In the Land of Leadale

We’re long-overdue for another LN license announcement roundup, since I keep failing to put together news posts in a timely manner. So I guess I’ll finally ask for some help — if anyone is interested in being a news person for this site, send me an email! (englishlightnovels@gmail.com) I could probably use another person to help with making LN entries as well, if that interests any of you. I can’t promise much in the way of payment, but I can go into greater detail on that via email.

Seriously though… about thirty new titles were announced the past couple months.

—–

At New York Comic Con in early October, Viz Media announced licenses for three novel tie-ins for some of their popular shounen manga series:

• One Piece: Ace’s Story — by Sho Hinata — set to release May 2020
• Naruto’s Story: Family Day — by Mirei Miyamoto — set to release June 2020
• Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World — by Ryohgo Narita — set to release July 2020

Also in early October, Cross Infinite World announced an English release for Of Dragons and Fae: Is a Fairy Tale Ending Possible for the Princess’s Hairstylist? by Tsukasa Mikuni (with artwork by YukiKana). In Japan this standalone was published by PASH! Books (Shufu to Seikatsusha), and featured artwork by Fuyuko Aoi.

The ebook for this is available now! (Amazon affiliate link)

At the end of October, Yen Press licensed the novelization of Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering With You (AKA Tenki no Ko). This will release in hardcover and ebook formats on December 17th. Yen Press has released Makoto Shinkai’s novelization of Your Name, and Vertical has released books in English for Voices of a Distant Star and 5 Centimeters Per Second. Vertical has also announced a license for the manga adaptation of Weathering With You.

You can preorder the Weathering With You novel now! (Amazon affiliate link)

Early in November, Sol Press announced a license for the Chivalry of a Failed Knight series, written by Riku Misora and illustrated by Won. So far GA Bunko (SOFTBANK Creative) has released 17 volumes of the magical school action series in Japan. A 12-episode anime adaptation aired in fall 2015, and can be watched streaming on Hulu. The first three volumes were released as ebooks simultaneously on November 16th, with paperback editions planned for the future.

Volume 1, volume 2, and volume 3 are all available now! (Amazon affiliate links)

Also in early November, J-Novel Club added two LN series to its digital catalog:

• By the Grace of the Gods — by Roy (with artwork by Ririnra) — so far 7 volumes published in Japan by HJ Novels (Hobby Japan)
• The Underdog of the Eight Greater Tribes — by Washiro Fujiki (with artwork by Yu Kodama) — so far 2 volumes published in Japan by HJ Novels (Hobby Japan)

And now we get to all the announcements that were made at Anime NYC convention a couple weeks ago…

Square Enix licensed a novel tie-in for the Nier: Automata video game, this one titled NieR:Automata – YoRHa Boys. It was written by Jun Eishima and includes artwork by Toshiyuki Itahana. Viz Media has already released two other novels for this series in English. Yorha Boys is an adaptation of a Japanese stage play of the same name. The English translation of this novel will release in October 2020.

Yen Press had a lot of novel announcements for its Yen On imprint:

• High School DxD — by Ichiei Ishibumi (with artwork by Miyama-Zero) — so far 25 volumes published in Japan by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko (Fujimi Shobo)
• High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World! — by Riku Misora (with artwork by Sacraneco) — so far 9 volumes published in Japan by GA Bunko (SOFTBANK Creative)
• The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy — by Yuu Shimizu (with artwork by Asagi Tousaka) — so far 2 volumes published in Japan by MF Bunko J (Media Factory)
• Banished from the Heroes’ Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside — by Zappon (with artwork by Yasumo) — so far 5 volumes published in Japan by Kadokawa Shoten
• In the Land of Leadale — by Ceez (with artwork by Tenmaso) — so far 3 volumes published in Japan by Enterbrain
• Three Days of Happiness — by Sugaru Miaki — standalone novel published in Japan by Media Works Bunko

These are all planned to start releasing in 2020.

Next up… thirteen LN announcements from J-Novel Club:

• Teogonia — by Tsukasa Tanimai (with artwork by Kouichiro Kawano) — so far 3 volumes published in Japan by PASH! Books (Shufu to Seikatsusha)
• The World’s Least Interesting Master Swordsman — by Rokuro Akashi (with artwork by Shiso) — so far 3 volumes published in Japan by PASH! Books (Shufu to Seikatsusha)
• Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Isekai — by Carlo Zen, Natsuya Semikawa, Hoko Tsuda, Tappei Nagatsuki, Katsuie Shibata, and Hyuganatsu (with cover art by Shinobu Shinotsuki) — a short story anthology
• The Economics of Prophecy — by Norafukurou (with artwork by Rei Shichiwa) — so far 2 volumes published in Japan by Legend Novels (Kodansha)
• Kobold King — by Syousa (with artwork by sime) — so far 2 volumes published in Japan by Legend Novels (Kodansha)
• Outer Ragna — by Kasugamaru (with artwork by NAMCOOo) — so far 2 volumes published in Japan by Legend Novels (Kodansha)
• Her Majesty’s Swarm — by 616th Special Information Battalion (with artwork by Eiri Iwamoto) — so far 3 volumes published in Japan by Legend Novels (Kodansha)
• Isekai Rebuilding Project — by Yukika Minamino (with artwork by Kotakan) — so far 2 volumes published in Japan by Legend Novels (Kodansha)

The next five series are part of J-Novel Club’s new shoujo LN label called J-Novel Heart:

• Tearmoon Empire — by Nozomu Mochitsuki (with artwork by Gilse) — so far 2 volumes published in Japan by TO Books
• The Tales of Marielle Clarac — by Haruka Momo (with artwork by Maro) — so far 6 volumes published in Japan by Ichijinsha Bunko Iris NEO (Ichijinsha)
• The Bibliophile Princess — by Yui (with artwork by Satsuki Shiina) — so far 5 volumes published in Japan by Ichijinsha Bunko Iris NEO (Ichijinsha)
• I Refuse to Be Your Enemy! — by Kanata Satsuki (with artwork by Mitsuya Fuji) — 6 volumes published in Japan by PASH! Books (Shufu to Seikatsusha)
• The White Cat’s Revenge as Plotted from the Dragon King’s Lap — by Kureha (with artwork by Yamigo) — 5 volumes published in Japan by ArianRose (Frontier Works)

Also worth noting, J-Novel Club announced that there will be paperback editions released for Sexiled and Bakarina next year.

They also had a successful Kickstarter for a print run of Invaders of the Rokujouma — ten omnibus volumes will be made. Stretch goals for collector’s boxes and the translation of drama CDs were also met.

Lastly, Vertical (via the Kodansha Comics panel) announced an English release for Pretty Boy Detective Club (AKA Bishonen Tanteidan), by Nisio Isin (cover art by Kinako). Nisio Isin has written at least ten volumes in the Bishounen series, published by Kodansha Taiga (Kodansha) in Japan. (I’m assuming it’s just the first one that’s been licensed for the time being, though.)

And I think that’s everything… Which ones are you looking forward to the most?

Suppose a Kid From the Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town

English Title: Suppose a Kid From the Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town
Japanese Title: たとえばラストダンジョン前の村の少年が序盤の街で暮らすような物語 — “Tatoeba Last Dungeon Mar no Mura no Shounen ga Joban no Machi Kurasu Youna Monogatari”
Author: Toshio Satou — サトウとシオ
Illustrator: Nao Watanuki — 和狸ナオ
Translator: Andrew Cunningham
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
Original Run: February 2017 – ongoing
English Run: November 2019 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: GA Bunko (SOFTBANK Collective)
English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press)
Volumes in Japanese: 08 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 01 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $15 — Kindle $9 — Nook $9

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info

Synopsis:

Volume 1

Volume 1
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf
Released November 5, 2019 — ISBN-13: 978-1975305666

Upcoming Releases

Volume 2
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf
Released April 21, 2019 — ISBN-13: 978-1975306236

Reviews of Suppose a Kid From the Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town
A Case Suitable for Treatment: Vol 1

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
MAL Entry — Upcoming

Note: Adapted volumes ? to ? of the light novel series

Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — Published March 2020 – Ongoing (English release by Square Enix)
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf

If you liked Suppose a Kid From the Dungeon Boonies Moved to a Starter Town, you might also want to try…

• I Saved Too Many Girls and Caused the Apocalypse — same illustrator
• World’s Strongest Rearguard — dungeon exploration, main character is supposed to be weak (but isn’t)
  (limit 4)

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

Altina the Sword Princess

English Title: Altina the Sword Princess
Japanese Title: 覇剣の皇姫アルティーナ — “Haken no Kouki Altina”
Author: Yukiya Murasaki — むらさきゆきや
Illustrator: himesuz
Translator: Roy Nukia
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Original Run: October 2012 – ongoing
English Run: November 2019 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: Famitsu Bunko (Enterbrain)
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 14 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 01 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $7 – iBook $7 – Kobo $7
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info — Novel Updates

Synopsis: Inept with a sword, unable to ride a horse, and apathetic toward the empire he serves, Regis Aurick is a hopeless soldier who spends his days buried in books. Banished to the borderlands, he encounters a stirring young woman with red hair and ruby eyes. She is Fourth Princess Marie Quatre Argentina de Belgaria, known simply to Regis as Altina. “…Do you want to become my tactician or not?” Having sought him for his rumored strategic prowess, she aspires to reform an empire led by self-seeking nobles and driven to pointless wars, the legendary blade of an emperor, the Grand Tonnerre Quatre, at her hip. Continuously underestimated by her regiment, including her would-be tactician, the princess resolves to prove her worth beyond a shadow of a doubt—no matter the risk. Here is a tale of war, love, and politics, woven by the bookworm and the sword princess.

Volume 1

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released November 23, 2019 — ASIN: B07YN9G2LJ

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo
Released TBA — ASIN:

Reviews of Altina the Sword Princess
A Case Suitable for Treatment: Vol 1

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — 4 volumes — Published January 2015 – February 2017 (No English release)

If you liked Altina the Sword Princess, you might also want to try…

• How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord — also written by Yukiya Murasaki
• The Magic in This Other World is Too Far Behind! — same artist
• Record of Wortenia War — fantasy, adventure, warfare

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

Demon Lord, Retry!

English Title: Demon Lord, Retry!
Japanese Title: 魔王様、リトライ! — “Maou-sama, Retry!”
Author: Kurone Kanzaki — 神埼黒音
Illustrator: Makoto Iino — 飯野まこと
Translator: Adam Seacord
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy
Original Run: October 2018 – ongoing
English Run: November 2019 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: M Novels (Futabasha)
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 4 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $7 – iBook $7 – Kobo $7
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info — Novel Updates

Synopsis: What do you do when the MMO you’ve run for 15 years comes to an end? Akira Ono didn’t get much of a choice — he woke up trapped inside the world of his own game in the body of his in-game character: the Demon Lord. With an outcast child as his sidekick, he tries his best to survive the cruel fantasy world of his own creation, persecution from the good guys, and of course, the final boss.

Volume 1

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released November 05, 2019 — ASIN: B07X37R14G

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released January 11, 2020 — ASIN: B08127JM41

Reviews of Demon Lord, Retry!
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
MAL Entry — 12 episodes — Aired July 2019 – September 2019
Funimation (streaming)
Note: Adapted volumes 1 to 2 of the light novel series

Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — Published October 2017 – Ongoing (No English release)

If you liked Demon Lord, Retry!, you might also want to try…

• How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord — main character summoned as a Demon Lord persona
• Overlord — trapped in a video game world, main character seen as evil
• Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody — main character is a developer who ends up trapped in his own game

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

Chivalry of a Failed Knight

English Title: Chivalry of a Failed Knight
Japanese Title: 落第騎士の英雄譚 — “Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry”
Author: Riku Misora — “海空 りく”
Illustrator: Won — “をん”
Translator: Benjamin Daughety
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Original Run: July 2013 – ongoing
English Run: November 2019 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: GA Bunko (SOFTBANK Creative)
English Publisher: Sol Press
Volumes in Japanese: 17 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 3 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $12 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info — Novel Updates

Synopsis: Modern mages, known as Mage-Knights, materialize their souls as armaments. Attending a school for Mage-Knights is Ikki Kurogane, a failed knight—the Worst One.
One day, he is challenged by Stella, a Rank A knight, to a duel, putting lifelong servitude on the line. What Ikki lacks in magical power, however, he makes up for with his unorthodox mastery of the sword, leading him to victory!
“I’ll do it! Make me do whatever you want! Stupid creep!” Though she regrets her defeat, Stella begins to fall for Ikki.
Meanwhile, in the battle for the top of the knight world, the Worst One begins to grab the attention of every Mage-Knight out there, becoming known as Another One!
The curtain rises on Ikki’s school-based, sword-action underdog tale as he cuts through one powerful foe after another!

Volume 1
Amazon — BookWalker — Kobo
Released November 16, 2019 — ASIN: B07ZY8NN4S

Volume 2
Amazon — BookWalker — Kobo
Released November 16, 2019 — ASIN: B07ZY7MXFV

Volume 3
Amazon — BookWalker — Kobo
Released November 16, 2019 — ASIN: B07ZY6GYTC

Upcoming Release

Volume 4
Amazon — BookWalker — Kobo
Released TBA — ASIN:

Reviews of Chivalry of a Failed Knight
A Case Suitable for Treatment: Vol 1

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
MAL Entry — 12 episodes — Aired October 2015 – December 2015
Note: Adapted volumes 1 to 3 of the light novel series

Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — 11 volumes — Published March 2014 – December 2017 (No English release)

If you liked Chivalry of a Failed Knight, you might also want to try…

• The Asterisk War — fantasy, action, magic school battles
• Infinite Stratos — action, school battles
• The Irregular at Magic High School — fantasy, action, magic school battles

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

You Call That Service?

English Title: You Call That Service?
Japanese Title: お前のご奉仕はその程度か? — “Omae no Gohoushi wa Sono Teido ka?”
Author: Kisetsu Morita — “森田季節”
Illustrator: Hiroki Ozaki — “尾崎弘宜”
Translator: Jasmine Bernhardt
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Original Run: July 2011 – October 2013
English Run: December 2019 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: GA Bunko (SOFTBANK Creative)
English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press)
Volumes in Japanese: 7 (Complete)
Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $15 — Kindle $9 — Nook $9

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info

Synopsis:

Volume 1

Volume 1
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf
Released December 03, 2019 — ISBN-13: 978-1975305628

Upcoming Releases

Volume 2
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf
Released February 18, 2020 — ISBN-13: 978-1975305642

Reviews of You Call That Service?
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — 13 chapters — Published April 2012 – April 2013 (No English release)

If you liked You Call That Service?, you might also want to try…

• I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level — also written by Kisetsu Morita
• Strike the Blood — fantasy, vampires

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

After surviving her baptism, and discovering an available library within the temple walls, Myne is starting her days as an apprentice shrine maiden. After a generous donation and some accidental strong-arming, the reincarnated young girl is hoping for some quality time with her beloved books—but little does she realise how difficult it will be for her, a sickly child from the slums, to fit within the hierarchy of priests and shrine maidens.

Ascendance of a Bookworm: I’ll Do Anything to Become a Librarian! starts a new arc with this fourth book, appropriately subtitled Apprentice Shrine Maiden. The series is written by Miya Kazuki featuring illustrations by You Shiina and the English translation by Quof. J-Novel Club released the book digitally in November 2019, with plans for a print release to follow in 2020.

With the start of this new chapter in Myne’s life, a lot has changed for her. After discovering the chained library within the temple (and subsequently having an emotional breakdown after discovering only clergy could have access to it), the booklover took no time to decide on joining the church and becoming an apprentice shrine maiden. With this new goal and direction in her life, so too do the people around her change. Becoming a part of the religious order has additional benefits for her too—the magic tools used in religious ceremonies are in dire need of ongoing maintenance, which has been interrupted by the removal of many noble-bred priests and shrine maidens from the temple. Myne, with her Devouring, has an excess of mana and no outlet for treatment otherwise. It’s a (temporary) win-win situation for both the girl and the religious ministers, eventually leading to Myne becoming a Blue Robe shrine maiden.

But with the new setting also comes new challenges, as Myne struggles with understanding and existing within the caste system of the temple. Due to her sickly body, large monetary donation, and high literacy (plus a touch of intimidation), she has been given the same rights and allowances as the upper-class children that join the faith. The other group—the grey robes—are the unwanted of society; orphans abandoned to the temple, with the hope that the gods will provide. They also act in servitude to the blue robes, vying to become a chosen servant in exchange for better living conditions. Naturally, Myne is also assigned three grey robes—The level-headed and proper Fran, the cunning and calculating Delia, and the volatile and aggressive Gil. Each have their reasons as for being assigned to the younger girl, and none in the group seem comfortable with the arrangement—least of all Myne.

The three grey robes are now her responsibility—to feed and house and accompany—and it goes completely against Urano’s modern nature to boss around and reprimand the people around her. It makes sense then that her views differ from the majority of her fellow blue robes, treating Fran, Gil and Delia as real people. Even as all three of them initially hate their new ‘master’, she slowly wins them over by affording them the support and humanity they had previously been denied. As orphans, they have been systematically abused and exploited under the guise of service—including implications of sexual assault and grooming of minors, and many of those within the orphanage being unclaimed children of priests and shrine maidens within the temple itself.

These aren’t the only problems and injustices floating beneath the shiny veneer (all too reminiscent of real-life religious institutions, a more-cynical reviewer might say), as the politics and scheming behind the scenes by the Head Bishop and the Head Priest complicate Myne’s apprenticeship even more. Once the young girl becomes are of the orphanage and the terrible living conditions of the children within, she quickly decides to take on the tasks herself—again breaking the unwritten rules of the temple, but ultimately succeeding in her goal. Not only does she want these kids to survive, she wants them to thrive. That of course means her unconventional ideas and programs to let the orphanage be self-sustainable once again throw Myne into the spotlight. It seems subtlety is not her strong suit, regardless the situation.

Though, it’s also the first time Myne can’t wholly rely on her Urano knowledge to muddle through situations, as the religious beliefs of her new world are completely foreign to her. The young girl finds herself struggling with memorizing the numerous religious greetings, gods and ceremonies (made harder thanks to her bad memory), with the High Priest frequently frustrated at the slow pace of her religious education.

With all of the new characters introduced in this book, that’s not so say that the people already in the main character’s life disappear—both Benno and Lutz make semi-frequent visits to the small girl, and the latter still walks with her back home every evening. The paper manufacturing plans are still being perfected, and the restaurant development is a particular point of growth for Benno’s business in this book. All in all, and thanks to the somewhat temporary solution of the temple’s magic tools, Myne’s best hope for long-term survival is monetizing her ideas, revolutionizing the current marketplace and earning enough to purchase her own tools for the future. That plan is dependent on her ability to be accepted by the upper class though—of which her current training as shrine maiden (and the expectations thrust on her as a Blue Robe) will help.

Another interesting development is the escalation and resolution of Lutz’s home life, and efforts in communicating with his family. The short story is the first time we have met the young boy’s father, and gives insight to the larger issues of communication, parenting and personal motivations brewing between Lutz, his parents and Benno.

Ascendance of a Bookworm continues to balance entertainment and worldbuilding in this first book of its Shrine Maiden arc. It’s a pleasure to read about Myne and her perception of the world around her—and her earnest efforts to improve the lives of everyone in her new homeworld; over the course of the eighteen months since her reincarnation, she has also changed for the better. The Urano of her past life would likely be satisfied with just living out her days in the chained library, not noticing or caring about the suffering of those around her and the low education rates—even her paper plans would be incidental in the face of proper books. Its an obvious shift, but one that’s taken place over the course of the past three books in a natural way.

Gee’s Rating: Highly recommended.

Shortly after winning the tournament and getting revenge on her previous party leader, Tanya Artemiciov and the all-women party Lilium have become local heroes—inspiring girls and women throughout the country to pursue their dreams. Everything seems to be going well until Laplace meets the Grand Court Mage Maxwell at a castle party, the same man who sealed her away 300 years before. Now, the sorceress has to face her past—and get her own revenge! Strap on your swords and comfortable shoes, it’s time to fight the patriarchy again with Sexiled: My Sexist Party Leader Kicked Me Out, So I Teamed Up With a Mythical Sorceress! volume 2.

The newest entry in Ameko Kaeruda’s fantasy feminist comedy continues the fun of the last, and was released on digital platforms in December 2019 by J-Novel Club. The book features Kazutomo Miya’s illustrations, and translation by Molly Lee. A print edition for the book is planned for 2020.

After their resounding victory during the tournament, the three members of Lilium—Tanya, Laplace and Nadine—have found themselves well-respected and busier than ever. Although never too busy to visit their favorite eatery, where the (literally) foxy Katherine works. Their former adversary during the tournament has quickly (although with a small amount of denial) befriended the other women, and when Lilium hopes to fulfill a job they’re overqualified for, she joins as the fourth member as a highly-talented Mage.

The main reason for accepting the job is the allure of the all-you-can-eat barbecue reward being offered, but it soon becomes obvious that the young woman is in dire need of their help. After a fun night out with her friends, where she suspiciously became tired after a couple non-alcoholic drinks, she had been confronted at her family’s business by a much older man, claiming that she agreed to marry him. The biggest problem is that her parents are afraid to defend her, as her apparent husband-to-be is the son of an important client. Horrified by the situation, the women decide to defend the young woman in public court. It’s a farce of a trial that places all the blame on the girl, with the main argument boiling down to “she didn’t clearly say no, so that means she agreed!”.

Happily, when Katherine gives the creep a taste of his own medicine, he quickly backs down, but the victim-blaming doesn’t stop. Even the young woman’s father tells her she should have been more careful with what she wears if she didn’t want unsavory attention. Once again the real-life parallels are obvious, and Kaeruda perfectly captures the upset and doubt that victims are faced with on a regular basis. The timing is perfect for this English release, as it coincidentally comes the same week that journalist Shiori Ito won her case against Noriyuki Yamaguchi—a landmark for the #MeToo movement in Japan, and setting a new precedent for laws and prosecution against sexual assault and rape in a country where only 4% of victims come forward.

Shortly afterwards, the Lilium girls are invited to a party being held at the castle. Only Tanya and Laplace decide to attend, the other two too busy manning a food stall during the night’s festivities. Their attendance is two-fold: to recognise their great achievements, and to provide additional security. The second part is hindered by the insistence of palace staff that swords are unsuitable accessories to gowns, and the painful stiletto shoes Tanya finds herself in. The heels in particular echo the #KuToo movement the author notes in the afterword. Thanks to Laplace’s magic though, the Magi-Knight finds herself with new comfortable shoes, and a beautiful gold ring on her finger (the type of relationship ‘subtlety’ I haven’t seen since episode 10 of Yuri on Ice!!!).

The pair end up meeting the young princess Arianora, who has idolised Lilium since the tournament. She’s just another one of the thousands of girls inspired by the women’s achievements, indicating the lack of freedom and choice she has, even as royalty. Things take a turn when the princess is caught by Maxwell, the Court Grand Mage who Laplace has a complicated history with, and Tanya can’t help notice how it impacts her partner. After the run-in, the Sorceress disappears without a word—only rumors left behind for Tanya to follow to the castle dungeons.

This book is the opportunity for Laplace to get her own revenge after helping Tanya with hers. We discover the various reasons why Maxwell sealed away Laplace’s magic three centuries before, and the complicated relationship the two had prior. It’s exhilarating to read the climax of this novel, seeing the woman finally stop ‘laughing things off’ and valuing her own anger and frustration. She not only achieves her revenge, but also breaks the cycle of abuse that has lasted for centuries with the help of Tanya and the young princess. The absurdity of Maxwell’s excuses as to why he became a cackling villain perfectly encapsulates the fear of mediocre men when faced by competent women, and like always it’s not subtle—but it’s also not unrealistic.

The yuri element this time around is far more obvious, and the flirting and kissing between Tanya and Laplace has (mostly) shed it’s flimsy excuse of mana exchange. With the transformation of Tanya’s sword to a ring, there should be little doubt these girls are in love—but we get to hear those words too. Aside from our main couple, the romantic tension between Nadine and Katherine is also building. I’m sure we’ll see more develop on that front in future books.

Like always, it’s easy to prejudge a title like Sexiled as man-hating or radical, but I truly believe that the series knows when to be over the top to make it’s point, and when to keep its characters (and readers) in check when making assumptions. Towards the end, Tanya assumes a young guard is going to ridicule or devalue her just for being a woman—but he instead asks to shake her hand, having been inspired to chase his own ‘impossible’ dreams by Lilium’s great victory in the tournament. Similarly to when Nadine assumed the maximum skill level of lady adventurers in the previous book, Kaeruda makes it clear that the responsibility of societal sexism doesn’t lay solely with men who have been raised within its structure—it’s the exploitation of the powerless in patriarchal society that needs to be dismantled. Feminism isn’t men vs women (despite what certain groups would like young men and women to believe); feminism is an equalisation, a redistribution of power from those who benefit from the exploitation of those without it. The book very literally shows us how our characters do just that, once again being a truly feminist work—and a lot harder to dismiss as “man-hating propaganda”.

Sexiled is the type of escapist power fantasy any young woman wishes she could have—where the repeated sexism, devaluation and objectification of our protagonists end with the perpetrators getting their comeuppance in the most satisfying way, that almost never happens in reality. It is a perfect followup to the first novel, and every aspect has only gotten better—characters, conflicts, the yuri, the humor and the vicarious satisfaction. This is a must-read for everyone who enjoyed the first book, and for anyone looking for a feminist, yuri or fantasy comedy light novel.

Gee’s Rating: Highly Recommended

Buck Naked in Another World

Welcome to 2020! We here at English Light Novels are ringing in the New Year with a new format of News post written by an all-new staff member (me!) – and yes, that’s a lot of newness! I aim to make these posts a regular feature, popping up at 1 AM on the 1st of every month, recapping the new license announcements, new publications, new news stories, and new articles of interest in the world of Light Novels. IMHO: if you rely on only one news source for the most important information relating to Japanese Pop Literature – this should be it! (^_−)☆

New License Announcements

Even with all the new titles that were already announced during the New York Comic Con and the Anime NYC convention,  we still had two new license announcements in Dec ’19.

• Seven Seas Entertainment will publish Buck Naked in Another World by Madoka Kotani and Mochiusa on July 21, 2020 (and earlier on digital platforms). When an ordinary Japanese man is catapulted headfirst into a fantasy world, he’s especially disappointed that he was sent stark naked! Adapting to life in a land of monsters and magic is hard enough without having to do it in your birthday suit, but Yoshida Shuta is going to grin and bear it—or bare it—as best he can. This already has a manga adaptation, so it will be interesting to see if that gets picked up eventually as well. As an isekai comedy with ecchi and harem elements, this could have broad appeal with fans of everything from Sword Art Online to Mixed Bathing in Another Dimension. Maybe.
• Cross Infinite World announced that they’re preparing The Misfortune Devouring Witch is Actually a Vampire?! by Kiiro Himawari and Kibiura for an English release on January 31st. Would you pay in blood to have access to the witch’s knowledge? Rumors about Yuuri Watoh being a witch who feeds upon the misfortune of others have kept customers away from her Eastern Medicine Shop as long as she can remember—until he showed up. Intrigued by the rumors, Count Ernest Travis Selden, close attendant to the Hylant king and a notorious eccentric, seeks the Hinomoto witch’s specialized knowledge to solve a royal incident. But borrowing the witch’s aid comes at a steep price—one that can’t be paid in gold or jewels. How will the stubborn shut-in vampire witch who hails from the East handle the peculiar Western Count who frequently brings her problems to solve and seems all too happy to pay the price? The romance aspect should appeal to Cross Infinite World’s established audience of shoujo fans, while the interesting elements of traditional medicine and the meeting of East and West makes it sound like they’ll be forging new ground in the world of English-translated Light Novels!

News Stories

What else is spiraling around this wild galaxy of Light Novels?

• ‘Josee, the Tiger and the Fish’ Short Story Inspires 2020 Anime Film by BONES
• One Piece Gets New Novel About Nami
• Ascendance of a Bookworm Anime’s 2nd Part Premieres Next Spring
• ‘The 8th son? Are you kidding me?’ TV Anime Reveals More Cast, April 2020 Premiere
• Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious Anime Delays Episode 10 by 1 Week
• Palm Springs Int’l Film Fest to Screen Weathering With You Anime Film
• A Certain Magical Index Light Novels Get New Series in February
• Hatena Illusion Anime Premieres on January 9
• Strike the Blood Anime Announces New Cast & Delay, Previews Special in Video
• Weathering With You Film Does Not Make Oscar’s International Feature Shortlist
• Meidea Tensei Monogatari Novels by Kakuriyo’s Midori Yūma Get Manga
• Myne and Orphen Wear Costumes from Each Other’s World in 1st Collaboration Visual
• Dragon Quest V Novelist Sues Dragon Quest Your Story Film’s Production
• ‘The 8th son? Are you kidding me?’ Novels Get New Manga
• Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna Film Gets Novels
• Nachi Kio’s Remake Our Life! Novel Series Gets Anime
• DanMachi Tops Sales Ranking for Light Novel Series Adapted into TV Anime in 2019
• The Promised Neverland Franchise Gets 3rd Novel
• Funimation to Stream Infinite Dendrogram Anime
• ‘Ore wo Suki nano wa Omae dake ka yo’ Gets OVA
• Hige o Soru. Soshite Joshi Kōsei o Hirou. Novels Get Anime
• Infinite Dendrogram Anime Casts Yūki Kuwahara, Maaya Uchida
• Sword Art Online: Alicization – War of Underworld Anime’s ‘Last Season’ Confirmed for April
• Cheat Kusushi no Slow Life – Isekai ni Tsukurō Drugstore Light Novel Has Anime in the Works

December 2019 Releases

H = Hardcover     P = Paperback     D = Digital     Bold = Previously Available

• Dec 1 — The Master of Ragnarok and Blesser of Einherjar (10) D
• Dec 2 — How Not to Summon a Demon Lord (11) D
• Dec 3 — Cooking with Wild Game (5) D
• Dec 3 — How Not to Summon a Demon Lord (7) P D
• Dec 3 — An Archdemon’s Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride (2) P D
• Dec 3 — If It’s for My Daughter, I’d Even Defeat a Demon Lord (6) P D
• Dec 3 — The Magic in This Other World is Too Far Behind! (6) P D
• Dec 3 — In Another World with My Smartphone (7) P D
• Dec 3 — You Call That Service? (1) P D
• Dec 3 — Re: Zero (11) P D
• Dec 3 — So I’m a Spider, So What? (7) P D
• Dec 3 — Wolf and Parchment: New Theory Spice and Wolf (4) P D
• Dec 5 — That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (4) D
• Dec 10 — WorldEnd: What Do You Do at the End of the World? Are You Busy? Will You Save Us? (5) P D
• Dec 10 — Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (7) P D
• Dec 10 — How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (5) P D
• Dec 14 — Sexiled – My Sexist Party Leader Kicked Me Out, So I Teamed Up With a Mythical Sorceress (2) D
• Dec 15 — The Rising of the Shield Hero (15) P D
• Dec 17 — Banner of the Stars (1) D
• Dec 17 — Accel World (20) P D
• Dec 17 — A Certain Magical Index (21) P D
• Dec 17 — Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (10) P D
• Dec 17 — The Devil is a Part-Timer! (15) P D
• Dec 17 — Weather with You – H D
• Dec 17 — Monogatari S2 Box Set – P
• Dec 17 — Restaurant to Another World (3) P D
• Dec 17 — Lazy Dungeon Master (8) D
• Dec 18 — I Became the Secretary of a Hero! (2) D
• Dec 19 — Bloom Into You LN (1) D
• Dec 23 — The Combat Baker and Automaton Waitress (3) D
• Dec 24 — Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill (4) D
• Dec 24 — Baccano! (12) H D
• Dec 24 — That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (7) P D
• Dec 24 — I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level (6) P D
• Dec 24 — Konosuba Explosion (1) P D
• Dec 24 — Kingdom Hearts X – P D
• Dec 24 — The Genius Prince’s Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt (Hey, How About Treason?) (2) P D
• Dec 24 — Toradora! (8) P D
• Dec 28 — Holy Knight’s Dark Road (1) D
• Dec 30 — Full Metal Panic! (5) D
• Dec 31 — Outbreak Company (12) D
• Dec 31 — Combatants Will Be Dispatched! (2) P D
• Dec 31 — Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (14) P D
• Dec 31 — Spice and Wolf (21) P D
• Dec 31 — Alchemist Who Survived (2) P D
• Dec 31 — The Irregular at Magic High School HS (14) P D
• Dec 31 — Our Last Crusade (2) P D
• Dec 31 — Seraph of End Resurrection (1) P
• Dec 31 — Owarimonogatari Pt 1 – P

The Holy Knight’s Dark Road

English Title: The Holy Knight’s Dark Road
Japanese Title: 聖なる騎士の暗黒道 — “Seinaru Kishi no Ankokudou”
Author: Yusaku Sakaishi — “坂石遊作”
Illustrator: Heiro — “へいろー”
Translator: David Teng
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
Original Run: March 2019 – ongoing
English Run: December 2019 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: HJ Bunko (Hobby Japan)
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 2 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $7 – iBook $7 – Kobo $7
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• LNDB.info

Synopsis: Young Sain Forth has it made; as the famed Holy Knight, he has the people’s love, the respect of kings, and the blessings of a literal goddess. His aspirations lie elsewhere, though. With his assistant Melia at his side, he leaves for an academy in a foreign kingdom, where he is treated as a deviant by his peers. It’s his own fault, mind you—his stubborn insistance on wearing a custom, all-black uniform makes him stick out. He isn’t the only outcast in his class: Alicia, born into the Clan of Light but unable to use anything but fire magic, faces similar struggles, and the two quickly become allies. Alicia proposes that they enter the labyrinth below the school in search of a holy sword, but Sain has other plans in mind: a doom sword. And so, with his friends in tow, Sain ventures into the perilous unknown, driven by a wish to become the coolest, edgiest, most awesome thing in existence: a Dark Knight. There’s just one problem. He can’t use dark magic. Like, at all.

Volume 1

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released December 28, 2019 — ASIN: B07Z58H1TQ

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released TBA — ASIN:

Reviews of The Holy Knight’s Dark Road
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
Baka-Updates — Published 2019 – Ongoing (No English release)

If you liked The Holy Knight’s Dark Road, you might also want to try…

• Chivalry of a Failed Knight — fantasy, magic high school
• Demon King Daimaou — fantasy, magic high school

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

English Title: Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina
Japanese Title: 魔女の旅々 — “Majo no Tabitabi”
Author: Jougi Shiraishi — “白石定規”
Illustrator: Azure — “あずーる”
Translator: TBA
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Original Run: April 2016 – ongoing
English Run: January 2020 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: GA Novel (Softbank Creative)
English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press)
Volumes in Japanese: 11 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 01 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $15 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info — Novel Updates

Synopsis: Once upon a time, there was a witch named Elaina, who set off on a journey across the world. Along the way, she would meet all kinds of people, from a country full of witches to a giant in love with his own muscles-but with each meeting, Elaina would become a small part of their story, and her own world would get a little bit bigger.

Volume 1
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf
Released January 28, 2020 — ISBN-13: 978-1975332952

Upcoming Releases

Volume 2
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — Rightstuf
Releasing May 19, 2020 — ISBN-13: 978-1975309565

Volume 3
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf
Released TBA — ISBN-13:

Reviews of Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
MAL Entry — ## episodes (TBA) — Aired month year – month year (TBA)
Crunchyroll (streaming) — Funimation (streaming) — Hulu (streaming) — Amazon — RightStuf
Note: Adapted volumes # to # of the light novel series (TBA)

Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — Published May 2020 – Ongoing (English release by Square Enix Manga)
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf

If you liked Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina, you might also want to try…

• I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level — witch, exploration, comedy
• Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody — fantasy world exploration

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

—–

English Title: The Economics of Prophecy
Japanese Title: 予言の経済学 — “Yogen no Keizaigaku”
Author: Norafukurou — “のらふくろう”
Illustrator: Rei Shichiwa — “七和禮”
Translator: Hikoki
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy
Original Run: November 2018 – ongoing
English Run: January 2020 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: Legend Novels (Kodansha)
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 2 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $7 – iBook $7 – Kobo $7
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info

Synopsis: The Oracle Princess Alfina suddenly announces an ominous prophecy to the people of the Kingdom of Crownheight. However, shunned as she is for being a descendant of rebel blood, her words are heeded by no one. On the other hand, Ricardo, the adopted heir of a peddler, who also happens to be an economics department graduate reincarnated into this world, attends the Royal Academy to study as a merchant. During an argument with a much more affluent merchant, the one to stick up for him is none other than Alfina. As the distance between them rapidly closes, Ricardo makes full use of his modern knowledge of science, mathematics and economics to stand against the unknown disaster of prophecy!

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released January 12, 2020 — ASIN: B0829FLR63

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released April 4, 2020 — ASIN: B083X5XL8S

Reviews of The Economics of Prophecy
(forthcoming)

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
None

If you liked The Economics of Prophecy, you might also want to try…

• How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom — economics, isekai, fantasy
• Der Werewolf: The Annals of Veight — isekai, applying modern governance to fantasy world

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

—–

English Title: The Underdog of the Eight Greater Tribes
Japanese Title: 八大種族の最弱血統者 — “Translation”
Author: Washiro Fujiki — “藤木わしろ”
Illustrator: Yu Kodama — “児玉酉”
Translator: Roy Nukia
Genre: Fantasy, Action
Original Run: July 2019 – ongoing
English Run: January 2020 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: HJ Bunko (Hobby Japan)
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 2 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $7 – iBook $7 – Kobo $7
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info

Synopsis: Long ago, there was much war and bloodshed among the eight tribes of the world. Now with each tribe confined to its own continent, the world has achieved peace and harmony. Interaction and fighting between tribes are heavily restricted, save for one exception: the ninth continent, Duel City Babel, an arena for those wishing for conflict in peace. In the duel city, fighters from all over the world clash swords and spells, vying to be the best. Carrying on the teachings and techniques of his master, Yuri Eniastar of the Human Tribe manages to take out a high-ranking opponent on his first day. Clearly, he’s not just any new face, but unfortunately, fate has not been kind…his lineage is universally recognized as the weakest. Despite this, Yuri refuses to give up. He befriends the Beast Tribe’s Athena and the Spirit Tribe’s Fram as he strives to become a peerless duelist. Welcome to an overwhelming battle fantasy!

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Releasing January 14, 2020 — ASIN: B0829GJT9H

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released TBA — ASIN:

Reviews of The Underdog of the Eight Greater Tribes
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
None

If you liked The Underdog of the Eight Greater Tribes, you might also want to try…

• Infinite Dendrogram — action, tournament arcs
• Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon — fantasy, action

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

—–

English Title: Kobold King
Japanese Title: コボルドキング
Author: Syousa.
Illustrator: sime
Translator: Fatuma Muhamed
Genre: Fantasy, Town Management
Original Run: January 2019 – ongoing
English Run: January 2020 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: Legend Novels (Kodansha)
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 2 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $7 – iBook $7 – Kobo $7
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• LNDB.info

Synopsis: Gaius Balderus has led a storied life. From humble beginnings, he made a name for himself as fearsome warrior, a renowned general, adviser to kings and paramour to princesses. Gaius’s very presence commands respect and fear, so much so that everyone is too afraid of him to allow him to reveal his softer side. Gaius gives up everything and finds a chance to start again on the frontier of human civilization, where humans and monsters alike scrabble for existence in a hostile forest. When he runs into a tribe of kobolds, small furry creatures who are fleeing from human aggression, they immediately distrust him and everything about him. Can this gentle giant of a man come to peace with his past and win the friendship of the adorable kobolds?

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Releasing January 18, 2020 — ASIN: B082BDQDZJ

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released TBA — ASIN:

Reviews of Kobold King
(forthcoming)

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
None

If you liked Kobold King, you might also want to try…

• Der Werewolf: The Annals of Veight — town management
• The Combat Baker and Automaton Waitress — gruff-looking main character who is actually a softy
• Lazy Dungeon Master — resource management

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

—–

English Title: Her Majesty’s Swarm
Japanese Title: 女王陛下の異世界戦略 — “Joou Heika no Isekai Senryaku”
Author: 616th Special Information Battalion– “第６１６特別情報大隊”
Illustrator: Eiri Iwamoto — “巖本英利”
Translator: ZackZeal
Genre: Isekai, Kingdom Building, Monsters
Original Run: October 2018 – ongoing
English Run: January 2020 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: Legend Novels (Kodansha)
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 3 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $7 – iBook $7 – Kobo $7
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• LNDB.info

Synopsis: Our protagonist is a college student who enjoys playing as the evil-aligned faction Arachnea in her favorite real-time strategy game. One day, she finds herself in a world similar to the one in the game; additionally, her body is now that of a fourteen-year-old girl. While things are a bit different from how they were in the game, one element has remained the same: she is the leader of the Arachnea. The insects under her control, collectively known as the Swarm, praise her and implore her to lead them to victory. In order to survive, she raises her Swarm and forms friendly relations with the elves of the neighboring forest. But after a slaver traveling through the forest murders one of her Swarm and the nearby kingdom’s knights burn down the elven village and massacre its people, she prepares to launch her counterattacks in the name of revenge. However, revenge is merely a pretense for attacking the countries of this world. Her command is masterful and severe, as one who has played the game in real life…

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Releasing January 21, 2020 — ASIN: B0829HFH3W

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released TBA — ASIN:

Volume 3
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook
Released TBA — ASIN:

Reviews of Her Majesty’s Swarm
(forthcoming)

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
None

If you liked Her Majesty’s Swarm, you might also want to try…

• Overlord — kingdom building, isekai, main character with questionable morals
• So I’m a Spider, So What?! — isekai, spiders
  

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

—–

English Title: At Night I Become a Monster
Japanese Title: よるのばけもの — “Yoru no Bakemono”
Author: Yoru Sumino — “住野よる”
Translator: TBA
Genre: Drama, Supernatural
Original Run: December 2016
English Run: January 2020 (eBook), April 2020 (print)
Japanese Publisher: Futabasha (2016), Futaba Bunko (2019)
English Publisher: Seven Seas
Volumes in Japanese: 1 (Complete)
Volumes in English: 1 (Complete)
Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $12 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8

• English Website — Japanese Website
• LNDB.info

Synopsis: By day, Adachi is a normal student. By night, he’s a terrifying creature of many eyes and many legs who lurks in the darkness. One night, while haunting his own school, he comes across his classmate Yano Satsuki–she’s been an unexpected victim of bullying, and stalking the night in her own way. He’s surprised to find himself developing a sympathetic relationship with her. In this supernatural novel about nighttime outcasts, two students confront the monstrous ways that humans can treat each other.

Volume 1 – eBook Release
Amazon — iBook — Kobo — Nook
Releasing January 30, 2020 — ASIN: B081J5TT5F

Volume 1 – Paperback Release
Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — Rightstuf
Releasing April 28, 2020 — ISBN-13: 978-1645052975

Reviews of At Night I Become a Monster
(forthcoming)

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
None

If you liked At Night I Become a Monster, you might also want to try…

• I Want to Eat Your Pancreas — also written by Yoru Sumino
• 5 Centimeters Per Second: One More Side — school life, boy and girl outsiders become friends
• Monogatari Series — supernatural, school life

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

—–

English Title: The Misfortune Devouring Witch is Actually a Vampire
Japanese Title: 意地っ張りな魔女殿へ — “Ijippari na Majo Dono e”
Author: Kiiro Himawari — “向日葵きいろ”
Illustrator: Kibiura — “きびうら”
Translator: Amber Tamosaitis
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Shoujo
Original Run: February 2018 – April 2018
English Run: January 2020
Japanese Publisher: N/A
English Publisher: Cross Infinite World
Volumes in Japanese: N/A
Volumes in English: 1 (Complete)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $8 – iBook $8 – Kobo $8
This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info

Synopsis:

Would you pay in blood to have access to the witch’s knowledge?

Rumors about Yuuri Watoh being a witch who feeds upon the misfortune of others have kept customers away from her Eastern Medicine Shop as long as she can remember—until he showed up.

Intrigued by the rumors, Count Ernest Travis Selden, close attendant to the Hylant king and a notorious eccentric, seeks the Hinomoto witch’s specialized knowledge to solve a royal incident. But borrowing the witch’s aid comes at a steep price—one that can’t be paid in gold or jewels.

How will the stubborn shut-in vampire witch who hails from the East handle the peculiar Western Count who frequently brings her problems to solve and seems all too happy to pay the price?

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — Kobo — Nook
Releasing January 31, 2020 — ASIN: B082S1M29Z

Reviews of The Misfortune Devouring Witch is Actually a Vampire
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
None

If you liked The Misfortune Devouring Witch is Actually a Vampire, you might also want to try…

• Akaoni: Contract With a Vampire — vampires, shoujo
• The Werewolf Count and the Trickster Tailor — fantasy, shoujo
  

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

—–

English Title: Of Dragons and Fae: Is a Fairy Tale Ending Possible for the Princess’s Hairstylist?
Japanese Title: 髪結師は竜の番になりました（やっぱり間違いだったようです） — “Kamiyuishi wa Ryuu no Tsugai ni Narimashita (Yappari Machigai Datta Sou Desu)”
Author: Tsukasa Mikuni — “三国司”
Illustrator: Yukikana (English Edition) — Aoi Fuyuko (Japanese Edition)
Translator: Molly Lee
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Original Run: June 2019 – Complete
English Run: November 2019 – Complete
Japanese Publisher: PASH! Books (Shufu to Seikatsusha)
English Publisher: Cross Infinite World
Volumes in Japanese: 1 (Complete)
Volumes in English: 1 (Complete)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $8 – iBook $8 – Kobo $8
This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info

Synopsis:

“At last, I’ve found you, my Bondmate.”

As Flowerfolk, I never dreamed of having a fairy tale romance, but I also didn’t expect to be dumped three days after being confessed to by a dragon knight! Spurned and angry, I decided to devote my life to my work as the human princess’s hairstylist, only to find out that the princess was going off to dragon country to marry the Dragonkin prince and taking me with her. Now I have to serve in the same castle as that jerk who dumped me! The princess can have the fairy tale ending, I’m done with romance.

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — Kobo — Nook
Released November 12, 2019 — ASIN: B07YRZX63Z

Reviews of Of Dragons and Fae
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
None

If you liked Of Dragons and Fae, you might also want to try…

• The Werewolf Count and the Trickster Tailor — fantasy, romance
• The Misfortune Devouring Witch is also a Vampire?! — fantasy, romance, supernatural

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

—–

English Title: By the Grace of the Gods
Japanese Title: 神達に拾われた男 — “Kami-tachi ni Hirowareta Otoko”
Author: Roy
Illustrator: Ririnra — “りりんら”
Translator: Mana Z.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Original Run: September 2017 – ongoing
English Run: February 2020 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: HJ Novels (Hobby Japan)
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 7 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 2 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $8 – iBook $8 – Kobo $8
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info — Novel Updates

Synopsis: Under the protection of the gods, a relaxed life with slimes in another world begins! One day, the life of middle-aged Japanese businessman Ryoma Takebayashi came to a rather sudden and disappointing end. Ryoma had never had a blessed life, but after his death, three great gods sought his cooperation and reincarnated him as a child in another world with swords and magic! Receiving a most cordial and divine welcome from the gods, Ryoma decides to live leisurely on his own in the forest for the time being. Working diligently at magic and hunting, Ryoma’s greatest passion comes to be researching his tamed slimes?! Training a variety of slimes (some newly discovered), the curtain rises on this easygoing life fantasy celebrating a second life with kind people in another world!

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook — Bookwalker
Releasing February 01, 2020 — ASIN: B082BGHKGF

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook — Bookwalker
Released TBA — ASIN:

Volume 3
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook — Bookwalker
Released TBA — ASIN:

Reviews of By the Grace of the Gods
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — Publication: November 2017 – Ongoing (No English Publisher)

If you liked By the Grace of the Gods, you might also want to try…

• I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level — relaxed life, blessed by gods, slime
• In Another World With My Smartphone — powerful MC, relaxed life
  

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

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English Title: The World’s Least Interesting Master Swordsman
Japanese Title: 地味な剣聖はそれでも最強です — “Jimi na Kensei wa Soredemo Saikyou desu”
Author: Rokurou Akashi — “明石六郎”
Illustrator: Shiso — “しらこみそ”
Translator: Noboru Akimoto
Genre: Isekai, Action
Original Run: May 2018 – ongoing
English Run: February 2020 – ongoing
Japanese Publisher: PASH! Books
English Publisher: J-Novel Club
Volumes in Japanese: 4 (In Progress)
Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Average Price Per Volume: Kindle $7 – iBook $7 – Kobo $7
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.

• English Website — Japanese Website
• MAL Entry — Forum
• Baka Updates — LNDB.info — Novel Updates

Synopsis: Sansui Shirokuro is a young guy with an old man’s name, which ends up landing him in tragic circumstances when God snuffs out his life candle after mistaking him for a geezer whose time has passed. Now reincarnated into a fantasy world, Sansui is one of the Immortals, capable of immense power… as long as he’s willing to put centuries of work into achieving it. One day, after five hundred years of swinging his sword, his monotonous existence is upended entirely by the appearance of a little baby. His master sends him out into the world to raise the child, and it’s there that he meets a haughty young noblewoman and her tomboyish bodyguard. His fighting style may be bland and unpretentious, but the fast-paced mortal world is about to find out just how good even the most hopeless swordsman can get with half a millennium of practice behind him!

Volume 1
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook — Bookwalker
Releasing February 01, 2020 — ASIN: B082BL9D2Q

Upcoming Release

Volume 2
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook — Bookwalker
Released TBA — ASIN: **********

Volume 3
Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook — Bookwalker
Released TBA — ASIN: **********

Reviews of The Wold’s Least Interesting Master Swordsman
(forthcoming)

Illustrations Sampler

Anime Adaptation
None

Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — Published May 2018 – Ongoing (No English publisher)

If you liked The World’s Least Interesting Master Swordsman, you might also want to try…

• The Hero and His Elf Bride Open a Pizza Parlor in Another World — also illustrated by Shiso
• If It’s For My Daughter, I’d Even Defeat a Demon Lord — found family, powerful warrior raises a child

If you find any errors or broken links in this entry, leave a comment!

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