English Title: The Extraordinary, the Ordinary, and SOAP! Japanese Title: 非凡・平凡・シャボン！ — “Hibon, Heibon, Shabon!” Author: Nao Wakasa — 若桜なお Illustrator: ICA Translator: C. Steussy Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy Original Run: September 2016 – December 2017 English Run: February 2020 (on J-Novel site. Ebook will release later) – ongoing Japanese Publisher: ArianRose (Frontier Works) English Publisher: J-Novel Club Volumes in Japanese: 3 (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: Lucia Arca was an ordinary, unremarkable laundrymaid in the royal palace. Even her unique magical power, Soap, was boring: it simply created soap bubbles that removed stains. But when she learned one day that Soap could also calm and stop rampaging monsters, the king decreed that Lucia must join the Sacred Maiden and her companions on their quest to cleanse the land and save the world. On a mission to save the world alongside the Sacred Maiden, the famed Dragonslayer, a prodigy magician, and other great heroes, what is an ordinary laundrymaid like Lucia to do? But she learns that even extraordinary heroes are ordinary people, in their own way. A heart-warming romantic comedy featuring an ordinary but earnest heroine!
Volume 1 Amazon — iBook — J-Novel Club — Kobo — Nook Released TBA — ASIN: **********
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 Extraordinary, the Ordinary, and SOAP!
(forthcoming)
Illustrations Sampler
Anime Adaptation
None
Manga Adaptation
None
If you liked The Extraordinary, the Ordinary, and SOAP!, you might also want to try…
High School Prodigies Have it Easy Even in Another World
English Title: High School Prodigies Have it Easy Even in Another World Japanese Title: 超人高校生たちは異世界でも余裕で生き抜くようです! — “Choujin Koukousei-tachi wa Isekai demo Yoyuu de Ikinuku you desu!” Author: Riku Misora — 海空 りく Illustrator: Sacraneco — さくらねこ Translator: Caleb D. Cook Genre: Isekai, Adventure Original Run: October 2015 – February 2020 English Run: May 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: GA Bunko (SOFTBANK Creative) English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) Volumes in Japanese: 10 (Complete) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress) Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $12 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8
Synopsis: After crash landing in a foreign land filled with magic and monsters, most people would wonder what to do next. For seven of Japan’s greatest high school geniuses, the real question is how much are they allowed to mess around? This world might not last long enough for these insane prodigies to go home…
Volume 2 Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf Released TBA — ISBN-13: ###-##########
Volume 3 Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf Released TBA — ISBN-13: ###-##########
Reviews of High School Prodigies Have it Easy Even in Another World
(forthcoming)
Illustrations Sampler
Anime Adaptation
MAL Entry — 12 episodes — Aired October 2019 – December 2019 Amazon — RightStuf (Not Yet Released for Purchase) Note: Adapted volumes 1 to ? of the light novel series
After being abruptly removed from his mission as Chidori’s bodyguard, Sousuke finds himself unmotivated and regretful in the middle of a warzone–an active terror threat in Hong Kong demanding his attention. Meanwhile, Kaname is missing the intense protection of her soldier classmate in his absence–afraid of her life now being in threat, forcing her to rash and dangerous situations. Both teens are struggling through their seperations in their own ways, whilst the past returns…
Full Metal Panic! Ending Day by Day (Part Two) is the fifth volume of Shouji Gatou’s military light novel series, featuring illustrations by Shikidouji. J-Novel Club releases the English edition translated by Elizabeth Ellis. The ebook was released on digital platforms in December 2019.
As the second half of this story arc, the novel understandably relies on the build up of the previous book. Here, we deal with the aftermath of Mithril removing Sousuke from his posting in Japan and his (relatively) peaceful school life with Kaname. With the abruptness of his departure, a deep chasm is left in both teens lives–pushing their feelings that have grown over the past several months to the forefront, and forcing them to reassess their lives now without each other.
Sousuke continues to struggle with his own self-doubts over piloting the Arbalest; he’s spent a majority of his life fighting wars for other people, and it’s finally taking its toll on the teen. Paired with his removal from Japan, his superior officer’s death, and the general stress of his Mithril’s expectations, the stoic soldier finally reaches his breaking point in Hong Kong, disappearing into the city streets after making another preventable mistake. His self-imposed isolation doesn’t last long though, as a coded message beckons him to a seedy apartment to face the remnants of his past self.
It’s interesting to note that Gatou’s version of the city is split between two factions of power, a la Berlin post-war. Whether or not the geopolitical changes the author decided have any real relevance to the story other than making it easier to write combat without dragging in real-life wars is yet to be seen, but it’s also not hard to see certain inferences either.
Back in Japan, Kaname has come to the realization that Sousuke is very likely gone for good–his phone’s been disconnected, his apartment’s bare, his withdrawal from school submitted. Aside from her heartbreak (to which she curses her avoidance at not telling him the truth), she realises that without a guard like Sousuke she can trust by her side, there’s a very real threat on her life–from Amalgam and Mithril alike. The shadowy Wraith is on her tail, but it’s unsure as to whether they’re friend or foe. In a bout of self-preservation, Kaname decides to lose whomever may be trailing her by hiding in crowds and disappearing off of her usual routes. Her plans seem relatively fruitless though when her own self-doubts start–sure that a trained professional would see right through her preparations. It’s this that prompts our teenage protagonist to hoodwink a drunken office worker into taking her to a love hotel–where she quickly knocks him out and escapes out a window.
The rationale is that Kaname needed a place to check her clothes in case of tracking devices, whilst not looking suspicious (but still unpredictable!) to outside eyes. Even so, there’s an uncomfortableness in the very real risk she puts herself in here–and I’m not thoroughly convinced it was necessary. Before she incapacitates the older man, he’s ready and willing to sleep with the teenager; jumping on her almost immediately once behind closed doors. As a female reader, it’s hard to believe that Kaname would put herself in that sort of danger–even armed, and especially when she’s already on high alert. The tussle is pretty quickly ended, but it’s then immediately followed by her stripping down completely and changing into a bathrobe. It’s a tone-deaf shift between events, made even more aggravating by the fact that we, as an audience, are expected to believe that anyone would willingly try to parkour out a hotel window in only a bathrobe and underwear. I know desperate times call for desperate measures, but it feels like Gatou just wanted the robe for the later bait-and-switch and couldn’t think of any other method. Reading about Kaname taking out an assassin in nothing but her panties doesn’t feel like the powerful moment I think it’s supposed to be–it feels like unwarranted humiliation.
Kaname’s rooftop escape does lead her to discovering those following her though, and fully reveals a character only hinted at before–Leonard Testarossa, Tessa’s twin brother. His ties to Amalgam, and the rocky relationship he has with his sister are obvious, but his motivations towards Kaname as a fellow Whispered are still unclear.
Despite my annoyances with certain choices made at the expense of Kaname here, I do want to acknowledge that this book is the first to push the characters into agency. Kaname risks her life in order to reclaim what has been taken from her; Sousuke stops mindlessly following orders and chooses his own path; even the Arbalest even becomes it’s own independent thinker. The events of the last two books have irrevocably changed these characters, and it will be interesting to see how that will change the dynamic going forward. It is a shame that the rom-com aspect means that we’ll have to wait before either hero admits their romantic feelings; but nor is it surprising from a series from this era.
This book wraps up the stories introduced last time, as well as signalling a significant change for these characters. The character growth also gives Gatou freedom with upcoming arcs so I’m anticipating that it won’t be a complete return to business as usual for our teen protagonists and Mithril. Once again Full Metal Panic! has managed to balance it’s moving parts well, with attempts at nuance in themes. (Although not always successful.)
The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody
English Title: The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody Japanese Title: 史上最強の大魔王、村人Aに転生する — “Shijou Saikyou no Daimaou, Murabito A ni Tensei Suru” Author: Myojin Katou – 下等 妙人 Illustrator: Sao Mizuno – 水野早桜 Translator: Jessica Lange Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Harem Original Run: May 2018 – ongoing English Run: November 2019 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Fujimi Fantasia Bunko (Fujimi Shobo) English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) Volumes in Japanese: 6 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 2 (In Progress)
When being mediocre is the best-case scenario As the most powerful entity of all time, the Demon Lord Varvatos thinks life is a big fat snore. When he takes matters into his own hands and decides to reincarnate, he calibrates his magical strength to be perfectly average. But there is no way he could have predicted that everyone in the modern world would be weak as hell, which means he is totally overpowered once again! Reborn under the name Ard, he has ladies fawning over him, the royal family begging him to become the next king, and an ex-minion insisting on killing him?! But Ard has a one-track mind, and he won’t stop at anything to achieve his ultimate goal!
Hey there English Light Novel readers! Just thought I’d let you all know that RightStuf is having a week-long sale on Yen titles including lots of light novels. They’re advertising up to 40% off, so it might be a good time to stock up!
English Title: I Had That Same Dream Again Japanese Title: また、同じ夢を見ていた — “Mata, Onaji Yume wo Mite ita” Author: Yoru Sumino — 住野よる Illustrator: N/A Translator: TBA Genre: Drama, Slice of Life Original Run: February 2016 (Novel, One-Shot) English Run: May 2020 Japanese Publisher: Futabasha (later re-released by Futaba Bunko) English Publisher: Seven Seas Volumes in Japanese: 1 (Complete) Volumes in English: 1 (Complete)
A layered coming-of-age story from the author of I Want to Eat Your Pancreas and At Night, I Become a Monster.
An unhappy girl who engages in self-harm, a woman ostracized by society, 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 Koyanagi Nanoka is trying to find out. Assigned by her teacher to define what “happiness” means to her, Nanoka sets out to get to know these three strangers―and through them, perhaps, to know herself too.
MAL Entry — (Japan) 3 volumes — Published September 2017 – August 2018 (English release by Seven Seas) Published in a single omnibus edition July 2020 Amazon — Barnes and Noble — Book Depository — RightStuf
If you liked I Had That Same Dream Again, you might also want to try…
English Title: May These Leaden Battlegrounds Leave No Trace — *Note* was originally advertised as The Penetrated Battlefield Should Disappear There Japanese Title: 撃ち抜かれた戦場は、そこで消えていろ — “Uchinukareta Senjou wa, Soko de Kieteiro” Author: Kei Uekawa — “上川 景 Illustrator: TEDDY Translator: TBA Genre: War, Fantasy Original Run: January 2019 – ongoing English Run: May 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Fujimi Fantasia Bunko (Fujimi Shobo) English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) Volumes in Japanese: 3 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress) Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $12 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8
Synopsis: For a hundred years, East and West have waged a ferocious war with everything from tanks to witchcraft. On this savage battlefield, one young soldier from the East learns of the daemon’s bullet-and that anyone struck by it will disappear from the world as if they had never existed…
English Title: Penguindrum Japanese Title: 輪るピングドラム — “Mawaru PENGUINDRUM” Author: Kunihiko Ikuhara, Kei Takahashi — 幾原邦彦, 高橋慶 Illustrator: Lily Hoshino — 星野リリイ Translator: TBA Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural Original Run: July 2011 – February 2012 English Run: May 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Gentosha Comics English Publisher: Seven Seas Volumes in Japanese: 3 (Complete) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress) Average Price Per Volume: Paperback $12 — Kindle $8 — Nook $8
The novels for the supernatural anime by acclaimed director Kunihiko Ikuhara (Sailor Moon, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Sarazanmai).
Brothers Kanba and Shoma adore their terminally ill little sister, Himari, and aren’t prepared to lose her. They’re definitely not prepared for a family trip to the aquarium, source of many of Himari’s fondest memories, to suddenly turn tragic when Himari collapses and dies. What happens next, however, is beyond the siblings’ wildest imaginations—as Himari miraculously returns from the dead, sporting a penguin-shaped hat, and accompanied by some magical new friends!
English Title: The Eminence in Shadow Japanese Title: 陰の実力者になりたくて！ — “Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!” Author: Daisuke Aizawa – 逢沢大介 Illustrator: Touzai – 東西 Translator: TBA Genre: Isekai, Comedy, Action Original Run: November 2018 – ongoing English Run: June 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) English Publisher: Enterbrain Volumes in Japanese: 3 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
One big fat lie and a few twisted truths Even in his past life, Cid’s dream wasn’t to become a protagonist or a fi nal boss. He’d rather lie low as a minor character until it’s prime time to reveal he’s a mastermind…or at least, do the next best thing-pretend to be one! And now that he’s been reborn into another world, he’s ready to set the perfect conditions to live out his dreams to the fullest. Armed with his overactive imagination, Cid jokingly recruits members to his organization and makes up a whole backstory about an evil cult that they need to take down. Well, as luck would have it, these imaginary adversaries turn out to be the real deal-and everyone knows the truth but him!
English Title: Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Japanese Title: くま クマ 熊 ベアー Author: Kumanano – くまなの Illustrator: 029 Translator: Jan Cash & Vincent Castaneda Genre: Comedy, Isekai, Video Game World, Adventure Original Run: May 2015 – ongoing English Run: March 2020 (eBook) May 2020 (Print) – ongoing Japanese Publisher: PASH! Books (Shufu to Seikatsusha) English Publisher: Seven Seas Volumes in Japanese: 15 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Synopsis: A bouncy light novel series about a girl transported to her favorite video game world with her magical bearsuit equipped
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!
Japanese Cover. English cover NYA
Volume 1 Amazon — Nook — Apple — Kobo — Bookwalker eBook Releasing March 19, 2020 — ASIN:
Straight from the Seven Seas Shares the Love Social Media Event of Feb 19-21 come four new light novel announcements (three of which revolve around the LGBT+ themes)!
License Announcements
Sarazanmai by Kunihiko Ikuhara and Teruko Utsumi
“Based on the hit LGBT+ anime about friendship, secrets, and growing up! After accidentally breaking a statue of a mythical kappa, junior high students Kazuki, Toi, and Enta are transformed into kappa themselves as punishment by Keppi, prince of the Kappa Kingdom. Keppi has a task for the boys if they want their bodies back: work for him to hunt down zombie kappa born of twisted human desires. Even scarier, though? They’re going to have to expose their own deepest fears and desires to each other to do so! This surrealist modern folktale, which was a fan-favorite anime in 2019, is now a 2-volume novel series by the original writers of the show!”
The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter by Meguru Seto, Takehana Note, and Tomoyuki Hino
“A fantasy light novel and manga series about a new hero exploring a secret labyrinth! Noir is the son of a minor noble with very little to his name other than a job offer–which is canceled before he can even start his first day. He does possess one rare trait, though: the magical ability to consult with a great sage, even if using the skill gives him terrible headaches! Unsure of what his future holds, he accesses the sage for advice on how to move forward and is directed to a secret dungeon filled with rare beasts and magical items. It is here that Noir will train, compiling experience and wealth, until he’s powerful enough to change his fate.”
ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with My Love and Cursed Sword! by kiki and Kinta
“A dark and bloody light novel series about two women fighting fate and finding love in each other. Flamme Apricot would’ve been content to live her entire life in her little village in peace. Unfortunately for her, a god prophesied she would be the one to defeat the Demon King–and Flamme, with her terrible stats and useless abilities, has known nothing but misery ever since. Her life hits rock bottom when the hero’s party, fed up with dragging her dead weight along, decides to sell her off into slavery to get rid of her. But a brush with death finally awakens something in Flamme–rather than ending, her story might just be getting started. And this time, instead of a traitorous party, she has a woman she loves by her side.”
Yes, No, or Maybe? by Michi Ichiho and Lala Takemiya
“The fan-favorite Boys’ Love light novel about the secret lives of men who work in television–soon to be an anime! Kunieda Kei is a popular TV announcer known for being a cool and flawless professional. But on the inside, he’s the opposite: brash, hot-tempered, and as prickly as can be. Still, Kei juggles his private and professional personas successfully until one day, the unthinkable happens: stop-motion animator Tsuzuki Ushio from work sees him at the grocery store with his real personality on display! Now Kei has to figure out how to navigate a relationship he didn’t expect. But is that really as scary as the possibility that someone might love both sides of him?”
Yuri and Yaoi and everything inbetween seem to be Seven Seas’s bae these days – it was even the top category in their survey of reader recommendations last year, ahead of all other genres! It’ll be interesting to see what else they find to bring over in the future.
Oreshura Light Novel Series Gets 1st New Volume in 3 Years – “Eita Kidou is a high school freshman with excellent grades and a disdain for love. Along with his childhood friend Chiwa Harusaki, a girl who’s nearly a sister to him, Eita lived an ordinary school life concentrating on his studies. This was all until the school’s most beautiful girl, Masuzu Natsukawa, surprisingly confesses her love to Eita. However, her true desire is only to fool the eyes of others and pretend to be a couple. With a “certain secret” of his in Masuzu’s hands, Eita is forced to play along. Moreover, a fierce battle over Eita begins as his ex-girlfriend, Himeka, and his virtual fiancé, Ai, join the fray! Will Eita be able to continue his ordinary school life while maintaining a pretend relationship and dealing with all of his admirers?”
Detective Conan Novel About Akai Family Debuts in Newspaper – “In the story, Japan is celebrating the upcoming World Sports Games (WSG), the world’s largest sporting event, in Tokyo. The “Japanese Bullet,” the world’s first vacuum-tube super-conducting linear train, is built with the latest Japanese technology and timed to coincide with the WSG opening ceremonies. The train is set to run from Shin Nagoya Station to Tokyo Station at up to 1,000 kilometers per hour (about 600 miles per hour). However, a bizarre incident occurs during a party held by famous major sponsors, leading to a string of kidnappings of top executives. Conan deduces a possible link to serial abductions in the WSG 15 years earlier in Boston.”
Mashin Eiyuden Wataru
New Mashin Eiyūden Wataru Anime Project Reveals Cast, April 10 Premiere – “A novel adaptation will serialize on the Yatate Bunko website, Sunrise’s novel imprint, beginning in April. The project’s story follows series protagonist Wataru, who goes to the world Sōkaizan in response to a call about an incident there. An evil presence shrouds the area, and the robot Ryūjinmaru’s power has been sealed. Together with his friends Shibaraku, Toraō, and Himiko, Wataru begins a new journey.”
Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash Novels Get Manga by Beltorchika’s Children Manga Artist – “The novel series is set in the year UC0105 and centers around Hathaway Noa, who appeared in the 1988 film Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack as the son of the influential Federation ship captain Bright Noa. The novel series deals with the aftermath of Char’s Counterattack’s climatic finale.”
Hello English Light Novel Readers! Welcome to another monthly article where I take a look at the new light novel series making their debut.
This month we have 5 titles to talk about. While one of them isn’t exactly a premiere, it is another sweet print omnibus edition from J-Novel Club.
Speaking of J-Novel Club, they once again own the most premieres for the month. Only one of the five titles isn’t theirs (it belongs to Seven Seas!).
So let’s get to it!
First off is the print book coming from J-Novel Club. Similar to Full Metal Panic! from last month, this is an older light novel series rescued from the flaming wreck that is Tokyopop of the early 2000s.
This release gathers all three of the Crest of the Stars novels and releases them in a single omnibus edition with a simulated leather cover with gold embossing. Having seen the Full Metal Panic! release in real life, I can say these are some very sweet releases! Also, J-Novel Club has stated they will collect the sequel to Crest of the Stars, Banner of the Stars, in similar editions.
Here’s how J-Novel Club describes this series…
In the far-distant future, mankind has traversed the stars and settled distant worlds. But no matter how advanced the technology of the future becomes, it seems the spacefaring nations cannot entirely shed their human nature. Jint Lin finds this out the hard way when, as a child, his home world is conquered by the powerful Abh Empire: the self-proclaimed Kin of the Stars, and rulers of vast swaths of the known universe. As a newly-appointed member of the Abh’s imperial aristocracy, Jint must learn to forge his own destiny in the wider universe while bearing burdens he never asked for, caught between his surface-dweller “Lander” heritage and the byzantine culture of the Abh, of which he is now nominally a member. A chance meeting with the brave-but-lonely Apprentice Starpilot Lafier aboard the Patrol Ship Goslauth will lead them both headfirst down a path of galaxy-spanning intrigue and warfare that will forever change the fate of all of humankind.
Next up is the release from Seven Seas. This is an early eBook release. The print edition isn’t coming out until May, 2020. It’s a fantasy series with a twist that readers can really… dig.
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!
The last three releases are not just from J-Novel Club, but rather their new imprint, J-Novel Club Heart. They’re all shoujo light novels featuring engaging female heroines and a bit of romance mixed with the adventure.
The first title features a girl who finds herself in a very peculiar marriage!
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 next title also involves marriage. Or rather, an engagement. But is it fake? Will it all come to an end? And how does being a lover of books tie into all of this?!
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!
The final premiere for the month of March features a girl stranded in another world plotting her revenge on the childhood friend who was responsible. Only thing is, how can she do much when she’s stuck as a fluffy kitty?!
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: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Isekai Japanese Title: 異世界のヒッチハイク Author: Sakka Keihan Illustrator: Shinobu Shinotsuki — 篠月 しのぶ Translator: Emily Balistrieri, Noboru Akimoto, Roy Nukia, Andrew Cunningham, Andrew Hodgson, Michael Langwiser Genre: Fantasy, Comedy Original Run: August 2019 English Run: April 2020 Japanese Publisher: Published Independently English Publisher: J-Novel Club Volumes in Japanese: 1 (Complete) Volumes in English: 1 (Complete)
Note: Also available to read online through a J-Novel Club subscription. This series is currently digital-only.
Traveling to another world, either by accident, magic summoning, death, cruel twist of fate, on a research assignment, or just on vacation, means dealing with a whole lot of change all at once. In this compilation, the authors of the SAKKA KEIHAN writing circle explore the ins and outs of what to expect when you’ve been transported to another plane of existence.
Six different short stories cover the authors’ ruminations on how to get by in these other worlds, whether you’re headed over voluntarily or finding yourself just trying to survive.
You’ll probably want to bring a towel; things are going to get slimy. Don’t think it’ll save you from a fireball, however.
Light novel authors Carlo Zen (The Saga of Tanya the Evil), Natsuya Semikawa (Isekai Izakaya “Nobu”), Hōkō Tsuda (Yaruki Nashi Eiyūtan), Tappei Nagatsuki (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-), Katsuie Shibata (Hito Yoru no Nagai Yume), Natsu Hyūga (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) collaborated on this self-published light novel for Comic Market (Comiket) 96
Volume 1 Amazon — iBook — Kobo — Google Play –Nook — Bookwalker Released April 14, 2020 — ASIN: B084RQ722G
Reviews of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Isekai
(forthcoming)
Anime Adaptation
None
Manga Adaptation
None
If you liked The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Isekai, you might also want to try…
English Title: Adachi and Shimamura Japanese Title: 安達としまむら — “Adachi to Shimamura” Author: Hitoma Iruma – 入間人間 Illustrator: Non – のん Translator: TBA Genre: Yuri, Romance, Slice of Life Original Run: March 2013 – ongoing English Run: April 2020 (eBook) June 2020 (Print) – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Dengeki Bunko (ASCII Media Works) English Publisher: Seven Seas Volumes in Japanese: 8 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
The yuri light novels about a sweet romance between high school girls–soon to be an anime series!
Adachi is skipping class when she first meets fellow truant Shimamura in the gym loft, and just like that, a friendship is born. Except now Adachi’s having dreams about kissing her, and she doesn’t know what that means, but she’s pretty sure it’s not something you do with a friend. What are these strange feelings she has when she thinks of Shimamura? And is it possible Shimamura feels the same way?
Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside
English Title: Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside Japanese Title: 真の仲間じゃないと勇者のパーティーを追い出されたので、辺境でスローライフすることにしました — “Shin no Nakama ja Nai to Yuusha no Party wo Oidasareta node, Henkyou de Slow Life suru Koto ni Shimashita” Author: Zappon- ざっぽん Illustrator: Yasumo – やすも Translator: TBA Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance Original Run: June 2018 – ongoing English Run: June 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko (Kadokawa Shoten) English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) Volumes in Japanese: 6 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Synopsis: Red was born with incredible powers, and he seemed like the perfect candidate to join the front lines in the fight to save the world-but before he could, he was told this wasn’t where he belonged. Instead, he finds his destiny in an apothecary…
After a lifetime of dominating the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of his enemies and companions alike, Gaius Balderus has relinquished his title and fame for a simple life in the country—back to where his hometown once stood decades before. But when he discovers a neighboring Kobold settlement, rescuing the strongest of their warriors, he quickly decides to protect the canine-looking fairies from impending threats!
Kobold King vol 1 is one of the first new titles from J-Novel Club’s Legend imprint; a label dedicated to Kodansha titles with darker themes and more mature content. The series is written by Syousa and features cover art by sime. The English ebook was released January 2020, and was translated by Fatuma Muhamed.
After serving the previous king and bringing glory to the kingdom during the Five Year War, serving the crown princess as both guard and husband, and leading the valiant Knights of the Chain for decades, Gaius Balderus has chosen a more peaceful life for himself. Sick of the constant politics of the kingdom, and at odds with the current ruler, the hulking warrior has rescinded his hard-fought glory in hope to return to his humble roots. The man is both feared and respected across the land—his huge stature, enormous strength and horrific cursed facial scar all painting a fearsome picture, only enhanced by his many nicknames: “ally-killer”, “slayer of fifty” and more. His scary looks (due in part to being part troll) and rumored reputation (thanks to the twisting of legends) hide his true self—a kind and earnest man, with a heart of gold and simple dreams.
After returning to the ruins of his hometown, Gaius runs into the Greadwood, the land’s fearsome forest full of monsters, to rescue a screaming child from attack. What he finds is a Bugbear and a talking dog. The ferocious monster is no match for our hero, and once killed the dog introduces herself as White Fog—a Kobold warrior, member of the canine-looking fairy clan of which humans have only heard rumors. She brings him back to the Kobold settlement a little further down the riverbank, and the gruff-looking man soon becomes besotted with the fluffy adorableness of the townspeople. All is not well, however, as Gaius learns about how humans had attacked the Kobold’s previous town—looting the valuables and slaughtering indiscriminately. Caring and protective as he is, the man decides to help keep them all safe.
This isn’t just Gaius’s story though, as we also meet a variety of interesting characters too. There’s half-elf Sashalia, who defects from her position to follow Gaius (and her heart); Dwaemon, a cocky (in more ways than one) teenage dwarf who is adventuring to make a name for himself; and Darke, a sultry and powerful young woman who toys with the idea of becoming Gaius’s adoptive daughter. The three join the older man for their various reasons, and with the Kobolds, work together to save the furred residents of the town from more human attacks.
Kobold King and its characters leave me very mixed, and for much of the middle chapters I found myself questioning how the book had so drastically betrayed my expectations. Thankfully, by the end the gravity of the situation and the character writing managed to pull the story back into ‘enjoyable’ for me, but there were still problems I’m not sure it will ever fully shake. One of my favorite aspects of the early chapters was the relationship and interaction between Gaius and Fog, which we unfortunately lose midway through. The two have a very likeable and understandable friendship; she’s his only ally early on, and together they work to protect the Kobolds as best they can.
On the other hand, the rest of the non-Kobold cast have very distinct personalities which although give this story added dimension, also make them hard to like at points. Sashalia, despite being in her twenties, looks (and sometimes acts) like a child because of her elven heritage. Her romantic feelings for a man several decades her senior is fine in-and-of-itself, but petty jealousy is her defining character trait for most of the book; compounded by her tsundere “I don’t love him” denials and the weird emphasis on her body being pre-pubescent, it leaves a weird vibe to the whole thing. Darke might be even worse, continually manipulating Gaius with the hope she’ll let him adopt her, whilst knowing she never will. Her main goal is to steal his virtue—yes, in the carnal way—in order to repay him for saving her as a child. She’s recognized as having fallen into madness by the book, but again, it just leaves a weird vibe. I also don’t think these two ladies ever have a conversation (or a thought) that isn’t about Gaius; Syousa certainly isn’t passing any type of Bechdel Test here. Dwaemon at least is to the point and understandable—his entire motivation is the possibility of bedding beautiful women across the land—but dedicates himself on becoming stronger, a true storied hero, after suffering multiple defeats. His excited perversion is almost (almost) quaint.
Although the plot seemed to treat everything seriously, I was never quite sure if the constant discussion of bodily waste was meant to be a joke or not. I can handle a poop joke or two, don’t get me wrong, but I almost had to start a counter with how often characters voiced their need to got to the bathroom, kids played with monster droppings, etc. I feel crazy even mentioning it, but it was so prolific I can’t not. I also had to take a moment to process what I was reading when it was flippantly revealed our hero has a self-inflicted castration curse on him, but at least that has a semi-logical in-story explanation. It’s an odd unevenness when paired with the otherwise heavy violence, or the heartwarming interactions between Giaus and the Kobolds.
The villains of the piece are fairly rote and expected for this sort of plot and setting, but they do give the finale impact. I mentioned earlier that I was drawn back into the story by the end, and it really was because of how heavy and lasting the consequences were throughout. There’s a distinct lack of plot armor around as well, which worked well in getting the reader invested. It gave stakes to the fighting; true moments of visceral pain showing that ‘yes, the threat is real’. This book definitely feels different to many of J-Novel’s previous releases, and I think it’s a good indication for the Legend imprint going forward.
Although I didn’t love everything about this book, I do find Gaius very likeable, if somewhat naive for his age. And after the final fight of this book, there’s some interesting potential here with the other characters too. In some ways this book reminds me a lot of Little Princess in Fairy Forest, and I’d recommend that if you enjoyed this one—don’t judge a book by its cover (or title). All in all, I wouldn’t say this is a perfect book, but it’s definitely got more teeth than your average fantasy light novel. If you like the (non-isekai) fantasy setting, enjoy consequences to your fights and don’t mind an uneven middle chunk, give Kobold King vol 1 a try!
I’m a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl’s Pet
English Title: I’m a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl’s Pet Japanese Title: Sランクモンスターの≪ベヒーモス≫だけど、猫と間違われてエルフ娘の騎士(ペット)として暮らしてます — “S-Rank Monster no “Behemoth” dakedo, Neko to Machigawarete Elf Musume no Pet toshite Kurashitemasu” Author: Ginyoku Nozomi – 銀翼のぞみ Illustrator: Yanomitsuki – 夜ノみつき Translator: TBA Genre: Adventure, Ecchi, Isekai, Comedy Original Run: March 2018 – October 2018 English Run: June 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: GC Novels (Micro Magazinesha) English Publisher: Yen On (Yen Press) Volumes in Japanese: 2 (Complete) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
Synopsis: After dying in a fight against the forces of evil, a knight found himself reincarnated as one of the most powerful monsters in the world: a behemoth! Problem is, he has to grow up before he can really strut his stuff, and a baby behemoth looks an awful lot like…a housecat?! And when an elf adventurer decides to take him in, she may need his help as much as he needs hers!
English Title: Buck Naked in Another World Japanese Title: 新約・異世界に転生したら全裸にされた — “Shinyaku Isekai ni Tensei Shitara Zenra ni Sareta” Author: Madoka Kotani – 狐谷まどか Illustrator: Mochiusa – もちうさ Translator: TBA Genre: Comedy, Isekai Original Run: August 2019 – ongoing English Run: July 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: Mag-Garden Novels (Mag Garden) English Publisher: Seven Seas Volumes in Japanese: 2 (In Progress) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
In this new light novel series, enjoy a screwball action romcom―in another world!
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.
English Title: Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World Japanese Title: N/A Author: Ryohgo Narita – 成田 良悟 Illustrator: Tite Kubo – 久保帯人 Translator: Jan Mitsuko Cash Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural Original Run: August 2017 – December 2018 English Run: July 2020 – ongoing Japanese Publisher: JUMP J-BOOKS (Shueisha) English Publisher: Viz Media LLC Volumes in Japanese: 3 (Completed) Volumes in English: 1 (In Progress)
The bestselling paranormal action adventure manga series Bleach continues in novel form as an all-new threat arises!
The Quincies’ Thousand Year Blood War is over, but the embers of turmoil still smolder in the Soul Society. Tokinada Tsunayashiro, elevated to head of his clan after a slew of assassinations take out every other claimant to the title, has a grand plan to create a new Soul King. His dark ambitions soon sow the seeds of a new total war across the realms, but all is not lost. There is one unlikely Soul Reaper who holds the key to defusing the conflict—Shuhei Hisagi, Assistant Captain of the Ninth Company and reporter for the Seireitei Bulletin!
Hey there light novel fans! Time for our monthly look at the series making their debut in English. This month there are five titles coming out, and they’re from a mix of companies. J-Novel Club still holds the most, with three, but Seven Seas and Yen On each have titles premiering this month. And they’re titles with some substantial hype!
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!
Traveling to another world, either by accident, magic summoning, death, cruel twist of fate, on a research assignment, or just on vacation, means dealing with a whole lot of change all at once. In this compilation, the authors of the SAKKA KEIHAN writing circle explore the ins and outs of what to expect when you’ve been transported to another plane of existence.
Six different short stories cover the authors’ ruminations on how to get by in these other worlds, whether you’re headed over voluntarily or finding yourself just trying to survive.
You’ll probably want to bring a towel; things are going to get slimy. Don’t think it’ll save you from a fireball, however.
The yuri light novels about a sweet romance between high school girls–soon to be an anime series!
Adachi is skipping class when she first meets fellow truant Shimamura in the gym loft, and just like that, a friendship is born. Except now Adachi’s having dreams about kissing her, and she doesn’t know what that means, but she’s pretty sure it’s not something you do with a friend. What are these strange feelings she has when she thinks of Shimamura? And is it possible Shimamura feels the same way?
Volume 1 (ebook) Amazon — iBooks — Kobo — Google Play — Bookwalker eBook Releasing April 16, 2020 — ASIN: B084JQVG5J
Lucia Arca was an ordinary, unremarkable laundrymaid in the royal palace. Even her unique magical power, Soap, was boring: it simply created soap bubbles that removed stains. But when she learned one day that Soap could also calm and stop rampaging monsters, the king decreed that Lucia must join the Sacred Maiden and her companions on their quest to cleanse the land and save the world.
On a mission to save the world alongside the Sacred Maiden, the famed Dragonslayer, a prodigy magician, and other great heroes, what is an ordinary laundrymaid like Lucia to do?
But she learns that even extraordinary heroes are ordinary people, in their own way. A heart-warming romantic comedy featuring an ordinary but earnest heroine!
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.
