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陰の実力者になりたくて！ [Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute ]（Light Novel） #2
The Eminence in Shadow - Tome 02
大人気・中二病×勘違い×異世界転生黙示録!!
聖地・リンドブルムで行われる「女神の試練」イベントへと訪れたシド。
一年に一度、「聖域」の扉が開かれるこの日に、突如現れたのは、かつて世界に混乱と破壊を招いたと言われる「災厄の魔女・アウロラ」だった。
「災厄の魔女」と「聖域」、そして「ディアボロス教団」と「シャドウガーデン」の思惑が錯綜する!
聖地・リンドブルムで行われる「女神の試練」イベントへと訪れたシド。
一年に一度、「聖域」の扉が開かれるこの日に、突如現れたのは、かつて世界に混乱と破壊を招いたと言われる「災厄の魔女・アウロラ」だった。
「災厄の魔女」と「聖域」、そして「ディアボロス教団」と「シャドウガーデン」の思惑が錯綜する!
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2019
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341 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 28, 2021
This time around, the phenomenal dumb luck and fissures of comical convenience that guide Kagenou's exploits as a man in the shadows comprises two distinct narratives: a chaotic run-in with the local religious authority and a classic "tournament arc." Fortunately, THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW #2, true to form, reconciles otherwise staid and typical turns of story with an increasingly fractured mosaic of underworld intrigue. The current volume is driven less by the brilliance-by-ignorance that propelled the previous book to fruition and instead takes its cue from Kagenou's masterful, unintentional influence on everyone around him. Indeed, a master of the shadows works best when he doesn't have to lift finger.
THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW #2 splits its interests, closing one chapter in Kagenou's life while simultaneously opening another. Kagenou as Shadow, and his army of elf warriors, take an interest in weeding out the corrupted nobles behind the local religion. Not to say Kagenou saw fit to do this from the onset; it just seems like the prudent thing to do. Frankly, the whole ordeal is confusing and is at times rather pedestrian. But it does retain some entertainment value. Notably because the author finally gives readers a detailed history of "the possession" and how it came to be so lethal.
The second half of the novel finds Kagenou wishing desperately to self-insert and make a scene at the local sword arts tournament. Obviously, the boy is strong enough to blow away the competition in a heartbeat. But Kagenou's desire to skulk and sneak and hide and peek overrides his pragmatism, and the young man quickly dons a disguise before taking to the arena. It sounds rather common. But THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW #2 enlists the Bushin Festival arc as a primer for what comes next in the novel series: nobles plotting the long game domestically and abroad, young royals sacrificing rank for truth, potential allies losing face but pledging interest, potential enemies gazing into the window of opportunity and knowing when to strike. It's subtle, but the second half of the book, full of many moving parts, unfolds a deeper and more consequential narrative at play.
The book introduces a handful of new characters and does a commendable job of extrapolating these characters' involvement in such a way that the author's worldbuilding flexes accordingly. For example, Annerose of Velgalta, a famous warrior from a neighboring land, finds humility in defeat, and respectfully pledges to build her strength in acknowledgement of her prior ignorance. It's through Annerose's accelerated character development that readers discern additional, economic and military dynamics between Midgar Kingdom and its neighbors.
And while the book's overall plotting is good. It's difficult to gauge the author's renewed attempt to give Kagenou's warrior ladies equal, subsequent billing. Sometimes, this works to extraordinary effect, as when readers spend an intercalary chapter tracking the emotional origin of Delta, the temperamental catgirl who was cast out of her native tribe. Other times, the author weaves odd side stories that are comical but unfulfilling, as with the burgeoning rivalry between Beta (extra-devoted, girl-next-door) and Epsilon (undersized, capable but insecure), which ultimately boils down to a competition over bust size. One wonders how debates over "best girl" went when this story was initially released. (Gamma, hilariously, keeps her wits about her until Kagenou leaves the room, after which she promptly breaks a heel, face plants, and busts her nose.)
THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW #2 doesn't have the grossly negligent view of the upper class that was critical to wading through the previous volume. This book also doesn't invest as much time in the hand-to-hand violence that was such a verdant marker of the previous volume, arena fight scenes notwithstanding. Kagenou's intuition sees him more as a wanderer, accidental mainstay, and frequent observer of the notable events of the day. His alter ego always drops in to unravel odd shenanigans and turn everything on its head, sure, but the general motif is such that Kagenou's cleverness and strength don't always necessitate direct interference. Unless, of course, a bit willful of deception is involved.
THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW #2 splits its interests, closing one chapter in Kagenou's life while simultaneously opening another. Kagenou as Shadow, and his army of elf warriors, take an interest in weeding out the corrupted nobles behind the local religion. Not to say Kagenou saw fit to do this from the onset; it just seems like the prudent thing to do. Frankly, the whole ordeal is confusing and is at times rather pedestrian. But it does retain some entertainment value. Notably because the author finally gives readers a detailed history of "the possession" and how it came to be so lethal.
The second half of the novel finds Kagenou wishing desperately to self-insert and make a scene at the local sword arts tournament. Obviously, the boy is strong enough to blow away the competition in a heartbeat. But Kagenou's desire to skulk and sneak and hide and peek overrides his pragmatism, and the young man quickly dons a disguise before taking to the arena. It sounds rather common. But THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW #2 enlists the Bushin Festival arc as a primer for what comes next in the novel series: nobles plotting the long game domestically and abroad, young royals sacrificing rank for truth, potential allies losing face but pledging interest, potential enemies gazing into the window of opportunity and knowing when to strike. It's subtle, but the second half of the book, full of many moving parts, unfolds a deeper and more consequential narrative at play.
The book introduces a handful of new characters and does a commendable job of extrapolating these characters' involvement in such a way that the author's worldbuilding flexes accordingly. For example, Annerose of Velgalta, a famous warrior from a neighboring land, finds humility in defeat, and respectfully pledges to build her strength in acknowledgement of her prior ignorance. It's through Annerose's accelerated character development that readers discern additional, economic and military dynamics between Midgar Kingdom and its neighbors.
And while the book's overall plotting is good. It's difficult to gauge the author's renewed attempt to give Kagenou's warrior ladies equal, subsequent billing. Sometimes, this works to extraordinary effect, as when readers spend an intercalary chapter tracking the emotional origin of Delta, the temperamental catgirl who was cast out of her native tribe. Other times, the author weaves odd side stories that are comical but unfulfilling, as with the burgeoning rivalry between Beta (extra-devoted, girl-next-door) and Epsilon (undersized, capable but insecure), which ultimately boils down to a competition over bust size. One wonders how debates over "best girl" went when this story was initially released. (Gamma, hilariously, keeps her wits about her until Kagenou leaves the room, after which she promptly breaks a heel, face plants, and busts her nose.)
THE EMINENCE IN SHADOW #2 doesn't have the grossly negligent view of the upper class that was critical to wading through the previous volume. This book also doesn't invest as much time in the hand-to-hand violence that was such a verdant marker of the previous volume, arena fight scenes notwithstanding. Kagenou's intuition sees him more as a wanderer, accidental mainstay, and frequent observer of the notable events of the day. His alter ego always drops in to unravel odd shenanigans and turn everything on its head, sure, but the general motif is such that Kagenou's cleverness and strength don't always necessitate direct interference. Unless, of course, a bit willful of deception is involved.
May 4, 2025
Just as fun as the first volume and the anime. I love this series, it’s kind of a guilty pleasure for me and I just have a good time reading through these books.
Things this time around was a lot more slower than it was in the first volume but I think it was more beneficial since it felt a lot more focused on the arc and gave it more time to explore the different viewpoints and the worldbuilding. The comedy was great as always, Cid is one of my favourite characters and I love the way the novels have the contrasting viewpoints of seeing the reality of the situation and the way everyone else perceives it. The action was also pretty good still too, I don’t think it had as many epic moments as the first volume but it still had a lot of great moments and Cid’s new trope offered lots of fun fights and interactions. I would also say the ecchi this time around had at least *some* purpose with some comedy and character insight, it wasn’t particularly needed but it didn’t feel as out of place for the most part as it did in the first book.
There aren’t many negatives for me, my biggest issue is just not remembering characters well enough by name which left me confused a few times with who was who and what was happening. There were still some random moments present that felt out of place or just odd, but it was uncommon and didn’t really affect the experience much. I wasn’t super interested in the politic side of the series and I haven’t been able to follow all the kingdoms conflicts closely so some parts were a little confusing for me and made some scenes feel less impactful but I don’t know if that was just underdevelopment or me not being invested in those parts as much as I am with the shadow garden and action side.
But overall, it’s a really fun read as expected, it doesn’t have as many high stakes or high octane levels like the first volume but it’s a lot more focused and still has those highs that made the first book so much fun. I’m very excited to read the third book, I really enjoyed that arc in the anime and I’m interested to compare to the novel
Things this time around was a lot more slower than it was in the first volume but I think it was more beneficial since it felt a lot more focused on the arc and gave it more time to explore the different viewpoints and the worldbuilding. The comedy was great as always, Cid is one of my favourite characters and I love the way the novels have the contrasting viewpoints of seeing the reality of the situation and the way everyone else perceives it. The action was also pretty good still too, I don’t think it had as many epic moments as the first volume but it still had a lot of great moments and Cid’s new trope offered lots of fun fights and interactions. I would also say the ecchi this time around had at least *some* purpose with some comedy and character insight, it wasn’t particularly needed but it didn’t feel as out of place for the most part as it did in the first book.
There aren’t many negatives for me, my biggest issue is just not remembering characters well enough by name which left me confused a few times with who was who and what was happening. There were still some random moments present that felt out of place or just odd, but it was uncommon and didn’t really affect the experience much. I wasn’t super interested in the politic side of the series and I haven’t been able to follow all the kingdoms conflicts closely so some parts were a little confusing for me and made some scenes feel less impactful but I don’t know if that was just underdevelopment or me not being invested in those parts as much as I am with the shadow garden and action side.
But overall, it’s a really fun read as expected, it doesn’t have as many high stakes or high octane levels like the first volume but it’s a lot more focused and still has those highs that made the first book so much fun. I’m very excited to read the third book, I really enjoyed that arc in the anime and I’m interested to compare to the novel
Read
August 27, 2022Boh
February 22, 2023
I like Vol.2 both better and less than I did Vol.1 - the story is still hilarious, the humour remains the same based on "Shadow's" accidental genius and the Shadow Garden's absolute and implicit trust in him. What is better is the fact that we get much more of what I wanted in Vol.1, which is the backgrounds of the girls and more time focused on them (in fact, Vol.2 is to me mainly about all of the girls, Cid himself seems much less relevant. Which is extra cool because it keeps suggesting that they are all the ones with actual political, organisational, intelligence-gathering etc. skills while he gets by with his... well. Immense power). What I liked less is the actual story covered. Vol.2 is split into two arcs, the second of which is effectively a classic tournament arc, which I am personally never a fan of. Moreover, I feel like the "plot thickens" as well as is less explained, but I assume things will start coming together more soon. All in all, I think it loses a little momentum from Vol.1, but I do love my girls, so still 4 stars it is.
