tragedy – Faceless One Blog

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.

The Evil Queen’s Beautiful Principles Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Tragedy, Villainess, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Revenge, Politics, Conspiracies, Ruthless Protagonist

Synopsis:

A woman reborn, Crown Princess Luxeria is derided as a doll, beautiful and docile. But that’s merely the mask she wears. Powerful magic courses through her veins—magic that can corrupt hearts, erase memories, and pluck one’s innermost thoughts from the air. After years of being confined to a tower, she is finally set free…only to become embroiled in a grand conspiracy that kicks off with her parents’ murder. Thrust onto a tragic stage of love and betrayal, she will play her part to perfection. (Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)

The Doll Princess’ Revenge!

From the same author that brought us The Accomplishments of the Duke’s Daughter comes the newest light novel series from Seven Seas Entertainment featuring revenge, tragic romance and kingdom-building.

Personal Vengeance

Revenge can be a difficult theme to manage. A balance of catharsis and believable motivations, it’s a theme that, on the whole, The Evil Queen’s Beautiful Principles navigates adeptly.

Key to this successful navigation is the volume’s central revenge act – Luxeria, the protagonist’s revenge against those who murdered her parents. Acting as a puppet ruler over the novel’s first half, it allows the revenge plot to build bit by bit. Throughout, her façade allows her to plan secretly gathering allies, leading to the perfect moment of catharsis as Luxeria reveals her true intentions in a bloody wedding sequence. It’s well-focused and staged, helping to feed into Luxeria’s prized narrative as the cold-hearted queen.

Unfortunately, the rest of the volume’s subplots aren’t so well-focused.

Romance and a Revenge for the People

In the case of the volume’s climax, the focus is taken away simply due to the novel already having peaked. Going one step beyond a personal vendetta, she takes her plans to stop the kingdom’s bureaucratic decay and create a system that helps both commoners and the nobility equally. A fine concept in practice, unfortunately, it falls foul of the fact that not one member of the nation’s ministry holds a candle to her power and, therefore, barely feels like a threat.

As for the series’ romantic subplot, the problem stems from an overall lack of connection between the series’ two romantic leads. Beyond a small flashback, Luxeria and Wilhelm barely speak more than two words to each other throughout the entire volume. As a result, I find it difficult to connect with their love story, and what’s more, I barely find it believable that she would use her abilities on him in a way that could endanger her entire motivation as ruler.

Fortunately, the theme of friendship is one subplot that offers some light at the end of the tunnel. The relationship between Luxeria and Alicia is the only link that the protagonist doesn’t sever from their childhood years. Offering a very different side to Luxeria from the ruthless ruler, their fun-loving moments together come as a welcome tension-breaker. Although, even this subplot suffers from a few holes. Explaining a plot point as being happenstance isn’t exactly a favourite of mine.

To conclude, whilst the story’s central revenge plot is well-focused and delivers the perfect amount of catharsis, this positivity doesn’t extend towards the rest of the story. A less-than-stellar climax and an underdeveloped romantic subplot mean that I won’t be picking up the sequel in the series.

The Evil Queen 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.

Revolutionary Reprise of the Blue Rose Princess Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Reincarnation, Politics, Conspiracies

Synopsis:

The Romantic Finale For The Blue Rose Princess & Her Adviser!

After the eventful visit to Erdal, Princess Alicia finally confesses her feelings to Clovis. The two savor a short-lived period of bliss—but memories from Alicia’s previous life suddenly plague her, etching the fear of losing Clovis deep in her heart. Resolved to prevent his death, Alicia hatches a plan, only for it to create a rift between the new couple…?! How will Alicia’s revolutionary reprise end for her, Clovis, and everyone they’ve worked with throughout the years? (Source: Cross Infinite World)

The Princess’ Problems in Erdal!

Saving the best till last, the final outing of Revolutionary Reprise ramps up the pace as Alicia and Clovis close in on the tragic events that led Alicia to wake up in the past. Revolving around the relationship between the Kingdom of Heilland and the Empire of Erdal, it sees the series’ titular romantic duo trying to catch a traitor willing to start a war for the sake of unification between the two nations.

A True Future Queen

A step up from the author’s previous writings, the plot of the third volume makes for a tense read. Successfully employing numerous twists and turns, it proves to the very last page that Alicia and Clovis’ happy ending is a hard-fought affair.

With her citizens and even the Empress under threat from the unionists and their malicious schemes, facing off against members of the empire’s highest nobility forces Alicia to put all her previous training into practice and don the role of a future queen. In this plot, all of Alicia’s previous interactions and development over the past trilogy come into play here as she uses wit, cunning and intelligence to ensure a peaceful solution that doesn’t end in all-out war.

Alicia’s interactions with the Empress are particularly noteworthy. As conversations between a present leader and a future one, they show how far Alicia’s come to be able to gain approval about becoming a future queen.

Clovis also gets his own moments to shine throughout this volume. Whilst getting more in touch with his emotions makes for good progress, his best moments come as he proves himself every bit a match for the princess. By the end of the volume, it only takes a few words from Alicia for Clovis to know what to do.

A Usurper in the Empire

As for the usurper’s side, thanks to some quick thinking on behalf of the story’s heroes, it culminates as a trial. The Prince and Chancellor Yggdrasil are revealed to be behind the plot. A short-lived alliance, their different reasons for wanting reunification end up being their undoing.

The prince and Charlotte steal the show in these segments partly due to the final touches of development being added to make them complex and nuanced characters. In this volume, Charlotte moves away from the typical light novel Otome heroine archetype. Despite her lovesickness and admiration for her father, she’s still able to break away from their moments of folly and act alongside Alicia for what is right.

At the same time as Charlotte, the Prince finally reveals his full character. Long held under the shadow of his mother, his need to break free and accomplish something beyond the powers of the Empress is understandable and makes for a natural progression for his character. His eventual repentance also makes sense as a result.

Overall, the climax of the Revolutionary Reprise saga makes for a solid ending to this tragic romantic fantasy. Including a final plot filled with twists and turns and a set of nuanced, complex characters, it’s a series that is highly worth checking out.

Revolutionary Reprise 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 through the distributors listed on the Cross Infinite World website.

The Otome Heroine’s Fight for Survival Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Tragedy, Isekai

Sub-Tags: Strong Lead, Ruthless Protagonist, Game Elements, Dark Fantasy

Synopsis:

Orphaned by a monster attack on her village, young Alicia spends three horrid years in an orphanage before finally running away. When she flees, however, Alicia has a violent encounter with an older woman hell-bent on killing her. During their tussle, she comes into contact with a strange crystal that bestows upon her a wealth of knowledge, transforming her from an innocent child into a cool and calculated planner. Now aware that she was meant to be the protagonist of an otome game and disgusted with her supposed fate, Alicia decides to take matters into her own hands and become strong—by any means necessary. Using her newfound knowledge, and with some help from a stranger she meets in the woods, she learns to survive by herself in a world far too harsh and unforgiving for a girl her age. Ready or not, she’s determined to carve her own path. (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Heroine’s Ruthless Emancipation!

Mixing dark fantasy and Otome elements, Harunohi Biyori’s Otome Heroine’s Fight for Survival is one of the latest titles to finish its pre-pub on the J-Novel Club website.

Upon discovering that she’s a heroine from an Otome Game, the series follows the story of Alicia as she attempts to shirk off her game character credentials and forge her own path in a world filled with violence and treachery.

A Heroine’s Awakening

Not for the faint-hearted, Otome Survival wastes no time in setting the tone of the series as a dark fantasy. With a deadly attack on the protagonist instigating the story, it finds Alicia wrestling with the idea that she’s a heroine from a game and the ways with which she can emancipate herself from this fate.

