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How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Light Novel #2
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom, Volume 2
When Souma Kazuya was summoned to another world to become a hero, he didn't go on an adventure, he became the king of Elfrieden and took to governing instead. Using knowledge from his old world, Souma began to push forward reforms every day, but eventually there came a time when he would have to face the general of the army, Georg Carmine, who refused to soften his rebellious stance. When the plans of the neighboring Principality of Amidonia get involved, things move from the political arena to the military one.
"Now, let the subjugation war begin!"
Will Souma be able to safely bring this war to a conclusion?!
This amazing transferred-to-another-world internal-politics fantasy series is on its second volume!
"Now, let the subjugation war begin!"
Will Souma be able to safely bring this war to a conclusion?!
This amazing transferred-to-another-world internal-politics fantasy series is on its second volume!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2016
266 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 24, 2017
Realist Hero volume 2 serves to expand the cast and play out the scenario of the "one week war / subjugation war" that was teased in the previous volume. Because this is focused on a war, the volume is a bit more dour. There's not a lot of frivilous cutesy scenes or anything here. The story stays focused on the battle and politics, again, unlike the previous volumes story being more a series of interconnected vignettes.
I was surprised at some of the "tricks" of the participants and the way the writer set stuff up. The final bloody conclusion was pretty intense too.
Liscia gets a bit of development, and we meet a ton of new characters connected with the 4 factions (Gaius VIII's Principality of Amedonia, Vargas' Airforce, Carmine's Forbidden Army, Walter's Navy / Marines), but overall this was much more of an action / reaction chapter, not a lot of romance or anything significant relationship wise.
The tale does have a very melancholic feel to it, so I maybe wouldn't recommend this if you want something light-hearted and happy. You'll just come away feeling more depressed. 😢
I was surprised at some of the "tricks" of the participants and the way the writer set stuff up. The final bloody conclusion was pretty intense too.
Liscia gets a bit of development, and we meet a ton of new characters connected with the 4 factions (Gaius VIII's Principality of Amedonia, Vargas' Airforce, Carmine's Forbidden Army, Walter's Navy / Marines), but overall this was much more of an action / reaction chapter, not a lot of romance or anything significant relationship wise.
The tale does have a very melancholic feel to it, so I maybe wouldn't recommend this if you want something light-hearted and happy. You'll just come away feeling more depressed. 😢
May 23, 2017
This is not a good book. Stay far away unless you absolutely adore the premise and have godly resistance to terrible prose.
I liked the original because it wasn't like the other "from another world" light novels ("isekai"). It included a competent protagonist and it wasn't much of a wish fulfillment Fantasy like other isekais. At the end of the book we were promised a war.
And we got one. I appreciate the references to strategy and Sun Tzu. Some developments were also unexpected, which I enjoyed. It all falls apart after that.
To start off, the point of view is VERY inconsistent. There were pages where one paragraph was in third person limited, only to switch to first person two paragraphs down, and that was without any page breaks. There were many of different points of view behind different characters and it was a pain to follow them all.
The characters do get a bit more rounded, but only barely. I found myself not caring about characters the book tries so hard to make you love, like Liscia or Tomoe.
The characters and inconsistent POV would be tolerable if the rest of the writing was good, but unfortunately it's the worst part. It's a short book, and yet I'm reminded four or five times about the Mankind Treaty. The book is stuffed with paragraphs starting with "Also..." and "By the way...". Information is dumped time and time again without any effort to introduce it in a way the reader would find natural.
Light novels are not the most high-brow literature, but that is no excuse for such terrible writing. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya managed to craft an engaging story without treating its readers like idiots. In a time when more and more light novels are being translated to English, reading trash like this is a waste of time.
I liked the original because it wasn't like the other "from another world" light novels ("isekai"). It included a competent protagonist and it wasn't much of a wish fulfillment Fantasy like other isekais. At the end of the book we were promised a war.
And we got one. I appreciate the references to strategy and Sun Tzu. Some developments were also unexpected, which I enjoyed. It all falls apart after that.
To start off, the point of view is VERY inconsistent. There were pages where one paragraph was in third person limited, only to switch to first person two paragraphs down, and that was without any page breaks. There were many of different points of view behind different characters and it was a pain to follow them all.
The characters do get a bit more rounded, but only barely. I found myself not caring about characters the book tries so hard to make you love, like Liscia or Tomoe.
