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灰と幻想のグリムガル [Hai to Gensou no Grimgar] (Light Novel) #4
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash (Light Novel) Vol. 4
The light novel fantasy epic that inspired a critically-acclaimed anime!
Haruhiro awakens to darkness and amnesia, among a group of strangers who can only remember their own names...and nothing else. When they make it into the light, they discover Grimgar--a fantasy world that's like something out of an RPG game. Without apparent skills or knowledge of their surroundings, Haruhiro and his newfound friends band together to form an adventuring party. Only by cooperating, using their wits, and learning new skills can they hope to survive in this dangerous land of monsters and magic.
Haruhiro awakens to darkness and amnesia, among a group of strangers who can only remember their own names...and nothing else. When they make it into the light, they discover Grimgar--a fantasy world that's like something out of an RPG game. Without apparent skills or knowledge of their surroundings, Haruhiro and his newfound friends band together to form an adventuring party. Only by cooperating, using their wits, and learning new skills can they hope to survive in this dangerous land of monsters and magic.
280 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2014
105 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 2, 2018
First thoughts:
I think im done with the series here.
The original concepts that drew me to the story are still there, this is a fantasy world where instead of following the path of characters who are extremely competent or learn fast its refreshing to take in the perspective of characters who are not. Characters who struggle from day to day and improve slowly. Their trauma and failure buoyed by their occasional and very earned success are great to read and are really the central pillar here.
But on the same note.. listening to the same complaints where the characters cant or wont really grow gets old after a while. The unrepentant asshole is still an asshole and no one even tries to stop him. The leader is mopey and constantly complains about the struggles of leadership. And all of the characters have just huge buckets of justified trauma. They are growing, and growing in a satisfying way for a person who is stuck in way over their head in constant life and death struggles. But I think ive had my fill.
On a tangential note, the story raises an interesting question or two about oneself. Most notably: if you were stripped down to only your most basic skills and personality, if none of the experiences that shaped you and helped you grow were there to give you stability and confidence.. who would you end up being in the end if you were dropped suddenly into a new life under extreme pressure? Its an interesting little thought.
Either way, the story was good while it lasted and where there is more of it for now I am perfectly content leaving it here.
I think im done with the series here.
The original concepts that drew me to the story are still there, this is a fantasy world where instead of following the path of characters who are extremely competent or learn fast its refreshing to take in the perspective of characters who are not. Characters who struggle from day to day and improve slowly. Their trauma and failure buoyed by their occasional and very earned success are great to read and are really the central pillar here.
But on the same note.. listening to the same complaints where the characters cant or wont really grow gets old after a while. The unrepentant asshole is still an asshole and no one even tries to stop him. The leader is mopey and constantly complains about the struggles of leadership. And all of the characters have just huge buckets of justified trauma. They are growing, and growing in a satisfying way for a person who is stuck in way over their head in constant life and death struggles. But I think ive had my fill.
On a tangential note, the story raises an interesting question or two about oneself. Most notably: if you were stripped down to only your most basic skills and personality, if none of the experiences that shaped you and helped you grow were there to give you stability and confidence.. who would you end up being in the end if you were dropped suddenly into a new life under extreme pressure? Its an interesting little thought.
Either way, the story was good while it lasted and where there is more of it for now I am perfectly content leaving it here.
April 17, 2019
I was both disappointed with this book, and loved it.
On one hand, the way events from the end of book three played out was so good that I ended up telling people around me even though they had no idea what I was talking about. It was a wonderful way to play out events and also captured the feel of how a party would deal with something like this.
But once events of the last novel play out, then the story becomes one of exploring a new area. Though seeing new scenery is nice, the resulting pages devoted to it ended up playing out a bit boring and repetitive. It's very reminiscent of the party going into new areas, such as the mine and the ruins. It's still sort of interesting, but all in all, it's something we've seen before, and the climax of it all really isn't too big at all. Rather, it feels very much like a boss fight in a video game and is as about as interesting as reading about someone fighting one.
So why four stars?
Because I read this book really fast. I couldn't put it down, despite how reparative parts of it felt. The evolution of the characters continues, their traits continuing to change them into adults. It was also nice to see the interplay with the paladin and Ranta actually do something positive for a change.
I can't wait to see where things go and how the party will continue on as part of a larger group, as well as seeing more of the Wonder Hole and the interesting things in there. This series is easily one of my favorite light novel series so far.
On one hand, the way events from the end of book three played out was so good that I ended up telling people around me even though they had no idea what I was talking about. It was a wonderful way to play out events and also captured the feel of how a party would deal with something like this.
But once events of the last novel play out, then the story becomes one of exploring a new area. Though seeing new scenery is nice, the resulting pages devoted to it ended up playing out a bit boring and repetitive. It's very reminiscent of the party going into new areas, such as the mine and the ruins. It's still sort of interesting, but all in all, it's something we've seen before, and the climax of it all really isn't too big at all. Rather, it feels very much like a boss fight in a video game and is as about as interesting as reading about someone fighting one.
So why four stars?
Because I read this book really fast. I couldn't put it down, despite how reparative parts of it felt. The evolution of the characters continues, their traits continuing to change them into adults. It was also nice to see the interplay with the paladin and Ranta actually do something positive for a change.
I can't wait to see where things go and how the party will continue on as part of a larger group, as well as seeing more of the Wonder Hole and the interesting things in there. This series is easily one of my favorite light novel series so far.
July 16, 2021
This series is like watching someone playing an extremely hard RPG and for some reason works. It's perfect to read one por month just to chill and have playful fun. There is nothing here exceptional or completely unique but there is no need. A bunch of teenage dying in a world of fantasy is enough.
September 9, 2017
I can't say I devoted my full attention to this one, but I did get through it.
One thing that bothered me early in the reading was the way Haru treats gender roles. He sees women as damsels to an extent. When the idea crosses his mind of Yume switching to be the tank, he immediately thinks "this kind of role would be too terrifying for a lady". There were a few other parts that felt a bit misogynistic in the story, but that was the line that stood out. Some other uncomfortable sexual elements come up in this chapter too, so if that makes you a bit squeamish, you've been warned, though it never steps over the edge.
The new setting and its weaker enemies are detailed in full during the mid to late part of the book. It was interesting how the enemies operate on video game sort of terms, like them running away from high level oppenents, having multiple forms or attack techniques that are rigidly switched between.
The final battle is decently orchestrated, though the set up is really sudden, and not in a good surprise way, just kind of thrown in at the end. Overall the journey in this volume wasn't really that great, and our heroes are still scrubs that are getting very lucky. At least the book acknowledges this, Haru saying his group needs to improve their chances from maybe a generous 60% win chance to a 90% win chance.
One thing that bothered me early in the reading was the way Haru treats gender roles. He sees women as damsels to an extent. When the idea crosses his mind of Yume switching to be the tank, he immediately thinks "this kind of role would be too terrifying for a lady". There were a few other parts that felt a bit misogynistic in the story, but that was the line that stood out. Some other uncomfortable sexual elements come up in this chapter too, so if that makes you a bit squeamish, you've been warned, though it never steps over the edge.
The new setting and its weaker enemies are detailed in full during the mid to late part of the book. It was interesting how the enemies operate on video game sort of terms, like them running away from high level oppenents, having multiple forms or attack techniques that are rigidly switched between.
The final battle is decently orchestrated, though the set up is really sudden, and not in a good surprise way, just kind of thrown in at the end. Overall the journey in this volume wasn't really that great, and our heroes are still scrubs that are getting very lucky. At least the book acknowledges this, Haru saying his group needs to improve their chances from maybe a generous 60% win chance to a 90% win chance.
September 11, 2018
The continuation of Haruhiro and co adventuring the cruel and harsh world of Grimgar. The 4th volume is take story after fierce battle on Deadhead watch on the 3rd volume. The story on 4th volume is less intense compare with 3rd volume which make you will able to take some breaths while reading this volume. This volume in my personal opinion have good and bad things, here is my personal thought for Grimgar volume four.
The development which the leave of Moguzo from Haruhiro party sure leave a big impact, you might remember how Haruhiro said that "Whether Haruhiro present or not, as long Moguzo in the party it will be alright" which tell how big the role Moguzo is. However, in my opinion with Moguzo is not present it was make the party growth even stronger and better. This volume you will see, even is little, but Haruhiro become more decent leader.
This novel also the first time the other characters such as Ranta, Shihoru and Yume got its own screen. This is very interesting because you got another Point of View (PoV) besides Haruhiro even though is pretty small in my opinion. Introduction towards new characters, Kuzaku, is not giving big impact like on the 1st volume when Merry come to replace Manato.
Thus, here come the bad things from this volume in my opinion. The author seems to rush everything in this volume. You will have to much foreshadowing and its killed the pace of the story itself. I would prefer the slow pace Grimgar with detail and more exposition on character developments. I feel need more screen when other characters struggle to choose whether to keep in Haruhiro party or receive another party invitation.
As for transition between previous arc into new arc, the 4th volume still tolerable and I have big hope for the next volume
The development which the leave of Moguzo from Haruhiro party sure leave a big impact, you might remember how Haruhiro said that "Whether Haruhiro present or not, as long Moguzo in the party it will be alright" which tell how big the role Moguzo is. However, in my opinion with Moguzo is not present it was make the party growth even stronger and better. This volume you will see, even is little, but Haruhiro become more decent leader.
This novel also the first time the other characters such as Ranta, Shihoru and Yume got its own screen. This is very interesting because you got another Point of View (PoV) besides Haruhiro even though is pretty small in my opinion. Introduction towards new characters, Kuzaku, is not giving big impact like on the 1st volume when Merry come to replace Manato.
Thus, here come the bad things from this volume in my opinion. The author seems to rush everything in this volume. You will have to much foreshadowing and its killed the pace of the story itself. I would prefer the slow pace Grimgar with detail and more exposition on character developments. I feel need more screen when other characters struggle to choose whether to keep in Haruhiro party or receive another party invitation.
As for transition between previous arc into new arc, the 4th volume still tolerable and I have big hope for the next volume
December 11, 2017
1st half of the book deals with the fallout from book 3 and how each character deals with the loss of their team mate. Some of the team mates are getting poached by other teams. I was kind of pissed off that Haruiro's leadership is so undervalued, but we do get to see his inner thoughts and he's really bad at expressing them so it kind of makes sense.
2nd half is about the team bouncing back. To be honest, it's a bit predictable! And that's why it lost 1 star. The author threw in a random encounter with Soma's Daybreakers to give it some zing, but it just feels a bit forced.
I really like the author's writing style: a lot of the team dynamics and improvement of team work are not explained literally but rather convened through the reactions of the team members. And the fighting scenes are still super well written!
2nd half is about the team bouncing back. To be honest, it's a bit predictable! And that's why it lost 1 star. The author threw in a random encounter with Soma's Daybreakers to give it some zing, but it just feels a bit forced.
I really like the author's writing style: a lot of the team dynamics and improvement of team work are not explained literally but rather convened through the reactions of the team members. And the fighting scenes are still super well written!
July 21, 2017
A strong continuation of the story
The story is well paced, this book differs from the others in that it gives you a peek at the other party members thoughts and feelings which is quite a nice touch and gives the story it's highs and lows. The combat is still thrilling and there isn't too much jargon so it's easy to understand.
The story is well paced, this book differs from the others in that it gives you a peek at the other party members thoughts and feelings which is quite a nice touch and gives the story it's highs and lows. The combat is still thrilling and there isn't too much jargon so it's easy to understand.
August 24, 2017
Well, now we know where the anime got its nuanced examination of grief - from this volume. The first half is fascinating in that way, and can be quite moving.
And then they go to the Wonder Hole.
Really? The Wonder Hole? Surely there was a better translation than that...?
Full review eventually appearing on ANN.
And then they go to the Wonder Hole.
Really? The Wonder Hole? Surely there was a better translation than that...?
Full review eventually appearing on ANN.
October 13, 2018
Challenges and growth as you’d expect but it almost feels a bit repetitive as the characters seem weak again. However, they do show enough progress that they have changed. Overall, it’s about the struggle and experiences that make them who they are, yet I sometimes question whether they have actually grown.
November 28, 2023
Another 3.5, no a 3.8, this volume was hella good. The best one I read from how realistically they dealt with what happened last volume to the acceptance of other things.
I like how the author pulled certain characters in and how he made things connect. How he hints at other things in the future too.
The next volume is gonna take a minute for me to get to, but I still can’t wait.
I like how the author pulled certain characters in and how he made things connect. How he hints at other things in the future too.
The next volume is gonna take a minute for me to get to, but I still can’t wait.
December 6, 2023
El final del otro tomo y el comienzo de este es tan, pero tan doloroso para mí...
Los pobres no salen de una cuando ya están metidos en más problemas y líos
La vida que les ha tocado vivir ha sido bastante dura de momento
Aunque parece que comienzan los posibles enlaces amorosos, ya veremos qué pasa entre unos y otros
Los pobres no salen de una cuando ya están metidos en más problemas y líos
La vida que les ha tocado vivir ha sido bastante dura de momento
Aunque parece que comienzan los posibles enlaces amorosos, ya veremos qué pasa entre unos y otros
July 1, 2017
Weak continuation.
After the battle there is no clear conclusion of the events after that. Half of the book continue dwelling on the lack of confidence of the main character and also his low selfsteem. No much development of the rest of characters.
After the battle there is no clear conclusion of the events after that. Half of the book continue dwelling on the lack of confidence of the main character and also his low selfsteem. No much development of the rest of characters.
August 29, 2018
While I do still think the author gets caught on minor details for excruciatingly long periods at some points, I did enjoy this volume. Building on the expansion of Grimgar's world from Vol 3, our heroes expand their horizons further by venturing to new locales.
November 26, 2019
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!
4 star for sending me through an emotional rollercoaster, End of book 3 "Oh no, Moguzo", begining of book 4 "Moguzo is ok!", finish the 1st chapter "Moguzo is dead!" A true rollercoaster.
4 star for sending me through an emotional rollercoaster, End of book 3 "Oh no, Moguzo", begining of book 4 "Moguzo is ok!", finish the 1st chapter "Moguzo is dead!" A true rollercoaster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2021
Is it bad? Ofc not I rated it 4stars, but not as good as the vol3. I like half of the book and the other half it gets a bit boring. Still has some elements that I really enjoy all that monologue the mc has I do enjoy and all, Let's see what volume 5 brings.
July 25, 2017
Great volume so far, the party its getting stronger and the wonder hole concept its great in a fantasy setting, so many options.
April 17, 2018
It's not that well written, but damnit I can't stop reading the series.
March 13, 2018
Good entertainment.
Reads like a D&D game. Characters are not quite fleshed out. Plot is typical adventuring group stuff. Nice fluff for the world setting.
Reads like a D&D game. Characters are not quite fleshed out. Plot is typical adventuring group stuff. Nice fluff for the world setting.
October 28, 2018
Love the writing style.
Cant stop consuming these volumes. Highly recommend to those who liked the show.
It's like reading the party rpg ver of dark souls
Cant stop consuming these volumes. Highly recommend to those who liked the show.
It's like reading the party rpg ver of dark souls
January 11, 2019
After all the action in the last book, there needed a transition, and this book does it nicely. We get more point of views of the other characters and their way to live their grief.
December 31, 2020
Merry I love you!
April 13, 2021
Love it.
September 21, 2021
Heartbreaking, but beautiful. A very exciting read and great to see the humanity amongst the fantasy
Read
February 10, 2022this where the brain blasting began
Read
May 4, 2022Volume 1 , 2 , 3 is the best , 4 till 14 not really
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2023
Plot twist!
I didn't expect it, but I liked the direction that this book took. I enjoyed this one, and I will gladly go get the next one :)
I didn't expect it, but I liked the direction that this book took. I enjoyed this one, and I will gladly go get the next one :)
March 31, 2024
Hay điên. Rất là real. Dàn nhân vật ăn hành nhiều. Haha. Miêu tả tâm lý ổn, sinh động
May 2, 2025
Nhóm Haruhiro tiếp tục chiến đấu để sinh tồn, đối mặt kẻ thù nguy hiểm hơn và vượt qua mất mát, đồng thời dần trưởng thành và gắn bó như một gia đình thực sự trong thế giới Grimgar tàn khốc.
December 27, 2025
Kind of too much of what we already ready, but I am still hooked
3,5 stars
3,5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews