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狼と香辛料 [Ookami to Koushinryou] (Novel) #8
Spice and Wolf, Vol. 8: The Town of Strife I
Hearing rumors of a "leg bone of the wolf" being used as an artifact of the Church to showcase its power, Lawrence and Holo head to the site to gather more information. Holo can't just turn away from what might be a relic of her own kind, after all. Of course, upon arrival, the travelers find that the town is the center of a giant trade dispute! Seems that Col will be getting a lesson in microeconomics!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2008
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627 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 5, 2016
This is actually the first half of a two-volume arc so there isn't much to say apart from 'good start' at the moment.
May 24, 2013
In Summary
Hasekura-sensei returns to Holo, Lawrence, and Col as they pursue rumors of ancient wolf bones and re-encounter Eve, the cunning merchant who betrayed Lawrence in Lenos. This arc is less about trade and more about intrigue in a politically and religiously divided town so you won’t come away with an economics lesson. However, you may be entertained by Kerube’s power struggle if you have the patience for Hasekura-sensei’s roundabout storytelling style.
The Review
After last volume’s side stories, Hasekura-sensei returns to the journey of Holo, Lawrence, and Col. He also brings back the character that sent Holo raging down the river route: Eve. The way in which Eve returns to the narrative, however, is somewhat surprising.
Given the depth of Eve’s betrayal in Lenos plus the injuries she dealt Lawrence (which he still bears at the beginning of Volume 8), I expected their capture of the vixen merchant to be the climax of this arc. Instead, the reunion of Eve, Holo, and Lawrence takes place in the prologue (although it is so vaguely worded that I didn’t realize those were the characters involved until I got into Chapter 1). And while Holo is sufficiently angry to want to tear Eve apart, Lawrence restrains the wisewolf from doing so and seems to bear no grudge against Eve. In fact, he displays only a merchant’s admiration for her skill. Holo has berated Lawrence before about his softheartedness, but his lack of resentment makes him seem soft in the head.
But there is a reason for even Holo to keep Eve intact, and that is because she is their key to getting to the bottom of the wolf bone rumors. Interestingly, Eve, who’d seemed like a minor merchant in Lenos, turns out to be a far more prominent and powerful force. In the process of searching for the wolf bones, Lawrence and Holo discover a great deal more about Eve, and she dominates the pages even in scenes where she’s not physically present.
As the investigation goes on, the story becomes more about political and religious intrigue than economics, although a territorial dispute over the marketplace is part of it. The plot is complex, involving fallout from the canceled northern campaign that figured in the early volumes; Col’s papers and the wolf bones mentioned in Volume 6; and a new element thrown in mid-volume. Following the plot is made more difficult by Hasekura-sensei’s tendency to write scenes where only the characters understand what’s happening and insert a lengthy explanation later.
Fortunately, Hasekura-sensei breaks up the complicated stuff with lighter moments, mostly involving Col. In addition to comic relief, Col serves as a refreshingly innocent counterpoint to our hard-driving merchant and scheming wisewolf. Also, because he’s essentially Lawrence’s informal apprentice, readers get clearer explanations when he’s present. Despite his ignorance of merchant matters, the boy brings his own knowledge to the table, and we finally get the secret behind the copper coin boxes of Volume 6.
As the subtitle “Town of Strife I” indicates, this is the first of a two book story. As Hasekura-sensei states in the Afterword, the story was meant to be a single volume, but it bloated out of his control. Given the complex situation he’s forcing his characters into, he will need those extra pages to come to a final resolution. And although many parts of Volume 8 left me scratching my head, it ends with a very clear and dramatic cliffhanger.
This light novel includes the title page, three two-page spreads, and the table of contents printed in color as well as five black-and-white illustrations.
Hasekura-sensei returns to Holo, Lawrence, and Col as they pursue rumors of ancient wolf bones and re-encounter Eve, the cunning merchant who betrayed Lawrence in Lenos. This arc is less about trade and more about intrigue in a politically and religiously divided town so you won’t come away with an economics lesson. However, you may be entertained by Kerube’s power struggle if you have the patience for Hasekura-sensei’s roundabout storytelling style.
The Review
After last volume’s side stories, Hasekura-sensei returns to the journey of Holo, Lawrence, and Col. He also brings back the character that sent Holo raging down the river route: Eve. The way in which Eve returns to the narrative, however, is somewhat surprising.
Given the depth of Eve’s betrayal in Lenos plus the injuries she dealt Lawrence (which he still bears at the beginning of Volume 8), I expected their capture of the vixen merchant to be the climax of this arc. Instead, the reunion of Eve, Holo, and Lawrence takes place in the prologue (although it is so vaguely worded that I didn’t realize those were the characters involved until I got into Chapter 1). And while Holo is sufficiently angry to want to tear Eve apart, Lawrence restrains the wisewolf from doing so and seems to bear no grudge against Eve. In fact, he displays only a merchant’s admiration for her skill. Holo has berated Lawrence before about his softheartedness, but his lack of resentment makes him seem soft in the head.
But there is a reason for even Holo to keep Eve intact, and that is because she is their key to getting to the bottom of the wolf bone rumors. Interestingly, Eve, who’d seemed like a minor merchant in Lenos, turns out to be a far more prominent and powerful force. In the process of searching for the wolf bones, Lawrence and Holo discover a great deal more about Eve, and she dominates the pages even in scenes where she’s not physically present.
As the investigation goes on, the story becomes more about political and religious intrigue than economics, although a territorial dispute over the marketplace is part of it. The plot is complex, involving fallout from the canceled northern campaign that figured in the early volumes; Col’s papers and the wolf bones mentioned in Volume 6; and a new element thrown in mid-volume. Following the plot is made more difficult by Hasekura-sensei’s tendency to write scenes where only the characters understand what’s happening and insert a lengthy explanation later.
Fortunately, Hasekura-sensei breaks up the complicated stuff with lighter moments, mostly involving Col. In addition to comic relief, Col serves as a refreshingly innocent counterpoint to our hard-driving merchant and scheming wisewolf. Also, because he’s essentially Lawrence’s informal apprentice, readers get clearer explanations when he’s present. Despite his ignorance of merchant matters, the boy brings his own knowledge to the table, and we finally get the secret behind the copper coin boxes of Volume 6.
As the subtitle “Town of Strife I” indicates, this is the first of a two book story. As Hasekura-sensei states in the Afterword, the story was meant to be a single volume, but it bloated out of his control. Given the complex situation he’s forcing his characters into, he will need those extra pages to come to a final resolution. And although many parts of Volume 8 left me scratching my head, it ends with a very clear and dramatic cliffhanger.
This light novel includes the title page, three two-page spreads, and the table of contents printed in color as well as five black-and-white illustrations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2018
Real Rating: 3.5 stars
I've always found that the problem with light novels and other sorts of continuous publications that are spaced out is that the authors feel a need to perpetually recap a large number of facts that we all already know. Recapping to a certain point is acceptable and even welcome at times but some of it is just outright annoying. This is volume 8, I know that Holo was worshipped as a harvest goddess and that she was called the Wisewolf. There's no need to repeat that at this point.
Anyway, the beginning was a bit boring but it quickly became pretty intriguing and I'm very interested in what will happen next. Still, the reason why I didn't rate this higher is mainly that I was often confused throughout this book not only because of all the usual monetary/business stuff but also because of something silly, such the lack of dialogue tags. I often couldn't tell who was speaking because apparently everyone in this volume is a highly witty, wily merchant when they speak!
So, essentially, it was a bit dull at the beginning but it grew much more interesting and as always I will continue to read this series because I just love the two main characters to death. They're the reason I started the ordeal of reading 17 light novels in the first place. They're adorable and lovable and just frigging perfect.
I've always found that the problem with light novels and other sorts of continuous publications that are spaced out is that the authors feel a need to perpetually recap a large number of facts that we all already know. Recapping to a certain point is acceptable and even welcome at times but some of it is just outright annoying. This is volume 8, I know that Holo was worshipped as a harvest goddess and that she was called the Wisewolf. There's no need to repeat that at this point.
Anyway, the beginning was a bit boring but it quickly became pretty intriguing and I'm very interested in what will happen next. Still, the reason why I didn't rate this higher is mainly that I was often confused throughout this book not only because of all the usual monetary/business stuff but also because of something silly, such the lack of dialogue tags. I often couldn't tell who was speaking because apparently everyone in this volume is a highly witty, wily merchant when they speak!
So, essentially, it was a bit dull at the beginning but it grew much more interesting and as always I will continue to read this series because I just love the two main characters to death. They're the reason I started the ordeal of reading 17 light novels in the first place. They're adorable and lovable and just frigging perfect.
October 16, 2018
Ah! I knew I should have waited with reading this until I had the next book ready, but I haven't been able to really read anything else after I got this book because I wanted to continue with this series so much, so I finally gave in and started reading it.
As always, I enjoy the characters, world and language.
As always, some of it went completely over my head, but I still find myself sucked into this story and world and want to know how it ends.
As always, I enjoy the characters, world and language.
As always, some of it went completely over my head, but I still find myself sucked into this story and world and want to know how it ends.
May 2, 2013
It was a decent installment, but only getting half of the story and leaving off with a cliffhanger was not fun and did take away some of the enjoyment.
October 22, 2017
Finally I see some Paganism up ahead.
February 7, 2024
Title: Spice & Wolf, Vol. 08: The Town of Strife I by Isuna Hasekura
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Review:
"Spice & Wolf, Vol. 08: The Town of Strife I" by Isuna Hasekura continues the captivating journey of Lawrence and Holo, the traveling merchant and his wolf deity companion, as they navigate the complexities of medieval economics, politics, and romance. In this installment, the duo finds themselves embroiled in the intrigue of a bustling town teetering on the brink of conflict, setting the stage for a tale of adventure, suspense, and unexpected twists.
Rich World-Building:
Hasekura's world-building continues to impress in "The Town of Strife I," as he paints a vivid portrait of a medieval town rife with political machinations, economic rivalries, and cultural tensions. From the bustling marketplace to the opulent merchant guilds, each aspect of the town is meticulously detailed, immersing readers in its sights, sounds, and smells. The author's attention to historical accuracy and authenticity adds depth and texture to the narrative, making the setting feel both familiar and exotic.
Character Dynamics:
One of the highlights of the series is the dynamic between Lawrence and Holo, which continues to evolve in fascinating ways in this volume. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, from playful banter to heartfelt confessions, readers are treated to a nuanced exploration of love, loyalty, and trust. Hasekura deftly balances the romantic tension between the two protagonists with the larger plot developments, ensuring that their personal struggles are seamlessly integrated into the broader narrative.
Intriguing Plot Developments:
"The Town of Strife I" introduces several intriguing plot threads that promise to keep readers on the edge of their seats. From the mysterious disappearance of a prominent merchant to the brewing conflict between rival factions, the story is filled with suspenseful twists and turns that keep the momentum building from beginning to end. Hasekura masterfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, gradually revealing the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated events and characters.
Comparative Analysis:
Compared to its predecessors, "The Town of Strife I" stands out for its focus on political intrigue and social commentary. While previous volumes primarily explored the dynamics of trade and commerce, this installment delves deeper into the power struggles and societal tensions that shape the world of Spice & Wolf. The shift in focus adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, offering readers a more nuanced understanding of the socio-political landscape.
Conclusion:
"Spice & Wolf, Vol. 08: The Town of Strife I" is a compelling addition to Isuna Hasekura's beloved series, offering a rich blend of world-building, character development, and plot intrigue. With its vivid setting, dynamic characters, and suspenseful narrative, the volume is sure to delight fans of the series while leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Spice & Wolf, this volume is not to be missed.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Review:
"Spice & Wolf, Vol. 08: The Town of Strife I" by Isuna Hasekura continues the captivating journey of Lawrence and Holo, the traveling merchant and his wolf deity companion, as they navigate the complexities of medieval economics, politics, and romance. In this installment, the duo finds themselves embroiled in the intrigue of a bustling town teetering on the brink of conflict, setting the stage for a tale of adventure, suspense, and unexpected twists.
Rich World-Building:
Hasekura's world-building continues to impress in "The Town of Strife I," as he paints a vivid portrait of a medieval town rife with political machinations, economic rivalries, and cultural tensions. From the bustling marketplace to the opulent merchant guilds, each aspect of the town is meticulously detailed, immersing readers in its sights, sounds, and smells. The author's attention to historical accuracy and authenticity adds depth and texture to the narrative, making the setting feel both familiar and exotic.
Character Dynamics:
One of the highlights of the series is the dynamic between Lawrence and Holo, which continues to evolve in fascinating ways in this volume. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, from playful banter to heartfelt confessions, readers are treated to a nuanced exploration of love, loyalty, and trust. Hasekura deftly balances the romantic tension between the two protagonists with the larger plot developments, ensuring that their personal struggles are seamlessly integrated into the broader narrative.
Intriguing Plot Developments:
"The Town of Strife I" introduces several intriguing plot threads that promise to keep readers on the edge of their seats. From the mysterious disappearance of a prominent merchant to the brewing conflict between rival factions, the story is filled with suspenseful twists and turns that keep the momentum building from beginning to end. Hasekura masterfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, gradually revealing the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated events and characters.
Comparative Analysis:
Compared to its predecessors, "The Town of Strife I" stands out for its focus on political intrigue and social commentary. While previous volumes primarily explored the dynamics of trade and commerce, this installment delves deeper into the power struggles and societal tensions that shape the world of Spice & Wolf. The shift in focus adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, offering readers a more nuanced understanding of the socio-political landscape.
Conclusion:
"Spice & Wolf, Vol. 08: The Town of Strife I" is a compelling addition to Isuna Hasekura's beloved series, offering a rich blend of world-building, character development, and plot intrigue. With its vivid setting, dynamic characters, and suspenseful narrative, the volume is sure to delight fans of the series while leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Spice & Wolf, this volume is not to be missed.
March 21, 2020
This is an unusual volume for many reasons.
For one, it is the first two-parter. I will say right now that it ends in a cliff-hanger. Normally, I do not like this but I am willing to give Hasekura-sensei a pass on this one because he addressed it in his author's notes. He tried to fit it all in one volume, but the story was too big for this to work. He would have to remove so much the story would not make sense or have the same impact. As an author myself, I totally understand that.
This volume is also unusual is that it has more than one plot thread. Previous volumes had one economic thing with Holo's search being in the background. Here, the two of them are on more equal footing. The trio of Lawrence, Holo and Cole are following a rumor of wolf deity bones primarily but are also dragged into a local economic thing, which has a lot more facets than I am used to. To be frank, I couldn't follow this one as well as the previous volumes.
I think this is because the volume's economic plot is bigger and more complicated than previous plots. It involves the town's administrative leaders, the HQ of the Rowan merchant's guild, of which Lawrence is a member, at least two other trading companies, Eve the fallen noble, the church as an intra-continental organization, and a mystery party that supposedly has already obtained the wolf deity bones. Making this all the more complicated, the town is split twin-cities style into north and south, with pagans dominating the north and non-pagans the south.
Indeed, I get the felling that Lawrence himself is having trouble following this particular economic adventure because he is caught-off guard more than usual and a good chunk of the plot is him collecting information and sending Holo and Cole out to fetch more separate from him, all so that he can determine what is going on. In that case, my confusion is a Intended Audience Reaction.
There is greater lore here than in previous volumes. I feel I have a better mental image of the town of Kerube than I did of earlier towns because there is more scenic detail of the town itself and its delta. The surrounding countryside, too, is filled in with details like the Roam River (which was the setting of volume 6) and the Roef Mountains that it flows down from, and where Cole was born. We also get to see the trade guild that Lawrence belongs to, and his relationship to it is unexpectedly non-friendly.
For those seeking the usual banter between Lawrence and Holo, fear not! for in that way this volume is not unusual. There is plenty of verbal jousting here, particularly in the first chapter. The addition of Cole gives Holo additional means to tease and provoke.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Spice and Wolf: Town of Strife 1 - v 8" a A+
For one, it is the first two-parter. I will say right now that it ends in a cliff-hanger. Normally, I do not like this but I am willing to give Hasekura-sensei a pass on this one because he addressed it in his author's notes. He tried to fit it all in one volume, but the story was too big for this to work. He would have to remove so much the story would not make sense or have the same impact. As an author myself, I totally understand that.
This volume is also unusual is that it has more than one plot thread. Previous volumes had one economic thing with Holo's search being in the background. Here, the two of them are on more equal footing. The trio of Lawrence, Holo and Cole are following a rumor of wolf deity bones primarily but are also dragged into a local economic thing, which has a lot more facets than I am used to. To be frank, I couldn't follow this one as well as the previous volumes.
I think this is because the volume's economic plot is bigger and more complicated than previous plots. It involves the town's administrative leaders, the HQ of the Rowan merchant's guild, of which Lawrence is a member, at least two other trading companies, Eve the fallen noble, the church as an intra-continental organization, and a mystery party that supposedly has already obtained the wolf deity bones. Making this all the more complicated, the town is split twin-cities style into north and south, with pagans dominating the north and non-pagans the south.
Indeed, I get the felling that Lawrence himself is having trouble following this particular economic adventure because he is caught-off guard more than usual and a good chunk of the plot is him collecting information and sending Holo and Cole out to fetch more separate from him, all so that he can determine what is going on. In that case, my confusion is a Intended Audience Reaction.
There is greater lore here than in previous volumes. I feel I have a better mental image of the town of Kerube than I did of earlier towns because there is more scenic detail of the town itself and its delta. The surrounding countryside, too, is filled in with details like the Roam River (which was the setting of volume 6) and the Roef Mountains that it flows down from, and where Cole was born. We also get to see the trade guild that Lawrence belongs to, and his relationship to it is unexpectedly non-friendly.
For those seeking the usual banter between Lawrence and Holo, fear not! for in that way this volume is not unusual. There is plenty of verbal jousting here, particularly in the first chapter. The addition of Cole gives Holo additional means to tease and provoke.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Spice and Wolf: Town of Strife 1 - v 8" a A+
July 18, 2019
This is the lowest I've ever rated a S&W novel, and, of course, with 20+ volumes in this series, not every single one can be a masterpiece. I still love and adore Holo and Lawrence and their dynamic, and Col was a fun addition, but I can't help but hope that he isn't a permanent part of the group. His presence just made Holo and Lawrence's interactions all the more awkward and strained, and that famous brashness of the wise wolf herself was a bit toned down.
In previous volumes, I was able to grasp the gist of the economics. Maybe this is a 'me-not-you' situation, but I could barely follow the stakes of the plot in this volume. Lawrence, Eve Bolan, The Jean Company, the Rowen Trade Guild, and the Church itself all had a part to play, and, while I understand each individual motive, I'm struggling to see the economical connections between them.
I very much so enjoy the dialogue, as has always been the case with this series; its just difficult to fully appreciate it when you can't string things together. Every time I went to read this, I either was cut short due to having to be somewhere or just falling asleep while trying to figure out what the heck was going on.
Though, I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt, since this is a two-part story that was split into two volumes for reasons apparently too intricate to explain (as stated by Isuna Hasekura himself in the afterword). Hopefully, everything comes together in vol. 9 in a satisfying way, since vol. 8 ultimately was an open-ended story that left me confused af.
In previous volumes, I was able to grasp the gist of the economics. Maybe this is a 'me-not-you' situation, but I could barely follow the stakes of the plot in this volume. Lawrence, Eve Bolan, The Jean Company, the Rowen Trade Guild, and the Church itself all had a part to play, and, while I understand each individual motive, I'm struggling to see the economical connections between them.
I very much so enjoy the dialogue, as has always been the case with this series; its just difficult to fully appreciate it when you can't string things together. Every time I went to read this, I either was cut short due to having to be somewhere or just falling asleep while trying to figure out what the heck was going on.
Though, I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt, since this is a two-part story that was split into two volumes for reasons apparently too intricate to explain (as stated by Isuna Hasekura himself in the afterword). Hopefully, everything comes together in vol. 9 in a satisfying way, since vol. 8 ultimately was an open-ended story that left me confused af.
March 1, 2019
Having come across a rumor or a giant wolf bone; Lawrence and Holo of course must investigate. They attempt to navigate a divided port town, searching for potential clues, only to be pulled in as the town's struggles. The merchant Eve makes another appearance and Lawrence has to deal with the demands of his trading house. It's a good thing the next volume is out, because this is a two part story.
Volume 7 was a set of short side stories, so volume 8 picks up from volume 6 and continues the transition that started there; taking the focus of Lawrence and Holo's journey off simply bringing Holo home and moves it to them exploring a bit of the world together. At the time this feels somewhat frustrating, but having read the entire series I can say the ending manages to weave it together in a very satisfying concision.
The introduction of Col in volume 6 plays out somewhat as expected in that his presence plays a large part in allowing Isuna Hasekura to slow walk any further development of a physical connection between Lawrence and Holo, although Holo does still make a bid to expand this in one memorable scene.
Volume 7 was a set of short side stories, so volume 8 picks up from volume 6 and continues the transition that started there; taking the focus of Lawrence and Holo's journey off simply bringing Holo home and moves it to them exploring a bit of the world together. At the time this feels somewhat frustrating, but having read the entire series I can say the ending manages to weave it together in a very satisfying concision.
The introduction of Col in volume 6 plays out somewhat as expected in that his presence plays a large part in allowing Isuna Hasekura to slow walk any further development of a physical connection between Lawrence and Holo, although Holo does still make a bid to expand this in one memorable scene.
September 28, 2025
Un nouveau tome juste ok pour moi. Les "taquineries" entre Holo et Lawrence censées prouver leur "intelligence" (l'une en tant que sage loup et l'autre en tant que marchand) se sont un peu calmées et le personnage de Col est très intéressant. Mais je ne sais pas pourquoi, je n'arrive pas à comprendre la moitié de ces histoires d'argent. Je lis l'e-book anglais, certes, mais j'ai l'habitude de lire des livres des années 1800 en anglais donc je ne pense pas que ce soit mon niveau avec la langue qui pose problème. Je suis intéressée par l'économie (sans être une spécialiste) et par tout ce qui concerne les histoires d'arnaques etc, donc ce n'est pas non plus comme si je n'avais AUCUNE connaissance qui pourrait m'aider à comprendre.
Mais voilà, j'ai l'impression que comme pour les "pièges conversationnels", tout exposer de manière cryptique et incompréhensible est une manière de mettre en avant l'intelligence des protagonistes, et honnêtement, ça me fait soupirer.
Mais voilà, j'ai l'impression que comme pour les "pièges conversationnels", tout exposer de manière cryptique et incompréhensible est une manière de mettre en avant l'intelligence des protagonistes, et honnêtement, ça me fait soupirer.
May 8, 2017
The author commented that he had taken a long time to write this volume, and it sounded like he had a bit of writer's block born of anxiety or inspirational exhaustion. Light novel series publishing schedules tend to be pretty brutal in Japan, judging by what I've read about the publishing industry there, so I'm not surprised.
The writer's block did seem to show through at the beginning of the book, even through the translation to English. It was a bit rougher than his usual storytelling, and it took a while to hit its stride. Once he got past that, about halfway through the book, some of his best writing in this series so far shone brightly, though. It is an excellent piece of storytelling overall, and I was well and truly hooked on finding out what happens in part two of the Town of Strife storyline by the time I finished it.
The writer's block did seem to show through at the beginning of the book, even through the translation to English. It was a bit rougher than his usual storytelling, and it took a while to hit its stride. Once he got past that, about halfway through the book, some of his best writing in this series so far shone brightly, though. It is an excellent piece of storytelling overall, and I was well and truly hooked on finding out what happens in part two of the Town of Strife storyline by the time I finished it.
May 14, 2023
3.5 stars.
It’s a bit difficult to rate this one since it’s really just half of a book. Not much happens until the final chapter which is fine because I care more about the characters than I do about the plot. Col being thrown into the mix between Lawrence and Holo continues to be entertaining, and I enjoyed Lawrence’s encounters with Eve a lot more than I did in whichever last volume she was in (5? 6?)
It mostly just felt weird that this one just kind of stopped. It could have been a cliffhanger and in a way it was but it didn’t end with anything unexpected. I honestly would have preferred this volume and the next have been one long volume instead of two short ones, but I suppose then the publisher would make less money, which seems to have been the only purpose behind splitting it up.
It’s a bit difficult to rate this one since it’s really just half of a book. Not much happens until the final chapter which is fine because I care more about the characters than I do about the plot. Col being thrown into the mix between Lawrence and Holo continues to be entertaining, and I enjoyed Lawrence’s encounters with Eve a lot more than I did in whichever last volume she was in (5? 6?)
It mostly just felt weird that this one just kind of stopped. It could have been a cliffhanger and in a way it was but it didn’t end with anything unexpected. I honestly would have preferred this volume and the next have been one long volume instead of two short ones, but I suppose then the publisher would make less money, which seems to have been the only purpose behind splitting it up.
August 14, 2022
That's right, this is part one of two for this arc. It's oddly satisfying how well this series has been able to create tension and conflict with words and not swords. The meet up with Eve and Holo becoming more willing to wreck shop to retrieve her kin's bone has me worried. But it's balanced by Col and the couple's pseudo-family dynamics.
Overall, the story did a good job setting up the conflict the protags will confront. See you in the next volume!
Overall, the story did a good job setting up the conflict the protags will confront. See you in the next volume!
January 28, 2024
It was a good entry, but I'm honestly very lost in the situation or the stakes. I got it very well from the manga, but in here I just couldn't get the tails of the situation in direct proportion on how dangerous was for Lawrence or actually get into his mindset about Eve and their relationship. It was entertaining, but after this arc was done in the manga, this feels very weak in comparison.
I will buy the next audio doe.
I will buy the next audio doe.
July 22, 2022
Great, but read carefully!
I loved this book. The transactions held my interest and made me want to solve the problems myself. I came up with so many ideas. Sadly none of my ideas came true. But the truth was just as satisfying. Anyways, my thanks to the Author, Illustrator, and Translator. On to the next!
I loved this book. The transactions held my interest and made me want to solve the problems myself. I came up with so many ideas. Sadly none of my ideas came true. But the truth was just as satisfying. Anyways, my thanks to the Author, Illustrator, and Translator. On to the next!
July 7, 2017
If the story concluded on this volume, it would be a 5 star. To be honest, best S&W book since book 5. The duo is back, Eve is back, Col is a nice addition to the story! Looking forward to the conclusion of the story on book 9!
March 19, 2022
เล่มนี้เป็นเหมือนการอารัมภบทเรื่องราวที่จะขมวดไปยังเล่ม 9 และยังเต็มไปด้วยเนื้อหาการค้าที่เค้าใจยากระดับหนึ่ง บวกกับความสัมพันธ์ของลอเรนซ์โฮโลก็ไม่ขยับไปไหนในเล่มนี้ ทำให้มันค่อนข้างน่าเบื่อเรื่อยๆอยู่หน่อยๆ เรียกได้ว่าอ่านมา 8 เล่ม ผมรู้สึกว่าเล่มนี้อ่านให้จบยากสุดแล้ว
October 13, 2017
Continua la trama. Exelenteme
El autor continúa la trama de intrigas de forma exelente. Ya no es una historia por libro, sino que que ya tenemos una trama principal
El autor continúa la trama de intrigas de forma exelente. Ya no es una historia por libro, sino que que ya tenemos una trama principal
August 19, 2021
Superb
September 21, 2023
2.5/5
Read my review here:
https://fantasticfictions.com/spice-w...
Read my review here:
https://fantasticfictions.com/spice-w...
February 25, 2025
Need to read part 2
February 27, 2025
Maybe it is because I just love these stories. Maybe it is because they are good. I do not know. But I really think this is well worth reading.
November 1, 2015
This volume, as the name suggests is the first part in a two-part tale and I believe that it does its job quite nicely. Just like Lawrence, you are constantly wanting to find information about what started this particular part of the journey only to be handed a bombshell of information at the very end, which sets up the next part of the story to be truly entertaining. So far I am excited for what is to come next, but I really do want to see Lawrence profit a bit monetarily. He is a merchant, but it has been far too long since he has actually made any money. I will still give this five stars, but undoubtedly you would need both this volume and the next one to truly enjoy this leg of the adventure.
May 9, 2015
February Reading: Spice and Wolf Volume 8
This volume talked about how they escaped the hands of the christian cities with the help of the merchant trade line. Now the pagan god is even closer to her destination of reaching her homeland in the north.
Holo, Lawrence, and Col as they pursue rumors of ancient wolf bones and re-encounter Eve, the cunning merchant who betrayed Lawrence in Lenos. This arc is less about trade and more about intrigue in a politically and religiously divided town so you won’t come away with an economics lesson. From there all three of them will have to work together, but Holo still keeps a close eye of Eve.
Overall I thought it was a good light novel.
This volume talked about how they escaped the hands of the christian cities with the help of the merchant trade line. Now the pagan god is even closer to her destination of reaching her homeland in the north.
Holo, Lawrence, and Col as they pursue rumors of ancient wolf bones and re-encounter Eve, the cunning merchant who betrayed Lawrence in Lenos. This arc is less about trade and more about intrigue in a politically and religiously divided town so you won’t come away with an economics lesson. From there all three of them will have to work together, but Holo still keeps a close eye of Eve.
Overall I thought it was a good light novel.
August 29, 2014
Hearing rumors of a "leg bone of the wolf" being used as an artifact of the Church to showcase its power, Lawrence and Holo head to the site to gather more information. Holo can't just turn away from what might be a relic of her own kind, after all. Of course, upon arrival, the travelers find that the town is the center of a giant trade dispute! Seems that Col will be getting a lesson in microeconomics!
**
October 26, 2013
Back to form with this one. An interesting (although the ending is unresolved until the next book) plot with good dialogue. I was a little worried about the addition of Col, but so far he has been a good character and the dialogue between Holo and Lawrence still keeps me interested in the series. I also enjoy the return of Eve to the series.
June 7, 2016
In following Eve to ask of the wolf god's bones, Lawrence, Holo, and Col become caught up in something far larger and more dangerous than expected, finding themselves in the dark until they're too caught up to extract themselves. The next volume continues this story, and I look forward to reading it.
October 2, 2015
Mate, Eve is the most f***ing awesome character ever! I'd be all in for a series focused solely on her.
Aside from this confession, it was disappointing to get only half of the story, especially when no trade has taken... yet.
Aside from this confession, it was disappointing to get only half of the story, especially when no trade has taken... yet.
August 22, 2014
Um pouco mais fraco que o volume anterior, mas como, basicamente, é só metade da história vamos ver se no seguinte se redime.
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