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Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! Light Novel #9
Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship!, Volume 9
JUST LIKE MAGIC
Hiro and the gang get dragged into rescuing the daughters of an elf patriarch and receive a warm welcome from the elven home planet. The elves here are nothing like Hiro imagined--they know nothing of modern science and rely on magic rather than technology. As Hiro and the girls sample local delicacies, enjoy the sights, and get a crash course in elven fashion, they find that Hiro seems to wield a power much like the elves' magic...
Hiro and the gang get dragged into rescuing the daughters of an elf patriarch and receive a warm welcome from the elven home planet. The elves here are nothing like Hiro imagined--they know nothing of modern science and rely on magic rather than technology. As Hiro and the girls sample local delicacies, enjoy the sights, and get a crash course in elven fashion, they find that Hiro seems to wield a power much like the elves' magic...
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2023
46 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 18, 2024
As always a simple vacation ends up in trouble and with it a two volume arc starts. While not exactly ending at a cliff hanger, it is clear the story is not finished. Much like previous volumes the characters and story is entertaining, even if at times the behavior of the MC is a tad cringe. The world building is rather simple and at times what the technology can and cannot do is a bit unpredictable (in this case I found the portable 3D-printer a bit odd). So, an entertaining light-hearted read, a nice break of pace from more serious stories.
August 29, 2024
New planetary system! Psychically-powered elves! Mei gets some one-on-one time! Shrapnel to the abdomen! In terms of what REBORN AS A SPACE MERC v9 delivers, readers shouldn't be faulted for thinking this almost-adventure feels like another filler arc with a few convenient seeds for future drama. Nevertheless, the story's genial pace and strong characterization make up for the novel's very deliberate lack of compelling, space-faring action.
Descending into the Leafil System finds the crew of the Krishna and Black Lotus on vacation. Now that Elma's family issues have been dealt with, one could say that visiting the home system of the elves sounds like a good idea. The crew assembles a plan to see the sights, visit a few museums, meet local clan leaders, and if they're fortunate, avoid trouble.
Captain Hiro's odd luck plays a big role in this volume, as both he and his crewmates yield to the obvious humor that trouble follows them wherever they go. As such, they overprepare, over-equip, and over-plan — Leafil IV is a new planet to them, and the crew isn't taking any chances.
REBORN AS A SPACE MERC v9 is slow-moving but fun. The book leans on its guest characters to carry the load, but it's a worthy effort. Tinia, first daughter of the Grald Clan, is a graceful elf woman whose natural confidence and burgeoning curiosity make her easy for readers to like and easy for the rest of the cast to get along with. Tinia's wedding is attacked by pirates, and the young elf belongs to one of the three bickering factions vying for moral and technological supremacy.
Hiro's presence complicates local relations, naturally, but readers will enjoy the introduction of a character, in Tinia, who already possesses a strong sense of will, strong goals, and strong, local political responsibilities. Tinia admires the space merc's uncomfortable kindness, and when the two find themselves in dire straits, she's more than eager to lend a helping hand.
The author addresses elf culture and worldbuilding with a view toward balance: no two tribes are alike, despite how much they invariably overlap. One clan privileges technology, another clan is more conservative, and yet another clan ardently straddles the line between these two poles while doing best for its people. Aiming for this balance represents an interesting approach that probably deserves more than a single volume to fully explore, but alas, that probably isn't meant to be.
As for everyone's favorite platinum-ranked hero, the story twists in the direction of science fantasy by introducing a few elf clans deeply involved in cultivating psionic powers. Given the narrative backdrop established thus far, the idea of psychically-powered elves is rather vulgar. On the plus side, Captain Hiro expresses as much awkwardness, surprise, and at turns disinterest in the idea of developing psychic abilities as the reader likely is. The concept of other humanoid species with slightly different abilities, and the addition of another pan-galactic force (the Holy Verthalz Empire), which prioritizes psionic tech, intrigues. But none of this information feels germane to Hiro and his crew.
Nifty story highlights in this volume also include Hiro spilling the beans about his past to Tina and Wiska. The quiet revelation means the whole crew is now aware of Hiro's so-called origin (although, technically, Mimi was informed off-page). Elsewhere, Hiro makes use of a device called the molecular disassembler and reconstitutor when stranded in a heavy forest; what better tool to build a campsite than a device that absorbs raw materials and manifests everyday products? The device is a cool little feature that helps readers relax in an otherwise busy sci-fi environment.
Lastly, REBORN AS A SPACE MERC v9 makes a handful of passing references to popular manga/anime properties by way of Hiro's errant memory. When the guy jokingly appraises his intuition by saying, "Just a whisper. I heard it in my ghost" (page 213), it's hard not to fall over laughing when all of the other characters rebuke him for being needlessly esoteric. Additional references to titles like Yu Yu Hakusho, Dragonball Z, and others, pop up, briefly, and lend a casual but welcome flavor to the novel series.
Descending into the Leafil System finds the crew of the Krishna and Black Lotus on vacation. Now that Elma's family issues have been dealt with, one could say that visiting the home system of the elves sounds like a good idea. The crew assembles a plan to see the sights, visit a few museums, meet local clan leaders, and if they're fortunate, avoid trouble.
Captain Hiro's odd luck plays a big role in this volume, as both he and his crewmates yield to the obvious humor that trouble follows them wherever they go. As such, they overprepare, over-equip, and over-plan — Leafil IV is a new planet to them, and the crew isn't taking any chances.
REBORN AS A SPACE MERC v9 is slow-moving but fun. The book leans on its guest characters to carry the load, but it's a worthy effort. Tinia, first daughter of the Grald Clan, is a graceful elf woman whose natural confidence and burgeoning curiosity make her easy for readers to like and easy for the rest of the cast to get along with. Tinia's wedding is attacked by pirates, and the young elf belongs to one of the three bickering factions vying for moral and technological supremacy.
Hiro's presence complicates local relations, naturally, but readers will enjoy the introduction of a character, in Tinia, who already possesses a strong sense of will, strong goals, and strong, local political responsibilities. Tinia admires the space merc's uncomfortable kindness, and when the two find themselves in dire straits, she's more than eager to lend a helping hand.
The author addresses elf culture and worldbuilding with a view toward balance: no two tribes are alike, despite how much they invariably overlap. One clan privileges technology, another clan is more conservative, and yet another clan ardently straddles the line between these two poles while doing best for its people. Aiming for this balance represents an interesting approach that probably deserves more than a single volume to fully explore, but alas, that probably isn't meant to be.
As for everyone's favorite platinum-ranked hero, the story twists in the direction of science fantasy by introducing a few elf clans deeply involved in cultivating psionic powers. Given the narrative backdrop established thus far, the idea of psychically-powered elves is rather vulgar. On the plus side, Captain Hiro expresses as much awkwardness, surprise, and at turns disinterest in the idea of developing psychic abilities as the reader likely is. The concept of other humanoid species with slightly different abilities, and the addition of another pan-galactic force (the Holy Verthalz Empire), which prioritizes psionic tech, intrigues. But none of this information feels germane to Hiro and his crew.
Nifty story highlights in this volume also include Hiro spilling the beans about his past to Tina and Wiska. The quiet revelation means the whole crew is now aware of Hiro's so-called origin (although, technically, Mimi was informed off-page). Elsewhere, Hiro makes use of a device called the molecular disassembler and reconstitutor when stranded in a heavy forest; what better tool to build a campsite than a device that absorbs raw materials and manifests everyday products? The device is a cool little feature that helps readers relax in an otherwise busy sci-fi environment.
Lastly, REBORN AS A SPACE MERC v9 makes a handful of passing references to popular manga/anime properties by way of Hiro's errant memory. When the guy jokingly appraises his intuition by saying, "Just a whisper. I heard it in my ghost" (page 213), it's hard not to fall over laughing when all of the other characters rebuke him for being needlessly esoteric. Additional references to titles like Yu Yu Hakusho, Dragonball Z, and others, pop up, briefly, and lend a casual but welcome flavor to the novel series.
September 28, 2025
Volume 9 promises a fun “elves & magic” change of pace but ends up feeling like filler that stretches little into something bigger. The plot drags, the vacation setup and elf culture are explored, but not deeply enough to make them feel fresh or meaningful, and many scenes come off repetitive. Hiro’s luck and gadgets still show up in amusing ways, but they often substitute for conflict rather than building it, which lessens tension. Some character moments are okay, like Hiro revealing more of his past. Overall, this book might be fine for die-hard fans or those who want a lighter read, but for me it felt like a side story.
May 26, 2024
Great addition to the series
I'm going to start by saying this was an excellent read but seemed lacking in length. The story is different from the web novel. Which is to be expected. But it seems to have ended before it should have compared to the other books. Hopefully volume 10 comes out soon.
I'm going to start by saying this was an excellent read but seemed lacking in length. The story is different from the web novel. Which is to be expected. But it seems to have ended before it should have compared to the other books. Hopefully volume 10 comes out soon.
May 28, 2024
liked the slice of life in this but felt like there was not much action both in discussions between characters
I liked Hiro and the crew’s adventure here but at the same time the magic stuff was kind of bland and I thought maybe we start getting a clue on to who or what brought him here, but sadly not the case
I liked Hiro and the crew’s adventure here but at the same time the magic stuff was kind of bland and I thought maybe we start getting a clue on to who or what brought him here, but sadly not the case
August 5, 2024
So this time, Hiro and crew experience vacation troubles in the elven system. The ending left me confused until I read blurb for next volume. It looks like this is essentially part one of this arc despite the misdirection at the ending. Overall, I like where it’s going but cutoff before we really got anywhere substantial.
May 25, 2024
Another good installment of the series
This light novel series is very fun. I hope it is doing well enough to eventually become an equally good anime.
This light novel series is very fun. I hope it is doing well enough to eventually become an equally good anime.
May 4, 2025
I somehow skipped over book 8 and when straight to 9. Didn’t even notice that I had missed a book until I finished this one. Says something about how episodic this series has become.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews