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How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Light Novel #5
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom, Volume 5
A new nation, the Kingdom of Friedonia, is born and Souma becomes its new king. He broadcasts an educational program and is gradually working towards the enlightenment of his people when he makes a visit to Lagoon City, a city on the water which is ruled by Excel who has been appointed the Supreme Commander of the National Defense Force. There he finds Castor, the former General of the Air Force who Souma once defeated, waiting for him. When Castor becomes suspicious about his sudden visit, Souma reveals the National Defense Force's top secret project?!
"You... What in the world have you created...?"
When Castor is struck dumb by the unimaginable sight he witnesses, what will the order Souma gives him be?!
The story moves on to the next stage! The fifth volume of the revolutionary transferred-to-another-world administrative fantasy!
"You... What in the world have you created...?"
When Castor is struck dumb by the unimaginable sight he witnesses, what will the order Souma gives him be?!
The story moves on to the next stage! The fifth volume of the revolutionary transferred-to-another-world administrative fantasy!
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2017
256 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 17, 2021
This book was a 5-star enjoyable read, but I couldn't get over the sloppy writing so it gets 4-stars instead.
This is actually a more enjoyable book than the last volume because of the threads planted in the relatively quiet and slow paced fourth volume start to come to fruition here. It's hard to forgive sloppy writing when it is so easy to make the title "Realist Hero" work by citing the real world inspirations of the policies that the main character implements in his kingdom. Citing it would have grounded it to the "realist" aspirations this series has.
The main character of this series, Souma, a transmigrant from the "real" world doesn't actually have an overpowering skill set common in other isekai titles. His actual superpower is his ability to utilize the talents of his subordinates. In this volume, he was able to find the right scientific minds to recreate an aircraft carrier and change the way war is waged in his fantasy world. However, if Souma is actually as widely read as he claimed, he would've have chosen either "Enterprise" or "Nimitz" as the name of his carrier. These are the names of actual vessels that revolutionized naval and air power in this world.
Another lapse in citing a real world example would be in how he managed to outmaneuver a theocracy. The Lunarian Orothodoxy is a pastiche of the Vatican state angling to exert influence in the affairs of Souma's kingdom. But he was able to sidestep that my appointing his own bishop to head the branch of the church in his kingdom. Exactly the way how Chinese government was able to main control over religion, despite being an ostensibly communist state.
This is why I look forward to the manga adaptation. I still think manga is the best way to enjoy this story.
This is actually a more enjoyable book than the last volume because of the threads planted in the relatively quiet and slow paced fourth volume start to come to fruition here. It's hard to forgive sloppy writing when it is so easy to make the title "Realist Hero" work by citing the real world inspirations of the policies that the main character implements in his kingdom. Citing it would have grounded it to the "realist" aspirations this series has.
The main character of this series, Souma, a transmigrant from the "real" world doesn't actually have an overpowering skill set common in other isekai titles. His actual superpower is his ability to utilize the talents of his subordinates. In this volume, he was able to find the right scientific minds to recreate an aircraft carrier and change the way war is waged in his fantasy world. However, if Souma is actually as widely read as he claimed, he would've have chosen either "Enterprise" or "Nimitz" as the name of his carrier. These are the names of actual vessels that revolutionized naval and air power in this world.
Another lapse in citing a real world example would be in how he managed to outmaneuver a theocracy. The Lunarian Orothodoxy is a pastiche of the Vatican state angling to exert influence in the affairs of Souma's kingdom. But he was able to sidestep that my appointing his own bishop to head the branch of the church in his kingdom. Exactly the way how Chinese government was able to main control over religion, despite being an ostensibly communist state.
This is why I look forward to the manga adaptation. I still think manga is the best way to enjoy this story.
February 2, 2020
The next phase of Souma's reign as king of Friedonia will focus more on keeping the peace than on obtaining the stability he and his comrades fought so hard to accomplish. Although not unexpected, this pivot in the novel series' focus is a less-than-favorable shift from the quirky to the conventional. REALIST HERO . . . #5 is more original and more entertaining than the previous volume, but does little to show readers whether there's anything worth looking forward to.
