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I'm a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic (Light Novel) #1
I'm a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic: Volume 1
What’s a guy to do when his life suddenly changes while innocently enjoying a nice, cold drink after work? And I mean really changes.
This middle-aged commoner now finds himself in the body of Liam Hamilton, the young son of a noble house teetering on the brink of collapse. Between his fervidly desperate father and his utterly apathetic brothers, the only bright side to his new situation is that Liam can finally try learning magic like he’s always wanted. Little does he know his hobby of choice may be about to turn his life upside-down yet again! Will Liam be able to master the craft of magic? And will it be enough to save him from the shadow looming over his family...?
This middle-aged commoner now finds himself in the body of Liam Hamilton, the young son of a noble house teetering on the brink of collapse. Between his fervidly desperate father and his utterly apathetic brothers, the only bright side to his new situation is that Liam can finally try learning magic like he’s always wanted. Little does he know his hobby of choice may be about to turn his life upside-down yet again! Will Liam be able to master the craft of magic? And will it be enough to save him from the shadow looming over his family...?
- GenresLight NovelFantasy
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2024
88 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 12, 2024
The beginning was enjoyable but then it becomes utterly formulaic and predictable, and there are no interesting characters to carry it.
May 23, 2024
Interesting
This story is what I was expecting but also not. The story was straight forward but was missing some key elements. Like why isn't he in school? Why he doesn't have the basic knowledge about everyday life? Things like this makes me itchy. I am hoping that the main character isn't thrown out into the world without basic knowledge like the plot seems to be going.
This story is what I was expecting but also not. The story was straight forward but was missing some key elements. Like why isn't he in school? Why he doesn't have the basic knowledge about everyday life? Things like this makes me itchy. I am hoping that the main character isn't thrown out into the world without basic knowledge like the plot seems to be going.
March 23, 2024
Written by Nazuna Miki and illustrated by Kabotya, I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin is JNC’s latest release that focuses on all the wonders that magic has to offer. Starring Liam Hamilton, the fifth son of a noble house, the story follows his journey as he chooses a completely different method from his siblings to avoid commonerhood.
Instead of marrying up, Liam focuses his efforts on learning the ins and outs of magic after a little nudge from a helpful fugitive. To this end, magic mastery makes up the bulk of the first volume’s story.
Best described as a light-hearted power fantasy, the first volume follows a well-trodden path within the genre as Liam’s introduction to the world of magic quickly snowballs into him becoming one of its strongest users.
Whilst Liam learns the basics, we’re given some of the best moments of the volume. The relationship between Lord Liam and his master is the highlight of the novel. The magic master’s tips and tricks always push Liam into finding new ways of using his magical abilities and gives some credence to how powerful he eventually becomes.
Unfortunately, what this series makes up for in magic, it needs to improve in character development. Of the several side characters introduced, none are complex or well-developed. Most, if not all, are nothing more than yes men, there to praise Liam for every little thing he gets right. There are some interesting moments of conflict between the protagonist and his family, but this isn’t well-realised as it isn’t given enough time.
Furthermore, the use of a harem in the series comes across as a little problematic. The dynamics between Liam and his potential love interests are out of sorts, and hopefully, they’ll rectify this as the series continues.
Overall, whilst I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin’s foray into magic is both fun and entertaining, the volume itself is let down by a lack of vision in creating complex characters and a troubling dynamic that’s developing between Liam and the members of his harem.
Instead of marrying up, Liam focuses his efforts on learning the ins and outs of magic after a little nudge from a helpful fugitive. To this end, magic mastery makes up the bulk of the first volume’s story.
Best described as a light-hearted power fantasy, the first volume follows a well-trodden path within the genre as Liam’s introduction to the world of magic quickly snowballs into him becoming one of its strongest users.
Whilst Liam learns the basics, we’re given some of the best moments of the volume. The relationship between Lord Liam and his master is the highlight of the novel. The magic master’s tips and tricks always push Liam into finding new ways of using his magical abilities and gives some credence to how powerful he eventually becomes.
Unfortunately, what this series makes up for in magic, it needs to improve in character development. Of the several side characters introduced, none are complex or well-developed. Most, if not all, are nothing more than yes men, there to praise Liam for every little thing he gets right. There are some interesting moments of conflict between the protagonist and his family, but this isn’t well-realised as it isn’t given enough time.
Furthermore, the use of a harem in the series comes across as a little problematic. The dynamics between Liam and his potential love interests are out of sorts, and hopefully, they’ll rectify this as the series continues.
Overall, whilst I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin’s foray into magic is both fun and entertaining, the volume itself is let down by a lack of vision in creating complex characters and a troubling dynamic that’s developing between Liam and the members of his harem.
February 3, 2025
Nazuna Miki’s I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic follows a familiar isekai formula, featuring an overpowered protagonist who rapidly accumulates magical abilities and influence. The story leans heavily on the main character’s fascination with magic and his ambitions to build a kingdom, with little emphasis on deep world-building or a structured plot.
Like many light novels in the genre, it incorporates elements of a growing harem and exaggerated magical prowess, prioritizing entertainment over narrative complexity. While it may not appeal to readers looking for a deeply engaging or intricately developed story, it serves well as a light, enjoyable read for fans of isekai anime and fantasy escapism.
Though not a must-read, it provides a satisfying diversion for those seeking a fun and fast-paced adventure. 3/5 stars.
Like many light novels in the genre, it incorporates elements of a growing harem and exaggerated magical prowess, prioritizing entertainment over narrative complexity. While it may not appeal to readers looking for a deeply engaging or intricately developed story, it serves well as a light, enjoyable read for fans of isekai anime and fantasy escapism.
Though not a must-read, it provides a satisfying diversion for those seeking a fun and fast-paced adventure. 3/5 stars.
February 14, 2025
Loved it
I bought the books because I felt in love with the anime. I liked all of those missing stuff that the anime didn't showed. Liam is a wonderful person that keeps on thinking about everyone else.
I bought the books because I felt in love with the anime. I liked all of those missing stuff that the anime didn't showed. Liam is a wonderful person that keeps on thinking about everyone else.
January 28, 2024
~~ read till chapter 18 ~~
May 20, 2024
💙💚💜💛
Wow what an amazing start to a series. I cannot wait to see what happens next. Wonder what other demi humans Liam will come across?
Wow what an amazing start to a series. I cannot wait to see what happens next. Wonder what other demi humans Liam will come across?
July 10, 2024
Power fantasy of a power fantasy. But there seems to be something of a plot so I think I'm going to keep reading.
July 25, 2024
Really mid ngl
August 30, 2024
Great read....
December 3, 2024
Not as good as I hoped or expected.
Fast-paced. Growth is told, not shown. It's a fun read I suppose, but definitely not great. Time to try again
Fast-paced. Growth is told, not shown. It's a fun read I suppose, but definitely not great. Time to try again
May 31, 2025
Easy mode
This is a nice amiable isekai read but the progress all drops a little to easily for the protagonist Liam.
This is a nice amiable isekai read but the progress all drops a little to easily for the protagonist Liam.
October 7, 2025
Novel, not manga
Did not read. I was looking for the manga and bought this by mistake. Seller should put "Light Novel" in the title or somewhere obvious.
Did not read. I was looking for the manga and bought this by mistake. Seller should put "Light Novel" in the title or somewhere obvious.
March 17, 2025
A fun light novel seroes.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews