Ranobe |「ラノベ」

An abbreviated word in Japanese for Light Novels, a type of young adult fiction full of fun tropes, often with anime-style illustrations.

The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life Volumes 1 and 2 by Usata Nonohara, Illustrations by OX. Published by Yen On (Yen Press). I was excited enough by this series that I wanted to write up my impressions after I finished the first volume, but I wanted to read the 2nd volume first to get an idea of the direction of the story before I wrote up my post. This series is about a teenage alchemist named Mariela, who lives on her own after being tutored by her master, an experienced Alchemist. She makes a living…

Navi

10 Feb 2025 A Young Lady Finds Her True Calling Living With the Enemy

A Young Lady Finds Her True Calling Living with the Enemy - LN 1

I’m super excited to talk about this book! I normally like to wait to check out books from the library to see if I actually like them, but I just knew from the premise that this one was going to be something I’d love. The premise is as follows: Bertine, the woman pictured on the front, a noble daughter of a Marquess from the island Kingdom of Luenne and, is sold off by her country as part of a negotiation for reparations in a war between the continental Empire (who Luenne was supporting), and a southern country called “The Federation”.

Navi

10 Feb 2025 Expedition Cooking with the Enoch Royal Knights

Expedition Cooking with the Enoch Royal Knights LN 1-3

I’ve been reading this adorable series recently! It’s called Expedition Cooking with the Enoch Royal Knights. It’s a slice of life fantasy series about a female elf, Mell Risurisu, who leaves her village to work in the capital city of their country with other humans. She decides to work as a knight since there aren’t any jobs who would hire an unknown elf with no magic powers, where elves are usually known for being quite magically inclined. Even though she’s part of the knights, she’s more of a combat medic and cook. The knight squadron she joins is full of…

Navi

10 Feb 2025 Onmyoji and Tengu Eyes

Onmyoji and Tengu Eyes - LN 1-2

I recently finished reading Volumes 1 and 2 of Onmyoji and Tengu Eyes, published by Cross Infinite Worlds. The story is about Misato Miyazawa (long black hair), an independent onmyoji (occult expert) who leaves his elite family in order to live on his own after an attempt on his life. He gets a job at the local Town Hall at the “Abnormal Disaster Unit”, a department dedicated to dealing with occult and spiritual issues. He ends up living with Ryouji Karino (blonde), an outgoing guy with who works as a freelance buddhist monk. I generally enjoy “procedural” series that deal with…

Navi

10 Feb 2025 Dawn of the Mapmaker

Dawn of the Mapmaker: The Surveyor Girl and the Forbidden Knowledge - LN 1

I’ve been researching more light novels to read, and I discovered “Dawn of the Mapmaker: The Surveyor Girl and the Forbidden Knowledge” which is published by Cross Infinite World. It’s published directly from Syosetsu, meaning that it hasn’t been published in Japan, but was translated and published into English directly. Instead of using light novel tropes, it’s more like a western type fantasy. I really enjoyed the fact that the main character, Unen’s only power is her ability to make maps! (Except for her mysterious magic sensitivity, think of the whispers Frodo heard while wearing the ring). It’s not often…

Ranobe |「ラノベ」

Recommended Topics