The primary challenge of this novel, as previously foreshadowed, is the impending brinkmanship with the theological fascists of the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State. Souma's cautious approach to this new neighbor rests on an interesting quandary (Souma: "Power tied to religion makes for a dangerous combination," p. 216). If the Papal State incites its followers to violence and mayhem, for example, whether in Friedonia or elsewhere, then crushing said rebellion would entail crushing the religion — which, as Souma keenly observes, would only make the Papal State's adherents all the more difficult to remove.
Unfortunately, REALIST HERO . . . #5 doesn't get too far into the mix when it comes to outmaneuvering the zealots to the west. King Souma and the prime minister, Hakuya, manifest a system for nationalizing religious institutions to protect against their biased politicization, but nothing particularly interesting happens thereafter. One would hope Souma's ardent disapproval of excess religiosity would give rise to tense negotiations or gripping philosophical debates, but nope. Instead, paperwork saves the day. Clever but boring.
By the author's own admission, this volume shifts the novel series away from Souma's endeavors as a man of rational intellect and toward a more standard isekai harem with an ensemble cast. As if readers weren't already lulled to sleep with annoying little-sister types, doe-eyed pseudo-romances, and almost-forgotten secondary characters, the author is going to add more? There's room for character arcs to grow (e.g., Empress Maria Euphoria has never actually met Souma), there's room for twists and turns to make themselves known (e.g., Merula Merlin, an exiled researcher, discovers the relic at the heart of the Papal State is being misused), and there's room for the overall narrative to evolve (e.g., actions taken against the Demon Lord's Domain are highly incremental), but in the end, one supposes, this is just another novel series about a lucky guy surrounded by beautiful women.
The primary challenge of this novel, as previously foreshadowed, is the impending brinkmanship with the theological fascists of the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State. Souma's cautious approach to this new neighbor rests on an interesting quandary (Souma: "Power tied to religion makes for a dangerous combination," p. 216). If the Papal State incites its followers to violence and mayhem, for example, whether in Friedonia or elsewhere, then crushing said rebellion would entail crushing the religion — which, as Souma keenly observes, would only make the Papal State's adherents all the more difficult to remove.
Unfortunately, REALIST HERO . . . #5 doesn't get too far into the mix when it comes to outmaneuvering the zealots to the west. King Souma and the prime minister, Hakuya, manifest a system for nationalizing religious institutions to protect against their biased politicization, but nothing particularly interesting happens thereafter. One would hope Souma's ardent disapproval of excess religiosity would give rise to tense negotiations or gripping philosophical debates, but nope. Instead, paperwork saves the day. Clever but boring.
By the author's own admission, this volume shifts the novel series away from Souma's endeavors as a man of rational intellect and toward a more standard isekai harem with an ensemble cast. As if readers weren't already lulled to sleep with annoying little-sister types, doe-eyed pseudo-romances, and almost-forgotten secondary characters, the author is going to add more? There's room for character arcs to grow (e.g., Empress Maria Euphoria has never actually met Souma), there's room for twists and turns to make themselves known (e.g., Merula Merlin, an exiled researcher, discovers the relic at the heart of the Papal State is being misused), and there's room for the overall narrative to evolve (e.g., actions taken against the Demon Lord's Domain are highly incremental), but in the end, one supposes, this is just another novel series about a lucky guy surrounded by beautiful women.
July 9, 2024
The next steps in Souma's reign are all this book entails. Though it was a bit sluggish in some areas, it was exciting seeing everything Souma was accomplishing. Plus, it was hilarious what Excel did to both Souma and his brides. He accomplished a lot in this book. A new navel ship with a new leader. I love what he did with that. Now, he will have an even fiercer and loyal commander. There were other povs, while I felt they were unnecessary, was a nice change of pace. I have a feeling all those characters will eventually play a part in the coming novels.
August 14, 2021
Otra vez iba a darle un 3/5. Mucho romance/harem raro al inicio. Sinceramente las interacciones de los personajes son muy malas, raras y forzadas. Por otro lado, el mundo se siente vivo. Los personajes secundarios y la interacción entre países hacen que la historia sea interesante. Le doy un 3.5/5* a la historia en general.
*Cambié de opinión.
*Cambié de opinión.
June 18, 2020
Disappointing volume. The elements that made the story original and fresh before became mundane. Technical advancements and new bureaucratic programs were interesting to read before because they directly tied in with the action. In this volume they were asides.
The Lunarians’ scenario was resolved in a very frightening way. Souma practically mandated that all religions needed to register with the state, and that this would allow the government to safeguard the people, not allowing any harmful belief systems to be officially recognized. So much for freedom of religion.
Slavery was an issue that has troubled me all along, but stood out as asinine in this volume. Before, Souma was making reformations so I could accept its presence in this society. However, now it seems the author is treating it as a resolved issue for the sake of a harem. In this volume, Vargas was appointed to be the head of the new paratroopers and their mobile war island. His daughter, Carla, OTOH continues to change bedsheets. Both are still slaves, but Carla’s character exists as a foil for humor. The author has no use for her other than as entertainment. It’s a terrible way to treat a character, and a very frivolous way to treat slavery.
Lastly, the harem/polygamy aspect of the story has jumped the shark. This element has been present in the series from the beginning, but it was handled with a fresh take that made it palatable to me. Now, all the girls exist only to breed. They are interesting characters when the relationship is undefined, but once Souma conquers their hearts, they become blanks.
What is Liscia’s character? She does everything that the king wants her to do. She blushes when he shows affection and smiles in the morning after she has fulfilled her nightly duties. She expresses dismay when Souma’s ideas are too bold, but opposes none of them. She allows any new addition to her king’s affections with a great sense of duty. I wouldn’t call that a character profile, however. Before, she was a warrior, but now she’s a baby maker.
In the next novel, Souma must travel away for a month. Liscia’s part in the story is over until she pops out an heir. There’s probably a dragon princess waiting for Souma, and there’s also the Saint of the Empire who seems sweet on him. You’d think he’d focus on the girls he already has, but there are new fillies to rope. Yeehaw!
Juna, maritime commander, reduced to a demure, shy violet who is grateful for the Great King’s attention.
Roroa, former princess and financial wizard who cleverly manipulated her kingdom to request annexation is now reduced to a sex kitten who purrs for her turn in bed.
Aisha, elf warrior, is now a horny pet who likes food. Well, she has always been that. Hers was the first character that became a two-dimensional cipher.
Liscia, feisty army commander, is now a codependent shell who needs affection to be validated.
I enjoy reading how this civic servant has taken a magical, medieval world and modernized it while respecting some of its otherworldly flavor. However, the way the author handles women in this series is vapid. Souma has become a benign tyrant. Religion has been trivialized. I know there are another eight volumes in the series with mysteries to unfold, but there are also more mares likely waiting to be roped. After a fun, creative, entertaining first four volumes, I have no interest finding out what happens next.
The Lunarians’ scenario was resolved in a very frightening way. Souma practically mandated that all religions needed to register with the state, and that this would allow the government to safeguard the people, not allowing any harmful belief systems to be officially recognized. So much for freedom of religion.
Slavery was an issue that has troubled me all along, but stood out as asinine in this volume. Before, Souma was making reformations so I could accept its presence in this society. However, now it seems the author is treating it as a resolved issue for the sake of a harem. In this volume, Vargas was appointed to be the head of the new paratroopers and their mobile war island. His daughter, Carla, OTOH continues to change bedsheets. Both are still slaves, but Carla’s character exists as a foil for humor. The author has no use for her other than as entertainment. It’s a terrible way to treat a character, and a very frivolous way to treat slavery.
Lastly, the harem/polygamy aspect of the story has jumped the shark. This element has been present in the series from the beginning, but it was handled with a fresh take that made it palatable to me. Now, all the girls exist only to breed. They are interesting characters when the relationship is undefined, but once Souma conquers their hearts, they become blanks.
What is Liscia’s character? She does everything that the king wants her to do. She blushes when he shows affection and smiles in the morning after she has fulfilled her nightly duties. She expresses dismay when Souma’s ideas are too bold, but opposes none of them. She allows any new addition to her king’s affections with a great sense of duty. I wouldn’t call that a character profile, however. Before, she was a warrior, but now she’s a baby maker.
In the next novel, Souma must travel away for a month. Liscia’s part in the story is over until she pops out an heir. There’s probably a dragon princess waiting for Souma, and there’s also the Saint of the Empire who seems sweet on him. You’d think he’d focus on the girls he already has, but there are new fillies to rope. Yeehaw!
Juna, maritime commander, reduced to a demure, shy violet who is grateful for the Great King’s attention.
Roroa, former princess and financial wizard who cleverly manipulated her kingdom to request annexation is now reduced to a sex kitten who purrs for her turn in bed.
Aisha, elf warrior, is now a horny pet who likes food. Well, she has always been that. Hers was the first character that became a two-dimensional cipher.
Liscia, feisty army commander, is now a codependent shell who needs affection to be validated.
I enjoy reading how this civic servant has taken a magical, medieval world and modernized it while respecting some of its otherworldly flavor. However, the way the author handles women in this series is vapid. Souma has become a benign tyrant. Religion has been trivialized. I know there are another eight volumes in the series with mysteries to unfold, but there are also more mares likely waiting to be roped. After a fun, creative, entertaining first four volumes, I have no interest finding out what happens next.
March 8, 2022
Volume 4 and 5 have sort of flat-lined. Volume 4, was the end of the rebuilding of the Friedonia Kingdom. (Part one maybe?) and Volume 5 is placing the main pillars for outward expansion. The Lunaria Orthodox wanting to become the state religion of Friedonia, was extremely tiresome. The only positive point was that in finding a representative of that church for Friedonia, they discovered a High Elf that had migrated from Gahran Spirit Kingdom (the big islands to the Northwest of this alternate reality world).
The only other positive point, was that the Mother Dragon, (the highest authority of another religion in this world) from the Star Dragon Mountain Range met with Souma and invited him to participate in a very important awakening event in their territory. Dragons, and true dragons are always mystical and interesting. Hopefully this upcoming volume will resuscitate interest and the readers of this light novel.
Souma started to have pre-marital relations with Liscia (the former princess of Elfrieden) which to me is putting the cart before the horse. Also, because Souma has not yet been confirmed as the King, he should not have accepted the Lunaria Orthodox Church as a State Religion, or began to try to have offspring with Liscia, before he is even the official king. Lunaria offered to make Souma a Holy Saint, but he is yet to be the King, so again author is getting ahead of himself.
The only other positive point, was that the Mother Dragon, (the highest authority of another religion in this world) from the Star Dragon Mountain Range met with Souma and invited him to participate in a very important awakening event in their territory. Dragons, and true dragons are always mystical and interesting. Hopefully this upcoming volume will resuscitate interest and the readers of this light novel.
Souma started to have pre-marital relations with Liscia (the former princess of Elfrieden) which to me is putting the cart before the horse. Also, because Souma has not yet been confirmed as the King, he should not have accepted the Lunaria Orthodox Church as a State Religion, or began to try to have offspring with Liscia, before he is even the official king. Lunaria offered to make Souma a Holy Saint, but he is yet to be the King, so again author is getting ahead of himself.
April 9, 2023
Volume 5.
After 4 volumes of this it starts feeling weird to call out that its a Light Novel, specifically an isekai story thats starting premise has always been the nerdy conceit of "how much better could you make things if you were sent back in time." And the premise is wonderful, but here is where it starts to shift focus on the harem part of the harem isekai, and where we get a few political machinations we dont get all that much of the original drive to it (or.. the part that I cared about. Harem stories? not all that hard to find).
The harem is still oddly wholesome, despite how things have escalated. No I will not explain. The characters are all still unique, though a few of their individual personalities start getting lost which really is a shame. It does get a few bonus points for having this take place over years, and its not a sudden rush to... well. Anyway.
Honestly at this point it feels like the story is running out of steam. And im not in it for the Harem even if it is relatively cute. I have one more Volume on the shelf to read, ill give it a try and see how im feeling there.
After 4 volumes of this it starts feeling weird to call out that its a Light Novel, specifically an isekai story thats starting premise has always been the nerdy conceit of "how much better could you make things if you were sent back in time." And the premise is wonderful, but here is where it starts to shift focus on the harem part of the harem isekai, and where we get a few political machinations we dont get all that much of the original drive to it (or.. the part that I cared about. Harem stories? not all that hard to find).
The harem is still oddly wholesome, despite how things have escalated. No I will not explain. The characters are all still unique, though a few of their individual personalities start getting lost which really is a shame. It does get a few bonus points for having this take place over years, and its not a sudden rush to... well. Anyway.
Honestly at this point it feels like the story is running out of steam. And im not in it for the Harem even if it is relatively cute. I have one more Volume on the shelf to read, ill give it a try and see how im feeling there.
November 30, 2020
By now these characters are well known to me and the slice of life aspect is getting warm and familiar. Which isn't a bad thing given the fact that this is the kind of story that I have come to expect and enjoy from this series. That being said, it's obvious that the author is going to shift the story from a slice of life to more of a world spanning tale. I am curious to see what happens, especially now that his dealings with other countries within the world have begun to get much more complicated.
November 21, 2023
This series is really enjoyable and its all todo with how Souma deals with the Kingdom, its people and his Fiances.
Having absorbed Amidonia with his engagement to Roroa, Souma has also stopped the Turgis Republic and the Orthodox Papal State of Lunaria from trying to grab pieces of Amidonia. The Orthodox State is not yet defeated though. The Black Cats have discovered a growing number of spies from the State. This troubles Souma. But he is contacted by the least expected nation, The Star Dragon Mountain Range.
Having absorbed Amidonia with his engagement to Roroa, Souma has also stopped the Turgis Republic and the Orthodox Papal State of Lunaria from trying to grab pieces of Amidonia. The Orthodox State is not yet defeated though. The Black Cats have discovered a growing number of spies from the State. This troubles Souma. But he is contacted by the least expected nation, The Star Dragon Mountain Range.
October 21, 2021
Entertaining Read
Souma is enjoying a period of relative peace. However, challenges remain on the horizon. He wants to better the standard of living of his people and keep them safe. He finds talent to create new types of weapons, recruits former enemies, and counters undue influence from the theocracy. His love life goes to a new level. I like the action, humor, strategy, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
Souma is enjoying a period of relative peace. However, challenges remain on the horizon. He wants to better the standard of living of his people and keep them safe. He finds talent to create new types of weapons, recruits former enemies, and counters undue influence from the theocracy. His love life goes to a new level. I like the action, humor, strategy, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
May 24, 2023
Not too bad a read, but this volume feels like a transition between the end of the first arc in the last volume, and the beginning of the second arc. I was hoping for more relationship development between Kaede and Hal since they're on the cover but while they did appear, they didn't get much time for more than that. Still it looks like there's going to be more stories spent on/with the side characters in the future novels so that's something to look forward to.
February 17, 2018
I want more
It's too damn short the book is too good to be this short!!!! Please author make the books longer. I am also happy that the romance actually progressed. I am glad the author didn't why away from that tender moment.
It's too damn short the book is too good to be this short!!!! Please author make the books longer. I am also happy that the romance actually progressed. I am glad the author didn't why away from that tender moment.
October 30, 2019
Mais sobre a TV dele, mais sobre o relacionamento dele com o harém dele.
Nesse volume, bem no final, começa a falar sobre a igreja e os dragões, mas realmente 80% do livro foi harém e TV os tópicos mais chatos.
Parei por aqui
Nesse volume, bem no final, começa a falar sobre a igreja e os dragões, mas realmente 80% do livro foi harém e TV os tópicos mais chatos.
Parei por aqui
February 11, 2021
MY biggest with this volume is definitely the Romance it kinda sucked real and it was a major focus which kinda made it slow and repetitive would have liked it better if they made it and over arching theme and developed the characters better instead of steoreotyping them but the the religious conundrum was handled good generall
June 2, 2023
Pas mal de romance dont enfin de l'action. Ensuite, pas mal de préparation militaire et Castor de nouveau. Sinon j'ai eu un peu peur avec l'histoire de l'église mais bon. Très bon tome rafraichissant et avec pas mal de planification pour le futur.
May 26, 2024
Not much action, but wonderful as always
Nothing too big happens in this book. But, as always, it is an amazing reading full of wonderfull moments. So, if you love this story, then don't hesitate in buying.
Nothing too big happens in this book. But, as always, it is an amazing reading full of wonderfull moments. So, if you love this story, then don't hesitate in buying.
February 4, 2018
More please.
This is a great continuation of the story. I am eager for volume 6. Really? Six more words? Fine, here
This is a great continuation of the story. I am eager for volume 6. Really? Six more words? Fine, here
February 5, 2018
Loved it!
If you like anime and manga, this is the the light novel series for you. Highly recommend this series, great protagonist, and supporting characters.
If you like anime and manga, this is the the light novel series for you. Highly recommend this series, great protagonist, and supporting characters.
February 16, 2018
Quick but loved it
It was quick but I loved this novel!!!! It was really great and hope for more in the future!!!!!! I
It was quick but I loved this novel!!!! It was really great and hope for more in the future!!!!!! I
March 4, 2018
Yay
Love this series, love how the characters continue to grow and become more interesting..looking forward to volume 6! Can't wait
Love this series, love how the characters continue to grow and become more interesting..looking forward to volume 6! Can't wait
October 25, 2019
Another volume in this Isekai series sees Souma further develop the Jewel Broadcast system.
This book starts off slower but builds up speed later on.
3.5 out of 5.
This book starts off slower but builds up speed later on.
3.5 out of 5.
January 22, 2020
Not as intense as 4 books before but lay down quite good foundation for next volume
July 26, 2021
Talented peoples are coming again. So many secrets yet to reveal. Star dragon mountain ranch, here they come.
August 6, 2021
3.4/5
October 17, 2021
Setup for the next volume, maybe.
December 6, 2021
Great story
The MC keeps growing and the support characters too.. I’ve watched the anime but this fills in so much..if your hesitant to read..please don’t..it’s really good
The MC keeps growing and the support characters too.. I’ve watched the anime but this fills in so much..if your hesitant to read..please don’t..it’s really good
March 29, 2023
- nice and fuzzy fluff scenes in this one with all the harem (E.g. like the bridal training scenes)
- feels like there are more daily life stories and those from side characters' perspectives
- feels like there are more daily life stories and those from side characters' perspectives
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
Good book
Love the book so now on to book 6 . Thank you for this really good book . . . .
Love the book so now on to book 6 . Thank you for this really good book . . . .
March 6, 2018
The latest volume of Realist Hero. I feel like we've been on a bit of cruise control since the war in volume 2. This one starts to set up some new directions and furtherance of the romance.
This one opens with Juna focus. Despite Kaede and Hal being on the cover, this is very much a Juna and Liscia volume. Juna's grandma has some hilarious scenes as well. There were definitely some bits in the middle where I got a bit distracted; namely the military research section.
This story focuses a bit more on the other major territories surrounding Fredonia, those being the Star Dragon Mountains, the Papal State of Lunerian Orthodoxy, and the Empire. Something is going to break, clearly. I assume we'll get another small conflict soon.
I'm still not quite feeling the MC having multiple brides. It just doesn't feel natural, and I feel like the romance is still a bit one-sided in Liscia's favor. I mean, is he ever going to take any of the other gals on individual nights out? I kind of doubt it, but we'll see.
This one opens with Juna focus. Despite Kaede and Hal being on the cover, this is very much a Juna and Liscia volume. Juna's grandma has some hilarious scenes as well. There were definitely some bits in the middle where I got a bit distracted; namely the military research section.
This story focuses a bit more on the other major territories surrounding Fredonia, those being the Star Dragon Mountains, the Papal State of Lunerian Orthodoxy, and the Empire. Something is going to break, clearly. I assume we'll get another small conflict soon.
I'm still not quite feeling the MC having multiple brides. It just doesn't feel natural, and I feel like the romance is still a bit one-sided in Liscia's favor. I mean, is he ever going to take any of the other gals on individual nights out? I kind of doubt it, but we'll see.
October 24, 2025
While there isn't much progress in the kingdom, there certainly is some in the relationships between Souma and his fiancées even if it comes through a bit of silliness. Souma also struggles a bit with potential dangerous religious institutions which he tries to resolve without attacking the associated church. Finally things are setup for the next volume. So a solid continuation of the series that fitted expectations even if the humor was not exactly my taste.
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