Baccano!, Vol. 7 (light novel)

Baccano! Light Novel #7

by Ryohgo Narita, Katsumi Enami (Artist)

The year 1933.
Tim is a man who discarded his past but could never forget his brother. Dallas is just a thug, but he always wanted to protect his sister. A mysterious person named "Vino" is the absolute worst killer, yet he's always loved his fiancee. Will the sun peek out from behind the clouds once the bloody rain stops?

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Manga, Historical Fiction, Historical, Supernatural, Japanese Literature

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 10, 2004

About the author

Ryohgo Narita (成田 良悟, Narita Ryōgo) is a Japanese light novelist. He won the Gold Prize in the 9th Dengeki Novel Prize for Baccano!, which was made into a TV anime in 2007.[1] His series Durarara!! was also made into a TV anime, which began airing January 2010


There are two traits found in most of Narita's works:
* Narita writes extremely fast, one volume a month if he wishes - with tons of spelling errors and missing words as a tradeoff. The editors like to leave them sometimes just for fun, though.
* His work titles often have an exclamation mark at the end (i.e. Baccano!, Vamp!, Durarara!!, etc.).

Kanji names: 成田 良悟 & 成田良悟.

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nebula corporation now has the incomplete immortality elixir. And Huey Laforet’s terrorist cult Larva and his hit squad Lamia will do anything to get it.

The comic relief duo Isaac and Miria are mad at Firo, the youngest executive of the Martillo family, because he knocked down their dominos. So Isaac comes up with a plan to get even with him. He sends Firo a letter, telling him that Ennis and Ronny have been kidnapped. Meanwhile, Isaac and Miria take Ennis and Ronny to the Empire State Building for a nice relaxing little trip.

Christopher comes across a panicked Firo and decides to help him find Ennis and Ronny. And technically, Christopher does help him by providing him some information. But he also cleverly lets out some very important details. Like that they’re totally fine and haven’t been kidnapped at all. Christopher manipulates Firo into working for him and his boss, Huey Laforet.

When Ennis learns of Isaac and Miria’s scheme, she can’t help but worry about Firo. And she goes out to find him. She’s still struggling with her feelings for him. But it’s clear they hold a special place for each other in their hearts.

Vino finds out that Chané was hurt in a fight. Luckily, she got away with just a scratch. But that doesn’t matter to him. Someone hurt the woman he loves. Vengeance is all he cares about. And he will rain down hellfire and brimstone on anyone who dares to stand in his way.


While the previous book was all about establishing how cool Ronny is, this book starts out by showing how cool Vino is. But not in the way we’re already used to seeing him. Depending on which alias he uses, he’s either the number one or the number two hitman in the world. So we know he’s got skills. But it’s the way he talks to Chané, his fiancée, the woman that he loves, that makes him look even cooler than before. Chané can’t speak, but Vino knows how to read her and listen to her. It’s all very subtle. A nod, a look, a smile. And yet Vino knows exactly what she’s saying. What makes it even better is that the lovebirds have their conversation in front of Dallas. Dallas has never been afraid to make an enemy out of everyone, for no reason whatsoever. Even those a lot stronger than him. And yet, when Vino walks into the room, Dallas instinctively knows that this is a man he should not mess around with.


The theme of this book is basically the theme song of the TV show Friends: I’ll be there for you. Because everyone’s got each other’s back in this one. I also like that nobody needs to ask for help. When it’s clear that someone’s in need, their friends or loved ones are there for them when they need it. Tick is there for Maria as her confidence is down after the events of the previous book. Firo and Ennis run around like headless chickens, because they want to be there for each other. The only reason Vino is on the move is because he wants to protect the woman he loves. And when it seems like he could be in trouble, Chané makes it very clear that she’s got his back too. Ronny … Well, Ronny’s pretty much there to enjoy the show. But he does offer to help. And even the antagonists look out for each other in this book.


This book also has the first really big revelation about an overarching storyline as the veil is slowly being lifted. You’ll have to wait for it until you get to the epilogue. But it’s undeniably worth the wait.


Maybe a bit slow in the beginning as the first part is very character-driven. But as soon as the stage is set and the action starts, it’s just absolutely wonderful organized chaos. Everything comes together in an epic heist and a massive fight for the ages in the climax of this strong and chaotic two parter.

[sardit · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Baccano really does better than any other series I've read is sketch out larger than life heroes/villains/monsters, throw them into a mass of conflict, and whirl them out the other side still fighting with an effervescent joy.

I would have placed reasonable sums of money that you couldn't get me to sympathize with a mafia torturer. Nope, you apparently can. And Tick and Maria are adorable together.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from the previous volume, Maria must find the courage to stand up once more after her defeat against Adelle. The Larvae, lead by Tim, plans to attack Nebula's Mist Tower, while the Lamia seems to have other plans. Meanwhile, after being "kidnapped" Isaac and Miria, Ennis finally decides to return to Alveare, she finds Firo gone and a mysterious phone call that leads her to Mist Tower. And as expected in Baccano, 30 other things are also happening in the same time, but to explain/summarise it all would definitely exceed the character limit. That itself shows how badass the novel itself is, considering it's a light novel that can fit so many events, information, and badassness in so few pages.

Anyway, I have once again started liking the progress of this story again, since Firo & Claire Vino have a somewhat-bigger role in it than before. I also liked Tick and Tack's relationship in the end, as well as the former's relationship with Maria. It was also quite amusing to see Luck so exasperated at the end of the book (as well as in the previous book).

When Narita-sensei discussed about concluding/finishing/ending the 1930's arc and moving onto the 2000's arc, it stabbed me brutally in the heart. I like the 1930's arc way more because what I love about Baccano! is the Martillo Family, the Gandor Family and ClaireVino (yes, I'm making the effort to prove how I like "Claire" so much more than "Vino". "Felix" is just so far off that the only reason I accept it is because of the comedic relief it sometime gives). Isaac and Miria are the icing on the cake, and I guess Baccano! needs to have people like them as well. So the main thing about the 2000's arc is that I wouldn't be wrong to assume by then, Claire would either be really really old, or dead. QAQ

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are heating up because a lot of different (Narita-style crazy) characters meet up and fight and love and befriend each other!
We now got several new characters, and I especially enjoyed Christopher who even got Claire-approved. His fight against him on the roof of that skyscraper was freaking awesome. And cute Chané Assassin-Waifu LaForet coming to aid her lover (人◕ω◕)
I just wish Narita would explain why Claire never introduced Chané to his best childhood friend and why Firo didn't do the same because it really confused me that Claire didn't know Ennis
Marias fight against Adele was damn crazy and wild, completely worthy! And the way Claire revenged Chané's scratch on her cheek was badass

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don't mind about you? I can't do that. If I tried something like that, Jon would deck me, Miz Nice would kill me, and Jacuzzi would cry at me."

This volume brings a nice end to what started in the previous volume. Actually, it feels like the main part of it was in this much lengthier volume, as it puts into light quite a lot regardings Huey's experiments... Among others.

Tick and Maria's friendship is so wholesome. In their own weird way since they're both very peculiar people. Well's the whole of Tick's character is super interesting to be fair.

Also, it actually kinda feels more like a prologue to a lot more to come in following volumes, considering everything it leaves us hanging with. This is one of those volumes that prepares you to great things.

Bonus points for everything Ronny Schiatto.

Finally, I just want to mention how Dallas, while still being an ass, ended up sounding quite touching regarding his relationship with his sister.

[Brittany Olenick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another crazy ride with scores of zany, memorable characters. Continuing on from the cliffhanger of the prior volume, the various fractured groups meet up with different folks, making an interesting array of allies, even if they distrust each other. I enjoyed seeing Tick and Maria's arc come full circle, and as always, Isaac and Miria are a delight. I think my favorite interactions, though, were those surrounding Vino. His relationship and love with Chane is delightful, and his strange mindset made him an excellent mental and physical opponent for the newcomer Christopher. All in all, it kept me on my toes, and made me laugh out loud several times at various antics.

[Taaresauce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now then…the players are very nearly all in place.

Every scene with various cast, moving on their own yet still connected to each others, felt like a brilliantly arranged set piece for the grand finale. There were some revelations so the plot definitely moved forward too. Now the problem with ensemble cast is that not everyone could get enough screentime to build their characters, and it shows. Despite that Narita still manage to give "just enough" to everyone.

Overall, it's an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Truly a ruckus!

[Ricardo Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baccano! is back :D This book was some of the best Narita I've read. The coincidences, crazy characters, time skips and flash backs deliver a cool ending to this 2 volume story. It actually made me go "wow I did not see that coming!" Gotta love any book that does that to you :) especially since that is rare in Light Novels. Well deserved 5 stars

[Niquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoa, I read vol 6 Jan 2018, no wonder I struggled reading this book!

[RorSpike · Rating 3 out of 5]

多线发展的剧情前期还好，之后的收拢不是很满意。
当读者对各方都熟悉后就不应该买关子了，直接了当的发展剧情才对

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling conclusion #teamvino

[Lynossa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow Ronnie! I know he's demon so he is able to do many powerful things but still, awesome. And of course Claire <3. I truly believe he is the strongest human, I can't imagine Baccano without him T_T.
Tick and Maria is a great pair, they're funny (not Isaac and Miria's funny) and despite their abnormality, they're real.
Poor Firo, still having difficulty in confessing his love to Ennis.
Huey! He is a very cold man but you can't help to like him. I'm only hopping Chane won't get hurt in the end. And speaking about Chane, she and Claire make a perfect couple!

ps: I think I got into this series a bit too much. I have to take a break for awhile.

[Nameh dah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es el clímax de lo leído en la primera parte. Tan buena, que uno se pregunta por qué diablos no la han animado. Tiene tantos personajes y todos tan interesantes que a veces te pierdes entre personalidades y todo ocurre tan rápido, que no te das ni cuenta cuando ya la acción terminó. Encuentros, relaciones personales, batallas entre los más monstruosos, Ronnie haciendo de las suyas y unas conversaciones la mar de llamativas de Laforet padre.

[Lurkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am spazzed.

[Jule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as always! Baccano is the best book series I have ever read!

[barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would actually sacrifice my firstborn child to see that claire/christopher mist wall fight animated that shit is beyond fire # kino # turning into a powerscaling obsessed dudebro # vino da goat

[Snowy Nix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Score: 9