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Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One Light Novel #1
ゴブリンスレイヤー外伝:イヤーワン
姉が姉でなくなってから三日が過ぎた。だから彼は動くことに決めた。
ゴブリンの襲撃で、最愛の姉を、村を喪った少年がいた。
五年後、辺境の街の冒険者ギルドに訪れた少年は冒険者となる。そして、五年前、帰る村をなくした少女は、かつての幼なじみと出会った。
最下級のクラス、白磁級となった少年は装備を調え、たった一人でゴブリンの巣くう洞窟へと向かう――。
これは、彼がゴブリンスレイヤーと呼ばれるようになる物語。
大人気ダークファンタジー「ゴブリンスレイヤー」の前日譚。蝸牛くも×足立慎吾が贈る外伝「イヤーワン」スタート!
ゴブリンの襲撃で、最愛の姉を、村を喪った少年がいた。
五年後、辺境の街の冒険者ギルドに訪れた少年は冒険者となる。そして、五年前、帰る村をなくした少女は、かつての幼なじみと出会った。
最下級のクラス、白磁級となった少年は装備を調え、たった一人でゴブリンの巣くう洞窟へと向かう――。
これは、彼がゴブリンスレイヤーと呼ばれるようになる物語。
大人気ダークファンタジー「ゴブリンスレイヤー」の前日譚。蝸牛くも×足立慎吾が贈る外伝「イヤーワン」スタート!
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2018
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115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 26, 2020
What could one expect out of a prequel story centering on everyone's favorite, methodically myopic, goblin-killing adventurer? Goblin Slayer's modus operandi is a formula that has worked for nine novels already. Kumo Kagyu has made some inroads in developing the evolving story around his single-minded warrior - that the uptick in goblin population ties in to re-evolving demonic forces in the world, that actions are being taken to port over the little critters as shock troops of sorts to disrupt local populaces, etc. It's slow going at times, but it's always fun to see the new and inventive ways the pragmatic G.S. comes up with to dispatch these hated vermin. Also, while there is not a lot of evolution regarding the backup cast - the party of adventurers re-uses the same jokes over and over, Cow Girl and Guild Girl are just perennial members of his ever-growing harem, etc. - it stays fun, if not fresh, because we've come to care about the characters.
So, again, what to expect from a backstory? I mean, of course it is fun to see developed, bad-ass characters way back when they were getting started, but what else? Would we see more of the traumatic event (the devastation of the village Goblin Slayer grew up in; the rape and murder of his sister before his eyes) that formed him into the reticent killing machine he is now? Would we see more of the training with the abusive old rhea (the series' version of a halfling) who took him in and trained him?
Actually, while those events are referenced briefly, Goblin Slayer Year One plays out like most of the other novels....same formula, just hit the Rewind button. It's Kumo Kagyu playing it safe, but it's still good stuff.
Year One traces from G.S.'s first registering at the Guild, and follows him on his first few quests. That is, that is the core focus of his aspect of the book. The rest of the book serves as a year one for
our beloved secondary cast as well. It's fun to see those initial awkward reactions to this young, oddball adventures; and, of course, the best parts are watching him learn via trial and error during the quests themselves. Here he learns about the importance of sword lengths, weapons durability, importance of mobility over straight protection in armor, etc. We see his iconic helmet in its original form; with two awkward horns that made it more trouble than it was worth (although it had a cool, Dragon Quest aesthetic).
Another change in this new series is a new artist for cover/interior illustrations. Where the original series was handled masterfully by Noboru Kannatuki, the Year One light novel series enlists the deft hand of Shingo Adachi. Adachi does a fine job, employs a masterful color palette, and offers us poignant younger portrayals of the characters.
It's really hard to find things to knock in a series that utilizes a formula solidified via a successful track record. If anything, I could say I wanted something more, something daring.
Also, while we expect to see the snippets of the other background characters in their younger forms, a large chunk of this novel is dedicated to what I'll call the 'Rock Eater' segment. While done well; featuring the emotional powerhouse moment of the novel, let's be honest; it was superfluous to the origin of Goblin Slayer himself. Still, it was a strong vignette in its own right.
And there you have it. The writing is engaging as always, if not powerful. Kamo Kagyu has a distinctive style; and if you've liked one of his novels, you can enjoy them all.
You can argue that the Year One series isn't completely necessary, but it's fun nonetheless. Let's see how Volume 2 pans out.
You can read my full review here:
https://hachisnaxreads.blogspot.com/2...
So, again, what to expect from a backstory? I mean, of course it is fun to see developed, bad-ass characters way back when they were getting started, but what else? Would we see more of the traumatic event (the devastation of the village Goblin Slayer grew up in; the rape and murder of his sister before his eyes) that formed him into the reticent killing machine he is now? Would we see more of the training with the abusive old rhea (the series' version of a halfling) who took him in and trained him?
Actually, while those events are referenced briefly, Goblin Slayer Year One plays out like most of the other novels....same formula, just hit the Rewind button. It's Kumo Kagyu playing it safe, but it's still good stuff.
Year One traces from G.S.'s first registering at the Guild, and follows him on his first few quests. That is, that is the core focus of his aspect of the book. The rest of the book serves as a year one for
our beloved secondary cast as well. It's fun to see those initial awkward reactions to this young, oddball adventures; and, of course, the best parts are watching him learn via trial and error during the quests themselves. Here he learns about the importance of sword lengths, weapons durability, importance of mobility over straight protection in armor, etc. We see his iconic helmet in its original form; with two awkward horns that made it more trouble than it was worth (although it had a cool, Dragon Quest aesthetic).
