Video games – 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.

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.

Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Vol. 11 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Weak to Strong, Video Games, Game Elements, Strong Lead, Gods

Synopsis:

A thousand years in the past, Makoto Takatsuki has successfully recruited the legendary hero party, and they’re finally ready to take on Demon Lord Bifrons. At least, that was the plan. But then the demon lords assemble, rallying an army that outnumbers the heroes a thousand to one. Makoto must shift tactics to counter the onslaught, and just when the situation seems dire, Ira reveals a shocking secret about water magic that could turn the tide of battle. Unfortunately, the Great Demon Lord is hardly one to play fair. Seeing the might of the heroes’ army, Iblis offers Makoto something truly tantalizing: power. The final showdown for the fate of history has begun. Can the heroes’ light pierce through the Clouds of Darkness? And is Makoto’s will as strong as his magic? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Makoto Meets the Great Demon Lord!

Continuing Makoto’s journey one thousand years in the past, the eleventh volume of Full Clearing in Another World finds the hero’s party facing their ultimate challenge.

Managing to unite the hero’s party from the past, the latest chapter in the series picks back up after a small training arc. With their powers tested and successfully upgraded, Makoto and the gang are finally ready to face off against the big guns of the demon army. Making Bifrons their first target, they set out on their final assault, unaware of the big plans Iblis has in store for them.

Fight, Fight, Fight!

Using the build-up and darker setting of the previous novel to its advantage, the final volume in the “thousand-year” arc produces a worthy climax. With their training done and all the preparations made, this story is all about the fight.

The author has managed to surpass themself. Throughout the volume, three fights are showcased against different demon lords that effortlessly manage to upgrade the scale whilst managing to dangle the prospect of even bigger fights to come.

The promised battles against Bifrons, Astaroth and Iblis all get a look in, each showing the awesome might of the demon lord’s army. Furthermore, these battles show that the hero’s party’s true power is nothing to be sniffed at. Makoto and Anna/Abel get massive upgrades to their abilities, giving credence to the world’s written history and their victory by the end of the volume.

The Thousand-Year Question

In addition to the demon’s defeat, this volume also answers the lingering plot thread of Makoto’s thousand-year journey home. Meant as a one-way trip, it was always going to be interesting to see what solution the author would come up with to have Makoto join back up with the action in the present day.

Whilst I won’t spoil the events surrounding the solution in this review, I would like to highlight the segment focusing on Momo’s perspective. Detailing her life up to meeting Makoto in the present day, it’s a truly wonderful, heartfelt perspective that’ll surely win Momo more than a few fans by the end of the volume. As they say, the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Concluding Makoto’s journey in the Age of Demons, Full Clearing in Another World’s eleventh volume is a fascinating read filled with action, comedy and tragedy. Both Momo and Anna are the highlights of the volume. Their actions and perspectives secure them as some of the best characters in the series thus far.

Full Clearing Vol. 11

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 eleventh 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.

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

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

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

Synopsis:

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

Piggy and the Cutthroat Dungeon World!

Piggy in the Game World

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enemies, Allies and Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding Avalon Vol. 1

My Rating: 9/10

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

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

Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Vol. 10 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Weak to Strong, Video Games, Game Elements, Strong Lead, Gods

Synopsis:

Makoto Takatsuki has journeyed a thousand years into the past at the behest of Goddess Althena. His mission? Save the world from the Great Demon Lord’s diabolical plan to manipulate history. In order to stand a chance, Makoto must team up with Abel the Savior. However, Abel’s famed party is still in its infancy, and the hero himself isn’t quite what the legends have made him out to be. Humanity will need to consolidate their forces, disrupt the demons’ reign, and break through the Age of Darkness. Yet before they can rally, a fierce enemy bursts onto the scene: Noah’s contemporary disciple, Demon Lord Cain. A face-off between Noah’s past and future believers is imminent—with a little divine insight and a lot of improvisation, can Makoto topple the Mad Hero and keep history from falling apart? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Makoto’s Age of Darkness!

Strength of the Elementals

Learning that the Demon Lord Iblis is changing history, my new review looks at Full Clearing’s tenth volume as Makoto is sent back in time to stop him.

In fitting with the change of scenery, the latest volume of Full Clearing starts with a darker tone than usual. Travelling back a thousand years, Makoto soon discovers what life was like under the cruelty of demons. With most of the human population forced to live on feeding farms, those free are in hiding. Scattered across vast swathes of land, they’ve mostly sought refuge in dungeons, out of the way of the demon lord’s prying eyes.

