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本好きの下剋上 ～司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません～ [Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho Ni Naru Tame Ni Shudan wo Erande iraremasen] (Novel) #25
Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 5 Volume 4 (Light Novel) (Volume 25) (Ascendance of a Bookworm
A frigid winter melts away to reveal spring celebrations Rozemyne is given a harsh choice to make upon her return to Ehrenfest. The Leisegangs are now the dominant power after the winter purge, and their plans are sowing the seeds of distrust within the archducal family. Even so, Rozemyne forges ahead, and her unique way of life gradually inspires change around her. As spring approaches, so does the celebratory feast. The preparations include a long-overdue meeting with lower-city merchants, divine protections rituals, furthering the education of the next High Bishop, and a magnificent tale told at the closed country gate. Can the archducal family break tradition and heal the divide between factions? Watch Ehrenfest’s ambitious younger generation unite in this volume of this biblio-fantasy! Also includes two short stories and four-panel manga by You Shiina.
376 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2020
101 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Miya Kazuki
130 books411 followersJapanese author (香月美夜)
Kazuki started writing novels when she was in her second year of junior high school. After taking an entrance exam, she entered into a national university before graduating and becoming busy with work, stopping her from writing. Once she was married and her child entered kindergarten, Kazuki had more free time, which she used to start writing again. From 2013 onwards, she started publishing her novel Ascendance of a Bookworm on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō which saw success. In 2015, she officially debuted with said series under the T.O. Books imprint.
Kazuki started writing novels when she was in her second year of junior high school. After taking an entrance exam, she entered into a national university before graduating and becoming busy with work, stopping her from writing. Once she was married and her child entered kindergarten, Kazuki had more free time, which she used to start writing again. From 2013 onwards, she started publishing her novel Ascendance of a Bookworm on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō which saw success. In 2015, she officially debuted with said series under the T.O. Books imprint.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 26, 2023
I will never get too much of this series. It brings light into my day, joy to my heart, and meaning to my existence. I am especially pleased by all the politics around trying to make Myne the next duke and her revulsion at the idea, and the jealousy of her brother and his silly response, as well as the fanaticism of her attendant Hartmut and his fiance and really all her attendants. `
September 18, 2024
I'm still giving this book five stars, as I enjoyed it from start to finish, but I do think it is one of the weaker books in the series. Maybe it's because I was unable to just rush into the next after also having to wait for this one to come out, but it's also because this book is continuing the plot forward without anything truly major happening in this volume.
This book deals with some of the consequences for what came before with the purge, and it also continues the plots of expanding Rozemyne's printing business, trying to get nobles to accept the temple, and other such things. So, plenty is still happening, but this felt more like a bridge volume for more important matters.
However, I still see everything in this volume as necessary. Nothing felt like a waste, and, as I said, I still enjoyed it all.
The Prologue is from Lamprecht's POV, and it gives insights into what he and his family are dealing with in terms of politics and allegiances, it mostly a discussion between him and Elvira, with Aurelia there too. It's a nice way to set the scene for yet more political drama.
I already mostly talked about my thoughts on the main story, but there are two interesting things to happen I didn't mention above. One is very important lore-wise, while the other starts Melchior's next steps in life. Both are major events, and I can't wait to see even more about them. Which, I know I stressed earlier how not much major stuff happened in this volume, but nothing is being done with that lore at the moment.
With Melchior, there's a lot more there, and I loved it all, but I'm also curious just where the plot is going to go with him. I just know he's adorable and I wish the best for him.
Thinking about it more, I guess this volume does have some super important stuff, but it can kind of get lost in the continuing plots of everything else.
Also, there is one particular thing that happens that makes me really excited to see how things go in the future. I won't say anything because of spoilers, but I hope this character gains a new perspective.
The Epilogue is told from Alexis, one of Wilfried's retainers. I love this interaction between him and his father as they discuss Wilfried and Rozemyne, and I really hope Alexis is able to make a difference in the future.
Bonus story time. The first is told from Charlotte's POV, and it's about an event that happened in the novel. It's a very surprising event, so it's nice to see Charlotte's thoughts and feelings on the matter. It's also nice to hear more from the character this event is about.
The second story is from Gunther's POV. This was quite a chaotic but funny moment in the novel, so I'm glad to see a soldier's perspective on it, plus it's great to see more of the event than what the nobles saw.
