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No.6 Light Novels #1
No. 6, Volume 1
どうしてあの夜、ボクは窓を開けてしまったんだろう？
飢えることも嘆くことも戦いも知らずに済んだのに。
2013年の理想都市「NO．6」。
エリート居住区にすむ紫苑（シオン）は12歳の誕生日の夜、特別警戒地域から逃走した少年・自称ネズミと出会う。その瞬間、紫苑の人生はリセットされた。待つのは破滅……！？
飢えることも嘆くことも戦いも知らずに済んだのに。
2013年の理想都市「NO．6」。
エリート居住区にすむ紫苑（シオン）は12歳の誕生日の夜、特別警戒地域から逃走した少年・自称ネズミと出会う。その瞬間、紫苑の人生はリセットされた。待つのは破滅……！？
215 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2003
114 people are currently reading
1741 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
November 6, 2012
No.6 is a special story. If you're looking for a good psychoanalysis about human society, you're in the right place. If you're thinking to snob it because it's a light novel, you are missing out quite a bit.
No.6 is a suffocating dystopian utopia: public transport runs on time, you get whatever you want as long as you have money, security is the most important thing and the people of the city are the happiest in the world, because they're so lucky to be living in such a peaceful place that complaining is absurd.
You can easily draw analogies with some Western countries.
The question is: are you okay? Aren't you feeling like something is really wrong? Do you ever look around and wonder if someone else has your same doubts?
This is how the main character feels.
Shion is very naïve and ignores everything that happens outside No.6, but can't help feeling repressed. He wants to break free, because even if he's living in a super-luxurious apartment and has got the chance to attend the best school, he can't help but feeling wrong. He is intelligent and good-naturate, but he does things based on his emotions. When it comes to the one he loves, he cannot think. He just acts, ignoring the consequences of his actions.
Nezumi is another story. He's brilliant,smart and very much a straightforward person. Him being mysterious and harsh attracts Shion. Nezumi is, in fact, everything Shion isn't. They're opposite and somehow feel the same. What brings Shion to like Nezumi and follow him is the feeling of wanting to break free. He wants to know the world. He wants to discover the truth and Nezumi is the right person for him and also the only one who speaks rather honestly to him. He's cruel, but also gentle at the same time. He always says what he thinks, but he has secrets yet.
I know people think this is all about the relationship between the main characters, but I don't think so. This is about emotions and rationalism. About society and what we make of it. There is no good or evil, no black and white. There are only grey shadows. By the time you finish this book, you'll be asking yourself a few questions about the world we live in.. If you don't, then you haven't been pay much attention to the story while reading it.
No.6 is a suffocating dystopian utopia: public transport runs on time, you get whatever you want as long as you have money, security is the most important thing and the people of the city are the happiest in the world, because they're so lucky to be living in such a peaceful place that complaining is absurd.
You can easily draw analogies with some Western countries.
The question is: are you okay? Aren't you feeling like something is really wrong? Do you ever look around and wonder if someone else has your same doubts?
This is how the main character feels.
Shion is very naïve and ignores everything that happens outside No.6, but can't help feeling repressed. He wants to break free, because even if he's living in a super-luxurious apartment and has got the chance to attend the best school, he can't help but feeling wrong. He is intelligent and good-naturate, but he does things based on his emotions. When it comes to the one he loves, he cannot think. He just acts, ignoring the consequences of his actions.
Nezumi is another story. He's brilliant,smart and very much a straightforward person. Him being mysterious and harsh attracts Shion. Nezumi is, in fact, everything Shion isn't. They're opposite and somehow feel the same. What brings Shion to like Nezumi and follow him is the feeling of wanting to break free. He wants to know the world. He wants to discover the truth and Nezumi is the right person for him and also the only one who speaks rather honestly to him. He's cruel, but also gentle at the same time. He always says what he thinks, but he has secrets yet.
I know people think this is all about the relationship between the main characters, but I don't think so. This is about emotions and rationalism. About society and what we make of it. There is no good or evil, no black and white. There are only grey shadows. By the time you finish this book, you'll be asking yourself a few questions about the world we live in.. If you don't, then you haven't been pay much attention to the story while reading it.
June 22, 2021
• Hace casi 10 años que conocí No.6
• Hace casi 10 años que me enamoré de Sion y Nezumi.
• Hace casi 10 años que el anime me dejó un gran vacío en el corazón.
Ahora, este 2021, rememorando uno de los animes que más he visto, descubrí que es también una novela ligera. No perdí tiempo para comenzar a leerlo ¡y es de las mejores decisiones que he podido tomar!
La historia sigue a Sion, un ciudadano de buena clase dentro de una ciudad utópica llamada No.6, y a un criminal llamado Nezumi quién, escapando de unos hombres una noche lluviosa, se encuentra con su salvador.
Es a partir de ahí que el camino de ellos dos se cruza y, poco a poco, se va descubriendo que la ciudad que tanto parece "perfecta" tiene mucho que ocultar.
Una de las cosas que más me ha gustado de la novela es poder saber a mayor profundidad los pensamientos de Sion, esto ha sido hermoso y especial. Me encantó conocer que es aquello que va pensando, sintiendo y los motivos de cada acción que toma.
Además, su personalidad es mejor que en el anime. Lanza más pullitas, es menos reprimido y sabe cómo responder a las provocaciones. ¡Lo amo!
Estoy esperando que en los volumen que siguen pueda saber más de Nezumi. Tiene un carácter algo fuerte, pero al mismo tiempo se puede conocer la bondad que hay en él y, espero, que pueda conocerse a profundidad. No me quejo, claro, pero ya tengo expectativas.
Por último, si bien es cierto que amo demasiado a este par, no toda mi fascinación se debe a ellos. También quiero recordar, descubrir y apreciar todo el mundo que se ha creado y como se irá desarrollando.
Rómpelo.
Destrúyelo.
¿Destruir el que?
Todo.
¿Todo?
• Hace casi 10 años que me enamoré de Sion y Nezumi.
• Hace casi 10 años que el anime me dejó un gran vacío en el corazón.
Ahora, este 2021, rememorando uno de los animes que más he visto, descubrí que es también una novela ligera. No perdí tiempo para comenzar a leerlo ¡y es de las mejores decisiones que he podido tomar!
La historia sigue a Sion, un ciudadano de buena clase dentro de una ciudad utópica llamada No.6, y a un criminal llamado Nezumi quién, escapando de unos hombres una noche lluviosa, se encuentra con su salvador.
Me pregunto... ¿qué hubiera pasado si hubiese obedecido el ruido de advertencia en aquel momento? Lo diferente que hubiera sido mi vida si hubiese cerrado la ventana y decidido quedarme en la sala más o menos seca. No. No lamento para nada mis actos de aquel entonces.
Es a partir de ahí que el camino de ellos dos se cruza y, poco a poco, se va descubriendo que la ciudad que tanto parece "perfecta" tiene mucho que ocultar.
Una de las cosas que más me ha gustado de la novela es poder saber a mayor profundidad los pensamientos de Sion, esto ha sido hermoso y especial. Me encantó conocer que es aquello que va pensando, sintiendo y los motivos de cada acción que toma.
"La vida estaba en el delicioso sabor del agua que humedecía su garganta; estaba en el color del cielo que se extendía frente a sus ojos, el tranquilo aire de la tarde, el pan recién hecho, la sensación definida de los dedos de alguien, suaves, la risa secreta; “Shion, ¿En qué tienes esperanza?"
Además, su personalidad es mejor que en el anime. Lanza más pullitas, es menos reprimido y sabe cómo responder a las provocaciones. ¡Lo amo!
Estoy esperando que en los volumen que siguen pueda saber más de Nezumi. Tiene un carácter algo fuerte, pero al mismo tiempo se puede conocer la bondad que hay en él y, espero, que pueda conocerse a profundidad. No me quejo, claro, pero ya tengo expectativas.
— No me importa la razón. Esa ventana que imprudentemente dejaste abierta fue mi golpe de suerte. (...) Descubrí por primera vez que cosas como esa podían suceder. Que una mano auxiliadora pudiera extenderse así milagrosamente… fuiste el primero que me enseñó eso.
Por último, si bien es cierto que amo demasiado a este par, no toda mi fascinación se debe a ellos. También quiero recordar, descubrir y apreciar todo el mundo que se ha creado y como se irá desarrollando.
Rómpelo.
Destrúyelo.
¿Destruir el que?
Todo.
¿Todo?
August 29, 2011
Note: Read this as a fan-translation, available here. Eta: Previous person seems to have dropped the project, but there is another person still translating here, already half-way through vol 2.
Good lord, these kids are broken.
I'm going to have to disagree with the majority here and say that so far, I think this works better in the anime. Certain things just come across better - like Nezumi's drama-queening - but I feel like the book also is adding to my understanding of the characters and events, and I enjoyed the first volume.
I'm not even going to address the prose, since a) it's a fan-translation and b)I'm completely unfamiliar with the conventions of Japanese prose. (Like, consistency of pov, or rather, complete lack thereof. What's up with that?)
I guess I feel the anime has thus far tightened things up, but I'm enjoying getting more of a view into Shion's bogglingly inscrutable noggin, too. Although I gotta say, this is coming off as even more of a straight-up romance than in the anime - I would not have thought it was even possible that the anime was actually toning the gay down, but there you are. If these boys ain't gay for each other, I'll eat my shoe.
Good lord, these kids are broken.
I'm going to have to disagree with the majority here and say that so far, I think this works better in the anime. Certain things just come across better - like Nezumi's drama-queening - but I feel like the book also is adding to my understanding of the characters and events, and I enjoyed the first volume.
I'm not even going to address the prose, since a) it's a fan-translation and b)I'm completely unfamiliar with the conventions of Japanese prose. (Like, consistency of pov, or rather, complete lack thereof. What's up with that?)
I guess I feel the anime has thus far tightened things up, but I'm enjoying getting more of a view into Shion's bogglingly inscrutable noggin, too. Although I gotta say, this is coming off as even more of a straight-up romance than in the anime - I would not have thought it was even possible that the anime was actually toning the gay down, but there you are. If these boys ain't gay for each other, I'll eat my shoe.
September 10, 2019
[softly screams]
i need to stop collecting book children it's only bringing me pain
i need to stop collecting book children it's only bringing me pain
January 9, 2015
"Time ambles along.
Everything changes.
But I'll never forget."
This is a review for he entire No. 6 light novel series.
Shion lives the good life in Chronos, the elite part of his beloved city No. 6. This status was given to him during his birth after he certified with an extremely high IQ and likely positive future. Things are easy in No. 6; no crime, everyone's happy and well off, people treat each other with respect and kindness... Virtually flawless. Everything is going right for Shion and his mother.
That is, until Shion's 12th birthday. A wounded boy finds his way inside Shion's room and overwhelmed with kindness and the desire to help, Shion heals the boy and provides him shelter from the storm outside.
However, the boy, Nezumi, vanishes the next morning, leaving a confused Shion to face the Security Bureau at his doorstep. Suddenly, Shion finds himself and his mother being evicted from Chronos and stripped of their elite status for aiding a convict. Thus, their security and prosperity at No. 6 comes to a screeching halt; they leave their spacious home and friends to a tiny home in Lost Town.
Fast forward four years, and Shion does not regret a single decision he has made on his 12th birthday. When tragedy strikes Shion again, Nezumi is there to help, but not without forcing Shion to make life changing choices. Knowing he cannot possibly return back to No. 6, where he is publicly announced as a dangerous criminal, Shion leaves the comfort of the government of No. 6 into the West District, where people of all colors and ages freeze and starve to death, and where there is little law or logic to how people treat one another.
Missing his mother and his childhood friend, Safu, dearly, Shion is adamant to go back to No. 6, especially when a strange disease looms over its posh citizens. However, Nezumi has other plans: destroy No. 6. And though Shion doesn't quite seem to understand why Nezumi, his very savior, is so hellbent on taking down No. 6, Shion begins to see that his beloved city is not all that it seems. Which leaves with the ultimate question as to who will Shion support: Nezumi or No. 6?
This series is my all time favorite. That's it. The manga, the anime, and the light novel tops all other animes I've watched, all other mangas I've read. I wish I could coherently explain why. But there's something so beautiful and tragic about this series, something so profound, that it is incomparable to any other I've read.
I admit. The series is a little slow to begin. At first it seems everything is happening at once, but then it slows down, which really explains why the anime itself is only 11 episodes long. But the anime fails in so many aspects compared to the light novel series.
Despite its slow pace, the character growth is visible. Every novel adds to each character and every character is explained and because of that, every character grows a considerable amount when you compare their introductions to their endings. You don't get that from the anime, and you certainly don't get that from a lot of things you may read or watch.
The main plot centers around No. 6 but it is intwined with the other subplots of the series. Each character has beef with the city yet at the same time, each subplot adds to the eventual climax of the story. What's even more amazing, each subplot acts as a sort of reasoning as to why no one has fought against the city before. Inevitably this reminds me or the reader that despite wanting to do good in the world, every action has a reaction and consequence.
And then of course, there is Nezumi and Shion. And it hurts so bad but I promise, all nine novels are worth reading the story of these two boys hopelessly being tied together by a fate that neither had believed in before. Their friendship, dare say their budding affection for one another, guides them to make the ultimate sacrifices of morality, dignity, love, and tragedy.
I think this series especially reminds everyone that you do not always get the ending you want in life and love. There is always a sense of rebuilding one's self over and over again as time passes on. And unfortunately, as time passes, that means people are left behind or strings are left untied. But still, this series will teach you that though you are dealt with certain cards, you are ultimately in charge of your own future.
I will never forget this series. Ever.
Everything changes.
But I'll never forget."
This is a review for he entire No. 6 light novel series.
Shion lives the good life in Chronos, the elite part of his beloved city No. 6. This status was given to him during his birth after he certified with an extremely high IQ and likely positive future. Things are easy in No. 6; no crime, everyone's happy and well off, people treat each other with respect and kindness... Virtually flawless. Everything is going right for Shion and his mother.
That is, until Shion's 12th birthday. A wounded boy finds his way inside Shion's room and overwhelmed with kindness and the desire to help, Shion heals the boy and provides him shelter from the storm outside.
However, the boy, Nezumi, vanishes the next morning, leaving a confused Shion to face the Security Bureau at his doorstep. Suddenly, Shion finds himself and his mother being evicted from Chronos and stripped of their elite status for aiding a convict. Thus, their security and prosperity at No. 6 comes to a screeching halt; they leave their spacious home and friends to a tiny home in Lost Town.
Fast forward four years, and Shion does not regret a single decision he has made on his 12th birthday. When tragedy strikes Shion again, Nezumi is there to help, but not without forcing Shion to make life changing choices. Knowing he cannot possibly return back to No. 6, where he is publicly announced as a dangerous criminal, Shion leaves the comfort of the government of No. 6 into the West District, where people of all colors and ages freeze and starve to death, and where there is little law or logic to how people treat one another.
Missing his mother and his childhood friend, Safu, dearly, Shion is adamant to go back to No. 6, especially when a strange disease looms over its posh citizens. However, Nezumi has other plans: destroy No. 6. And though Shion doesn't quite seem to understand why Nezumi, his very savior, is so hellbent on taking down No. 6, Shion begins to see that his beloved city is not all that it seems. Which leaves with the ultimate question as to who will Shion support: Nezumi or No. 6?
This series is my all time favorite. That's it. The manga, the anime, and the light novel tops all other animes I've watched, all other mangas I've read. I wish I could coherently explain why. But there's something so beautiful and tragic about this series, something so profound, that it is incomparable to any other I've read.
I admit. The series is a little slow to begin. At first it seems everything is happening at once, but then it slows down, which really explains why the anime itself is only 11 episodes long. But the anime fails in so many aspects compared to the light novel series.
Despite its slow pace, the character growth is visible. Every novel adds to each character and every character is explained and because of that, every character grows a considerable amount when you compare their introductions to their endings. You don't get that from the anime, and you certainly don't get that from a lot of things you may read or watch.
The main plot centers around No. 6 but it is intwined with the other subplots of the series. Each character has beef with the city yet at the same time, each subplot adds to the eventual climax of the story. What's even more amazing, each subplot acts as a sort of reasoning as to why no one has fought against the city before. Inevitably this reminds me or the reader that despite wanting to do good in the world, every action has a reaction and consequence.
And then of course, there is Nezumi and Shion. And it hurts so bad but I promise, all nine novels are worth reading the story of these two boys hopelessly being tied together by a fate that neither had believed in before. Their friendship, dare say their budding affection for one another, guides them to make the ultimate sacrifices of morality, dignity, love, and tragedy.
I think this series especially reminds everyone that you do not always get the ending you want in life and love. There is always a sense of rebuilding one's self over and over again as time passes on. And unfortunately, as time passes, that means people are left behind or strings are left untied. But still, this series will teach you that though you are dealt with certain cards, you are ultimately in charge of your own future.
I will never forget this series. Ever.
December 22, 2018
Fan translated in English.
A wonderful dystopian utopia & coming of age story with elements of fantasy. I've read it last year here: http://9th-ave.blogspot.com/p/no-6.html
Shion & Nezumi made my heart bleed with their suffering. It's a story about life on Earth after some sort of nuclear apocalypse where all remaining population exists in six cities. The way these cities are governed reminds of George Orwell's 1984.
Really liked it.
A wonderful dystopian utopia & coming of age story with elements of fantasy. I've read it last year here: http://9th-ave.blogspot.com/p/no-6.html
Shion & Nezumi made my heart bleed with their suffering. It's a story about life on Earth after some sort of nuclear apocalypse where all remaining population exists in six cities. The way these cities are governed reminds of George Orwell's 1984.
Really liked it.
February 13, 2018
I'm totally biased, as I watched the anime before and fell in love with the story and characters... m/m romance that is adorable not in-your-face, what more can I ask for?
I read a fan translation, THIS ONE, and I think someone did an awesome job there!
Now, I don't think any of the materials related to this story are perfect (still have to read the manga); the anime- many people say the manga is better, the light novel- I do not think it's a genius-masterpiece, and in many instances it feels like a fan fiction, but... there is something so compelling about the characters and the story and the psychological aspects and it's so damn relatable... I just can't help my self and love it, despite it's flaws.
So... i-dont-care-and-i-will-rate-it-5-stars-just-becasue-i-can :)
I read a fan translation, THIS ONE, and I think someone did an awesome job there!
Now, I don't think any of the materials related to this story are perfect (still have to read the manga); the anime- many people say the manga is better, the light novel- I do not think it's a genius-masterpiece, and in many instances it feels like a fan fiction, but... there is something so compelling about the characters and the story and the psychological aspects and it's so damn relatable... I just can't help my self and love it, despite it's flaws.
So... i-dont-care-and-i-will-rate-it-5-stars-just-becasue-i-can :)
July 22, 2018
I loved this as much as the anime. Thank you for taking me out of my reading slump!
November 5, 2020
Estoy muy intrigada por ver qué sigue, el misterio me llama mucho la atención y quiero descubrir que es lo que está pasando. Los protagonistas me gustan mucho y puedo sentir la quimica entre ellos, ademas que ya tenía mucho tiempo sin leer distopias y este regreso al género me emocionó mucho.
Mi único problema es que yo tengo una fobia muy grande y esa fobia es muy importante en este libro... definitivamente no fue agradable leer esas partes pero eso no le quita su mérito al libro.
Mi único problema es que yo tengo una fobia muy grande y esa fobia es muy importante en este libro... definitivamente no fue agradable leer esas partes pero eso no le quita su mérito al libro.
January 6, 2016
1/5/2016
Now that was a good dystopian. More to come.
Now that was a good dystopian. More to come.
November 16, 2015
~“And to take another guess, you’ve probably never read Molière, Racine or Shakespeare before.”
“I haven't.” Shion didn’t argue otherwise. He was too overwhelmed.
“Then what do you know?” Nezumi asked, running a hand through his wet hair.
I read a fan translation which can be found here. Because of that, of course, I can't say anything about the language, but from what I could discern by reading the translation, it should be quite appealing.
I mainly fell in love with this story because it made me think. It made me question the world I live in so much that I actually don't seem able to get this book out of my head anymore. "No. 6" is a socio-critical story and can become rather philosophical at times.
After having read the first manga I simply dived into the light novels (read three of them, so far) without knowing anything more than what the manga had told me. To be honest, I still wonder about the genre sometimes ;) and I am looking forward to reading all the reviews and thoughts of other readers as soon as I've finished the series.
The characters and storyline are intriguing. You're never 100% sure of who you can trust, and who is going to reveal himself as some kind of traitor. I, furthermore, love the atmospheric descriptions and thought-out concepts!
However, I'm not a big fan of POV changes, and they sometimes do occur to show what, meanwhile, is going on in other places. Thankfully, they do not happen very often, so it's not a big deal for me.
All in all, I have become a huge fan of "No. 6". Maybe it is a story for more open-minded people, though, since it seems to have shounen-ai tendencies (as I said, I haven't read anything about the story except for what's written on the back of the manga).
However, if you like stories that make you wonder, think, laugh, sigh in exasperation, and dream, this might be for you.
“I haven't.” Shion didn’t argue otherwise. He was too overwhelmed.
“Then what do you know?” Nezumi asked, running a hand through his wet hair.
I read a fan translation which can be found here. Because of that, of course, I can't say anything about the language, but from what I could discern by reading the translation, it should be quite appealing.
I mainly fell in love with this story because it made me think. It made me question the world I live in so much that I actually don't seem able to get this book out of my head anymore. "No. 6" is a socio-critical story and can become rather philosophical at times.
After having read the first manga I simply dived into the light novels (read three of them, so far) without knowing anything more than what the manga had told me. To be honest, I still wonder about the genre sometimes ;) and I am looking forward to reading all the reviews and thoughts of other readers as soon as I've finished the series.
The characters and storyline are intriguing. You're never 100% sure of who you can trust, and who is going to reveal himself as some kind of traitor. I, furthermore, love the atmospheric descriptions and thought-out concepts!
However, I'm not a big fan of POV changes, and they sometimes do occur to show what, meanwhile, is going on in other places. Thankfully, they do not happen very often, so it's not a big deal for me.
All in all, I have become a huge fan of "No. 6". Maybe it is a story for more open-minded people, though, since it seems to have shounen-ai tendencies (as I said, I haven't read anything about the story except for what's written on the back of the manga).
However, if you like stories that make you wonder, think, laugh, sigh in exasperation, and dream, this might be for you.
June 12, 2014
Vi el animé de No.6 cuando estaba en emisión y siempre quise 'echarle mano' a las novelas, así que he comenzado.
Es el primer volumen y como tal tiene de todo un poco; nos sitúa en el universo de la historia, nos presenta a los personajes y nos da las primeras aproximaciones a los problemas que los rondan —con su justa cuota de misterio e intriga—. Creo que con todos estos elementos es un muy buen inicio. Si bien no nos llena de información si suelta bastante como para hacerse una idea de cómo funciona este mundo y he quedado muy conforme con eso. Personalmente me gustan mucho este tipo de historias sobre vidas controladas, dictaduras, etc.
Me gustan mucho los dos personajes, aunque aún no se dan demasiado datos acerca de Nezumi, se pueden suponer muchas cosas en cuanto a lo que ha sucedido y sobre su odio a la ciudad, pero nada más —por ahora—. Y respecto a Shion ya es otra historia, podemos apreciar como poco a poco comienza a cambiar en base a todo lo que le ha sucedido, podría resultar un personaje bien "fome" en un principio, pero creo que es bastante consecuente con la vida y la "verdad" que ha conocido durante toda su vida, por lo mismo me parece un personaje tan interesante, porque a pesar de ser expuesto a esta nueva "realidad" de forma violenta no ha llegado y asumido todo, sino que ha iniciado un nuevo proceso, una metamorfosis —como la abeja salida de su cuello—.
Bien conforme con esta entrega, así que le doy 5 estrellitas :)
Es el primer volumen y como tal tiene de todo un poco; nos sitúa en el universo de la historia, nos presenta a los personajes y nos da las primeras aproximaciones a los problemas que los rondan —con su justa cuota de misterio e intriga—. Creo que con todos estos elementos es un muy buen inicio. Si bien no nos llena de información si suelta bastante como para hacerse una idea de cómo funciona este mundo y he quedado muy conforme con eso. Personalmente me gustan mucho este tipo de historias sobre vidas controladas, dictaduras, etc.
Me gustan mucho los dos personajes, aunque aún no se dan demasiado datos acerca de Nezumi, se pueden suponer muchas cosas en cuanto a lo que ha sucedido y sobre su odio a la ciudad, pero nada más —por ahora—. Y respecto a Shion ya es otra historia, podemos apreciar como poco a poco comienza a cambiar en base a todo lo que le ha sucedido, podría resultar un personaje bien "fome" en un principio, pero creo que es bastante consecuente con la vida y la "verdad" que ha conocido durante toda su vida, por lo mismo me parece un personaje tan interesante, porque a pesar de ser expuesto a esta nueva "realidad" de forma violenta no ha llegado y asumido todo, sino que ha iniciado un nuevo proceso, una metamorfosis —como la abeja salida de su cuello—.
Bien conforme con esta entrega, así que le doy 5 estrellitas :)
February 1, 2022
feeling an aftg level obsession incoming...
May 3, 2019
Been wanting to read these since I watched the anime.. guess it's time!
August 20, 2013
This is a hard one to rate because I have never loved an anime series as much as No.6 ...But the novel just wasn't what I was expecting. I’ll start off by stating that the version I read was a fan-translation, so for this review I tried my best to ignore style and just see the content. Which is very VERY hard. Nearly impossible because what I did like in the book was shown better through the show, so it seemed pointless to suffer through the rough translation when I could just pop it on and watch it again (and enjoy the eye candy of beautiful art at the same time).
I notice in Japanese to English translations (professional or not) that the sentences tend to be short and feel like a series of statements. I sort of hope that an official translation will take a bit of creative freedom to pace it out to sound more natural. Give it better flow. (There were tons of perspective inconsistencies in this version as well that I’ll disregard for the rating)
Though something the books have over the show is a stronger preview into the character’s thoughts and actions. I was already convinced Shion and Nezumi love each other, but the books confirm it in my opinion. I'm actually quite shocked there are people who don't think they are a thing. I could come up with more evidence, but I’m not entirely sure I’m going to continue reading the novels at this stage so I’ll leave the debate up to those that do.
If this series interests you, I’d definitely recommend the anime before the novel (its light on m/m but has more than enough to keep many fans happy)… or at least wait until professionals picks the novels up. I’m hoping it will be worth the wait!
I notice in Japanese to English translations (professional or not) that the sentences tend to be short and feel like a series of statements. I sort of hope that an official translation will take a bit of creative freedom to pace it out to sound more natural. Give it better flow. (There were tons of perspective inconsistencies in this version as well that I’ll disregard for the rating)
Though something the books have over the show is a stronger preview into the character’s thoughts and actions. I was already convinced Shion and Nezumi love each other, but the books confirm it in my opinion. I'm actually quite shocked there are people who don't think they are a thing. I could come up with more evidence, but I’m not entirely sure I’m going to continue reading the novels at this stage so I’ll leave the debate up to those that do.
If this series interests you, I’d definitely recommend the anime before the novel (its light on m/m but has more than enough to keep many fans happy)… or at least wait until professionals picks the novels up. I’m hoping it will be worth the wait!
February 11, 2012
I actually read a somewhat crappy fan translation of this. However, even if the translation had been perfect it wouldn't have changed the terrible pacing or the fact that the characters spend a stupidly long time just sitting around yammering at each other instead of advancing the plot. The character/relationship development in this series is absolutely delicious, but it would be stronger if so much of it didn't take place in these long, talkative scenes almost completely devoid of actual plot.
If I could find a better translation of the whole series I'd give it another go, but as it is, I'm more than content with the (entertaining, emotional, and totally worthwhile) anime, which at least makes the boring scenes better by letting me look at pretty boys interacting within a strong homoerotic subtext.
If I could find a better translation of the whole series I'd give it another go, but as it is, I'm more than content with the (entertaining, emotional, and totally worthwhile) anime, which at least makes the boring scenes better by letting me look at pretty boys interacting within a strong homoerotic subtext.
January 25, 2015
I find it almost - no, scratch the almost - impossible to rate his objectively. I watched the anime twice and read the manga before reading this in Japanese, and I love the series too much already to be objective. Also, since I'm still new to reading novels in Japanese, I don't think I could judge the style fairly.
I was a bit surprised how quickly - in terms of space on the page - some things happened, though (I mean I would have thought some scenes were longer).
All in all this was fun to read, especially the bits that weren't mentioned in the anime. For a first forray into reading novels, I think this was a good choice, even despite the huge amount of biology vocab.
And it was wonderful to be able to spend time with Nezumi and Shion again.
I was a bit surprised how quickly - in terms of space on the page - some things happened, though (I mean I would have thought some scenes were longer).
All in all this was fun to read, especially the bits that weren't mentioned in the anime. For a first forray into reading novels, I think this was a good choice, even despite the huge amount of biology vocab.
And it was wonderful to be able to spend time with Nezumi and Shion again.
May 23, 2019
Ya no puedo recordar la primera vez que tomé esta novela que está traducida por fans y para fans, claramente esto influye en cosas como algunos errores ortográficos, pero a pesar de todo no cambian ni alteran la coherencia del texto.
Se me ha hecho muy corto y como era de esperar, tiene un corte abrupto muy propio y adecuado para hacer presentación a la segunda novela que comenzaré pronto <3
Estoy muy feliz en la forma como se presenta la trama y es algo que claramente nunca podremos apreciar en el manga o en la serie, la narración es precisa con detalles bastante simples que hacen todo bastante ligero de digerir y claro, destaco la forma en como ambos personajes se presentan. Espero que no me decepcione el resto ;u;
Se me ha hecho muy corto y como era de esperar, tiene un corte abrupto muy propio y adecuado para hacer presentación a la segunda novela que comenzaré pronto <3
Estoy muy feliz en la forma como se presenta la trama y es algo que claramente nunca podremos apreciar en el manga o en la serie, la narración es precisa con detalles bastante simples que hacen todo bastante ligero de digerir y claro, destaco la forma en como ambos personajes se presentan. Espero que no me decepcione el resto ;u;
February 20, 2025
I loved this more than words can say! As a fan of the anime, I have been wanting to read the light novels for some time, in order to get the “full No.6 experience.” So far, I am very pleased. Nezumi and Shion are even better in the book than they are in the anime, and I’m so excited to see what happens next. I know this novel is, well, light, but it’s the first non-manga that I’ve finished in quite a while.
May 25, 2025
how i missed them.
July 18, 2017
*Spoler alert*
Devo dire che l’idea di una light novel distopica mi affascinava parecchio. Il fatto che fosse anche shonen-ai, mi ha letteralmente convinta a leggerla.
L’ambientazione eccezionale (la città stato che impone sui cittadini un controllo assoluto, dalla nascita alla morte, obbligandoli alla fedeltà persino pronunciata nei luoghi di lavoro al timbro del cartellino, che controlla la posizione di ognuno tramite le card identificative, le case di tutti, tramite codici di allarmi e sensori), e i personaggi principali assolutamente affascinanti nella loro diversità e complementarietà (Nezumi e Shion, il primo enigmatico, freddo e calcolatore, il secondo ingenuo e romantico), mi hanno definitivamente conquistata.
La storia si svolge nel 2013: dopo una grande guerra che ha devastato il mondo, l'umanità si è rifugiata in sei grandi città stato. Nella città ideale e perfetta (ma dove, appunto, la sorveglianza e il controllo delle autorità è assoluta) conosciuta come "No. 6" vive Shion, un ragazzo di 12 anni cresciuto fino ad allora in un ambiente privilegiato e d'élite, grazie ai suoi brillanti risultati accademici. Nella notte del suo dodicesimo compleanno la vita di Shion cambia radicalmente, quando si trova ad ospitare e dar rifugio ad un altro ragazzo della sua stessa età, Nezumi (letteralmente “Sorcio”), fuggito da un laboratorio di ricerca.
Dopo una notte trascorsa insieme, la mattina successiva Nezumi scompare nel nulla, senza lasciare traccia. Per aver aiutato il fuggiasco, Shion e la sua famiglia vengono incolpati e privati dei loro privilegi.
Quattro anni dopo, Shion viene coinvolto in una serie di incidenti inspiegabili che sembrano accadere attorno a lui: una mortale infezione fa invecchiare e decomporre con una velocità raccapricciante le vittime colpite.
Un collega di lavoro di Shion risulta essere una delle vittime e lo stesso ragazzo viene arrestato perché sospettato degli omicidi e di aver infranto le regole delle città: mentre il giovane sta per esser trasferito in carcere, Nezumi compare e lo salva.
Nezumi porta Shion nel West Block, in una una specie di rifugio sotterraneo stracolmo di libri, tanti libri che Shion non aveva mai né visto né letto, sebbene di autori importantissimi e considerati dei classici. La sua formazione nella Città Sacra non prevedeva la letteratura, e quindi lui non aveva mai approfondito quegli studi. La letteratura affascina Shion come pure lo affascina Nezumi, con quegli occhi grigi che lo turbano e quelle citazioni continue da Shakespeare, declamate come se fosse un attore di teatro.
La vita al West Block non è come all’interno delle mura della No.6 ma Shion, sebbene senta la mancanza della madre, è felice di essere vivo, di essere scampato alla vespa assassina e di essere con Nezumi che lo ha salvato per ben due volte, anche se lui si mostra spesso freddo e scostante nei confronti di Shion, restio a volergli rivelare il suo vero nome e dove abbia vissuto fino a quel momento.
||“Voglio sapere. Voglio conoscere, perché ci sono ancora così tante cose che non so. Tutto quello che so è che mi hai salvato. Non conosco il tuo vero nome o come sei cresciuto, o perché vivi qui da solo, o cosa stai pensando ora, o quali sono le tue intenzioni...non ne ho idea. Non so una singola cosa di te.”
Si sentì afferrare il polso. Le dita di Nezumi erano sempre fredde e dure.
“Allora ti dirò io qualcosa. Metti qui la tua mano”
Shion fece come gli era stato detto e posò il palmo della mano sul petto di Nezumi.
“Cosa senti?”
“Sento...? Bhe, sembra il torace di un uomo. È duro, piatto”
“Lo so, lo so. Mi spiace per te di non aver grandi tette. Cos'altro?”
“Beh...”
Cosa percepiva in quel momento con il suo palmo attraverso la ruvida stoffa della maglietta di Nezumi? Era il battito del suo cuore, il suo calore, la fermezza della sua carne. Shion esitò a esprimere in parole quello che sentiva. Non riusciva a spiegarsi il perché. Allontanò la mano dall'altro e strinse le dita a pugno. Nezumi sorrise quietamente.
“Il mio cuore stava battendo e sentivi calore, giusto?”
“Certo, sei vivo, è normale il tuo cuore batta e che tu sia caldo”
“E' cosi. Io sono vivo e sono proprio qui davanti a te. Questo è tutto quello che ti basta sapere. Che altro vuoi di più?”
Nezumi si alzò in piedi e guardò Shion dall'alto. Il suo sguardo era freddo come le sue dita.
“Quelle che vuoi sono informazioni" disse freddamente. “La mia data di nascita, come sono cresciuto, la mia altezza, peso, indice di intelligenza, dati del DNA. Vuoi solo informazioni che puoi convertire in numeri. È l'unico modo in cui provi a capire gli altri. Ecco perché non puoi comprendere gli esseri viventi che si trovano intorno a te.”
Shion si alzò in piedi a sua volta. Strinse ancora più forte i pugni.
“Sei bravo col sarcasmo e ami prendere in giro la gente. Non ti piace il pesce e ti agiti nel sonno.”
Ci fu un momento di silenzio.
“...Huh?”
Shion continuò.
“Hai una grandissima conoscenza che spazia in tutti i campi, ma non è metodica. A volte sei capriccioso e permaloso, altre volte sei pigro e incurante dei dettagli. Adori la zuppa bollente e brontoli quando non è abbastanza salata. E la scorsa notte mi hai dato ben tre calci nel sonno.”
“Hey Shion, aspetta un attimo...”
“Da quando sono venuto qui, questo è tutto quello che so di te. Non sono numeri. Non ti sostituirei mai con dei numeri. Non lo farei mai.”
Lo sguardo di Nezumi scivolò lontano da lui.
“Sono solo uno sconosciuto per te” disse. “Non dovresti essere interessato agli sconosciuti. Quattro anni fa mi hai salvato la vita e avevo un grosso debito con te. È per quello che ti ho aiutato. Quindi se vuoi puoi restare qui finché desideri e fare quello che vuoi. Ma non pensare mai di voler conoscere di più su uno sconosciuto.”
“Perché no?”
“Perché diventerebbe un ostacolo.”
“Un ostacolo? Conoscere una persona diventa un ostacolo?”
“Sì, per gente come te. Sei bravo a ricavare informazioni ma ti arrendi facilmente alle emozioni. Ti fidi troppo facilmente della gente ed arrivi ad attaccarti a loro. Te l'ho detto prima, no? Butta via tutto quello che non ti serve.”
“Si, ma...”
“Ma quello che stai facendo ora è l'esatto contrario. Stai iniziando ad interessarti a me e volerne sapere di più. Stai provando ad aggiungere ancora più peso a quello che già porti. Sei uno stupido senza speranza, semplicemente irreparabile.”
Shion non capiva quello che Nezumi stesse dicendo. Era più confuso e difficile da afferrare di qualunque altro libro di scuola letto fino a quel momento.
“Nezumi, non capisco cosa vuoi dire.” Diede voce ai suoi pensieri con sincerità.
“Più sai, più ti attaccherai. Di questo passo non potremo più essere sconosciuti. E quello sarebbe un grosso problema per te.”
“Per me? Perché?”
“Quando diventeremo nemici, non riuscirai ad uccidermi.”||
Nezumi, io lo so, mi ucciderà. No. 6 mi ucciderà. So che succederà, ma non posso fare a meno di andare avanti. Secondo volume, a noi!
Devo dire che l’idea di una light novel distopica mi affascinava parecchio. Il fatto che fosse anche shonen-ai, mi ha letteralmente convinta a leggerla.
L’ambientazione eccezionale (la città stato che impone sui cittadini un controllo assoluto, dalla nascita alla morte, obbligandoli alla fedeltà persino pronunciata nei luoghi di lavoro al timbro del cartellino, che controlla la posizione di ognuno tramite le card identificative, le case di tutti, tramite codici di allarmi e sensori), e i personaggi principali assolutamente affascinanti nella loro diversità e complementarietà (Nezumi e Shion, il primo enigmatico, freddo e calcolatore, il secondo ingenuo e romantico), mi hanno definitivamente conquistata.
La storia si svolge nel 2013: dopo una grande guerra che ha devastato il mondo, l'umanità si è rifugiata in sei grandi città stato. Nella città ideale e perfetta (ma dove, appunto, la sorveglianza e il controllo delle autorità è assoluta) conosciuta come "No. 6" vive Shion, un ragazzo di 12 anni cresciuto fino ad allora in un ambiente privilegiato e d'élite, grazie ai suoi brillanti risultati accademici. Nella notte del suo dodicesimo compleanno la vita di Shion cambia radicalmente, quando si trova ad ospitare e dar rifugio ad un altro ragazzo della sua stessa età, Nezumi (letteralmente “Sorcio”), fuggito da un laboratorio di ricerca.
Dopo una notte trascorsa insieme, la mattina successiva Nezumi scompare nel nulla, senza lasciare traccia. Per aver aiutato il fuggiasco, Shion e la sua famiglia vengono incolpati e privati dei loro privilegi.
Quattro anni dopo, Shion viene coinvolto in una serie di incidenti inspiegabili che sembrano accadere attorno a lui: una mortale infezione fa invecchiare e decomporre con una velocità raccapricciante le vittime colpite.
Un collega di lavoro di Shion risulta essere una delle vittime e lo stesso ragazzo viene arrestato perché sospettato degli omicidi e di aver infranto le regole delle città: mentre il giovane sta per esser trasferito in carcere, Nezumi compare e lo salva.
Nezumi porta Shion nel West Block, in una una specie di rifugio sotterraneo stracolmo di libri, tanti libri che Shion non aveva mai né visto né letto, sebbene di autori importantissimi e considerati dei classici. La sua formazione nella Città Sacra non prevedeva la letteratura, e quindi lui non aveva mai approfondito quegli studi. La letteratura affascina Shion come pure lo affascina Nezumi, con quegli occhi grigi che lo turbano e quelle citazioni continue da Shakespeare, declamate come se fosse un attore di teatro.
La vita al West Block non è come all’interno delle mura della No.6 ma Shion, sebbene senta la mancanza della madre, è felice di essere vivo, di essere scampato alla vespa assassina e di essere con Nezumi che lo ha salvato per ben due volte, anche se lui si mostra spesso freddo e scostante nei confronti di Shion, restio a volergli rivelare il suo vero nome e dove abbia vissuto fino a quel momento.
||“Voglio sapere. Voglio conoscere, perché ci sono ancora così tante cose che non so. Tutto quello che so è che mi hai salvato. Non conosco il tuo vero nome o come sei cresciuto, o perché vivi qui da solo, o cosa stai pensando ora, o quali sono le tue intenzioni...non ne ho idea. Non so una singola cosa di te.”
Si sentì afferrare il polso. Le dita di Nezumi erano sempre fredde e dure.
“Allora ti dirò io qualcosa. Metti qui la tua mano”
Shion fece come gli era stato detto e posò il palmo della mano sul petto di Nezumi.
“Cosa senti?”
“Sento...? Bhe, sembra il torace di un uomo. È duro, piatto”
“Lo so, lo so. Mi spiace per te di non aver grandi tette. Cos'altro?”
“Beh...”
Cosa percepiva in quel momento con il suo palmo attraverso la ruvida stoffa della maglietta di Nezumi? Era il battito del suo cuore, il suo calore, la fermezza della sua carne. Shion esitò a esprimere in parole quello che sentiva. Non riusciva a spiegarsi il perché. Allontanò la mano dall'altro e strinse le dita a pugno. Nezumi sorrise quietamente.
“Il mio cuore stava battendo e sentivi calore, giusto?”
“Certo, sei vivo, è normale il tuo cuore batta e che tu sia caldo”
“E' cosi. Io sono vivo e sono proprio qui davanti a te. Questo è tutto quello che ti basta sapere. Che altro vuoi di più?”
Nezumi si alzò in piedi e guardò Shion dall'alto. Il suo sguardo era freddo come le sue dita.
“Quelle che vuoi sono informazioni" disse freddamente. “La mia data di nascita, come sono cresciuto, la mia altezza, peso, indice di intelligenza, dati del DNA. Vuoi solo informazioni che puoi convertire in numeri. È l'unico modo in cui provi a capire gli altri. Ecco perché non puoi comprendere gli esseri viventi che si trovano intorno a te.”
Shion si alzò in piedi a sua volta. Strinse ancora più forte i pugni.
“Sei bravo col sarcasmo e ami prendere in giro la gente. Non ti piace il pesce e ti agiti nel sonno.”
Ci fu un momento di silenzio.
“...Huh?”
Shion continuò.
“Hai una grandissima conoscenza che spazia in tutti i campi, ma non è metodica. A volte sei capriccioso e permaloso, altre volte sei pigro e incurante dei dettagli. Adori la zuppa bollente e brontoli quando non è abbastanza salata. E la scorsa notte mi hai dato ben tre calci nel sonno.”
“Hey Shion, aspetta un attimo...”
“Da quando sono venuto qui, questo è tutto quello che so di te. Non sono numeri. Non ti sostituirei mai con dei numeri. Non lo farei mai.”
Lo sguardo di Nezumi scivolò lontano da lui.
“Sono solo uno sconosciuto per te” disse. “Non dovresti essere interessato agli sconosciuti. Quattro anni fa mi hai salvato la vita e avevo un grosso debito con te. È per quello che ti ho aiutato. Quindi se vuoi puoi restare qui finché desideri e fare quello che vuoi. Ma non pensare mai di voler conoscere di più su uno sconosciuto.”
“Perché no?”
“Perché diventerebbe un ostacolo.”
“Un ostacolo? Conoscere una persona diventa un ostacolo?”
“Sì, per gente come te. Sei bravo a ricavare informazioni ma ti arrendi facilmente alle emozioni. Ti fidi troppo facilmente della gente ed arrivi ad attaccarti a loro. Te l'ho detto prima, no? Butta via tutto quello che non ti serve.”
“Si, ma...”
“Ma quello che stai facendo ora è l'esatto contrario. Stai iniziando ad interessarti a me e volerne sapere di più. Stai provando ad aggiungere ancora più peso a quello che già porti. Sei uno stupido senza speranza, semplicemente irreparabile.”
Shion non capiva quello che Nezumi stesse dicendo. Era più confuso e difficile da afferrare di qualunque altro libro di scuola letto fino a quel momento.
“Nezumi, non capisco cosa vuoi dire.” Diede voce ai suoi pensieri con sincerità.
“Più sai, più ti attaccherai. Di questo passo non potremo più essere sconosciuti. E quello sarebbe un grosso problema per te.”
“Per me? Perché?”
“Quando diventeremo nemici, non riuscirai ad uccidermi.”||
Nezumi, io lo so, mi ucciderà. No. 6 mi ucciderà. So che succederà, ma non posso fare a meno di andare avanti. Secondo volume, a noi!
April 7, 2024
i read the fan translation that's available on the "Nostalgia on 9th avenue" website (i can't believe these books never got an official release in english). as a fan of the 2011 anime adaptation i was pleasantly surprised to find out that the tv show is very faithful to the original material, at least in the beginning. the writing is smooth and effective, and i simply adore shion and nezumi: they are well rounded, fascinating characters with different perspectives on the world, and it makes their interactions very engaging. also there are so many cute mice in this story and i love mice.
the anime ended things very abruptly and without ever explaining some major plot points, so i cannot wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens!!
the anime ended things very abruptly and without ever explaining some major plot points, so i cannot wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens!!
September 17, 2023
This 1st books doesn't provide enough answers, and that angers me!
This is a dystopia in a utopia where all the civillains are monitored and controlled byt the "big brother" and if they mess anything up, the consequences are cruel. We follow mainly two teenagers: one of them is a citizen if this city who's questionening him, and the other is a mysterious boy whose appearance makes him question his city and its systems.
It introduces an interesting threat, and I'm intrigued to see how it'll be resolved and also to know more about them, because it seems that both of them have some hidden powers or something? also I didn't expect biology to play a big part of this, so that's something
This is a dystopia in a utopia where all the civillains are monitored and controlled byt the "big brother" and if they mess anything up, the consequences are cruel. We follow mainly two teenagers: one of them is a citizen if this city who's questionening him, and the other is a mysterious boy whose appearance makes him question his city and its systems.
It introduces an interesting threat, and I'm intrigued to see how it'll be resolved and also to know more about them, because it seems that both of them have some hidden powers or something? also I didn't expect biology to play a big part of this, so that's something
April 3, 2020
4.5 stars.
I first fell in love with the anime, then the manga; now, it seems, it's the novels turn. Nezumi is one of my all-time favorite characters and reading this just makes me love him even more. I will definitely be reading the next book and, subsequently, keep coming back to this universe. ❤️
I first fell in love with the anime, then the manga; now, it seems, it's the novels turn. Nezumi is one of my all-time favorite characters and reading this just makes me love him even more. I will definitely be reading the next book and, subsequently, keep coming back to this universe. ❤️
August 19, 2022
3.5
for some reason i haven’t seen the anime, so i’m going into this series completely blind. so far it’s not bad, but didn’t offer much more than most dystopian stories, i’m looking forward to seeing more.
for some reason i haven’t seen the anime, so i’m going into this series completely blind. so far it’s not bad, but didn’t offer much more than most dystopian stories, i’m looking forward to seeing more.
August 20, 2024
re-read this on my phone when i'd be out/at work and had some down time. a classic, always a fun read... they're bigger assholes in the book than in the show, it's funny. excited for the live stage play :-)
December 21, 2021
Me gusta mucho esta historia.
May 21, 2022
So, it is true that i had watched the anime, read the manga, and consumed every piece of fanfic i found before reading the novels. But something is sure, i absolutely loved it and not because i was biased. I loved how Shion's character was more vibrant in the novel while Nezumi seemed more vulnerable here. The whole dystopian vibe, ecology, psychological analysis were on point. The characters were very well written and obviously, the relationship build up between Shion and Nezumi got me sitting on a cloud, getting butterflies here and there between the lines. Totally worth the read !
May 6, 2023
I'm just happy that most of the scientific ideas in this book are factually correct.
July 19, 2024
Changed my life
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