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86—EIGHTY-SIX Light Novel #1
86—EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 [Light Novel]
The San Magnolia Republic has long been under attack by unmanned weapons from the neighboring Empire. Against this onslaught, the Republic has also deployed similar weapons, narrowly avoiding great loss of life and impending disaster-or at least that's how it seemed.
The truth is that it has never been possible to have no casualties. Young men and women drawn from the Republic's supposedly non-existent 86th district are organized into the "86 unit" and then ordered to pilot the "unmanned weapons" before heading to battle.
The truth is that it has never been possible to have no casualties. Young men and women drawn from the Republic's supposedly non-existent 86th district are organized into the "86 unit" and then ordered to pilot the "unmanned weapons" before heading to battle.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2017
601 people are currently reading
4156 people want to read
About the author
Asato Asato
44 books233 followers安里アサト, Asato Asato, born 1985) is a female Japanese novelist. The pen name Asato Asato is a combination of her real name (Toru Asakura) and eighty-eight.
Asato started writing novels just before she entered junior high school.
She initially submitted her work to the Kadokawa Beans Bunko Rookie Award, but when in 2014 her manuscript made it to the third round of the 2014 21st Dengeki Novel Prize, Asato started thinking about writing a novel that was "Dengeki Novel-esque." This novel would become the start of the 86 -Eighty Six- series.
In 2016, 86 -Eighty Six- won the 23rd Dengeki Novel Prize.
Asato started writing novels just before she entered junior high school.
She initially submitted her work to the Kadokawa Beans Bunko Rookie Award, but when in 2014 her manuscript made it to the third round of the 2014 21st Dengeki Novel Prize, Asato started thinking about writing a novel that was "Dengeki Novel-esque." This novel would become the start of the 86 -Eighty Six- series.
In 2016, 86 -Eighty Six- won the 23rd Dengeki Novel Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
March 13, 2020
ACHTUNG >> Capslock incoming.
HOLY SHIT! THIS WAS SO GOOOOOOODDDDD!!
THE EPILOGUE GOT ME SO MUCH.
I LOVE IT.
I LOVE SHIN AND LENA'S RELATIONSHIP.
I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK.
DEFINITELY GOING TO CONTINUE THE REST OF THE SERIES.
I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO SAY. K BYE.
HOLY SHIT! THIS WAS SO GOOOOOOODDDDD!!
THE EPILOGUE GOT ME SO MUCH.
I LOVE IT.
I LOVE SHIN AND LENA'S RELATIONSHIP.
I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK.
DEFINITELY GOING TO CONTINUE THE REST OF THE SERIES.
I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO SAY. K BYE.
May 3, 2020
This was so good, the best Japanese light-novel I've ever read. I'm so excited that the anime was announced!
This Light-Novel is about war. Beware, It has a lot of triggers: violence, gore, children as soldiers, racism, prejudice, oppression. The author said he was inspired in WW2 and it's clear in which countries he based his fictional empires. There are parts that really hurt to read...however this has a lot of action and there's never a dull moment.
This is a story about the camaraderie between soldiers, their bonding, their struggle to survive just another day. We have a group of elite soldiers lead by Shin, known as Undertaker, a sixteen-year-old captain who commands them and because of that, they are one of the oldest squadrons alive. They are part of the eighty-six, people known as "colorata" (aka people with any other color that its not white hair and silver eyes) who the "Republic" deemed as expendable and sent them to internment camps to fight for them against a super-powerful enemy who owns a far superior technology, so the number of casualties is high, but the Republic does not acknowledge Eighty-Six as people but as livestock, and so, there are no "casualties" for them.
Shin is an emotionless soldier boy, he's been through so much carnage and tragedy that he is completely numb. However, he is the one who possesses a hidden ability that makes him win every battle. He is a colorata of red eyes and dark hair and has been fighting for five years, a true achievement that bothers the Republic.
Lena is an Alba (silver eyes and white hair), a Major in the Republic. The Republic oppressed the Colorata and forces them to fight for them, most of them are children and the rate of survival is very low. Lena eventually finds out that her country is in fact, a bunch of hypocrites who consider themselves superior, and all they've been doing is inhumane. When Lena is assigned to lead Shin's squadron via an AI device her perspective changes drastically.
I love Lena. I loved how Lena started as a sweet, naive child, and trough the events she started to toughen up. She is intelligent and compassionate and she truly cares for human lives even though she is an Alba. She started as a Major who everyone called "princess" and ended up as a strong-minded, pro-active leading lady who everyone started calling "Bloody Queen". She is so sweet, really. I absolutely adored how much Lena struggled to be accepted by Shin's group.
Shin was amazing until the very end. Telling you more about him would be spoilers. He is also a bit "hero" tropey but in a good way. Of course, this had to have anime tropes or it wouldn't be a Japanese Light-Novel.
Nevertheless, I cannot tell you how much I ship these two "enemies".
There wasn't any romance in this but for heaven's sake, I ship Lena and Shin so hard and I know they're meant to be because my radar for "enemies-turn-into-lovers" never fails me.
If you're in a mood for sci-fi (with a touch of fantasy), war, strong friendships, tragedy, and enemies-to-friends, give it a try!
This Light-Novel is about war. Beware, It has a lot of triggers: violence, gore, children as soldiers, racism, prejudice, oppression. The author said he was inspired in WW2 and it's clear in which countries he based his fictional empires. There are parts that really hurt to read...however this has a lot of action and there's never a dull moment.
This is a story about the camaraderie between soldiers, their bonding, their struggle to survive just another day. We have a group of elite soldiers lead by Shin, known as Undertaker, a sixteen-year-old captain who commands them and because of that, they are one of the oldest squadrons alive. They are part of the eighty-six, people known as "colorata" (aka people with any other color that its not white hair and silver eyes) who the "Republic" deemed as expendable and sent them to internment camps to fight for them against a super-powerful enemy who owns a far superior technology, so the number of casualties is high, but the Republic does not acknowledge Eighty-Six as people but as livestock, and so, there are no "casualties" for them.
Shin is an emotionless soldier boy, he's been through so much carnage and tragedy that he is completely numb. However, he is the one who possesses a hidden ability that makes him win every battle. He is a colorata of red eyes and dark hair and has been fighting for five years, a true achievement that bothers the Republic.
Lena is an Alba (silver eyes and white hair), a Major in the Republic. The Republic oppressed the Colorata and forces them to fight for them, most of them are children and the rate of survival is very low. Lena eventually finds out that her country is in fact, a bunch of hypocrites who consider themselves superior, and all they've been doing is inhumane. When Lena is assigned to lead Shin's squadron via an AI device her perspective changes drastically.
I love Lena. I loved how Lena started as a sweet, naive child, and trough the events she started to toughen up. She is intelligent and compassionate and she truly cares for human lives even though she is an Alba. She started as a Major who everyone called "princess" and ended up as a strong-minded, pro-active leading lady who everyone started calling "Bloody Queen". She is so sweet, really. I absolutely adored how much Lena struggled to be accepted by Shin's group.
Shin was amazing until the very end. Telling you more about him would be spoilers. He is also a bit "hero" tropey but in a good way. Of course, this had to have anime tropes or it wouldn't be a Japanese Light-Novel.
Nevertheless, I cannot tell you how much I ship these two "enemies".
There wasn't any romance in this but for heaven's sake, I ship Lena and Shin so hard and I know they're meant to be because my radar for "enemies-turn-into-lovers" never fails me.
If you're in a mood for sci-fi (with a touch of fantasy), war, strong friendships, tragedy, and enemies-to-friends, give it a try!
May 18, 2019
The white pigs are at it again.
The delegitimizing of law-abiding citizens. The deliberate internment of legal residents. The unregulated sale and servitude of newborns. The forcible conscription of children into war.
The false patriotism and artificial gentility through which the dominant race articulates its policy of self-entitlement bleeds into everything. Indeed, the reason nobody does anything about it is due to its ubiquity -- because their bigotry is so obvious and their bias so absolute, why bother? The white pigs have won.
Or have they? EIGHTY-SIX is a surprisingly cohesive light novel whose opening and parting salvos aimed at exposing institutionalized prejudice are frightening . . . for when juxtaposed with the needs of the real world, such fearless rebukes of illiberal democracy feel needed now more than ever.
Here, readers encounter a nation that has walled itself off from the world; degraded, interned and conscripted an "other"; and proceeded to turn its back on those few remaining solutions-oriented citizens who might actually live up to the nation's credo: freedom, equality, brotherhood, justice and nobility.
Major Vladilena Milizé is the commanding officer of a unit of throwaway soldiers. She is a noble. But her slow and agonizing realization of her country's two-facedness abruptly skews her loyalty away from the platitudes of the state and closer toward the survival of her cohorts: the Eighty-Six, those soldiers relegated to subhuman status. Lena's optimism gets in the way and her confidence occasionally reeks of ignorance . . . but she is willing to put her ego aside and listen to those who have suffered most.
Captain Shinei Nouzen, codenamed "Undertaker," is the squadron leader of the most resilient band of Eighty-Six. He is intelligent, unflinching in battle and emotionally withdrawn. But when his new handler, Major Milizé, pops into his earbud and takes responsibility for her actions (or rather, her inaction), Shin's heart begins to thaw . . . if only a little.
EIGHTY-SIX moves quickly but doesn't find that perfect groove of emotional investment and charismatic action until the third act. This isn't entirely problematic, however, since the book makes a strong effort to humanize characters who have been treated like garbage all their lives, while likewise exposing the dirty underbelly of a citizenry and nobility whom have lost their humility. Readers may cringe at the title's heavy-handed application of slave labor, mass incarceration, infanticide, forced starvation and child soldiering, but if there's one thing the author, Asato Asato, wanted to get across, it is that the horrors of racial bias polity can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone.
Elsewise, the book's emphasis on character development is clouded by a weak and confusing narrative structure ("head hopping," as they say) and the novel's attempt to render real its semi-futuristic mecha conflicts barely makes the cut on account of the author's delirious failure to adequately design and scale technology. To this first point, for example, observe Chapter 03 ("To Your Gallant Visage at the Underworld's Edge"), in which the narrative point-of-view changes an astounding 30 times over a span of less than 40 pages. Ouch.
To this second point, of poorly designed mecha, consider the absurd-to-impossible designs the author conjures. The different "tank class" variations are inconsistently applied and make zero sense. Further, the technical specifications are fantastical. How does a 50-ton mech discharge a single sabot at over 5x the speed of a common tank round? The mech would be ripped apart. And why in the world does one mech have "liquid micromachine" arms? Where did they come from and how were they manufactured? EIGHTY-SIX is fun, but there's a plethora of overwriting worth noting.
