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絶対ナル孤独者 [Zettai naru Kodokusha] (Novel) #3
The Isolator, Vol. 3 (light novel): The Trancer
Having successfully helped destroy two of the evil Ruby Eyes, Minoru, the Isolator, is recruited by the Syndicate, a secret organization dedicated to their eradication. He teams up with Suu Komura, the Refractor, a young girl said to be the Syndicate's most powerful member, to attack a secret stronghold of the Ruby Eyes. Their target is the most fearsome opponent they've ever faced: the Liquidizer, but their enemy is not what they expected...
216 pages, Hardcover
First published February 10, 2016
12 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Reki Kawahara
281 books911 followersKawahara Reki (川原礫) is the writer of Sword Art Online and Accel World. He also uses the pen name Kunori Fumio. His hobby is cycling.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 28, 2016
glad to see more character development and less battle scenes. I'm really enjoying getting to know Minoru and the two leading ladies better, even if we don't get much out of the other background characters in this volume
August 16, 2018
Minoru never thought his protective shell abilities could be so useful. But its incredible impenetrability combined with his newly-discovered ability to cover more than just himself would make it the perfect weapon . . . if he could actually recreate the part where he can protect another person. The Ruby Eyes won't wait for him to figure it out, though. This time, their enemies are a few steps ahead.
I have to admit I really enjoyed Yumiko's abrasive personality coming back to bite her, as Minoru can't figure out how to include her within his shell again. Instead, as his interactions with Suu shows, he's more comfortable (and "comfortable" is really stretching it) with someone who's equally afraid of him. And he can work with Suu because she doesn't make it personal, and goes out of her way to minimize the friction between the two of them.
I also love what happens with Minoru's developing powers. He's figured out more about it than someone with a literal power of super-intelligence. The revelation at the climax was especially good. And now that he knows, now that he has more flexibility with how he can use his power, there are so many places the story can go.
We don't get as much on the Ruby Eyes this time around, but we do get an interesting new set of powers, and some very intelligent ways to use them. I particularly liked how Liquidizer got around Minoru's invincibility. He's starting to trip up more and more on the fact that he's basically a regular kid thrown into a high-stakes arena he has no idea how to navigate. Just because nothing can get THROUGH his shield doesn't mean he's actually safe if he doesn't use his head.
Overall, this one kicks up another gear. Although I'm still not fond of the more typical "we're totally not in love" hijinks, I liked that this volume pushes forward so much more for the characters and the overarching plot. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
I have to admit I really enjoyed Yumiko's abrasive personality coming back to bite her, as Minoru can't figure out how to include her within his shell again. Instead, as his interactions with Suu shows, he's more comfortable (and "comfortable" is really stretching it) with someone who's equally afraid of him. And he can work with Suu because she doesn't make it personal, and goes out of her way to minimize the friction between the two of them.
I also love what happens with Minoru's developing powers. He's figured out more about it than someone with a literal power of super-intelligence. The revelation at the climax was especially good. And now that he knows, now that he has more flexibility with how he can use his power, there are so many places the story can go.
We don't get as much on the Ruby Eyes this time around, but we do get an interesting new set of powers, and some very intelligent ways to use them. I particularly liked how Liquidizer got around Minoru's invincibility. He's starting to trip up more and more on the fact that he's basically a regular kid thrown into a high-stakes arena he has no idea how to navigate. Just because nothing can get THROUGH his shield doesn't mean he's actually safe if he doesn't use his head.
Overall, this one kicks up another gear. Although I'm still not fond of the more typical "we're totally not in love" hijinks, I liked that this volume pushes forward so much more for the characters and the overarching plot. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
September 8, 2017
Vol 3 of the Isolator is different from the first two vols. Even though it's called the Trancer it actually doesn't focus that much on him. Even his trauma is only hinted at. In fact I'm not even sure he counts as the main antagonist in this book. But that's fine, the story is expanding.
This vol even ends on a mini cliffhanger.
My favorite parts of this vol are when M realizes what the source of his power actually is (and how that explanation made so much sense) and the introduction of the idea that I also really liked the possibility that things won't be as black and white in later vols.
But I hope the author tones down all the boyfriend girlfriend jokes.
EDIT: After sleeping on it I realized the real reason I struggled reading this book. It's because I'm afraid. Afraid that like other series by the author this will become a harem and any story potential will possibly be buried under all the romance. It doesn't help that most of the illustrations are of girls. And while I liked how connected S & M were her last line made me really nervous. But I've decided to trust the author, who really seems to like science, and believe there won't be any instant love or harems, especially since there are so many male characters who have their own storylines included.
Anyway, this vol sets up potential plots going forward, introduces a new character, and hints at possibly interesting ideas. And M was a more enjoyable character this vol, so hopefully that continues for the rest of the series.
This vol even ends on a mini cliffhanger.
My favorite parts of this vol are when M realizes what the source of his power actually is (and how that explanation made so much sense) and the introduction of the idea that I also really liked the possibility that things won't be as black and white in later vols.
But I hope the author tones down all the boyfriend girlfriend jokes.
EDIT: After sleeping on it I realized the real reason I struggled reading this book. It's because I'm afraid. Afraid that like other series by the author this will become a harem and any story potential will possibly be buried under all the romance. It doesn't help that most of the illustrations are of girls. And while I liked how connected S & M were her last line made me really nervous. But I've decided to trust the author, who really seems to like science, and believe there won't be any instant love or harems, especially since there are so many male characters who have their own storylines included.
Anyway, this vol sets up potential plots going forward, introduces a new character, and hints at possibly interesting ideas. And M was a more enjoyable character this vol, so hopefully that continues for the rest of the series.
September 21, 2021
Not sure who wrote the blurb for this book, but it's wrong. The Syndicate are those with the Ruby Eyes and the Specialized Forces Division are those with the Jet.
It wasn't all Ruby Eyes being on a total rampage. Sure, sure, Trancer gets a moment to slaughter some innocents, but unlike the previous two volumes it was very minimal, or at least not as in-your-face visceral. Some interesting developments in here. Suu is an interesting character and I hope we get to see more of her and how she interacts with the world and the other SFD members. I'll definitely be picking up book 4 at some point.
It wasn't all Ruby Eyes being on a total rampage. Sure, sure, Trancer gets a moment to slaughter some innocents, but unlike the previous two volumes it was very minimal, or at least not as in-your-face visceral. Some interesting developments in here. Suu is an interesting character and I hope we get to see more of her and how she interacts with the world and the other SFD members. I'll definitely be picking up book 4 at some point.
June 2, 2017
"You are the best hope . . . for everyone."
No pressure on Minoru (or Yumiko, for that matter). Kawahara, as always, does a brilliant job of combining dark sci-fi with humor (oh, the sarcasm and adolescent drama is perfect) and a whole hot mess of destruction.
No pressure on Minoru (or Yumiko, for that matter). Kawahara, as always, does a brilliant job of combining dark sci-fi with humor (oh, the sarcasm and adolescent drama is perfect) and a whole hot mess of destruction.
December 11, 2016
I'm really enjoying this series, the plot is thickening. the Ruby eyes syndicate is more than it appears and who doesn't like a love triangle? cannot wait for the next volume
June 5, 2023
Not for kids
December 16, 2016
Trancer is an engaging story which manages to top the previous volume because it has double the antagonists, each of which interesting in his/her own right. The powers on display are also quite clever and, in fact, are a source of character development, giving us a look into their users' psyches and why their respective abilities manifested in the first place.
In addition, I appreciate the research that went into this story. Kawahara clearly did his homework, demonstrating an impressive knowledge of chemistry. Pay attention and you just might learn something.
In summary: Trancer is a fun, smart story.
In addition, I appreciate the research that went into this story. Kawahara clearly did his homework, demonstrating an impressive knowledge of chemistry. Pay attention and you just might learn something.
In summary: Trancer is a fun, smart story.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews