The Rising of the Shield Hero Volume 04

The Rising of the Shield Hero (Light Novel) #4

by Aneko Yusagi

Naofumi is on the run. Relentlessly pursued by Motoyasu and the others, Naofumi turns to a new friend for help—but things are not as they seem. A corrupt nobleman from Raphtalia’s past returns to unleash an ancient beast. Too large and ferocious for Naofumi to handle, the party seems to have met its match when yet another mysterious character makes her debut. Soon later, the mastermind behind Naofumi’s troubles is revealed. Enemies come out into the open as an epic battle for the fate of the heroes unfolds—just in time for the long-missing queen to arrive. The truth behind Naofumi’s betrayal, the secret of the Church of the Three Heroes, and reasons for the mounting tensions of war are finally brought to light, just as newer, deeper mysteries come to the surface!

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Manga, Fiction, Adventure, Action, Harem

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2014

About the author

Aneko Yusagi (アネコユサギ; Yusagi Aneko) is a japanese creator.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This manga is uniquely pleasing and I love it.

[Coyora Dokusho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it funny that the guy that absolutely doesn't want a harem... gets a harem.

[Eric Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still enjoying this series. As this book is the end of a story arc, it does get pretty epic at the end. I had a lot of fun with it.

Still extremely annoyed that none of these books were proof read before they were printed.

[Bryan Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a great series to read. Though it may be a little towards the youth side of the genre, it stills has a complex undertone. The fact that the author wants you to see the consequences of actions from the world's viewpoint on a hero's heroics. This means when a hero finishes the job, what becomes of the people afterwards and how do they feel about the hero's. Just by having this dialogue raises a complex political viewpoint for the reader to ponder and give so much more depth the characters. You have been along for the ride with the protagonist, but with all that happens in the world it gives you a better feel on how and what the protagonist is going through.

This book is the conclusion of the what i would say is the first long arch of the story. Most of the issues that have been driving the story up to now are going to come to a conclusion. I have to say that this is a giant disappointment that i now have to wait for the next books to be released. If i were to give any advise here it would be not to read the manga ahead of the light novel. It will give away too much of the story and is almost disappointing how it varies from the light novel as well. It seems to leave out too much detail and the story seems to lost from being rushed. It is great though to look at after you have read the novel to use as a visual to what you have imagined.

My only cons that i have about this series is something small but frustrating. The dialogue sometimes involve too many people at once, and the author does not try to identify who is speaking. This is irritating at times because i have to read it a couple times to figure out who just said that. Otherwise i think this is a great series, i believe with a story this good, i wouldn't be surprised to see this as a anime one day.

[Lazybee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last few chapters were the only good chapters in a while. The previous book was a disaster. The harem thing continues to annoy me.

[Algert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth chapter of this adventure is definitely more on the ower side. we moved away from the packed actions of volume 3 to embrace more the world building, the power system, and why not the character dynamics. However, let me specify that the ending is pure madness in a good way.

The plot keeps being engaging enough to justify the continuation despite the slower rhythm and the quiet, direct, and generally not too advanced writing style.

The four heroes coming together to make peace and the big fight at the end were definitely the most unexpected developments. I'm really looking forward to where we are going after this.

Recommended to those who had clashes with dear ones n the past but are looking for options to sow back.

[LiteratureIsLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this review (and others) at: https://literatureislife.com/2020/02/...

Volume 4 of Rising of the Shield Hero kicks off right where Volume 3 ended. Naofumi and his party are still on the run, framed for crimes they did not commit. For anime watchers, Volume 4’s events were covered by episodes 14 – 21 of the show. Note that this is a higher episode count than the previous volumes. Volumes 1 & 2 each got four episodes while Volume 3 received five. Volume 4 received eight, as many episodes as the first two books combined. So, the events of Volume 4 are more complete in the anime, with fewer small details being skipped over.

This volume more or less wraps up the first major story arc of the series. A lot of issues that began way back in Volume 1 start getting wrapped up here and open the way for new storylines. There is also quite a bit of exhibition as Naofumi learns more about the stakes of fighting the Waves. And about the forces that have been working against him for quite some time. For how dark and dreary of a journey it has been for Naofumi, he starts to see the light at the end of the tunnel here.

Naofumi is not alone in character development. Raphtalia, Filo, and even Melty all develop substantially throughout the story as well. Both in fighting ability and as people. Raphtalia’s story focuses on her past while Filo’s focuses on her future, giving the two another parallel as teammates. The worldbuilding also continues in this volume as readers start to learn more about countries outside Melromarc. The inner workings of Melromarc’s culture and government are further explored as well.

There is another major factor present here: changes to the story. While the ending of Volume 4 reflects episode 21 of the anime, several major details are changed. The events ultimately play out to the same conclusion, but the way things happen is fairly different. It felt like the changes in the anime were present to make Naofumi feel more heroic to the audience. It also felt a bit odd that the anime kept going for a few more episodes during season 1 since this is a really good stopping point in the story.

There are some great feel-good moments in this volume and it is the point where Naofumi really, truly starts to shine as a hero. It will be interesting to see what the next story arc brings as more Waves approach.

[Armando Hernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we know who the real enemy is, the powerful the shield heroe but the price he must pay to use his power is too much. Melty is falling in love with him, finally our heroe is receiving the treatment he deserve but I don't really like how the heroe treat the king, he is kinda mean, but at least Raphtalia control him a little.

[Donte McNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back with another Shield Hero volume. With this one, we’re getting closer and closer to catching up the anime adaption. Soon enough, we’ll be in uncharted territory! But, that’s neither here nor there. Let’s get into this volume shall we?

With Volume 4, we pick up with Naofumi and his party getting chased down under the suspicion of kidnapping the crown princess, Melty. Framed once again, and fearing for not only his life but that of his new (probably temporary) party member, the Shield does his best to find a way to get Melty away from the clutches of her older sister and assassins and back to her mother. Only problem is, they don’t know what country the Queen is in, just the general direction. So, not only do they have to contend with a foolish Hero and dangerous assassins chasing them down, they have to find a way to figure out the Queen’s location.

I swear, Naofumi just can’t catch a break! Well, I say that but even though he’s been fighting an uphill battle up to this point, that’s looking like it’ll change with this volume. Sure he goes through yet another betrayal, but the good thing about the betrayal in this volume is it brings with it more lore of this world. We get to learn more about the Waves, and their importance to the world, not just the country the heroes were summoned. Which comes as a surprise to many, the fact that Melromarc isn’t the most important country in this story. I’m interested to learn more about the other countries, especially those that favor the Shield Hero, as Melromarc is extremely prejudiced toward him.

With that said, this volume shed a brighter light on the discrimination that not only Naofumi faces, but also the demihumans that reside in the country. We’re treated to more of Raphtalia’s life before she met Naofumi…though I guess treated isn’t the right word. We previously learned she was bought and sold as a slave to wealthy men, and the most egregious perpetrator rears his ugly head in this volume, and we see a darker side of Raphtalia than we’ve seen before. The development she and the rest of Naofumi’s party experiences here is so good! They grow not only in character development, but their strength grows as well.

We meet an important character in this volume and the meeting results in the growth of our lovely little Filo. We also learn a little bit of the history of this world, as well as the state of the current world from this new character, so meeting her definitely shed some light on the way things were unfolding. By the end of this novel, we get to see some comeuppance on multiple fronts, and the differences from the anime are changes I wish they wouldn’t have made in regards to some of the characters. But, I still had a great time with this one. Looking forward to getting the volume!

[Natali TabaiBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tantas cosas pasan en este libro, mientras que unas se resuelven (por fin!), también aparecen otros asuntos importantes por ver.

La aventura sigue exactamente donde quedó antes, Naofumi y el resto del grupo siguen escapando del héroe de la lanza (Motoyasu) que junto a Perra… ejem… Malty, la princesa mayor, los están persiguiendo por el falso cargo de haber secuestrado a la princesa Heredera, Melty.

En su viaje se encuentran con un hombre de la nobleza que quiere ayudarlos pero evidentemente a este grupo las cosas nunca les salen bien. No pasó ni un día desde que llegaron a la mansión cuando llego un noble bastante desagradable que se lleva al noble bueno y a Melty. Este tipo que se hace llamar noble tiene un pasado con Raphtalia así que durante el rescate de la princesa pasan cosas en el nombre de la venganza...
Tengo que decir que toda esta parte me la separaba con más sentimiento y emoción, estamos hablando de la mismísima venganza de Raphtalia por todos sus amigos y por su pueblo y más que nada por todo lo que ella sufrió pero lo sentí tan rápido y sin nada de emoción…
Cuando uno cree que finalmente está todo solucionado, rescataron a Melty, al noble bueno y a un amigo de Raphtalia que aún vivía encerrado en el sótano de ese desgraciado… el tipo reaparece para invocar nada más ni nada menos que a un dragón tiranosaurio rex. Es acá donde hace su aparición nada más ni nada menos que la verdadera reina filorial, la nueva loli de la novela, FITORIA.
Luego de que toda esa escena pase, Fitoria le revela un dato muy importante con respecto a los héroes y al mundo en sí, ya que ella lleva tanto tiempo viviendo y protegiendo el mundo también tenía cosas para compartir con nuestros protagonistas.

También en este libro nos enteramos de quien era la mente maestra detrás de todo el odio y discriminación hacia Naofumi, la iglesia de los tres héroes. En realidad ya teníamos demasiadas pistas al respecto pero acá salió a la luz todo al respecto y el sumo sacerdote pagó por eso. Por suerte los héroes sobrevivieron y la reina hizo su aparición final para darle a Naofumi la oportunidad de tener su venganza contra Basura y Perra, aunque siempre hay condiciones. Ya nos enteraremos en el próximo libro como siguen sus aventuras y que tanto lograrán colaborar los cuatro heorrs sin intentar matarse entre sí.

Hablando de héroes, no veo la hora de que a Motoyasu se le puedan conectar dos neuronas al mismo tiempo… porque veo que no son capaces de hacer sinapsis en lo más mínimo desde el primer libro. No puedfe ser tan estupido y ciego a lo que tiene frente a sus propios ojos...

[Bivisyani Questibrilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sped through this one, because there are less chapters on this book than the prequels. It was definitely very intriguing and thrilling a lot of the times. Reading this one, I feel like the previous three books were only an introduction to this soon-to-be ending world. So far, we've only been shown Melromarc and how the country has decided to treat the Shield Hero. However, as we read on, this book slowly starts to reveal that there may be other countries in this very world that has a different opinion on the heroes and other political standing from that of Melromarc's.

I'll start with the stuff that I like first. I absolutely adore the appearance of various incredibly strong characters—and how it is entirely possible that they could become our protagonists' enemies at some point. It really shows how weak the heroes—and their party members—truly are. It's somewhat refreshing—since genres like this usually put the main character as the source of all power—but also at the same time frustrating—in the mindset of a game, not being able to defeat a boss feels like that too, right? It really catalyses the great change that will happen to the heroes and how they see the world around them, though. I cannot wait to see what will happen next.

On the other hand, there are some parts that don't sit well with me. First of all, let me just say that the religious factor thrown into the conflict feels a little too simplistic. The grounding of said religion is a little oversimplified—knowing full well the state of religions in our actual world, it just doesn't seem possible—and the way that conflict was resolved feels a little rushed. For a conflict that has befallen our protagonist for the majority of the last three volumes, it doesn't feel too satisfying of an ending, to be honest. I suspect there to be more problems from this arising in the future, but it remains to be seen. Apart from that, I also can't help but to cringe at the growing strength of the loli harem. While Naofumi doesn't seem willing to participate in such a troupe—and fully aware of it too—the story nonetheless keeps steering the genre that way.

All that being said, I'm just so excited to read the next volume to the series!

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hasta el momento ha sido uno de los mejores que le leido hasta ahora, se que el viaje de Naofumi acaba de empezar practicamente, pero aca se seinte un comienzo y una evolucion a ir a otra direccion, por fin pusimos fin a la trama de "El Demonio del Escudo" y por podremos comenzar a ver otra etapa del heroe, como va a mejorar y a volverse la leyenda que esta destinado a ser.
Me gusta ver a personajes femeninos fuertes y con varacter, la reina aparecio para poner el caracter que faltaba y para por fin parar el sin sentido que llevabamos por ya 4 volumenes seguidos, como colocas a TODOS en su lugar y se hace respetar es magistral.
Siento que a Raphtalia a pesar de tener una historia muy conectada a ella la dejaron muy relegada a solo opinar para aportar algo a lo que el prota dice, lo cual es un poco decepcionante pero aun asi se le ama mucho al personaje y Filo brillo mucho con su fuerza y su nombramiento, Fitoria es un personaje gradioso y ademas misterioso, me gustaria saber la historia de ella y los antiguos heroes, pero su introduccion tambien esta bien.
Conclusion, un libro que mantiene un buen ritmo y ademas cierra de una gran manera un arco argumental para comenzar con otro que el aun mayor, la batalla en otros mundos y con las celestiales criaturas.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I gave vol 3 3½ stars rounded up, volume 4 gets a solid 4. But that wasn't until 2/3rds (maybe halfway) through the book since it started right after and still had all the same problems. I am glad that Yusagi sensei decided to clean up some of that mess (or at least start the process since it usually takes longer to clean up a mess than to create one).

But ultimately for me, I was happy to FINALLY get some vindication and resolution for Naofumi. Sure, various townsfolk had come around, but this was somewhat more satisfying for me.

And of course there is the gigantic mess to clean up plus the oncoming wave(s) that continue to plague the land so there should be plenty of material to keep going.

Verdict: For me -- this is the book that will get me to keep reading. Had it continued with the previous issues I'd probably have put the series off indefinitely while exploring bunched of other things. Volume 4 does enough redemption to keep my interest.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing seems to be getting better with each book, though I still hate how confusing the dialogue is without tags.

A lot happens in this book, with a lot of tension and trouble, but also a lot of answers. It's hard to talk about it without spoilers, but by the end of the book, it's a lot clearer as to why the events of the first book happened and why things have been set up as they have been.

Though, it also has one of my least favorite moments, since I'm not a fan of swearing. I just wish a different name had been chosen--especially as it's used a lot more in the light novels than in the anime.

Overall, though, it moves the story forward in an interesting way and finally gives some real explanation for the politics and whatnot. Also, like I said, the writing seems to be getting better.

[Carla Parreira]

Trechos sublinhados: "...Mamãe gosta de histórias sobre a Floresta de Ilusão. Essa neblina lembra aquela descrita nas histórias. Eu estou surpresa. Parece que nós entramos dentro do santuário dos Philorials... Fitoria tirou um único pedaço da bela coroa de penas dela e deu para Firo. De repente, a pena brilha e se prende na cabeça da Firo... Até agora, depois de vir para esse mundo, tudo foi desenvolvido através de tentativa e erro. Eu não escolhi os meios de ficar forte. Gananciosamente, eu acumulei os bônus de equipamento dos escudos liberados... Meu corpo inteiro está gritando em dor. Mas eu não vou perder a consciência aqui. Porque eu ainda não sei se a rainha é ou não amiga ou inimiga... Eu irei acreditar em você só uma vez. Independentemente da razão, não terá próxima vez..."

[imper1al · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story finally turns around a bit and isn't just "the shield hero get's hated by everyone" anymore. I like the contact with Fitoria and the fight against the High Priest. However I would've liked it more if the build up and talking before and while the fight hadn't been this drawn out.
The third installment of the Curse Shield Series, the Shield of Wrath, especially the Bloodsacrifice is a nice addition to the dark side of this overpowered legendary item of Naofumi.
I also enjoyed the appearance of the queen and her no bs attitude. She's an interesting character.

All in all some fresh air in the series, which is what I've been missing in the third and maybe even the second volume.

[Pieter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining continuation of the series, but I am getting a bit fed up with the extreme and somewhat simple behavior of the protagonist. Mind you, extreme personality quirks are common in light novels. Hopeful he can let at least some of the hate go in the next parts. The hero is getting a bit too dark for my taste.

I was also not in the mood for the long combat scenes. I certainly glanced through them near the end...

At the moment I am not sure whether I will proceed with the series or not. Maybe when looking for something simple and yet dark...

[DarkChaplain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional developments, raising of the stakes, comedically stupid allies and even more comedically evil zealots... At least it had Filolial Queen Fitoria broaching the subject of the meta-plot for once, even though not much came off it yet.

Thankfully, this book attempts to shift the narrative and break out of the overly formulaic structure. Not that it truly succeeds at it, but it at least tries and moves things in the right direction, while opening and closing some narrative strands and providing much-needed character growth to the main party.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book. The first three books Naofumi was so screwed. He was constantly accused of so many horrible things. He was pursued for crimes he didn't commit. He eventually came face to face with the people behind everything. His group had a huge battle and even worked with the people he despised so much. In the end he finally got everything fixed. I enjoyed the characters getting what they deserved. I will probably continue with the series.

[Ericka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conflict was resolved too easily in this one. If the hero is pitted against an overwhelmingly overpowered enemy, why not let him lose? The story might have moved a bit more naturally. Having the hero get his butt saved miraculously every time doesn't do much except make you question why, in a world full of strong heroes that can hold their own against overpowered monsters, they needed heroes from another world in the first place. (Unless they are going the Rayearth route...)

[kurogane shiroikaze · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clear turning point finally arrives for the hero as he manages to be receive vindication of his injustice and finally be recognised as the hero he is. The volume also introduces the first "legendary" character, which greatly assists our hero.

A much more fun volume than the previous 2, it still plagued with sub-par translation quality issues.

[Rinke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished in one sitting, these just read so easy.
This volume immediately start where the last one ended you can truly feel that a lot of what's been slowly building up is reaching the end point and as expected we reach some sort of conclusion for some of the problems.
Can't wait to see how this will evolve in the next volume.

[Chafic (Rello) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally some plot development!
And oddly satisfying revenge at that!
It bothers me that the overarching world-development is just a trinkle, but I guess that's the nature of the light novel serialization.

Fun read, memorable scenes - some that I would love to see how they do adapt it into the anime. But for now, can't wait to start seeing how the story will progress from here!

3.46 / 5

[Craig Schorling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a 3.5 rounded up. There is a lot of resolution in this book and I hope that it moves the story towards a more meaningful antagonist. The Spear Hero was uninteresting and annoying. The Queen making her apperance was a high point as was Fitolia. I like where this story is potentially going and glad that it appears to be moving past the intro conflicts.

[Dharshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

If you have followed this series till now, you are getting more of the quality you expect. If you are looking to start, why are you reading my review? Pick up book 1 now!

[Thakzhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, but the editing could have been better. Sometimes, it was difficult to identify the talking person. Through connect it is possible, but it could have been better.

I think this is also the end of the first season of the anime. (

[Ageha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I read the Manga before I knew how it would turn out, but the light novel is way more in depth and satisfying in the "Punishment" part. I really enjoyed it way more.

[Mahesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, MC got revenge.
That's cool!
But the starting is little bit icky as I felt the mc childish sometimes!

[Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment of truth eventually befell the Bitch and the Trash. I can't hope to witness a more satisfactory scene than the one where Bitch and Trash got the asses kicked out clean.

[Lachmann Marcel · Rating 3 out of 5]

TyRex! Nice!