Babel, Vol. 2: Condemned by the Magic Kingdom

Babel #2

by Kuji Furumiya

Single-minded optimist Shizuka and quick-witted mage Eric must brave forbidden sorcery in Candela Castle and all manner of other dangers to reach their destination, the Magic Kingdom of Farsus. Hoping to find some hint as to how to return to Japan there, they manage to receive an audience with King Lars where, in a terrible twist, Shizuku is declared an unacceptable anomaly. Will she be able to convince Lars of her humanity? And why does Eric seem to know the inside of Farsus Castle so well?

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy

372 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2020

About the author

古宮九時

Reviews

[Sabina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word this book was amazing. Had just a minor crash out at the end of the book, but it’s making me so antsy to read the 3rd volume!! This series is already so good and I’m loving all the plot line connections.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great volume two; the story has improved leagues upon its predecessor. Funnily enough, this volume had way less movement than the previous one, yet felt much more well-paced despite mostly taking place in the same location.

It's quite fascinating the conversations the author is having with the reader via these characters about fundamental aspects of our life like language and the unbendable rules of the world we live in that we just never think to question. I also appreciate how torn up Shizuku is by these utterly confounding revelations; they're breaking down the fundamentals of what she has believed to be true as an inhabitant of our realm, and it's leaving an indelible mark upon her ability to stay grounded even in her own mind.

We get introduced to some interesting characters in this volume as well. Of course, King Lars stands out the most with how uncannily unlike any other human we've seen thus far in the series he is, and that's saying a lot with the disturbing events that occurred in the very first chapters. His sister is an interesting contrast to his unlikeability as well, and we also get a cameo from who we are led to believe might be Oscar and Tinasha in this timeline.

It's all coming together with pieces building upon shifting clues dancing on top of intrigue, and I'm all here for it. I'm looking forward to seeing how things progress in the next installment.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a more detailed review, you can check the first review on the first volume. Here I will be brief on the assumption that you have already read that.

I had to read the second volume immediately after the first. I needed to know what happened next and how they were going to fulfill their mission after getting misteleported. This volume starts relatively slow with a certain encounter. One of my two complaints with this volume is that the certain encounter is never encountered again and hardly mentioned. I assume they will be in the third volume, but it is a bit strange to start a book with a big event and then forget all about it, though there are a few hints thrown in for those paying attention. Secondly, a substantial chunk of this volume is consumed by an episode I did not much care for as it distracted from the main plot which has obtained my interest.

As the main plot goes, however, this is a fine sequel to the first volume, in substance and tone. The worldbuilding in the first pays off here and gets added to as the last quarter or so is filled with lore drops and a big language-related plot twist that managed to properly surprise me and leave me excited for the third volume. I am pre-ordering it.

[Scott Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shizuku and Erik, Travel to Faras, the kingdom with the most magic, to find a way to send Shizuke back to Japan. Erik's past events come back to haunt him. Meanwhile another Dark curse is coming to haunt everyone.

This was a very good read. I enjoyed the characters, and the story. There was even some Humor.