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最果てのパラディン [Saihate no Paladin] (Light Novel) #1
The Faraway Paladin: Volume 1: The Boy in the City of the Dead
In a city of the dead, long since ruined and far from human civilization, lives a single human child. His name is Will, and he's being raised by three undead: the hearty skeletal warrior, Vlad; the graceful mummified priest, Marie; and the crotchety spectral sorcerer, Gus. The three pour love into the boy, and teach him all they know. But one day, Will starts to wonder: "Who am I?"
Will must unravel the mysteries of this dead man's land at the end of the world, and the secret pasts of the undead. He must learn the love and mercy of the good gods, and the bigotry and madness of the bad. And when he knows it all, the boy will take his first step on the path to becoming a Paladin.
"I promised you. It's gonna take a while, but I'll tell you everything. This is the story of the deaths of many heroes. It's the story of how we died, and it's the reason you grew up here."
Will must unravel the mysteries of this dead man's land at the end of the world, and the secret pasts of the undead. He must learn the love and mercy of the good gods, and the bigotry and madness of the bad. And when he knows it all, the boy will take his first step on the path to becoming a Paladin.
"I promised you. It's gonna take a while, but I'll tell you everything. This is the story of the deaths of many heroes. It's the story of how we died, and it's the reason you grew up here."
254 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2016
187 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 4, 2017
The next big thing.
This is a breath of fresh air when you compare to the traditional light novel story plot. Everyone is always complaining it's always insert cute girl "A", have her meet the male protagonist, he is OP for some unexplainable reason and they live happily ever after.
To all those people here is a different story, start the book from the beginning a baby is born and we get to see why he became the man who is too strange for his own good.
Every story needs a cute girl as the center of attention that we all fight to the death for to call our wifu...WRONG no cute girls we have a mother father grandpa, and a child. This story left me with a strong impression that I needed to call my parents immediately and just apologize for every difficult time I have ever put them through.
The title of my review says it all...this will be the next big thing that no one will be able to shut up about.
This is a breath of fresh air when you compare to the traditional light novel story plot. Everyone is always complaining it's always insert cute girl "A", have her meet the male protagonist, he is OP for some unexplainable reason and they live happily ever after.
To all those people here is a different story, start the book from the beginning a baby is born and we get to see why he became the man who is too strange for his own good.
Every story needs a cute girl as the center of attention that we all fight to the death for to call our wifu...WRONG no cute girls we have a mother father grandpa, and a child. This story left me with a strong impression that I needed to call my parents immediately and just apologize for every difficult time I have ever put them through.
The title of my review says it all...this will be the next big thing that no one will be able to shut up about.
July 19, 2022
This novel was intriguing and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters within it. My two complaints would only be that the art felt as though it was meant to be in color and you lost a lot of meaning through it being in B&W, & that the plot was a bit fast in some areas but exhaustingly slow in others. Otherwise, a great introduction!
January 3, 2020
I picked this up because it was an isekai and the cover looked interesting. I mean, it's an isekai, it couldn't be that bad, could it?
Let me state this flat out (and because it's really not that much of a spoiler), this book starts with the protagonist as a small child, and goes through his entire life until he becomes an adult. In this time there isn't a lot of action, nor is there really all that much character building other than what one would normally see in a child growing up. Instead, the reader is treated to exposition. A ton of exposition. About the gods, the world, pretty much everything.
It was a slog of a read.
And it got boring really quickly.
And then came the climax to the story. Though interesting, and setting up the primary antagonist for the entire series, it just wasn't all that threatening. The protagonist can use insane magic, is an awesome swordsman, and carries some of the most dangerous weapons that there are. And in the end, is pretty much saves by a deus ex machina, which just seemed like a rip of in the end.
All in all, I don't know if I will get the second in the series. It may be worth it to see what happens when there's an actual story involved, but after reading an entire book about a person's life, and one that doesn't really change locations at all, I am quite frankly done with it. So if you are looking for an interesting isekai to read, this one won't be it. That is unless you enjoy a lot of exposition, as well as watching the protagonist grow up from a kid to an adult and all the training/schooling/experiences that he goes through, in which case you will probably enjoy this book far more than I did.
Let me state this flat out (and because it's really not that much of a spoiler), this book starts with the protagonist as a small child, and goes through his entire life until he becomes an adult. In this time there isn't a lot of action, nor is there really all that much character building other than what one would normally see in a child growing up. Instead, the reader is treated to exposition. A ton of exposition. About the gods, the world, pretty much everything.
It was a slog of a read.
And it got boring really quickly.
And then came the climax to the story. Though interesting, and setting up the primary antagonist for the entire series, it just wasn't all that threatening. The protagonist can use insane magic, is an awesome swordsman, and carries some of the most dangerous weapons that there are. And in the end, is pretty much saves by a deus ex machina, which just seemed like a rip of in the end.
All in all, I don't know if I will get the second in the series. It may be worth it to see what happens when there's an actual story involved, but after reading an entire book about a person's life, and one that doesn't really change locations at all, I am quite frankly done with it. So if you are looking for an interesting isekai to read, this one won't be it. That is unless you enjoy a lot of exposition, as well as watching the protagonist grow up from a kid to an adult and all the training/schooling/experiences that he goes through, in which case you will probably enjoy this book far more than I did.
January 9, 2017
One of the better first volumes of a light novel, The Faraway Paladin is the story of a man given a second chance at life in another world. This is a unique Isekai, a story that concerns travelling to another world / dimension, in a few ways. It's a posthumous story, and the character is neither super excited or super in despair about being in the Isekai. The protagonist, who is later dubbed Will, wasted his original life. When he is reincarnated as a baby in this Isekai with his memories intact, he decides to use his second opportunity to make something of himself so he doesn't regret anything.
The world Will finds himself is a land of undead. Fans of Dark Souls or other dark fantasy settings with undead inhabiting dilapidated or Gothic architecture in ruined countryside settings will feel at home here. Our hero has guardians in the form of a mummy, a skeleton, and a ghastly old ghost. These characters all have their own roles in Will's new life, and their own base personality.