August 1, 2025
The Eminence in Shadow, Volume 2, was just as amazing as the first book. As always, Daisuke Aizawa did a wonderful job at making sure the readers understood everything, including details, and making sure to stay true to Cid Kagenou's tone of voice. He makes the story engaging, fun to read, easy to comprehend, while staying true to the events in the anime. This volume followed the story of the royal Bushin festival and Cid's journey as Mundane Mann. It started off with his quick trip to the Sacred Land by Alpha's invitation. This volume also highlights the upcoming friendship between Princess Alexia of Midgar, Princess Rose of Oriana, and author, Natume (A.K.A Beta). They get transported to the Core of the Sanctuary after Cid summons Aurora, the Calamity Witch. This ends up in a battle where Delta defeats the Cult and Cid defeats Olivier. They successfully get out of the Sanctuary and return again to the Sacred Land for the final battle. Meanwhile, Rose Oriana flees her Kingdom in attempts of scaring away her Fiance, Perv Aswood. This results in disaster, causing Rose to become one of the 'Possessed'. Shadow/Cid then lends her his powers and recruits her to Shadow Garden as Number 666. The Sacred Land becomes a fury as Rose returns with her new acquired power and Shadow reveals himself as Mundane Mann. I would definitely read book three after this exciting conclusion!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2020
Cid's facing summer vacation, so what else is there to do but check out what Alpha called "interesting"? This leads to a tournament, which leads to some truly epic opportunities for roleplaying his favorite master of the shadows . . .
There are actually two tournaments in this book. The second one feels kind of random in that it comes out of nowhere, but Cid approaches them differently enough that they're both hilariously fun.
Of course, to him this is all a question of the best way to LARP through the event.
The first one ends up involving the Order of Diablos that Cid still thinks he made up, along with some intriguing bits of history. But the second tournament has its own share of conspiracies---just more modern events.
The only thing I'm less fond of in this book is the various girls starting to catfight, particularly when they're competing over who has the bigger chest. I am so over this trope. And the worst part is that this is happening with multiple characters, so it comes up quite a bit.
Overall, though, Cid is still as engaging as ever. He's so ultra-focused on his own enjoyment he fails to recognize how much he's really affecting things around him. Yet everything always works out just enough that he ends up looking like a genius when he was just trying to show off. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
There are actually two tournaments in this book. The second one feels kind of random in that it comes out of nowhere, but Cid approaches them differently enough that they're both hilariously fun.
Of course, to him this is all a question of the best way to LARP through the event.
The first one ends up involving the Order of Diablos that Cid still thinks he made up, along with some intriguing bits of history. But the second tournament has its own share of conspiracies---just more modern events.
The only thing I'm less fond of in this book is the various girls starting to catfight, particularly when they're competing over who has the bigger chest. I am so over this trope. And the worst part is that this is happening with multiple characters, so it comes up quite a bit.
Overall, though, Cid is still as engaging as ever. He's so ultra-focused on his own enjoyment he fails to recognize how much he's really affecting things around him. Yet everything always works out just enough that he ends up looking like a genius when he was just trying to show off. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
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January 23, 2022A fun and well written story.
The second volume in this serie, brings back our overpowered protagonist, Cid, and his Shadow Garden. Characters grow in this volume, and the author does a great job expanding and introducing new ones. The banter in the dialogues are fun and well written. A fun book to read.
The second volume in this serie, brings back our overpowered protagonist, Cid, and his Shadow Garden. Characters grow in this volume, and the author does a great job expanding and introducing new ones. The banter in the dialogues are fun and well written. A fun book to read.
July 2, 2025
It was an enjoyable read from the beginning to the center and slightly to the end, only because of Iris. When you get to the point where there's a fight between Beatrix and Shadow, Iris jumps in to make 2v1, still oblivious to what happened in the portal. And Shadow Garden was fighting the evil organization known as The cult of Diablos. "Girl, were you paying attention?"
August 22, 2025
It only gets better, since dumber is the metric
Before you read this, know that you're not going in for anything sensible but for the in-sensibilities your intellectual self would no doubt wonder at your attempt to reduce its IQ
Mine did go down a bit but don't worry it's back but sometimes, a lower IQ is better than, a depressed phase.
Before you read this, know that you're not going in for anything sensible but for the in-sensibilities your intellectual self would no doubt wonder at your attempt to reduce its IQ
Mine did go down a bit but don't worry it's back but sometimes, a lower IQ is better than, a depressed phase.
November 10, 2020
Fun but odd
I really don’t know what to say about this book. It is great and I like it but it’s also odd. The MC is OP but the way he goings about it is quite fun. Looking forward to the next one.
I really don’t know what to say about this book. It is great and I like it but it’s also odd. The MC is OP but the way he goings about it is quite fun. Looking forward to the next one.
November 24, 2020
Great Read
So far I have been enjoying this series. Absolutely halirious to see the MC still think that its all pretend when they are really bringing down an actual evil organization. All the ladies in the square are unique and bring that extra flair. Looking forward to Volume 3
So far I have been enjoying this series. Absolutely halirious to see the MC still think that its all pretend when they are really bringing down an actual evil organization. All the ladies in the square are unique and bring that extra flair. Looking forward to Volume 3
June 12, 2022
Amazing story
Picks up a little after the last one ends with a brief transition into a new area. The story is quick paced and enjoyable without ever feeling rushed. If you enjoyed the first book you'll definitely enjoy this one.
Picks up a little after the last one ends with a brief transition into a new area. The story is quick paced and enjoyable without ever feeling rushed. If you enjoyed the first book you'll definitely enjoy this one.
October 25, 2022
Fine but not as good as V1 because the action/lore scenes were too many and not as interesting/funny. Found the Delta brute funny how she wants to fight for 2nd place while acting like a puppy sometimes because of her hybrid race.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
Overall in the same whelming vein as the first volume.
All characters are never anything more than what their cliche represents.
There's also a tournament arc in which a king gets murdered in the midst of, but then they just proceed with it as if nothing happened.
All characters are never anything more than what their cliche represents.
There's also a tournament arc in which a king gets murdered in the midst of, but then they just proceed with it as if nothing happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
Im definitely going to buy book 3 after this one! The bushin festival arc was so good and I cant wait to read further! If you havent read this series and are a hardcore lightnovel/manga fan ur missing out! Masterpiece
November 10, 2020
I love this book series.
November 15, 2020
He's a moron, but a cool one
Shadow just keeps being shadow, this is a really good story and I can't wait for more, also those illustrations are amazing.
Shadow just keeps being shadow, this is a really good story and I can't wait for more, also those illustrations are amazing.
December 19, 2021
Hilarious story, though a few character names and some descriptions were a bit toooo too obvious
February 16, 2022
fun
Was a fun read and I believe it tops volume ones already great start and is a must read if you liked volumes one
Was a fun read and I believe it tops volume ones already great start and is a must read if you liked volumes one
July 4, 2023
still very enjoyable, maybe even better than the first one. but my pet peeve here is that there's two tournament arcs. a bit bland.
October 18, 2023
The second volume keeps the mix of action and humor going.
October 23, 2023
There was a man limited by the rules of his world, so he found a way to go to a world that allowed him to change the rules.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
Very Very good, the end is so great, I have a little pity of for the Rose
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
De las mejores novelas ligeras que leí en mi vida , es casi perfecta
January 27, 2025
This one is slightly better than volume 1 but not enough to breach into 4 star territory
November 28, 2025
the lore was somewhat interesting at times but gosh stomaching this down was a pain. I didn’t like any of the characters except rose and maybe the mc and it wasn’t as entertaining as the first book
April 6, 2023
Eminence In Shadow seems to take all those cringe scenes that are only cool to a 14 year old, distills them, amplifies their stupidity to 100, and somehow makes them cool again.
It’s a meeting between the peak of trash and the peak of self-awareness that always goes 10 steps further than necessary to quadruple down on its bullsh*t act.
Good stuff
It’s a meeting between the peak of trash and the peak of self-awareness that always goes 10 steps further than necessary to quadruple down on its bullsh*t act.
Good stuff
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews