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Hakushaku to Yousei #1
Earl and Fairy: Volume 1
Lydia Carlton is a fairy doctor who can see and communicate with fairies. When she embarks on a journey to visit her father in London, she’s kidnapped by a young man named Edgar Ashenbert who introduces himself as an earl and requests Lydia’s aid in searching for a treasured sword that will prove his status. Although she finds his story dubious, Lydia agrees to work with him—if only because he’s her first real client. Meanwhile, rumors of a heinous burglary abound, and the culprit seems to bear an uncanny resemblance to Edgar...
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2004
22 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Mizue Tani
104 books83 followersMizue Tani is a female light novel writer from Mie prefecture. Graduated from Mie University, in 1997 she won the 6th Shueisha Roman Grand Prize Honorable Mention thanks to her work "Paradise Renaissance-Paradise Revival". One of the most representative works of Mizue Tani is the "Count of Cobalt Bunko and the fairy" series. Her first work for the general public was "I will repair it at the time of memory". It was a hit, selling over 200,000 copies in Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 23, 2023
4.5 rounded up.
What a treat! This is far and away the best translated light novel I've read in a long time, with the language hearkening back to the Victorian era of the story's setting and little to no repetition. It's possible that this is because the book dates to 2004, so the light novel market hadn't ossified the writing yet, but whatever the reason, this is just good. The British folklore is well researched, the setting feels believable, and I am here for this thirty-three volume series. Bring on book two.
What a treat! This is far and away the best translated light novel I've read in a long time, with the language hearkening back to the Victorian era of the story's setting and little to no repetition. It's possible that this is because the book dates to 2004, so the light novel market hadn't ossified the writing yet, but whatever the reason, this is just good. The British folklore is well researched, the setting feels believable, and I am here for this thirty-three volume series. Bring on book two.
October 10, 2016
Lydia!!! I am praising you for trying to do what you want to do, although all the surrounding people saw you as a crazy person. You do not even lost your kindness, and accepted people as they are of now, regardless of their past. That's why Edgar could not let you go, although he may not understand at all what his feeling is. I could not say it is love at first sight, but I believe the warmth that you gave to him makes him enough to not let you go. After all, you are his key person in becoming a better man.
Edgar!!! You bad boy! Those witty, flirtatious remarks that you make to Lydia can make any girl hearts racing. Please keep up with your bantering with Lydia. That's the part I love the most in the book.
Edgar!!! You bad boy! Those witty, flirtatious remarks that you make to Lydia can make any girl hearts racing. Please keep up with your bantering with Lydia. That's the part I love the most in the book.
June 23, 2024
I’m so thrilled J-Novel picked this series up for translation! I’ve been wishing for an English translation of The Earl and The Fairy light novels ever since I read the manga version years ago. I can’t wait to read more about Lydia, Edgar, and Raven!
September 23, 2021
2.5⭐️
I’ve counted no less than three TSTL moments of the heroine. Also, there’s way too many illogical actions that the characters did. I keep wondering why Edgar has to sacrifice Lydia when he could just use the bad guys (Huxley and his minions).
I’ve counted no less than three TSTL moments of the heroine. Also, there’s way too many illogical actions that the characters did. I keep wondering why Edgar has to sacrifice Lydia when he could just use the bad guys (Huxley and his minions).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2016
Quando, ormai anni fa, vidi l'anime di 12 episodi tratto da questa novel, il mio primo pensiero fu che ci fosse qualcosa di strano. Era troppo veloce e, per quanto mi fosse piaciuto, non era riuscito a convincermi completamente. Così, cercai informazioni sul manga, che consta di 4 volumi, e scoprii l'esistenza della light novel, che di volumi, invece, ne ha 33. Considerando che una novel occupa dai 3 ai 4 episodi, si può ben comprendere quanto della storia originale sia andato perduto nella resa animata.
Finalmente, dopo anni di ricerche, sono riuscita a trovare ben 11 dei 33 volumi tradotti in inglese (all'epoca trovai pochissimi capitoli, che mi fecero passare anche solo la voglia di provare a leggerlo) e, visto che i traduttori sembrano intenzionati a portare a termine il progetto, mi sono finalmente decisa.
Sin da questo primo capitolo della saga, si nota come le differenze con l'anime siano tante, anche all'interno dello stesso volume: sebbene, in effetti, segua pedissequamente lo svolgimento della trama e Raven ed Edgar abbiano comunque un passato triste alle spalle, la controparte animata racconti tutto in un modo più leggero: sì, Edgar ha vissuto come schiavo, ma non ci viene raccontato tutto il dolore e le traversie che ha patito; sì, Raven ha sangue di fata, ma c'è qualcosa di più profondo, dietro i suoi occhi verde scuro, che l'anime non riesce a rendere. E poi, c'è Ermine, che nell'anime è già morta, ma che, invece, nel romanzo, conosciamo; anzi, assistiamo anche noi alla sua dipartita e scopriamo il motivo, estremo, che la spinge a tale gesto.
Ci troviamo, quindi, in una vicenda tutto sommato simile, ma che, ovviamente, grazie a questi elementi, assume un valore e una profondità completamente diversi. Non oso immaginare, quindi, quanto ci siamo persi nei prossimi volumi, e non vedo l'ora di scoprirlo.
Finalmente, dopo anni di ricerche, sono riuscita a trovare ben 11 dei 33 volumi tradotti in inglese (all'epoca trovai pochissimi capitoli, che mi fecero passare anche solo la voglia di provare a leggerlo) e, visto che i traduttori sembrano intenzionati a portare a termine il progetto, mi sono finalmente decisa.
Sin da questo primo capitolo della saga, si nota come le differenze con l'anime siano tante, anche all'interno dello stesso volume: sebbene, in effetti, segua pedissequamente lo svolgimento della trama e Raven ed Edgar abbiano comunque un passato triste alle spalle, la controparte animata racconti tutto in un modo più leggero: sì, Edgar ha vissuto come schiavo, ma non ci viene raccontato tutto il dolore e le traversie che ha patito; sì, Raven ha sangue di fata, ma c'è qualcosa di più profondo, dietro i suoi occhi verde scuro, che l'anime non riesce a rendere. E poi, c'è Ermine, che nell'anime è già morta, ma che, invece, nel romanzo, conosciamo; anzi, assistiamo anche noi alla sua dipartita e scopriamo il motivo, estremo, che la spinge a tale gesto.
Ci troviamo, quindi, in una vicenda tutto sommato simile, ma che, ovviamente, grazie a questi elementi, assume un valore e una profondità completamente diversi. Non oso immaginare, quindi, quanto ci siamo persi nei prossimi volumi, e non vedo l'ora di scoprirlo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2011
It has been a long time since I last read "Earl and Fairy: A gentlemanly rogue" (Volume 1 in the series), but I still remember it very well.
The novel is much better than the Anime, which I watched first.
Earl and Fairy is a very long series about the so-called fairy doctor Lydia, who can see feiries and talk to them. She has a fairy cat, Nico, who hates pretending to be a "normal" cat and enjoys tea and liquor.
One day, Lydia is kidnapped by Edgar, a handsome young man who presents himself as Earl Ashenbert. He says he is a descendant of the Blue Knight Earl, who was married to the queen of the fairies ages ago. This would make Edgar the new king of the fairie people, but is he telling the truth, or is he just trying to convince Lydia to find the legendary Earl's sword for him?
Earl and Fairy was the first book I read in Japanese, so I'm very emotional and nostalgic about it. I love the atmosphere in the books, and I looooooove Edgar. Especially since he's not only handsome, but witty as well!
I would definetely recommend this to anyone who is able to read Japanese.
The novel is much better than the Anime, which I watched first.
Earl and Fairy is a very long series about the so-called fairy doctor Lydia, who can see feiries and talk to them. She has a fairy cat, Nico, who hates pretending to be a "normal" cat and enjoys tea and liquor.
One day, Lydia is kidnapped by Edgar, a handsome young man who presents himself as Earl Ashenbert. He says he is a descendant of the Blue Knight Earl, who was married to the queen of the fairies ages ago. This would make Edgar the new king of the fairie people, but is he telling the truth, or is he just trying to convince Lydia to find the legendary Earl's sword for him?
Earl and Fairy was the first book I read in Japanese, so I'm very emotional and nostalgic about it. I love the atmosphere in the books, and I looooooove Edgar. Especially since he's not only handsome, but witty as well!
I would definetely recommend this to anyone who is able to read Japanese.
May 30, 2023
I adore the story it is truly an enjoyable one. Lydia is a refreshing heroine she is kind and considerate to everyone to fault and does all she can to the right thing. Yes she messes up at times but that is part of her charm. She’s a naive young woman thrust into a dangerous outside world she is forced to grow rather quickly and learn to adapt. Edgar himself can be rather a flirt and cocky individual on the outside but deep down there is so much more to him. He is a fascinating mysterious character who always brings a chuckle or gasp to me depending on how he presents himself. The side characters of Raven, Ermine and Nico are rather fun as well bringing their own parts to the tale and each providing support to the leads.
That being said I love this book I have read it many times in rough translation and it always captured my attention. Yet this official translation truly brings out the personality and heart of the characters.
The writing fits the time period and the historical context is taken seriously along with adding in the fairy lore and myths. Not your typical sweet fairy characters but rather ones you’d find in a Shakespeare and old legends. Dangerous but incredibly captivating.
A bit of an adventure story with you typical treasure hunt with stakes and your characters having to learn to work together to face the challenges ahead. I find this part always rather fun and engaging how fairy lore is mixed in and plays a part in the hunt.
If you didn’t know this is an introduction to a long going series so you can’t expect the characters to be perfect part of the charm is the development throughout the flaws. And believe me they will grow over time.
This isn’t your typical romance series in fact it’s a refreshing slow burn that plays upon some of the tropes without having our leads entirely in love in the first few books.
I think introductions to all the characters are handled quite well and has always been an enjoyable read. The English translation just enhances it.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
That being said I love this book I have read it many times in rough translation and it always captured my attention. Yet this official translation truly brings out the personality and heart of the characters.
The writing fits the time period and the historical context is taken seriously along with adding in the fairy lore and myths. Not your typical sweet fairy characters but rather ones you’d find in a Shakespeare and old legends. Dangerous but incredibly captivating.
A bit of an adventure story with you typical treasure hunt with stakes and your characters having to learn to work together to face the challenges ahead. I find this part always rather fun and engaging how fairy lore is mixed in and plays a part in the hunt.
If you didn’t know this is an introduction to a long going series so you can’t expect the characters to be perfect part of the charm is the development throughout the flaws. And believe me they will grow over time.
This isn’t your typical romance series in fact it’s a refreshing slow burn that plays upon some of the tropes without having our leads entirely in love in the first few books.
I think introductions to all the characters are handled quite well and has always been an enjoyable read. The English translation just enhances it.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
January 20, 2022
It's a mix of childish naivety (the liberties taken with Victorian England and logic in general, a very stereotypical heroine, etc.) and some interesting ideas...
Lydia, especially, is a bit too much of a cardboard. She is the 'written like she is supposed to be clever and brave, but still acts very dumb and naïve ... but none of that matters because she has a golden heart' type we've seen a million times before. She stumbles in all the 'right' moments that will either make the situation worse or more 'romantically awkward' in an extremely predictable ways. Her reactions are very anime and often impossible to emphasize with. She is also a red-haired beauty with green eyes who thinks her hair and eyes make her ugly ... ugh.
Edgar is also a typical 'beautiful hero' with a 'very tragic and difficult past' which is an excuse for his personality problems, but who also must be very kind deep inside, and 'very lovable despite his darkness' overall. Also a cliché, but much easier to read than Lydia.
I think the most annoying part was the fact the 'villains' kept appearing in 'exactly the right place at the right time' without really any logic or reason. Somehow they always knew correctly exactly where the main characters were headed, exactly when they will appear there, they were able to solve the same puzzles only Lydia was supposed to be able to solve quicker than her and open all the same secret doors ... and in the end they were just as easily dismissed without much logic to it either.
You need to swallow a lot of logic holes while reading this, that's for sure, which is a pity. Because being a silly romantic fantasy for girls shouldn't mean it's okay for it to be stupid...
It still has an interesting story and some interesting ideas.
Although, I definitely didn't expect there to be 32 books in this series ....
Lydia, especially, is a bit too much of a cardboard. She is the 'written like she is supposed to be clever and brave, but still acts very dumb and naïve ... but none of that matters because she has a golden heart' type we've seen a million times before. She stumbles in all the 'right' moments that will either make the situation worse or more 'romantically awkward' in an extremely predictable ways. Her reactions are very anime and often impossible to emphasize with. She is also a red-haired beauty with green eyes who thinks her hair and eyes make her ugly ... ugh.
Edgar is also a typical 'beautiful hero' with a 'very tragic and difficult past' which is an excuse for his personality problems, but who also must be very kind deep inside, and 'very lovable despite his darkness' overall. Also a cliché, but much easier to read than Lydia.
I think the most annoying part was the fact the 'villains' kept appearing in 'exactly the right place at the right time' without really any logic or reason. Somehow they always knew correctly exactly where the main characters were headed, exactly when they will appear there, they were able to solve the same puzzles only Lydia was supposed to be able to solve quicker than her and open all the same secret doors ... and in the end they were just as easily dismissed without much logic to it either.
You need to swallow a lot of logic holes while reading this, that's for sure, which is a pity. Because being a silly romantic fantasy for girls shouldn't mean it's okay for it to be stupid...
It still has an interesting story and some interesting ideas.
Although, I definitely didn't expect there to be 32 books in this series ....
April 10, 2024
Cuando empecé con las novelas ligeras —todo gracias a "mi feliz matrimonio"— nunca pensé volver a una historia que marcó parte de mi niñez
El primer volumen de "El conde y la hada" me hizo rememorar el anime, pero de forma distinta. Está claro que los libros son completamente diferentes a sus adaptaciones, siendo la novela mucho más completa.
La historia tiene tintes detectivescos por decirlo de alguna forma, siendo la mitología y una leve pincelada de la historia de Reino Unido parte esencial de la trama en si. Diría que las hadas se entremezclan con la historia monárquica de Inglaterra medieval y victoriana.
Los personajes me encantan. Lydia, Egdar, Ermine, Raven y Nico, todos ellos tienen personalidades que encantan; sombras y luces que se aprecian a lo largo de una historia de amistad, libertad, pero también de mentiras y perturbaciones.
La trama no me gustaría tocarla, porque es un campo minado de spoiler. Puede que comente algo nimio que de todas formas implicaría un spoiler gordísimo más adelante en el libro. Así que, descubran por su cuenta lo que yo lloré y reí.
En fin, no creo poder agregar más a lo antes escrito, solo puedo decir que me siento agradecida por haberme encontrado con una parte de mi.
Por último:
El primer volumen de "El conde y la hada" me hizo rememorar el anime, pero de forma distinta. Está claro que los libros son completamente diferentes a sus adaptaciones, siendo la novela mucho más completa.
La historia tiene tintes detectivescos por decirlo de alguna forma, siendo la mitología y una leve pincelada de la historia de Reino Unido parte esencial de la trama en si. Diría que las hadas se entremezclan con la historia monárquica de Inglaterra medieval y victoriana.
Los personajes me encantan. Lydia, Egdar, Ermine, Raven y Nico, todos ellos tienen personalidades que encantan; sombras y luces que se aprecian a lo largo de una historia de amistad, libertad, pero también de mentiras y perturbaciones.
La trama no me gustaría tocarla, porque es un campo minado de spoiler. Puede que comente algo nimio que de todas formas implicaría un spoiler gordísimo más adelante en el libro. Así que, descubran por su cuenta lo que yo lloré y reí.
En fin, no creo poder agregar más a lo antes escrito, solo puedo decir que me siento agradecida por haberme encontrado con una parte de mi.
Por último:
October 7, 2024
Clever read. Strong characters. Wonderful lore.
I previously read this book when J-novel.club serialized it. As enjoyable as that experience was, the book is so much better when read cover to cover. Tani’s lore and research was impressively well thought out. The characters were consistent, and both the earl and the fairy grew from beginning to the end.
There were some narrative choices taken that caught me off guard. Tani would take time out to describe a setting during an action scene in a way that enhanced the experience without detracting from the action. Characters would betray each other in unexpected ways. Lydia would make decisions that would upset her fairy familiar. It was delightful to see characters be true to themselves while still surprising me.
There was such strong writing craft in this first novel that I found it an inspiring read, especially since it taught me fairy lore that I had to research to verify. Over all, Lydia started as a damsel in distress who eventually seized control of her fate. What a delightful read.
I previously read this book when J-novel.club serialized it. As enjoyable as that experience was, the book is so much better when read cover to cover. Tani’s lore and research was impressively well thought out. The characters were consistent, and both the earl and the fairy grew from beginning to the end.
There were some narrative choices taken that caught me off guard. Tani would take time out to describe a setting during an action scene in a way that enhanced the experience without detracting from the action. Characters would betray each other in unexpected ways. Lydia would make decisions that would upset her fairy familiar. It was delightful to see characters be true to themselves while still surprising me.
There was such strong writing craft in this first novel that I found it an inspiring read, especially since it taught me fairy lore that I had to research to verify. Over all, Lydia started as a damsel in distress who eventually seized control of her fate. What a delightful read.
April 7, 2024
idk how much of it is pure nostalgia, but ah this was so much fun! started it mainly bc I want to know how it all ends and they never continued the manga 😔 but the fairy lore and stuff is still very enjoyable and whimsical just as I remember. there was a little bit of unecessary colorism in the beginning and I'm glad they didn't put that in the anime. Relieved that I still really enjoy Edgar and Lydia's relationship so much. when Edgar said, “Why is it, I wonder, that I find it so difficult to lie to you?” aaaa it's still so good!! also made me realize that I've always had a weakness for the charismatic chaotic evil x cute neutral/lawful good pairing, specifically when the chaotic evil is constantly flirting with the mc 🤭
July 7, 2021
So the man in this is really a criminal that wants to kill her which is better than the "Supposed to be a decent man but is a possessive serial killer instead." Also the main character doesn't act like so much of a doormat, but she still sticks with Edgar. However once she gets her agency in the end, of course shit man in the end forces her to work for him and she can't refuse because he does it through the Queen.
Not sure why this who series hasn't been localized yet as it's perfect trash that gets localized. Maybe it's the 30+ novels for a book series aimed at women that licensers looks and cringe and look over to the 30+ novels of gross porn for men instead.
Not sure why this who series hasn't been localized yet as it's perfect trash that gets localized. Maybe it's the 30+ novels for a book series aimed at women that licensers looks and cringe and look over to the 30+ novels of gross porn for men instead.
April 15, 2021
Hakushaku to Yousei. or The Earl and The Fairy.
This is a romance, fantasy, light novel series, set in 19th century England. There is also manga and anime adaptation.
I watched the anime a long time ago but the novels were so much better!
Lydia Carlton is a fairy doctor who can simply see fairies and talk to them.
Edgar Ashenbert is an Earl who is a descendant of the Blue Knight Earl, or that's what he claims to be. He wants to find a legendary sword of the Earl and to do that he needs the help of a fairy doctor.
This is a romance, fantasy, light novel series, set in 19th century England. There is also manga and anime adaptation.
I watched the anime a long time ago but the novels were so much better!
Lydia Carlton is a fairy doctor who can simply see fairies and talk to them.
Edgar Ashenbert is an Earl who is a descendant of the Blue Knight Earl, or that's what he claims to be. He wants to find a legendary sword of the Earl and to do that he needs the help of a fairy doctor.
Read
December 9, 2019i like it es la mejor novela ojala lo hubiesen adaptado mejor en el anime jeje
May 26, 2023
3.5 rounded up. RTC
December 19, 2023
2 stars…
”A quiet whisper crossed her mind: that this earl, descended from a human knight with dominion over fairies, might just understand her.”
Just watch the anime. At least it actually makes sense.
”A quiet whisper crossed her mind: that this earl, descended from a human knight with dominion over fairies, might just understand her.”
Just watch the anime. At least it actually makes sense.
July 31, 2023
31/07/2023
Can you believe that after ten years this series is over they have finally officially localized it?? I’m so happy I bought all the currently available volumes and I must say it’s worth it. The translator made a great job!
Just as more than ten years ago when I read the novel for the first time, I absolutely loved the first volume! Edgar is such a (lovable) jerk and Lydia is as strong-headed as I remember her ❤️.
This time though (maybe because of the wonderful localization) Edgar, Raven and Ermine’s past seemed even more bleak and tragic than the first time I read about it :(
Still, I’m on a roll now and I plan to reread the whole series (I think I stoped at volume 15 out of 33 so it will take me a while but I don’t mind, this is one of those stories I keep close to my heart.
Can you believe that after ten years this series is over they have finally officially localized it?? I’m so happy I bought all the currently available volumes and I must say it’s worth it. The translator made a great job!
Just as more than ten years ago when I read the novel for the first time, I absolutely loved the first volume! Edgar is such a (lovable) jerk and Lydia is as strong-headed as I remember her ❤️.
This time though (maybe because of the wonderful localization) Edgar, Raven and Ermine’s past seemed even more bleak and tragic than the first time I read about it :(
Still, I’m on a roll now and I plan to reread the whole series (I think I stoped at volume 15 out of 33 so it will take me a while but I don’t mind, this is one of those stories I keep close to my heart.
August 26, 2021
The further I read it, the better I love it. 33 volumes, including short stories and a special fan book, showed the depth of each character.
Sweet moments that can give you smiles everytime; scenes that have you read again and again to analyze the reasons/feelings behind them and so much more.
I've been a fan of this series for more than 7 years, although it was finished long ago.
The only regret is that it was not published in English or in my mother tongue. The translation teams have been doing an amazing job so far but I can't help but wish I could hold my own books in my hands and reread each volume and love it all over again :((
Sweet moments that can give you smiles everytime; scenes that have you read again and again to analyze the reasons/feelings behind them and so much more.
I've been a fan of this series for more than 7 years, although it was finished long ago.
The only regret is that it was not published in English or in my mother tongue. The translation teams have been doing an amazing job so far but I can't help but wish I could hold my own books in my hands and reread each volume and love it all over again :((
April 1, 2014
i really like the story.And i want to read the next volume but can't find it.
January 11, 2015
Veeery cute and surprisingly interesting!
July 20, 2016
5/10
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews