English Title: Isekai Rebuilding Project Japanese Title: 異世界再建計画 — “Isekai Saiken Keikaku” Author: Yukika Minamino — “南野 雪花” Illustrator: Kotokan Translator: Adam Seacord Genre: Isekai, Diplomacy, Satire Original Run: March 2019 – ongoing English Run: February 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Legend Novels 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.
Synopsis: Have you ever wondered what happens after peace is restored in a fantasy world? What happens beyond the final page of an Isekai light novel? Eiji, a thirty-year-old Japanese city clerk with a thoroughly average life and a fiancée, had not. He too answers a call to be transported to a fantasy world, but not as a hero. This fantasy world, having already been saved by a hero, was about to collapse for another reason entirely… thanks to that hero, who was also summoned from Japan. Eiji is tasked with restoring the fantasy world to its authentic form: how it was before it was infected with the technology, ideology, and societal concepts of modern-day Japan.
English Title: Teogonia Japanese Title: 神統記 Author: Tsukasa Tanimai — “谷舞 司” Illustrator: Kouichiro Kawano — “河野紘一郎” Translator: Shaun Cook Genre: Fantasy, Reincarnation, Action Original Run: March 2018 – ongoing English Run: February 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: PASH! Books 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.
Synopsis: In the harsh region known as the borderlands, humans must fight an endless battle against demi-human creatures that come at them relentlessly, intent on taking their land and their gods. A young boy named Kai, fighting to defend his village, sustains a life-threatening injury that causes him to regain memories from a past life. If you’re not a guardian bearer, it’s like you’re playing life on hard mode… Kai’s newfound knowledge gives him a new sense of the unfair “rule set” that governs the world around him. One thing is clear: For those without a god to serve as their guardian, life is a constant struggle for survival. Thus begins the epic tale of a young boy’s ascent into a vast world filled with magic, bloodshed, and mystery.
English Title: Outer Ragna Japanese Title: ゲーム実況による攻略と逆襲の異世界神戦記 — “Game Jikkyou ni yoru Kouryaku to Gyakushuu no Outer Ragna” Author: Kasugamaru — “かすがまる” Illustrator: NAMCOOo — “海鼠” Translator: Alexander Keller-Nelson Genre: Video Game, Action, Fantasy Original Run: November 2018 – ongoing English Run: February 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Legend Novels 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.
Synopsis: PotatoStarch, a live streamer who’s gaining popularity for his excitable attitude and witty banter, has begun streaming Dragon Demon RPG-DX, a game with a cult following known for its extreme difficulty and unreasonable systems. Only masochists would play it. Meanwhile, in the world of the game, a fierce war between humans, elves, and vampires is reaching its bloody peak. The humans, lacking in magic, were forced into a defensive battle—until a savior appeared. Wielding a battleaxe, a young girl named Kuroi stepped forth to oppose both enemy armies. Her heroic efforts earned her the names “Dragonslayer” and “Killer of Demons.” Thanks to Kuroi, a girl “loved by God,” humans counter-attack. PotatoStarch is just a video game player. He dives into this world hoping to forget the tiring real world. But through an unexpected series of events, he ends up almost “possessing” Kuroi. As he reaches the game’s climax, Kuroi discovers a mysterious power and PotatoStarch’s fate is changed forever.
English Title: I Refuse to be Your Enemy! Japanese Title: 私は敵になりません！ — “Translation” Author: Kanata Satsuki — “佐槻奏多” Illustrator: Mitsuya Fuji — “藤未都也” Translator: Molly Lee Genre: Fantasy, Romance Original Run: September 2015 – August 2017 English Run: February 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: PASH! Books English Publisher: J-Novel Club Volumes in Japanese: 6 (Complete) 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.
Synopsis: From an early age, Kiara has been plagued with dreams of another world—dreams in which a girl she doesn’t recognize plays a strategy RPG called “Farzia: Kingdom at War.” Farzia is, in fact, the same kingdom where Kiara currently lives. Oh, and one other thing: there’s an enemy character who’s also named Kiara, though her name is Kiara Credias. Naturally, as with any other RPG villain, this enemy is slain by the heroes. So when her adoptive father, Count Patriciél, orders her to marry Viscount Credias, Kiara comes to a horrifying realization: perhaps those “dreams” were visions of things to come! She hatches a plan to get the hell out of Dodge and create a new future for herself—one where she STAYS ALIVE, thank you very much!
English Title: Tearmoon Empire Japanese Title: ティアムーン帝国物語 — “Tearmoon Teikoku Monogatari” Author: Nozomu Mochitsuki — 餅月望 Illustrator: Gilse Translator: David Teng Genre: Fantasy, Reincarnation Original Run: June 2019 – ongoing English Run: February 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: TO Books 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.
Synopsis: Surrounded by the hate-filled gazes of her people, the selfish princess of the fallen Tearmoon Empire, Mia, takes one last look at the bleeding sun before the guillotine blade falls… Only to wake back up as a twelve-year-old! With time rewound and a second chance at life dropped into her lap, she sets out to right the countless wrongs that plague the ailing Empire. Corrupt governance? Check. Border troubles? Check. Natural calamities and economic strife? Check. My, seems like a lot of work. Hard work and Mia don’t mix, so she seeks out the aid of others, starting with her loyal maid, Anne, and the brilliant minister, Ludwig. Together, they strive day and night to restore the Empire. Little by little, their tireless efforts begin to change the course of history, pushing the whole of the continent toward a new future. And why did the selfish princess have a change of heart, you ask? Simple—she didn’t. She’s just terrified of the guillotine. They hurt like hell, and Mia hates pain more than work.
English Title: Weathering With You Japanese Title: 天気の子 — “Tenki no Ko” Author: Makoto Shinkai — 誠 新海 Illustrator: N/A Translator: Taylor Engel Genre: Romance, Urban Fantasy Original Run: July 2019 (One Shot) English Run: December 2019 (One Shot) Japanese Publisher: Kadokawa Bunko English Publisher: Yen Press Volumes in Japanese: 1 (Complete) Volumes in English: 1 (Complete) Average Price Per Volume: $15
Longing to escape his island home, a boy named Hodaka runs away during his first summer of high school to find a new life in Tokyo. As rain falls for days on end and Hodaka struggles to adjust, he meets a girl named Hina who holds a mysterious power: With a single prayer, she can part the clouds and bring back the sun. But her power comes at a price, and as the weather spirals further and further out of control, they must choose what future they truly want for themselves. Written concurrently with production of the 2019 film Weathering With You, this novel comes straight from director Makoto Shinkai, the mind behind 2016’s hit your name.!
MAL Entry — Theatrical Film — Released July 2019 Amazon — RightStuf (not yet released for purchase) Note: The light novel was an adaptation of the film’s script
Hello English Light Novels readers! I’m Justus, and I’ve been lurking in the administrative background for the past year-and-a-half or so. Working on the preorders page, I thought it would be useful to highlight what Light Novel series are making their debut every month. So welcome to this new monthly feature!
For the rest of February’s releases and a sneak peak at what lies in the months ahead check out the Preorders page!
First off, this month very much belongs to J-Novel Club. Of the nine titles I’m highlighting, eight belong to them! Two of those titles are from the new J-Novel Club Heart line, meaning they are Shoujo titles! So let’s get going!
On February 1st, we get 2 brand new series debuts from J-Novel Club! Both are from the ever popular Isekai genre.
By the Grace of the Gods
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!
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!
On February 2nd we get another Isekai title, but this time with a twist!
Isekai Rebuilding Project
Have you ever wondered what happens after peace is restored in a fantasy world? What happens beyond the final page of an Isekai light novel? Eiji, a thirty-year-old Japanese city clerk with a thoroughly average life and a fiancée, had not. He too answers a call to be transported to a fantasy world, but not as a hero. This fantasy world, having already been saved by a hero, was about to collapse for another reason entirely… thanks to that hero, who was also summoned from Japan. Eiji is tasked with restoring the fantasy world to its authentic form: how it was before it was infected with the technology, ideology, and societal concepts of modern-day Japan.
On February 4th we get something special! It’s not really a series “debut” but it is the first time this series is appearing in print (well, in a long time, that is). J-Novel Club is bringing Full Metal Panic! back to print. But they’re doing it in style. This omnibus edition collects the first three volumes and wraps them in an imitation leather cover with silver embossed cover!
Full Metal Panic! Volumes 1-3 Collector’s Edition
Volumes 1-3, now in a collectors hardcover edition, and with a brand new translation! Sagara Sousuke isn’t your typical high school student. He reads military enthusiast magazines; he responds to questions with “affirmative;” he brings grenades to school in his bag. Though everyone at school takes him for a hopeless military geek, Chidori Kaname thinks there might be something more to him. When their plane is hijacked in the middle of a field trip, Kaname’s instincts will prove correct: Sousuke is an elite, mech-piloting mercenary… and he’s here to protect her!
On February 8th there is another J-Novel Club title. This one combines Fantasy, video-gaming, and online gameplay-streaming! Not sure how this one is going to play out exactly, but it sounds interesting.
Outer Ragna
PotatoStarch, a live streamer who’s gaining popularity for his excitable attitude and witty banter, has begun streaming Dragon Demon RPG-DX, a game with a cult following known for its extreme difficulty and unreasonable systems. Only masochists would play it. Meanwhile, in the world of the game, a fierce war between humans, elves, and vampires is reaching its bloody peak. The humans, lacking in magic, were forced into a defensive battle—until a savior appeared. Wielding a battleaxe, a young girl named Chloe stepped forth to oppose both enemy armies. Her heroic efforts earned her the names “Dragonslayer” and “Killer of Demons.” Thanks to Chloe, a girl “loved by God,” humans counter-attack. PotatoStarch is just a video game player. He dives into this world hoping to forget the tiring real world. But through an unexpected series of events, he ends up almost “possessing” Chloe. As he reaches the game’s climax, Chloe discovers a mysterious power and PotatoStarch’s fate is changed forever.
On February 11th we get the only non-J-Novel release from Seven Seas! It’s a companion series to a very popular Yuri manga and anime!
Bloom Into You: Regarding Saeki Sayaka
A light novel spin-off for the hit yuri manga and anime series Bloom Into You!
Saeki Sayaka has always been an old soul―serious and reserved, preferring to focus on her studies rather than make friends. Until, that is, a romantic confession from another girl in middle school turns her carefully ordered world upside down. Though none of her classes have prepared her for this, Saeki must now come to terms with her sexuality in this gentle, coming-of-age novel about grappling with first love, growing up, and relating to other people.
On February 15th, J-Novel brings us another Isekai title. Although, I’m not sure if it’s a person reincarnated from our world, or some other “past life.” One thing I’ve been told is that this one is violent!
Teogonia
In the harsh region known as the borderlands, humans must fight an endless battle against demi-human creatures that come at them relentlessly, intent on taking their land and their gods.
A young boy named Kai, fighting to defend his village, sustains a life-threatening injury that causes him to regain memories from a past life.
If you’re not a guardian bearer, it’s like you’re playing life on hard mode…
Kai’s newfound knowledge gives him a new sense of the unfair “rule set” that governs the world around him. One thing is clear: For those without a god to serve as their guardian, life is a constant struggle for survival.
Thus begins the epic tale of a young boy’s ascent into a vast world filled with magic, bloodshed, and mystery.
Lots to spend our money on this month, right? Well, there’s two more titles left, and these are the Shoujo titles from J-Novel Club Heart! Both of them have a similar theme of the main character trying to avoid a “bad end.” A little similar to another popular title, My Next Life as a Villainess!
First up, on February 22nd…
I Refuse to be Your Enemy!
From an early age, Kiara has been plagued with dreams of another world—dreams in which a girl she doesn’t recognize plays a strategy RPG called “Farzia: Kingdom at War”. Farzia is, in fact, the same kingdom where Kiara currently lives. Oh, and one other thing: there’s an enemy character who’s also named Kiara, though her name is Kiara Credias. Naturally, as with any other RPG villain, this enemy is slain by the heroes.
So when her adoptive father, Count Patriciél, orders her to marry Viscount Credias, Kiara comes to a horrifying realization: perhaps those “dreams” were visions of things to come! She hatches a plan to get the hell out of Dodge and create a new future for herself—one where she STAYS ALIVE, thank you very much!
The final series debut happens on February 24th. And I think of all the ones releasing this month, this is the series I’m most looking forward to!
Tearmoon Empire
Surrounded by the hate-filled gazes of her people, the selfish princess of the fallen Tearmoon Empire, Mia, takes one last look at the bleeding sun before the guillotine blade falls…
Only to wake back up as a twelve-year-old! With time rewound and a second chance at life dropped into her lap, she sets out to right the countless wrongs that plague the ailing Empire. Corrupt governance? Check. Border troubles? Check. Natural calamities and economic strife? Check.
My, seems like a lot of work.
Hard work and Mia don’t mix, so she seeks out the aid of others, starting with her loyal maid, Anne, and the brilliant minister, Ludwig. Together, they strive day and night to restore the Empire. Little by little, their tireless efforts begin to change the course of history, pushing the whole of the continent toward a new future.
And why did the selfish princess have a change of heart, you ask? Simple—she didn’t. She’s just terrified of the guillotine. They hurt like hell, and Mia hates pain more than work.
Lazy, selfish, and a complete coward, the ill-equipped princess of the Tearmoon Empire, armed with memories of her past life and a diary from the future, tries to avoid dying at the guillotine again and changes the very course of history in the process!
So which of these series are you most excited to read? Let me know in the comments! And what do you think of this as a monthly feature? Is it useful? Do you all already know this because you religiously check out the Preorders page? Let me know and thanks for reading along!
Magic User: Reborn in Another World as a Max Level Wizard
English Title: Magic User: Reborn in Another World as a Max Level Wizard Japanese Title: マジックユーザー TRPGで育てた魔法使いは異世界でも最強だった — “Magic User: TRPG de Sodateta Mahoutsukai wa Isekai demo Saikyou Datta.” Author: Mikawa Souhei – 三河宗平 Illustrator: Ryota-H Translator: Jordan Rousey Genre: Isekai, Table-Top Gaming Original Run: March 2017 – ongoing? (last volume released October 2018) English Run: November 2019 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Gentosha Comics English Publisher: Seven Seas Volumes in Japanese: 3 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
A hardworking salaryman by day immerses himself on weekends in the pen-and-paper roleplaying game Dungeons & Braves, where he plays his favorite character: a max level wizard. When his real life abruptly ends, he is given a second chance as Geo Margilus, his magic user from the game. The powers, wealth, and enchanted loot that he gathered across endless hours of imaginary adventures are now made real. The catch? He’s transported to the world of Sedia, a fantasy realm where evil abounds, and ravenous daemons threaten mankind.
