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狼と香辛料 [Ookami to Koushinryou] (Novel) #15
Spice & Wolf, Vol. 15: The Coin of the Sun I
The Myuri mercenary band--a troop named for one of Holo's old comrades. In order to find them, Lawrence and company make for Lesko, a town dominated by the copper-trading Debau Company. Rumors of the Debau Company's schemes to both open more mines and seize control of the northern lands swirl, along with rumors that they're concentrating military power in the town in preparation. But when Lawrence and Holo arrive in Lesko, they discover a surprisingly cheerful and peaceful place. What is really happening? Find out as the end of Holo the Wisewolf and Lawrence the traveling merchant's long journey draws close to its end!
248 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2010
18 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 22, 2017
K fine I actually cried this book.
April 15, 2021
4.5
The economic part was quite complex and fun in this volume. That cliffhanger tho... damn
The economic part was quite complex and fun in this volume. That cliffhanger tho... damn
March 9, 2019
So I had some trouble getting into this book. That is because of the writing style It is rather distinct, after all, and after taking a break from this series I had some trouble getting back into it. Even now, while I want to jump right into the next book to see how things turn out - I did not expect that cliff hanger! - I'm not sure if I should jump into it, risking using up my brain with concentrating enough to keep up with what's going on in this story. That has grown to be my biggest problem with this series, and I'm honestly not sure if it is the series' fault or my illness, but I don't feel these stories are light anymore. They've grown rather heavy with all the money stuff and the like. That said, it is one of the things I really liked with book one, so *shrugs*
July 17, 2020
I'll be honest, this narrative has gotten very repetitive
February 24, 2016
In Summary
With Yoitsu drawing near, Spice and Wolf has a lot of loose ends that need to be addressed, from the Debau Company’s rumored aggression in the north to the mercenary band bearing the name of one of Holo’s comrades. Hasekura-sensei handles it masterfully, captivating our attention with Debau’s outrageous maneuvers and tugging our heartstrings with yet another reminder of Holo’s lost world and the future Lawrence holds out to her. After skillfully wrapping everything up, he concludes with a bomb that leads in to the second part of this arc. This volume of Spice and Wolf is the best I’ve read yet, and I look forward to Part 2 with great anticipation.
The Review
The Coin of the Sun is the final arc in Lawrence and Holo’s journey, and Hasekura-sensei pulls out all the stops. As wonderful as this series is, some parts have dragged, others have been confusing, and some installments have been weak on the economic front. However, Volume 15, which is the first of two parts, comes up strong all around, from the emotional tension between Holo and Lawrence to the sea change about to hit the Northlands.
Hasekura-sensei has set us up for certain expectations, and he uses those expectations to take his readers by surprise. For instance, over the last few volumes, our travelers have been hearing rumors that paint the Debau Company as the worst of organizations, ready to war and ruin the Northlands. So Holo and Lawrence head to Lesko as if it’s a march into enemy territory. But instead of a military stronghold, they find an unwalled trading center. Then there’s the tantalizing thread of a mercenary company with Holo’s packmate’s name. I’d expected it to lead to one of two scenarios, but Hasekura sensei delivers a third outcome, which has a profound effect on Holo and offers Lawrence the opportunity to be her emotional support.
The blossoming of Lawrence and Holo’s relationship is the best part of this volume for me. Over the journey, Lawrence has matured and his affections for Holo grown. Holo, on the other hand, invariably teases or scolds the poor merchant. In this volume, however, the circumstances in Lesko make her unusually vulnerable, and all the emotional walls come crashing down. Given past Lawrence’s frustrations with his companion (especially the recent slap in Lenos), this new level of intimacy between the two made my heart skip a beat, and Holo/Lawrence fans will be thrilled to see the two dreaming of a future together.
That dream, however, is not mere fantasy but actual stone and timber reality. This is one of the big surprises of this volume. The contrast between the diabolical rumors swirling around the Debau company and the commercial paradise that is Lesko is an engaging mystery, and Hasekura-sensei manages to connect the mining company’s scheme to Lawrence’s personal dream of going into business for himself. So when Lawrence uncovers Debau’s ultimate motive, it’s a doubly sweet moment for the traveling merchant. While the explanation is somewhat lengthy, it’s not difficult to understand, unlike the narwhal episode in Kerube.
This light novel includes the first four pages of illustrations printed in color, world map, and seven black-and-white illustrations. There are, as usual, lines of dialogue where it is unclear who is speaking as well as a number of misspellings and punctuation errors in the text.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
With Yoitsu drawing near, Spice and Wolf has a lot of loose ends that need to be addressed, from the Debau Company’s rumored aggression in the north to the mercenary band bearing the name of one of Holo’s comrades. Hasekura-sensei handles it masterfully, captivating our attention with Debau’s outrageous maneuvers and tugging our heartstrings with yet another reminder of Holo’s lost world and the future Lawrence holds out to her. After skillfully wrapping everything up, he concludes with a bomb that leads in to the second part of this arc. This volume of Spice and Wolf is the best I’ve read yet, and I look forward to Part 2 with great anticipation.
The Review
The Coin of the Sun is the final arc in Lawrence and Holo’s journey, and Hasekura-sensei pulls out all the stops. As wonderful as this series is, some parts have dragged, others have been confusing, and some installments have been weak on the economic front. However, Volume 15, which is the first of two parts, comes up strong all around, from the emotional tension between Holo and Lawrence to the sea change about to hit the Northlands.
Hasekura-sensei has set us up for certain expectations, and he uses those expectations to take his readers by surprise. For instance, over the last few volumes, our travelers have been hearing rumors that paint the Debau Company as the worst of organizations, ready to war and ruin the Northlands. So Holo and Lawrence head to Lesko as if it’s a march into enemy territory. But instead of a military stronghold, they find an unwalled trading center. Then there’s the tantalizing thread of a mercenary company with Holo’s packmate’s name. I’d expected it to lead to one of two scenarios, but Hasekura sensei delivers a third outcome, which has a profound effect on Holo and offers Lawrence the opportunity to be her emotional support.
The blossoming of Lawrence and Holo’s relationship is the best part of this volume for me. Over the journey, Lawrence has matured and his affections for Holo grown. Holo, on the other hand, invariably teases or scolds the poor merchant. In this volume, however, the circumstances in Lesko make her unusually vulnerable, and all the emotional walls come crashing down. Given past Lawrence’s frustrations with his companion (especially the recent slap in Lenos), this new level of intimacy between the two made my heart skip a beat, and Holo/Lawrence fans will be thrilled to see the two dreaming of a future together.
That dream, however, is not mere fantasy but actual stone and timber reality. This is one of the big surprises of this volume. The contrast between the diabolical rumors swirling around the Debau company and the commercial paradise that is Lesko is an engaging mystery, and Hasekura-sensei manages to connect the mining company’s scheme to Lawrence’s personal dream of going into business for himself. So when Lawrence uncovers Debau’s ultimate motive, it’s a doubly sweet moment for the traveling merchant. While the explanation is somewhat lengthy, it’s not difficult to understand, unlike the narwhal episode in Kerube.
This light novel includes the first four pages of illustrations printed in color, world map, and seven black-and-white illustrations. There are, as usual, lines of dialogue where it is unclear who is speaking as well as a number of misspellings and punctuation errors in the text.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
September 6, 2015
I very much enjoyed this addition to the series. It featured good dialogue between Holo and Lawrence, and the economic tale woven into it felt like it was a great fit. This volume has a different translator than previous volumes, but the new translator kept to the same style as previous translations, and the story is told well.
I was also happy that this book focused almost solely on Lawrence and Holo. While I very much enjoy many of the other characters and their stories, it was nice to have a strong focus on the main two again.
I was also happy that this book focused almost solely on Lawrence and Holo. While I very much enjoy many of the other characters and their stories, it was nice to have a strong focus on the main two again.
May 21, 2016
Well, this volume was certainly an entertaining ride; and yet, it’s still not over. The first of two parts for the final chapter of the story of Lawrence and Holo, this volume doesn’t disappoint. It seems that the author, Isuna Hasekura, has set this up to bring the story around full-circle. A few loose ends seem to be getting tied up, but there is one big cliff-hanger to get through. Hopefully we’ll get the ending where Lawrence and Holo finally get together and make it official between them.
September 3, 2019
Our main characters are finally in the home stretch of their journey! Economic tricks are coming to a head, and we're interrogating why people hold certain opinions! Lawrence and Holo are cute, and it's nice to see them coming to understand and depend on each other more. And the economic intrigue of the Debau Company is interesting. But I feel like not an awful lot happens in the 200+ pages of this book, and the big twist at the end doesn't work as well as it has in other two-part books in the series. Looking forward to seeing where this is going.
July 25, 2018
Wow, that was financially informative but still emotionally thrilling! Which is exactly the original spice of the whole series to begin with. Certainly not tapering off near the end!
[Spoilers]
A currency with "low taxes, smooth trading, no overbearing authority"... Wait, this isn't Bitcoin we're talking about, right?
"This might very well be the new way of the world"... Hmmm...
Isuna Hasekura, are you sure you're not Satoshi?
[Spoilers]
A currency with "low taxes, smooth trading, no overbearing authority"... Wait, this isn't Bitcoin we're talking about, right?
"This might very well be the new way of the world"... Hmmm...
Isuna Hasekura, are you sure you're not Satoshi?
August 27, 2021
If only all love stories could be so elegant
July 30, 2017
I fell in love with this series after watching the anime, and picked up the books to finish out the story. Mainly, I wanted to see what happens between Lawrence and Holo. It's no mystery that they would get together. I just wanted to ship the process.
This particular pair of books (15 and 16) closes out the arc in a way that felt right. It gives Holo a good motivation for the position she takes, and makes Lawrence grow up in an unexpected way.
I won't exaggerate too much to say that, in regard to human nature and economics, this 2 book arc stands at least equal with "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand, albeit with much greater brevity.
I read 4 books out of the series, an felt they are an example of how a good story can make up for sometimes awkward writing. I don't think this is just a matter of getting lost in translation. The author is still making some beginner mistakes, such as telling rather than showing the good side of Holo's character. Some of this is due to the fact that we see much of the story from Lawrence's POV, and often he doesn't understand her motivations. In some ways, though, it makes a very nice ending when he finally realizes how much she truly loves him.
This particular pair of books (15 and 16) closes out the arc in a way that felt right. It gives Holo a good motivation for the position she takes, and makes Lawrence grow up in an unexpected way.
I won't exaggerate too much to say that, in regard to human nature and economics, this 2 book arc stands at least equal with "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand, albeit with much greater brevity.
I read 4 books out of the series, an felt they are an example of how a good story can make up for sometimes awkward writing. I don't think this is just a matter of getting lost in translation. The author is still making some beginner mistakes, such as telling rather than showing the good side of Holo's character. Some of this is due to the fact that we see much of the story from Lawrence's POV, and often he doesn't understand her motivations. In some ways, though, it makes a very nice ending when he finally realizes how much she truly loves him.
Read
September 16, 2022The pair arrive in Lesko, ready to face the worst there is from the wayward rumors hanging in the air, but instead they find the merchants' paradise. Not only that, they encounter the Myuri Mercenary Company named after Holo's old friend. From there the couple explore the town, learn about its creation, and try to decide where and how to proceed. This is the calm before the storm but it sets up nicely. A lot of economic jargon and ideas are brought to the forefront and the character dynamics are really good. That ending was criminal though dropping Col's bag in the middle of the couple's talking, looking at them ominously.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
Holo and Lawrence have both come so far 🥹 Their dreams are within reach. As as much as Holo is still the master of wits and teasing, she’s learned to be genuine and express how she’s really feeling which is so beautiful. This rating might change bc this is only part one of coin of the sun (but honestly it probably won’t bc ughhh the feels).
I continue to be in love with the subtlety of the storytelling in this series. This volume in particular isn’t incredibly flashy and has low external plot stakes, but the emotional arcs of the two mc’s are coming to a head in exciting ways. After 15 volumes, Hasekura is delivering on all of the unspoken promises of the previous volumes.
I continue to be in love with the subtlety of the storytelling in this series. This volume in particular isn’t incredibly flashy and has low external plot stakes, but the emotional arcs of the two mc’s are coming to a head in exciting ways. After 15 volumes, Hasekura is delivering on all of the unspoken promises of the previous volumes.
January 18, 2022
After finishing one book I didn't really like and bouncing off another one that I couldn't get into at all I was glad to get to read this one. Alot of the other books I read have darker tones so it's nice to have a series like Spice and Wolf where I can just sit back and enjoy the ride...not to mention shake my head and smile at the antics of headlining couple.
It is both sad and exciting knowing that the end is in sight, but I still having fun with these books. Looking forward to reading the next volume.
It is both sad and exciting knowing that the end is in sight, but I still having fun with these books. Looking forward to reading the next volume.
March 1, 2019
Following news of the Myuri mercenaries; seemingly named for one of Holo's long ago companions; Lawrence and Holo go to Lesko the mining town we've been hearing about for a while. Arriving there they find nothing is as they expected. There is some "economics" in this book, but it's mainly in relation to determining why Lesko is the way it is and "what's going on" - so a bit more in the way of a mystery.... after all how will this affect Lawrence and Holo and what should their next steps be?
January 22, 2018
Lawrence and Holo end up traveling to a free town to meet bandits who have taken the name of an old friend of Holo. Something strange seems to be going on in the town, and with Holo. Can Lawrence figure either out? Great read!
September 22, 2017
Loved this volume which ends in a cliffhanger. Will love and commerce
conquer all? Stayed tuned! On to volume 16
conquer all? Stayed tuned! On to volume 16
January 15, 2018
a book of set up it felt like half filler
March 23, 2018
This volume is very slice of life. The story is definitely heading for a conclusion in 2 volumes. Unfortunately ends on a massive cliff hanger. One of the best so far.
November 10, 2025
How far have we gone - from shorting silver content of coins to a full-on corporate ancap town paradise. I enjoyed the journey.
August 23, 2019
I like it.
April 6, 2016
Everything was going so well, I was so excited, but in the back of my mind I knew there was a part two and there was going to be a wrench somewhere. It was stressful getting to the last page before that wrench showed it's ugly face, I was getting ready to cast the idea aside completely. Regardless, I care for these characters and am excited hopes and dreams start to come true
December 26, 2015
I am so glad that I held off reading this book until I had the sequel in the house. Having to wait for months after the ending in this book would have driven me mad.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews