six Months to Live, So I’m Gonna Break the Curse with Light Magic or Die Trying Vol. 1 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Heartwarming, Spirits, Strong Lead

Cover Illustration for Volume 1

Synopsis:

Prince Callus was born with a mortal curse that marks him as a Taboo Being. His days are numbered, and he’s been told the last six months of his life will be nothing but bedridden suffering. This grim future haunts him…until he meets Gourley, who can wield light magic. Callus becomes the magician’s apprentice in hopes that this legendary power might dispel his curse if he can manage to master it in the time he has left. He has immense magical energy and the rare ability to see spirits on his side, after all, not to mention friends and family who are there to support him every step of the way. And so Callus stakes his life on this mission… It’s time to learn light magic or die trying! (Source: J-Novel Club)

Light Magic and the Key to Curing Curses!

The Prince of Positivity

There are many directions that a series about a cursed child could take, especially in the light novel genre. Refreshingly, this series takes none of the trope-laden paths and instead chooses an overwhelmingly positive outlook and atmosphere. Perhaps it’s because I’m so used to this genre’s formula that a series of this nature took me completely by surprise.

With a supportive family and side cast, Callus, the story’s protagonist, has a uniquely positive attitude even whilst facing such adversity. His curse may be slowly taking his life, and he’s a prince hidden from public view, but throughout the volume, this never stops him from being inquisitive and constantly seeking ways to improve himself or cure his curse.

It is this attitude for life that makes so many others want to help him. From friends to spirits, there are very few who can avoid falling for his charms.

The Friends Along the Way

Many friends’ll join Callus’ quest to cure his curse because of his healthy attitude towards life. The first to make his positive influence known is Cryssie, the daughter of a famous knight within the nation. Their visit to the estate is rather fortuitous due to the appearance of a wyvern. This battle shows off Callus’ light magic skills so far and gives way to Cryssie becoming his knight.

The second to be charmed by Callus’ efforts is Sissy, Master Gourley’s other apprentice. Her appearance is invaluable to understanding the curse, making sense of the situation much in the same way a medical investigation is performed. As a result, it is concluded that the curse is spread through the blood rather than settling in one place.

Callus’ maid, Shizuku, is the last in the volume to reveal how his kindness touched her. His acts taught her to trust her emotions once again.

Spirits and Magic

On his quest to cure his curse, it is discovered early on that the key may be within the powers of light magic. Having his curse temporarily lifted by Master Gourley’s light magic, a conclusion is drawn that an as-of-yet-undiscovered light magic spell may be able to cure Callus. Thus, Callus takes it upon himself to become Gourley’s apprentice and learn light magic for himself.

In this universe, magic is controlled by spirits, and one must enter a contract if they ever wish to use it. There is some interesting thought on behalf of the author into the details of the spiritual system, including the fact that there are many reasons for a spirit to choose a host. For Callus, his contract with Selena came through the unique taste of his cursed mana. For Gourley, his contract involved a pet hawk from his past. 

Callus’ abilities with light magic neither start strong nor even at the end of the first volume become overpowered. His magic grows in line with the growing relationship he has with his spirit contractor.

This piece-by-piece approach can also be used when looking at the progress made towards curing his curse. Only small parts of the puzzle have been illuminated by the events of volume one, giving plenty of leeway for the mystery to continue in future volumes.

Overall, Six Months to Live’s approach to light novel fantasy is a refreshing take within the genre. An intriguing mystery weaved into a series with a positive and encouraging atmosphere engages as well as entertains. Featuring likeable characters and an overall goal, it manages to immerse the reader in its world. This is a series that I’d highly recommend!

Six Months to Live Vol. 1

My Rating: 9/10

I hope you enjoyed my review and would love to see what you thought of the volume in the comments! If you like what I do and want to see more, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee on Ko-Fi.

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