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魔法科高校の劣等生 [Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei] (Novel) #1
The Irregular at Magic High School, Vol. 1: Enrollment Arc, Part I
The year is 2095. Magic has been tamed as another form of technology, and the practice of magic is now a rigorous discipline. Brother and sister Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba are just about to start their first year at the renowned First Magic High School of Japan. But the school's ironclad rules mean that the brilliant Miyuki enters the prestigious Course 1, while her older brother, Tatsuya, is relegated to Course 2—and that's just the beginning of their troubles!
203 pages, ebook
First published July 8, 2011
272 people are currently reading
1845 people want to read
About the author
Tsutomu Sato
152 books146 followers佐島勤 / Tsutomu Sato / Tsutomu Satou
Author of 魔法科高校の劣等生 / Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
Author of 魔法科高校の劣等生 / Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
April 24, 2013
This review covers the two books that form the first arc of the series, as translated on Baka-Tsuki.
Let's start off with the summary. This book is about a 'defective elder brother low achiever' and a 'perfect, flawless younger sister high achiever'. While the sister is undoubtedly perfect (and the author will tell you so repeatedly throughout this book and the series), the impression that the synopsis gives of the elder brother is a lie. Simply put, the younger sibling is perfect and everyone can see that; the older sibling is also perfect but due to certain factors he is considered by many people to be worthless.
Thus starts the story.
While it is undoubtedly an entertaining read, the first two books are equally weak. They serve primarily as an introductory arc to the series; while a few fights occur and there is even a small villain that appears, there is minimal tension because the protagonists are too capable. While a large cast of characters are introduced, that is all that happens; there is insufficient material here for character development or even to delve into their backstory. In particular, the protagonists suffer from this; they come off as particularly shallow characters - a perfect little sister with a brother complex; an emotionless older brother who is dedicated to his sister; and their
strange relationship is often commented upon by others purely for laughs. In fact there is a good backstory to their situation - but that is scattered over the next few volumes, and so doesn't help their case here.
The worldbuilding in this series focuses primarily on the magic system which is very intricate. While the magic system itself is mostly hard, the presentation of it in the first few volumes is soft; that is, there is a rigorous magic system underpinning the series, but when it comes to resolving situations, it is handled as a 'revealed secret talent'. Essentially, this is standard Japanese Shounen plot resolution. It's only really kept from being an ass pull by the fact that it's made clear ahead of time that the main character has a bunch of hidden talents ready to be revealed.
So what makes these books interesting? The setting. To reiterate, the entire purpose of these two novels, covering a hundred thousand words, is to introduce the major characters while describing in detail the magic system, the world, and the politics involved. This is a world where magic has been exposed and then subject to scientific scrutiny, then followed up with the application of proper engineering to maximize its utility. With technology being where it is, the primary utility of magic lies mostly in combat applications. As talented magicians represent a small portion of the population, there are social pressures and powerful factions involved. All this put together construct a world that feels real.
In some parts, however, certain elements are left unexplained as teasers to be fully revealed in later volumes.
If taking into account that this is a Japanese Light Novel, with all the implicit tropes, setting, and target audience implied, then this is a pretty good read.
Pros:
- Interesting setting
- Hard magic system
Cons:
- Material in this book serves as investment for a later payoff
- Characters feel like Mary Sues, and they overpower the threats arrayed against them.
Let's start off with the summary. This book is about a 'defective elder brother low achiever' and a 'perfect, flawless younger sister high achiever'. While the sister is undoubtedly perfect (and the author will tell you so repeatedly throughout this book and the series), the impression that the synopsis gives of the elder brother is a lie. Simply put, the younger sibling is perfect and everyone can see that; the older sibling is also perfect but due to certain factors he is considered by many people to be worthless.
Thus starts the story.
While it is undoubtedly an entertaining read, the first two books are equally weak. They serve primarily as an introductory arc to the series; while a few fights occur and there is even a small villain that appears, there is minimal tension because the protagonists are too capable. While a large cast of characters are introduced, that is all that happens; there is insufficient material here for character development or even to delve into their backstory. In particular, the protagonists suffer from this; they come off as particularly shallow characters - a perfect little sister with a brother complex; an emotionless older brother who is dedicated to his sister; and their
strange relationship is often commented upon by others purely for laughs. In fact there is a good backstory to their situation - but that is scattered over the next few volumes, and so doesn't help their case here.
The worldbuilding in this series focuses primarily on the magic system which is very intricate. While the magic system itself is mostly hard, the presentation of it in the first few volumes is soft; that is, there is a rigorous magic system underpinning the series, but when it comes to resolving situations, it is handled as a 'revealed secret talent'. Essentially, this is standard Japanese Shounen plot resolution. It's only really kept from being an ass pull by the fact that it's made clear ahead of time that the main character has a bunch of hidden talents ready to be revealed.
So what makes these books interesting? The setting. To reiterate, the entire purpose of these two novels, covering a hundred thousand words, is to introduce the major characters while describing in detail the magic system, the world, and the politics involved. This is a world where magic has been exposed and then subject to scientific scrutiny, then followed up with the application of proper engineering to maximize its utility. With technology being where it is, the primary utility of magic lies mostly in combat applications. As talented magicians represent a small portion of the population, there are social pressures and powerful factions involved. All this put together construct a world that feels real.
In some parts, however, certain elements are left unexplained as teasers to be fully revealed in later volumes.
If taking into account that this is a Japanese Light Novel, with all the implicit tropes, setting, and target audience implied, then this is a pretty good read.
Pros:
- Interesting setting
- Hard magic system
Cons:
- Material in this book serves as investment for a later payoff
- Characters feel like Mary Sues, and they overpower the threats arrayed against them.
July 16, 2016
This shit needs to be burned. 0 Freaking stars.
If you're thinking, that's harsh, trust me, it's not. Sword Art Line has better writing, story telling, characters, heck even ROMANCE than this crap-which is the most praise I can give SAO. And we all know how terrible SAO's romance was...
It starts off fine. WW3 has caused Japan to start relying on training students with magical powers. Those born with magic are put on a pedestal, but the social class distinctions don't end there.
