レーエンデ国物語

レーエンデ国物語 #1

by 多崎礼

毛布にくるまって読みふけった
あの頃のあなたへ――

家を抜け出して、少女は銀霧が舞う森へと旅に出た。
こんなファンタジーを待っていた！

ーーー

異なる世界、西ディコンセ大陸の聖イジョルニ帝国。
母を失った領主の娘・ユリアは、結婚と淑やかさのみを求める親族から逃げ出すように冒険の旅に出る。呪われた地・レーエンデで出会ったのは、琥珀の瞳を持つ寡黙な射手・トリスタン。
空を舞う泡虫、琥珀色に天へ伸びる古代樹、湖に建つ孤島城。ユリアはレーエンデに魅了され、森の民と暮らし始める。はじめての友達をつくり、はじめて仕事をし、はじめての恋を経て、親族の駒でしかなかった少女は、やがて帰るべき場所を得た。
時を同じくして、建国の始祖の予言書が争乱を引き起こす。レーエンデを守るため、ユリアは帝国の存立を揺るがす戦いの渦中へと足を踏み入れる。

Genres: Fantasy

536 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2023

Reviews

[Yoshinobu Yamakawa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an adventure story filled with the charm of otherworldly fantasy. The story takes place in the Empire of St. Igiorni in Western Diconse. The protagonist, Julia, loses her mother and sets out on a journey to escape from an environment where marriage is the sole purpose of her life.

Along the way, Julia arrives in Leende, the cursed land, and meets Tristan, a silent archer with amber eyes. She is fascinated by the mysterious creatures, plants, and beautiful scenery of Leende, and begins living with the forest people who live there.

The highlight of the game is Julia's growth. The story painstakingly depicts a young girl who lives at the will of her relatives in a marriage of convenience, and acts on her own will, making friends, learning a job, and experiencing love. For example, in the scene where Julia helps the forest people with their work for the first time, it was impressive to see how she works hard despite being confused by unfamiliar tasks.

However, the days of peace do not last long. A dispute over the prophecy of the founding fathers erupts, and the survival of Leeende is threatened. Yuria fought a major battle of her own volition, and her decisions and actions clearly show her growth.

When I read this book, I realized the importance of choosing your own way of life. Yuria changed her life from living up to the expectations of others to living on her own volition. She faced many challenges along the way, but by overcoming them, she found her own identity.

I also felt that this book offered a glimpse of the theme of respect for diversity. Although the people of Leende Forest have different cultures and values from the people of the Empire, Yuria tried to accept and understand them. This attitude eventually became the key to resolving the conflict between the Empire and Leende.

Overall, this book is a work that remains in my mind even after I finish reading the book: courage to forge my own path, tolerance for diversity, and determination to act for peace.

[Jenn Odd · Rating 3 out of 5]

* Beautifully Written, But Surprisingly Shallow *

This novel was a breath of fresh air in silver ways and stifling annoying in others.

First, the writing is beautiful. It's rare to find a Japanese novel that paints a scene with multiple senses, rather than telling you how it looks. But that didn't last for the whole book and many chunks of important character development happen off screen. Which is extra frustrating when there's not much character development.

I would say this is similar to a YA romance novel from the 90s. The story is kinds of about Julia and Tristan's relationship but mostly as a way to show how Julia should have a baby, because that's the only reason she's special. This is why it's like a 90s "fantasy romance" because the main female character doesn't do anything apart from have a baby. Very frustrating if you're expecting a good modern fantasy.

Overall I'm disappointed with this novel. There are three more books in the series but I won't be picking them up.

[Nicholas Driscoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

３点５がいいかな。僕は日本人ではない。完璧な日本語を使うこともできない。でも日本語でこの本を読んだから、レビューも日本語で書きましょう。

この本はちょっと面白い。設定はユーロパ―みたいけど、ファンタジーのバージョン。主人公はユーリア、英雄の娘。ユーリア―たちがレーエンデ国に入って、新し道を作ろうとする。道の目標は他の国とつながることのために作っている、もっと簡単に旅行するように。レーエンデで不思議な病気があるから、もし周りの国々とつながるできる、多分沢山の人生を助かる。
もちろんそんなに簡単ではない。色々な人が陰謀を作っている。森で色々な危険。ふしぎな神もいるかも。

僕はこの本が好きなポイントが冒険感がある。魔法もある。戦う場面。

嫌いな部分がキャラがまあまあ面白くない。恋愛が面白くない。結論も満足させない。でも読み終わってよかった。達成感がすごい。

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

久しぶりに面白い小説でバーって読んだ