Busy Wizard: This Warlock Just Wants to Provide for his Wives!
*NOTE*This is an R18 title. It contains images and scenes NSFW & is intended for Adults ONLY!
English Title: Busy Wizard: This Warlock Just Wants to Provide for his Wives! Japanese Title: 闇属性の魔法使いだが、なぜか勇者になってしまった — “Yami Zokusei no Mahoutsukai daga, naze ka Yuusha ni Natte Shimatta ~Sore wa Tomokaku Yome ni Ii Kurashi wo Saseru Tame ni Ganbatte Nariagarou to Omou” Author: SANMAGUROSHIHOTATE — サンマグロ シホタテ Illustrator: Ikezaki Misa — 池咲 ミサ Translator: Master of Moms (seriously, that’s what it says) Genre: R18, Fantasy, Ecchi, Harem Original Run: August 2016 – ongoing? (last volume released February 2019) English Run: November 2019 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: King Novels English Publisher: Panty Press (Sol Press) Volumes in Japanese: 5 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress) This series is currently digital-only.
Synopsis: After years of honing his magic deep in the mountains, eighteen-year-old Christophe dreams of making a name for himself in the imperial capital. But en route to the city where his fortune awaits, he meets a battered and beaten, yet surprisingly well-bred girl.
Volume 1 Amazon — Bookwalker Released November 21, 2019 — ASIN: B08176K7NW
Upcoming Release
Volume 2 Amazon — Bookwalker Released TBA — ASIN: **********
Volume 3 — Title Amazon — Bookwalker Released TBA — ASIN: **********
Reviews of Busy Wizard
(forthcoming)
Illustrations Sampler
Anime Adaptation
None
Manga Adaptation
None
If you liked Busy Wizard, you might also want to try…
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I’m like a kid on Christmas, rushing down the stairs wide-eyed with anticipation to see what wondrous new light novel license announcements our loving-ish English-language publishers have bestowed on us all this month! I’m skidding on my socks, balancing with outstretched arms, rounding the corner, and
~ there were none ~
…
*wracking sob*
…
But, okay, growing up for just a second, let’s try to salvage this month’s magical moment together; back in all the frenzied excitement of our October-November post, we somehow ~like~ forgot(?) to mention that there were –five whole new light novels- announced by Seven Seas Entertainment. And one of those is even in the news this week! So, without further ado, let’s officially record those announcements here on the blog.
“New” Light Novel Announcements
Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear – “The tale of a girl transported into her favorite video game world equipped with her magical bearsuit! Fifteen-year-old Yuna prefers staying home and obsessively playing her favorite VRMMO game to doing anything else, including going to school. When a strange new update gives her a one-of-a-kind bear outfit that comes with overpowered abilities, Yuna is torn: the outfit is unbearably cute, but too embarrassing to wear in-game. But then she suddenly finds herself transported into the world of the game, facing down monsters and magic for real, and the bear suit becomes the best weapon she has!”
Seven Seas will publish the light novel series Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear (Light Novel) for the first time in North America in print and (early) on digital platforms in single volume editions. Volume 1 will be released on June 9, 2020 for $13.99 USA / $17.99 CAN.
I Had That Same Dream Again – “A layered coming-of-age story by the creative team behind I Want to Eat Your Pancreas! An unhappy girl who engages in self-harm, a high schooler ostracized by her classmates, and an old woman looking to live out her twilight years in peace–what could three such different people have in common? That’s what grade schooler Nanoka Koyanagi is trying to find out. Assigned by her teacher to define what “happiness” means to her, Nanoka tries to find her place in the world by exploring her relationships with these three strangers, and through them, comes to know herself.”
Seven Seas will publish I Had That Same Dream Again (Novel) for the first time in North America in print and on digital platforms in a single large-trim edition. The book will be released on May 26, 2020 for $14.99 USA / $18.99 CAN.
PENGUINDRUM – “The novels for the supernatural anime by the acclaimed director of Revolutionary Girl Utena and Sarazanmai! Twins Kanba and Shoma live with their terminally ill little sister, Himari. One day, they visit the aquarium, a place full of warm memories for Himari, but she suddenly falls ill—and dies! At that very moment, a voice cries out, “Survival Tactic!” and Himari, wearing a penguin hat, comes back to life…?!”
Seven Seas will publish the novel series PENGUINDRUM (Light Novel) for the first time in North America in print and on digital platforms in single volume editions. Volume 1 will be released on May 19, 2020 for $13.99 USA / $17.99 CAN.
The Invincible Shovel – “A light novel series about a legendary miner who teams up with a runaway princess to combat demons and track down cursed jewels! Alan is the strongest miner in the world, able to reduce mountains to rubble with simply a swing of his trusty shovel. But when Princess Letitia begs him to escort her on a quest to save her kingdom from an invading demon force, he agrees to leave his solitary mountain abode and venture forth, on one condition: she must help him find a successor to train. In this hilarious fantasy tale for fans of RPGs, evil doesn’t stand a chance against the mighty power of the shovel!”
Seven Seas will publish the light novel series The Invincible Shovel for the first time in North America in print and (early) on digital platforms in single volume editions. Volume 1 will be released on May 19, 2020 for $13.99 USA / $17.99 CAN.
Adachi and Shimamura – “A fan-favorite yuri romance that will soon be adapted into an anime series! Adachi and Shimamura, two young women who attend the same high school, are inseparable friends. Whether playing table tennis, chatting about favorite TV shows, or just relaxing together, they’re happy to share their days. When Adachi’s friendship turns into romantic attraction, the relationship begins to change, one day at a time. This beloved yuri series has been charming audiences in Japan for years, and was one of the top-requested yuri light novels in Seven Seas’ reader surveys.”
Seven Seas will publish the light novel series Adachi and Shimamura for the first time in North America in print and (early) on digital platforms in single volume editions. Volume 1 will be released in print on June 2, 2020 for $13.99 USA / $16.99 CAN.
…
Wow, October 2019… *sepia-toned sigh* Those must have been really exciting times to blog in…
Anyways, kudos to Seven Seas Entertainment for licensing light novels with such a wide variety of theme and tone! Since each novel sounds like it’s either putting a new twist on an established genre, or bravely exploring the new modern frontiers of exciting anime-style experiences, it’s hard to know what to expect from any of those novels – but the wide range of stories should appeal to lots of old and new light novel fans.
News Stories
Fate/strange Fake
Fate/strange Fake Novels Get Animated Promotional Video – “The novels take place in a city called Snowfield in the United States a few years after the fifth Holy Grail War, and center on a “completely false Holy Grail War.”
New Sorcerous Stabber Orphen Anime Gets 13 TV Episodes, Unaired Episode – On a personal note, Sorcerous Stabber Orphen has been one of my favorite LN series so far! Publishers, take note – what’s old is new in the world of overseas otaku! Every time a Japanese franchise gets a new entry, a wave of publicity will create sales for any classic light novel in the franchise you can license and bring over! ;-)
Infinite Dendrogram Anime Has 13 Episodes – “The first Blu-ray Disc volume will bundle a novel by Kaidō.” The English LN Series is currently on its 10th volume (of 11+).
EX-ARM the Novel
EX-ARM Spinoff Novel Gets Manga Adaptation – “The story of the novel is set in Shin Kagurazaka, a town that avoided a terrorist plot at the Tokyo Olympics. The story follows the EX-ARM countermeasure division’s Arma and Minami as they seek to resolve a certain incident.” Whoa, this looks like it could be Dirty Pair for the 21st century!
‘The 8th son? Are you kidding me?’ TV Anime’s 1st Promo Video Previews Cast Voices – “The novels’ story begins with Shingo Ichinomiya, a normal, average employee for a trading company. He wakes up one day to find himself inhabiting the body of Wendelin — a five-year-old boy, and the eighth son of a destitute noble family in a fantasy world.”
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Author Yasutaka Tsutsui’s Fugō Keiji Detective Novel Gets TV Anime – “The story follows the incredibly wealthy Daisuke Kanbe who audaciously solves cases in unconventional ways. Whereas Tsutsui serialized the original novel from 1975 to 1977, the anime moves the setting into the modern day. Kanbe is assigned to the “Modern Crimes Task Unit” — a unit created to keep problematic officers away from others. There, Kanbe becomes partners with Katō.”
Dr. Stone Manga Gets 2nd Novel This Year – “The first story follows Senku in high school before humanity was petrified. The second story follows Chrome, Kohaku, and Suika as they form a musical band.”
Isekai Izakaya “Nobu” Light Novels Get Live-Action Show in May – “The novels center on a bar called “Nobu” — located in Kyoto, Japan, but with a door that is connected to the bar in another world. The visitors include denizens of the other world, and customers seek out its excellent “Toriaezu Nama” ale and cuisine.”
Lord Marksman and Michelia Light Novels Get Manga – “The Lord Marksman and Michelia novel series is an alternative parallel world to Kawaguchi’s Lord Marksman and Vanadis light novel series, with Ludmila instead of Eleonora as the main heroine. In this alternate world, Zhcted does not declare war on Brune, but instead forms an alliance to wage war against the kingdom of Muozinel. A young man named Tigre goes to war in his father’s place, and his first taste of battle begins to go well, until Brune’s battle lines crumble to an ambush. The commander of Tigre’s unit flees, until Ludmila, the Vanadis warrior of Olmutz, comes to the rescue. Two years after that battle, Tigre and Ludmila have a chance reunion, just as the curtain is raised on a new war, and a legendary evil awakens.”
Ga-Rei Sequel
Ga-Rei Gets New Prequel Novel by Ga-Rei: Zero Writer – “Kensuke Nimura has always been able to see spirits, but he never expected to find himself helping a girl named Kagura who battles evil spirits with her spirit beast, Byakuei. As it turns out, she’s a member of the Ministry of the Environment’s top-secret Occult Disaster Response Agency, and she’s out to recruit him, too…”
The Top 5 Makoto Shinkai Movies – The movie adaptation of Weathering with You (recently released as an English LN) has been making waves recently with its relatively impressive showings at the box office and on the awards circuit (see news story above). In this video/article, Jacki Jing & Zac Bertschy countdown their favorite films by the prodigious author/artist/filmmaker.