Whilst emancipation is the major theme, it isn’t the driver of the volume’s first half; it’s survival. As an orphaned child in a violent world, learning to act on instinct and fight is the only way to avoid death. This ideology shapes Alicia, resulting in a ruthless character willing to kill to survive.

Ruthless though she may be, that doesn’t mean that Alicia is unlikeable. Logical and determined, she never kills without reason and keeps to a set of principles that develop throughout the volume.

Two adventurers from the early parts of the novel are likely what stopped her from becoming a mindless killer and showcased that there’s good in the unforgiving world. Known as Feld and Viro, they help in Alicia’s survival quest by teaching her useful abilities and skills in both combat and sorcery. Detailed and intricate, the mechanics of growth within this fantasy world come alive as Alicia learns alongside the adventurers. Unfortunately, the author doesn’t quite keep the level of excitement when Alicia learns on her own. Often, the novel grinds to a halt as Alicia attempts to enunciate incantations.

A Battle Maid’s Impetus to Change

Having learnt the basics of survival, the second half of the volume re-introduces the theme of emancipation. Accompanying Viro on a job, she ends up apprenticing as a battle maid. Serving under the royal family, they act as bodyguards, and it’s here that Alicia discovers her impetus for change – Princess Elena.

Alicia and Elena are birds of a feather. They see the world in the same way and are trying to carve out their own path in the world. For Alicia especially, this meeting between them is important as it gives some directionality to her abilities and opens plenty of doors for the future.

As an aside, the battle maid arc also provides an element of coolness to the volume. Through her time with the organisation, Alicia develops her fighting style with strings. Constantly catching her enemies off guard, it adds a layer of swagger to the numerous battles she has as the volume progresses.

Overall, Otome Survival’s opening instalment makes for an entertaining read. The series achieves this by creating detailed foundations and managing to balance the dark aspects of the series without coming across as edgy. Alicia is the highlight of the volume. Ruthless yet likeable, you can’t help but route for her as she attempts to break away from the rules of the game.

The Otome Heroine’s Fight for Survival Vol. 1

My Rating: 8.5/10

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

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

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.

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.

Revolutionary Reprise of the Blue Rose Princess Vol. 2 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Reincarnation, Politics, Conspiracies

Synopsis:

The Gears Of Fate Are Turning Fast!

After deciding to become her kingdom’s ruler, Alicia takes on her first challenge to establish a wide-area trading company together with her adviser, Clovis. This venture leads them to discover dark connections between the nobles opposing their plans and the neighboring empire which Heilland waged war against in Alicia’s past life…

Six years later, Alicia makes her high society debut and accepts an invitation from the empire. There, she meets her husband from her previous life, makes a promise with the woman he loves, and faces up against the fierce but beautiful empress, all key players leading up to the “Night of the Revolution.” As Alicia struggles to change her fate, feelings for her adviser start to grow within her… (Source: Cross Infinite World)

A Princess Quells the Sparks of War!

The Council and Conspiracy

Having read the latest volume of Revolutionary Reprise, it is clear that the series has grown from strength to strength. Key to this volume’s success starts early on, as the author opens the latest volume on a tale of intrigue.

This tale of intrigue and conspiracy comes as Alicia and Clovis’ business plan meets more than the expected opposition due to a difference in viewpoint. After holding their meeting with the Privy Council, it isn’t long before either suspect foul play afoot when their already trusted business parties begin to reject their proposal.

Chief among their suspects is the current Lord Sutherland. Both he and his son Riddhe have long been a pain in the pair’s side, but this volume moves both of their motivations beyond the level of petty villainy. For Riddhe, in particular, these are defining moments for his character. While the two have misguided their love for their country alongside their hatred of Clovis, Riddhe still has room for redemption.

Upon discovering that his father’s hatred for the Graham bloodline has led him to treachery, Riddhe still has the good sense to realise that his actions are wrong and that the country can still be saved without the need for the Empire. As a result, Riddhe’s testimony against his father leads to his arrest and finds Alicia and Clovis ever closer to discovering the cause of the war – malicious forces in Erdal.

Just Another Cog in the Machine

Unfortunately for Clovis and Alicia, vague rumours about Erdal are all they’re able to glean as Lord Sutherland is assassinated. The next pieces of the puzzle are only revealed as Alicia turns sixteen.

The second half of this volume sees several shifts in the story’s pace. With Alicia now older, there’s a sense of urgency in her actions as the tragic events of her previous life come ever closer.

This is none more so felt when Alicia and Clovis receive an invitation to meet with the Empress of Erdal. Seeing this as the perfect opportunity to scope out the enemy, Alicia’s newfound yet understandable reckless streak fails to identify the dangers of such a mission.

With all the main cast from her previous life’s tragedy present, Alicia becomes sidetracked. Faced with her former fiancé and his mistress, Alicia is determined to learn what brought them together, only to discover that they both complement each other perfectly.

Fritz and Charlotte aren’t the only ones to have a few romantic moments. Considering the stressful situation, the events in the empire have slowly brought Alicia and Clovis closer together as well.

Substance and depth have made this series stronger. From a beginning filled with intrigue to a character-filled climax, this series is making every effort to make itself stand out from the crowd.

What highlights this series is the work done on its central characters. Moving them away from their respective cliches and making them individuals with complex and conflicting motivations. This is no more evident than with Riddhe and Fritz, both of whom get heavy focus that distances them from their original one-note villainy.

With both the romantic and climatic stage set, Revolutionary Reprise has only gone from strength to strength in its sequel.

Revolutionary Reprise 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 through the list of distributors found on the Cross Infinite World website.

Stuck in a Time Loop: When All Else Fails, Be a Villainess Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Action, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Villainess, Isekai, Tragedy

Sub-Tags: Time-Loop, Reincarnation, Weak to Strong, Strong Lead

Synopsis:

Selene Vixent has died nine times. In every life, she’s been betrayed by her fiancé, abused by her noble family, and laid low by an untimely end all because she was unable to awaken the power of Sun, a so-called protective gift passed down in her family. Yet Selene is determined to escape this cursed time loop and, after her ninth demise, abandons any further attempts to be a good girl. She awakens to the power of Shadow—seen as an ominous portent of misfortune—and fully embraces her new life as a villainess. But Selene’s dark path is about to take another strange turn when Dier Veldt, the former crown prince, reveals that he knows all about her time loop. He even offers his help, but under one condition: she must kill him in exchange. With her newfound villainy, can Selene break free of this endless time loop once and for all? (Source: J-Novel Club)

A Reincarnated Villainess Wants Revenge!

A Revenge Served in Shadows

Killed time and time again, the beginning of Stuck in a Time Loop’s opening volume finds its protagonist, Selene, at a changing point in her life. Sick of every time loop inevitably ending terribly, she’s decided to stop playing the good daughter, aiming to crush those who’ve wronged her.

The story immediately acts on this statement of intent by showcasing that this new version of Selene can get things done. Now as ruthless as the world she lives in, she spends little time getting her revenge started. After emotionlessly getting through a breaking of an engagement, she turns to start her reign of terror by taking over her family’s house.

Coming face to face with her abusive father and the servants that joined in, there’s no need to wonder why her methods to take over are so merciless. Using her newly awakened shadow powers, she resorts to ultimately humiliating her father. Showing her complete control over the family lineage by proving both the servant’s and military’s allegiance are completely for her and only her.

The Purpose of the Gifts

Whilst revenge and anger dominate the first third of the volume, the story for the rest of the volume changes itself to focus more on the mystery behind the guardian’s powers. While not necessarily meaning that the revenge plan is stopped, it is halted after Selene has a chance encounter with a man nobody remembers, the eldest prince of the Kingdom, Dier.

Dier is described in not too dissimilar fashion to that of an immortal vampire. Searching for a way to die, with his fight against Selene ending in failure, it puts the two on a fateful path. With both searching for a way to end their misery, either at the hands of immortality or time loops, they eventually find a key to their problems hidden deep within the palace walls.

Said key requires the powers of all guardians to activate and thus starts a quest to collect them. Whilst this quest can vary in quality, the mystery aspect is at its best when adding new twists and turns. On that front, the guardian of the forest’s story makes for great intrigue – posing questions over the limits of the central powers and what happens when they aren’t inherited.

The volume ends in an action and cliffhanger-heavy manner. Defeating a world-ending monster reveals that the relationship between the royal brothers is not estranged but loving. As a result, the three of them aim to solve the key behind the world powers, a solution that sees them back in a time loop.

Overall, Stuck in a Time Loop’s first volume is a tale of two halves. The first is purely revenge based, featuring a ruthless protagonist set on stopping her tragic future. The second is a mystery, weaving its way through the heart of what makes the world tick.

Whilst both stand up well, the latter leads to an eventual softening of the protagonist’s character. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it is played into the story a tad too quickly to the point where her past nine lives are almost forgotten. On a more positive note, this softening leads to some wonderful interactions between the two leads as they clumsily navigate a more intimate future.

Stuck in a Time Loop Vol. 1

My Rating: 7/10

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.

Revolutionary Reprise of the Blue Rose Princess Vol. 1 Review

Tags: Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Reincarnation, Politics

Synopsis:

Changing Fate By Changing Loyalties!

On the night of the Star Festival, an event to celebrate the founding of the proud, illustrious Kingdom of Heilland, Queen Alicia was stabbed through the chest and killed by revolutionary soldiers storming the castle… Or so she thought. Princess Alicia wakes on the morning of her 10th birthday, memories of the “Night of the Revolution” fresh in her mind, and realizes that she has been given a chance to redo her life. It’s not long before she comes face to face with the handsome and mysterious young man who killed her last time… Granted a chance at redemption by the whims of fate, Alicia works to change the disastrous future, this time with revolutionary mastermind turned princess aide Clovis by her side! (Source: Cross Infinite World)

The Destiny to Change Fates!

A Shake of the Kaleidoscope

Killed in the flames of revolution, Alicia is given a second chance at life to change the future and ensure the continued prosperity of Heilland. Given this second chance, Alicia will need to be careful in the decisions she takes to change the future as, much like shaking a kaleidoscope, you never know what outcome you’re gonna get.

Alicia’s first major decision upon reincarnation is hiring the man who killed her in a previous life, Clovis Cromwell, as her advisor. Having her former killer as an advisor makes for an interesting dynamic as it raises the stakes and tension with Alicia, never quite knowing where she stands with him.

Fortunately, making Clovis her advisor is a good one. He’s a capable and intelligent man able to see things in a way Alicia never could. In line with this, it’s Clovis’ analytical thinking that discovers a potential plan that could strengthen the kingdom against their neighbour’s eventual attack.

One of the main points of history that led to the revolution is Heilland’s loss to the empire. The proposal forwarded by the Marquis of Rozen will allow the nation a chance to avoid defeat through the development of merchant free movement.

Whilst the marquis can be difficult to deal with, Alicia and Clovis’ newfound partnership is more than enough to convince him to join their scheme.

The Princess and the Mastermind

Taking a closer look at the characters, this is where the main interest of the series lies. Unlike most second-chance series, Revolutionary Reprise puts great emphasis on Alicia’s first death and the trauma she experiences as a result. These traumas drive her decision-making to improve the nation, albeit for selfish motives.

By extension, Clovis is also driven by his experiences in trauma. For all of his life, the reputation of his family and the actions of his grandfather has followed him, causing nothing but pain and suffering. That ended the moment Alicia commanded him to become her advisor.

The two work well together as they help each other overcome their respective traumas, and whilst I’m not sure about the romantic angle the author’s going for, they nevertheless make for a good partnership.

Overall, Revolutionary Reprise is a strong entry into the villainess genre. Taking a mature focus on trauma and an in-depth venture into politics and noble society, the series staves off the genre’s more wish-fulfilment aspects for a grounded look at a second-chance story.

Revolutionary Reprise of the Blue Rose Princess Vol. 1

My Rating: 8/10

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 buy the first volume of this series digitally through the list of distributors on the Cross Infinite World website.

The Holy Grail of Eris Vol. 3 Review

Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Mystery, Crime, Tragedy, Villainess

Sub-Tags: Conspiracies, Weak Protagonist

Synopsis:

ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES

Scarlett and Connie are finally closing in on the truth of what happened ten years ago, but Daeg Gallus is determined to eliminate all obstacles to the Holy Grail of Eris, with Connie and her fiancé, Randolph, at the top of their list. To thwart their plan, Connie allows herself to be framed and imprisoned, ensuring Randolph’s freedom. She never dreamed, though, that her actions would result in the first execution order in ten years—with her head on the chopping block! (Source: Yen Press)

A Conclusion to Conspiracies!

With conspiracies unravelling and criminals finding their comeuppance. The latest review to appear on the blog follows the dramatic conclusion to this mystery villainess series.

Heading to the Chopping Block

Seldom do I find myself so taken aback by a light novel series, but with each twist and turn, The Holy Grail of Eris finds new ways to intrigue and keep me hooked. The third volume in the series is no different. As the mystery reaches its dramatic conclusion, there are still more tricks this series can pull out of its hat.

As Connie, Scarlett and co close in on Daeg Gallus’ involvement in the seventh prince’s disappearance, their leaders move to take one final action to stop their meddling once and for all. With Connie as their main target, people dear to her are kidnapped, and she herself is framed for the kidnapping of the crown prince Ulysses.

Arrested, charged and scheduled for execution, it’s up to her friends to take on her mantle, searching for anything against the organisation that’ll free her and stop a war between two kingdoms.

What the author does so well in this volume is bring all the moving parts of the puzzle together. Each of the notable characters from the series so far had a role to play, either in obstruction or by paying in their favours to stop Connie’s execution.

Some side characters of particular note in this volume are Viscount Hamsworth and Amelia Hobbs. Throughout each of the three volumes so far, they’ve had an important role to play. Whether it be ensuring Connie and Randolph can move around noble society without issue or ensuring the audience gets interesting glimpses into specific shady characters, it is important to showcase that not everything can be solved by the actions of the main protagonists.

The Weak Guiding the Strong

Coming to the end of a story arc also means coming to a conclusion in a character’s development arc. For Connie, there is a very tangible change in her character from when we first met her at the start of the series. From a shrinking wallflower, she has bloomed many new levels of confidence.

Connie is taking the lead, confronting more prominent nobles, such as Scarlett’s father, as well as sacrificing herself for the sake of love. She has come on leaps and bounds from where she started.

I believe it is this confidence and courage that leads to the overall happy ending. Without taking her possible death sentence head-on, they’d likely be unable to draw out the remaining members of Daeg Gallus, stopping a war. Moreover, without her experience of dealing with conspiracies, it is doubtful whether she’d have been able to confess her feelings to Randolph.

An Awkward Sorrow

Also featured prominently is the end of the flashback sequences involving Scarlett, Adolphus and Aliénore. This part finally reveals the touching love story between Adolphus and Aliénore and Scarlett’s eventual execution.

Whilst the love story is sweet, what most will be interested in is Adolphus’ reaction upon hearing about his daughter’s death. Those awkward emotions bubbling up into a scene of sadness in solitude. It’s raw and unapologetic, even bringing me close to tears.

It is nice that the author gave a happy ending for both of them in the end.

Concluding The Holy Grail of Eris’ third volume has convinced me that this is one of the best villainess and light novel series on the market at the moment. The payoff to the series’ mystery and the level of depth and thought made into each of the characters make this a must-read for anyone, either thinking about reading light novels or seasoned regulars.

The Holy Grail of Eris Vol. 3

My Rating: 10/10

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 third volume of this series both digitally and physically from the list of distributors found on the Yen Press website.