Lastly, there's the bonus comics. They're cute, and the 'Harsh Reality' one made me laugh.
Oh, and I can't forget to mention the art. I love it, as always. The front cover shows how serious things have become, while the inner colored illustration shows a bit of that important worldbuilding.
Overall, in writing this review, it reminded me of how many important things happened in this novel--at least four, in my opinion. I guess it was easy to think not much had happened with how much time was spent on smaller things, and a lot of these major things won't fully be explored until the next volume and beyond, but quite a bit of importance does happen.
Even in all the smaller moments of moving things along, this volume is enjoyable like all the rest. I'm excited to see where the story goes from here, and I'm so glad Melchior is old enough to be in the story more. I just wish Wilfried would stop being such an idiot. :P
This book deals with some of the consequences for what came before with the purge, and it also continues the plots of expanding Rozemyne's printing business, trying to get nobles to accept the temple, and other such things. So, plenty is still happening, but this felt more like a bridge volume for more important matters.
However, I still see everything in this volume as necessary. Nothing felt like a waste, and, as I said, I still enjoyed it all.
The Prologue is from Lamprecht's POV, and it gives insights into what he and his family are dealing with in terms of politics and allegiances, it mostly a discussion between him and Elvira, with Aurelia there too. It's a nice way to set the scene for yet more political drama.
I already mostly talked about my thoughts on the main story, but there are two interesting things to happen I didn't mention above. One is very important lore-wise, while the other starts Melchior's next steps in life. Both are major events, and I can't wait to see even more about them. Which, I know I stressed earlier how not much major stuff happened in this volume, but nothing is being done with that lore at the moment.
With Melchior, there's a lot more there, and I loved it all, but I'm also curious just where the plot is going to go with him. I just know he's adorable and I wish the best for him.
Thinking about it more, I guess this volume does have some super important stuff, but it can kind of get lost in the continuing plots of everything else.
Also, there is one particular thing that happens that makes me really excited to see how things go in the future. I won't say anything because of spoilers, but I hope this character gains a new perspective.
The Epilogue is told from Alexis, one of Wilfried's retainers. I love this interaction between him and his father as they discuss Wilfried and Rozemyne, and I really hope Alexis is able to make a difference in the future.
Bonus story time. The first is told from Charlotte's POV, and it's about an event that happened in the novel. It's a very surprising event, so it's nice to see Charlotte's thoughts and feelings on the matter. It's also nice to hear more from the character this event is about.
The second story is from Gunther's POV. This was quite a chaotic but funny moment in the novel, so I'm glad to see a soldier's perspective on it, plus it's great to see more of the event than what the nobles saw.
Lastly, there's the bonus comics. They're cute, and the 'Harsh Reality' one made me laugh.
Oh, and I can't forget to mention the art. I love it, as always. The front cover shows how serious things have become, while the inner colored illustration shows a bit of that important worldbuilding.
Overall, in writing this review, it reminded me of how many important things happened in this novel--at least four, in my opinion. I guess it was easy to think not much had happened with how much time was spent on smaller things, and a lot of these major things won't fully be explored until the next volume and beyond, but quite a bit of importance does happen.
Even in all the smaller moments of moving things along, this volume is enjoyable like all the rest. I'm excited to see where the story goes from here, and I'm so glad Melchior is old enough to be in the story more. I just wish Wilfried would stop being such an idiot. :P
January 22, 2025
in this volume, we get to see how Rozemyne and those around her deal with the aftermath of the purge. We got to see more of Melchior (which is the cutest marshmallow ever), and learnt about Ehrenfest's history before it ever existed... Even if it felt like "filler" as others say, I think it was still super enjoyable and a necessary volume.
I'm very sad to see the turn in Wilfried's character, I think he is a nice boy who has been coddled and manipulated by everyone around him and is now dealing with the consequences of everyone's actions and his own inaction. He receives a lot of hate, but compared to other despicable characters in the series, he is far from evil. He deserves better.
I'm very sad to see the turn in Wilfried's character, I think he is a nice boy who has been coddled and manipulated by everyone around him and is now dealing with the consequences of everyone's actions and his own inaction. He receives a lot of hate, but compared to other despicable characters in the series, he is far from evil. He deserves better.
June 3, 2023
honestly it felt like there was a lot of telling rather than showing going on in this volume. but, i guess as a middle volume, there was bound to be a bit of a lull, plus i also guess this is just the calm before the storm - kazuki trying to lay down as much foundation as she could for the chaos that is bound to ensue in the later volumes.
kinda sad that we didn't get to see the archduke conference in this volume and rozemyne's return to the royal academy library. but that's for another volume looks like.
we are following up on and amping up on wilfried's retainers poisoning his mind against his sisters. the isolation he's probably feeling caused by that, coupled with his teenage rebellious phase, is made even more evident by the readers almost never seeing him. he's seen only in the first chapter, and in the later chapters he's only talked about. thereby, him getting distanced from not just his family but also the readers as well. a master stroke.
we also learn a bit about yet another country in this world. the unvierse is expanding. and can't wait to learn more about the greater, wider world of bookworm.
kinda sad that we didn't get to see the archduke conference in this volume and rozemyne's return to the royal academy library. but that's for another volume looks like.
we are following up on and amping up on wilfried's retainers poisoning his mind against his sisters. the isolation he's probably feeling caused by that, coupled with his teenage rebellious phase, is made even more evident by the readers almost never seeing him. he's seen only in the first chapter, and in the later chapters he's only talked about. thereby, him getting distanced from not just his family but also the readers as well. a master stroke.
we also learn a bit about yet another country in this world. the unvierse is expanding. and can't wait to learn more about the greater, wider world of bookworm.
November 1, 2025
3.5 stars. Was a weaker volume. Had some reveals but was overall slow. I feel the story has moved way past some of the plots in this volume.
June 1, 2023
decent filler, great art
Many complaints, but it's okay. This is like those filler episodes in anime where something happens, but overall it's not necessary for the overarching plot. Truthfully, other than the first few chapters and the epilogue nothing is really relevant to the central conflict of the last 3 volumes. Truthfully, this is a translation of a Japanese web novel with some editing for the western audience, and this series recently finished its run. It does get better after vol 6, but that's a good 5 months from now and I can't say it's worthwhile at 8$ a pop. Hopefully they make a compilation of the parts to make it affordable, but 88$ for what is one complete story is greedy beyond belief. You can buy the whole Harry Potter series for less. At this point most people are in it because they just want to get the ending, but it's truthfully expensive for so little plot or story. Utterly ridiculous
Many complaints, but it's okay. This is like those filler episodes in anime where something happens, but overall it's not necessary for the overarching plot. Truthfully, other than the first few chapters and the epilogue nothing is really relevant to the central conflict of the last 3 volumes. Truthfully, this is a translation of a Japanese web novel with some editing for the western audience, and this series recently finished its run. It does get better after vol 6, but that's a good 5 months from now and I can't say it's worthwhile at 8$ a pop. Hopefully they make a compilation of the parts to make it affordable, but 88$ for what is one complete story is greedy beyond belief. You can buy the whole Harry Potter series for less. At this point most people are in it because they just want to get the ending, but it's truthfully expensive for so little plot or story. Utterly ridiculous
June 11, 2023
Debo confesar que hice trampa y encontré la web novel publicada… en japonés. Para descontento de muchos ya la leí completa, ya se en que acaba y todo pero que haya entendido al menos la mitad es mucho decir. Los traductores japonés-español dejan mucho que desear.
Disfrute muchas cosas, entendí varios detalles que se me fueron entre las letras y los episodios adicionales en el epílogo fueron hermosos. Especialmente el encuentro entre Gunter y Clarissa. La pequeña recompensa de Gunter, saber un poco más de los detalles alrededor de la vida noble de la que ya no puede llamar hija es enternecedor.
Disfrute muchas cosas, entendí varios detalles que se me fueron entre las letras y los episodios adicionales en el epílogo fueron hermosos. Especialmente el encuentro entre Gunter y Clarissa. La pequeña recompensa de Gunter, saber un poco más de los detalles alrededor de la vida noble de la que ya no puede llamar hija es enternecedor.
October 23, 2024
If Aub Ehrenfest doesn't get his house in order, things could get messy (or, messier). One faction crumbles, another ascends; one giebe falls, another defers; one or two children bicker, yet another proves corruptible to the softest, arrogant whisper of delusion. Alas, why would anybody want to be the aub?
ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v25 focuses on Ehrenfest internal politics, and deeper nested within that array, the book focuses on the Ehrenfest archducal family dynamics in lieu of the winter purge. What one might typically assign the nominal descriptor of "castle politics," the events of the current volume yield to numerous dinner table conversations, uncertain whisperings, chatter among knights, frustrated musings among attendants, and more. It's all chat, chat, chat, except the future of the duchy is on the line.
One supposes the author had to delve into the heft of the archducal family's political aspirations at some point in time. Aub Ehrenfest has cleaned out the remnants of the former Veronica faction; Wilfried stumbles his way toward proving himself to the unkillable ambitions of the Leisegang faction; Charlotte meditates on seeing two siblings who apparently don't want the job of the aub (one by humility, another by folly); Lady Rozemyne, meanwhile, is just trying to stay out of everyone's way and read a book or two.
The current volume navigates these positions, and the emotions lending them buoyancy, for the whole of the story. Readers track Rozemyne as she conducts seasonal prayers and services, readers track the introductions of Melchior (younger aub scion) and Clarissa (Hartmut's betrothed from Dunkelfelger), and readers track a curious history lesson from a friendly giebe in a border. Readers can track a lot. But make no mistake: this volume is about Sylvester's guile (prone to being directionless), Charlotte's trepidation (prone to depression), Wilfried's foolishness (again?), and Rozemyne's ongoing exasperation.
In one of the author's side stories, a guard knight named Alexis laments, "Father, I now understand why you always described factions as troublesome business" (page 325).
How true. The problem with executing traitors and cleaning house of arrogant folks holding onto the past is that it leaves one with so few (in number and in skill) capable of pushing toward a viable future. Aub Ehrenfest exits one battle with one faction only to stumble into another conflict with another faction. And he isn't alone. The previously vocal but benign Leisegang faction is pushing for greater influence, and the whispers cut both ways: the aub should do this, Rozemyne should do that, Wilfried should do this. When it's revealed that certain high-ranking people are being actively duped into "carrying out secret instructions" (page 92) to prove they're worthy of their position, trouble brews. After all, whenever people fight, and alliances splinter, somebody somewhere benefits.
And funnily enough, Rozemyne isn't the one to come up with a solution. Hartmut saves the day. Rozemyne hates all this faction talk as much as the next common-sense person, but a suggestion from Hartmut puts the young woman's mind in high gear, and she counsels a suggestion, which, combined with a bold proposal from her apprentice archattendent (Brunhilde), could shape the future of Ehrenfest for a long, long time. However, for their idea to work, people need to quit this short-term faction-building crap (i.e., Wilfried needs to think for himself, for once). Time to look to the future.
Elsewhere, ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v25 plants a few seeds for future intrigue: some folks aren't convinced Giebe Gerlach is truly dead; additional research validates the notion that individuals can obtain new divine protections following name-swearing; Charlotte learns how to channel her depression into meaningful growth; and a trip to Kirnberger reveals something curious about Ehrenfest's history.
The last of these is truly fascinating. Rozemyne visits Giebe Kirnberger while setting up another outpost for her various gutenbergs and their disciples. The result is a brief bit of worldbuilding (Country gate? Neighboring countries?) and a lot of regional context. Rozemyne learns that Ehrenfest wasn't always named as such, and she learns about the remarkable (dangerous) circumstances that lead to the change. She combines oral tradition with written archives to assemble a compelling narrative on the history of regional trade, citizenship, and politics. Her research also provides further insight into the literal power of the Grutrissheit.
ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v25 is front-loaded with dialogue that weighs the trials, tribulations, and arrogances of the archducal family. Surprises, twists, and turns push the story forward. And while things appear settled for now, one does not doubt that further stormy seas await. Indeed, Rozemyne has a habit of ignoring problems she doesn't care to solve. One wonders, for example, that if Wilfried should fail to prove himself for a third (fourth?) time, then why not permit Charlotte to take her turn as aub-apparent? In any case, this book's focus is squarely on the core characters finding their place and seeking their purpose. Some characters feel like they are where they belong, but can't stay the course. Other characters can't figure out where they belong, yet feel emboldened by their emotional truth. The future of Ehrenfest is in good hands, but more and more, those hands tremble with the weight of their responsibility.
ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v25 focuses on Ehrenfest internal politics, and deeper nested within that array, the book focuses on the Ehrenfest archducal family dynamics in lieu of the winter purge. What one might typically assign the nominal descriptor of "castle politics," the events of the current volume yield to numerous dinner table conversations, uncertain whisperings, chatter among knights, frustrated musings among attendants, and more. It's all chat, chat, chat, except the future of the duchy is on the line.
One supposes the author had to delve into the heft of the archducal family's political aspirations at some point in time. Aub Ehrenfest has cleaned out the remnants of the former Veronica faction; Wilfried stumbles his way toward proving himself to the unkillable ambitions of the Leisegang faction; Charlotte meditates on seeing two siblings who apparently don't want the job of the aub (one by humility, another by folly); Lady Rozemyne, meanwhile, is just trying to stay out of everyone's way and read a book or two.
The current volume navigates these positions, and the emotions lending them buoyancy, for the whole of the story. Readers track Rozemyne as she conducts seasonal prayers and services, readers track the introductions of Melchior (younger aub scion) and Clarissa (Hartmut's betrothed from Dunkelfelger), and readers track a curious history lesson from a friendly giebe in a border. Readers can track a lot. But make no mistake: this volume is about Sylvester's guile (prone to being directionless), Charlotte's trepidation (prone to depression), Wilfried's foolishness (again?), and Rozemyne's ongoing exasperation.
In one of the author's side stories, a guard knight named Alexis laments, "Father, I now understand why you always described factions as troublesome business" (page 325).
How true. The problem with executing traitors and cleaning house of arrogant folks holding onto the past is that it leaves one with so few (in number and in skill) capable of pushing toward a viable future. Aub Ehrenfest exits one battle with one faction only to stumble into another conflict with another faction. And he isn't alone. The previously vocal but benign Leisegang faction is pushing for greater influence, and the whispers cut both ways: the aub should do this, Rozemyne should do that, Wilfried should do this. When it's revealed that certain high-ranking people are being actively duped into "carrying out secret instructions" (page 92) to prove they're worthy of their position, trouble brews. After all, whenever people fight, and alliances splinter, somebody somewhere benefits.
And funnily enough, Rozemyne isn't the one to come up with a solution. Hartmut saves the day. Rozemyne hates all this faction talk as much as the next common-sense person, but a suggestion from Hartmut puts the young woman's mind in high gear, and she counsels a suggestion, which, combined with a bold proposal from her apprentice archattendent (Brunhilde), could shape the future of Ehrenfest for a long, long time. However, for their idea to work, people need to quit this short-term faction-building crap (i.e., Wilfried needs to think for himself, for once). Time to look to the future.
Elsewhere, ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v25 plants a few seeds for future intrigue: some folks aren't convinced Giebe Gerlach is truly dead; additional research validates the notion that individuals can obtain new divine protections following name-swearing; Charlotte learns how to channel her depression into meaningful growth; and a trip to Kirnberger reveals something curious about Ehrenfest's history.
The last of these is truly fascinating. Rozemyne visits Giebe Kirnberger while setting up another outpost for her various gutenbergs and their disciples. The result is a brief bit of worldbuilding (Country gate? Neighboring countries?) and a lot of regional context. Rozemyne learns that Ehrenfest wasn't always named as such, and she learns about the remarkable (dangerous) circumstances that lead to the change. She combines oral tradition with written archives to assemble a compelling narrative on the history of regional trade, citizenship, and politics. Her research also provides further insight into the literal power of the Grutrissheit.
ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v25 is front-loaded with dialogue that weighs the trials, tribulations, and arrogances of the archducal family. Surprises, twists, and turns push the story forward. And while things appear settled for now, one does not doubt that further stormy seas await. Indeed, Rozemyne has a habit of ignoring problems she doesn't care to solve. One wonders, for example, that if Wilfried should fail to prove himself for a third (fourth?) time, then why not permit Charlotte to take her turn as aub-apparent? In any case, this book's focus is squarely on the core characters finding their place and seeking their purpose. Some characters feel like they are where they belong, but can't stay the course. Other characters can't figure out where they belong, yet feel emboldened by their emotional truth. The future of Ehrenfest is in good hands, but more and more, those hands tremble with the weight of their responsibility.
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April 11, 2025Debo de admitir que fue cierto, este volumen estuvo lento compa pero la historia si es relevante. Poco a poco vamos a ver qué depara el futuro, solo que no han dicho mucho de mi compa el fer, osease que le pasó? En general chtm Wilfred, pinche Verónica eres una perra y de la más rabiosa la Georgina no se sabe que trama pero HDP estoy segura de que se viene.
June 19, 2024
Cada día más decepcionada de los hombres (Sí Wilfred, esto va para ti)
January 10, 2025
Me encanta la serie. Sobretodo cuando recalcan lo tonto que es Wilfred.
Se me hace pesado porque siga haciendo berrinches...
Se me hace pesado porque siga haciendo berrinches...
December 13, 2024
This volume in the series focused on the aftermath of the political purge, including a surprising decision, along with a bit of interesting world building at the end of the book. In line with this, it had a darker, more serious tone than the last few books set at the noble academy.
I enjoy fantasy politics, so I had a good time reading the book and examining how things have changed since last time Rosemyne and company were back home in Eirenfest.
On a lighter note, the youngest of the lordship candidates, メルヘオール, is adorable! I enjoyed reading about his visits to the shrine to shadow Rosemyne before he eventually takes over her position. It was very cute and I'll be interested to see what he ends up doing in the position, considering he basically hero-worships her and all. Plus, the shrine's reputation has been improving lately, so I bet that it will look very different by the time he takes over.
Overall, this was a solid volume. It did a nice job of exploring the significant political changes in the aftermath of the purge, as well as laying the groundwork for events in future volumes. 4 stars.
I enjoy fantasy politics, so I had a good time reading the book and examining how things have changed since last time Rosemyne and company were back home in Eirenfest.
On a lighter note, the youngest of the lordship candidates, メルヘオール, is adorable! I enjoyed reading about his visits to the shrine to shadow Rosemyne before he eventually takes over her position. It was very cute and I'll be interested to see what he ends up doing in the position, considering he basically hero-worships her and all. Plus, the shrine's reputation has been improving lately, so I bet that it will look very different by the time he takes over.
Overall, this was a solid volume. It did a nice job of exploring the significant political changes in the aftermath of the purge, as well as laying the groundwork for events in future volumes. 4 stars.
June 4, 2023
The opening prologue was nice to see Lamprecht's baby and family life, but not terribly necessary for the plot.
WOW what a change for Brunhilde to be Sylvester’s second wife! I still find it a bit distasteful for Sylvester to have a second wife at all. It seems none of the nobles have strong families when they have more than one wife, so why do they keep doing it?
The ancient myth/story of the bathing spot is very interesting. I wonder if it will come back in later volumes?
I wonder what happened to the woman who came with Ferdinand from Adalgisa, who had been like a mother to him?
The information about the country gate was really interesting! I wonder how that will affect the story? I was especially intrigued that the duchy’s foundation was moved from Groschel. I wonder if that was involved in Georgine’s plan to steal the foundation?
The short stories were kind of boring, although Alexis’s one gave insight into Wilfrid’s state of mind. I’m rooting for Alexis and Lamprecht!
WOW what a change for Brunhilde to be Sylvester’s second wife! I still find it a bit distasteful for Sylvester to have a second wife at all. It seems none of the nobles have strong families when they have more than one wife, so why do they keep doing it?
The ancient myth/story of the bathing spot is very interesting. I wonder if it will come back in later volumes?
I wonder what happened to the woman who came with Ferdinand from Adalgisa, who had been like a mother to him?
The information about the country gate was really interesting! I wonder how that will affect the story? I was especially intrigued that the duchy’s foundation was moved from Groschel. I wonder if that was involved in Georgine’s plan to steal the foundation?
The short stories were kind of boring, although Alexis’s one gave insight into Wilfrid’s state of mind. I’m rooting for Alexis and Lamprecht!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
The purge of the Veronica faction has split Ehrenfest more instead of uniting it. Someone is dripping bad ideas into Wilfried's brain, and he thinks Rozemyne is out to replace him if he doesn't put her firmly in second place. Sylvester needs to take a second wife to help replace the mana the duchy has lost. Charlotte is frustrated with her parents over several issues and has no one to truly talk with. Rozemyne is busy trying to keep things moving with the temple and with industry in the duchy, and while growing is still lacking the the social savvy that comes much more easily to her siblings.
There's a lot going on in this volume. It's much more political and full of clever manuevering than previous ones. It caused me to have a lot of speculation on who the future aub will be.
There's a lot going on in this volume. It's much more political and full of clever manuevering than previous ones. It caused me to have a lot of speculation on who the future aub will be.
May 14, 2024
Hard to put down
The dynamic nature of the side characters at the end always floors me. The potential of this writing style is beyond words. Allowing the main character both room to breathe and foreshadowing for the next book it hooks the reader before the next book even begins. I would recommend this series for anyone over 13 it is beautifully written and spell binding. Who knew a series based on a woman who loved books dieing to be reborn as a sickly child who had passed away would not only hook a reader so fervently but make me unable to stop reading. I find myself laughing and angry for the characters and happy for small things for side characters. The writer conveys a lot of emotion through their words.
The dynamic nature of the side characters at the end always floors me. The potential of this writing style is beyond words. Allowing the main character both room to breathe and foreshadowing for the next book it hooks the reader before the next book even begins. I would recommend this series for anyone over 13 it is beautifully written and spell binding. Who knew a series based on a woman who loved books dieing to be reborn as a sickly child who had passed away would not only hook a reader so fervently but make me unable to stop reading. I find myself laughing and angry for the characters and happy for small things for side characters. The writer conveys a lot of emotion through their words.
May 17, 2025
Whew... That was tense!
This was tenser than the last volume and though a tad bit less frustrating. It's so sad how the It's all because of that wretched retainer who just couldn't stop planting poison into Wilfried's mind.
I can see how Rozemyne is trying to distance herself and remain disinterested but alas, she's still receiving blows everywhere. I hope everything will be better soon. Praying everything turns out well for my baby girl!
This volume gave us a much welcome look into what Ehrenfest has become after the purge. I can't wait to read more of what will happen from now on.
On to the next!
This was tenser than the last volume and though a tad bit less frustrating. It's so sad how the It's all because of that wretched retainer who just couldn't stop planting poison into Wilfried's mind.
I can see how Rozemyne is trying to distance herself and remain disinterested but alas, she's still receiving blows everywhere. I hope everything will be better soon. Praying everything turns out well for my baby girl!
This volume gave us a much welcome look into what Ehrenfest has become after the purge. I can't wait to read more of what will happen from now on.
On to the next!
October 4, 2023
9/10. Read it a long time ago through J-Novel. Wilfried became unbearable. He knows Myne, why is he second guessing her actions? Sure, Wilfried is being manipulated, but the people around him are constanly telling him to be cautious. Detlinde at least is being manipulated but nobody tells her. Wilfried is just dumb. I Sylvester wasn't invested in Wilfried becoming the Aub, nothing would be as heavy as it is now.
In this volume I was very angry with how Sylvester treated Myne. Stopping the better grades commitee is illogical. "All that I asked before, ignore it". I would also be mad. At this point I thought that Myne would explode on them Ehrenfest nobles.
In this volume I was very angry with how Sylvester treated Myne. Stopping the better grades commitee is illogical. "All that I asked before, ignore it". I would also be mad. At this point I thought that Myne would explode on them Ehrenfest nobles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2023
There is a lot of talking in this volume, mostly about the internal politics of Ehrenfest and how the purge impacted the political landscape of the region. Old wounds certainly have festered, and might reach a lot further than some people think it does. There is some repetitiveness to it, since we get to see the same situation from different perspectives. Still, as always the series shines in its attention to detail both in character development and world building and I am very curious what is going to happen next.
March 12, 2024
And we are out of the Academy. But now we are stuck with a different set of political machinations and some of it is hard to take. We do get back to the temple and even the city. And we briefly see some of the long missing cast. But this is just not as enjoyable. There are moments though that are better - hearing from Brunhilde, the little bit from Gunther. I kind of liked the bit in the Epilogue from Alexis talking to his father, it made the idea of the story clearer - this volume failed when it got too close to Wilfried. 3.5 of 5.
May 9, 2023
Seems to be mostly a filler novel to set the stage for what comes next, covering the changes happening to the characters back home after the events of the previous book. Not much of substance happens here, but we clearly couldn't just skip past it. It's important to raise tension before all hell breaks loose, and I very much look forward to seeing it when it finally does happen. Mostly just writing this for my own records, since if you've gotten this far, you're not about to stop any time soon.
May 5, 2024
While I love Ascendance as a series, there are individual volumes that aren't all that great. This is one of them. It has some moments and interesting bits, but it really felt more like an entire book setting up the denouement rather than being an integral part of the story.