English Title: Can Someone Please Explain What’s Going On?! Japanese Title: 誰かこの状況を説明してください — “Dareka Kono Joukyou wo Setsumei Shite Kudasai! ~Keiyaku kara Hajimaru Wedding~” Author: Tsuredurebana — 徒然花 Illustrator: Rin Hagiwara — 萩原凛 Translator: Matthias Hirsh Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Shoujo Original Run: September 2013 – ongoing English Run: March 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: ArianRose (Frontier Works) English Publisher: J-Novel Club Volumes in Japanese: 9 (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.
Synopsis: If you thought regular marriages were insane, wait until you see the contract Viola signed! Our heroine, the daughter of an earl, signed herself away in a marriage contract to an aloof duke, Cersis, in order to save her family from a lifetime of poverty. All of a sudden, Viola’s life is turned upside down when she moves into the Fisaris family’s manor and is left to negotiate her new life as a “show wife” in a world she had only ever caught glimpses of before. How will she shake things up at the Fisaris estate?
The White Cat’s Revenge as Plotted from the Dragon King’s Lap
English Title: The White Cat’s Revenge as Plotted from the Dragon King’s Lap Japanese Title: 復讐を誓った白猫は竜王の膝の上で惰眠をむさぼる — “Fukushuu wo Chikatta Shironeko wa Ryuuou no Hiza no Ue de Damin wo Musaboru” Author: Kureha — クレハ Illustrator: Yamigo — ヤミーゴ Translator: David Evelyn Genre: Isekai, Shoujo, Romance Original Run: October 2016 – July 2018 English Run: March 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: ArianRose (Frontier Works) English Publisher: J-Novel Club Volumes in Japanese: 5 (Complete) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress) Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.
Synopsis: Nineteen-year-old Ruri Morikawa gets wrangled into a messy situation when her selfish childhood friend strands her in another world! To make matters somehow worse, a mysterious conspiracy then gets her abandoned in a perilous forest. Through an unexpected turn of events, she comes into possession of a mystical bracelet that allows her to transform into a white cat. Now that she’s in the Land of the Dragon King, she has to hide the fact that she’s human—which means spending her days as a little white cat, for the time being… But how will she exact her much-earned revenge against those who’ve wronged her while stuck in the form of a small, fluffy, cuddly kitty cat?!
English Title: Bloom Into You: Regarding Saeki Sayaka Japanese Title: やがて君になる 佐伯沙弥香について — “Yagate Kimi ni Naru: Saeki Sayaka ni Tsuite” Author: Hitoma Iruma – 入間人間 Illustrator: Nakatani Nio – 仲谷 鳰 Translator: Jan Cash & Vincent Castaneda Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Yuri Original Run: November 2018 – ongoing English Run: Month Year – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Dengeki Bunko (ASCII Media Works) English Publisher: Seven Seas Volumes in Japanese: 2 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
A light novel spin-off for the hit manga and anime series Bloom Into You!
Saeki Sayaka has always been an old soul–serious and reserved, preferring to focus on her studies rather than make friends. Until, that is, a romantic confession from another girl in middle school turns her carefully ordered world upside down. Though none of her classes have prepared her for this, Saeki must now come to terms with her sexuality in this gentle, coming-of-age novel about grappling with first love, growing up, and relating to other people.
MAL Entry — 13 episodes — Aired October 2018 – December 2018 Amazon — RightStuf The Light Novel is a spin-off of the manga, so not covered by the anime.
English Title: Bibliophile Princess Japanese Title: 虫かぶり姫 — “Mushikaburi-hime” Author: Yui — 由唯 Illustrator: Satsuki Sheena — 椎名咲月 Translator: Alyssa Niioka Genre: Shoujo, Romance, Original Run: July 2016 – ongoing English Run: March 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Ichijinsha Bunko Iris NEO (Ichijinsha) English Publisher: J-Novel Club Volumes in Japanese: 5 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress) Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.
Synopsis: When book-loving Lady Elianna spots Prince Christopher—her betrothed in name only—consorting with another noble lady, she realizes the recent rumors must be true. The prince has someone he truly loves, which means the annulment of their engagement is both inevitable and fast-approaching. What she doesn’t realize is that this is merely a surface ripple—one of many where the truth runs deep, in a conspiracy surpassing her imagination!
English Title: The Tales of Marielle Clarac Japanese Title: マリエル・クララックの婚約 — “Marieru kurarakku no konyaku” Author: Haruka Momo — 桃 春花 Illustrator: Maro — まろ Translator: Philip Reuben Genre: Romance, Comedy Original Run: March 2017 – September 2018 English Run: April 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Ichijinsha English Publisher: J-Novel Club Volumes in Japanese: 6 (Possibly Complete. Latest volume was released September 2018) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.
Synopsis: As a plain, unassuming noble’s daughter, Marielle doesn’t stand out in high society. Imagine her surprise when she receives a marriage proposal from the sought-after Simeon, second-in-command of the Royal Order of Knights! Simeon, the heir to an earldom, is highly accomplished in scholarly and military arts—and he’s gorgeous. So why did he propose to such an unremarkable noblewoman? Despite being a target of envy and scorn, Marielle is happy. After all, Simeon seems to be exactly her type: a dashingly handsome man with glasses who appears gentle on the outside, but who has a dark and scheming side! Welcome to Marielle’s world, where people aren’t always what they seem—and a prim, proper exterior can hide the heart of a sly and devious fangirl!
Japanese Cover. English Cover NYA
Volume 1 Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook Released April 6, 2020 — ASIN: B0849ZC2PJ
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 The Tales of Marielle Clarac
(forthcoming)
Illustrations Sampler
Anime Adaptation
None
Manga Adaptation
MAL Entry — (Japan) Began publication September 2018. (No English Publisher)
If you liked The Tales of Marielle Clarac, you might also want to try…
English Title: A Mysterious Job Called Oda Nobunaga Japanese Title: 織田信長という謎の職業が魔法剣士よりチートだったので、王国を作ることにしました — “Oda Nobunaga to Iu Nazo no Shokugyou ga Mahou Kenshi yori Cheat Datta node, Oukoku o Tsukuru Koto ni Shimashita” Author: Kisetsu Morita — 森田季節 Illustrator: Kaito Shibana — 柴乃 櫂人 Translator: TBA Genre: Fantasy, Kingdom Building Original Run: July 2017 – March 2018 English Run: April 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: GA Novel (SOFTBANK Creative) English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) Volumes in Japanese: 3 (Complete) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress) Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $12 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8
Synopsis: In this world, on the day that they reach adulthood, everyone visits the temple to receive their life’s calling. Many will become warriors or magic users. But when the frail younger brother of a minor feudal lord named Arsrod goes in for his job, he comes out with…Oda Nobunaga?! Not only has that job never been heard of, not a single person can even figure out what it’s supposed to mean. But when this young man inherits the experience, tactics, and prowess in war of the great Sengoku strategist Nobunaga, his very destiny will change!
English Title: Interspecies Reviewers: Ecstasy Days Japanese Title: 異種族レビュアーズ えくすたしー・でいず — “Ishuzoku Reviewers: Ecstasy Days” Author: Tetsu Habara — 葉原鉄 — Based on the original work by Amahara Illustrator: W18 — Based on original designs by Masha Translator: TBA Genre: Ecchi, Monster Girls, Comedy Original Run: December 2018 (see note below regarding publishing status) English Run: April 2020 Japanese Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) Volumes in Japanese: 1 (Complete?) **There is a 2nd Interspecies Reviewers novel, but it appears to be titled differently. May be considered a different release/license. Volumes in English: 1 (Complete) Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $12 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8
Synopsis: In a world where an endless variety of humanoid species coexist, there’s an equally endless variety of sexy shops for all your nightlife needs! Join Stunk, Zel, and Crim on their erotic adventures as they sample the many deviant delights that the world of succubus joints has to offer!
Myne’s starting to settle into her day to day duties as an apprentice Shrine Maiden and the building expectations from both Benno and the Head Priest, but she hasn’t forgotten her true goal either. With exciting news from her family, she’s even more motivated to create the books she loves–but things will never be so easy for our favorite bibliophile.
Miya Kazuki continues the Apprentice Shrine Maiden arc of Ascendance of a Bookworm with this second volume. The book once again features illustrations by You Shiina, and English translation by quof. J-novel Club published the collected digital release in January 2020, with a print edition expected later in the year.
We return to Myne’s life with the exciting news that her mother is pregnant with another child, and no one seems more excited than our reincarnated protagonist. With a baby on the way, Myne wants to make suitable picture books for her upcoming sibling. The only problem is that the current paper and materials she has been producing with Lutz, Benno and the orphanage are not sturdy enough to survive small children readers. That, coupled with the low literacy rate within society, it’s going to be hard to convince other people about the idea. With that idea on the back burner, the book printing is otherwise going well–when woodblock printing failed, the group then tried stenciling, to much better success–the first batch of children’s bibles have been finished, featuring new art and simple stitched binding. There are mixed reactions to the news that the young apprentice Shrine Maiden has finalized her first book with plant paper, but it’s the biggest success she’s had so far. The thrill and sense of achievement is palpable, and it’s hard not to feel proud of how far our small, sickly protagonist has come since being reincarnated.
The new artwork for the bible was provided by Wilma, a Grey Shrine Maiden who had previously attended a Blue Shrine Maiden who encouraged her in her artistic pursuits. Knowing that she will continue to need illustrations for her books, Myne requests for the older girl to become her newest attendant, to which she agrees–under certain conditions. There’s an important element in this story thread about consent, agency and respect between master and attendant, and Ascendance of a Bookworm handles it with grace and levity that many of it’s contemporaries could learn from.
Along with Wilma, Myne is also appointed Rosalina, another past-attendant of the art-loving Sister Catherine; the Head Priest Ferdinand encouraging Myne to learn an instrument in preparation for Noble society. Rosalina is ecstatic for the opportunity to reunite with her beloved music, but has a harder time adapting to Myne’s rules and expectations. As always, it’s wonderful to see how so many opposing personalities interact with, and are handled by, the young girl. The cast has slowly grown over the course of these books as the personal circle of people surrounding Myne and her crazy ideas has expanded.
Family is another theme that returns to the forefront with this novel; one that I was worried might disappear thanks to the change in setting. Of course much of this is fueled by the pregnancy, but Kazuki gives some great moments to Tuuli too–giving her the spotlight and love she’s due after supporting her sister for so long, and in so many ways. Even as threats get larger, and Myne’s life gets more complicated, the unequivocal love her family has for her has not, and will not change.
As we settle into this current arc, more and more discrepancies between the Temple, Noble Society and the lower classes become apparent. The corruption, totalitarianism and arrogance of higher stations is slowly making itself known—both overtly, with the attack on Myne by a member of the Knight’s Order, to the subtle, in how utterly inappropriate the story of Cinderella is deemed, even as fiction. As Myne gets more and more entangled in Noble Society, this will only continue to be explored, I’m sure.
Additionally to that point, the trombe removal and summons of the Knight’s Order towards the end of the book is the first interaction Myne has had with a Noble outside the confines and decorum of the Temple–and it’s far from friendly. Witnessing our naive and trusting protagonist being verbally and physically attacked by a fully grown man is immensely upsetting. Her desperation and anguish actually hurt to read, and I have to once again commend Kazuki’s writing and Quof’s brilliant translation work. The moment proves just how (potentially) dangerous it is for Myne to underestimate and disregard the strict class system in her new world. Noble society is powerful, and clinging to modern standards of equality without being smart about it will only lead to very scary enemies. Thankfully, she has a powerful and insightful ally with the Head Priest, so she’s not alone either.
The catastrophic trombe affair also prompts Ferdinand to explore who Myne truly is, making him the only other person aside from Lutz to learn the young girl’s secret. I’m not thrilled about the methodology though–there’s an uncomfortable element in him exploring her mind whilst she sleeps, and without her prior consent. There’s already too many jokes about the potential of gifts being misconstrued as courting gestures for me (especially as we know that ‘flower offering’ and other various illicit relationships with young girls are common in the Temple and for Nobles). Although Myne-slash-Urano is fairly blase about the whole situation, and somewhat relieved about not having to find excuses anymore, it’s hard not to compare it with the confrontation and confession that happened with Lutz. Ultimately, despite the young boy’s suspicions, he left it up to Myne to tell him the truth. She made the choice to trust him with her secret and her life–and it speaks volumes on their partnership. Comparatively, although Myne is being protected by the Head Priest in various ways, there’s still a level of trust that needs to build up between them–perhaps now easier done, with her secret known.
Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 2: Apprentice Shrine Maiden continues to balance its elements with ease–it can often be hard to naturally introduce world-building into a fantasy setting without it sounding like an info dump, but this series never struggles with that. The frightening threat of both trombes and the arrogance of nobles are highlighted later in the book, with an emotional genuinity that any invested reader will appreciate. Unfortunately, although Myne continues to treat those around her with respect and humility, the same has not been afforded to her–from friend and foe. It will be interesting to see how things will change in the story now that certain elements have been introduced, and as always, I’m excited for more.
English Title: Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai Japanese Title: 青春ブタ野郎シリーズ — “Seishun Buta Yarou Series” Author: Hajime Kamoshida — 鴨志田 一 Illustrator: Keeji Mizoguchi — 溝口ケージ Translator: TBA Genre: Comedy, Romance, School Life Original Run: April 2014 – ongoing English Run: April 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Dengeki Bunko English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) Volumes in Japanese: 10 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress) Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $12 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8
Synopsis: Bunny girls do not live in libraries. This is simply common sense. And yet, that’s exactly where Sakuta runs into one. Wanting to find out more about the mystery surrounding this bunny girl and maybe get a little closer to her in the process, Sakuta launches an investigation to figure out what’s causing her to be invisible to everyone around them.
A legendary miner teams up with a runaway princess to combat demons and track down cursed jewels in this hot new light novel series!
Alan is the strongest miner in the world, able to reduce mountains to rubble with simply a swing of his trusty shovel. But when Princess Letitia begs him to escort her on a quest to save her kingdom from an invading demon force, he agrees to leave his solitary mountain abode and venture forth, on one condition: she must help him find a successor to train. In this hilarious fantasy tale for fans of RPGs, evil doesn’t stand a chance against the mighty power of the shovel!
〓〓〓〓★(゜Д ゜ ;;;).:∴ドゴォォ — “Scoop Musou: “Scoop Hadouhou!” (｀・ω・´)
