魔法科高校の劣等生 2 入学編〈下〉

魔法科高校の劣等生 [Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei] (Novel) #2

by Tsutomu Sato, 佐島勤, Kana Ishida (Illustrator)

達也が風紀委員となったその陰で、謎の組織が魔法科高校に侵入し――。

どこか達観したような面持ちを見せる劣等生の兄と、彼に肉親以上の想いを抱える優等生の妹。一組の血の繋がった兄妹が、魔法科高校へ入学した。
成績優秀、才色兼備な妹・深雪が、主席入学生の慣例として魔法科高校の生徒会にスカウトされた。
そして兄・達也も、とあるトラブルを払いのけた事件をきっかけに、違反行為を取り締まる風紀委員にスカウトされる。
劣等生(ウィード)にもかかわらず、風紀委員メンバーとなった達也。その活動中に、この学校を人知れず侵食する、謎の組織の存在を感じ取る。

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Manga, Magic, Science Fiction, Fiction, Action

296 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2011

About the author

佐島勤 / Tsutomu Sato / Tsutomu Satou

Author of 魔法科高校の劣等生 / Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Reviews

[Saidah Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was great. However, there was something wrong with the translation or the editing. There were too many question marks that cannot be explained away as extra punctuation. It was more like a question, like the translator was asking if that was the right word used. Also, in more than two instances, the wrong name was used even though further dialogue revealed the correct person to whom the speaker or the narrative referred. One bone I have to pick with the original author, though, "Why can't you simply say who is speaking?" Though since this is a translation, you would think that the translator could include it for the benefit of English-speakers.

2nd reading: No need to repeat the editing issues. However, I had more insights while reading this story, with respect to the socio-political philosophy espoused by the characters and plot. Perhaps, because I am older and have more life experience? I am officially an adult now, being 30 years old. I should have a broader perspective now compared to when I was in my teens (or just out of it).

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

"My friend loaned this to me, so I should finish reading it soon," part 2 of 3.

This volume adds gawd-awful capitalist-Randian politics to the previous volume's vaguely creepy sexism, extremely questionable incestuous tease, and "so literal it's incomprehensible" translation.

Will inequality always exist in society? Yes.

Is it society's responsibility to mitigate inequality?

This novel's answer is "NO."

The author has set up the world so that there is a group that is objectively genetically superior to others (rather than the false differences that we humans usually come up with) and the characters 100% buy into the idea that those "superior beings" have earned and deserve all the power they have. Their take on the disenfranchised is "if you find your best talent, you will succeed, and if you don't, you're just lazy and a burden on society."

Fuggoff.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be better than the first. However, it still suffers from being stilted and disjointed which just feels like trying to drink a cup of water while driving over speedbumps -- you either go incredibly slowly or spill water all over (or both!). I still like it because there is more to it than just a bunch of HS kids with magic powers... even with the apparent diatribe against equality. There is more going on behind the scenes for the students, for the schools, etc. The characters are another part that I like. It is fun to see them each have something to add. Though any time you have such an ensemble cast it is hard to give everyone a point to shine in every book.

On the whole I am really curious where the series is headed so I'm going to pick up more. I do hope the writing (or translation) ends up being a bit smoother in the future, but I like so many other aspects that just means I know I'm going to read it a bit more slowly.

[Niall Teasdale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Altogether, this volume was a little better put together than the last. To be expected.

Really, the world of Magic High School is what keeps me going with this series and it's so much better explained and expanded in the books compared to the anime.

Worth a read.

[Robert Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just could not get into this series/these characters.

Apologies to all of the (many-many) fans of this story and massive props to the author who back-in-the-day was just a regular joe working a soul crushing desk job (he's Japanese, you know they were killing him) with nothing but a secret dream in his heart and a big idea he dared to put out on the internet. Nice to see he found his audience.

I wish I could just rate the author, because I'd give him 5 stars for sure. Thanks for the inspiration buddy!

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Satou's editor needs to forbid him from A) repeating himself by changing the phrasing of a line only slightly and B) using the parenthetical question mark. (?) Also, if this was intended to be released only a month after book one (in Japan), why is there so much repetition in terms of magical terminology? Honestly, this suffers more from poor editorial oversight than lack of writing skill.


Full review eventually appearing on ANN.

[Sean O'Hara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second volume in the series is worse than the first, which perversely makes for a better read. Here Satou's Randian worldview comes into full view, and it is gloriously awful. In particular I love the moment when the hero explains that people who complain about being treated unfairly are jerks for wanting to take resources away from their betters.

Now I can't wait for the volume that got the series banned in China.

[Ace Colours · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the uncensored part and awesome moves. The characters are a person itself. Each of them has a part in the story, not just a [side character]. And of course, their process of unique application of magic.

[Leeza · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU

[Alec Rebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

no matter how many times I read this series i love it so much!

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2/2 of the intro to this series.

This book seemed notably weaker than the first, if only because it seemed that the author was in a fervor to finish everything that had been left as a loose string in the first book.

The key purpose of this book seemed to be the battles and action, but the descriptions of such were greatly abbreviated. It largely amounted to "overpowered character walks into room and disarms people without a problem".

While I'm fine with OP characters in stories, as they are usually tied to interested negative qualities as a result, it seemed like a waste in this book as there was a lot of build up and no reward afterwards.

[B~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I know this series is kinda problematic but I'm ignoring all of that because I just really like the magic system and the characters. I'm really not taking it that seriously tbh...

That said, I didn't have as much fun reading this as the first one 'cause I felt some parts of the writing were slightly repetitive. I also had to skip the parts where the writer goes on a tangent. Some of the tangents are ofc more world-building and those are always interesting but there are some that don't offer any useful info.

Anyway, ignoring all of its many faults, I'm still looking forward to reading the next installment 'cause I know it'll be the start of a new arc.

[Donny · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a 3.5 due to translation issues more than anything else. With Yen Press' official release, they decided to do away with honorifics. This is one series where honorifics really come into play. Plus there are translation indications throughout the manuscript. (?) placed liberally. Makes me think the translator was leaving a note to come back and verify their work or to get the editor to verify, but these made it into the official release. This is not limited to this volume from Yen Press either.

[Katiria Nunez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the story...

I love the story. I discovered it because of the anime... However, the writing seems a bit... rudimentary??... disjointed??? I have no doubt that this is because of the translation, however, it does make it a bit harder to read. I'll keep at it though... I do enjoy the story!!

[Leslie Hester · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ANIME based on these books is way better than the books. Again 80% magical explanations (which is fine by me) 20% plot. I like how the author explains that there is modern magic now and they use a device called a CAD to perform magic rather than a wand. It gets very scientific so if that’s not your thing, stick to the anime.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could give it more stars, but there’s to much unneeded attention to side plots and not nearly enough to the actual story itself. I can’t stand the implied love between the Shiba Siblings, but I like that they are close. It annoys me but the story itself would be far more interesting if it focused on its own dang plot.

[Shaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

En este tomo vemos como es la vida de Tatsuya dentro del Comité Disciplinario y todos problemas que esto le causa porque él es un hierbajo (Categoría II) sobre todo ahora que empiezan a reclutar en los clubes, me encanta ver todo lo que puede hacer sin ser un Categoría I y quiero leer en el siguiente tomo todo lo que le tienen preparado por el rencor que le tienen.

[Tomcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding cast.

One of the strongest points of this serie is the outstanding characters. The author does a great job describing, and giving personality and details to each of the characters. The story and plot are very good, keeping the reader interested from beginning to end, and at the same time opening new plots and questions that will keep you reading the next volumes.

[Pieter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together with volume 1 they form one story about Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba's enrolment in the prestigious Magic High 1 in Japan. Things do not go easy, and take a turn for the worse in part 2. Just as good as volume 1.

[Ikku Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might skip book 3 and just go straight to book 9 since the anime already covered the in between. hmm..

[Brandt Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far the LN hasn't offered anything that the anime had already accomplished. One fight was expanded upon so that was nice.

[Rebo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely smoother reading than the first book. Kinda wish the volumes were cheaper, because I want to keep reading, but $8 for such short books is a lot in ebook form.

[gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are finally picking up the pace.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

[Lit Arii · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's better than the volume 1 of this book.

[R.Zoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what to say, I can't give a perfect review because I watched it's anime. But I can say this It was good and not boring to read.

[Nghi Trương · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thích Miyuki nên đọc luôn cuốn 2, nhưng thôi dừng tại đây.

[Anso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less mentions of boob sizes and more action 👍

[Robert Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🌟