Tatsuya and his sister, Miyuki, enroll in First High school (how original) where immediately Miyuki is the best there never was at magic. She's put into the Blooms class because she's a special flower while her bro is put into the Weeds because you know, weeds are dirty, nasty things. *Le sigh*
While there, turns out Tatsuya is actually a misunderstood genius who for some dumbass reason didn't wish to really stand out. You know, cuz he's so modest and stuff.
If there was any action scenes, info dumps were dumped onto your little head until the information exploded out of ears. It droned on for pages of senseless drivel that every author knows in their list of 10 Author Commadments that 'Thou shall not info dump on your reader like a twat.
Not only this but the incest omg stop it. Japan, despite all of its lovely stories and technologly, seems way too obsessed with the oniichan trope. Sexualizing your little sister isn't cute. Little sisters aren't always cute-they're your sibling and you're going to hate them sometimes. I swear, it seems like every time this is put into anime/manga it's like the creator never had a younger sister.
Because if they did, I assure you they wouldn't be sexualizing them. Or well maybe they would but then everyone would know for sure he's a little cray cray.
And if you're butthurt about your waifu's, let the man of legend speak for you:
This wasn't even the worst part. Not only does Tatsuya soon build a harmada harem without effort on his part, his sister is obsessively lusting after him, but the misogyny is real. The hormones are so sky high that the hero can't seem to focus on anything but what's in his pants. It was disgusting having to read his monologue of how turned on he was.
And then he tried to make it into some kind of artsy poetry prose about how horny he was. For his sister. Just no.
I recommend this to absolutely no on Earth.
If you're thinking, that's harsh, trust me, it's not. Sword Art Line has better writing, story telling, characters, heck even ROMANCE than this crap-which is the most praise I can give SAO. And we all know how terrible SAO's romance was...
It starts off fine. WW3 has caused Japan to start relying on training students with magical powers. Those born with magic are put on a pedestal, but the social class distinctions don't end there.
Tatsuya and his sister, Miyuki, enroll in First High school (how original) where immediately Miyuki is the best there never was at magic. She's put into the Blooms class because she's a special flower while her bro is put into the Weeds because you know, weeds are dirty, nasty things. *Le sigh*
While there, turns out Tatsuya is actually a misunderstood genius who for some dumbass reason didn't wish to really stand out. You know, cuz he's so modest and stuff.
If there was any action scenes, info dumps were dumped onto your little head until the information exploded out of ears. It droned on for pages of senseless drivel that every author knows in their list of 10 Author Commadments that 'Thou shall not info dump on your reader like a twat.
Not only this but the incest omg stop it. Japan, despite all of its lovely stories and technologly, seems way too obsessed with the oniichan trope. Sexualizing your little sister isn't cute. Little sisters aren't always cute-they're your sibling and you're going to hate them sometimes. I swear, it seems like every time this is put into anime/manga it's like the creator never had a younger sister.
Because if they did, I assure you they wouldn't be sexualizing them. Or well maybe they would but then everyone would know for sure he's a little cray cray.
And if you're butthurt about your waifu's, let the man of legend speak for you:
This wasn't even the worst part. Not only does Tatsuya soon build a harmada harem without effort on his part, his sister is obsessively lusting after him, but the misogyny is real. The hormones are so sky high that the hero can't seem to focus on anything but what's in his pants. It was disgusting having to read his monologue of how turned on he was.
And then he tried to make it into some kind of artsy poetry prose about how horny he was. For his sister. Just no.
I recommend this to absolutely no on Earth.
March 27, 2024
Unpopular opinion, I guess, but I love both the light novels and the anime
I actually like reading about sibling romance (I understand it's creepy in real life, and in that instance, I would agree, but come on, this is a story - it's made up).
I love how over-protective Tatsuya is of his little sister. Though I have to admit I find it incredibly annoying how much he wants to stay under the radar and how fine he seems with being used.
One thing I never seem to fully understand - I guess it's from he cultural differences - is why in these stories everyone seem to dance around certain subjects, instead of just getting to the point. But I am re-reading these in anticipation of the third season coming out (hopefully soon) and it probably won't be the last time.
I actually like reading about sibling romance (I understand it's creepy in real life, and in that instance, I would agree, but come on, this is a story - it's made up).
I love how over-protective Tatsuya is of his little sister. Though I have to admit I find it incredibly annoying how much he wants to stay under the radar and how fine he seems with being used.
One thing I never seem to fully understand - I guess it's from he cultural differences - is why in these stories everyone seem to dance around certain subjects, instead of just getting to the point. But I am re-reading these in anticipation of the third season coming out (hopefully soon) and it probably won't be the last time.
July 11, 2020
This is the first book in YA or Light novel series that is the original story of the anime with the same name form few years ago. There were only 1 season so I looked up the book series. The synopsis sounds like typical magical high school story with Shiba siblings as the lead but the world is pretty dark, bleak future set in post WW III in 2095 where Magic, magicians have become the new tactical weapons, nuclear weapons, means of power.
What I enjoy is the way the author writes the magic system that sounds more like SF story with a lot technology info dumps, a world where the magic is more of a technical ability, not only talent.
That is why this is a fun, fascinating read because of the pretty neat magic science system. Not because the YA, Japanese high school part of the story which is similar to every J-drama/anime/manga ever about a high school. I'm here only to see the dark future setting where these teens are schooled in magic, hard science only so their nation can use them as weapons to rule the world over North American Federation, East Asia Alliance which is this world's version of USA, China. The new arms race is about weapons, companies powered by highly skilled magicians.
What I enjoy is the way the author writes the magic system that sounds more like SF story with a lot technology info dumps, a world where the magic is more of a technical ability, not only talent.
That is why this is a fun, fascinating read because of the pretty neat magic science system. Not because the YA, Japanese high school part of the story which is similar to every J-drama/anime/manga ever about a high school. I'm here only to see the dark future setting where these teens are schooled in magic, hard science only so their nation can use them as weapons to rule the world over North American Federation, East Asia Alliance which is this world's version of USA, China. The new arms race is about weapons, companies powered by highly skilled magicians.
February 22, 2019
Superstar magical siblings Tatsuya and Miyuki have arrived as first-year students at Magic High School in Tokyo. Miyuki is a self-evident magical genius and has been enrolled in Course 1; Tatsuya's practical scores were mediocre and he is in Course 2, the "Weeds" of the school. He's actually a brilliant physical fighter, and his magic is powerful as well--just not in a way that can be measured by standardized tests. Despite his seemingly indifferent approach to the world (all but mandatory in a early 21st-century light novel protagonist), his skills are drawing a lot of attention, and he has already been recruited to the disciplinary committee at school: a first for a Course 2 student.
Don't let the two-star rating fool you. This is a perfectly decent light novel. The pace is light and quick, with a nice balance between banter and fight scenes, and also between the familiar and the original. The science-fantasy background is cool, with lots of fun gadgets to enhance the students' magic. Even the male gaze isn't 100% typical--it's handled in such a way that it didn't slap me in the face every couple of pages, which is a kind of miracle for a light novel. (Note, a few months later: the miracle ends as of v. 2. Oh well!)
The characters are fun and silly, very anime-like. Tatsuya and Miyuki are an interesting pair, especially since their roles in the world/school are bound to be so different. Some of the tensions between them are more than a little questionable, the less said about that the better.
It's easy to tell how this story got popular as an online serial and drew the attention of a major publisher. The publisher's contribution is an afterword, some prefatory material (very skippable, imo), and selecting an illustrator who made the characters really cute. :) Actually the illustrations helped remind me of who was who, since there are quite a few characters, many sketched lightly in just a sentence or two.
This is a really appealing story... with a terrible translation that drops it down a star all by itself. I don't know what the translator's actual method was, but it feels like they made sure that every single word in Japanese made it into the English text, regardless of flow, or feeling, or even of making sense. A few sentences are literally incomprehensible. This volume could really have done with a complete editorial overhaul. I can't recommend this unless you're already a light novel fan, which is a shame.
Don't let the two-star rating fool you. This is a perfectly decent light novel. The pace is light and quick, with a nice balance between banter and fight scenes, and also between the familiar and the original. The science-fantasy background is cool, with lots of fun gadgets to enhance the students' magic. Even the male gaze isn't 100% typical--it's handled in such a way that it didn't slap me in the face every couple of pages, which is a kind of miracle for a light novel. (Note, a few months later: the miracle ends as of v. 2. Oh well!)
The characters are fun and silly, very anime-like. Tatsuya and Miyuki are an interesting pair, especially since their roles in the world/school are bound to be so different. Some of the tensions between them are more than a little questionable, the less said about that the better.
It's easy to tell how this story got popular as an online serial and drew the attention of a major publisher. The publisher's contribution is an afterword, some prefatory material (very skippable, imo), and selecting an illustrator who made the characters really cute. :) Actually the illustrations helped remind me of who was who, since there are quite a few characters, many sketched lightly in just a sentence or two.
This is a really appealing story... with a terrible translation that drops it down a star all by itself. I don't know what the translator's actual method was, but it feels like they made sure that every single word in Japanese made it into the English text, regardless of flow, or feeling, or even of making sense. A few sentences are literally incomprehensible. This volume could really have done with a complete editorial overhaul. I can't recommend this unless you're already a light novel fan, which is a shame.
March 6, 2018
I can't get past the overly sister brother love in this to get through the rest of the series. The plot is a generic as hell. The sister is totally over the top about being in love with her brother. That might be cool with some people. But having a brother/sister fetish has never been something I was cool with. Won't be reading anymore of this series.
December 26, 2016
gimme gimme gimme!!!
September 4, 2016
If you'd like to watch my youtube review, please click on this link: The Irregular at Magic High School Volume 1.
The magical high school is perhaps one of the most prolific genres in the light novel community. There are dozens upon dozens of stories that involve a bunch of high school kids going to a school, learning magic, and fighting in magical tournaments. Light novels like Asterisk Wars, Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Infinite Stratos, and so many more literally saturate the light novel landscape.
The Irregular at Magic High School is another one of those magic high school light novels, and I think it's one of the better ones. This story is about Miyuki and Tatsuya, a pair of siblings who are about to attend their first year at the renowned National Magic University Affiliated First Magic High School—dear god, that was a mouth full.
Anyway, the brilliant and magically talented Miyuki enters course 1, which is the course that the more talented students attend. Being a course 1 student gives you some benefits, such as individual tutoring with teachers. Meanwhile, Tatsuya is relegated to course 2.
So, here we immediately have a divide. Course 1 and Course 2 is quite obviously a way to segregate students considered less talented. Course 2 students are basically the bottom of the barrel in terms of ability. They've been dubbed “weeds.”
Now, the reason for this derogatory nickname is because the Course 2 students lack the pendant emblem on their shoulder, which resembles a flower. Course 1 students, who do have this flower-like emblem, are known as Blooms.
I feel like Weeds and Blooms were placed in this story as a means of showing that, no matter the era, people will always be prejudice. Saying that, I'm kind of appalled by how the Course 1 students treat the Course 2 students. There are supposedly rules governing conduct between the two types of students, yet no one but a few people seem to even care. And where are the adults in all this? It seems as if they've completely disappeared from this story.
Despite being a Course 2 student, we quickly learn that Tatsuya is not a force that you can afford to underestimate. He's apparently a master at martial arts, is being trained by a shinobi, and has a powerful magic that only he can use—though we're not told what that magic is. To top it off, Tatsuya is highly intelligent.
Tatsuya's goal in coming to this institute is to become a magic engineer. Now, here's a bit of interesting information for all of you. The magic found in The Irregular at Magic High School is very scientific. In fact, I'd say it's more of a science than it is magic.
While people can use things like incantations, grimoires, and wands to cast magic, most people don't rely on such methods anymore. Instead they rely on Casting Assistant Devices, or CAD for short. The basic idea is that a CAD incorporates synthetic materials—or artificially manufactured neurons—that convert Psion signals into electronic signals by using the Psion from a magic ritual—or sequence—to produce a collection of electronic magic known as an activation sequence. In laymen terms, it's a device that does all of the work that a regular magic ritual—incantation, wand waving, or whatever—for you. This allows for faster casting time.
The magic system is actually my favorite part about the series so far. It's very complex and, as I mentioned before, it feels more like a science than a magic. The process in how magic is produced using a CAD is detailed to the point that I feel like I could walk up to a science class, explain the concept to them, and they would think I was talking about a legitimate scientific theory and not magical jargon from a book.
However, while the magic system is impressive, the story itself is not. I don't dislike the high school setting, and I'm not bothered by that “magic” theme. Even so, the story feels less like it's telling a story, and more like it's setting up the world to tell us a story.
I'm also kinda iffy on Tatsuya, to be honest. While volume one doesn't give me enough information to create a conclusive theory, I feel like he strays very closely to Mary Sue territory. I suppose only time will tell if that's true.
On the other hand, Miyuki IS a Mary Sue from what we've seen—at least, according to Tatsuya's perspective, his sister is perfect. She's gorgeous, she's intelligent, she's at the top of her class, etc, etc. I don't think I'd be so bothered by this if Satou Tsutomu had been able to show us her beauty instead of telling us her beauty.
Writers always hear about how they should “show” us a story instead of “tell” us a story. While I don't normally focus on this aspect, I can agree that this volume had far more tell than it did show. Miyuki is the perfect example of this. Whenever she's described, Satou Tsutomu always describes her as a “pretty.” Literally. We'll get a sentence that talks about how she's very pretty and makes heads turn. That's all well and good, but it doesn't show us how she's pretty. It doesn't show us how her dark hair glimmers as it catches sunlight, or how her fair complexion is more pure than freshly powdered snow. We're just told that she's pretty and we're supposed to accept that.
I don't blame Yen Press for this particular issue. They've always done an admirable job of translating what the author wrote. This feels more like a problem on the author's part. Saying that, I'm willing to forgive this issue, since it is his first novel, and if I'm being honest, my first novel was mediocre at best.
As I mentioned before, this volume feels more like a set up than it does a complete story. We're given a lot of information, we're introduced to a lot of characters, and quite a few things happen, but the first volume is a story without a resolution. There's no clear problem that Tatsuya needs to solve, no clear stakes, and no clear motive for the main character. What's more, the story ends on a cliff hanger, making it so you have to buy the next volume if you want to hope for a resolution.
While the end is off-putting, and I felt like some of the themes and writing could do with improvements, I did enjoy reading this volume—and I'd recommend it to anyone who's looking to get into Japanese light novels.
The magical high school is perhaps one of the most prolific genres in the light novel community. There are dozens upon dozens of stories that involve a bunch of high school kids going to a school, learning magic, and fighting in magical tournaments. Light novels like Asterisk Wars, Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Infinite Stratos, and so many more literally saturate the light novel landscape.
The Irregular at Magic High School is another one of those magic high school light novels, and I think it's one of the better ones. This story is about Miyuki and Tatsuya, a pair of siblings who are about to attend their first year at the renowned National Magic University Affiliated First Magic High School—dear god, that was a mouth full.
Anyway, the brilliant and magically talented Miyuki enters course 1, which is the course that the more talented students attend. Being a course 1 student gives you some benefits, such as individual tutoring with teachers. Meanwhile, Tatsuya is relegated to course 2.
So, here we immediately have a divide. Course 1 and Course 2 is quite obviously a way to segregate students considered less talented. Course 2 students are basically the bottom of the barrel in terms of ability. They've been dubbed “weeds.”
Now, the reason for this derogatory nickname is because the Course 2 students lack the pendant emblem on their shoulder, which resembles a flower. Course 1 students, who do have this flower-like emblem, are known as Blooms.
I feel like Weeds and Blooms were placed in this story as a means of showing that, no matter the era, people will always be prejudice. Saying that, I'm kind of appalled by how the Course 1 students treat the Course 2 students. There are supposedly rules governing conduct between the two types of students, yet no one but a few people seem to even care. And where are the adults in all this? It seems as if they've completely disappeared from this story.
Despite being a Course 2 student, we quickly learn that Tatsuya is not a force that you can afford to underestimate. He's apparently a master at martial arts, is being trained by a shinobi, and has a powerful magic that only he can use—though we're not told what that magic is. To top it off, Tatsuya is highly intelligent.
Tatsuya's goal in coming to this institute is to become a magic engineer. Now, here's a bit of interesting information for all of you. The magic found in The Irregular at Magic High School is very scientific. In fact, I'd say it's more of a science than it is magic.
While people can use things like incantations, grimoires, and wands to cast magic, most people don't rely on such methods anymore. Instead they rely on Casting Assistant Devices, or CAD for short. The basic idea is that a CAD incorporates synthetic materials—or artificially manufactured neurons—that convert Psion signals into electronic signals by using the Psion from a magic ritual—or sequence—to produce a collection of electronic magic known as an activation sequence. In laymen terms, it's a device that does all of the work that a regular magic ritual—incantation, wand waving, or whatever—for you. This allows for faster casting time.
The magic system is actually my favorite part about the series so far. It's very complex and, as I mentioned before, it feels more like a science than a magic. The process in how magic is produced using a CAD is detailed to the point that I feel like I could walk up to a science class, explain the concept to them, and they would think I was talking about a legitimate scientific theory and not magical jargon from a book.
However, while the magic system is impressive, the story itself is not. I don't dislike the high school setting, and I'm not bothered by that “magic” theme. Even so, the story feels less like it's telling a story, and more like it's setting up the world to tell us a story.
I'm also kinda iffy on Tatsuya, to be honest. While volume one doesn't give me enough information to create a conclusive theory, I feel like he strays very closely to Mary Sue territory. I suppose only time will tell if that's true.
On the other hand, Miyuki IS a Mary Sue from what we've seen—at least, according to Tatsuya's perspective, his sister is perfect. She's gorgeous, she's intelligent, she's at the top of her class, etc, etc. I don't think I'd be so bothered by this if Satou Tsutomu had been able to show us her beauty instead of telling us her beauty.