The characters and inconsistent POV would be tolerable if the rest of the writing was good, but unfortunately it's the worst part. It's a short book, and yet I'm reminded four or five times about the Mankind Treaty. The book is stuffed with paragraphs starting with "Also..." and "By the way...". Information is dumped time and time again without any effort to introduce it in a way the reader would find natural.
Light novels are not the most high-brow literature, but that is no excuse for such terrible writing. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya managed to craft an engaging story without treating its readers like idiots. In a time when more and more light novels are being translated to English, reading trash like this is a waste of time.
November 2, 2018
3.5 stars.
Though not as good as volume 1, Realist Hero volume 2 is still a solid read-- but only if you enjoyed the first novel.
This volume pinpoints its focus on one specific event, which greatly contrasts with the first book. In that case it is different from its prequel, but still maintains the same good writing quality. I didn't enjoy the event of this novel-- and yes, there was pretty much one event-- but I have my hopes up that volume 3 and beyond will expand its horizons like volume 1 did.
The characters are still likable, but I felt that there wasn't much development of them because of the focus on the story progression. There was one part towards the end with Souma that developed his character well that I enjoyed, but I can't think of many other examples of that happening with anyone else in the cast.
Realist Hero is a series that needs to be warmed up to because of the excessive inner dialogue, but it's worth it. Even though the second volume isn't as good as the first, this is still a well-done light novel series.
Though not as good as volume 1, Realist Hero volume 2 is still a solid read-- but only if you enjoyed the first novel.
This volume pinpoints its focus on one specific event, which greatly contrasts with the first book. In that case it is different from its prequel, but still maintains the same good writing quality. I didn't enjoy the event of this novel-- and yes, there was pretty much one event-- but I have my hopes up that volume 3 and beyond will expand its horizons like volume 1 did.
The characters are still likable, but I felt that there wasn't much development of them because of the focus on the story progression. There was one part towards the end with Souma that developed his character well that I enjoyed, but I can't think of many other examples of that happening with anyone else in the cast.
Realist Hero is a series that needs to be warmed up to because of the excessive inner dialogue, but it's worth it. Even though the second volume isn't as good as the first, this is still a well-done light novel series.
June 2, 2020
3.5 stars
I bought the first two books together on a whim due to its unique story premise, and while the first book read like a history lesson written in expository format, this book really focused on characters and storytelling. Obviously the first book needs to be read to establish the world, but it feels like this book is where the story really starts. Looking forward to seeing where the story continues now that the world and its lore has been established and explained (sometimes at great length).
I bought the first two books together on a whim due to its unique story premise, and while the first book read like a history lesson written in expository format, this book really focused on characters and storytelling. Obviously the first book needs to be read to establish the world, but it feels like this book is where the story really starts. Looking forward to seeing where the story continues now that the world and its lore has been established and explained (sometimes at great length).
March 31, 2018
Series slowed down, lots of repetition.
I feel like there is a lot of potential in this series, but whether it happened due to trying to fill a page count or something in translation there's a lot of repetition in this second book. Often ideas are explained more than once with only slight differences, character relations are explained often with it being explained many times who Duchess Excess Walters relatives are etc. This really broke up the story for me and there was what felt like significantly more exposition in this novel. Coupled with the fact that it only took place in a bit over a week of time I felt like these things really weakened the novel and the progression of the series slowed down drastically in this book.
I feel like there is a lot of potential in this series, but whether it happened due to trying to fill a page count or something in translation there's a lot of repetition in this second book. Often ideas are explained more than once with only slight differences, character relations are explained often with it being explained many times who Duchess Excess Walters relatives are etc. This really broke up the story for me and there was what felt like significantly more exposition in this novel. Coupled with the fact that it only took place in a bit over a week of time I felt like these things really weakened the novel and the progression of the series slowed down drastically in this book.
October 4, 2025
Good sequel. The story is a bit more focused as volume 1, dealing with the civil war and the war with the neighbor. The point of view wanders a bit more than in part 1 which gives a broader picture of events. Less humor as well, no cooking shows so to speak. The text can become a bit repetitive in reminding us readers of events and situations described earlier in the same book. Looking forward to volume 3 now that the Chaos Empire has shown an active interest and really curious what the missing princess is planning to do.
November 15, 2019
This book picks up where the first left off and describes what would eventually be known as the 3-Front One Week War. I was fairly entertained and I like the various characters that are becoming the main cast, though I can't help but feel a bit unsatisfied.
This is something that tends to happen with Light Novels and I think part of it is due to the fact that they actually have page limits imposed upon the author. This book was 250 pages and I'm assuming that's right around the limit. I don't know how universal this limit is or whether it varies by publisher, but I'm going to set that aside.
The biggest problem I have with light novels is the price point: it's always a bit high, but a translator has to be paid as well so I can somewhat understand. The other issue is whether the segment of the story was satisfactorily told within that page count. It seems a bit rough to fit all books of a story into a set page count because some sections are just going to have more going on in them. I think this leads to what should be a single story being split into two halves. I can justify the price point a bit with the translator being added in there, but I don't like feeling teased by a story I spent money on.
By the time this story covers the amount of plot that I consider a more legit book, I end up spending twice as much. It's very frustrating and I can't help but be bothered by it even as I'm reading the book if I'm in a slower paced chapter.
I am enjoying this series, but I'm not sure how far into it I'll go.
This is something that tends to happen with Light Novels and I think part of it is due to the fact that they actually have page limits imposed upon the author. This book was 250 pages and I'm assuming that's right around the limit. I don't know how universal this limit is or whether it varies by publisher, but I'm going to set that aside.
The biggest problem I have with light novels is the price point: it's always a bit high, but a translator has to be paid as well so I can somewhat understand. The other issue is whether the segment of the story was satisfactorily told within that page count. It seems a bit rough to fit all books of a story into a set page count because some sections are just going to have more going on in them. I think this leads to what should be a single story being split into two halves. I can justify the price point a bit with the translator being added in there, but I don't like feeling teased by a story I spent money on.
By the time this story covers the amount of plot that I consider a more legit book, I end up spending twice as much. It's very frustrating and I can't help but be bothered by it even as I'm reading the book if I'm in a slower paced chapter.
I am enjoying this series, but I'm not sure how far into it I'll go.
June 11, 2017
Once again this was a enjoyable quick read on a summer afternoon. Volume 2 picks up with the turmoil of the dukedoms and that arc becomes the center for this novel. Careful readers will notice how some bizarre moments in the first novel are brought back and fleshed out as we start to see dangling threads pulled together. As quickly as these threads are closed off new ones start to split almost as fast.
The only downside I have with this work is the authors tendency to take moments and elaborate on how they are viewed years down the line. While I understand that the story is not so much about the outcome of the changes the main character makes, but on how much he changes the world around him, it removes tension from the scene and in my viewpoint could limit character growth down the road but that has yet to be seen.
Again if you want a quick easy read. You cant go wrong with How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom.
The only downside I have with this work is the authors tendency to take moments and elaborate on how they are viewed years down the line. While I understand that the story is not so much about the outcome of the changes the main character makes, but on how much he changes the world around him, it removes tension from the scene and in my viewpoint could limit character growth down the road but that has yet to be seen.
Again if you want a quick easy read. You cant go wrong with How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom.
July 4, 2024
While the first book was filled with lots of funny moments and business like decisions, this one was full of war. Finally, Souma steps into his roll as King. He knows that this is where his real work begins and he is King. I'm glad that he finally realized what everyone had already accepted. Liscia and Aisha remained ever loyal to Souma. I love the way they have decided the relationship is going to work. Liscia may be the first queen but she knows he will need others. Polygamy isn't taboo in this world and book. I love all the other characters, though it's sad how it all went down with Carmine. Liscia's reaction was the hardest to read in the novel and see in the anime. Souma again shows his wisdom with Gaius and the kingdom of Amidonia. He's so smart. I think volume 3 will be the last book that coincides with the anime. I'm looking forward to what comes next for Souma and Liscia and the rest of the kingdom.
September 20, 2021
Japanese Light Novels progress very differently from English short stories or novels, it seems. There is a lot of repetition in explanations: I believe that it is because the chapters are taken from different uploads and edited. Then, it would be the editor's fault for not noticing these repetitions or just the norm in such novels.
Anyhow, the story itself was interesting. Although, again, there were some parts that did not make sense, or that were too convenient for the characters. I enjoyed the military explanations and political histories of the Kingdom, Principality, and Empire though. And then it happened. Yasmin opened the 3rd volume of this series.
P.S. I also liked how the things we take for granted about such anime or stories were explained. I.e. the dungeons that adventurers roam did not just "appear". They had a history, too.
Anyhow, the story itself was interesting. Although, again, there were some parts that did not make sense, or that were too convenient for the characters. I enjoyed the military explanations and political histories of the Kingdom, Principality, and Empire though. And then it happened. Yasmin opened the 3rd volume of this series.
P.S. I also liked how the things we take for granted about such anime or stories were explained. I.e. the dungeons that adventurers roam did not just "appear". They had a history, too.
December 23, 2024
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom: 2
Set two weeks after the devastating landslide in the previous book. Princess Liscia is concerned after noticing changes in her betrothed, Kazuya Souma. The hero summoned from another world is stuck dealing with the duchies who refuse to acknowledge their support while the neighboring Amidonia tries to play both sides of the fence, hoping for an excuse to invade and retake lands claimed Elfrieden's previous previous king. This is a different story than the previous which was all about progression, stabilizing and improving the kingdom, establishing government and relationships. This one is all about battles, military strategy, and war. Lots of historical and literary references here for those history buffs. Some scenes from the previous book finally make sense in this one. Still an engrossing read.
Set two weeks after the devastating landslide in the previous book. Princess Liscia is concerned after noticing changes in her betrothed, Kazuya Souma. The hero summoned from another world is stuck dealing with the duchies who refuse to acknowledge their support while the neighboring Amidonia tries to play both sides of the fence, hoping for an excuse to invade and retake lands claimed Elfrieden's previous previous king. This is a different story than the previous which was all about progression, stabilizing and improving the kingdom, establishing government and relationships. This one is all about battles, military strategy, and war. Lots of historical and literary references here for those history buffs. Some scenes from the previous book finally make sense in this one. Still an engrossing read.
February 4, 2023
Oof.
This one... was not as good as the first. Not by a long shot. Volume 2 of most types of story seem to struggle a lot, but its particularly pronounced with light novels and not just because the translations are almost universally worse (Its still OK, better than average even. But thats not a high bar).
This storyline was inconsistent, it missed the pacing it needed to tell an isekai war story, and it missed out on the first books ability to really develop and build the world. Its like playing a "and then" rpg on an old internet forum.
The worst part is I know the story should have been better than this, or at the very least the anime does the story better than this. And coming back around to the LN afterwards was just disappointing.
This one... was not as good as the first. Not by a long shot. Volume 2 of most types of story seem to struggle a lot, but its particularly pronounced with light novels and not just because the translations are almost universally worse (Its still OK, better than average even. But thats not a high bar).
This storyline was inconsistent, it missed the pacing it needed to tell an isekai war story, and it missed out on the first books ability to really develop and build the world. Its like playing a "and then" rpg on an old internet forum.
The worst part is I know the story should have been better than this, or at the very least the anime does the story better than this. And coming back around to the LN afterwards was just disappointing.
October 20, 2019
Volume 2 of this Isekai Admin fantasy picks up the story from book 1 - whilst this book still includes a fair bit of info dumping (much of it heavily repetitive from volume 1) it's not quite as bad as volume 1.
The writing has also improved a bit making it somewhat easier to read - but this is a Translated Japanese Light Novel, so only compared to book 1)
The main reason I'm still reading is the premise.
I give this 3.75 out of 5.
The writing has also improved a bit making it somewhat easier to read - but this is a Translated Japanese Light Novel, so only compared to book 1)
The main reason I'm still reading is the premise.
I give this 3.75 out of 5.
July 18, 2017
What an awful waste of my time
A miserable waste of good potential. How trite. How slow. How immature. How repetitive. If this is optioned for animation, I hope they make the lion man cool looking.
No woman can kill a named male character, still. In other news, duck quacks still echo.
A miserable waste of good potential. How trite. How slow. How immature. How repetitive. If this is optioned for animation, I hope they make the lion man cool looking.
No woman can kill a named male character, still. In other news, duck quacks still echo.
November 15, 2019
A great sequel
It pains me to say it, but despite the world building and country reformation, this book has a more satisfying conclusion compared to the first. This is mostly due to it focusing on schemes and war, although some of the emotions fell flat. Still a good read and I’m glad I gave this series a chance.
It pains me to say it, but despite the world building and country reformation, this book has a more satisfying conclusion compared to the first. This is mostly due to it focusing on schemes and war, although some of the emotions fell flat. Still a good read and I’m glad I gave this series a chance.
July 22, 2020
Great story.
A good continuation of the first volume and a great plot to resolve the three dukes rebellion. Some parts are repeated as is a custom of litnovels. It get tedious sometimes to read the same explanations over and over. Not too much character development in this volume, although new characters are introduce. A good plot is left for the third volume.
A good continuation of the first volume and a great plot to resolve the three dukes rebellion. Some parts are repeated as is a custom of litnovels. It get tedious sometimes to read the same explanations over and over. Not too much character development in this volume, although new characters are introduce. A good plot is left for the third volume.
October 16, 2021
Entertaining Read
Souma has gotten a good start on domestic concerns. Now he must turn to military matters. A rebellion is fomenting among the three Dukes and a bordering country is invading the Kingdom. I like the action, humor, political intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
Souma has gotten a good start on domestic concerns. Now he must turn to military matters. A rebellion is fomenting among the three Dukes and a bordering country is invading the Kingdom. I like the action, humor, political intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
July 23, 2023
Like Volume 1 this one is really fun and its great reading and understanding more things of the Kingdom. Souma continues rebuilding the Kingdom but finally has to deal with the three Dukes. Leading to the Subjugation War. Souma continues quoting Machiavelli as he knows that the issues that will arise from the war will be many.
Its a fast read and so enjoyable.
Its a fast read and so enjoyable.
September 23, 2023
It was interesting to see how the hero fought a war. But I think it was unrealistic for him, at 19, to have knowledge of the stratagems used to win wars. I don't think he was a history major in our world.
And it appears he memorized The Art of War. There were few other oddities in the hero's behavior, but all in all a worthwhile read.
And it appears he memorized The Art of War. There were few other oddities in the hero's behavior, but all in all a worthwhile read.
December 23, 2023
No dwarves.
It was a great experience and really pulled off the promise of the first book.
I do feel that Liscia gets pushed more and more to be just the character who ask the obvious questions so Soma has someone to explain what is happening. I understand we as the audience need to know what is happening but it degrades Liscia’s character.
It was a great experience and really pulled off the promise of the first book.
I do feel that Liscia gets pushed more and more to be just the character who ask the obvious questions so Soma has someone to explain what is happening. I understand we as the audience need to know what is happening but it degrades Liscia’s character.
August 10, 2017
Second volume is still really good. The book still focuses on progressing the story instead of devolving the whole thing into a harem. While the first volume mostly focused on economic aspects of ruling a country, there are more political conflicts in this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2018
The first book in the series focused on our realist hero turned king reforming his new kingdom. This the second volume is instead about him and his kingdom going to war. This might sound more exciting but I actually liked the first book better, it was more unique and interesting.
February 26, 2019
Could do with a little less repetition considering its a relatively short book and we don't need reminders but otherwise a solid book. If you enjoyed the first vol I don't see why you wouldn't enjoy this one, especially as it wraps up a few things from vol 1.
July 14, 2021
Excellent
Another excellent addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed, with a very likable main character, and an interesting as well as likable cast that surrounds him. If you enjoyed the first book, you should enjoy this one.
Another excellent addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed, with a very likable main character, and an interesting as well as likable cast that surrounds him. If you enjoyed the first book, you should enjoy this one.
March 8, 2023
A realistic take on a medieval war
This book is full of references to Machiavelo's prince, Sun Tsu's Art of war, and Wang Jingze's 36 stratagems. A medieval war fought with troops and wits, instead of a great hero that takes the spotlight.
This book is full of references to Machiavelo's prince, Sun Tsu's Art of war, and Wang Jingze's 36 stratagems. A medieval war fought with troops and wits, instead of a great hero that takes the spotlight.
April 18, 2023
More military oriented than the first book, and it feels better to read with the action and the MC knowing where his limits are. Still within the anime so I knew what was going on, and it's still close, so no surprises, but it's fun to revisit.
July 25, 2025
While the story does progress in a positive way, there are many times the author repeats information. By the fifth, sixth time the same information is presented, it starts to get a little annoying. Otherwise, the story and characters are interesting.
June 18, 2017
More
The sequel is just as good if not better than the first novel. I will be buying vol 3. However the book is too short.
The sequel is just as good if not better than the first novel. I will be buying vol 3. However the book is too short.
June 17, 2017
I'm really starting to enjoy this series a lot. The cast is really solid, the world is interesting, and it has just the right amount of suspense to keep you guessing. Can't wait for volume 3!
February 6, 2018
Fun
Its a fun story, you can’t wait to see what happened after that, always scheming something, it really fun and realistic
Its a fun story, you can’t wait to see what happened after that, always scheming something, it really fun and realistic
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews