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Woof Woof Story (light novel) #1

Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir! (Light Novel), Vol. 1

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After being worked quite literally to death, corporate slave Routa Okami's dying wish is to be reborn as the well-loved pet of a rich family. When a compassionate goddess actually grants his wish, Routa commits himself to the lazy, carefree, all-you-can-nap lifestyle of a pampered pup-complete with a beautiful owner and all the delicious food he can eat! But as Routa grows...and grows...and grows...he realizes something is terribly wrong. With his enormous body, razor-sharp teeth, and fierce visage, it's painfully obvious that he was reincarnated not as a dog but as a giant wolf. And not just any wolf-the legendary wolf king Fenrir!

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

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921 people want to read

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Inumajin

18 books13 followers

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5 stars
138 (37%)
4 stars
115 (31%)
3 stars
72 (19%)
2 stars
33 (8%)
1 star
12 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for LG (A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions).
1,293 reviews25 followers
May 31, 2021
Routa is a 29-year-old corporate employee who's been awake and working overtime who knows how long when his body suddenly gives out and he dies. His coworkers either don't notice or don't care. His last wish is to be reborn as the cute pet dog of some wealthy family, able to spend all his time eating and sleeping and never again having to worry about work.

His wish is granted, sort of. When he wakes up, he discovers he's now at a pet store in another world, in the body of a fluffy white puppy. Mary, a cute 14-year-old girl from a wealthy family, adores him instantly and decides to take him home with her. However, Routa gradually realizes that he's a little abnormal for a supposed dog. He's becoming really big, for one thing, and his face is very fierce. He has to concentrate on barking normally rather than growling like some kind of wild beast. Even worse, he seems to have terrifying destructive powers.

If he wants to keep his pampered pet life, Routa somehow has to keep Mary safe while preventing those around him from realizing that he's not just a very large but otherwise perfectly ordinary fluffy white dog.

I go into most light novel series hoping that they will be fun, if not necessarily well-written. I've found a few light novels that work for me in this respect, although sometimes only for a couple volumes before their problems outweigh their appeal factors: Ascendance of a Bookworm, The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent, So I'm a Spider, So What?, etc. Woof Woof Story certainly seemed light and fluffy, but would it be readable and appealing enough to prompt me to continue on to Volume 2?

Woof Woof Story was the literary equivalent of cotton candy: sweet, fluffy, insubstantial, and too much of it at once would probably make you sick. I could definitely believe in and root for Routa's desire to live a carefree and stress-free life in which he didn't have to do anything besides sleep, eat, and play with Mary. His love of eating meant there were food descriptions galore, usually featuring meat, cheese, desserts, or some combination of all three (be prepared to see the word umami a lot). It was all very nice (even if it did make me hungry for pie and other things not present in my kitchen), but maybe just a bit too fluffy and light.

The writing reminded me so much of So I'm a Spider, So What? at times that I stopped to check whether they had the same translators (I already knew they weren't by the same author). Nope, Jenny McKeon translated that series, while Jennifer O'Donnell translated this one. Still, they had the same conversational and energetic tone, the same focus on eating, and the protagonists had similar "voices." However, So I'm a Spider, So What? was a little more ambitious, working in a more serious larger storyline and something that may have been foreshadowing. There's no sign of anything like that in Woof Woof Story, at least not by the end of Volume 1.

Routa directly protects Mary's home once, engages in a second fight for food-related reasons, and then goes on a brief journey and takes part in another fight to get an item Mary needs. Any villainous beings are defeated in seconds, and every other character is basically a giant marshmallow, even if it initially seems like they might be a threat. Animal lovers rejoice, as Routa's party grows to include The one human being who can see through Routa's "I'm just an ordinary dog" ruse is supposedly a powerful adventurer but acts like a crybaby most of the time.

Although I had issues with So I'm a Spider's more serious storyline, it at least provided an opportunity for forward progression. Woof Woof Story's overall lightness was appealing, but now that I've finished the first volume, I'm not sure there's much of a reason to continue on unless I'm in the mood for more of the same - completely stress-free fluff with not a single moment that feels truly dangerous for any of the characters.

The series did indulge in a bit of fanservice aimed at male readers, some of which made me a little uncomfortable. First, there was Routa's initial mention of 14-year-old Mary standing around in her underwear while figuring out to wear. It only happened once, but the wording was still kind of gross:

"The sight of her standing there in just her underwear is a little risque, but since I'm a dog, I don't care. Well, my soul is human, so I would be lying if I said I was completely unfazed. But even I wouldn't lay a paw on such a beauty. I'm a firm believer in 'look but don't touch.'" (12)


Again, Mary is 14. Routa was 29 when he was a human, and he is now a giant wolf. Why was this moment even necessary? Then there was a scene later on in which Hecate, a sexy elf witch and one of the few characters aware that Routa wasn't what he seemed, poured wine on her arm for Routa to lick off. Routa got a little too into it for my comfort level, and it didn't feel entirely innocent on Hecate's end either.

All in all, a very light and quick read, but lacking in anything that might really encourage me to continue on with the series.

Extras:

Four full-color illustrations (the cover image, character illustrations for Zenobia, Routa, Mary, and Hecate, the group bathing scene, and Zenobia and Routa's battle against the dragon), black and white illustrations throughout, and a 2-page afterword by the author.

Rating Note:

Probably more like 2.5 stars, but rounded up for Goodreads.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Profile Image for Rebecca.
4,336 reviews69 followers
February 4, 2019
Some surprisingly dark honesty about how the protagonist died in his first life, but otherwise just a fun little read.


Full Review Eventually Appearing on ANN.
Profile Image for Cody Enos.
200 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2019
Yet another series about someone dying and coming back as an OP character in a fantastical world, and you know what? I didn't mind it.

It was quite surprising how enjoyable this read was. Instead of focusing on the magic of the world, or the fighting, this series does a great job at subverting those expectations by making the protagonist's motivation be the opposite of what we're used to. Instead of conquering, or acquiring magic, or building new settlements, the main protagonist Routa only wants to be a cuddly puppy for his new rich family and laze around all day while eating meat and cheese.

The read itself is quick, light, and easy. You'll most likely finish this in one or two sittings. Each chapter is like a short story where Routa finds something new about either himself or the world and tries his hardest to rebel against it with his cuteness. From becoming King, to sneaking into a dragon's nest, all Routa really wants is to be home with his master and get head pats. The action, while there, is few and far between. Optioning for a more comedic read this story loves to gush about the craft of food and what naps under a tree are like on a warm summer's day.

So while I don't have anything negative to say about this new series, how come I gave it 4 pats on the head out of 5?

Mostly because it's a light and fun story, and a short book on top of that. One of the shortest I've seen Yen On release and so far it's only a good afternoon's worth. I'm definitely intrigued on where they go from here and will totally be picking up the next volume.
Profile Image for poet.
436 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2019
This book is just totally fluff. It's cute and makes me smile but it's not got a lot of depth of character or anything. Which is fine! Sometimes you just want a sweet treat instead of a full meal. I'm for sure going to keep reading these.
Profile Image for Shae.
3,221 reviews354 followers
February 22, 2019
This was really cute! I like the bits of art style we got, so I hope they decide to creat an anime, or manga for this series.
Our main protagonist is written in an entertaining and loveable way. I'm excited for the next installment in the series!
29 reviews
February 20, 2019
Loved it!

What a wonderful idea! And it's a fun read too. I loved Routa and his problems of not being able to as adorable as he had hoped. It really was a fun read, and I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for kurogane shiroikaze.
137 reviews18 followers
February 24, 2019
Ridiculous title aside, it's a pretty light (and it's very very light) take on the "reborn as a non-human" genre where the protagonist chooses to be a pet dog; with the twist of being literally a god in the form of a dog.

This volume just basically introduces the main cast and you can tell the author is definitely hedging his bets on the survival of this title because the main cast are really flat characters, each in charge of a certain sort of stereotype.

Nevertheless, it's a relaxing enough read that manages to be likeable enough without being boring.
Profile Image for Doc.
1,959 reviews30 followers
July 2, 2019
Routa has had a hard life. As a corporate worker literally worked to death he makes a wish with his dying breath before retiring from his mortal coil to be reborn as a dog for a cute master that will spoil him so he can live care free. With that wish Routa finds himself in a new fantastic world and although granted his wish more or less he is to discover he is not a typical dog. What is a guy to do when fate itself wants to ruin his ideal life of being a lazy pet?

This is a goofy book that had me chuckling at times. I especially find it amusing how the animal characters have their words translated from the animal sounds they make. Routa is all to glad to go woof woof when talking to make the illusion of him being a dog that more believable even if he is huge and is an accidental leader others like him. Darn you goddess! He just wanted a simple life! :)

There are a lot of interesting moments in the book but some of my favorites is Routa discovering his fascination with wanting to lick people. At one point he declares it and a dragon (yes there is even a dragon) calls him a pervert even if he denies it. After all its natural for canines to want to lick isn't it? :)
Profile Image for D.M. Dutcher .
Author 1 book50 followers
April 11, 2020
More Isekai, this time the main character is reincarnated into a noble's dog, who just happens to be a Fenrir like wolf-god or something. He wants to be lazy, but he has to save the world like the rest of his isekai brothers.

Honestly, it's really not much of anything. Most of what is in here is done better in Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, Vol. 1-the nonhuman protag, the lack of communication, the discovering your powers. I think if the author had run a bit more with some of the interesting parts, like the hero's laziness (as a reaction to dying form overwork) and the more wolfy aspect, it might have been better, but this is just average isekai. Not bad, not good.
Profile Image for Dani.
Author 72 books418 followers
March 14, 2020
This is a cute story about a wolf who wants to be a pampered house pet... that was once a human man. It sounds crazy, and weird, but it is really fun, full of adventure and mystery, and you are wondering what could possibly happen next. He thinks he is a puppy reborn, but soon finds out he is a scary wolf.

But let's be honest here, who doesn't want a pet wolf?

All in all, this story is really fascinating, the world is well built, and the characters all make sense. It is only 170 pages long, so it is a nice short read, perfect for busy lives. 
Profile Image for A.A.A.
9 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2019
This light novel wasn't bad, but it wasn't gripping like I expected it to be. I read the start of the web novel and was really into it, so I thought i would like the published version. The story itself is interesting but I lost interest not even half way through and I couldn't find the drive to go back to it.

I'm just saying that this story may not be for everybody. But if you want something that's not extremely serious and is somewhat humorous, then I say go for it.
Profile Image for Timothy Pitkin.
1,999 reviews8 followers
January 27, 2024
A fun read as we get Routa who gets reincarnated into a dog. I do like that it does take him a while to realize that he is not a normal dog and how he really does just want to be a good dog, it is pretty cute and you do kind of feel sorry for him when he is trying desperately to hide that he is a monster wolf king. I do have to admit, I do find the animal noises a bit annoying as it feels just putting the words in paratheses or italicized would have been enough.
Profile Image for Courtney.
30 reviews
September 2, 2024
I liked this light novel; it was cute and funny; the main character is definitely relatable and all the other characters are pretty memorable too. It's a cute story (I just so happen to be a dog person so this was extra enjoyable; specially when the main character interacts with the other animals in the book). I will definitely be reading more of the series; keep them coming.
Profile Image for Tory.
221 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2019
I picked this up just because it sounded amusing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. While short taking less than 2 hours to read it's very enjoyable. Its full of misunderstandings, comedy, lots of cute and fun characters. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for Michael Hammond.
78 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2019
Enjoyable and funny

I couldn't seem to get into any of the books I wanted to read. I'd read for 5-10 minutes and switch books. I decided to try this and I read it in one shot. It was a nice change and I'm looking forward to the next one.
552 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2019
Delightful light novel

Reincarnated as a spoiled rotten pet was our hero's dream. Sadly, the dog was an overpowered wolf monster posing as a pet. With a beam weapon worthy of a Godzilla no less. At least he is fluffy and playful and enjoying great food.
55 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2020
It was good for what it was - a story about an overworked man wanting to be lazy and pampered all day with all the food and sleep he desires. The story was cute, but one I'm probably not going to continue any time soon.
Profile Image for Howard.
432 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2020
I have a weakness for long titled books and so I picked this one up. I wasn't excepting much and the first chapter I wasn't sure about it, but the more characters that were introduced in the book the funner it became. Overall I was laughing out loud often.
Profile Image for Ophilia Adler.
907 reviews53 followers
March 13, 2023
Mm, i got this on a 70% sale and im happy i did. I wouldnt have paid full price for it.
Its not my taste at all.
Very shallow, very annoying dialog, very cliches in all the wrong ways.
Perverted main character.
Big boobed girls.

Sigh....
129 reviews
May 22, 2024
A very light-hearted slice-of-(fantasy after)life. I had hoped for more, and would have preferred less of the focus on food recipes and the hentai creeping in, but that's just me. Woof Woof is a cute and totally okay read, but not something I'll continue reading. It's not quite my cup of tea. :)
12 reviews
March 23, 2019
Great

Loved the story, routa is super cute and him pretending to be just a normal dog is hilarious. Can't wait for the next one.
577 reviews
March 26, 2019
Well old tail redone

The old adage of be careful with what you wish for holds true with this story. Defiantly a different perspective on the the whole rebirth idea.
Profile Image for Daryth.
232 reviews
October 28, 2019
This is goofy anime/manga stuff, but the idea is pretty cute and so are the illustrations.
Profile Image for ElsaMakotoRenge.
510 reviews48 followers
March 4, 2020
Cute and funny! I don’t think it’s the best light novel I’ve ever read or anything, but I wanted something cute and fluffy and that’s what I got. So I’m satisfied:)
Profile Image for Bernard.
491 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2020
Solid story. The main character is interesting and the plot is unique.

Profile Image for Jasmine.
46 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2020
Interesting storyline but not a fan of the art style. Don't care to continue.
Profile Image for Ky Cauldron.
68 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2022
Trigger warnings: mild violence, some very mild nudity

A cute little light novel I picked up because I thought the premise was funny. I was interested in more non-human isekai and, well, this seemed like a great idea... until I read it. It was okay I guess, but you've got reverse harem for a dog getting set up which is just bizarre, and not much plot to get the story progressing. That being said, its closer to a slice of life with magical dog elements, and from that stand point its a much better book, but lacking any real refinement. Stil, Id read another book of this series if given the chance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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