I Only Have Six Months to Live, So I’m Gonna Break the Curse with Light Magic or Die Trying: Volume 1

I Only Have Six Months to Live, So I’m Gonna Break the Curse with Light Magic or Die Trying #1

by Genkotsu Kumano, Falmaro (Illustrator), Piyo (Translator)

Prince Callus was born with a mortal curse that marks him as a Taboo Being. His days are numbered, and he’s been told the last six months of his life will be nothing but bedridden suffering. This grim future haunts him...until he meets Gourley, who can wield light magic. Callus becomes the magician’s apprentice in hopes that this legendary power might dispel his curse if he can manage to master it in the time he has left. He has immense magical energy and the rare ability to see spirits on his side, after all, not to mention friends and family who are there to support him every step of the way. And so Callus stakes his life on this mission... It’s time to learn light magic or die trying!

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Magic

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Aelvana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prince Callus was born cursed---and none of the Taboo Beings have lived very long. Just when his time is nearly up, he finds a glimmer of hope thanks to a light mage. But since the mage can't attend him forever, he has only six months to learn light magic to deal with the issue himself.

I liked everything about this book that wasn't tied to harem-building. Callus's curse has enough mysterious aspects that it's clear something else is going on than just a disease. It might be tied to magical affinity, or a super high capacity for magic, or some kind of spirit of darkness---there are a lot of options. And unraveling the magic is the fun part. They haven't even solved it all by the end, so this mystery looks like the ongoing plot thread.

And Callus's relationships with his family, his servants, and the old mage who tries to teach him magic can also be good. His family had to hide his existence, but are completely supportive of him in their own ways.

Where I think this stumbles is how pretty much all the girls are harem bait. The knight's daughter who does a stupid thing and then falls in love with Callus when he rescues her. The research assistant who falls in love with Callus because he's the only person her age who can engage her in her interests. The maid who is stealthily setting things up so that she can always be by his side.

Since the end is pointing towards Yet Another Academy Arc, I'm on the fence about this. If the series can maintain is focus on the magic and the mystery, I think it could be pretty good. But if it bogs down in harem fantasies, then it's just going to be yet another utterly generic fantasy harem offering. For now, tentatively, Recommended.

[Genielle Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I really enjoy reading this series. It was heart warming and fun. The characters all are all developed and the story was easy to follow. I can't wait for next book to come out!

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the first volume, this is great. A beginning to fight a curse, though it's still not finished in this volume. But this volume is a good foundation for the next journey. The Adventure looks promising.