The latest addition to the series sees Makoto separated from his usual harem and forced to team up with a new party to save the future. Wanting to follow the history recorded in the stories of legend, things don’t quite play out the way Makoto expects. Far from following the original course of history, with each new member of the new team, the more likely candidate for saving humanity from the demon scourge rests on Makoto’s shoulders rather than Abel’s.

The key to this change lies in Makoto’s new potential. Many amongst the survivors see Makoto as a new hero, thanks in part to the gifts given to him by the Goddesses. Now able to summon living embodiments of Undyine and cut the strings of fate, he saves both his new party members and clusters of survivors numerous times.

A New Hero Party’s Journey

Makoto’s actions eventually help him build the hero’s party from legend bar one member. No replacement for Makoto’s original group, the author has managed to stay away from any potential pitfalls that starting from scratch can bring. Makoto, Momo, Anna, Abel and the legendary dragon’s interactions throughout the second half of the volume are always enjoyable and make for a great reprieve from this action-heavy addition.

To add their final member, Johnnie Walker, to the cast, the volume’s climax finds them investigating Laphroaig for him. Totally different from its present counterpart, the city is laden with hidden dangers and unexpected allies.

Keeping as much distance as possible from the Witch of Calamity, Makoto’s new party comes across the hidden lair of Estelle. Ira is once again using Estelle as a disguise, and she’s the only one in the past who remembers Makoto. This is a welcome moment for both of them, especially Makoto, who’s been missing his Goddess and friends in the future.

One thing is made clear to all the members of the hero’s party in Laphroaig – they all need to train to get stronger.

To conclude, the latest instalment of Full Clearing makes an excellent start to the series’ new arc.

Pursuing a darker tone than previous iterations, it perfectly captures a world under the control of a powerful enemy whilst keeping the overall comedic undertone that the series usually projects.

Furthermore, the author has done well in the types of characters he’s chosen to play a role in the hero’s party. Instantly likeable, they make for an appropriate replacement for Makoto’s harem, who are still stuck in the future.

Full Clearing Another World Vol. 10

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

Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke Vol. 4 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Video Games, Banishment, Strong Lead, Second Chances

Synopsis:

A new installment in the Eternal Love dating sim series promises plenty of surprises and new princely suitors for its protagonist, Claire Martino…but what if she’s perfectly happy with her current love? Prince Gilbert of Lupty is determined to win Claire’s hand via whatever means necessary, be it forcing cutscenes to activate or trapping her all on her lonesome in a kingdom far, far away. But Claire has no time for pesky would-be love interests, as her diabolical half sister, Charlotte, is still on the loose. Worse, the fate of the world hangs in the balance with an impending magical tornado that promises to level whole kingdoms and end countless lives. Claire must save the fictional universe she holds so dear without losing everyone and everything she cares for—but who will save Claire from Gilbert’s clutches? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Magical Tornados and Time Loops!

Claire and the Second Otome Game

After defeating time loops and stopping Charlotte, Claire and Vik can finally be happy. With nothing but sweet moments seemingly on the horizon, can anything stop their happiness? Perhaps the appearance of an Otome game sequel.

Attempting to tie up loose ends involving the magic tornado and Charlotte’s escape, The Fallen Daughter of the Duke’s fourth addition finds the series moving to the neighbouring kingdom of Lupty. Meant as a diplomatic visit for Claire to brush up on her magic, her supposedly quiet visit quickly escalates as the wheels on the second Otome game begin to turn, and a familiar face shows up to cause no end of trouble.

Key to the events of the second Otome game this time is Lupty’s, Prince Gilbert. Once thought of as a level-headed man, his memories of a previous life have turned him into quite a mess. Driven by his need to have everything follow the events of the game, his attempts at getting the good end between himself and Claire cause no end of problems.

Whilst this problem could’ve been quickly solved with the presence of Vik, Claire’s mission is a solo one meant to prove her skills as a member of the royal family. As a meeting between nations, to stop Gilbert’s obsession, Claire has to move carefully to avoid a diplomatic incident. As a result, the solution to the problem requires a little more thinking than usual, and it allows characters other than Claire and Vik to come up with a solution – in this case, Lui.

A Redemption Arc

If Prince Gilbert wasn’t enough for Claire and Lui to deal with, someone else has also managed to escape to Lupty – Charlotte. At the start of this volume, Charlotte still hasn’t come to terms with the fact that she’s done wrong and is continuing to trick and scheme in an attempt to find a royal fiancé.

While Charlotte continues to be an annoyance for most of the volume, things begin to change when she’s finally exiled to a convent. Isolated from the events of the game and forced to experience life outside the world of a protagonist proves to work wonders.

Through the perspective of a nun who lives in the convent, readers experience Charlotte’s slow but inevitable change thanks in no small part to an orphan child named Claire. In a well-realised step-by-step approach, we can see Charlotte lose sight of her main character syndrome, turning into a tsundere.

Overall, Fallen Daughter of the Duke’s fourth volume continues the series’ story in a way that feels natural and necessary.

While the fun capers of the Otome Game sequel are enjoyable, the real meat and bones of the volume come from the highlighting of side characters given major roles in the plot and the start of Charlotte’s redemption arc.

Charlotte’s redemption arc, in particular, deserves mentioning since it doesn’t shy away from long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

The Fallen Daughter of the Duke Vol. 4

My Rating: 8.5/10

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

Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Vol. 9 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Weak to Strong, Video Games, Game Elements, Strong Lead, Gods

Synopsis:

Demon lord Zagan has been defeated! Long live the alliance! After fighting alongside the Hero of Light to drive back the demon army, Makoto Takatsuki finds himself stuck in the infirmary battling a new enemy—boredom. As he sits idle, the alliance braces for another incursion from the demon continent. However, the next attack comes from an unexpected direction: Alexander, the Hero of the Sun, targets Furiae, seeking to take her into custody. Highland’s State-Authorized Hero is a powerful foe…so strong that even Sakurai cannot match him! Meanwhile, Makoto is contacted by the Goddess of the Sun, Althena, who pleads for him to save humanity from the Great Demon Lord. Hunted by enemies and allies alike, can Makoto and his friends unite the continent before Iblis’s resurrection shrouds the world in darkness? (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Hero of the Sun and the Gods’ Mistake!

A Story of Knights and Lovers

After successfully assisting in the defeat of the demon lord Zagan, the ninth instalment of Full Clearing sees no rest for the wicked. Not even defeating another demon lord, it seems, can quell the church’s apprehensions as they and their hero begin making moves. Meanwhile, Furiae begins to unlock the mysteries behind her feelings for Makoto.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the latest novel in the series creates a heavy focus between Furiae and Makoto. Well telegraphed, the blossoming romance between the two has been a long time coming. Ever since Makoto failed to be charmed by the moon priestess’s spell, each subsequent volume has drawn the two closer together through a series of well-choreographed events, only requiring the latest volume to place the last two puzzle pieces in order.

The first gets Furiae to recognise her feelings of jealousy and possessiveness over Makoto, and early events in the volume get her to release these feelings by the bucket-load. As if the incessant flirting between the harem wasn’t enough, Makoto’s actions lead him to sign yet another knight’s oath – this time with the Grandsage. Couple these all together, and it was only a matter of time before Furiae’s feelings would lead her to take action.

Already at a love overload, the second and final puzzle piece to push Furiae right into Makoto’s arms comes at the hating hands of the church. The church has always had a thing against Furiae, but this latest volume sees them ramp up the rhetoric, putting the Hero of the Sun into action. This ends up spurring Makoto into action.

In terms of power levels, The Hero of the Sun is the strongest enemy Makoto has faced to date. Basically invincible, it takes Makoto breaking all his constraints and becoming an elemental lord to put a stop to him, and even then, it ends up killing him.

Thankfully, he’s brought back through the power of the gods, but for Furiae, the thought of losing Makoto finally gets her to make a move, leading to a rather passionate kiss.

Even Gods Apologise for Mistakes

Ordinarily, the Gods wouldn’t use their powers to bring someone back from the dead; Makoto just so happens to be a special case. As it turns out, The Hero of the Sun was a bit of a cheat. More than an average human, he has the All Father’s blood running through his veins. This mistake is so bad that it requires a visit from Althena, the strongest goddess.

The latest Goddess to make an appearance, Althena isn’t carefree like some of the other Goddesses introduced thus far. Stern but fair, she gives and takes in equal measure – bad news for the church but great for Furiae and the Cambions, who are finally given a place on the continent.

A Parting of the Ways

Unfortunately, allowing Alexander to roam free wasn’t the only slip-up made by the Pantheon. Failing to notice Iblis’ homecoming plan of altering the past, they turn to plan B to ensure the world’s survival.

The plan involves having a weak and unnoticeable hero travel back in time and stop whatever changes Iblis is making to the timeline. Unspeakably dangerous and essentially a death sentence, the plan has Makoto’s name written all over it.

In spite of all his lover’s and friends’ unquestioning rejection of the plan, Makoto forges ahead, taking the plunge into the past. With Makoto gone, the last moments of the volume show the lives of his harem after his departure, and although they live busy lives, it’s obvious that something or someone is missing.

Marking the end of the latest arc, the ninth instalment in the series is filled to the brim with exciting story plots and character moments. The result is a strong volume that makes strides of progress in all facets of the series.

Particular points to highlight include the blossoming relationship between Makoto and Furiae and the introduction of the Goddess Althena. Both are plot threads long in the making and settle story events in the present to make way for a journey into the past.

As Makoto starts a new arc into the world’s dark past alone, the author has a lot of work on their shoulders to ensure the series keeps its strength.

Full Clearing Vol. 9

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

Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers Vol. 8 Review

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

Sub-Tags: Weak to Strong, Video Games, Game Elements, Strong Lead, Gods

Synopsis:

Makoto and his companions have successfully forged an alliance with Great Keith, and the Northern Front Plan is ready to commence! But before that, the heroes and priestesses of the six countries must convene in Highland for a strategy meeting. Unfortunately, Highland’s pope has a vicious vendetta against Makoto and Furiae, so he hurls shocking accusations intended to pit the other nations against them—and it couldn’t come at a worse time, as the King of Beasts and the Abyssal King proceed to launch their demonic forces against humanity. Bolstered by Noah’s anima, Makoto pours all his strength into fighting back the demons, but the alliance is soon rocked by devastating news: the Hero of Light will shine no more. Can Makoto defy fate to save his old friend and pull humanity back from the precipice of annihilation? (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Wars’ Beginning and the Fading Light!

The Hero of Roses’ War

After his successful campaign in Great Keith, Makoto has yet another alliance to add to his belt. These alliances have come just in time, as the latest volume in the series has members of the Northern Front Plan on edge as they expect an imminent attack from one of the world’s demon lords, The King of Beasts.

If Makoto ever hoped to play a major role in the battle, however, he clearly forgot about the deeply ingrained discrimination at the heart of the nation of Highland.

Makoto’s involvement in the Northern Front Plan is heavily opposed by the Pope and his cronies, thus resulting in the first quarter of the volume being entrenched by petty squabbles and politics.

Whilst there may have been a few dissenting voices highlighted in the argument, what’s important to note is the number of allies Makoto has gathered since his first visit to the country. Having seen his true skills in action, many in high-powered positions are finally coming around to having him as part of the battle strategy rather than judging him for following an “evil Goddess.”

Furiae’s Homecoming

As a compromise between the allied nations and the church, Makoto’s role in the upcoming battle sees him defend the ruined nation of Laphroaig. Being Furiae’s home for the first part of her life, this homecoming is something of an emotional rollercoaster.

It’s immediately noticeable the type of suffocating atmosphere that the Priestess of the Moon has had to deal with. The populous of Laphroaig barely go five minutes without checking whether Furiae has left their sights. As a result, Furiae finds herself getting a lot closer to Makoto through a series of late-night conversations.

Volume eight signifies yet more important developments in the relationship between Makoto and Furiae. In every volume since she first set foot on the scene, the story has been signalling the change in Furiae’s feelings for Makoto, from her knight to possible lover. This volume has shown the most significant development yet, as Furiae finally acknowledges her feelings have changed, and she’s ready to fight in the harem arena.

The Hero of Light’s War

The climax of the volume takes place in the heart of the battle. One of the other reasons for the anxiety felt by the Northern Front Alliance is due to Ira’s foresight, predicting the Hero of Light will die by battle’s end.

As the King of Beasts corners The Hero of Light, it gives Makoto the perfect opportunity to enter the heart of the battle to save his friend. Usually, when the series focuses on the friendship between Sakurai and Makoto, any opportunity Makoto is given to shine is suffocated by the overly perfect Sakurai.

Fortunately, this battle strikes the right balance as Makoto’s powers are instrumental in helping Sakurai defeat the King of Beasts. Makoto’s elementalist abilities and Sakurai’s power of light work in perfect harmony, likely giving us a small glimpse into their likely future battle together.

Overall, Full Clearing’s latest volume successfully showcases the first movements of the Northern Front Plan, highlighting political disagreements and battle strategy. Most importantly, for romance fans, the eighth volume gives the most conclusive moments of love between Makoto and Furiae. As several new plots are floated by the end of the volume, things are looking just as interesting for the next couple of volumes!

Full Clearing Another World Vol. 8

My Rating: 8.5/10

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