So while it isn't my favorite, I am in no way going to STOP reading this series because of one book that wasn't my favorite.
So while it isn't my favorite, I am in no way going to STOP reading this series because of one book that wasn't my favorite.
March 9, 2025
After some trouble with the Leisegangs Brunhilde proposes to Sylvester, and Wilfried's insecurities start to spiral out of control.
Rozemyne's retainers redo the divine protections ritual obtaining new blessings, then welcomes Melchior into the temple and travel to Kirnberger to start another printing workshop while learning some duchy's history.
Rozemyne's determination inspires passionate and talented retainers to serve her well, Ferdinand is also quite intense, the others having milder personalities is apparently a disadvantage. This seem to be a problem unique to Ehrenfest when higher ranked duchies display strong personalities.
Rozemyne's retainers redo the divine protections ritual obtaining new blessings, then welcomes Melchior into the temple and travel to Kirnberger to start another printing workshop while learning some duchy's history.
Rozemyne's determination inspires passionate and talented retainers to serve her well, Ferdinand is also quite intense, the others having milder personalities is apparently a disadvantage. This seem to be a problem unique to Ehrenfest when higher ranked duchies display strong personalities.
June 2, 2023
With the end of winter, it’s time to return to Ehrenfest and deal with the aftermath of the purge. The shift in power is putting pressure on Rozemyne and the archducal family to meet the demands of the new main faction. Meanwhile, Wilfried is becoming increasingly unstable. I thought this was another great volume though it mostly just set the stage for future conclusions.
June 3, 2023
Another fun read
This volume summary: Wilfred hits puberty. I loved it. The series has introduced a number of big changes to Mynes life. This one feels like it's setting up another big change. Not everything is going well. How the characters will overcome it next volume is what makes it a fun read.
This volume summary: Wilfred hits puberty. I loved it. The series has introduced a number of big changes to Mynes life. This one feels like it's setting up another big change. Not everything is going well. How the characters will overcome it next volume is what makes it a fun read.
June 4, 2023
Another great continuation
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves wonderful storylines and hilarious surprises along the way. This one is a bit more serious as the seeds of discord are being served within the archducal family as they try and recover from the purge. You won't want to miss it. I can't wait for the next one!
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves wonderful storylines and hilarious surprises along the way. This one is a bit more serious as the seeds of discord are being served within the archducal family as they try and recover from the purge. You won't want to miss it. I can't wait for the next one!
June 6, 2023
Amazing
There's so much information in this volume. I always like to hear history about the duchies and about the Royal family. I have become intrigued as to whether Rozemyne two younger brothers will meet? I still wanna hear about Lutz. I can't wait to see what Charlotte resolve is.
There's so much information in this volume. I always like to hear history about the duchies and about the Royal family. I have become intrigued as to whether Rozemyne two younger brothers will meet? I still wanna hear about Lutz. I can't wait to see what Charlotte resolve is.
March 30, 2024
Šoreiz stāstā nebija nekādi jauni pavērsieni, bet iezīmēja vairāk situāciju, kas ir tagad. Parādīja Wilfriedu no sliktās puses, un arī es vairs neredzu viņu kā nākotnes valdnieku. Tuvās saiknes starp brāli un māsu sāk izzust. Greizsirdība aug. Kaut arī Rozmyne ir piemērots kandidāts, es domāju, ka nākamajam valdniekam būtu jābūt Charlottei.
December 14, 2025
Wilfried had started to win me over, but with this volume he's gone back to zero. He's such an insecure little man. I hope Charlotte doesn't pick up his habits.
I wonder what Harmut is plotting. I'm always impressed with the continued world building. How does the author keep all of it straight in her head. Everything is building on each other.
I wonder what Harmut is plotting. I'm always impressed with the continued world building. How does the author keep all of it straight in her head. Everything is building on each other.
January 14, 2026
This was really good once again... I loved that finally we are seeing a different tension emerge with the Leisegang Faction and between Wildred and Rozemyne. I could see it coming, but this was done so well. Clarissa's entrance was oh-so-typical of her and, once again, done so well.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
May 31, 2023
There's hardly a point to write Bookworm reviews if I'd only be gushing about the series but anyway, I'm excited to see where the groundwork being laid leads to and I like the character studies we've had lately (he's still annoying as heck, but honestly, poor Wilfried).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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