Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 5 Volume 7

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) #28

by Miya Kazuki, You Shiina (Illustrator), Quof (Translator)

Ferdinand senses danger on the horizon. Dark clouds hang over him, twisting and turning into a dense miasma of unease. Meanwhile, Rozemyne prepares for winter, conscious that her move to the Sovereignty is fast approaching. Her fourth term at the Royal Academy begins, she meets new faces at the fellowship gathering…

Then something strange happens.

Rozemyne goes somewhere unexpected, where she finds something even more unexpected—and that’s only the beginning. How will the saint respond when an incident in Ahrensbach leaves everyone else feeling defeated?

“No matter what happens, I’ll protect you.”

Pressing events are set in motion in the newest volume of this biblio-fantasy. Includes two short stories and four-panel manga by You Shiina.

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Slice Of Life, Young Adult, Manga

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2021

About the author

Japanese 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.

Reviews

[Cody Enos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible.

Part 5 has been a rollercoaster of a ride with each volume becoming better than the last as it tries to tie everything up (allegedly!). This just may be the best volume of the series to-date, with the anticipation of the next even greater.

I do not want to spoil what happens, but let’s just say there were numerous moments where I was talking to the book, fully enraptured, crying tears of joy for Rozemyne and screaming at the gods when it ended. It truly was an incredible experience and the fact that I have to wait 2 months for the next installment is torture. TORTURE!!

We finally got some exciting moments that Rozemyne in particular has been wanting since day 1 while also expanding up everything that’s been set up. The hype is real.

[Ernost · Rating 5 out of 5]

After how laid back the past several volumes were, this one was quite a shock. Not only was the lore and world-building massively expanded, but Myne herself underwent significant changes. This was also, IMO the darkest entry in the series so far; while previous volumes have had violence and death, it tended to be off-screen so to speak, while in this volume it was front and center. It also reveals Lanzenave to be a much greater threat than I had thought.

I'm eagerly looking forward to the next volume! Based on how events have been set up as it promises to be EPIC!

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. So much stuff happens in this one. And cliffhanger! And I've got other things to read but going to skip everything else and go right on to volume 8. I've got some confusion about how some of the next action is going to happen. But this kind of feels like it could come to an actual ending. That said though it does look like there may be part 5 thru volume 12 - so probably volume 8 will also be a huge cliffhanger - or even worse an absolute stop mid-action.

[Nischal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a series about a girl wanting to read books? What's up with all this suspense, political intrigue, double-tripled layer nefarious schemes, ASSASSINATION???
But the one thing I can't stop thinking about, what's stuck with me ever since i read the prepub even, is why didn't dirk get a new longer, noble name?

[Mariah Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best ones to date, literally dying to read the next one

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete the hand-off of duchy responsibilities. Conclude fourth-year studies at the Royal Academy. Run through a Dedication Ritual. Inspect a new villa and select Sovereignty retainers. Acquire a new book. And accidentally surge the country toward irreversible conflict.

Lady Rozemyne's checklist is not entirely of her own making, and readers know by now, the young woman stumbles into ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v28 doing her utmost to prepare for the transition of a lifetime.

So often, the nobility has had a different plan for her. So often, the aub has had a different plan for her. So often, royalty has had a different plan for her. This time, the gods have a different plan for Rozemyne. And so does Lady Georgine.

The tension and drama prickling and percolating in the previous volume, as well as the current novel's first 100 pages, explodes quite fabulously when an incident following a Dedication Ritual at the Royal Academy shoves everyone's favorite librarian-to-be in front a deity's subordinate. Donating mana to the library is all well and good, but an audience with the gods? Not according to plan.

Also not according to plan is the landslide of information Rozemyne encounters during her auspicious audience. Only Rozemyne would call an info dump from the heavens a "problematic development," simply because she wasn't informed ahead of time. But in truth, the knowledge the young woman gains, the narrative connections she makes, and the (literal and spiritual) growth she abruptly experiences push the light-novel series toward a gripping climax that'll see whole duchies on the line. Can Ehrenfest the Eighth defend itself, all alone, when it's most treacherous foes have been plotting for its destruction for several years, if not decades?

The novel succeeds on many accounts. ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v28 dawdles congenially for dozens of pages before shifting into high gear and plunging headlong into page-turning drama. The light-novel series has done this before; except, this time around, the drama spans multiple, consecutive chapters. Lady Georgine is making her move. And so is Prince Leonzio of Lanzenave. And so are several other, equally prominent figures. It's no wonder a middle chapter is titled, "Anxiety and the Measuring," in reference to Rozemyne's inescapable apprehension as well as an appointment with her seamstresses for her new Sovereignty clothing. The earnest contradiction of this chapter title is prescient: The pursuit of truth and the quest to protect one's home shall prove interminably exhausting endeavors, no matter the pretenses that lay before the young bookworm.

The current volume does well to balance the need for emotional closure (leaving behind) and the desire to prepare (anticipating the new). For example, candid conversations with Sylvester and Fran might urge one to tears, given how far both characters' relationships with Rozemyne of have come (as well as how far apart they are in terms of class and socioeconomic status). Fran's speech begins humbly enough ("Come, see how much the temple has improved because of you," page 216), but the end result is a heartfelt recollection of the good works honest people have done in Rozemyne's name. It's a touching moment.

Further, ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v28 makes an effort to navigate the curious labyrinth of uncertainty (and plot holes) left in the wake of the novel series' complex mythology, incomplete worldbuilding, and bevy of cool secondary and tertiary characters who only appeared once or twice. A simple example would include a rather harrowing (partial) clarification about the Devouring, the other names by which the illness is called, and how it relates to Rozemyne's unique abilities. Another example would be an added explainer on the governance system established by the first Zent (as well as how and why it was quickly forgotten). Another, separate example is more practical: Apparently, the Sovereignty is a circle because it's actually a massive magic seal meant to contain the power of Ewigeliebe, the God of Life. Who knew?

Lady Rozemyne has access to so much knowledge and so much power, one cannot help but smile and nod when the young woman rebukes the clarion call of higher authority with a mantra of her own: "I've got no desire to become Zent and rule Yurgenschmidt; I just want more ways to protect the people I care about" (with special emphasis that she would never do anything to "cut down [her] reading time and make it harder for [her] to get new books"), page 189.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover is a pretty major spoiler, though I had no idea how that was going to happen. My best guess was way off, though also partially correct, so... Enough on that, but it was interesting to choose this as the cover.

My other immediate thought is, don't read this book until you have the next one ready. Holy cow, this one ends on a cliffhanger! Things are really ramping up.

The Prologue is told from Ferdinand's POV, and nothing too important happens here, but it's nice to see Ferdinand's thoughts and understanding (or lack of) as to what Rozemyne is up to, among other things.

As for the actual book, I'm glad to be at the Royal Academy again! One of my favorite settings. Though, don't get too hyped about it if you also love it. Things... happen. Very vague because major spoilers. But I enjoyed what I got, and it's always nice to see more of the magic system and the classwork.

It's kind of hard to talk about much else because major spoilers happen, but we get a mystery solved, lots of worldbuilding, and an unexpected twist or two. All very exciting stuff. Also, some payoffs for things that happened in prior books, and things are building towards a very action-packed next volume.

This really feels like it's building towards the end of the series, and I'm not ready for it to be over--but I can't wait for what is to come!

The Epilogue is from Letizia's POV. I won't get into it, but it's nice to see how things came to be from her perspective, plus a little more of the situation going on.

Though, is it just me, or does Leonzio look just like Benno when he's all dressed up? At least, in that particular black and white illustration.

Bonus story time. I probably won't say much about these because they all involve major spoilers.

The first story is from Sigiswald's POV, and it details the moment the major spoiler happened as well as what followed after. It's nice to get the Royal side of it all, since that felt a little brushed aside in the main book.

The second story is from Charlotte's POV. Again, it's largely detailing what Charlotte goes through during the time of the major spoiler and how things were handled by Ehrenfest.

The final story is from Leonzio's POV. I really enjoyed this one, considering how little this character has been seen. It gives more worldbuilding into his country, and it's also nice to see his perspective on this scheme he's involved with.

Then, the bonus comics. They were cute, but my favorite is easily 'Really Makes You Think.' It made me laugh out loud.

Finally, the inside color illustration. It's a complex piece that captures the climatic moment extremely well. I love the character expressions, the posing, and everything.

Overall, this is another great addition to the series. I wish the cover didn't spoil Rozemyne's growth, but there was still enjoyment to be had in the mystery of how such a thing happens. I do like her older design, though I'll miss the adorableness of her younger design. Now Rozemyne looks like an elegant noble rather than a cute child.

Things really start moving in this novel, Rozemyne accidently getting drawn into more worldbuilding stuff, and then what follows after. There's several twists, and things get quite tense by the end. The cliffhanger was so cruel, but I'm excited for what comes next!

[s. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowowowow!! I am at the edge of my seat here! This started slow, even a bit empty at first—what with all that somber vibe at the start but then it just went ahead and swept the rug under your feet!

That twist was something I didn't see coming but also... I did see it. I know that the many foreshadowing in the past volumes all lead to this one big bang of a plot point but I didn't think it'd come like this. I couldn't put my book down the minute the plot started to rise.

Benno was really speaking the truth when he said that everything becomes hurried when it involves Rozemyne. She was supposed to have at least a half year more to spend preparing but alas! Rozemyne is simply too unique and too blessed for any of that.

This volume's main story ended with quite the cliffhanger, followed by more short stories than normal. It served to calm the excitement a bit. But still, I find myself wanting to jump to the next one FAST.

So here goes. On to the next!

[Sol González · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traducción oficial de noviembre, finalmente la leo.
Como siempre, mucho mejor esta traducción que las automáticas de traductores. Además el libro viene acompañado de capítulos adicionales con puntos de vista de otros personajes que dan profundidad a la trama.

En este libro me interesaron más los puntos de vista de los personajes que quedaron en el precipicio: Letizia y Leonzio. Posiblemente la última es todavía más importante porque en el web novel no se dice casi nada de Lanzenave. Este capítulo tiene poco más de cómo funciona ese misterioso país

[Larell ßriŧŧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good read but the story felt different

I feel this was a great book as it progresses the story at such a quick pace that I’m glad it didn’t feel cut off but at the same time and possibly due to how all the previous books have been, it feels rushed. About 70% the plot move so fast with time skips and etc but then the latter 30% involves everything that happened during that time.

It doesn’t feel as put together and that’s maybe because of the time difference between creation and translation, or possibly the ending is near as we reach the climax but the story is still great overall

I suppose I wish it was longer I’d even pay for a longer book if the details that are introduced aren’t just skipped over just as fast as they came.

The way the story progression is being written is only slightly off but it still has the same punch here and there that made me enjoy the series that up until the end I was left wanting more.

I hope the author is in good health and that the conclusion to the series which could be near or far is satisfying and also given time or space or rather more pages to express and detail the world

[R.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new school year at the Royal academy starts, Rozemyne's prayers formed a magic circle in the sky which ends up activating during a dedication ritual. As usual she goes to pour the leftover mana on the library's magic tools, but while she is donating mana to the statue of Mestionora she is transported to another place. Her sudden disappearance gets covered as illness, which isn't uncommon for her, but ends up taking the whole school year.

After acquiring the Grutrissheit, or at least part of it, and growing approximately five years at once she urgently goes back to Ehrenfest to warn them about an imminent invasion.

[Kyrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rozemyne is going to her probable last year at the Royal Academy as an Archduke candidate from Ehrenfest. While looking for something for the Royal Family, she has an encounter with Gramps and is missing for the rest of the school term. Ehrenfest manages to keep it secret because it isn't unusual for her to be ill for long periods of time.

Meanwhile, Ahrensbach is plotting something. Ehrenfest is aware and counterplotting. There is SOOOOOOO much left hanging at the end, and the short stories hint at even more. I am anxious for the next book to be out!!!

[Faith Troupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her growing up was a little underwhelming which I find happens a lot with theses books. I look forward to the war though because I believe rosemyn is going to be crazy.

This book answers some of the questions that have been mounting through the series but now they have thrown some more questions at us. Very little was answered and more questions have been launched.

Sigh January 10 cannot come fast enough

[Empanadani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rozemyne has finally grown!!! How many books, how many pages, how many YEARS have Ive been waiting for this moment?

Now that she's older, it might be more acceptable to get with Ferdinand, but I still don't like him. He's not as smart as he thinks. If he had listened to Letizia's pleas, then maybe he wouldn't have fallen into that trap. He fell into it because Georgina knows he's a cold and "logical" person.

Also, I hope we get rid of Lanzenave. They sound like white supremacists.

[My · Rating 5 out of 5]

My adrenaline levels were on such a high that I immediately rushed to purchase the pre-pub of the next book (and I must say, OH BOY!).

I'm glad to see that most of the pieces are starting to fall into place, and we can finally understand in full what some of the key players were aiming to achieve. I've had my suspicions, but the exact sequence of events surpassed what I was expecting.

[A S · Rating 5 out of 5]

breakthrough

Great book. A little less humorous and playful, more serious and action packed. Rozemyne is being pushed forward by circumstance and she steps up like the bad ass she is and is readying herself to take what she wants as fully grown adult and as an arrow of the gods.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the scheming has finally come to a head

Ahhh! So intense. I was not prepared. I can't wait for the next book.
The author has been so good at making seemingly light-hearted drama and political drama, that I forgot how intense things could get.

[Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent

I can't believe what I'm reading right now. I think this volume has so much more excitement than previous ones. Rozemyne has grown which means she can marry Fernindad. So much action in the next volume. I can't and won't spoil anything.

[Velta Gūtmane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jauns pavērsiens stāstā. Ļoti daudz jauni notikumi notika. Rozmyne sarunas ar dievu lika viņai izaugt ļoti garai. Nākamās grāmatas noteikti būs par cīņu.

Tuvojas šīs sērijas beigas, to var just. Visi uzdotie jautājumi viens pēc otra tiek atbildēti. Šī bija laba grāmata.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descent into madness

The end of this novel makes you have to read the next volume. It's time for war!! Ferdinand must be saved and the country protected. Our darling Myne is forced into the front lines once more.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was epic! Rosemyne got a glow up, both magically and physically, and things with Arencebaha are coming to a head. Rosemyne is about to act out my feelings by protecting Ferdinand at all costs, with the help of my faves, Dankelfurger. On to the next volume! 5 stars.

[Anny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man proposes, God disposes. Doubly so in a world where Gods were real and loved to throw wrench on your best laid plan. Everything also shifted into high gear as we're preparing for the climax. Definitely a suspense filled read!

[⁠✧¡grandpa!✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

foolishly read it all the same day and have been rereading it ever since😭

[Sof · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING! THE PLOT WAS PERFECT ⭐️

[Yudi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Myne is reaching adulthood

[Faith Troupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kind of skimmed through this one but from what I hear the book series just released the final book.

I can’t wait for the next book
The war is what I’m looking forward to

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The baddies make their move! Rosemyne is embiggened!

Good thing the next one is out. Will she get her library?

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looks the start of a new school year and then, blam!!! Many surprises await the reader.

[Juan Florido Díaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Algo apresurado pero me encantó

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much stuff is happening in this volume in such a short time