In addition to races living within the earthly sphere, there is also a deep emphasis on the gods' roles in the world. The gods were split into good and evil, so it's a bit black and white, and though they at least explore the idea of ambiguity in conversations, that hasn't come into play much yet. These gods rule over the creations on their planet as well I believe. The evil gods rule over evil creatures, stuff that looks ungodly and animalistic, whereas the good gods rule over entities like humans, dwarves, and elves I believe. There's a real world there, the gods receiving names, the prayers and allegiances to them leading to benefits, again similar to a video game like Dark Souls where the gods imbue those who have prayed to them with powers. It just feels really well thought out, not just some stuff made up as the writer goes.
Overall, I thought it was really an intelligent tale so far. Will spends a lot of the first story questioning his existence, even bringing up ideas like the brain in the vat and delusions to seek to explain his situation. Again, I also appreciate the amount of world building contained within, a lot of info dumped about the gods, though it isn't likely to be too overwhelming. The few pieces of art are really good, and they kind of remind me of the same style Overlord uses, really imaginative. Good first volume, and I'm hopeful for more.
The world Will finds himself is a land of undead. Fans of Dark Souls or other dark fantasy settings with undead inhabiting dilapidated or Gothic architecture in ruined countryside settings will feel at home here. Our hero has guardians in the form of a mummy, a skeleton, and a ghastly old ghost. These characters all have their own roles in Will's new life, and their own base personality.
In addition to races living within the earthly sphere, there is also a deep emphasis on the gods' roles in the world. The gods were split into good and evil, so it's a bit black and white, and though they at least explore the idea of ambiguity in conversations, that hasn't come into play much yet. These gods rule over the creations on their planet as well I believe. The evil gods rule over evil creatures, stuff that looks ungodly and animalistic, whereas the good gods rule over entities like humans, dwarves, and elves I believe. There's a real world there, the gods receiving names, the prayers and allegiances to them leading to benefits, again similar to a video game like Dark Souls where the gods imbue those who have prayed to them with powers. It just feels really well thought out, not just some stuff made up as the writer goes.
Overall, I thought it was really an intelligent tale so far. Will spends a lot of the first story questioning his existence, even bringing up ideas like the brain in the vat and delusions to seek to explain his situation. Again, I also appreciate the amount of world building contained within, a lot of info dumped about the gods, though it isn't likely to be too overwhelming. The few pieces of art are really good, and they kind of remind me of the same style Overlord uses, really imaginative. Good first volume, and I'm hopeful for more.
June 21, 2018
A triumph of writing, editing, or both. Undoubtedly translating, as well.
I'll be the first to admit, I hold light novels to a lower standard than normal fiction. I have to, I tell myself, make allowances for something written originally in a serial format. Something written in another language. Something written to be casually consumed in the train. Popcorn fiction.
This novel, much more than the awful overpowered harem stuff Amazon keeps recommending to me (please stop, Amazon, please), says no. Says that I should hold fiction to a single standard, of writing, of editing, if necessary, of translating.
This novel is not just, damning with faint praise, "good for a light novel." It's just plain good.
I'll be the first to admit, I hold light novels to a lower standard than normal fiction. I have to, I tell myself, make allowances for something written originally in a serial format. Something written in another language. Something written to be casually consumed in the train. Popcorn fiction.
This novel, much more than the awful overpowered harem stuff Amazon keeps recommending to me (please stop, Amazon, please), says no. Says that I should hold fiction to a single standard, of writing, of editing, if necessary, of translating.
This novel is not just, damning with faint praise, "good for a light novel." It's just plain good.
dropped
July 14, 2018DNF @50%
To be very honest, I think that this novel has a very interesting premise and the way it's going promises great things, I especially loved the lore. However, I also find the endless monologue-esque style of writing to be incredibly boring to read for me; hence why 4 months later, I still have zero interests to continue alongside forgetting most of the details.
Hopefully an anime would come along at some point because it will be very interesting to watch instead for me.
To be very honest, I think that this novel has a very interesting premise and the way it's going promises great things, I especially loved the lore. However, I also find the endless monologue-esque style of writing to be incredibly boring to read for me; hence why 4 months later, I still have zero interests to continue alongside forgetting most of the details.
Hopefully an anime would come along at some point because it will be very interesting to watch instead for me.
December 1, 2018
It would be wrong to classify this book as LitRPG. There are none of the trappings -- no leveling up, no skill selection, none of the tricks and turns of standard LitRPG. In fact, the author goes out of the way to differentiate the magic system from those of video games.
No, what this is, is epic fantasy. And in that, it has a very unusual setting and grounding, and I eagerly look forward to further volumes.
No, what this is, is epic fantasy. And in that, it has a very unusual setting and grounding, and I eagerly look forward to further volumes.
April 22, 2022
On the wholesome side of light novels, its another reincarnated in another world story but on the wholesome and heroic side instead of the morally grey one that quite a few veer off into. It still has moments of darkness, but its through the scope of the world and actually acknowledging that depression and anxiety exist instead of being grimdark for its own sake.
There isnt a whole lot to really say with the subject being fairly saturated these days and its only becoming more of a popular genre. One major deviation from the standard tropes is that instead of being simply blessed and destined to be the most overpowered person in the world like a normal power fantasy this is one of the rare examples of being mentored directly by exceptional people instead of just being outright better than everyone by default. Its still absolutely a power fantasy, getting tutored by 3 of the most powerful beings in the world isnt something that just happens to everyone. But its still a refreshing change of pace and it lets the powerful nature of the main character both be less morally dubious and more humble than the standard genre protagonist.
The only other thing of note here is that its phenomenally well translated with hardly any sentence or grammar awkwardness, and it doesnt read like either an 8 year old trying to transcribe their favorite story (looking directly at you Overlord), or someone just running it through google translate and hoping for the best (... Also Overlord). Its not the best translation from a light novel I have ever read but its way way up there in the rankings. Considering just how BAD some translations can be this one really stands out.
TL;DR: Nothing particularly special but wholesome, well executed and exceptionally translated makes for a refreshing palate cleanser in a genre I enjoy.
There isnt a whole lot to really say with the subject being fairly saturated these days and its only becoming more of a popular genre. One major deviation from the standard tropes is that instead of being simply blessed and destined to be the most overpowered person in the world like a normal power fantasy this is one of the rare examples of being mentored directly by exceptional people instead of just being outright better than everyone by default. Its still absolutely a power fantasy, getting tutored by 3 of the most powerful beings in the world isnt something that just happens to everyone. But its still a refreshing change of pace and it lets the powerful nature of the main character both be less morally dubious and more humble than the standard genre protagonist.
The only other thing of note here is that its phenomenally well translated with hardly any sentence or grammar awkwardness, and it doesnt read like either an 8 year old trying to transcribe their favorite story (looking directly at you Overlord), or someone just running it through google translate and hoping for the best (... Also Overlord). Its not the best translation from a light novel I have ever read but its way way up there in the rankings. Considering just how BAD some translations can be this one really stands out.
TL;DR: Nothing particularly special but wholesome, well executed and exceptionally translated makes for a refreshing palate cleanser in a genre I enjoy.
June 10, 2019
4 - 4.5 stars. Very touching and memorable.
"คำว่า 'มีชีวิตอยู่' กับ 'ยังไม่ตาย' มันแตกต่างกันมากเลยนะครับ...
แต่ถ้าโดนถามว่า 'มีชีวิตอยู่รึเปล่า' คงต้องเอียงคอคิดหนักว่า ยังไงดีล่ะ"
(วิล, พาลาดิน ยอดอัศวินจากแดนไกล, น. 308)
"คำว่า 'มีชีวิตอยู่' กับ 'ยังไม่ตาย' มันแตกต่างกันมากเลยนะครับ...
แต่ถ้าโดนถามว่า 'มีชีวิตอยู่รึเปล่า' คงต้องเอียงคอคิดหนักว่า ยังไงดีล่ะ"
(วิล, พาลาดิน ยอดอัศวินจากแดนไกล, น. 308)
November 20, 2022
I'm new to the world of Light Novels. I imagine that most people looking at a review of The Faraway Paladin will know what a light novel is, but for the elderly people who follow me, I'll define it real quickly. Light novels are a Japanese phenomenon that has caught on in other parts of Asia and is starting to catch on here in North America, primarily through the translation of Japanese and Korean series. The term "Light Novel" is actually 和製英語, wasei-eigo, an English phrase or word coined in japan. It is literally called ライトノベル, raito noberu, in Japan. Light novels are usually Young Adult stories aimed at Jr. High and High School students. They are usually serialized fiction. They are typically a bit longer than a novella and have pretty intense producton schedules. One novel every 8-9 months is common. As a result, they can get a reputation for being pulpy junk. Add in a layer of variable quality translation, and you have an entire medium that is dismissed by the literary community, if they've even heard of it at all.
I would encourage people who are interested in the future of reading and literature not to sleep on the light novel. This stuff has exploded in popularity in the last 5-years among its target demographic. When Western publishers realize that this is not just another weird Japanese product and start investing in home grown light novels they will be printing money, in my opinion.
With all of that said, I decided to start my light novel journey with The Faraway Paladin because I had a friend recommend that I watch the anime adaptation. As I was watching the anime I asked this friend if this was based on a novel. The way the show was written, with a heavy focus on internal monolog, screamed "novel" to me. I did not think that this was an adaptation of a manga, which usually have a better blueprint for visual story telling. Often the manga basically becomes the first draft storyboard for the anime. Turns out my instinct was right, though there is a manga adaptation as well. The original material was in fact a light novel.
I thought the story had potential. I thought that the adaptation was a little lacking in, well, adaptation. I'd been wanting to check out light novels for a while now as I host both a book and an anime podcast. It's the perfect intersection of mediums for me. So, I put down the anime and picked up the light novel. It was the right call.
The Faraway Paladin is a familiar story in the anime/manga world. A shut-in, hikkikomori-type dies and is reincarnated into a new world with memories of his previous life. Your standard "isekai" set up. I'm not typically a fan of isekai stories. They are usually overly indulgent power fantasies for nerds who would benefit greatly from touching grass. At least at this stage, Faraway Paladin is not that kind of isekai.
In this volume our protagonist, William, is reborn in another world where he finds himself being raised by several undead creatures. His surrogate parents are reluctant to explain how this situation came to pass, but we gather early on that there is probably some sort of curse or something at play. Despite appearances, they are a caring family for William. We find out that in a distant past these undead were once great heroes. They teach William everything they know and William is eager to learn.
William uses the memories of his previous life to motivate his fresh start in this world. He does not want to live another purposeless existence. This time he wants to do things right. He wants to be an asset and not a burden to his family. He works hard. He grows stronger. He rises to every challenge his strange family throws at him. All of William's training, and his dedication to his family will be put to the test when a shadow from the past comes back to haunt his adopted parents. Can William avoid the pitfalls of his previous life and become the hero of his story?
The Faraway Paladin is a refreshingly wholesome take on the isekai genre. Noticably (and thankfully) absent is any scantily clad anime waifu for Will to crush on. The writing a bit heavy on exposition. The translation is a bit clunky in places. It's very clear that the author did not understand the English words he borrowed for the names of the Gods. But overall, it's a very charming story. I would recommend it to fans of anime/manga, or even just fans of YA fantasy. But you might be wondering, why is it called "Faraway Paladin"?
Spoilers from this point on.
What has convinced me to buy Faraway Paladin volume 2 is the oath that Will swears to the (unfortunately named) God of the Cycle of Death and Rebirth, Gracefeel. We find out that Will's family agreed to be turned into undead by (the equally unfortunately named) God of Undeath, Stagnate. They did this in order to protect the world from an army of demons that they would never have been able to stop otherwise. Stagnate's brand of undeath represents an unchanging stagnation. Stagnate's undead will never suffer true death or loss, but they are also unable to meaningfully change and grow as a result.
Will has lived his entire life up until this point trying to avoid a life of stagnation. More importantly, he was granted this opportunity by embracing his death and rebirth. To be alive without truly living is the antithesis of Will's personal philosophy. This prompts Will to swear an oath to Gracefeel. He will become her champion. He will have compassion for all living beings, and he will fight against stagnation by protecting the cycle of death and rebirth.
This basically makes Will into the first Buddhist paladin that I am aware of. And I kind of love it. I'm very interested to see where this story goes. In spite of some of the clunky writing that is going to happen given the output expected from any light novel author, I think this has potential to tell an original and important story. Admittedly, I am holding this to a lesser standard because it is a light novel, but still I like it.
I would encourage people who are interested in the future of reading and literature not to sleep on the light novel. This stuff has exploded in popularity in the last 5-years among its target demographic. When Western publishers realize that this is not just another weird Japanese product and start investing in home grown light novels they will be printing money, in my opinion.
With all of that said, I decided to start my light novel journey with The Faraway Paladin because I had a friend recommend that I watch the anime adaptation. As I was watching the anime I asked this friend if this was based on a novel. The way the show was written, with a heavy focus on internal monolog, screamed "novel" to me. I did not think that this was an adaptation of a manga, which usually have a better blueprint for visual story telling. Often the manga basically becomes the first draft storyboard for the anime. Turns out my instinct was right, though there is a manga adaptation as well. The original material was in fact a light novel.
I thought the story had potential. I thought that the adaptation was a little lacking in, well, adaptation. I'd been wanting to check out light novels for a while now as I host both a book and an anime podcast. It's the perfect intersection of mediums for me. So, I put down the anime and picked up the light novel. It was the right call.
The Faraway Paladin is a familiar story in the anime/manga world. A shut-in, hikkikomori-type dies and is reincarnated into a new world with memories of his previous life. Your standard "isekai" set up. I'm not typically a fan of isekai stories. They are usually overly indulgent power fantasies for nerds who would benefit greatly from touching grass. At least at this stage, Faraway Paladin is not that kind of isekai.
In this volume our protagonist, William, is reborn in another world where he finds himself being raised by several undead creatures. His surrogate parents are reluctant to explain how this situation came to pass, but we gather early on that there is probably some sort of curse or something at play. Despite appearances, they are a caring family for William. We find out that in a distant past these undead were once great heroes. They teach William everything they know and William is eager to learn.
William uses the memories of his previous life to motivate his fresh start in this world. He does not want to live another purposeless existence. This time he wants to do things right. He wants to be an asset and not a burden to his family. He works hard. He grows stronger. He rises to every challenge his strange family throws at him. All of William's training, and his dedication to his family will be put to the test when a shadow from the past comes back to haunt his adopted parents. Can William avoid the pitfalls of his previous life and become the hero of his story?
The Faraway Paladin is a refreshingly wholesome take on the isekai genre. Noticably (and thankfully) absent is any scantily clad anime waifu for Will to crush on. The writing a bit heavy on exposition. The translation is a bit clunky in places. It's very clear that the author did not understand the English words he borrowed for the names of the Gods. But overall, it's a very charming story. I would recommend it to fans of anime/manga, or even just fans of YA fantasy. But you might be wondering, why is it called "Faraway Paladin"?
Spoilers from this point on.
What has convinced me to buy Faraway Paladin volume 2 is the oath that Will swears to the (unfortunately named) God of the Cycle of Death and Rebirth, Gracefeel. We find out that Will's family agreed to be turned into undead by (the equally unfortunately named) God of Undeath, Stagnate. They did this in order to protect the world from an army of demons that they would never have been able to stop otherwise. Stagnate's brand of undeath represents an unchanging stagnation. Stagnate's undead will never suffer true death or loss, but they are also unable to meaningfully change and grow as a result.
Will has lived his entire life up until this point trying to avoid a life of stagnation. More importantly, he was granted this opportunity by embracing his death and rebirth. To be alive without truly living is the antithesis of Will's personal philosophy. This prompts Will to swear an oath to Gracefeel. He will become her champion. He will have compassion for all living beings, and he will fight against stagnation by protecting the cycle of death and rebirth.
This basically makes Will into the first Buddhist paladin that I am aware of. And I kind of love it. I'm very interested to see where this story goes. In spite of some of the clunky writing that is going to happen given the output expected from any light novel author, I think this has potential to tell an original and important story. Admittedly, I am holding this to a lesser standard because it is a light novel, but still I like it.
March 19, 2018
amazing book.....
Jesus I was reading up at the end. I'm already getting the next book. This book entirely is made to world build and character build. If you expect a adventure it's not here. Does have action though towards then end and sets up the perfect epic take for the old heroes we rarely see anymore. It isn't on kid goes to a new world with new powers no, it's a man getting a second chance and not wasting it. The only gift he was given is a living family who when Alive never had the chance to have One.
Jesus I was reading up at the end. I'm already getting the next book. This book entirely is made to world build and character build. If you expect a adventure it's not here. Does have action though towards then end and sets up the perfect epic take for the old heroes we rarely see anymore. It isn't on kid goes to a new world with new powers no, it's a man getting a second chance and not wasting it. The only gift he was given is a living family who when Alive never had the chance to have One.
March 3, 2018
Everyone needs to read this book, especially if you're familiar with the isekai genre in Japanese light novels, because this book puts all its predecessors to shame. There's so much I can say about this book. I promise I'll write more.
September 5, 2023
A Profound Tale of Rebirth and Destiny
In The Faraway Paladin: Volume 1: The Boy in the City of the Dead by Kanata Yanagino, readers are transported to a world of ancient mysteries, resurrection, and heroic destiny. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and exploration of existential questions, this novel offers a profound and captivating journey into the realms of life, death, and purpose.
Yanagino's storytelling introduces us to Will, a young boy resurrected in a mysterious and ancient city of the dead and raised by three undead beings, each representing a different aspect of heroism. The fascinating premise of Will's upbringing sets the stage for a narrative that dives deep into themes of identity, destiny, and the human spirit. The world-building is intricately detailed, revealing a realm steeped in history and magic.
Will, as the protagonist, is a compelling and sympathetic character whose journey of self-discovery forms the heart of the story. His interactions with his undead mentors, Blood, Mary, and Gus, offer a rich exploration of morality and purpose. The novel's exploration of life and death through Will's unique perspective adds a layer of depth and complexity.
The plot unfolds with a sense of wonder and foreboding mystery as Will sets out on a quest to discover his purpose and fulfill his destiny as a paladin. Yanagino's pacing strikes a balance between moments of introspection and action, keeping readers immersed in the story's overarching mysteries.
Yanagino's writing style is lyrical and evocative, enhancing the novel's sense of wonder and exploration of existential questions. The dialogue is philosophical and thought-provoking, reflecting the characters' contemplative nature and the weight of their decisions.
In comparison to other fantasy novels, The Faraway Paladin: Volume 1: The Boy in the City of the Dead stands out for its introspective and philosophical themes combined with a fantasy setting rich in history and magic. While other works may prioritize epic battles or political intrigue, this novel excels in its exploration of the human spirit and the search for meaning in a fantastical world.
In conclusion, The Faraway Paladin: Volume 1: The Boy in the City of the Dead is a deeply resonant and philosophically rich fantasy novel. Kanata Yanagino's compelling characters and captivating storytelling make this volume a must-read for fans of fantasy that delves into profound existential questions. Readers seeking a thoughtful and emotionally engaging exploration of life, death, and destiny will find this work a memorable and enriching experience.
In The Faraway Paladin: Volume 1: The Boy in the City of the Dead by Kanata Yanagino, readers are transported to a world of ancient mysteries, resurrection, and heroic destiny. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and exploration of existential questions, this novel offers a profound and captivating journey into the realms of life, death, and purpose.
Yanagino's storytelling introduces us to Will, a young boy resurrected in a mysterious and ancient city of the dead and raised by three undead beings, each representing a different aspect of heroism. The fascinating premise of Will's upbringing sets the stage for a narrative that dives deep into themes of identity, destiny, and the human spirit. The world-building is intricately detailed, revealing a realm steeped in history and magic.
Will, as the protagonist, is a compelling and sympathetic character whose journey of self-discovery forms the heart of the story. His interactions with his undead mentors, Blood, Mary, and Gus, offer a rich exploration of morality and purpose. The novel's exploration of life and death through Will's unique perspective adds a layer of depth and complexity.
The plot unfolds with a sense of wonder and foreboding mystery as Will sets out on a quest to discover his purpose and fulfill his destiny as a paladin. Yanagino's pacing strikes a balance between moments of introspection and action, keeping readers immersed in the story's overarching mysteries.
Yanagino's writing style is lyrical and evocative, enhancing the novel's sense of wonder and exploration of existential questions. The dialogue is philosophical and thought-provoking, reflecting the characters' contemplative nature and the weight of their decisions.
In comparison to other fantasy novels, The Faraway Paladin: Volume 1: The Boy in the City of the Dead stands out for its introspective and philosophical themes combined with a fantasy setting rich in history and magic. While other works may prioritize epic battles or political intrigue, this novel excels in its exploration of the human spirit and the search for meaning in a fantastical world.
In conclusion, The Faraway Paladin: Volume 1: The Boy in the City of the Dead is a deeply resonant and philosophically rich fantasy novel. Kanata Yanagino's compelling characters and captivating storytelling make this volume a must-read for fans of fantasy that delves into profound existential questions. Readers seeking a thoughtful and emotionally engaging exploration of life, death, and destiny will find this work a memorable and enriching experience.
January 21, 2019
It's an amateur's work and you can really tell.
The first couple of pages are well-written and very promising, but soon after it goes downhill, never to rise up again.
I was really excited about it based on how overwhelmingly positive was its reception by the LN community and in the end I was sorely disappointed. I was seriously expecting this book to be the work that would deconstruct the genre of the fantasy rpg-styled isekai. It does not, nor does it attempts to in any way. It joins the genre full on in a very lenient way, without any criticism of it nor re-evaluation of its clichés and tropes at all. There's nothing evocative about it, it's very mundane and blunt. The narrator/main character draws very obvious comparisons between the fantasy world he was reborn into and the (real) world of his previous life, by saying stuff like "it ressembled a fantasy world from a videogame" and "the magic system was more mysterious, like the one in classic fantasy literature, not the one in an rpg". The latter statement proofed ultimately to be untrue, since not only the magic but the entire world has a 100% rpg logic, in which you can multicast attack and/or defense spells or can call upon a deity to give you their favour and they will comply just like that, and you can come across all sorts of rpg creatures that may be "high-level" or "low-level". Are those levels refering to social strata? No, they're refering to their battle skills. Why? Because the denizens of this world were ontologically conceived for the purpose of battling and adventuring, very much like an rpg. In fact the most menial and mundane activities, like eating or resting, are just performed for the purpose of restoring energy to further train in combat and spellcasting. This isn't the way magic or the world works in a "classic fantasy novel". The lengthy explanations about the game-like mechanics of this world shamelessly contradict the prior statement of the narrator.
Apart from that, the text is absolutely inconsistent; having characters with their empty eye sockets "open their eyes in shock", and talking skeletons having "incredible muscular strength" to have them later say that "having no muscles is a huge draw back". Maybe the original text in Japanese used some sort of expressions that were horribly translated to English, but that definitely has a very negative impact on the experience of the read.
Overall a bad experience. I won't be picking up another book by this author unless an unbiased reader tells me that he got better at writing. On the bright side, I'd said the author can only go up from here.
In conclusion I would say that this is not a suitable read for veteran readers, whether of fantasy or any other genre. I'd say this is more of a niche work of fiction suitable only for very uncritical, hardcore LN enthusiasts.
The first couple of pages are well-written and very promising, but soon after it goes downhill, never to rise up again.
I was really excited about it based on how overwhelmingly positive was its reception by the LN community and in the end I was sorely disappointed. I was seriously expecting this book to be the work that would deconstruct the genre of the fantasy rpg-styled isekai. It does not, nor does it attempts to in any way. It joins the genre full on in a very lenient way, without any criticism of it nor re-evaluation of its clichés and tropes at all. There's nothing evocative about it, it's very mundane and blunt. The narrator/main character draws very obvious comparisons between the fantasy world he was reborn into and the (real) world of his previous life, by saying stuff like "it ressembled a fantasy world from a videogame" and "the magic system was more mysterious, like the one in classic fantasy literature, not the one in an rpg". The latter statement proofed ultimately to be untrue, since not only the magic but the entire world has a 100% rpg logic, in which you can multicast attack and/or defense spells or can call upon a deity to give you their favour and they will comply just like that, and you can come across all sorts of rpg creatures that may be "high-level" or "low-level". Are those levels refering to social strata? No, they're refering to their battle skills. Why? Because the denizens of this world were ontologically conceived for the purpose of battling and adventuring, very much like an rpg. In fact the most menial and mundane activities, like eating or resting, are just performed for the purpose of restoring energy to further train in combat and spellcasting. This isn't the way magic or the world works in a "classic fantasy novel". The lengthy explanations about the game-like mechanics of this world shamelessly contradict the prior statement of the narrator.
Apart from that, the text is absolutely inconsistent; having characters with their empty eye sockets "open their eyes in shock", and talking skeletons having "incredible muscular strength" to have them later say that "having no muscles is a huge draw back". Maybe the original text in Japanese used some sort of expressions that were horribly translated to English, but that definitely has a very negative impact on the experience of the read.
Overall a bad experience. I won't be picking up another book by this author unless an unbiased reader tells me that he got better at writing. On the bright side, I'd said the author can only go up from here.
In conclusion I would say that this is not a suitable read for veteran readers, whether of fantasy or any other genre. I'd say this is more of a niche work of fiction suitable only for very uncritical, hardcore LN enthusiasts.
January 5, 2023
The main character William threw away his first life and gets as a prize to be reincarnated with all his memories, to a second life in a dystopian magical fantasy world. He is the biggest wimp in this other world. This is yet another isekai Tensei (reincarnated "wimp" in another world)...
I get tired of authors writing "Checkmate!" in another world, because there is no Chess game in another world, there is no game-like-Chess in another world, so yelling out "checkmate" by the main character, is naïve and not understood...especially by authors and characters that have never played Chess, do not know anything about strategy, or investigated anything to create a "new light novel series" without any obvious plot holes and mistakes like this one. Peopled is not a verb, people is a noun, so "populated" is the term that the author/translator did not use..."Rock'nRoll" is a musical genre that "broke previous rules and was considered rebellious", Gus the Great Mage is honorable, ethical and powerful, and is not well represented by the musical genre "rock'nroll"...
William did nothing in his first life and is responsible for the forever-enslavement of his "parents and grandpa" in this new world...William is able to "defeat" the God that his incredibly powerful "foster-parents" weren't able. How and in what world can this be a good start to a "new light novel series" that makes so many intolerable mistakes in writing yet another isekai tensei fantasy novel series??? William dies in his second life and yet has the gall to ask for a "third-life" to be able to vindicate all his past in-actions and wrongdoings with super natural powers in his third life???
The illustrations are better for all-color manga series or maybe for an art gallery in oil-paintings...in Black and White/grayscale, the illustrations cannot be distinguished well... There are no maps of this other world, no character summaries, no skills and abilities placed in an illustration/chart/graph form...
I get tired of authors writing "Checkmate!" in another world, because there is no Chess game in another world, there is no game-like-Chess in another world, so yelling out "checkmate" by the main character, is naïve and not understood...especially by authors and characters that have never played Chess, do not know anything about strategy, or investigated anything to create a "new light novel series" without any obvious plot holes and mistakes like this one. Peopled is not a verb, people is a noun, so "populated" is the term that the author/translator did not use..."Rock'nRoll" is a musical genre that "broke previous rules and was considered rebellious", Gus the Great Mage is honorable, ethical and powerful, and is not well represented by the musical genre "rock'nroll"...
William did nothing in his first life and is responsible for the forever-enslavement of his "parents and grandpa" in this new world...William is able to "defeat" the God that his incredibly powerful "foster-parents" weren't able. How and in what world can this be a good start to a "new light novel series" that makes so many intolerable mistakes in writing yet another isekai tensei fantasy novel series??? William dies in his second life and yet has the gall to ask for a "third-life" to be able to vindicate all his past in-actions and wrongdoings with super natural powers in his third life???
The illustrations are better for all-color manga series or maybe for an art gallery in oil-paintings...in Black and White/grayscale, the illustrations cannot be distinguished well... There are no maps of this other world, no character summaries, no skills and abilities placed in an illustration/chart/graph form...
July 21, 2024
The story of Will's growth and self-exploration takes place in a city of the dead. We'll delve into the film's appeal, focusing on the theme of family ties at the core of the story.
The story begins when Will, a living child, is raised by the immortals in a once prosperous but now ruined city. His parents are Blood, a skeleton swordsman, Marie, a priest mummy, and Gus, a wizard ghost. They pour knowledge and love into Will, laying the foundation for his growth as a full-fledged holy knight. But as Will grows, he begins to question who he is and why the immortals are in the city.
Will's story of growing up follows him as he confronts himself and unravels the mysteries of his past. He discovers his raison d'être and purpose by learning about the immortals' past. One particularly memorable scene is when Brad talks about the heroes' deaths and their past. His story is an important turning point for Will and helps him decide to pursue his career as a holy knight.
This theme of family ties is deeply told through Will's relationship with the Immortals. Although they are not related by blood, they share a deep love and trust for each other. The challenges and challenges Will faces further strengthen their bond.
Overall, this book is an excellent blend of the author's delicate writing and the deep themes of the story, and it has an excellent post-reading feel. This book is recommended not only for those who like fantasy novels, but also for those who want to think about family ties.
May 9, 2022
went in totally blind AND this was my first light novel!! v pleasantly surprised at how much i enjoyed it and how easy of a read it was. magic system was intriguing, the concept of multiple dimensions was trippy and characters were strong and distinct. favs have got to be blood and mary tho hands down, gotta love the big buff dude and sunshine wholesome girl combo. mc was a little naive at times and was insistent that he wasnt the hero type (but obviously was, and would be) and felt funky reading from the pov of what seemed to be teenage boy (or grown dude idk) who was simultaneously like a toddler lmao???? or eventually like young boy??? but still. love how everything made sense in the end and all the loose ends tied up yet perfectly set up the subsequent books in the series. v keen to see where the story goes (it could be anywhere, really) and whether/how we get introduced to a new cast of characters.
only criticisms would be that the writing was defs on the cliche and simple simple side at times. and maybe this is due to translation, but some sentences and paragraphs were super repetitive for seemingly no reason lol. also, considering how short it was, it felt a tiny rushed eg. when will started calling mary and blood mum and dad lmao. like even though years had passed, it still felt odd bc we'd only known of the characters for like 100 pages or smth.
overall, 3.5/5 stars. but if youre the person who recommended this to me, then 5/5 stars hehe thanks for the rec.
only criticisms would be that the writing was defs on the cliche and simple simple side at times. and maybe this is due to translation, but some sentences and paragraphs were super repetitive for seemingly no reason lol. also, considering how short it was, it felt a tiny rushed eg. when will started calling mary and blood mum and dad lmao. like even though years had passed, it still felt odd bc we'd only known of the characters for like 100 pages or smth.
overall, 3.5/5 stars. but if youre the person who recommended this to me, then 5/5 stars hehe thanks for the rec.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2020
At the middle of a city ruin, a spectre, a mummy, and a skeleton is trying to raise a living little boy. The three undead is showering the boy with lots of love and teach him everything they know like any other parents would. The boy love them back and try to help them as much as he can. But a few mysteries left unresolved, How come the little boy arrived in that place ? Who are these three undead ? And why they decided to raised him ?
Based on the premise alone, I already like it. I don't think there are any other fantasy novel (that I know of) with this kind of settings. And after I read it, I must say I loved it ! The author is able to picture what Will feels throughout the story. I know there are lots of other works with the same formula but this novel can execute that with passing marks. I believe, most of this thanks to the fact that the author has successfully created a build up throughout the whole story.
Even so, there are a few inconsistencies, like when Gus (the name of the spectre, by the way) told Will to only use magic sparingly, yet a few chapters later, he decided to Rock n roll and pull a quadruple casting. And toward the ending, the appearance of a certain helper is too sudden and came without warning.
The style of the story is setup like a journal, closely following Will's POV on a first person style. The pacing of the story is a little uneven, some parts goes fast, other goes slow. Also, I think the author needs to iron out some concepts in the story, like how an undead able to land a devastating blow yet can be easily toppled over by some bashing. On a side note though, I know this is Yanagino-san's first novel, so I hope he will improve in the future.
Between the story, style and character, I think character is where this novel nailed it the most. The bond between Will and his undying parents is unmistakeable and clearly shows how much they love each other. On top of that, the way they interacted with each other felt real and fun.
In short, this is an interesting story with memorable characters. Sure there might be some little things here and there but it won't hurt the reading experience.
Based on the premise alone, I already like it. I don't think there are any other fantasy novel (that I know of) with this kind of settings. And after I read it, I must say I loved it ! The author is able to picture what Will feels throughout the story. I know there are lots of other works with the same formula but this novel can execute that with passing marks. I believe, most of this thanks to the fact that the author has successfully created a build up throughout the whole story.
Even so, there are a few inconsistencies, like when Gus (the name of the spectre, by the way) told Will to only use magic sparingly, yet a few chapters later, he decided to Rock n roll and pull a quadruple casting. And toward the ending, the appearance of a certain helper is too sudden and came without warning.
The style of the story is setup like a journal, closely following Will's POV on a first person style. The pacing of the story is a little uneven, some parts goes fast, other goes slow. Also, I think the author needs to iron out some concepts in the story, like how an undead able to land a devastating blow yet can be easily toppled over by some bashing. On a side note though, I know this is Yanagino-san's first novel, so I hope he will improve in the future.
Between the story, style and character, I think character is where this novel nailed it the most. The bond between Will and his undying parents is unmistakeable and clearly shows how much they love each other. On top of that, the way they interacted with each other felt real and fun.
In short, this is an interesting story with memorable characters. Sure there might be some little things here and there but it won't hurt the reading experience.
March 13, 2019
Amazing Fantasy Japanese Light Novel
I discovered this story by chancing upon the manga version. I fell completely in love with it — the manga — that I knew the light novel would be an amazing read and it did not disappoint.
It is not among the usual type of light novels I read — which usually involve a more light hearted reincarnation story — but I was completely blown away by the world building .
The myths made for this story are deep and profound. It pulls from various religions to make it so.
The details about combat are intricate and well-grounded. Usually, light novels give you overpowered settings, but this one feels more realistic.
The climax building is also well made as it is one of those stories where the author connects everything in the end, and you are left amazed that the small details that you didn’t think would matter, end up playing a huge role.
All in all, this was definitely a good purchase and I’m very happy that they did choose to have this Japanese light novel translated to English.
I discovered this story by chancing upon the manga version. I fell completely in love with it — the manga — that I knew the light novel would be an amazing read and it did not disappoint.
It is not among the usual type of light novels I read — which usually involve a more light hearted reincarnation story — but I was completely blown away by the world building .
The myths made for this story are deep and profound. It pulls from various religions to make it so.
The details about combat are intricate and well-grounded. Usually, light novels give you overpowered settings, but this one feels more realistic.
The climax building is also well made as it is one of those stories where the author connects everything in the end, and you are left amazed that the small details that you didn’t think would matter, end up playing a huge role.
All in all, this was definitely a good purchase and I’m very happy that they did choose to have this Japanese light novel translated to English.
September 23, 2020
Great book. kind of a quick read. I found it incredibly enjoyable. A very small cast of characters that each get fleshed out upon and world builds through conversations they have. The story is focused on one location which is vast and detailed. The magic system is simple yet believable, where each spell has limits that make sense. The climax is thrilling and doesn't go on for too long. What's at stake isn't world ending either. It fits perfectly for what the story is.
The only real downside is that the villain is hinted at early on, and feels kind of 2D. He doesn't really have any appearance beside the climax. But, besides that this is a great story. Grounded and small in scale, but has the feeling like everything is on the line. I recommend reading if you are looking for something short, and enjoyable.
The only real downside is that the villain is hinted at early on, and feels kind of 2D. He doesn't really have any appearance beside the climax. But, besides that this is a great story. Grounded and small in scale, but has the feeling like everything is on the line. I recommend reading if you are looking for something short, and enjoyable.
July 12, 2022
This was a fantastic read. The first third is slow and episodic as the reader is introduced to the characters and the setting but as Will, the main character, ages and his horizons expand so does the excitement and pacing of the book. Leading to a phenomenal and heartbreaking finally.
Kanata Yanagino is able to balance exposition and world building with the everyday life of the characters. The reader learns new things alongside Will. Once Will becomes older there is less need for things to be explained leaving room for a pulse pounding battle and character reveal.
Originally I was expecting a sadder reveal of the adult character's motives. Instead I was left crying from the bitter sweetness of a realistic family dynamic.
Kanata Yanagino is able to balance exposition and world building with the everyday life of the characters. The reader learns new things alongside Will. Once Will becomes older there is less need for things to be explained leaving room for a pulse pounding battle and character reveal.
Originally I was expecting a sadder reveal of the adult character's motives. Instead I was left crying from the bitter sweetness of a realistic family dynamic.
October 29, 2020
Faraway Paladin doesn't bring much new to the platter. Same old reincarnation story in a world with magic, demons etc. But Faraway Paladin executes everything about it just perfectly.
It is great coming of age story about family, regret and salvation of a man who is reborn in a new world. The magic system is a soft magic system but doesn't compromise the integrity of the story.
The actions are good and pretty stylish.
The only minor nagging I have about this story is its pacing which could have been a bit faster. Other than that, I have enjoyed this book very very much and looking forward to the next volume. This might become my most favourite isekai story going forward...
It is great coming of age story about family, regret and salvation of a man who is reborn in a new world. The magic system is a soft magic system but doesn't compromise the integrity of the story.
The actions are good and pretty stylish.
The only minor nagging I have about this story is its pacing which could have been a bit faster. Other than that, I have enjoyed this book very very much and looking forward to the next volume. This might become my most favourite isekai story going forward...
August 2, 2021
A truly beautiful book
I have no words for what I have just read, I'm absolutely blown away. There were large time jumps and the main character grew to an abnormal level of strength really fast but that wasn't bad at all. It didn't detract from the book. I feel as if some aspects were drawn from anime and manga, but that's only a plus for me, especially since it was integrated so nicely until the book. There number of chapters was co.poetry different than what I normally read, but that wasn't a problem at all. Seriously, I'm going to devour this book by next week it's so good.
I have no words for what I have just read, I'm absolutely blown away. There were large time jumps and the main character grew to an abnormal level of strength really fast but that wasn't bad at all. It didn't detract from the book. I feel as if some aspects were drawn from anime and manga, but that's only a plus for me, especially since it was integrated so nicely until the book. There number of chapters was co.poetry different than what I normally read, but that wasn't a problem at all. Seriously, I'm going to devour this book by next week it's so good.
February 20, 2020
How is this not more popular?
Seriously this feels like a hidden gem and I dearly wish an anime was written about it the book takes its time to set up its characters and never leaves you bored it's packed with emotion and all the good and bad times had me laughing and frowning right along with William and his family seriously a hundred out of ten give this amazing novels read or at least do yourself the service of reading the manga of that's more your thing I've done both and I loved it.
Seriously this feels like a hidden gem and I dearly wish an anime was written about it the book takes its time to set up its characters and never leaves you bored it's packed with emotion and all the good and bad times had me laughing and frowning right along with William and his family seriously a hundred out of ten give this amazing novels read or at least do yourself the service of reading the manga of that's more your thing I've done both and I loved it.
February 10, 2017
An excellent story, but still a very light read. The setting is right out of RPG games, while the lead character refers to this on occasion, the author relies heavily on the readers knowledge of the genera to help flush out his characters.
While the technique (relying on reader knowledge of stereotypes) generally creates very flat characters, the leads in this book were solidly more than cardboard cutouts, and a central crux for the main character is how to become a better person.
While the technique (relying on reader knowledge of stereotypes) generally creates very flat characters, the leads in this book were solidly more than cardboard cutouts, and a central crux for the main character is how to become a better person.
April 26, 2021
I really liked the protagonist. Isekai is a trope that has saturated the light novel market but the characters distinguish one isekai from another. It's the same with The Faraway Paladin. I also like the slightly darker & tragic vibes this story has so far.
The main protagonist is not going to have it easy & I love that fact. If all the side characters are gonna be as fleshed out in the remaining volumes as they were in the first volume, this will be a great series.
The main protagonist is not going to have it easy & I love that fact. If all the side characters are gonna be as fleshed out in the remaining volumes as they were in the first volume, this will be a great series.
February 10, 2022
** Great Fantasy With Tight Story! **
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this story was! It didn't have a lot of the tropes and traps of other light novels and just felt like a solid fantasy narrative.
Honestly, you could read this one novel and be satisfied as it has an ending that answers all the questions it sets up at the start!
I enjoyed it so much I plan to read more. Fingers crossed future volumes don't turn into generic isekai light novel.
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this story was! It didn't have a lot of the tropes and traps of other light novels and just felt like a solid fantasy narrative.
Honestly, you could read this one novel and be satisfied as it has an ending that answers all the questions it sets up at the start!
I enjoyed it so much I plan to read more. Fingers crossed future volumes don't turn into generic isekai light novel.
September 16, 2022
The Faraway Paladin has one of the better starts for an isekai. In fact, it’s so enjoyable that I’ve now bought this volume twice (it was previously only available as an ebook). Unfortunately, the second read through reminded me of the pointless exposition and goofy, unnatural dialogue typical of the genre. The bonus story is largely forgettable, but I’m looking forward to continuing Will’s adventure in these new, cool hardcover print editions!
October 7, 2022
This is a fantastic book! The main character has REAL DEPTH! The supporting characters are not afterthought sidekicks, but well developed characters. The writing is VERY WELL DONE!
This book has a beautiful plot and is executed wonderfully. When I read a book, I often think about other paths the author could have followed. In the case of this book, I did not. It could not have been done better!
I hope that the rest of the series is as good. Read this book!
This book has a beautiful plot and is executed wonderfully. When I read a book, I often think about other paths the author could have followed. In the case of this book, I did not. It could not have been done better!
I hope that the rest of the series is as good. Read this book!
May 11, 2017
I loved this book!!!
this book was great! It had me laughing, it had me held in suspense, and one part had me near bawling! The plot was good and while you could predict some of the things that would happen other situations came out of left field.
I'm buying the next one now and starting it tomorrow.
this book was great! It had me laughing, it had me held in suspense, and one part had me near bawling! The plot was good and while you could predict some of the things that would happen other situations came out of left field.
I'm buying the next one now and starting it tomorrow.
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