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Ｋ ＳＩＤＥ：ＲＥＤ (講談社ＢＯＸ)
《赤の王》周防尊が束ねる、炎の“徴”を刻む少年たちの集団《吠舞羅》。彼らのホームであるバー『ＨＯＭＲＡ』に、周防の高校時代の担任・櫛名穂波が、姪・アンナをともに現れた。両親を事故で亡くし、病のために施設に入院していたというその少女は、青い服をまとい、めずらしいものを見るように“キング”周防を凝視する。「ミコト」。周防の夢の中で彼の名を呼ぶアンナ――彼女は“王のなりそこない（ストレイン）”だった。
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2012
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57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 16, 2015
I read a fan translation since I just started learning Japanese. However, I liked the story so much that I wanted to own a physical copy of it so badly, that I ended up ordering the book! If you like [K] this is definitely a must read. The whole world of the anime opens up to the reader, in this case especially the HOMRA world (:
The characters are very well depicted and lovable, the story is entertaining and thrilling. I really enjoyed the "interludes" which were basically very short chapters in between two chapters of the story that told a little side-scene that had to do with one or more members of the red clan (for example the moment Mikoto became king). They let you understand some details of the story better but were also very good to ease the focus now and then.
I'm definitely planning to read the other [K] light novels as well!
The characters are very well depicted and lovable, the story is entertaining and thrilling. I really enjoyed the "interludes" which were basically very short chapters in between two chapters of the story that told a little side-scene that had to do with one or more members of the red clan (for example the moment Mikoto became king). They let you understand some details of the story better but were also very good to ease the focus now and then.
I'm definitely planning to read the other [K] light novels as well!
June 9, 2017
Amongst the three main novels I read this one the last because I had less expectations about it. I was wrong. Very wrong.
The novel about the Blue Clan had some great moments but it wasn't something crucial, it didn't gave truly important information. But this one, like the Silver Clan's one, gave lots of insight about the characters and told the past that we wanted to know. The main focus of the plot is how Anna became a member of the Red Clan. And this itself is AWESOME because when you watch the anime you can't help but wonder how an inexpressive little girl wearing gothic lolita clothes became a member of a thugs clan like HOMRA. All the answers are here. But the best part is not the why or how. The thing I liked the most about the whole novel was how it made me understand on a profound level the connection, the shared feeling, the strong string that ties Anna and Suoh (or Anna to Suoh). How she became so strongly attached to him. I feel like I understand them both and the beautiful bond they share way better now.
Also, since this novel had lots of POV changes I was able to understand (more or less) everyone in HOMRA. And that was nice. Because everyone is so different from each other and still them all work so well as a clan. It focused a lot more on some characters and left the others to the mystery but still it felt balanced. Even if it was short it was great to be on Suoh's head for a while!
And even if he's not one of my favourites, it was still interesting to see the dynamics of HOMRA when Fushimi was still there. It feels like he never fit in very well... and at the same time he did. It's real curious.
Aaaaand wow! Kusanagi seriously fighting for once! Made me so happy.
So, yes, I think this novel is the best one. It gave me lots of feelings. And gave me all the information I was craving for (so sad Munakata was not there yet...). My only regret is that I want more Suoh POV. More of Suoh's past. But I guess the authors of the K Project prefer to keep him as a half mysterious character somehow.
The novel about the Blue Clan had some great moments but it wasn't something crucial, it didn't gave truly important information. But this one, like the Silver Clan's one, gave lots of insight about the characters and told the past that we wanted to know. The main focus of the plot is how Anna became a member of the Red Clan. And this itself is AWESOME because when you watch the anime you can't help but wonder how an inexpressive little girl wearing gothic lolita clothes became a member of a thugs clan like HOMRA. All the answers are here. But the best part is not the why or how. The thing I liked the most about the whole novel was how it made me understand on a profound level the connection, the shared feeling, the strong string that ties Anna and Suoh (or Anna to Suoh). How she became so strongly attached to him. I feel like I understand them both and the beautiful bond they share way better now.
Also, since this novel had lots of POV changes I was able to understand (more or less) everyone in HOMRA. And that was nice. Because everyone is so different from each other and still them all work so well as a clan. It focused a lot more on some characters and left the others to the mystery but still it felt balanced. Even if it was short it was great to be on Suoh's head for a while!
And even if he's not one of my favourites, it was still interesting to see the dynamics of HOMRA when Fushimi was still there. It feels like he never fit in very well... and at the same time he did. It's real curious.
Aaaaand wow! Kusanagi seriously fighting for once! Made me so happy.
So, yes, I think this novel is the best one. It gave me lots of feelings. And gave me all the information I was craving for (so sad Munakata was not there yet...). My only regret is that I want more Suoh POV. More of Suoh's past. But I guess the authors of the K Project prefer to keep him as a half mysterious character somehow.
February 23, 2023
This light novel was in my top 5 oldest books on by TBR shelf. I can't believe this came out 11 years ago and I've now just gotten around to reading it. To be fair, I couldn't find a Japanese copy and it took me ages to find a good english translation (https://secretsoftheslate.tumblr.com/post/182472421062/index-k-project-novels-and-animation).
It was really interesting reading about how Anna came to be at Homra. I think I would have loved this more if I had revisited the anime before reading this light novel, or if I'd been able to read the original Japanese version.
It was really interesting reading about how Anna came to be at Homra. I think I would have loved this more if I had revisited the anime before reading this light novel, or if I'd been able to read the original Japanese version.
July 16, 2018
Sometimes it's quite fun looking back at the days of innocent, when HOMRA was a cluster of airhead hoodlums: thug-looking, nonetheless innocuous. What makes it so delightful to look at the Red Clan is their fraternity and cordiality. It's quite relaxing reading this piece.
November 16, 2014
Read a fan translation for this sci-fi novel which is a prequel of an anime, enjoyed it a lot. Felt it's much better then the manga or the anime as it's more detailed and mature. We really get to know the characters that make up the Red Faction,also Ann'a story is very interesting. The whole concept of "K" world and the different faction are pretty cool.
September 11, 2014
You right, Kusanagi. Mikoto Suou is the best king HOMRA could've asked for. Never thought someone like him could act very sweetly, even though he could've chosen to give no damn about it.
November 19, 2015
I loved it! It helped me understand both Suoh and Anna in a way the anime never could.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews