Light Novel Discussion Thread

seitora

Well-Known Member
Book 3 of the above

Things that happen in this book. Tomozaki gets a practice date with Aoi Hinami, and then goes on several real dates with a girl from his class. He gets a part-time job, goes on an overnight camping trip with several of his classmates, participates in a fast-moving scheme to get two of their classmates to go out with each other. Things actually move at a reasonably decent click, and while Tomozaki still has his loner moments (and has a chapter later on where he loses motivation and becomes a recluse for a week again), he's shown visible improvement with each passing novel.

At one point, Tomozaki plays Hinami again in the Smash Bros. expy, Atafami. He notes that the one difference between Hinami and everyone else he plays in Atafami is that she is capable of improving at the game more quickly than he does, whereas with any other player, Tomozaki leaves them further and further behind over time as he's always getting better than the other person. I assume the series endgame would be him becoming socially on par with Hinami, but doing it in his own way and terms, and not needing to follow her advice all the time. There's a section near the end where he's able to debate with her about how she socially manipulates everyone to basically be on top of the school hierarchy, and winning as the actor behind the character in the game, versus winning as the actual character.

Anyways, I've seriously raved about this series. I dunno. Maybe it's just the zeitgeist of my mood, that it somehow captured my imagination. Perhaps it's the way the two character leads interact, in a weird friends-rivals-mentor dynamic that's always shifting around and drives the entire series. It's kind of like a toned down version of Death Note but with less supernatural deaths and mind games and more self-improvement, if I'm to search for an analogy.
 

seitora

Well-Known Member
Book 4 of Bottom-tier Character Tomozaki

In this book, a few things occur. A student skips class, a sports tournament takes place, and some subtle bullying. Tomozaki is charged with getting the class queen bitch actually interested in the sports tournament.

The narrative is still building up towards Tomozaki becoming a couple with a girl he's had dates on-and-off with since the second volume. The author shifts into purple prose whenever describing this girl, which is kind of a weird literary shift, but I've been able to roll with it since it makes some sense in context. Despite that, I still expect a series end would be Tomozaki and Aoi Hinami, the girl who got him engaged in 'winning at the game of life'. Him and her continue to have some values dissonance, but the two still roughly agree on the methods to progress through life. In Volume 4, Tomozaki is beginning to show some flexibility and ability to adjust on the fly with tripping up Hinami. It's subtly amusing to see the two play verbal games with each other while in the middle of a four-way or five-way conversation, taking the initiative and batting things over to the other person.

Also, a long, steady trend has been the two characters essentially uplifting other members of the cast, mostly fellow class members. There's easily three or four classmates who have also shown strong (positive) character growth in the series, and it's mostly been the effect of Tomozaki and Hinami's efforts. The final scene of Volume 4 even ends with another classmate making a resolution to become more resilient.

If anyone else still reads this topic, I highly encourage you to read these novels! The first half of the first volume might be a little bit of a tripping point (a complete social recluse gets called out for his habits, after all), but it's really engaging how much progress the characters have made thus far.
 

LORD_ARM

Well-Known Member
If anyone else still reads this topic, I highly encourage you to read these novels! The first half of the first volume might be a little bit of a tripping point (a complete social recluse gets called out for his habits, after all), but it's really engaging how much progress the characters have made thus far.
I started to watch the anime so far I'm liking it but I can't help but be distracted that one of the girls looks like the main character from Full Metal Panic.

Bookwalker has a pretty good deal right now for volume 1-3 of a lot of the light novels that end today. So far I picked up a lot for myself.

Survival in Another World with My Mistress! Vol. 1
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs Vol. 3
The World's Strongest Rearguard: Labyrinth Country's Novice Seeker, Vol. 3
Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf! Volume 1
The Otherworlder, Exploring the Dungeon, Vol. 1
My Quiet Blacksmith Life in Another World: Volume 1
The Sorcerer King of Destruction and the Golem of the Barbarian Queen Vol. 1


So far I have read Survival in Another World with My Mistress! Vol. 1 which is pretty good I recommend it. Basically, the MC just sent to a fantasy world where he has Minecraft powers.
 

PCHeintz72

The Sentient Fanfic Search Engine mk II
Read Realist Hero light Novel 15... which finally was delivered the other day to me when it was originally supposed to be out back in July. Overall I liked the medical situation he had a part in solving. And liked the discussion on magiculum...

I'm not really too sure though of some of the conclusions that the author is giving to Souma's original world to this current world he finds himself in. The idea that he is in the future of his own world is a bit much to swallow, but I suppose can be explained with some very odd events and coincidences happening in the next 300 or so million years having occurred to make all this the way it is.

We know the world Souma finds himself in currently has a year that is 380 days, weeks are 8 days, and the continents do not match at all and the fact that it is warmer in the north (implying strongly the axial tilt is different). And cursed ore is inert magiculum.

Regarding length of year, generally it is accepted that the year has been getting shorter as the Earth ages, not longer, I believe at one point it was thought the year was over 419 days in the distant past. For the year to increase form the current 365 days to 380 could be accounted for if the planet was moved further from the sun. Possibly done (presumably after Souma was summoned away) to get around a known issue that in some 600 million to 1 billion years the Earth will be too hot to live on as the sun gets hotter and eventually turns into a giant.

The number of days per week could have been increased as a part of moving the planet.

If we go by continental drift projections, the fictional super continent Landia MIGHT be the super continent predicted about 300 million years in the future called Pangaea Proxima. It is a bit of a reach, as the projected map I've seen does not account for the nine headed dragon island nation and is more stretched further in the north south direction than Landia has and garland is not broken off. Part of that could simply be inaccuracy in the projection, but also inaccuracy in the maps Souma has access to since they were not made by Satellite.

See projected Pangaea Proxima supercontinent about 1:09 into the below:

And compare/contrast to the fictional Landia supercontinent:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/genjitsushugisha/images/f/fa/Landia_-_Post_Eastern_Union_Fall_Map_(LN).png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20220119203602

The fact it is mentioned multiple times the fact it is warmer in the north implies the axial tilt is wrong but the axial tilt has been found to wobble a bit and it is believed at one point the earth was nearly on its side for a portion of its history. I once read a study that said basically as long as the overall tilt was < 40 degrees, the planet could still have a viable ecosystem for human life, though if it did tilt that much, it would have a very cold pole and very warm pole (south and north respectively) as described in the books.

That cursed ore is inert magiculum is actually somewhat credible if the theory on magic being nano machines is true. If we go and take some of their arguments to extreme, magiculum being nano machines would explain a lot of related things, like all the demi-humans.

All this speculation, even if true, leaves holes still though... Like the fact that in 300 million years, I would have expected humanity to evolve, and diverge, and probably not be close enough anymore for Souma to be able to interbreed with the new humans. Also, where the Demons form the Demon Lords Domain came from.

I actually think it still more likely Souma was transplanted to a parallel world, which would also explain much, if not all, of what we know.
 
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PCHeintz72

The Sentient Fanfic Search Engine mk II
Came across a light novel series that sparked my interests on Amazon, so picked up the first volume and read it. A Loner Life In Another World.

Liked the 1st one so much ordered the next two.

Interesting premise. guy notices a summoning circle appear in his classroom, unlike everyone else, he does his damnnest to get away, even attempting to go out an emergency hatch... but he does not get far enough away to not also get summoned. But he was far enough away to delay him making it to a summoning chamber. The rest of the class already moved on, having been given the opportunity to seelct any special powers they wanted. Because of the delay all the good ones were taken and only supposed crappy ones were left. The protagonist manages to so upset the guy running things that the guy goes insane and gives him ALL the remainning attributes.

The problem is some of these conflict, and some make it hard to socialize. He actually gets attributes for being a Loner and being a NEET but has maximum luck stats. These make it so he cannot remember names of people or even cities at all. but is otherwise smart. He actually is more powerful being on his own.

Everyone manages to get offended at him, all while he thinks he is the good guy and saving them. Even despite the odds manages to get 20 girls from his class to like him, even as they are exasperated with him.

He actually is forced to kill one of his own classmates whom became insane on power using his own abilities to steel other abilities and murder several fellow classmates.
 

MastaofBitches

Well-Known Member
Yeah, I bought that one a while ago. I've also been reading the Web Novel version.
 

PCHeintz72

The Sentient Fanfic Search Engine mk II
Hmmm... some odds and ends

The next realist hero light novel seems to still be on track for toward the end of the month.

I noticed though that the next Loner Life in Another World seems to have been delayed a month and is now slated for late June.

I recently got Hi Dive, and been watching a few good series there, one of them was Eminence of Shadow... Was so impressed by the anime and taken with it I ordered the first 4 light novels off of Amazon.

Another series finished on Hi Dive was MaoYu... anyone know if there was a good light novel series for that one in English and if still available?
 

LORD_ARM

Well-Known Member
Hmmm... some odds and ends
Another series finished on Hi Dive was MaoYu... anyone know if there was a good light novel series for that one in English and if still available?
Have you tried The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs on Crunchyroll? I recommend both the anime and the light novel. The anime has a pretty good dub and if you like it the novels get a bit more into the lore of the series. One thing I find very unique about the series is the romance
the two female love interests are just as much in love with each other as they are with the MC so it's not a harem but a poly relationship.

If you happen to have a library card you should check out https://www.hoopladigital.com they have a bunch of light novels there even a couple of audiobooks.

audiobooks

A lot of Vampire Hunter D

Black Summoner, Volume 1

Faraway Paladin

How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom

By the Grace of the Gods: Volume 1

They also have Shield Hero but I won't recommend it the audiobook is absolutely terrible.

ebooks

A bunch of random stuff from J-Novel Club
 

PCHeintz72

The Sentient Fanfic Search Engine mk II
Have you tried The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs on Crunchyroll? I recommend both the anime and the light novel. The anime has a pretty good dub and if you like it the novels get a bit more into the lore of the series. One thing I find very unique about the series is the romance
the two female love interests are just as much in love with each other as they are with the MC so it's not a harem but a poly relationship.?
I've *seen* Trapped in a Dating Sim, yes. Quite liked it overall, though there are a few cringy moments in it. As far as the anime goes I'm pretty sure as of the last time I checked it was slated for a 2nd season, but it was not announced exactly when that would be. I've not read it, but had debated picking up the light novels for that one.

Another related one I've been debating is My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! I read a Trapped in a Dating Sim and My Next Life as a Villainess fusion fan fiction story. Pretty good..

I'm not a fan of audiobooks. i prefer to immerse myself in the stories I read, not listen to them.
 

LORD_ARM

Well-Known Member
Another related one I've been debating is My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! I read a Trapped in a Dating Sim and My Next Life as a Villainess fusion fan fiction story. Pretty good..

I'm not a fan of audiobooks. i prefer to immerse myself in the stories I read, not listen to them.
I myself am a big fan of audiobooks with almost 500 audiobooks in my Audible Library. By the way, my favorite genre of books is LITRPG(if you don't know what it is think of it as a Western version of isekai books).

Oh by the way, you can check out "My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!" Vol.01-5, 08, and 10 at libbyapp.com





If you happen to be interested in LITRPG I would recommend these books

Dungeon Crawler Carl

He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure: He Who Fights with Monsters

Ritualist: Completionist Chronicles

Noobtown

Ripple System

The Stitched Worlds

Oh, Great! I Was Reincarnated as a Farmer
 

chronodekar

Obsessively signs his posts
Staff member
I've read all 7 of the Completionish Chronicles. It's a good timepass series. As in; not stellar or world-class plot, but a good light read. There are events happening, but for the most part it's easy to follow. The biggest disappointment is that the hero is a Marty Sue kind of character. He's not invincible and has his share of difficulties ... but they way he resolves them reminds me of that trope.

If you like stories about video-game-like-worlds and want something light/fun to read, give CC a shot. If you are undecided, just give book 1 a go. The rest of them follow along the same vein. Which means, if you don't like book 1, you'll probably not like the others.

@LORD_ARM,

Can I recommend to you "Way of the Shaman" ? Specifically books 1-6. Am not saying book 7 is bad, but around book 6, a long-running plot point is resolved and it feels like a good spot to stop reading without dealing with potential cliff-hangers.

Another one, that I can't get enough of is "Mother of Learning" - it's a complete webnovel, that is also published on amazon and has books on audible. It's not a litrpg book, but is an Excellent groundhog-day style story with magic.

-chronodekar
 

PCHeintz72

The Sentient Fanfic Search Engine mk II
I received my 4 Eminence in shadow light novels the other day... excellent reads... Highly recommended.

I should receive my pre-ordered How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (Light Novel) Vol. 16 next week. I've been eagerly looking forward to that one for some time. Sadly Vol. 17 is not due out in December.

Sadly, my Loners Life In Another World Vol. 5 seems to be delayed until mid to late June, it was originally slated for May. Hope Vol. 6, also pre-ordered, is not delayed, currently slated for August.
 

LORD_ARM

Well-Known Member
Can I recommend to you "Way of the Shaman" ? Specifically books 1-6. Am not saying book 7 is bad, but around book 6, a long-running plot point is resolved and it feels like a good spot to stop reading without dealing with potential cliff-hangers.
-chronodekar
Sorry for the long time to reply. I got the first book "Way of the Shaman" a long time ago but I don't remember much of it. You can check out the whole series at hoopla. I might try to First book again and see how it is.

Another one, that I can't get enough of is "Mother of Learning" - it's a complete webnovel, that is also published on amazon and has books on audible. It's not a litrpg book, but is an Excellent groundhog-day style story with magic.

-chronodekar
That's another book I have the First of and I still haven't got around to it so I can't say much by it but I always hear good things.
 

PCHeintz72

The Sentient Fanfic Search Engine mk II
Been reading the Trapped in a Dating Sim light novels... finally decided to get them all in batches of 2 or 3 at a time since December... I just finished book 8, but now have up to book 10, with book 11 on pre-order. Don't normally pipe up much in this thread, but felt had to vent a bit ever reading book 8. I've been a bit disappointed from the middle of the Alzer arc on so far.

The problem is from the middle of the Alzer arc events seemed to be repeating... meaning snotty noble gets big head, snotty noble insults Leon, snotty noble does something to a girl, Leon decided to involve himself to save damsel in distress and teach snotty noble a thing or two. Thing was though all through this he was out thinking everyone. Even had him and Luxion out thinking and fooling another AI and showing it their place.

Book 8 could be nicknamed the pick on Leon book. The author also dumbed Leon down a bit, probably for comic reasons. Leon from the early books and even the prior book would talk back far more effectively and viciously than here and the prior books had him brilliantly out thinking even natives of Alzer... This book had him taking crap from everyone. I doubt he would sit on the beautiful blackmail material on Jenna with the provocation she has been giving him to use it on her. Since she was never forced to face consequences for trying to blow him up. Not sure he would reveal it in front of parents as then it is useless against her going forward, but confront her in private and threaten to use it to get her to back off I could see.

I actually did like the portrails of Angelica and Olivia, except for the dreadfully done bit of cosplay and being convinced to call him 'big brother'. Why would they even care if he said he disliked little sisters... Even Angelica at one point admitted his sisters gave him provocation...

Really.. with the recent actions of king, the Alzer nobility, his unwanted promotions, his forced interactions with Marie and the 5 idiots, this latest incident with Cleare... I would have expected him to just cut all but minimal ties to all except Luxion and 3 fiancees (plus Cordelia and Yumeria) and retreat to the separate island home... while that would make for a boring story, it would actually make sense as something Leon would do.

I do hope books 9 and 10 of the above better.

On a different note, recently plowed through the The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt light novels volumns 1 through 11. Quite liked them. I have book 12 on pre-order.

On a 2nd different note, I love the anime new series "7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy". I just the other day ordered the 4 available light novels, and pre-ordered the 5th. Looking forward to them. By the way, does anyone know offhand what she did during the one loop she skipped mentioning... We know (1)trading company business woman, (2)herbalist, (3)medical researcher,(4)maid,(6)soldier, and now (7)slacker/marry villian prince/business partner.

Also besides the above mentioned pre-orders, I've also on pre-order the next books of Eminence in Shadow, Loners Life in Another World, and Realist Hero.
 

MastaofBitches

Well-Known Member
Supposedly, according to that cesspit Reddit, the thing with the Alzer arc is it was supposed to finish sooner than it did, but he had to stretch it out for some reason? Can't confirm one way or the other though.
 
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