If one can stomach the author's amateurish overreliance on first-person narrative and can step around the kitschy tacti-cool nonsense, then EIGHTY-SIX becomes something worth digging into. Emotionally, the book is worth the time. Intellectually, the book makes for a difficult but well-intentioned gamble. Thematically, EIGHTY-SIX is a novel that will age well precisely because humankind will not.
The delegitimizing of law-abiding citizens. The deliberate internment of legal residents. The unregulated sale and servitude of newborns. The forcible conscription of children into war.
The false patriotism and artificial gentility through which the dominant race articulates its policy of self-entitlement bleeds into everything. Indeed, the reason nobody does anything about it is due to its ubiquity -- because their bigotry is so obvious and their bias so absolute, why bother? The white pigs have won.
Or have they? EIGHTY-SIX is a surprisingly cohesive light novel whose opening and parting salvos aimed at exposing institutionalized prejudice are frightening . . . for when juxtaposed with the needs of the real world, such fearless rebukes of illiberal democracy feel needed now more than ever.
Here, readers encounter a nation that has walled itself off from the world; degraded, interned and conscripted an "other"; and proceeded to turn its back on those few remaining solutions-oriented citizens who might actually live up to the nation's credo: freedom, equality, brotherhood, justice and nobility.
Major Vladilena Milizé is the commanding officer of a unit of throwaway soldiers. She is a noble. But her slow and agonizing realization of her country's two-facedness abruptly skews her loyalty away from the platitudes of the state and closer toward the survival of her cohorts: the Eighty-Six, those soldiers relegated to subhuman status. Lena's optimism gets in the way and her confidence occasionally reeks of ignorance . . . but she is willing to put her ego aside and listen to those who have suffered most.
Captain Shinei Nouzen, codenamed "Undertaker," is the squadron leader of the most resilient band of Eighty-Six. He is intelligent, unflinching in battle and emotionally withdrawn. But when his new handler, Major Milizé, pops into his earbud and takes responsibility for her actions (or rather, her inaction), Shin's heart begins to thaw . . . if only a little.
EIGHTY-SIX moves quickly but doesn't find that perfect groove of emotional investment and charismatic action until the third act. This isn't entirely problematic, however, since the book makes a strong effort to humanize characters who have been treated like garbage all their lives, while likewise exposing the dirty underbelly of a citizenry and nobility whom have lost their humility. Readers may cringe at the title's heavy-handed application of slave labor, mass incarceration, infanticide, forced starvation and child soldiering, but if there's one thing the author, Asato Asato, wanted to get across, it is that the horrors of racial bias polity can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone.
Elsewise, the book's emphasis on character development is clouded by a weak and confusing narrative structure ("head hopping," as they say) and the novel's attempt to render real its semi-futuristic mecha conflicts barely makes the cut on account of the author's delirious failure to adequately design and scale technology. To this first point, for example, observe Chapter 03 ("To Your Gallant Visage at the Underworld's Edge"), in which the narrative point-of-view changes an astounding 30 times over a span of less than 40 pages. Ouch.
To this second point, of poorly designed mecha, consider the absurd-to-impossible designs the author conjures. The different "tank class" variations are inconsistently applied and make zero sense. Further, the technical specifications are fantastical. How does a 50-ton mech discharge a single sabot at over 5x the speed of a common tank round? The mech would be ripped apart. And why in the world does one mech have "liquid micromachine" arms? Where did they come from and how were they manufactured? EIGHTY-SIX is fun, but there's a plethora of overwriting worth noting.
If one can stomach the author's amateurish overreliance on first-person narrative and can step around the kitschy tacti-cool nonsense, then EIGHTY-SIX becomes something worth digging into. Emotionally, the book is worth the time. Intellectually, the book makes for a difficult but well-intentioned gamble. Thematically, EIGHTY-SIX is a novel that will age well precisely because humankind will not.
April 8, 2021
6 BOOKS LEFT TILL I FINISH THIS SERIES. FUCKIN' GLORY TO THE SPEARHEAD SQUADRON!
April 13, 2022
Finally finished this book and gosh the tears in my eyes. The plot, The themes, the characters, the prose, the mecha designs, the combat sequences, the romance, the politics, the emotional moments...everything was garbage from beginning to end. On my way to the hospital, definitely the worst book I've ever read.
June 14, 2021
"Tôi không muốn chết."
March 26, 2023
Me ha encantado.
He pasado por tantos sentimientos con esta novela... ☺️😡🤣😭
De cabeza a por la siguiente
He pasado por tantos sentimientos con esta novela... ☺️😡🤣😭
De cabeza a por la siguiente
October 5, 2020
Pacific Rim meets Gundam Wing meets 1917. If you enjoy those types of things, you'll enjoy this light novel. 3.5
October 1, 2020
Being part of a bookclub is great because it provides an opportunity to read books one would normally not read; reading this Japanese light novel is an example. If you like manga and anime, this is for you. Many of the scenes described in this novel can easily be seen in many anime series—especially ones that have to do with war and mechas.
Pacifists, beware.
It was hard to get into it in the beginning as it was a little dry with all the tech and mecha-related jargon. However, I enjoyed the characters and the team camaraderie. Since this is a part of an ongoing series, I'm sure the characters will be fleshed out even more in the next volumes.
There were some plot holes, other instances, and events that were patched up too quickly and easily with no further context. It's action-packed, so if you enjoy reading fight scenes, then you will also like this novel. More importantly, as the author mentioned in the afterword, this story was inspired by World War 2—particularly its ramifications and lessons learned. Therefore, there are lots of themes relating to fascism and xenophobia—albeit in an alternate world. This is also a dystopian book that reflects a failed democracy that only values the elite and pure-blooded citizens who remain complacent despite the injustices happening in their society. I do think the novel became stronger at the end with parts that can stir readers' emotions.
Unfortunately, I did find that the author's way of describing women's bodies—particularly the main character—was a bit off-putting to read.
Other than that, this is my first time reading a Japanese light novel, and I hope to read from more Japanese authors in the future!
P.S. I wanted more Fido.
Pacifists, beware.
It was hard to get into it in the beginning as it was a little dry with all the tech and mecha-related jargon. However, I enjoyed the characters and the team camaraderie. Since this is a part of an ongoing series, I'm sure the characters will be fleshed out even more in the next volumes.
There were some plot holes, other instances, and events that were patched up too quickly and easily with no further context. It's action-packed, so if you enjoy reading fight scenes, then you will also like this novel. More importantly, as the author mentioned in the afterword, this story was inspired by World War 2—particularly its ramifications and lessons learned. Therefore, there are lots of themes relating to fascism and xenophobia—albeit in an alternate world. This is also a dystopian book that reflects a failed democracy that only values the elite and pure-blooded citizens who remain complacent despite the injustices happening in their society. I do think the novel became stronger at the end with parts that can stir readers' emotions.
Unfortunately, I did find that the author's way of describing women's bodies—particularly the main character—was a bit off-putting to read.
Other than that, this is my first time reading a Japanese light novel, and I hope to read from more Japanese authors in the future!
P.S. I wanted more Fido.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2021
Cộng hòa Magnolia giả tạo, chui rúc trong yên bình nhờ máu xương đổ xuống của lũ "lợn" Tám Sáu. Ngoài kia, hàng đống Legion oanh tạc hằng ngày, đẩy những thiếu niên thiếu nữ bước vào cửa tử. Họ ghi thù, chiến đấu và chết đi. Số sống sót còn lại tiếp tục ghi thù, chiến đấu và chết đi. Rồi cuộc gặp gỡ giữa Lena và Shin, đội trưởng đội Spear Head, đã làm định mệnh đổi thay đôi chút.
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Mớ hổ lốn robot tự hành, xã hội phản địa đàng và lãng mạn này thoạt nghe khó mà viết được cho hay dưới dạng light novel. Ai ngờ lại thu hút đến vậy. Xây dựng bối cảnh và nhân vật tốt, phản ánh sâu sắc nạn phân biệt chủng tộc, nhấn mạnh được nỗi bi thương của chiến tranh, cân bằng và đẩy sự đối nghịch giữa thiện và ác rất tinh tế. Tui vốn không đọc light novel, ai dè lần này lại bị hấp dẫn. Chờ tập sau.
•
Mớ hổ lốn robot tự hành, xã hội phản địa đàng và lãng mạn này thoạt nghe khó mà viết được cho hay dưới dạng light novel. Ai ngờ lại thu hút đến vậy. Xây dựng bối cảnh và nhân vật tốt, phản ánh sâu sắc nạn phân biệt chủng tộc, nhấn mạnh được nỗi bi thương của chiến tranh, cân bằng và đẩy sự đối nghịch giữa thiện và ác rất tinh tế. Tui vốn không đọc light novel, ai dè lần này lại bị hấp dẫn. Chờ tập sau.
July 14, 2025
I did know the anime before reading and damn what kind of masterpiece did they make out of the novel? The novel is good, probably very good when you dont know the plot yet BUT it is the first time that I like anime/media better than the source material itself (Watch 86: Eighty Six; its literally a masterpiece)
August 22, 2024
I loved reading this so much!! The world they are in and what goes on with both sectors 85 and 86 is sooo interesting, the way we learn more about the legions throughout the story and see the characters from the 86 squadron interact with and get closer with Lena, such a nice story!
July 3, 2022
This was exactly what I needed to fill in the void that the anime left in my soul. I cannot wait to read the other volumes.
August 30, 2024
Una ficció increïble de guerra i racisme entre altres temes.
Eighty-Six ens situa en la República de Sta. Magnolia, país poblat íntegrament per gent "Alba", aquells de pell blanca i cabells i ulls platejats, que s'enorgulleixen d'estar lluitant contra els Legion (màquines de guerra automatitzades) amb uns drons no pilotats, mantenint cada dia la xifra de 0 baixes al front. Però, en realitat, aquests drons disten molt de ser automàtics i estan pilotats pels "Eighty-Six": gent de color (ja sigui únicament els ulls, cabells o pell) que ha estat arrabassada dels seus drets humans i se'ls considera "porcs", de manera que no figuren com a persones i, per tant, a les batalles no mor cap humà.
Aquests Eighty-Six son comandats a distància per Albes, i la novel·la segueix la història de la cap de batalló Vladilena Milizé, noia amb un fort sentit de la justícia que s'oposa a la opressió que pateix la gent de color i l'esquadra que comanda, dirigida pel capità Shinei Nozen, noi que ha patit tant que sembla que ja no senti emocions.
Un dels trets de la història que més remarco és que no hi ha el complex de blanc salvador, sinó tot el contrari: la Lena no triga en adonar-se que fins i tot ella, subconscientment, els tractava com a éssers inferiors, i que no podrà ser digna de parar-se al seu costat fins haver recorregut el mateix camí que han fet ells.
PD: La adaptació a l'anime és realment bona, així que recomano moltíssim mirar-se'l primer i decidir llavors si es vol llegir les novel·les :))
Eighty-Six ens situa en la República de Sta. Magnolia, país poblat íntegrament per gent "Alba", aquells de pell blanca i cabells i ulls platejats, que s'enorgulleixen d'estar lluitant contra els Legion (màquines de guerra automatitzades) amb uns drons no pilotats, mantenint cada dia la xifra de 0 baixes al front. Però, en realitat, aquests drons disten molt de ser automàtics i estan pilotats pels "Eighty-Six": gent de color (ja sigui únicament els ulls, cabells o pell) que ha estat arrabassada dels seus drets humans i se'ls considera "porcs", de manera que no figuren com a persones i, per tant, a les batalles no mor cap humà.
Aquests Eighty-Six son comandats a distància per Albes, i la novel·la segueix la història de la cap de batalló Vladilena Milizé, noia amb un fort sentit de la justícia que s'oposa a la opressió que pateix la gent de color i l'esquadra que comanda, dirigida pel capità Shinei Nozen, noi que ha patit tant que sembla que ja no senti emocions.
Un dels trets de la història que més remarco és que no hi ha el complex de blanc salvador, sinó tot el contrari: la Lena no triga en adonar-se que fins i tot ella, subconscientment, els tractava com a éssers inferiors, i que no podrà ser digna de parar-se al seu costat fins haver recorregut el mateix camí que han fet ells.
PD: La adaptació a l'anime és realment bona, així que recomano moltíssim mirar-se'l primer i decidir llavors si es vol llegir les novel·les :))
May 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot and would have loved to give it more stars. The plot was good, I’d say it is a pretty standard story, but the characters (the main group) were what sold me - I developed a real emotional attachment to them, and the tragedy of their stories, as well as their own personal stance against said tragedy, was what made me connect with them. I think the weaker part of the novel is the writing, which often was very repetitive and matter of fact (almost like a screenplay? I don’t know how to explain). The characters think about info we already know multiple times. Some parts of the novel were beautifully written as well, but, sadly, they were the minority. Another problem I have is that the characters are literally like 15/16😭 I don’t see why they could not have been aged up to 18, at least. I understand that it is even more horrifying to read about small children enlisting in the army, but for me, it would have been no less terrifying to see them enlist at 14 and keep serving up to where we are in the story, where they would be ~18/19. I just find it hard to believe an 11 year old child would show any kind of combat ability with a robot machine 😭 idk if it is a stupid and senseless complaint, but I kept thinking about it constantly while reading.
This novel even got a little tear from me in the end. Overall, positive, and glad I read it.
This novel even got a little tear from me in the end. Overall, positive, and glad I read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2023
"He would carry them. The names of their dead companions, their hearts and souls. Never neglecting or leaving anyone behind, he would carry them with him until he reached his final destination."
I finished the anime 86 and fell in love with the engaging story, all the attention to detail the animators put into every scene, the beautiful music, and the wonderful and lovely and amazing characters.
The final episode was crafted so well, and if I hadn't known there was a light novel series with more I would have been satisfied with ending it there.
But sometimes you adore characters enough to not let them go so easily, and I too want to follow Lena and Shin, and everyone else to their final destination. The light novel gives more worldbuilding, which I appreciated, but if I hadn't watched that first I think the epilogue was very weirdly done. Still, I'm excited to continue the series, and I highly recommend the anime.
January 21, 2026
Picked this up after watching and adoring the anime and this didn't disappoint! Pleasantly surprised by the writing, and loved being back with these characters. The author tackles some heavy themes very well and really knows how to pull at your heartstrings. Can't wait for volume 2!
April 12, 2025
Guys I’m just a sucker for mecca and politics it was so so good
October 15, 2025
This book makes you cry and laugh all at the same time while rethinking all your life decisions. I would not know how to not love this story.
April 15, 2021
Some spoilers ahead. No major plot points, but I will use some quotes from the novel. This book is awesome and there is so much worth mentioning. I'll start with the writing in general. In a word: despair. 2 of the major themes in 86 are war and oppression.
War is hell we all know that, but do we truly understand that? "Their fate was to die in an unknown corner of a battlefield, discarded like tools that had been used up..., without a grave to rest in or a name..." The tone is depressing and that feeling never quite goes away. The novel would be too overwhelming if it was all despair. It contains all too brief moments of respite too, which serve as good breaks between the action. Plus it makes the gut punch of the reality of war hit that much harder.
The ones fighting in this war is the Spearhead squadron, the 86, the ones that are forced to do the republics' fighting. They are oppressed victims of the Republic but they don't act like it. They don't fight for the nation or lament their position but rather take control of the part of their lives they can change. "Even if you have no choice but to walk the gallows, you can still choose how you're gonna climb the steps." That's what makes the 86 endearing.
Lastly is the main character Lena, she's the squadron's handler. But she's far away from the action, as all officers of the republic are. She bares no ill feeling towards the 86, and actively wants to make their jobs just a bit easier. She's a naive idealist, and that mindset of hers is challenged many times. And while she isn't the person responsible for their oppression, shes still a part of the system that is. "You're blatantly accepting what's being done to us by sitting there like you're entitled to comfort!"
I love the difficult reality of this world and Asato Asato shows there is no easy answers for any of issues going on. That leads to the world building, which I think the ground work laid is excellent. From the sci-fi tech involved, to the enemies the squadron has to fight everything has enough detail for those that really want those aspects fleshed out. Asato leaves plenty of room for expansion in the 86 universe.
In conclusion it's damn good. And I didnt even mention the plot or the names of any of the other characters or any of the cool action sequences! But this is already turning into an essay. 10/10 I will be reading more 86 in the near future.
Glory to the fucking Spearhead Squadron!
War is hell we all know that, but do we truly understand that? "Their fate was to die in an unknown corner of a battlefield, discarded like tools that had been used up..., without a grave to rest in or a name..." The tone is depressing and that feeling never quite goes away. The novel would be too overwhelming if it was all despair. It contains all too brief moments of respite too, which serve as good breaks between the action. Plus it makes the gut punch of the reality of war hit that much harder.
The ones fighting in this war is the Spearhead squadron, the 86, the ones that are forced to do the republics' fighting. They are oppressed victims of the Republic but they don't act like it. They don't fight for the nation or lament their position but rather take control of the part of their lives they can change. "Even if you have no choice but to walk the gallows, you can still choose how you're gonna climb the steps." That's what makes the 86 endearing.
Lastly is the main character Lena, she's the squadron's handler. But she's far away from the action, as all officers of the republic are. She bares no ill feeling towards the 86, and actively wants to make their jobs just a bit easier. She's a naive idealist, and that mindset of hers is challenged many times. And while she isn't the person responsible for their oppression, shes still a part of the system that is. "You're blatantly accepting what's being done to us by sitting there like you're entitled to comfort!"
I love the difficult reality of this world and Asato Asato shows there is no easy answers for any of issues going on. That leads to the world building, which I think the ground work laid is excellent. From the sci-fi tech involved, to the enemies the squadron has to fight everything has enough detail for those that really want those aspects fleshed out. Asato leaves plenty of room for expansion in the 86 universe.
In conclusion it's damn good. And I didnt even mention the plot or the names of any of the other characters or any of the cool action sequences! But this is already turning into an essay. 10/10 I will be reading more 86 in the near future.
Glory to the fucking Spearhead Squadron!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
Holy crap, this book is crazy good. I loved the hell out of it. It's a story about humanity's will to survive in a very, VERY bleak dystopia with a pretty horrifying robot apocalypse in progress. Like, OMG, this is an absolutely HORRIFYING robot apocalypse on the same level of Horizon Zero Dawn. It is the first book of an ongoing series, but this first book does come to an end, which makes me think the author left herself an out in case it didn't catch on so the people who read it would have a satisfying conclusion. It has an amazing and pretty heart wrenching climax that was the perfect conclusion to the story.
Western writers. Read this book and take note. This is how you incorporate a message about racism into a story, rather than replacing your story entirely with a message about racism. It's also how you build likeable and sympathetic characters, and build up to a climactic end. Learn to freaking write, you no talent, activist hacks!
After a bit of googling, I've found that there is an anime series of this book, and I DEFINITELY intend to check that out, as well as read the next book ASAP. I need a follow up after that really great ending.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci-fi or dystopia.
Western writers. Read this book and take note. This is how you incorporate a message about racism into a story, rather than replacing your story entirely with a message about racism. It's also how you build likeable and sympathetic characters, and build up to a climactic end. Learn to freaking write, you no talent, activist hacks!
After a bit of googling, I've found that there is an anime series of this book, and I DEFINITELY intend to check that out, as well as read the next book ASAP. I need a follow up after that really great ending.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci-fi or dystopia.
April 28, 2021
男主角的人設是《鋼彈》W希洛唯跟《驚爆危機》相良宗介的混合，不過作戰時加上更多團隊元素。
女主的服裝設計很謎，反之實戰部隊穿的衣服就正常得多，剛好也貼合了這個國家的設定：簡而言之就是個把集中營內猶太人推出去打人海戰術的奧妙國度——
，敘事方向是雙線進行正反合感的敘事架構，把那些老元素襯得耳目一新之餘，還以拿死人來煽情的手段將之合理化。
女主的服裝設計很謎，反之實戰部隊穿的衣服就正常得多，剛好也貼合了這個國家的設定：簡而言之就是個把集中營內猶太人推出去打人海戰術的奧妙國度——
，敘事方向是雙線進行正反合感的敘事架構，把那些老元素襯得耳目一新之餘，還以拿死人來煽情的手段將之合理化。
April 4, 2024
86—EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 by Asato Asato:
86—EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 by Asato Asato offers readers a compelling blend of science fiction, military drama, and social commentary set in a dystopian world torn apart by war. With its intricate world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, this volume serves as a captivating introduction to a series that promises to explore the depths of human nature and the horrors of war.
Asato's writing style is sharp and evocative, drawing readers into a world of conflict and intrigue from the very first page. The prose is both lyrical and visceral, conveying the harsh realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit with equal measure.
In this book, readers are introduced to a cast of characters who reside in the Republic of San Magnolia, a nation embroiled in a brutal war against an enemy known as the Legion. Among them are:
Shin: The protagonist, a young soldier tasked with piloting an unmanned drone known as the "Processor" in the war against the Legion. Shin is determined to uncover the truth behind the conflict and the fate of his comrades.
Lena: A handler responsible for overseeing the actions of the Processor pilots. Lena harbors doubts about the government's propaganda and seeks to understand the true nature of the war.
Raiden: A fellow Processor pilot and close friend of Shin. Raiden grapples with the trauma of war and the loss of his comrades, struggling to find meaning in the chaos.
Reiya: Another Processor pilot who shares Shin's determination to uncover the truth. Reiya is fiercely loyal to her comrades and will stop at nothing to protect them.
Each character in 86—EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 is richly developed and multi-dimensional, with their own hopes, fears, and aspirations. As the story unfolds, their relationships and interactions provide insight into the human cost of war and the toll it takes on those who fight in its name.
Overall, 86—EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 1 is a gripping and emotionally resonant read that will appeal to fans of military science fiction and dystopian literature. With its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and thought-provoking narrative, it sets the stage for an epic series that promises to explore the depths of human nature and the consequences of our actions.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
December 9, 2022
"The stars and moon were relentless; even on nights when someone dies, they glittered majestically. The world wasn't beautiful for anyone's sake. This world was always apathetic toward the concerns of individual humans."
✧༺☾༻✧
First, how dare Asato Asato end the book on a cliffhanger like that. Absolutely unforgivable.
I watched the anime first, which is now one of my favorites. I couldn't wait to find out what happens when the next season premiers, so I've decided to start the light novel series which it is based on. 86 uses elements from WW2 and the Allies and Axis powers. It talks about the atrocities of war and human discrimination very well and with care. It's set in a world where there is no communication between nations and where the Legion is a threat to everyone, and behind the walls of the Gran Mur, life continues on in its own little paradise that's on a timer to explode. 86 is Attack on Titan and Code Geass's love child.
The writing was cheesy, describing people's eyes like gemstones, Lena being elegant and beautiful. Shin being handsome and cold. Solely based on that the book sounds terrible and in dire need of an editor, but it's also so so good. The conversations between the characters are smooth and the battle sequences are well written.
The only reason I don't give this five stars is because of the writing, but this is one of my favorite amines of this year. This is amazing and I'll die on this hill.
✧༺☾༻✧
First, how dare Asato Asato end the book on a cliffhanger like that. Absolutely unforgivable.
I watched the anime first, which is now one of my favorites. I couldn't wait to find out what happens when the next season premiers, so I've decided to start the light novel series which it is based on. 86 uses elements from WW2 and the Allies and Axis powers. It talks about the atrocities of war and human discrimination very well and with care. It's set in a world where there is no communication between nations and where the Legion is a threat to everyone, and behind the walls of the Gran Mur, life continues on in its own little paradise that's on a timer to explode. 86 is Attack on Titan and Code Geass's love child.
The writing was cheesy, describing people's eyes like gemstones, Lena being elegant and beautiful. Shin being handsome and cold. Solely based on that the book sounds terrible and in dire need of an editor, but it's also so so good. The conversations between the characters are smooth and the battle sequences are well written.
The only reason I don't give this five stars is because of the writing, but this is one of my favorite amines of this year. This is amazing and I'll die on this hill.
June 12, 2021
Câu chuyện kể về một thế giới giả tưởng ngập trong chiến tranh. Tại đây, có một đất nước ngu ngốc thua trận, mất đi phần lớn lãnh thổ, lại đi đối phó với chiến tranh bằng cách phân biệt chủng tộc và vứt bỏ quyền làm người của những người "không thuần chủng" trong nước, gọi họ là "lợn", đàn áp bằng vũ lực và ném họ ra ngoài chiến trường với những trang thiết bị rẻ rách, kém chất lượng. Còn bản thân quân đội và chính phủ thì mỗi ngày đều mị dân, tiêm nhiễm tư tưởng lệch lạc khiến những người "thuần chủng" trở thành những người dân sống trong một xã hội dân chủ, tiên tiến, bình đẳng, bác ái nhưng lại luôn coi khinh và tự cho mình hơn lũ "lợn" ngoài chiến trường kia. Tất nhiên là không phải ai cũng sẽ là người xấu xa hãm chó thế. (Nhưng đọc chỉ muốn cái nước này tàn đời sớm giùm cái)
Tuy là thế giới giả tưởng nhưng tác giả cũng nghiên cứu những sự kiện lịch sử về một thời kì chiến tranh đen tối, những thuyết nghiên cứu có thật và cải biến cho phù hợp câu chuyện. Vậy nên, bộ này khắc hoạ tính nghiệt ngã của chiến tranh, của nạn phân biệt chủng tộc và cả những bất cập trong xã hội một cách hiện thực lắm... Tác giả cũng tạo ra nhiều chủng tộc cùng đặc điểm khác nhau, và xây dựng hình ảnh những loại vũ khí mới tối tân các thứ đỉnh cực kỳ ấy.
Nói chung là siêu siêu hay, đầy ý nghĩa và cảm động. Không ngờ nó hay đến thế luôn. Mới chỉ tập 1 thôi đã đầy đủ cảm xúc rồi, phần cuối khóc dcd. Ôi tôi thề là hay vllll. Lại thêm một bộ Light Novel đỉnhhhh của chópppp. Giờ đọc xong thích nam chính quá mà lỡ không săn postcard lại thấy tiếc 🥲🥲🥲
Tuy là thế giới giả tưởng nhưng tác giả cũng nghiên cứu những sự kiện lịch sử về một thời kì chiến tranh đen tối, những thuyết nghiên cứu có thật và cải biến cho phù hợp câu chuyện. Vậy nên, bộ này khắc hoạ tính nghiệt ngã của chiến tranh, của nạn phân biệt chủng tộc và cả những bất cập trong xã hội một cách hiện thực lắm... Tác giả cũng tạo ra nhiều chủng tộc cùng đặc điểm khác nhau, và xây dựng hình ảnh những loại vũ khí mới tối tân các thứ đỉnh cực kỳ ấy.
Nói chung là siêu siêu hay, đầy ý nghĩa và cảm động. Không ngờ nó hay đến thế luôn. Mới chỉ tập 1 thôi đã đầy đủ cảm xúc rồi, phần cuối khóc dcd. Ôi tôi thề là hay vllll. Lại thêm một bộ Light Novel đỉnhhhh của chópppp. Giờ đọc xong thích nam chính quá mà lỡ không săn postcard lại thấy tiếc 🥲🥲🥲
April 29, 2024
Kalau aku baca novelnya lebih dulu, kayaknya sih bintangnya bakal kurang satu. Tapi karena udah nonton animenya, jadinya novel ini kayak melengkapi apa yang kurasa kurang di adaptasi, jadinya full star deh:D (dan juga karena bias) We love Shin and Lena in this house😎😎
Aku selalu berpikiran kalau jumlah episode untuk anime 86 itu kurang. Kayak masih kurang mateng gitu, penjelasannya sama karakterisasinya. Dan memang benar dugaanku. Begitu baca novelnya, semua lubang-lubang yang menggangguku di anime langsung terjawab dengan tuntas.
Tapi jujur aja, versi novelnya ini agak kurang dari segi storytelling. Banyak penjelasan yang dijabarkan begitu aja. Dan menurutku pribadi, padatnya info yang dituangkan di sepanjang cerita bakal bikin pembaca baru kewalahan.
Aku sendiri pun gak yakin bakal bisa baca secepat ini kalau belum nonton anime. Emang sepadat itu isinya. Untung ada ilustrasi-ilustrasi desain musuh, tokoh-tokoh yang cukup detail sehingga bakal membantu banget buat pembaca.
Intinya sih, aku ngerasa anime dan novelnya melengkapi satu sama lain. Anime lebih kerasa kedekatan emosionalnya, sedangkan novelnya lebih detail.
Aku pribadi merekomendasikan nonton animenya dulu, terus baca novelnya untuk dapat lebih banyak kejelasan soal alurnya.
Aku selalu berpikiran kalau jumlah episode untuk anime 86 itu kurang. Kayak masih kurang mateng gitu, penjelasannya sama karakterisasinya. Dan memang benar dugaanku. Begitu baca novelnya, semua lubang-lubang yang menggangguku di anime langsung terjawab dengan tuntas.
Tapi jujur aja, versi novelnya ini agak kurang dari segi storytelling. Banyak penjelasan yang dijabarkan begitu aja. Dan menurutku pribadi, padatnya info yang dituangkan di sepanjang cerita bakal bikin pembaca baru kewalahan.
Aku sendiri pun gak yakin bakal bisa baca secepat ini kalau belum nonton anime. Emang sepadat itu isinya. Untung ada ilustrasi-ilustrasi desain musuh, tokoh-tokoh yang cukup detail sehingga bakal membantu banget buat pembaca.
Intinya sih, aku ngerasa anime dan novelnya melengkapi satu sama lain. Anime lebih kerasa kedekatan emosionalnya, sedangkan novelnya lebih detail.
Aku pribadi merekomendasikan nonton animenya dulu, terus baca novelnya untuk dapat lebih banyak kejelasan soal alurnya.
January 5, 2024
The premise to this novel is tough, but there glimmers a hope that rises above even its nihilism. Victories are few but hard won, and characters rarely get away with easy answers. All this makes for a compelling plot. The writing is not as rough as most light novels, but I think that that is more the fault of the translation, which uses cumbersome sentences and odd word choice more often than not. This novel closes the story well, I think, but there are a bunch more volumes - I wonder what they'll be about!
October 23, 2024
I have to give this a 5 stars if I could I would give it a 6 stars. It is my first light novel so that might sound insane but it was just so good. I knew I would love it because of the anime but the light novel is incredible and even better.
I will say there are very heavy topics mentioned in this LN mainly around racism, oppression and war, with various other triggers so do read with caution.
I would like to add this is a great starting LN if you are interested in reading one it does have some triggers to be careful of but the story plot and characters are amazing.
I will say there are very heavy topics mentioned in this LN mainly around racism, oppression and war, with various other triggers so do read with caution.
I would like to add this is a great starting LN if you are interested in reading one it does have some triggers to be careful of but the story plot and characters are amazing.
July 20, 2025
"Aren't garter belts just the best?" I read, as I'm ugly crying into the pages, reduced to a sobbing and sniffling mess by the book that I've just finished.
The best thing is that I already knew every single event that was coming (and let me praise the anime too on adapting this so beautifully) and it STILL got me.
It had all I could have asked for and more, I am now emotionally invested in a long distance relationship held together by the equivalent of Discord™, so much trauma, and war.
The best thing is that I already knew every single event that was coming (and let me praise the anime too on adapting this so beautifully) and it STILL got me.
It had all I could have asked for and more, I am now emotionally invested in a long distance relationship held together by the equivalent of Discord™, so much trauma, and war.
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