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The Water Magician Light Novel #1
The Water Magician: Arc 1 Volume 1
Ryo is delighted to be reincarnated into the fantastical world of Phi, where he thinks he’ll get to live a quiet life learning to use his newfound water magic. Going with the flow here, however, means something very different. Ryo is immediately pitted against the wild lands he winds up in and the slew of deadly monsters that call the remote subcontinent home.
You’d think he’d forget about taking it easy when he’s stuck fighting for his life, but lucky for Ryo, he’s naturally optimistic, clever, and blessed with the hidden “Eternal Youth” trait. Twenty years pass in the blink of an eye, and each encounter along the way pushes him one step closer to the pinnacle of human magic. Little does he realize that’s only the opening chapter of his tale. A fateful meeting soon thrusts Ryo to the forefront of history, forever changing the course of his life...
Thus begins the adventures of the strongest water magician the world has ever seen—who also likes to do things at his own pace!
You’d think he’d forget about taking it easy when he’s stuck fighting for his life, but lucky for Ryo, he’s naturally optimistic, clever, and blessed with the hidden “Eternal Youth” trait. Twenty years pass in the blink of an eye, and each encounter along the way pushes him one step closer to the pinnacle of human magic. Little does he realize that’s only the opening chapter of his tale. A fateful meeting soon thrusts Ryo to the forefront of history, forever changing the course of his life...
Thus begins the adventures of the strongest water magician the world has ever seen—who also likes to do things at his own pace!
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2021
217 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 14, 2025
TSTL MC and waaaaay too much explanation and leading the reader by the nose for me to want to continue. DNF at 34%.
A shame, as a family member recommended it to me based off of the anime. Stick to the anime for this one I think.
2, not the worst I’ve read but not worth trying it, stars.
A shame, as a family member recommended it to me based off of the anime. Stick to the anime for this one I think.
2, not the worst I’ve read but not worth trying it, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
DNF @ 18%
Wow. This drags. So. Much.
I don't know if the story improves later on. I'm not willing to plough through half of the book to find out.
This whole learning about the world thing could be condensed so much. Alas, this is not the choice this author made.
I refuse to prolong my suffering.
Manga version is not so bad, comparatively.
Edit: So. I managed to muddle through the whole thing. Now I desperately need a palate cleanser.
After a third(!) of the book story finally becomes marginally more readable. Still plenty of infodumps.
AND Ryo turns out to be a condescending forever-teenager who thinks himself funny when he really, REALLY IS NOT. Great! Fantastic! NO, THANKS.
No, it does not get better in 2nd volume, either.
HARD PASS.
Wow. This drags. So. Much.
I don't know if the story improves later on. I'm not willing to plough through half of the book to find out.
This whole learning about the world thing could be condensed so much. Alas, this is not the choice this author made.
I refuse to prolong my suffering.
Manga version is not so bad, comparatively.
Edit: So. I managed to muddle through the whole thing. Now I desperately need a palate cleanser.
After a third(!) of the book story finally becomes marginally more readable. Still plenty of infodumps.
AND Ryo turns out to be a condescending forever-teenager who thinks himself funny when he really, REALLY IS NOT. Great! Fantastic! NO, THANKS.
No, it does not get better in 2nd volume, either.
HARD PASS.
September 11, 2025
This is not a series for me. The really slow start with a lot of repetitive info dumps and inner monologues and at times frustrating odd details that don't make much sense are one thing. I mean, having a 19-year old with no survival training being able to butcher animals, tan hides, remain sane while staying alone for 20 years, and the like is one thing. The fact that the MC "quirkiness" doesn't click is the straw that break the camels back. I just didn't enjoy this read, although I suppose I did manage to finish it hence 2 stars.
February 8, 2025
I stumbled upon this series by chance, mostly because I've read lots of light novels by this point and ones I haven't read yet are ones that I've avoided intentionally. Eventually, this showed up in my Recommended feed so I gave it a shot.
Character - 5/10, Plot - 6/10, Setting and Magic - 5/10, Writing - 6/10, Enjoyment - 7/10
If you've read many light novels, you've seen this character before: the extraordinarily bland Japanese salaryman who gets isekai'd to a fantasyland and just wants to live the slow life. And just like so many of these bland characters, he only gets excited about the idea of taking a bath and eating rice. That probably sounds disparaging, but it is what it is. I've seen this character dozens of times. Luckily, our MC, Ryo, has a bit of a competitive drive, so he diligently practices his water magic and develops his physical abilities.
On the topic of plot, there's not much of one here. We only start off with the premise of a salaryman hit by Truck-kun who reincarnates into a fantasy alternate-Earth as a 19-year-old with water magic affinity. The first 50% of the book is just the MC by himself in the forest developing spells, taking baths, and making fish sauce. I'm not even joking. And this covers 20 years of story time, but luckily the MC is blessed with Eternal Youth so he still looks 19. In the Afterward, the author even mentions that this volume was more of a prologue of a prologue, and it sure felt that way at times.
Luckily, about halfway through the book, Ryo finds a person washed up on the shore after a shipwreck and we finally get another character: Abel, the adventurer. At this point, the story finally starts to move and it transitions into one of the tropes I like: a person from the end-game boonies journeys to civilization and doesn't realize how strong they are compared to everyone.
Speaking of magic, I honestly think the power curve got out of hand quickly. The MC developed the ability to cast hundreds of ice lances simultaneously during what seems like the tutorial phase of the story. I don't mind an OP character, but it helps when the magic system at least tries to stay grounded in some sort of universal consistency. I think the power creep will become unsustainable in this series within a couple of volumes at this rate.
The writing, as is often the case with light novel translations, was clean and functional. There weren't any glaring grammar or proofreading errors jumping out at me, but likewise, there was no poetry.
This book will probably be hit-or-miss for people, with the extremely slow start and the bland main character being turnoffs for some readers. I was in the mood for this type of story, and it read quickly, so I was okay with it. But I also reached the end of the book feeling pretty lukewarm.
I will probably read the next volume and see where things go from there.
Character - 5/10, Plot - 6/10, Setting and Magic - 5/10, Writing - 6/10, Enjoyment - 7/10
If you've read many light novels, you've seen this character before: the extraordinarily bland Japanese salaryman who gets isekai'd to a fantasyland and just wants to live the slow life. And just like so many of these bland characters, he only gets excited about the idea of taking a bath and eating rice. That probably sounds disparaging, but it is what it is. I've seen this character dozens of times. Luckily, our MC, Ryo, has a bit of a competitive drive, so he diligently practices his water magic and develops his physical abilities.
On the topic of plot, there's not much of one here. We only start off with the premise of a salaryman hit by Truck-kun who reincarnates into a fantasy alternate-Earth as a 19-year-old with water magic affinity. The first 50% of the book is just the MC by himself in the forest developing spells, taking baths, and making fish sauce. I'm not even joking. And this covers 20 years of story time, but luckily the MC is blessed with Eternal Youth so he still looks 19. In the Afterward, the author even mentions that this volume was more of a prologue of a prologue, and it sure felt that way at times.
Luckily, about halfway through the book, Ryo finds a person washed up on the shore after a shipwreck and we finally get another character: Abel, the adventurer. At this point, the story finally starts to move and it transitions into one of the tropes I like: a person from the end-game boonies journeys to civilization and doesn't realize how strong they are compared to everyone.
Speaking of magic, I honestly think the power curve got out of hand quickly. The MC developed the ability to cast hundreds of ice lances simultaneously during what seems like the tutorial phase of the story. I don't mind an OP character, but it helps when the magic system at least tries to stay grounded in some sort of universal consistency. I think the power creep will become unsustainable in this series within a couple of volumes at this rate.
The writing, as is often the case with light novel translations, was clean and functional. There weren't any glaring grammar or proofreading errors jumping out at me, but likewise, there was no poetry.
This book will probably be hit-or-miss for people, with the extremely slow start and the bland main character being turnoffs for some readers. I was in the mood for this type of story, and it read quickly, so I was okay with it. But I also reached the end of the book feeling pretty lukewarm.
I will probably read the next volume and see where things go from there.
May 26, 2024
Great Read
Ryo, the mc, reminds me of a little brother that goes around annoying everyone. The plot flows along smoothly for the first book. I wonder if Ryo will go back to train with the fairy king? Not much happens in the first book despite the MC leaving solitude living. This boom is just to get the juices flowing for the next installment.
Ryo, the mc, reminds me of a little brother that goes around annoying everyone. The plot flows along smoothly for the first book. I wonder if Ryo will go back to train with the fairy king? Not much happens in the first book despite the MC leaving solitude living. This boom is just to get the juices flowing for the next installment.
July 23, 2025
What a drag.......
Most of this book revolves around him being in the forest and working on his magic and survival skills, etc. Honestly, if you can make it through this book and still be enthusiastic about reading the second volume, I would be impressed.
The characters feel pretty meh with the author dropping random historical facts here and there almost like they are trying to show off how smart they are. I ended up skipping most of those types of paragraphs, and the story still worked, so I would class those bits as unnecessary.
Admittedly I did move on to volume 2 holding out hope that it would improve somewhat and it did but not enough to motivate me to keep reading on.
The anime looked pretty interesting but the books just drag on.
Most of this book revolves around him being in the forest and working on his magic and survival skills, etc. Honestly, if you can make it through this book and still be enthusiastic about reading the second volume, I would be impressed.
The characters feel pretty meh with the author dropping random historical facts here and there almost like they are trying to show off how smart they are. I ended up skipping most of those types of paragraphs, and the story still worked, so I would class those bits as unnecessary.
Admittedly I did move on to volume 2 holding out hope that it would improve somewhat and it did but not enough to motivate me to keep reading on.
The anime looked pretty interesting but the books just drag on.
June 4, 2025
A weirdly high amount of errors throughout which were distracting.
A very slow start which has little to do with worldbuilding and more to do with a poor introduction (in my opinion). The second half is infinitely better than the first (except the humour at Abel's expense). Frankly, I feel like the first half could be erased and we wouldn't lose much. It's that slow of a start (and I normally love world-building beginnings).
The MC is incredibly annoying. At the beginning he's supposed to be nineteen and acts like it, fine. But supposedly by the time he meets the second character, he's basically forty but still acts like a young teen man-child. Can't stand the 'humour' - it's clear the author thinks Ryo is hilarious, and keeps making the same kind of lame humour which I found really hard to push past.
I didn't absolutely hate it, but I certainly won't be buying the next one.
A very slow start which has little to do with worldbuilding and more to do with a poor introduction (in my opinion). The second half is infinitely better than the first (except the humour at Abel's expense). Frankly, I feel like the first half could be erased and we wouldn't lose much. It's that slow of a start (and I normally love world-building beginnings).
The MC is incredibly annoying. At the beginning he's supposed to be nineteen and acts like it, fine. But supposedly by the time he meets the second character, he's basically forty but still acts like a young teen man-child. Can't stand the 'humour' - it's clear the author thinks Ryo is hilarious, and keeps making the same kind of lame humour which I found really hard to push past.
I didn't absolutely hate it, but I certainly won't be buying the next one.
September 19, 2025
Discovered this book because of it being made into an anime series.
The book goes at a more relaxed pace than the anime, but still if you find world-building, skill discovery, etc. interesting there's plenty here to keep you interested. However you need to realize he's extremely isolated for more than the first half of the book. I'm noticing that the anime includes some stuff that (I'm guessing) comes from the second book once he does end up in town. However, everything in the in the first book does occur in the first season of the anime.
I *am* glad I watched the anime first, as it gave me the patience to make it through the first half of the book, which seemed to be a problem for other readers.
All in all, I'm pretty happy with the book as it gives significant more backstory, especially at the first than we got out of the anime. Just don't expect the action to be front loaded into it.
The book goes at a more relaxed pace than the anime, but still if you find world-building, skill discovery, etc. interesting there's plenty here to keep you interested. However you need to realize he's extremely isolated for more than the first half of the book. I'm noticing that the anime includes some stuff that (I'm guessing) comes from the second book once he does end up in town. However, everything in the in the first book does occur in the first season of the anime.
I *am* glad I watched the anime first, as it gave me the patience to make it through the first half of the book, which seemed to be a problem for other readers.
All in all, I'm pretty happy with the book as it gives significant more backstory, especially at the first than we got out of the anime. Just don't expect the action to be front loaded into it.
September 3, 2025
This is a review for the entire series, up to the end of Arc 3 of the web novel.
Rating: 3.5
I would have loved this series much more if it weren't constantly jumping around. Central continent, then West, then East, and now apparently we're going to the Dark Continent. The characters established in the first arc barely matter anymore. We haven't seen Sera, who for all intents and purposes is Ryo's lover, for hundreds of chapters now. We don't know what's going on in the kingdom, what Kenneth's been up do with his cool alchemy, what the Empire is scheming about or how their internal politics recovered after Helmut's death, what the elves have been up to, etc. I would have preferred fleshing out these story elements. The series' worldbuilding can be summarised as "wide as an ocean, deep as a puddle".
It's also jarring how abruptly things end. The Phantom King dies, months or so pass instantly and they're already on their way back home. No goodbyes, no tying up loose ends, no proclamation of a new Crown Prince.
Come to think of it, Arc 2 also ended very abruptly, with no concrete treaties being signed with the West, which was originally the entire purpose of the trip. That's just not a satisfying way to end an arc, is it?
Plus, half of Ryo's dialogue with others is just him teasing them, especially Abel and Nils. And that teasing isn't particularly creative, he has like two or three "jokes" that are repeated endlessly. Come on now.
Rating: 3.5
I would have loved this series much more if it weren't constantly jumping around. Central continent, then West, then East, and now apparently we're going to the Dark Continent. The characters established in the first arc barely matter anymore. We haven't seen Sera, who for all intents and purposes is Ryo's lover, for hundreds of chapters now. We don't know what's going on in the kingdom, what Kenneth's been up do with his cool alchemy, what the Empire is scheming about or how their internal politics recovered after Helmut's death, what the elves have been up to, etc. I would have preferred fleshing out these story elements. The series' worldbuilding can be summarised as "wide as an ocean, deep as a puddle".
It's also jarring how abruptly things end. The Phantom King dies, months or so pass instantly and they're already on their way back home. No goodbyes, no tying up loose ends, no proclamation of a new Crown Prince.
Come to think of it, Arc 2 also ended very abruptly, with no concrete treaties being signed with the West, which was originally the entire purpose of the trip. That's just not a satisfying way to end an arc, is it?
Plus, half of Ryo's dialogue with others is just him teasing them, especially Abel and Nils. And that teasing isn't particularly creative, he has like two or three "jokes" that are repeated endlessly. Come on now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2024
This book is mostly set up of the main character getting used to the fantasy world. I found the slice of life aspect enjoyable. Once he starts interacting with other humans he sounds a bit more like an eccentric and slightly annoying teenager which I didn't enjoy as much but he is technically mentally an eccentric teenager so it makes sense.
May 26, 2025
Hooked
I loved Ryo and his quirky personality. The novel had a rough start but overall good. There are sound questions I have but will see if they ate answered in the following volumes. The fact that Ryo had some much scientific knowledge has help him in his new life. The introduction of the fire magician is not something I find interesting.
I loved Ryo and his quirky personality. The novel had a rough start but overall good. There are sound questions I have but will see if they ate answered in the following volumes. The fact that Ryo had some much scientific knowledge has help him in his new life. The introduction of the fire magician is not something I find interesting.
August 16, 2025
Totally easy and enjoyable read. The MC isn’t overpowered from day one but learning how to do things isn’t over explained. I liked the way he meets his first friend and they’re travels back to his hometown. Then the meetings with new people. And his interactions with them. Looking forward to next book
October 1, 2025
I started reading this because I liked the anime, but I will say they did a lot of work to make the anime better. The writing is terrible, I recommend not reading this and just waiting for the anime to continue.
December 23, 2024
I'll be honest, I liked it the best when he was a solitary mage within his shields. But, I like Abel I like the roommates, we'll see where things go.
July 6, 2025
3.5 stars
July 6, 2025
Story is a bit slow but OK. I didn't like the MC much. An easy read though.
July 9, 2025
The "comedy" is annoying
July 9, 2025
This is one of those series I like about exploring and discovering life. It may not be for everyone and be prepare for a slow beginning.
July 25, 2025
As Isekai go, seemed to take act 1 a lot more relaxed than most. Looking forward to see how it goes. Then bam decides to give you demon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
I only finished it because I paid for it.
Terrible.
Terrible.
August 5, 2025
Kind of dry in the beginning but got really good and stayed good until the end.
October 5, 2025
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait to read the next book in this fantastic series!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait to read the next book in this fantastic series!
December 7, 2025
This was so boring I had to give up.
January 3, 2026
DNF. Very boring book for a disappointing anime.
November 23, 2025
Picked it up because I liked the anime so much. It's a series where I like the setting and characters, but the writing is bad. Really bad. The author also goes off tangents about earth factoids that disrupt the flow and more than a few times aren't even accurate.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews