This is a spin-off series of Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts. I hadn't read it, but it wasn't necessary. It's set in a kingdom of beasts that's hidden in miasma from humans, and the two realms have fought for centuries. Humans are required to send a maiden regularly to the king as a sacrifice, only for the two to fall in love. It has lead to a era of peace.
This series is about the son of the original pair. Richard is nine, almost ten, and an adorable little fluffy beast of indetermined breed. He learns that in order for there to be a lasting peace with humans, he has to summon a powerful beast spirit when he turns ten. But he can't do any magic yet. He's a lot loved and a little spoiled, and it worries him that he'll ruin the peace.
On a whim, he runs away from home to train to become a powerful summoner. He runs into trouble immediately, and is rescued by two bounty-hunters, a rabbit beast named Ravi and human woman who once was a sacrifice herself named Subaru. For those worrying, king's guards have already found Richard and are keeping an eye on him from the distance.
Richard lies about his identity (he calls himself Leon) and begs them to teach him. With some initial grumbling they agree. Their methods of teaching him are odd but very educational. Subaru teaches him the value of earning his own money, and Ravi teaches him tenacity. Richard is very juvenile and still a mom's little cub, but with every task he grows a little. And he has a good heart that helps him.
This was the first volume so the story of Richard's quest is only beginning. I liked all the characters, the cute little Richard, grumpy Ravi and the energetic Subaru who reminds Richard of his mom. The end is a cliffhanger with an old enemy of Ravi's showing up.
This was very cute and sweet story, educational but without preaching, with fun action. There were snippets from the original at the end, the first and almost last chapters, and I think I like this one better. It's not a romance, so if you're looking for a continuation of the original story, this isn't it. There seems to be several volumes of this already and I'd be happy to read more.
I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.