Writers always hear about how they should “show” us a story instead of “tell” us a story. While I don't normally focus on this aspect, I can agree that this volume had far more tell than it did show. Miyuki is the perfect example of this. Whenever she's described, Satou Tsutomu always describes her as a “pretty.” Literally. We'll get a sentence that talks about how she's very pretty and makes heads turn. That's all well and good, but it doesn't show us how she's pretty. It doesn't show us how her dark hair glimmers as it catches sunlight, or how her fair complexion is more pure than freshly powdered snow. We're just told that she's pretty and we're supposed to accept that.
I don't blame Yen Press for this particular issue. They've always done an admirable job of translating what the author wrote. This feels more like a problem on the author's part. Saying that, I'm willing to forgive this issue, since it is his first novel, and if I'm being honest, my first novel was mediocre at best.
As I mentioned before, this volume feels more like a set up than it does a complete story. We're given a lot of information, we're introduced to a lot of characters, and quite a few things happen, but the first volume is a story without a resolution. There's no clear problem that Tatsuya needs to solve, no clear stakes, and no clear motive for the main character. What's more, the story ends on a cliff hanger, making it so you have to buy the next volume if you want to hope for a resolution.
While the end is off-putting, and I felt like some of the themes and writing could do with improvements, I did enjoy reading this volume—and I'd recommend it to anyone who's looking to get into Japanese light novels.
November 4, 2019
I decided to read this book (light novel) because of all the things the anime version fails to explain. Not, perhaps, the best of reasons to read a book, but there you go. As a sort of Cliff's Notes for the anime, it worked very well and I actually like the plot and characters. Correction: I much prefer the character of Tatsuya in the anime. When you can see inside his head, he comes over as much more of an arse.
The novel suffers a bit from having been produced in a serialised form for publication on a web site. It's a bit like reading Dickens. No, I'm not comparing Satou's writing to Charles Dickens, but most of Dickens' work was published in newspapers, episodically. As a result, a lot of stuff gets repeated because the reader might have forgotten it. It's the same with this book. It really could have used an editor going over it and trimming the fat. (Then again, the anime has a typo in the subtitles. It's the first time I've ever spotted that.) The translation doesn't work wonders for the text either.
The worldbuilding and much of the characterisation is excellent. I do think the male lead appears to have some enormously illogical elements about him, though they may be better explained in later volumes. Since this is only the first part of the first arc, I'll likely try the next book. I'm hoping some of the problems will be worked through in the next. If so, I'll certainly be giving that one a better score.
If you've watched the anime and liked it, you'll probably find the original source material entertaining and informative. If not, I'd watch the anime on Netflix before you consider reading the book. (CAD means Casting Assistance Device. There, that's one unexplained thing you don't need the book for.)
The novel suffers a bit from having been produced in a serialised form for publication on a web site. It's a bit like reading Dickens. No, I'm not comparing Satou's writing to Charles Dickens, but most of Dickens' work was published in newspapers, episodically. As a result, a lot of stuff gets repeated because the reader might have forgotten it. It's the same with this book. It really could have used an editor going over it and trimming the fat. (Then again, the anime has a typo in the subtitles. It's the first time I've ever spotted that.) The translation doesn't work wonders for the text either.
The worldbuilding and much of the characterisation is excellent. I do think the male lead appears to have some enormously illogical elements about him, though they may be better explained in later volumes. Since this is only the first part of the first arc, I'll likely try the next book. I'm hoping some of the problems will be worked through in the next. If so, I'll certainly be giving that one a better score.
If you've watched the anime and liked it, you'll probably find the original source material entertaining and informative. If not, I'd watch the anime on Netflix before you consider reading the book. (CAD means Casting Assistance Device. There, that's one unexplained thing you don't need the book for.)
January 30, 2024
The very best of the genre share a common trait. You see parts of Japanese culture that is rarely shown. The actions and reactions of the characters tell us so much about the Japanese view of the world.
The magic system is extremely consistent. There are several things going on and figuring out what is going on is a joy.
The main character is not an anti-hero, but I would challenge anyone saying he is a true hero. He is very Japanaese. The clan system is fascinating.
I LOVE THIS SERIES!
The magic system is extremely consistent. There are several things going on and figuring out what is going on is a joy.
The main character is not an anti-hero, but I would challenge anyone saying he is a true hero. He is very Japanaese. The clan system is fascinating.
I LOVE THIS SERIES!
February 13, 2018
The majority of light novels seem to fit in one of two categories. Either they are isekai stories, that is something variation on the "transported to another world" theme, or they are magic high school series, think Harry Potter with a lot more fighting. Irregular at Magic High School fits snuggly in to the second category, in some sense it might be the definitive title of the genre.
My complaints with it however has your do with the translation. It is very literal in its translation making it at times feel more like a fan translation than an official translation. This might give an authentic feel to the book but it ruins the reading experience. There is a reason I stay away from fan translations, so when I read an official translation I don't expect the writing to be this stiff, with odd sentence structures and at times right out hard to read.
My complaints with it however has your do with the translation. It is very literal in its translation making it at times feel more like a fan translation than an official translation. This might give an authentic feel to the book but it ruins the reading experience. There is a reason I stay away from fan translations, so when I read an official translation I don't expect the writing to be this stiff, with odd sentence structures and at times right out hard to read.
January 19, 2019
that relationship is creepy, the rest technical things are actually cool
May 10, 2018
Very difficult to read bc of clunky, awkward, and confusingly written prose. I’m not sure if the fault lies in the source material or if the translation is just that bad. It’s unfortunate because the world building is really interesting. You can tell the author gave a lot of thought to this unique way of using magic. I also find Tetsuya an intriguing character. You can also tell this was originally an online serial bc information is repeated several times, something unnecessary in such a short work. I may try one more volume and hope things improve.
Example: “The moment he realized it, the object of ‘himself’ became a phenomenon born within him, and he cut it off.” - I have no clue what that means.
Example: “The moment he realized it, the object of ‘himself’ became a phenomenon born within him, and he cut it off.” - I have no clue what that means.
January 31, 2024
An irregular older brother with a certain flaw. An honour roll younger sister who is perfectly flawless. When the two siblings enrolled in Magic High School a dramatic life unfolded.
I'll freely admit that this is the second time around I'm reading this book, the first time around however was the fan translation. The official translation is just as good if not better than the fan translation. I found the minor differences to enhance my enjoyment of the book.
I love the blend of magic and technology and the thought that the author put into how they would work together. As an engineer myself I find all the little technical details real appealing making me love this series.
If you're a fan of the anime, or simply looking for a interesting read. This is the book for you. Can't wait to get my hands on the official copy of the next book.
I'll freely admit that this is the second time around I'm reading this book, the first time around however was the fan translation. The official translation is just as good if not better than the fan translation. I found the minor differences to enhance my enjoyment of the book.
I love the blend of magic and technology and the thought that the author put into how they would work together. As an engineer myself I find all the little technical details real appealing making me love this series.
If you're a fan of the anime, or simply looking for a interesting read. This is the book for you. Can't wait to get my hands on the official copy of the next book.
August 28, 2021
This is so stuffed with technobabble that it’s impossible to follow the story. Imagine you were having a conversation with someone, and after every sentence they insisted on reading a ten-minute chunk of extremely similar-sounding descriptions of psions and CADs. I could not keep track of the characters, which I’m usually pretty good at. Eventually, of course, I got fed up, and so I stopped at about 40%.
September 13, 2016
This book was an awesome example of following the manga and anime. The book was a faster pace read that was always making me want to turn the page and read more and more till the end. The story has lots of emotion that make the reader connect with the characters. The book shows examples of just because you think someone is lower than you it doesn't mean they are.
March 4, 2014
Impressive setting and characters! A wonderful world to live with with science and magic at its peak.
June 11, 2019
The story seemed alright. I picked it up after watching the anime, and the magic system seems interesting. However, the translation is awful. I couldn't get through it.
October 13, 2022
This was pretty terrible. Mostly due to the constant bleating about the sibling complex of the MC and sister. The author just kept on harping on the same shite on and oooon...
March 18, 2021
Tsutomu Sato a écrit cette histoire en marge de son travail. Au début, il s’agissait simplement de passer son temps livre, il l’a auto-publié sur une plateforme puis a été contacté par une maison d’édition. L’apport d’argent lui a permis de continuer à vivre sa passion : l’écriture. Sans sa saga et la conjecture, il aurait dû prendre un deuxième travail et abandonner la plume. L’histoire est originale, intéressante et très aboutie, mais chargée. L’auteur fait apparaître un grand nombre de nouveautés, normal puisque nous sommes presque au 22e siècle...
La troisième guerre mondiale a pris fin suite à l’intervention des magiciens. Leur magie est moderne et liée à la technologie, pas comme dans les contes du siècle précédent. Cela fait 30 ans. Les magiciens se sont assurés ensuite de prendre le pouvoir, de dominer les humains, dans l’ordre et la sécurité. Après quelques études, les magiciens héritent de la magie dans leurs gènes. D’autres études ont permis de prouver que la puissance (l’intensité) du flux de magie par le lien entre la magie et la personne la gérant. C’est le fruit également de pouvoir calculatif par la personne. Le magicien est très souvent aider d’un CAD, qui lui permet de se concentrer sur son pouvoir calculatif et ainsi apprécier davantage la puissance et la précision d’exécution de sa magie. Même si les combats magiques sont nombreux, ils sont souvent réglés en quelques minutes car personne ne souhaite aller jusqu’au combat à mort. Deux formes de CAD existent : l’un dit générique qui peut comporter jusqu’à 99 sorts mais sera moins rapide, l’autre dit spécialisé qui ne contient que 9 sorts et a une vitesse d’exécution supérieure. La magie s’exprime principalement sur les éléments, mais il existe plusieurs moyens de la percevoir...
https://miniehouselook.wordpress.com/...
La troisième guerre mondiale a pris fin suite à l’intervention des magiciens. Leur magie est moderne et liée à la technologie, pas comme dans les contes du siècle précédent. Cela fait 30 ans. Les magiciens se sont assurés ensuite de prendre le pouvoir, de dominer les humains, dans l’ordre et la sécurité. Après quelques études, les magiciens héritent de la magie dans leurs gènes. D’autres études ont permis de prouver que la puissance (l’intensité) du flux de magie par le lien entre la magie et la personne la gérant. C’est le fruit également de pouvoir calculatif par la personne. Le magicien est très souvent aider d’un CAD, qui lui permet de se concentrer sur son pouvoir calculatif et ainsi apprécier davantage la puissance et la précision d’exécution de sa magie. Même si les combats magiques sont nombreux, ils sont souvent réglés en quelques minutes car personne ne souhaite aller jusqu’au combat à mort. Deux formes de CAD existent : l’un dit générique qui peut comporter jusqu’à 99 sorts mais sera moins rapide, l’autre dit spécialisé qui ne contient que 9 sorts et a une vitesse d’exécution supérieure. La magie s’exprime principalement sur les éléments, mais il existe plusieurs moyens de la percevoir...
https://miniehouselook.wordpress.com/...
March 25, 2022
I looked into this because I watched the anime on Crunchyroll. It is a fun show, but I got the sense that I was missing a lot of content. It was in the way events were presented and exposition was delivered, they hinted at much more. So, I picked up the first volume out of curiosity. I was right. There is a lot more going on than the anime shows.
The anime shows the events that take place and the outward relationships between characters. It doesn't show all the world-building and magic theory that the author, Tsutomu Sato, put into the light novel. Just as an example of the former, Tsutomu Sato uses several paragraphs to describe the evolution of the train system in Japan, and the effect this has on human life and relationships. The magic system gets even more space.
Indeed, one could say that this story is not so much about the Shiba Siblings as much as it is about this modern magic system that Tsutomu Sato has devised. Chapter 0 is entirely about magic, and various points about it and its terminology are re-iterated to enforce understanding or introduce something new. The Shiba Siblings, standing at opposite ends of this magic system, serve to illustrate various mechanical and social effects of it.
Overall, I found this to be a somber and technical story. It doesn't have many highs or lows, simply progressing at an even pace. Even fight scenes are like this. It is kind of like Tatsuya Shiba's mood, stoic-leaning-dour. It is a very interesting story, but I can't say I enjoyed reading it. Then again, this is the Enrollment Arc, and this arc isn't as much fun in the anime as the following arcs are. I'm thinking the next volume I read will be the start of the Nine Schools Competition arc.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "The Irregular at the Magic High School - light novel volume 1" an A
The anime shows the events that take place and the outward relationships between characters. It doesn't show all the world-building and magic theory that the author, Tsutomu Sato, put into the light novel. Just as an example of the former, Tsutomu Sato uses several paragraphs to describe the evolution of the train system in Japan, and the effect this has on human life and relationships. The magic system gets even more space.
Indeed, one could say that this story is not so much about the Shiba Siblings as much as it is about this modern magic system that Tsutomu Sato has devised. Chapter 0 is entirely about magic, and various points about it and its terminology are re-iterated to enforce understanding or introduce something new. The Shiba Siblings, standing at opposite ends of this magic system, serve to illustrate various mechanical and social effects of it.
Overall, I found this to be a somber and technical story. It doesn't have many highs or lows, simply progressing at an even pace. Even fight scenes are like this. It is kind of like Tatsuya Shiba's mood, stoic-leaning-dour. It is a very interesting story, but I can't say I enjoyed reading it. Then again, this is the Enrollment Arc, and this arc isn't as much fun in the anime as the following arcs are. I'm thinking the next volume I read will be the start of the Nine Schools Competition arc.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "The Irregular at the Magic High School - light novel volume 1" an A
August 6, 2019
I saw the first few episodes of this anime a year ago and ever since I have want to read the novels it was based on (and continue the anime afterwards)
I was not disappointed. I enjoy our main character, who tries to be distant and standoffish, but still manages to end up with a good group of friends. The magic system is interesting, though its description is often info-dumping and quite technical (the main reason that this wasn't a 5* read).
Now, I looked at a lot of 1* reviews that complained about a couple of things:
1. The info dumping...like I said, that holds it back from a 5* for me, but I understand why they do it, and it goes along with #2, so
2. No plot to the book, kindof a prologue. The problem with 1 &2 really stems from how this book was originally written. It was serialized online, which means it was likely written with the idea that readers may not have read the previous chapter or may not have JUST read it, and therefore would need a quick (re)introduction. It also means that it wasn't originally written as a single volume, and that the publisher likely chose how many chapters to include.
3. The elephant in the room. Incest. Does his sister have feelings for him or the romantic nature? Yes. Does he have romantic feelings for her? Not as of this volume. Yes, his affection for her is more than that of normal siblings, but it is not romantic. They talk briefly about him being attracted to 2 other girls over the course of the story, but he pushes those feeling aside quickly due to the situations he is in. Could he develop romantic feelings for his sister? Possibly, but let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
I was not disappointed. I enjoy our main character, who tries to be distant and standoffish, but still manages to end up with a good group of friends. The magic system is interesting, though its description is often info-dumping and quite technical (the main reason that this wasn't a 5* read).
Now, I looked at a lot of 1* reviews that complained about a couple of things:
1. The info dumping...like I said, that holds it back from a 5* for me, but I understand why they do it, and it goes along with #2, so
2. No plot to the book, kindof a prologue. The problem with 1 &2 really stems from how this book was originally written. It was serialized online, which means it was likely written with the idea that readers may not have read the previous chapter or may not have JUST read it, and therefore would need a quick (re)introduction. It also means that it wasn't originally written as a single volume, and that the publisher likely chose how many chapters to include.
3. The elephant in the room. Incest. Does his sister have feelings for him or the romantic nature? Yes. Does he have romantic feelings for her? Not as of this volume. Yes, his affection for her is more than that of normal siblings, but it is not romantic. They talk briefly about him being attracted to 2 other girls over the course of the story, but he pushes those feeling aside quickly due to the situations he is in. Could he develop romantic feelings for his sister? Possibly, but let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
July 24, 2021
First and foremost, I did like it (at least many aspects of it) and will certainly be checking out more. I like the magic system and am curious to learn more about it and how it works. We are introduced to a very classist society (even in an elite HS where those who are looked down on there are elite compared to the rest of the country) and not everyone it happy with that situation. I hope we see more on it and how it is handled. I enjoyed many of the characters and look forward to getting to know them.
This very much was a book introducing a world that has a lot to offer and needs a bit of time to get that information to the reader without scores of pages of exposition dump.
Now to the not so great -- the little sister trope. It just isn't my thing. Even Kaede in Rascal Does Not Dream gets on my nerves with it. Her arc (coming out in English at the end of this month) has it's own heartbreaks, but through the previous volumes... I wish they'd just give it up, but since the authors haven't I will have a negative reaction to it. It is just who I am.
Now to the book -- it's not even 200 pages but still took me nearly a week to read. Not because the material is uninteresting. But rather I found my eyes tripping over themselves while reading. It certainly was not the smoothest read out there. But then it is a debut book (yes, I know it was a web novel and this is adjusted from that) but it is still largely a first work. So I hope Sato can straighten that out a bit.
All in all -- an interesting world with some interesting characters that I look forward to learning more about.
This very much was a book introducing a world that has a lot to offer and needs a bit of time to get that information to the reader without scores of pages of exposition dump.
Now to the not so great -- the little sister trope. It just isn't my thing. Even Kaede in Rascal Does Not Dream gets on my nerves with it. Her arc (coming out in English at the end of this month) has it's own heartbreaks, but through the previous volumes... I wish they'd just give it up, but since the authors haven't I will have a negative reaction to it. It is just who I am.
Now to the book -- it's not even 200 pages but still took me nearly a week to read. Not because the material is uninteresting. But rather I found my eyes tripping over themselves while reading. It certainly was not the smoothest read out there. But then it is a debut book (yes, I know it was a web novel and this is adjusted from that) but it is still largely a first work. So I hope Sato can straighten that out a bit.
All in all -- an interesting world with some interesting characters that I look forward to learning more about.
February 19, 2018
What a disappointment. the setting was so interesting but It was in no way near it potential.
The unique way of magic and the way of classifying of the students and its consequences where the reason I bought and wanted tot read the book. Unfortunately those two things are mere background things.
The Main element in this volume is the weird/unclear relationship between the two siblings(Are they even that? CONFUSING!) and of course the fact that the younger sister is amazing with magic! But don't forget that the older brother who has a weak skill for magic is even better with magic????
Maybe it's just me but I am lost, Another big issue I have with the volume Is that it is a clear first volume. the ENTIRE book is just one long prologue There is no clear build-up just a bunch of side-characters that we get to meet for a few pages. Which is a big shame The idea behind it has a great potential. For me personally it just doesn't gets what it deserves.
The unique way of magic and the way of classifying of the students and its consequences where the reason I bought and wanted tot read the book. Unfortunately those two things are mere background things.
The Main element in this volume is the weird/unclear relationship between the two siblings(Are they even that? CONFUSING!) and of course the fact that the younger sister is amazing with magic! But don't forget that the older brother who has a weak skill for magic is even better with magic????
Maybe it's just me but I am lost, Another big issue I have with the volume Is that it is a clear first volume. the ENTIRE book is just one long prologue There is no clear build-up just a bunch of side-characters that we get to meet for a few pages. Which is a big shame The idea behind it has a great potential. For me personally it just doesn't gets what it deserves.
August 18, 2018
Ok so I've seen the anime long before I read the light novel, and I've picked this up because I've been made aware the light novel continues after the anime and well I want more.
Now I don't know if it suffers a little in translation but while the writing itself is good, its very basic and has the odd issue here and there, for example a character will speak but only after they are finished talking does the book tell you who said what. That can throw things off a little as more than once I thought a perhaps the MC said something but it actually came from another character.
Like I said I watched the anime first, so as I read this I can picture the scenes in my head and I know what the author is trying to get across to the reader, so I do get joy out of it. I don't think I could actually read this otherwise so I do worry about later volumes past the anime but I wouldn't recommend this for English readers if they haven't watched the anime.
Now I don't know if it suffers a little in translation but while the writing itself is good, its very basic and has the odd issue here and there, for example a character will speak but only after they are finished talking does the book tell you who said what. That can throw things off a little as more than once I thought a perhaps the MC said something but it actually came from another character.
Like I said I watched the anime first, so as I read this I can picture the scenes in my head and I know what the author is trying to get across to the reader, so I do get joy out of it. I don't think I could actually read this otherwise so I do worry about later volumes past the anime but I wouldn't recommend this for English readers if they haven't watched the anime.
December 12, 2022
So, so disappointing
I've had this on my wish list for a while - after watching season 1 of the anime in fact - and decided to give myself a treat as I'm not feeling too well (stupid cold weather, stupid pre-Christmas deadlines). The world is just as complex and interesting as I remembered, and there are some nice illustrations. This thing for the low rating is the terrible translation.
I struggled to identify who was speaking, especially in big groups and the language was extremely clunky and did not flow very well. I had to concentrate as I read it, which is not what I want in recreational reading!
Thinking about it, it felt like the level of translation that I would expect from a fan version (i.e. done in your spare time as a hobby), so paying for it felt very unsatisfying. This was further underlined by the odd "----------" marks, especially in the second half of the book.
If this is the level of their translations, I'm avoiding Yen On light novels in the future.
I've had this on my wish list for a while - after watching season 1 of the anime in fact - and decided to give myself a treat as I'm not feeling too well (stupid cold weather, stupid pre-Christmas deadlines). The world is just as complex and interesting as I remembered, and there are some nice illustrations. This thing for the low rating is the terrible translation.
I struggled to identify who was speaking, especially in big groups and the language was extremely clunky and did not flow very well. I had to concentrate as I read it, which is not what I want in recreational reading!
Thinking about it, it felt like the level of translation that I would expect from a fan version (i.e. done in your spare time as a hobby), so paying for it felt very unsatisfying. This was further underlined by the odd "----------" marks, especially in the second half of the book.
If this is the level of their translations, I'm avoiding Yen On light novels in the future.
January 18, 2018
Watched some of the episodes before I started reading this. Love the anime series, and now I loved this book. The only complaint I have is it is a little harder to tell who said what. I've read light novels before, so this is to be expected at first. But other than that, I can't wait to read the rest of the light novels.
For those who are about to read this novel, be prepared to have your brain overheat. It's confusing at first, but if you read slowly then it'll be easy to understand. Even if you don't totally get it, you can get the main jist of it. Personally, I loved trying to understand the technical terms in this novel. And I can't wait to do it again when I read the next novel.
Overall, I loved this light novel, and I recommend this to those who want to read a both fantasy and sci-fi at the same time. Enjoy :)
For those who are about to read this novel, be prepared to have your brain overheat. It's confusing at first, but if you read slowly then it'll be easy to understand. Even if you don't totally get it, you can get the main jist of it. Personally, I loved trying to understand the technical terms in this novel. And I can't wait to do it again when I read the next novel.
Overall, I loved this light novel, and I recommend this to those who want to read a both fantasy and sci-fi at the same time. Enjoy :)
May 31, 2020
First let start by saying if you can find the free version of these book(since the author had published the first two online before he went to a publisher) read it that way. Do not waste your money. Watch the ANIME instead. There is a incest troupe in this series, however I’m 70% sure nothing will come to fruit because it’s one side on the sister’s part( however it is still on the creepy side). Later in the series it says Tatsuya is incapable of any attachments. So READ at your own risk in case I’m wrong, but as of book three, no incest. Also this is translated from Japanese to English so it has awkward sentence structures at times. Unlike the anime, it does give magic explanations, which is helpful to reader in understanding the world structure. It’s about 80% magical explanations (which I enjoy) and 20% plot.
April 28, 2021
Great Japanese light novel, although a bit of shame that there is no Kindle version. Like the mix of SF (story is set about 1 century into the future) with the addition of magic, although the magic has a strong technological and software component. As with many light novels, protagonist is powerful, if not OP, but his life is far from easy. Not particular believable, 15-years kids rarely are as experienced and able, but that is just fun for me. Little is revealed about the protagonist and his sister, and the overall story of the series seems to be about the bigger mystery. There is a bit more depth to the characters in the book then in most light novels I have read, and it is more about interpersonal relations that the world as such. Part 1 and 2 are actually one story, so if you want the complete story expect to buy 2 books.
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