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Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile
The apocalypse is over, but the journey is only beginning.
The world may not have ended after the Meteor fell, but life has forever changed for the survivors of the cataclysm. Mako is no longer a viable source of energy, and an incurable new disease is spreading amid the societal upheaval. But even when brought face-to-face with grief, regret, and despair, people will find a way to pave their own path to the future-to stand tall and live.
This collection of short stories serves as an epilogue to one of the most beloved installments of the hit Final Fantasy video game series, as well as a prequel to the cinematic follow-up, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. A must-own for enthusiasts and newcomers alike!
The world may not have ended after the Meteor fell, but life has forever changed for the survivors of the cataclysm. Mako is no longer a viable source of energy, and an incurable new disease is spreading amid the societal upheaval. But even when brought face-to-face with grief, regret, and despair, people will find a way to pave their own path to the future-to stand tall and live.
This collection of short stories serves as an epilogue to one of the most beloved installments of the hit Final Fantasy video game series, as well as a prequel to the cinematic follow-up, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. A must-own for enthusiasts and newcomers alike!
204 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2009
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1202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
April 26, 2021
Midgar era divisa in due mondi ben distinti. Da un lato la Città Alta, che sorgeva imponente su un'enorme lastra d'acciaio, sorretta in aria da giganteschi piloni. Dall'altro i Bassifondi, un
brulicante formicaio, caotico e fervente di attività, in cui la gente sbarcava il lunario con ogni genere di lavoro. I Bassifondi erano quartieri poveri e fatiscenti dove non arrivava mai la luce del sole, un luogo tetro che guardando verso il cielo vedeva solo la lastra su cui si elevava la Città Alta. Per molto tempo si era pensato che questo microcosmo in cui convivevano e prosperavano luci e ombre, progettato a tavolino dalla compagnia elettrica Shinra, sarebbe durato in eterno.
Più che un romanzo una raccolta di storie brevi ambientate tra la fine del videogioco ed il film d'animazione Final Fantasy: Advent Children, ma sono collegate fra loro e gli interludi dal punto di vista di due vecchie conoscenze perdute nel Lifestream fanno comunque da filo conduttore quindi quel "romanzo" stampato in copertina non è proprio una pubblicità ingannevole come temevo ad inizio lettura.
La qualità dei capitoli é parecchio altalenante, ma questo è dovuto prevalentemente ai gusti personali di chi legge: sarei stato molto più felice se Cid e Vincent avessero avuto un ruolo da protagonisti, negli episodi dedicati a Yuffie e Nanaki, invece di uno secondario al limite della comparsata.
Sarebbero più tre stelle e mezza, ma Final Fantasy 7 è stato insieme a Heroes of Might and Magic 3, Resident Evil 2, Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn e Dawn of War 1 e 2; uno dei videogiochi che ho più amato durante la mia ormai finita onorata carriera di gamer, quindi alla fine quattro stelle se le merita tutte.
Non è un capolavoro, ma se come me avete finito all'epoca il videogioco tre volte, riuscendo pure a prendere alla fine la Knights of the Round Table materia, possedete dvd standard, box da collezione, blu-ray di Advent Children e lo avete visto almeno 20 volte, questo libro è un must-have.
Attenzione: il romanzo contiene spoiler enormi se non avete visto il suddetto film e avete intenzione di recuperarlo in futuro.
[Final Fantasy victory fanfare theme playing]
January 24, 2020
As a big Final Fantasy fan (especially of FFVII) it's surprising it took me so long to get round to reading this book. I am glad I did though!
On the Way to a Smile is a handful of short stories, bridging the events of the game and the film FFVII: Advent Children. While I have seen (and thoroughly enjoyed) watching the film several times, there were definitely parts that confused me. Having read these stories, I now have a much better understanding of what happened. If you haven't seen the film, or worse, if you haven't played the game, then these stories will not make much sense to you. This is definitely a book for the fans.
The stories themselves are well written, short but insightful, and really flesh out the lore of the Advent Children film. If you're a fan of FFVII, if you've watched Advent Children, or if you're just desperately trying to get any FFVII fix you can while you (im)patiently wait for the remake, then I'd recommend giving this a go! If you're none of the above... then it's a safe bet to skip. At least until the above statements apply to you, and they definitely should!
On the Way to a Smile is a handful of short stories, bridging the events of the game and the film FFVII: Advent Children. While I have seen (and thoroughly enjoyed) watching the film several times, there were definitely parts that confused me. Having read these stories, I now have a much better understanding of what happened. If you haven't seen the film, or worse, if you haven't played the game, then these stories will not make much sense to you. This is definitely a book for the fans.
The stories themselves are well written, short but insightful, and really flesh out the lore of the Advent Children film. If you're a fan of FFVII, if you've watched Advent Children, or if you're just desperately trying to get any FFVII fix you can while you (im)patiently wait for the remake, then I'd recommend giving this a go! If you're none of the above... then it's a safe bet to skip. At least until the above statements apply to you, and they definitely should!
May 4, 2020
It's interesting to read what happens after the main story (Final Fantasy VII) ends. It's still a messed up world though.
December 16, 2020
Decent, but some of the stories are bland and boring.
RedXIII and Barret's story was bland and boring. Also, that dumb boy in Red XIII story was really annoying. That little brat kept on falling on the ground with BEAR LOOMING OVER HIM. What kind of trash hunter is he? If he's so bad, why is he out hunting alone? Where are his parents?
Also, his story went nowhere.
Danzel's story was good. Not great, but good.
The only saving grace here was Tifa's story.
I would have liked to see some of Cloud' story, but we didn't get his POV.
All in all I enjoyed it a bit because it took place in the world of my favorite video game of all time, but if it wasn't for that I wouldn't have liked it much.
RedXIII and Barret's story was bland and boring. Also, that dumb boy in Red XIII story was really annoying. That little brat kept on falling on the ground with BEAR LOOMING OVER HIM. What kind of trash hunter is he? If he's so bad, why is he out hunting alone? Where are his parents?
Also, his story went nowhere.
Danzel's story was good. Not great, but good.
The only saving grace here was Tifa's story.
I would have liked to see some of Cloud' story, but we didn't get his POV.
All in all I enjoyed it a bit because it took place in the world of my favorite video game of all time, but if it wasn't for that I wouldn't have liked it much.
March 5, 2023
Final Fantasy VII: On The Way To A Smile by Kazushige Nojima
★ ★ ★ ★
”Concealed within the planet’s own life force, he floated throughout the world, leaving his mark on people everywhere he found them. More and more of them with every passing day. The others found the rhythm of their lives shattered, despair taking hold in their hearts. He delighted in this, and he invited the darkness to grow and spread. In time, another thought came to occupy him. I want Cloud to know this is my doing. I want them all to know.”
On The Way To A Smile is a collection of stories, covering the events after Meteor. It shows us Denzel’s origins, as well as what established FFVII characters like Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Nanaki, Yuffie, Reeve and Cid have been up to since their final battle against Sephiroth. We also get some insight on what Rufus Shinra and the Turks have been doing since Midgar was left in ruins.
Another important facet of this book is the emergence of geostigma, an illness of unknown origins that begins spreading across the world, creating a wave of devastation and death among those already suffering. In many ways, this book serves as a bridge to the Advent Children film. By itself, the film left a lot to be desired for me. But after having read this book, On The Way To A Smile offers me a lot of what I felt Advent Children was lacking. I think having read the book, I’d go into the film feeling a lot more satisfied now.
Even though it was brief, I loved that On The Way To A Smile showed glimpses of the lifestream and what both Aerith and Sephiroth were up to in the afterlife. The latter perspective especially, was an important inclusion for me. It allowed me to get crucial insight on geostigma, Kadaj, Yazoo and Loz. It ultimately made everything click for me. I’m excited to re-experience Advent Children with all of this knowledge. It makes the story a lot more complete and cohesive.
This is a must read for any Final Fantasy fan! It feels like an important puzzle piece when it comes to 7’s lore!
★ ★ ★ ★
”Concealed within the planet’s own life force, he floated throughout the world, leaving his mark on people everywhere he found them. More and more of them with every passing day. The others found the rhythm of their lives shattered, despair taking hold in their hearts. He delighted in this, and he invited the darkness to grow and spread. In time, another thought came to occupy him. I want Cloud to know this is my doing. I want them all to know.”
On The Way To A Smile is a collection of stories, covering the events after Meteor. It shows us Denzel’s origins, as well as what established FFVII characters like Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Nanaki, Yuffie, Reeve and Cid have been up to since their final battle against Sephiroth. We also get some insight on what Rufus Shinra and the Turks have been doing since Midgar was left in ruins.
Another important facet of this book is the emergence of geostigma, an illness of unknown origins that begins spreading across the world, creating a wave of devastation and death among those already suffering. In many ways, this book serves as a bridge to the Advent Children film. By itself, the film left a lot to be desired for me. But after having read this book, On The Way To A Smile offers me a lot of what I felt Advent Children was lacking. I think having read the book, I’d go into the film feeling a lot more satisfied now.
Even though it was brief, I loved that On The Way To A Smile showed glimpses of the lifestream and what both Aerith and Sephiroth were up to in the afterlife. The latter perspective especially, was an important inclusion for me. It allowed me to get crucial insight on geostigma, Kadaj, Yazoo and Loz. It ultimately made everything click for me. I’m excited to re-experience Advent Children with all of this knowledge. It makes the story a lot more complete and cohesive.
This is a must read for any Final Fantasy fan! It feels like an important puzzle piece when it comes to 7’s lore!
January 7, 2019
*** I would actually give this a 3.5 if I could ***
This book isn’t bad, but considering it’s 100% a fan service to fill in gaps between the game and the movie, I expected a bit more. While some stories are better than others, there wasn’t nearly enough depth considering how powerful the story was from the original game. Even Cloud, the main protagonist of the game, was mostly treated mostly like an afterthought. Barrett’s had little to no plot, and Tifa’s rough too.
What I did enjoy was the character building for some of the “lesser characters.” Red XIII’s story in particular was a favorite of mine from the book. The expansion on the Shinra background was nice too, but overall, this fan wanted a bit more about each of the characters from the original series.
This book isn’t bad, but considering it’s 100% a fan service to fill in gaps between the game and the movie, I expected a bit more. While some stories are better than others, there wasn’t nearly enough depth considering how powerful the story was from the original game. Even Cloud, the main protagonist of the game, was mostly treated mostly like an afterthought. Barrett’s had little to no plot, and Tifa’s rough too.
What I did enjoy was the character building for some of the “lesser characters.” Red XIII’s story in particular was a favorite of mine from the book. The expansion on the Shinra background was nice too, but overall, this fan wanted a bit more about each of the characters from the original series.
April 26, 2019
So this was pretty good - for fans of the game, it's worth reading because it does illuminate the characters further. Plus, I found the whole 'Reality Ensues' aspect of many of the stories refreshing- the quest to save the world from Meteor may be over, but
August 4, 2020
It is full of sadness.
I can understand why is everythingo so sad, at least, i felt it like it! but, i was in love with the characters again.
I don't have much to say about the book because, it felt like i already knew everything, i'm such a big fan of FFVII.
Just one thing, Tifa was, is and will be my favorite female character ever!
I can understand why is everythingo so sad, at least, i felt it like it! but, i was in love with the characters again.
I don't have much to say about the book because, it felt like i already knew everything, i'm such a big fan of FFVII.
Just one thing, Tifa was, is and will be my favorite female character ever!
August 22, 2019
Books filled with short stories can always be a bit of a challenge because you may love one of the stories, but then the next one doesn’t quite do it for you. This book wasn’t really an exception. Some of the stories were interesting, some of them… not so much. And a lot of the characters didn’t really get a story to themselves at all, they just made appearances in other stories. And it was great seeing them, but… I wanted their point of view too, not just a feature somewhere else. Overall, I did still enjoy this book a ton, and it did still help with my itch for more Final Fantasy, but… as with most short story collections, it falls somewhere firmly in the middle rating-wise. It would be a solid three stars, but I enjoyed it a lot more because I love the characters and I love the games overall which certainly added to the experience.
September 10, 2016
Fan des films de Final Fantasy, j'ai adoré replonger dans cet univers incroyable et fascinant en tentant le format livre.
Le style est parfait. L'histoire est évidemment captivante, bien qu'ayant vu le film, j'ai fait de nouvelles découvertes, les personnages sont attachants, de plus, comme il y a plusieurs histoires dépendantes les unes des autres, on apprend à évaluer les différents points de vue.
Bref. J'ai adore!
Le style est parfait. L'histoire est évidemment captivante, bien qu'ayant vu le film, j'ai fait de nouvelles découvertes, les personnages sont attachants, de plus, comme il y a plusieurs histoires dépendantes les unes des autres, on apprend à évaluer les différents points de vue.
Bref. J'ai adore!
February 25, 2024
3.5 / 5 ⭐
April 24, 2024
God, I just
[clenches fist]
love Rufus Shinra a normal amount
But what a fine collection of short stories, each one following Denzel, Tifa, Barret, Nanaki, Yuffie, and the Shinra crew (Tseng, Reno, Rude, and Rufus). Cannot believe it's taken me until after playing Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth to read this, but it's been really fun to note some of the changes they're kind of hinting at towards story events and characterization, most notably Cid's, between this book and the remakes. And I can't say I'm surprised. On the Way to a Smile was published back in 2009 (only translated to English in 2018 by the inimitable Melissa Tanaka; seriously, Square, hire her back for your localizations, I'm begging you). It makes sense that they would go in newer directions and make more informed changes for the remakes, without losing the original scope and spirit of the story.
What makes this collection most compelling, besides my totally normal and respectable love for a capitalist CEO and president, is that each story centers around the events after Meteorfall. How did the planet actually get saved? What was the fallout? How did geostigma come to be?
Usually, the story ends once the heroes vanquish the villain and all is declared well with the world. On the Way to a Smile makes a cut-off motion with its hand, then says, "Eh, well, hold on a minute, boss," choosing to focus instead on what happens during the end of the world and the surprising after. How do people find purpose again after that? How do you live in a world of sudden scarcity when previously you only knew abundance, blind to the cost? How do fighters learn to live in a world of peace when all they've known is the fight for so long? Who is to blame for the destruction and the lives lost? What do you choose to remember, and how do you learn to let go? How do you learn to smile again, free of your guilt?
As someone with a very hazy knowledge of how the original game ends and an obsession with Advent Children, I've wondered for decades how Gaia and its characters got from one place to the other. What was Denzel's origins? Why did Barret leave Marlene behind with Tifa and Cloud? Where did the rest of the team scatter to? What are the parameters of actually contracting geostigma? So many of my questions finally got answered and then some! Yet, more have also emerged. I grow increasingly desperate for a game set around the events of Advent Children, not even joking.
Though, not because I want to see what Rufus means to achieve with his vision of Shinra "healing the world," nononono, that's silly. Eat the rich.
[clenches fist]
love Rufus Shinra a normal amount
But what a fine collection of short stories, each one following Denzel, Tifa, Barret, Nanaki, Yuffie, and the Shinra crew (Tseng, Reno, Rude, and Rufus). Cannot believe it's taken me until after playing Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth to read this, but it's been really fun to note some of the changes they're kind of hinting at towards story events and characterization, most notably Cid's, between this book and the remakes. And I can't say I'm surprised. On the Way to a Smile was published back in 2009 (only translated to English in 2018 by the inimitable Melissa Tanaka; seriously, Square, hire her back for your localizations, I'm begging you). It makes sense that they would go in newer directions and make more informed changes for the remakes, without losing the original scope and spirit of the story.
What makes this collection most compelling, besides my totally normal and respectable love for a capitalist CEO and president, is that each story centers around the events after Meteorfall. How did the planet actually get saved? What was the fallout? How did geostigma come to be?
Usually, the story ends once the heroes vanquish the villain and all is declared well with the world. On the Way to a Smile makes a cut-off motion with its hand, then says, "Eh, well, hold on a minute, boss," choosing to focus instead on what happens during the end of the world and the surprising after. How do people find purpose again after that? How do you live in a world of sudden scarcity when previously you only knew abundance, blind to the cost? How do fighters learn to live in a world of peace when all they've known is the fight for so long? Who is to blame for the destruction and the lives lost? What do you choose to remember, and how do you learn to let go? How do you learn to smile again, free of your guilt?
As someone with a very hazy knowledge of how the original game ends and an obsession with Advent Children, I've wondered for decades how Gaia and its characters got from one place to the other. What was Denzel's origins? Why did Barret leave Marlene behind with Tifa and Cloud? Where did the rest of the team scatter to? What are the parameters of actually contracting geostigma? So many of my questions finally got answered and then some! Yet, more have also emerged. I grow increasingly desperate for a game set around the events of Advent Children, not even joking.
Though, not because I want to see what Rufus means to achieve with his vision of Shinra "healing the world," nononono, that's silly. Eat the rich.
August 24, 2025
Short book with quick chapters of what takes place after the video game. I actually enjoyed it and wish it was longer.
July 1, 2020
I had heard of this book within the multiverse of Final Fantasy 7, and I am so glad I read it. I listened to the audiobook made by some independent creators and it was the best audiobook I've ever listened to, with sound effects, musical scores, and individual voice acting for each character. I wish all audiobooks were like this.
As far as the story, I feel this story did an amazing job of displaying the events between ff7 and Advent Children. It gave good insight on what the characters were thinking and feeling during these events, as well as the events of ff7 when they recap what happens. A lot now makes sense in the series, especially with Advent Children.
I loved this. I need more of this in every video game.
As far as the story, I feel this story did an amazing job of displaying the events between ff7 and Advent Children. It gave good insight on what the characters were thinking and feeling during these events, as well as the events of ff7 when they recap what happens. A lot now makes sense in the series, especially with Advent Children.
I loved this. I need more of this in every video game.
June 11, 2020
It was nice reading about the characters I love, but some of the stories told were -in my opinion- pointless. The most interesting ones were Episode Shinra and the little pieces regarding the Lifestream.
I would recommend this book to hardcore fans, but only after watching Advent Children, because it can be confusing without knowing what happens in the movie -even though it takes place before the events of the movie-.
It's actually worth reading it, since it gives interesting insights on the characters' emotions and state of mind after the end of the game, and some further details about the premise of Advent Children, but adds very little to the original Final Fantasy VII.
I would recommend this book to hardcore fans, but only after watching Advent Children, because it can be confusing without knowing what happens in the movie -even though it takes place before the events of the movie-.
It's actually worth reading it, since it gives interesting insights on the characters' emotions and state of mind after the end of the game, and some further details about the premise of Advent Children, but adds very little to the original Final Fantasy VII.
April 10, 2021
to borrow phrasing from noted FF7 scholar tim rogers: the “Kindergarten Dostoyevsky” quality of Final Fantasy 7 is a whole lot less impressive when it’s presented in the same printed medium as Actual Dostoyevsky.
plus, come on man, not enough Cloud. if you’re gonna do a whole book full of epiloguian fanservice you gotta give me some of my favorite guy. this fan does not feel adequately serviced!
plus, come on man, not enough Cloud. if you’re gonna do a whole book full of epiloguian fanservice you gotta give me some of my favorite guy. this fan does not feel adequately serviced!
June 13, 2020
some of the chapters were interesting, but it had some dodgy characterisation and poor writing/translation in places.
November 25, 2022
A fun read, some stories are slow and dull. But Denzel and Tifa's stories are great. Plus the white and black lifestream sections, really fill in gaps between the game and AC
November 9, 2024
First of all; no quotes. Impossible, believe me I know. But I'm just too lazy to pick up the book again and look for them sorry not sorry
Let's dive in!
"On the Way to a Smile" is a collection of short stories that take place after the main game and before Advent Children. And before you ask - yes, yes you do have to watch the movie or at least play the game/know the characters to even enjoy this book.
Not gonna lie I was expecting more characters to be included in the stories (since we only get Denzel, Tifa, Barret, Nanaki, Yuffie, and the Turks/Shinra) such as idk... Cloud??? ik he's suuuper overrated and it'd be kinda pointless(???) including him here but I really wanted to know how his delivery services were going and all lol
Basically the whole thing gives us an insight on how the Geostigma started, how Midgar got destroyed, blah blah blahbooooring we already kinda knew that but it's fine I guess. That doesn't mean the stories were boring - they were actually quite enjoyable.
I think my favorite was Tifa's. No, that's it. That's all I have to say. It actually didn't even give us anything new all of it you could come up with after watching the thingdilly-dally shilly-shally.
Also Cloud you dumbass just tell the girl you love herClerith shippers ready to come after my ass rn
*ehem* anyhoo... let's move on.
Denzel's story was pretty sad. He's such a cute character makes you wanna hug him after reading allat :(( Barret's part got carried by Cid *at least for me*, gosh I just love this guy lmao. But srsly it was cool seeing the perspective of other characters. Bonus points that the stories aren't long at all (well, maybe except the Shinra one) so you can get thru them really quickly. Yuffie's and Red's stories were the most boring for me but at least you get some lore and worldbuilding - a win is a win... or something. *shrugs*
"Heeeeeeyyyy partner."
if you read that in Reno's voice - I love you
Turks my belovedsssssss. I just love them sm, they're unintentionally so funny. Best part of the story was seeing Reno and Rude and their weird friendship-partnership. Could quote these two for whole day :DD
Also
The story really showed how fucked up Shinra is (and some people associated with it).
Overall - I think it's a nice addition for fans but if you know shit about the story I'm afraid it's not a place for you (yet) :((
Although you can easily read the thing and understand most of it after only watching AC soooo...
Let's dive in!
"On the Way to a Smile" is a collection of short stories that take place after the main game and before Advent Children. And before you ask - yes, yes you do have to watch the movie or at least play the game/know the characters to even enjoy this book.
Not gonna lie I was expecting more characters to be included in the stories (since we only get Denzel, Tifa, Barret, Nanaki, Yuffie, and the Turks/Shinra) such as idk... Cloud??? ik he's suuuper overrated and it'd be kinda pointless(???) including him here but I really wanted to know how his delivery services were going and all lol
Basically the whole thing gives us an insight on how the Geostigma started, how Midgar got destroyed, blah blah blah
I think my favorite was Tifa's. No, that's it. That's all I have to say. It actually didn't even give us anything new all of it you could come up with after watching the thing
Also Cloud you dumbass just tell the girl you love her
*ehem* anyhoo... let's move on.
Denzel's story was pretty sad. He's such a cute character makes you wanna hug him after reading allat :(( Barret's part got carried by Cid *at least for me*, gosh I just love this guy lmao. But srsly it was cool seeing the perspective of other characters. Bonus points that the stories aren't long at all (well, maybe except the Shinra one) so you can get thru them really quickly. Yuffie's and Red's stories were the most boring for me but at least you get some lore and worldbuilding - a win is a win... or something. *shrugs*
"Heeeeeeyyyy partner."
if you read that in Reno's voice - I love you
Turks my belovedsssssss. I just love them sm, they're unintentionally so funny. Best part of the story was seeing Reno and Rude and their weird friendship-partnership. Could quote these two for whole day :DD
Also
The story really showed how fucked up Shinra is (and some people associated with it).
Overall - I think it's a nice addition for fans but if you know shit about the story I'm afraid it's not a place for you (yet) :((
Although you can easily read the thing and understand most of it after only watching AC soooo...
March 20, 2021
Recommended reading for Final Fantasy VII obsessives and fans.
This collection of six short stories acts as a bridge between the original game and the film Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Five of the six stories focus on well-known characters: Tifa, Barret, Yuffie, Nanaki, and the Turks. There are significant cameos from every character in the game that round out their stories and personalities, and there is one story in particular, focusing on a commoner named Denzel, which explores the impact of Cloud and his crew’s impact on the world post-Meteor.
It’s heart-breaking to see that despite the sacrifices of our heroes in the game, the world is worse off than it was before. Sure, the planet getting completely eradicated by Meteor would have been the worst-case scenario, but the amount of pain, despair, and suffering caused by the disease known as geostigma leaves one wondering if it maybe would have been more merciful for everyone to be snuffed out of the universe.
But there is hope.
Cloud acts as a delivery carrier transporting essential supplies between regions. Nanaki discovers the joy of parenthood and the importance of preserving
the planet for the next generation. Yuffie dedicates herself to finding a cure to the planet-wide disease. And everyone fights against the dying of the light and the encroaching darkness that threatens to swallow the minds and souls of the self-pitying, the damned, and the nihilistic.
It’s all perfectly in line with the mood of the original game, and I’m so happy I learned of its existence and took the time to absorb it.
This collection of six short stories acts as a bridge between the original game and the film Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Five of the six stories focus on well-known characters: Tifa, Barret, Yuffie, Nanaki, and the Turks. There are significant cameos from every character in the game that round out their stories and personalities, and there is one story in particular, focusing on a commoner named Denzel, which explores the impact of Cloud and his crew’s impact on the world post-Meteor.
It’s heart-breaking to see that despite the sacrifices of our heroes in the game, the world is worse off than it was before. Sure, the planet getting completely eradicated by Meteor would have been the worst-case scenario, but the amount of pain, despair, and suffering caused by the disease known as geostigma leaves one wondering if it maybe would have been more merciful for everyone to be snuffed out of the universe.
But there is hope.
Cloud acts as a delivery carrier transporting essential supplies between regions. Nanaki discovers the joy of parenthood and the importance of preserving
the planet for the next generation. Yuffie dedicates herself to finding a cure to the planet-wide disease. And everyone fights against the dying of the light and the encroaching darkness that threatens to swallow the minds and souls of the self-pitying, the damned, and the nihilistic.
It’s all perfectly in line with the mood of the original game, and I’m so happy I learned of its existence and took the time to absorb it.
January 26, 2024
"Only death awaits you all, but do not fear. For it is through death that a new spirit energy is born. Soon, you will live again as a part of me."
April 24, 2024
the hyper-fixation never ends
May 26, 2025
Der Blick nach vorn" beleuchtet, wie die Charaktere mit den dramatischen Ereignissen aus FF7 umgehen: Denzel, der durch tiefe Verluste geht und sich Tifa schließt, Tifa, die die 7th Heaven neu eröffnet, um Hoffnung zu schenken, Cloud als Paketbote auf seiner eigenen Reise, Barret auf der Suche nach neuen Energiequellen, Nanaki (Red XIII), der seinen eigenen Weg findet, und sogar Shinra - ja, auch Rufus hat überlebt. Ein wirklich starkes Buch, das tiefe Einblicke gibt.
May 10, 2025
As a big fan of FF VII, this book was a good surprise. Although the storyline was written in a kind of confusing way, it's always good to connect with the characters again since they're so amazing.
February 20, 2024
Honestly the book is a mixed bag.
The book is a original story following the main cast of FF7 and what they were up to after the events of the original 1997 game. We get to see how world reacts to the aftermath of Meteor and the fall of Shinra, how the city of Edge was created, the chaos and panick that sprong from Geostigma and the lack of proper leadership in Midgar and the immigration.
Overall I would say the book did not only expand creately on the Post-FF7 but makes the expierence of watching Advent of Children much better.
However the book reads mostly as a textbook than let's say an actual novel. Compare it to a wikipedia page if you will but way more boring. The book lacks proper structure and the switching between viewpoints is sometimes terrible, during the Shinra chapter I was honestly confused who I was following if it wasn't Rufus or Nero since the majority of the viewpoints read similair and heavenly depend on the reader playing the game. This wouldn't be much of a problem of course since the majority of the people who read this are familair enough with the game to distinct the characters from each other, however this has limits since the majority of the cast (this includes the entire book btw) has similair speech patern so when more than two characters talk to each other watch it.
As lastly I only really enjoyed the Rufus Shinra Episode since it's one of the few times when Nojima's handwriting get's much and much better. I liked the Tifa Episode well enough, the Denzel Episode much to my surprise was enjoyable and I was tolerant to Nanaki and disliked Yuffies Episode outright purely.
Ooh yeah the Barret Episode? Well it started of interesting... but went sideways asap when they made him start a career in the oil industry... the eco-terrorist.
The book is a original story following the main cast of FF7 and what they were up to after the events of the original 1997 game. We get to see how world reacts to the aftermath of Meteor and the fall of Shinra, how the city of Edge was created, the chaos and panick that sprong from Geostigma and the lack of proper leadership in Midgar and the immigration.
Overall I would say the book did not only expand creately on the Post-FF7 but makes the expierence of watching Advent of Children much better.
However the book reads mostly as a textbook than let's say an actual novel. Compare it to a wikipedia page if you will but way more boring. The book lacks proper structure and the switching between viewpoints is sometimes terrible, during the Shinra chapter I was honestly confused who I was following if it wasn't Rufus or Nero since the majority of the viewpoints read similair and heavenly depend on the reader playing the game. This wouldn't be much of a problem of course since the majority of the people who read this are familair enough with the game to distinct the characters from each other, however this has limits since the majority of the cast (this includes the entire book btw) has similair speech patern so when more than two characters talk to each other watch it.
As lastly I only really enjoyed the Rufus Shinra Episode since it's one of the few times when Nojima's handwriting get's much and much better. I liked the Tifa Episode well enough, the Denzel Episode much to my surprise was enjoyable and I was tolerant to Nanaki and disliked Yuffies Episode outright purely.
Ooh yeah the Barret Episode? Well it started of interesting... but went sideways asap when they made him start a career in the oil industry... the eco-terrorist.
January 4, 2021
Ok. I bought this one because I recently found it on amazon. As a huge fan of FF7 I just had to have it. I read it. And I'm kinda disappointed. I'm still giving 3 stars because there are a few knots that are now untied for me. I finally got around the "how" in relation to Cloud's delivery service and how he got his hands on his bike. I loved Tifas story bc you got to know her from a different perspective.
BUT, and here we're coming to the point where all the trouble starts and ... never really vanished: The storys were told in such a plain way that I thought I'm reading some kind of ... manual. How to build your Ikea Billy-Bookshelf or such. I love stories with emotions and feelings and stuff and here you don't even get real facial expressions. Only the faint smiles on the characters faces as an hint back to the title. I was hoping to really diving into some of the characters, but this one is just ... plain. Maybe I was expecting to much? You get a few thoughts here and there, but overall it's an chaotic limeline, jumping back and forth and if you're not reading carefully you lost it. You just lost where you are at the moment, in which time ...
Still a good book. Especially the first two stories and the White/Black Livestream-thingies between the chapters. But I'm hoping that the other books are better.
BUT, and here we're coming to the point where all the trouble starts and ... never really vanished: The storys were told in such a plain way that I thought I'm reading some kind of ... manual. How to build your Ikea Billy-Bookshelf or such. I love stories with emotions and feelings and stuff and here you don't even get real facial expressions. Only the faint smiles on the characters faces as an hint back to the title. I was hoping to really diving into some of the characters, but this one is just ... plain. Maybe I was expecting to much? You get a few thoughts here and there, but overall it's an chaotic limeline, jumping back and forth and if you're not reading carefully you lost it. You just lost where you are at the moment, in which time ...
Still a good book. Especially the first two stories and the White/Black Livestream-thingies between the chapters. But I'm hoping that the other books are better.
May 26, 2020
First of all, if you're not familiar with Final Fantasy 7 and Advent Children, this book is not for you.
However, if you are familiar with those stories, then this book is a treat, if not a must.
On the Way to a Smile is a collection of short stories written by the main scenario writer of FF7 and Advent Children. The stories are set in the time between the ending events of the game and the opening of the movie. Each story focuses on one of the characters and tells us what happens to them and sets the stage for the events of Advent Children. It makes clear some connections which may have been puzzling, and also gives the rationale for the geostigma and for Sephiroth's return. For some characters, such as Yuffie, it's kind of nice to know, but not that important. But the chapter focusing on Shinra was especially interesting because you see a view of the final events that wasn't really shown before.
So, if you love the story of the game and the movie, this collection forms a vital bridge. Like many works translated from Japanese, the style at times seems spare. It's hard to tell whether it's a cultural difference, or whether it's the style of the author or of the translator. In any event, this is not eloquent writing, but still enjoyable and informative.
However, if you are familiar with those stories, then this book is a treat, if not a must.
On the Way to a Smile is a collection of short stories written by the main scenario writer of FF7 and Advent Children. The stories are set in the time between the ending events of the game and the opening of the movie. Each story focuses on one of the characters and tells us what happens to them and sets the stage for the events of Advent Children. It makes clear some connections which may have been puzzling, and also gives the rationale for the geostigma and for Sephiroth's return. For some characters, such as Yuffie, it's kind of nice to know, but not that important. But the chapter focusing on Shinra was especially interesting because you see a view of the final events that wasn't really shown before.
So, if you love the story of the game and the movie, this collection forms a vital bridge. Like many works translated from Japanese, the style at times seems spare. It's hard to tell whether it's a cultural difference, or whether it's the style of the author or of the translator. In any event, this is not eloquent writing, but still enjoyable and informative.
May 22, 2019
Taking place pretty much after the end of the game and before the movie Advent Children we get a glimpse into the life of some of the characters in the world of FF7. Like most things that are a bundle of shorts, some are better than others -- or at the very least some people favor one or more over the others. The same for me. As I have always loathed Yuffie, I really didn't care for reading more about her and was glad when it was done... but on the whole the collection is a good addition to the universe and I am glad to finally have read it.
Verdict: If you're an FF7 fan you probably can't go wrong with this. If you aren't, skip it... If you're interested, play the game first, then look this up.
Verdict: If you're an FF7 fan you probably can't go wrong with this. If you aren't, skip it... If you're interested, play the game first, then look this up.
February 24, 2020
I absolutely love the translation of this. It was really well done and engrossing.
What I love most about this book is seeing what the characters are like now they are not in the grip of the game's main storyline. How they started to piece their lives back together, how they still interacted with each other, and how things progressed to Advent Children.
My favourite section was probably Tifa's, particularly when her, Barret, and Cloud were together. Seeing them together, as friends enjoying each other's company, was really good to see. It also gave another side to Cloud we never saw. It's kind of a shame this story didn't include a segment for Cloud himself.
Well recommended if you like FF7.
What I love most about this book is seeing what the characters are like now they are not in the grip of the game's main storyline. How they started to piece their lives back together, how they still interacted with each other, and how things progressed to Advent Children.
My favourite section was probably Tifa's, particularly when her, Barret, and Cloud were together. Seeing them together, as friends enjoying each other's company, was really good to see. It also gave another side to Cloud we never saw. It's kind of a shame this story didn't include a segment for Cloud himself.
Well recommended if you like FF7.
November 10, 2025
So this is my second time reading OTWTAS….the first time was back in 2021 after I played OG FFVII and Remake, and right now I’m playing Rebirth, and it made me want to revisit this book. I honestly enjoyed it more this time; I still think Denzel’s chapter is the best one, but I enjoyed the other chapters as well. I liked seeing everyone’s approaches at moving on after Meteorfall. :]
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