Another change in this new series is a new artist for cover/interior illustrations. Where the original series was handled masterfully by Noboru Kannatuki, the Year One light novel series enlists the deft hand of Shingo Adachi. Adachi does a fine job, employs a masterful color palette, and offers us poignant younger portrayals of the characters.
It's really hard to find things to knock in a series that utilizes a formula solidified via a successful track record. If anything, I could say I wanted something more, something daring.
Also, while we expect to see the snippets of the other background characters in their younger forms, a large chunk of this novel is dedicated to what I'll call the 'Rock Eater' segment. While done well; featuring the emotional powerhouse moment of the novel, let's be honest; it was superfluous to the origin of Goblin Slayer himself. Still, it was a strong vignette in its own right.
And there you have it. The writing is engaging as always, if not powerful. Kamo Kagyu has a distinctive style; and if you've liked one of his novels, you can enjoy them all.
You can argue that the Year One series isn't completely necessary, but it's fun nonetheless. Let's see how Volume 2 pans out.
You can read my full review here:
https://hachisnaxreads.blogspot.com/2...
November 2, 2018
A worthy prequel
Another excellent addition, set before volume 1 and the main series. Primarily focusing on Goblin Slayer's origins, there's also bits of the past regarding the first war against the demon lord.
If you ever cared about knowing the story behind the Goblin Slayer and the whole truth for his motivations and broken personality, this is the novel that casts light upon the unfortunate circumstances he encountered, along with his resilience and determination to enact vengeance.
A few prominent side characters from the main arc are included, some with "names" (more of titles or roles really) that are a bit different. It's still readily apparent who they are through, the illustrations and their characterizations are easily identified.
This is one of the more grim novels in the series, and while it can't hold a candle to the manga adaptation - it's certainly not bubbly or happy throughout. Strap on your armor and take the plunge into the first year of the Goblin Slayer, and how he became what he is.
Another excellent addition, set before volume 1 and the main series. Primarily focusing on Goblin Slayer's origins, there's also bits of the past regarding the first war against the demon lord.
If you ever cared about knowing the story behind the Goblin Slayer and the whole truth for his motivations and broken personality, this is the novel that casts light upon the unfortunate circumstances he encountered, along with his resilience and determination to enact vengeance.
A few prominent side characters from the main arc are included, some with "names" (more of titles or roles really) that are a bit different. It's still readily apparent who they are through, the illustrations and their characterizations are easily identified.
This is one of the more grim novels in the series, and while it can't hold a candle to the manga adaptation - it's certainly not bubbly or happy throughout. Strap on your armor and take the plunge into the first year of the Goblin Slayer, and how he became what he is.
May 8, 2020
A cracking read when combined with the manga edition.
This story covers the beginning of the adventurer we have come to know as the Goblin Slayer.
I particularly enjoyed the cameos of the characters from the original series such as Guild Girl, Spearman and at the end Priestess along with a few other minor characters.
The story follows Goblin Slayer as he begins his quest to kill all the goblins, the lessons he learns and the tactics he develops as a result of his adventures.
Its easy to lose yourself in this story and enjoy it. A must have for fans of the series.
This story covers the beginning of the adventurer we have come to know as the Goblin Slayer.
I particularly enjoyed the cameos of the characters from the original series such as Guild Girl, Spearman and at the end Priestess along with a few other minor characters.
The story follows Goblin Slayer as he begins his quest to kill all the goblins, the lessons he learns and the tactics he develops as a result of his adventures.
Its easy to lose yourself in this story and enjoy it. A must have for fans of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2021
I flew through this book. It was a fun read for me. GS is who he is, obsessed with killing goblins but he had to start somewhere and this book gives us his early days and a couple of goblin slaying adventures as well as some adventures for some other characters, at least a couple you'll likely recognize. I thought putting both questlines in the same time line was a good decision and kept things going when otherwise someone might have been a bit bogged down by too many goblins. On the whole a solid addition to the GS world. I'll definitely be looking up volume 2 of Year One.
January 6, 2019
The story about how he became Goblin Slayer. To be honest, 65% of the book covers other characters and that’s the best part. The rest is just Goblin Slayer going on some quests and learning the ropes, which isn’t that fun.
February 28, 2019
Pero que libro tan bueno, tan emocionante y tan contundente, en algunos momentos.
Me ha gustado bastante. Definitivamente Goblin Slayer se ha ganado un lugar en ese pequeño templo donde descansan mis héroes favoritos como Conan el Bárbaro o Elric de Melniboné.
Me ha gustado bastante. Definitivamente Goblin Slayer se ha ganado un lugar en ese pequeño templo donde descansan mis héroes favoritos como Conan el Bárbaro o Elric de Melniboné.
May 14, 2019
The story of Goblin Slayer himself wasn't engaging, but the other characters that are introduced in this book make up for it. It will be an interesting addition if the book covers more about his time with his rhea teacher.
November 5, 2025
This story starts just as its namesake. Rather vicious and pulls no punches. Graphic and leaves one rather empty.
December 7, 2018
Our of all the Goblin Slayer stories this one is my favorite! This book does an excellent job further outlining the training of Goblin Slayer and the tragedy of his village. Moreover, the breakout star of this book is Cow Girl. It was great seeing her and Goblin Slayer reunite after years. It felt very emotional and real. All in all, very good book. Worth the reading of you're into the franchise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
We get early meetings with Priestess and Hero and what happened to the horns on the helmet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews