What do you think?
Rate this book
ようこそ実力至上主義の教室へ [Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e] (Novel) #1
Classroom of the Elite (Light Novel) Vol. 1
The cutthroat school drama light novels that inspired an anime!
Students of the prestigious Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School are given remarkable freedom--if they can win, barter, or save enough points to work their way up the ranks! Ayanokoji Kiyotaka has landed at the bottom in the scorned Class D, where he meets Horikita Suzune, who’s determined to rise up the ladder to Class A. Can they beat the system in a school where cutthroat competition is the name of the game?
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2015
796 people are currently reading
5748 people want to read
About the author
Syougo Kinugasa
67 books298 followersAssociated Names:
* Syougo Kinugasa / Shōgo Kinugasa (English)
* 衣笠彰梧 (Japanese)
* Syougo Kinugasa / Shōgo Kinugasa (English)
* 衣笠彰梧 (Japanese)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
August 4, 2022
3.5 stars
a psychological thriller disguised as normal high school experience yeah i am sold.
a psychological thriller disguised as normal high school experience yeah i am sold.
August 13, 2017
Well I read this because the anime was taking off, obviously, the Light Novel and the anime have some glaring differences, but what else is new? The book itself is a pretty good read, I liked how the book lures you in thinking this would be a typical School Life story. However, we quickly get pulled in for a loop when we realize the true intentions(or lack thereof) of the school. Honestly, the way this story is set up with certain character types it reminds me of the Oregairu LNs. However, it's the way they use some of the character tropes and subvert them that kept me interested especially how the main character views everything. Plus I like the Oregairu LNs so more of a plus for me. I am especially curious about our main character as I fell that he tetters as an unreliable narrator sometimes, which makes me wonder how his life was before High School. We seem some heavy hints of serious Isolation among other things, but it's never truly expanded upon in this volume. I look forward to reading the next volume and continuing the adventures of Class D on their road to the top.
December 7, 2020
Before I started this book I expected this too be some edgy high school drama with some pseudo psychological twist sprinkled onto it. But this book was surprisingly very good and interesting. The school they are attending is like a social experiment with the students as subjects.... that doesn't really capture the essence but the point is it was better than I expected and really worth reading.
January 17, 2020
3.50-3.75 stars
January 3, 2025
Me literally waiting for Ayanokouji in volume 4 be like: 🧍♂️
(If you know, you know)
Spoiler-free review
This volume was crazy. It was good, but not as I expected. It took 50% of the book for major events to happen which was a bit disappointing honestly, but at the same time I do see the importance of the chapters before chapter 7 started.
If you watched the anime like me you might feel betrayed of his change of personality in the light novel. In general, I watched a YouTube video that explained all 3 versions: Anime, manga and lastly the light novel. Based on the video (but also from many other people) the manga is the worst choice to go as he is acting just like an average highschooler with no personality whatsoever, the anime version makes him look ice cold without any emotions and the light novel version is his actual personality. I don't know why both anime and manga failed with Ayanokouji's personality, but I'm thrilled to see the real Ayanokouji since I started reading the light novel now.
The events in this volume aren't a lot and just one hurdle of many that Ayanokouji and his class will face throughout the 3 years of their school life. But nevertheless it's something that is important for later as many connections are made for the first volume and some secrets are also revealed already.
To put it short: This volume was lots of fun for me, even if I already knew the content of it (I watched the anime). I'm excited to see more differences between the anime and light novel and I have high hopes for the light novel to be even better for me. This book series might haven't started on the strong side as it took definitely some time for something to happen and we still don't know everything yet, but it's after all only the first volume, so let's see where this is leading us.
Spoiler section!
Ayanokouji acted in this volume like an average highschooler, but he is as smart as always and also tries to hide his true potential. What shocked me the most, which can't be seen in anime, are his thoughts. He , which I didn't expect, but at the same time I can only laugh about it as I know what Ayanokouji is trying to achieve with this.
I'm not sure if I remember it incorrectly as it's some time since I watched season one of the anime, but Horikita and Ayanokouji's relationship to eachother is way different here. They act like real kids sometimes, for example Horikita poked Ayanokouji so that he doesn't fall asleep or when Ayanokouji said no and Horikita thanked him for helping her out.
I think it's really funny and is less stiff than the anime. I also noticed that Horikita and Ayanokouji share similarities even if, according to Horikita due to their different motives that wouldn't mean they are 'similar'.
Ayanokouji also seemed to be considerate towards Horikita even though he said he wants to stay neutral.
I definitely see lots of potential by them both teaming up and in general trusting eachother, as they are quite similar too and have therefore a better understanding towards eachother that many wouldn't get.
The reason I reduced 2 stars:
- A bit slow sometimes
-
-
————————————————————
StoryGraph review
(If you know, you know)
Spoiler-free review
This volume was crazy. It was good, but not as I expected. It took 50% of the book for major events to happen which was a bit disappointing honestly, but at the same time I do see the importance of the chapters before chapter 7 started.
If you watched the anime like me you might feel betrayed of his change of personality in the light novel. In general, I watched a YouTube video that explained all 3 versions: Anime, manga and lastly the light novel. Based on the video (but also from many other people) the manga is the worst choice to go as he is acting just like an average highschooler with no personality whatsoever, the anime version makes him look ice cold without any emotions and the light novel version is his actual personality. I don't know why both anime and manga failed with Ayanokouji's personality, but I'm thrilled to see the real Ayanokouji since I started reading the light novel now.
The events in this volume aren't a lot and just one hurdle of many that Ayanokouji and his class will face throughout the 3 years of their school life. But nevertheless it's something that is important for later as many connections are made for the first volume and some secrets are also revealed already.
To put it short: This volume was lots of fun for me, even if I already knew the content of it (I watched the anime). I'm excited to see more differences between the anime and light novel and I have high hopes for the light novel to be even better for me. This book series might haven't started on the strong side as it took definitely some time for something to happen and we still don't know everything yet, but it's after all only the first volume, so let's see where this is leading us.
Spoiler section!
Ayanokouji acted in this volume like an average highschooler, but he is as smart as always and also tries to hide his true potential. What shocked me the most, which can't be seen in anime, are his thoughts. He , which I didn't expect, but at the same time I can only laugh about it as I know what Ayanokouji is trying to achieve with this.
I'm not sure if I remember it incorrectly as it's some time since I watched season one of the anime, but Horikita and Ayanokouji's relationship to eachother is way different here. They act like real kids sometimes, for example Horikita poked Ayanokouji so that he doesn't fall asleep or when Ayanokouji said no and Horikita thanked him for helping her out.
“I refuse,” I said.
“I always knew you’d help, Ayanokouji-kun. I’m grateful.”
“I didn’t say that! I turned you down!”
“No, I heard the voice inside your head. You said you’d help.”
I think it's really funny and is less stiff than the anime. I also noticed that Horikita and Ayanokouji share similarities even if, according to Horikita due to their different motives that wouldn't mean they are 'similar'.
Ayanokouji also seemed to be considerate towards Horikita even though he said he wants to stay neutral.
Honestly, I’d be glad to participate. I’d thought that most of the class would be involved. However, if Horikita was the only one absent, then she might be treated the same as Sudou.
“Ah…I’ll pass. I’m sorry.”
I definitely see lots of potential by them both teaming up and in general trusting eachother, as they are quite similar too and have therefore a better understanding towards eachother that many wouldn't get.
The reason I reduced 2 stars:
- A bit slow sometimes
-
-
————————————————————
StoryGraph review
August 8, 2021
Whoa! I never thought reading about someone's school life would be quite interesting. Of course, the school isn't ordinary but at the same time it's similar to schools in real life.
Ayanokyoji-kun is a very interesting MC and I loved reading from his pov. Can't wait to unearth his secrets from the past (come to think of it, we know absolutely nothing about him before he came to the school. I've watched the anime and the 12 episodes didn't reveal much either. Perhaps you could say that knowing about him is the sole purpose I picked this book up.)
Even though this volume was painfully detailed it didn't get boring at any point.
Besides Ayanokyoji, Horikita is another interesting character that kept me hooked. Honestly, those two make a great pair.
Ayanokyoji-kun is a very interesting MC and I loved reading from his pov. Can't wait to unearth his secrets from the past (come to think of it, we know absolutely nothing about him before he came to the school. I've watched the anime and the 12 episodes didn't reveal much either. Perhaps you could say that knowing about him is the sole purpose I picked this book up.)
Even though this volume was painfully detailed it didn't get boring at any point.
Besides Ayanokyoji, Horikita is another interesting character that kept me hooked. Honestly, those two make a great pair.
July 7, 2019
Intriguing plot with painful reality.
"The only animal capable of giving man a fair fight is man. Actually, among ourselves, we fight unfairest of all, and the more we practice, the nastier we get." (Robert Buettner)
"The only animal capable of giving man a fair fight is man. Actually, among ourselves, we fight unfairest of all, and the more we practice, the nastier we get." (Robert Buettner)
April 23, 2020
When I decided to review Classroom of the Elite, I really wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since I haven’t watched the anime. And in the end, what I got was a brain impulsion. Let me explain. I’m a former teacher and a tutor, so Classroom of the Elite’s themes on education and equality set off a firestorm inside my mind, in both a good and bad way.
If you aren’t familiar with the series, Classroom of the Elite takes places at the fictional Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School, a fancy school run by the Japanese government. On the surface, the school is a paradise, where students can indulge themselves in all kinds of amenities. However, in reality, students are placed into four different classes based on their merit. Class A has the “best” students and Class D has the weakest.
The students’ class determines how the school treats them. In other words, if you’re placed in Class D, you’re basically treated like garbage. You’ll be more likely to be expelled over something frivolous. On top of this, your monthly allowance (for food, toiletries, etc.) will be smaller because it’s based on academic performance – not just your own but the entire class’ performance.
The main character of the story, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, is a student who was placed in Class D. Throughout the story, Ayanokouji needs to learn how to navigate the school’s insane system and save his academically-challenged classmates from being kicked out. Along the way, he gains the help of Suzune Horikita, an emotionless female student who doesn’t care about anyone but herself.
I really liked this premise because, as stated, I used to teach. Initially, the whole idea may seem a little ridiculous since high schools usually don’t expel students unless it’s something major. However, high school isn’t mandatory in Japan, so the concept is a little more plausible than if it took place elsewhere, such as the USA, where many states require students to attend until they are 18.
However, even though I really liked the premise, the nature of the school actually isn’t revealed right away. The book begins with Ayanokouji meeting Horikita on the first day of school. After that, it accounts his daily life during the first month of school, as he adjusts to the new school and tries to make friends with his classmates since his friendship with Horikita is unsuccessful at first.
It reads almost like a slice of life story – trips to the grocery store, checking out potential clubs, evening activities after school. And while I am actually a big SOL fan, the beginning of the novel really dragged on. The truth about the school’s intentions doesn’t happen until about halfway through the book. Almost 200 pages with no major events is a lot to sit through. In the book’s defense, during the first half, it did drop a lot of hints about the school’s secret, and there is important character development. But I still wished things would have picked up faster.
Personally, I think some parts of the beginning could have been shortened or removed. For example, 10 pages in a grocery store isn’t very interesting. And Chapter 4 could have been taken out entirely. That chapter was about a co-ed swim class, and the only purpose of it was for fan service. Plus, many of the guy characters make pervy comments about the girls, which I didn’t like. When I was in high school, guys made comments like that all the time, but it made me uncomfortable then, and it still makes me uncomfortable now.
Once I got to the “big reveal,” I couldn’t put the book down to be honest. I was fascinated. Not only did I start pondering all of the educational aspects, I started to become more invested in the plot as well. Because there was a sense of urgency – students not wanting to fail, students who used up their entire allowance – the story picked up the pace and became more enjoyable.
And it isn’t just about studying. While all of this is going on, we learn more about the characters, see different sides of them, and observe how they interact with one another. I also wanted to see what crazy, unfair things the school was going to throw at the students and how Ayanokouji was going to counter them.
I really enjoyed this book. Or, rather, I really enjoyed the second half of the book. Honestly, I’d like to give this light novel a high score, but the first half weighed it down too much. It’s not the first half was bad per se. It just didn’t have anything extraordinary or innovative that made it stand out (minus the prologue). Plus, the fan service or similar tropes felt recycled. But once you get to the halfway mark, the novel gets much better. As someone who hasn’t watched the anime, I am excited to see what is going to happen in the next volume and hope it stays interesting.
- Rai
If you aren’t familiar with the series, Classroom of the Elite takes places at the fictional Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School, a fancy school run by the Japanese government. On the surface, the school is a paradise, where students can indulge themselves in all kinds of amenities. However, in reality, students are placed into four different classes based on their merit. Class A has the “best” students and Class D has the weakest.
The students’ class determines how the school treats them. In other words, if you’re placed in Class D, you’re basically treated like garbage. You’ll be more likely to be expelled over something frivolous. On top of this, your monthly allowance (for food, toiletries, etc.) will be smaller because it’s based on academic performance – not just your own but the entire class’ performance.
The main character of the story, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, is a student who was placed in Class D. Throughout the story, Ayanokouji needs to learn how to navigate the school’s insane system and save his academically-challenged classmates from being kicked out. Along the way, he gains the help of Suzune Horikita, an emotionless female student who doesn’t care about anyone but herself.
I really liked this premise because, as stated, I used to teach. Initially, the whole idea may seem a little ridiculous since high schools usually don’t expel students unless it’s something major. However, high school isn’t mandatory in Japan, so the concept is a little more plausible than if it took place elsewhere, such as the USA, where many states require students to attend until they are 18.
However, even though I really liked the premise, the nature of the school actually isn’t revealed right away. The book begins with Ayanokouji meeting Horikita on the first day of school. After that, it accounts his daily life during the first month of school, as he adjusts to the new school and tries to make friends with his classmates since his friendship with Horikita is unsuccessful at first.
It reads almost like a slice of life story – trips to the grocery store, checking out potential clubs, evening activities after school. And while I am actually a big SOL fan, the beginning of the novel really dragged on. The truth about the school’s intentions doesn’t happen until about halfway through the book. Almost 200 pages with no major events is a lot to sit through. In the book’s defense, during the first half, it did drop a lot of hints about the school’s secret, and there is important character development. But I still wished things would have picked up faster.
Personally, I think some parts of the beginning could have been shortened or removed. For example, 10 pages in a grocery store isn’t very interesting. And Chapter 4 could have been taken out entirely. That chapter was about a co-ed swim class, and the only purpose of it was for fan service. Plus, many of the guy characters make pervy comments about the girls, which I didn’t like. When I was in high school, guys made comments like that all the time, but it made me uncomfortable then, and it still makes me uncomfortable now.
Once I got to the “big reveal,” I couldn’t put the book down to be honest. I was fascinated. Not only did I start pondering all of the educational aspects, I started to become more invested in the plot as well. Because there was a sense of urgency – students not wanting to fail, students who used up their entire allowance – the story picked up the pace and became more enjoyable.
And it isn’t just about studying. While all of this is going on, we learn more about the characters, see different sides of them, and observe how they interact with one another. I also wanted to see what crazy, unfair things the school was going to throw at the students and how Ayanokouji was going to counter them.
I really enjoyed this book. Or, rather, I really enjoyed the second half of the book. Honestly, I’d like to give this light novel a high score, but the first half weighed it down too much. It’s not the first half was bad per se. It just didn’t have anything extraordinary or innovative that made it stand out (minus the prologue). Plus, the fan service or similar tropes felt recycled. But once you get to the halfway mark, the novel gets much better. As someone who hasn’t watched the anime, I am excited to see what is going to happen in the next volume and hope it stays interesting.
- Rai
May 2, 2019
Hm, maybe the appeal got lost in the amateur translation, maybe it's because I'm new to light novels, but I did not like this. The pacing is incredibly slow, the characters aren't likeable and the conversations are confusing. I usually don't like to say this, but I really liked the anime version (of this part of the story at least) much better to be honest
January 9, 2020
Although i knew the whole story already as i have watched the anime. It was still interesting, I liked the school system in this and also our beloved Protagonist Ayanakoji Kiyotaka. A person who intentionally scores just half the points of what he is required to in every test he takes just to avoid trouble. Well it will be interesting to see what will happen now in the next part.
July 5, 2024
OMGGG i watched the anime and had to read it as soon as i found out it was originally a light novel! it was so good, and i got so much more insight into the characters omg i could not stop reading!
August 4, 2022
Watched the first season of the anime beforehand. The main character in this is noticeably different. For instance, because we hear his inner voice, we're told that he has a lot of insecurities about not being able to make friends, yet he constantly behaves like a sociopath. He also never misses a chance to claim not to want to trouble himself yet his actions are always in direct opposition to that.
This novel is a very weird exercise in cognitive dissonance. Almost like the author self-inserted himself and who he'd like to be into the same character.
The anime is less weird regarding those aspects, potentially due to the less verbose medium.
The dialogue in this is terrible and characters constantly change their mind suddenly with barely any logical explanation. It's also filled with japanese ecchi obsessed characters that make you go "Wow, who the hell talks like that in public?"
This novel is a very weird exercise in cognitive dissonance. Almost like the author self-inserted himself and who he'd like to be into the same character.
The anime is less weird regarding those aspects, potentially due to the less verbose medium.
The dialogue in this is terrible and characters constantly change their mind suddenly with barely any logical explanation. It's also filled with japanese ecchi obsessed characters that make you go "Wow, who the hell talks like that in public?"
January 15, 2026
My first thought when I finished the first few chapters was: is this a joke?
I saw the adaptation way too long ago, too long to the point all i remember is that whatever this Manga is, it isn’t at all what I watched and enjoyed all those years ago.
apparently the Anime had changed some things, including the characters traits, which made the whole experience unique, interesting, and much better than whatever this is.
Also, the women sexualization is over the top here. Will not be continuing this, i’d rather wait forever for the next anime season.
even with this knowledge I still can’t help but believe this is a total joke. Can’t take this seriously, so I won’t.
February 21, 2019
Heard good things about this series and watched the anime but surprisingly, this was quite a big slog to read.
The major problem i really have is the slow pace and the really unlikeable characters. While the anime's fast pace masked these problems quite well, the shortcomings really do show up quite well in the book, especially when most of the leading characters really feel very misanthropic or lethargic at progressing with the plot.
Maybe the later volumes are much better, but for this volume, I really didn't quite 'click' with it.
The major problem i really have is the slow pace and the really unlikeable characters. While the anime's fast pace masked these problems quite well, the shortcomings really do show up quite well in the book, especially when most of the leading characters really feel very misanthropic or lethargic at progressing with the plot.
Maybe the later volumes are much better, but for this volume, I really didn't quite 'click' with it.
August 23, 2022
Painful to read
September 2, 2021
3.5⭐
📍Anime
S1 fin. 09/02/21
The philosophies at the start of each episode are interesting.
But having watched anime for years, this did not 'wow' me.
For one, it's generally just school life. They're in this government advanced school that nurtures students to support the country in the future. The school has a system that ranks students from class A-D and you get treated accordingly depending on class rank. Each class aims to be the top class for what? To get in any university and any job they want in the future. That goal is pretty boring considering the level of competition and capabilities of the students (since the top students know martial arts and all). Though it would be something if their goal is to be government spies, assassins and whatnot.
Some grievances:
-I get that only the main characters deserve a cool appearance and personality, but I really find it preposterous that a teacher is dumber than a student (specifically the class C teacher).
-Frustrating, entitled, shameless characters (Basketball guy) as plot devices.
-It would be nice if the other classmates aren't annoyingly dumb. It's such a shame that this isn't a battle royale. That they have these dead weights to carry 'coz they need to perform as a class. (Though this anime is super short, perhaps they'll redeem themselves in LN or S2. Too early to tell).
-they still result to petty underwear theft to divide and conquer (gotta have these ecchi moments no matter what).
-I'm not in the mood for harem rn
The only thing interesting here is the MC keeping a low profile. His backstory in this experiment facility that explains his physical strength and intelligence is not new to me. However, I want to unravel his character, his truth... and I guess his classmates, no matter how useless, are the right tool for it.
That said, I got the ending I wanted (I wouldn't have it any other way). That makes it relatively predictable but the twist to get there isn't!
📍Anime
S1 fin. 09/02/21
The philosophies at the start of each episode are interesting.
But having watched anime for years, this did not 'wow' me.
For one, it's generally just school life. They're in this government advanced school that nurtures students to support the country in the future. The school has a system that ranks students from class A-D and you get treated accordingly depending on class rank. Each class aims to be the top class for what? To get in any university and any job they want in the future. That goal is pretty boring considering the level of competition and capabilities of the students (since the top students know martial arts and all). Though it would be something if their goal is to be government spies, assassins and whatnot.
Some grievances:
-I get that only the main characters deserve a cool appearance and personality, but I really find it preposterous that a teacher is dumber than a student (specifically the class C teacher).
-Frustrating, entitled, shameless characters (Basketball guy) as plot devices.
-It would be nice if the other classmates aren't annoyingly dumb. It's such a shame that this isn't a battle royale. That they have these dead weights to carry 'coz they need to perform as a class. (Though this anime is super short, perhaps they'll redeem themselves in LN or S2. Too early to tell).
-they still result to petty underwear theft to divide and conquer (gotta have these ecchi moments no matter what).
-I'm not in the mood for harem rn
The only thing interesting here is the MC keeping a low profile. His backstory in this experiment facility that explains his physical strength and intelligence is not new to me. However, I want to unravel his character, his truth... and I guess his classmates, no matter how useless, are the right tool for it.
That said, I got the ending I wanted (I wouldn't have it any other way). That makes it relatively predictable but the twist to get there isn't!
May 2, 2022
เริ่มแรกรู้จักอนิเมะมาก่อน และดูอนิเมะ ซีซั่น 1 จบไปแล้ว และหลายคนแนะนำว่าให้ไปหาหนังสือมาอ่านเถอะ มันสนุกกว่ากันเยอะ อนิเมะทำไม่เหมือนต้นฉบับเลย
ซึ่งจริงที่สุดดดดด ในต้นฉบับนิยายนั้น ตัวเอกมีบุคลิกที่ต่างจากอนิเมะมากๆ จนไม่น่าเชื่อว่าเป็นตัวละครตัวเดียวกันเหรอ?! และองค์ประกอบหลายๆอย่างในอนิเมะก็ชวนให้คิดว่าเป็นแนวฮาเร็ม แต่นิยายไม่ใช่แบบนั้น อาจจะสาวๆน่ารักสวยๆ อยู่ข้างๆตัวเอกตลอด แต่มันไม่ได้ส่อไปทางโรแมนติกแบบที่ตัวอนิเมะทำ
สำหรับเล่ม 1 ยังไม่มีอะไรมากนัก เหมือนเป็นการปูเรื่องจริงๆ แต่ก็ชวนให้อยากอ่านเล่ม 2 ต่อ
ซึ่งจริงที่สุดดดดด ในต้นฉบับนิยายนั้น ตัวเอกมีบุคลิกที่ต่างจากอนิเมะมากๆ จนไม่น่าเชื่อว่าเป็นตัวละครตัวเดียวกันเหรอ?! และองค์ประกอบหลายๆอย่างในอนิเมะก็ชวนให้คิดว่าเป็นแนวฮาเร็ม แต่นิยายไม่ใช่แบบนั้น อาจจะสาวๆน่ารักสวยๆ อยู่ข้างๆตัวเอกตลอด แต่มันไม่ได้ส่อไปทางโรแมนติกแบบที่ตัวอนิเมะทำ
สำหรับเล่ม 1 ยังไม่มีอะไรมากนัก เหมือนเป็นการปูเรื่องจริงๆ แต่ก็ชวนให้อยากอ่านเล่ม 2 ต่อ
March 30, 2021
این اولین تجربه خوندن لایت ناول یا همون راحت خوان واسه من بود💖. عاشق فلسفه پشت این داستان شدم. کلی چیز ازش یاد گرفتم و کلی هم از خوندنش لذت برم.
February 3, 2023
End. 1401/11/14
January 21, 2022
I don’t see the hype around the series. Maybe it gets better in the following books, but right now I feel like it peaked in chapter one.
Unpleasant characters, both intentionally and unintentionally, make up the cast and while there may be some depth to them, it didn’t matter all that much because of how much I didn’t want to spend more time with them. Add to that a laundry list of typical anime character writing cliches and you’ve got a cast that feel like stock characters with an unpleasant filter over them. I’ve heard comparisons between this and Oregairu, particularly between Ayanokouji and Hachiman, but where Hachiman’s reluctance to get involved is paired with the ways he actually helps people and his relatable sarcasm, Ayanokouji is a bore who I was continually screaming at to do something interesting.
Apart from bad characters, the story itself takes forever to get going and once it does, it takes a single step forward and the book’s over. Seriously, the plot doesn’t start until the literal midpoint. And once it does, it doesn’t become all that more interesting, although it does focus up and drop most of the anime school life cliches, like boys ogling the girls during swim class. The actual plot basically boils down to convincing trouble students to study while navigating a host of incredibly unpleasant personalities. While that unpleasantness was intentional, it kept me from connecting with their plight—and an aloof main character didn’t help. And that’s to say nothing of how under-utilized the premise was. Class warfare based on class standing sounds like a fascinating premise for a series, but in book one, it only boiled down to studying more to be able to afford food. Not all that interesting. Baka and Test did it much better.
The climax turned things around a bit, and I began to see the potential for the series, but at that point I was too far gone, disappointed, dissatisfied, and restless to be done.
Unpleasant characters, both intentionally and unintentionally, make up the cast and while there may be some depth to them, it didn’t matter all that much because of how much I didn’t want to spend more time with them. Add to that a laundry list of typical anime character writing cliches and you’ve got a cast that feel like stock characters with an unpleasant filter over them. I’ve heard comparisons between this and Oregairu, particularly between Ayanokouji and Hachiman, but where Hachiman’s reluctance to get involved is paired with the ways he actually helps people and his relatable sarcasm, Ayanokouji is a bore who I was continually screaming at to do something interesting.
Apart from bad characters, the story itself takes forever to get going and once it does, it takes a single step forward and the book’s over. Seriously, the plot doesn’t start until the literal midpoint. And once it does, it doesn’t become all that more interesting, although it does focus up and drop most of the anime school life cliches, like boys ogling the girls during swim class. The actual plot basically boils down to convincing trouble students to study while navigating a host of incredibly unpleasant personalities. While that unpleasantness was intentional, it kept me from connecting with their plight—and an aloof main character didn’t help. And that’s to say nothing of how under-utilized the premise was. Class warfare based on class standing sounds like a fascinating premise for a series, but in book one, it only boiled down to studying more to be able to afford food. Not all that interesting. Baka and Test did it much better.
The climax turned things around a bit, and I began to see the potential for the series, but at that point I was too far gone, disappointed, dissatisfied, and restless to be done.
September 27, 2017
I would say that the pacing for Volume 1 is rather slow, but it fills in a lot of details that we miss out from the anime. Mostly emotions and thoughts from Ayanokouji-kun that makes some crucial points. This also includes items from other characters that are crucial to the construction of character.
A lot of useless items in the anime was skipped here, which was nice to see, and I like how the anime sticks to quite a lot of the content in the light novel, which was easy to connect to.
I would say that the span of the light novel is rather long for one event that was already covered in 2 episodes of anime. But hey, one's words, the other one moves.
Good thing is, there are so many unanswered questions about Ayanokouji that would keep you continue picking up this series, so volume 2, here we go.
A lot of useless items in the anime was skipped here, which was nice to see, and I like how the anime sticks to quite a lot of the content in the light novel, which was easy to connect to.
I would say that the span of the light novel is rather long for one event that was already covered in 2 episodes of anime. But hey, one's words, the other one moves.
Good thing is, there are so many unanswered questions about Ayanokouji that would keep you continue picking up this series, so volume 2, here we go.
November 26, 2019
DNF. I could not find it in my heart to finish this. At first, I flew through the majority of the book. But as I grew deeper into the story, I kept wondering "Why am I reading this?" Reading stories usually bring me a sense of joy and fulfillment, seeing how the stories progress in interesting ways. This brought me nothing - I didn't care for the story. I did not like any of the characters. It just seemed weird of me to continue on with a story that felt like a chore to get through.
Perhaps I'll try the story again another time, but for now, it was a disappointing read.
Perhaps I'll try the story again another time, but for now, it was a disappointing read.
September 26, 2019
I loved the anime of Classroom of the Elite, so I was ecstactic when the light novels were licensed. This volume had many scenes that weren't in the anime or were tweaked which fleshed out the characters and the story, so it's definitely worth reading from the beginning even if you saw the anime.
December 3, 2020
Boring. The characters aren't very likable but the main character is a little interesting
July 11, 2023
The anime left out so much it's not even funny.
June 9, 2025
"literature" for incels...
February 12, 2023
Each 3rd of this text must be reviewed independently because of the severe inexperience of the author, yet ultimately cohesively, because every line is necessary to comprehend the personalities of our protagonists: the 1st 3rd of the text actually adequately interested me. Its exposition about the struggle for equality by humanity despite the inherent well-known impossibility of such was unique introduction.
Additionally, we are perfectly informed of what the personalities of our protagonists (before it is coincidentally stated). However, the 2nd 3rd, although more of a 4th, is unacceptably bording and infantile. The author even demonstrates this with the text that commences a chapter within this section – “Thank you for your continued patience, reader.”
You may well consequently believe that my ignorance causes me to assume that this section is unnecessary, but it is. I do not want to read about adolescent boys' erections unless necessary. However, the 3rd 3rd is impressive. Read it.
Additionally, we are perfectly informed of what the personalities of our protagonists (before it is coincidentally stated). However, the 2nd 3rd, although more of a 4th, is unacceptably bording and infantile. The author even demonstrates this with the text that commences a chapter within this section – “Thank you for your continued patience, reader.”
You may well consequently believe that my ignorance causes me to assume that this section is unnecessary, but it is. I do not want to read about adolescent boys' erections unless necessary. However, the 3rd 3rd is impressive. Read it.
August 17, 2023
if you know me, you know i hate cote. i absolutely despised the anime, one of the main reasons being the stereotype that ones who are intelligent and cunning are devoid of emotions. not only is this untrue, but the effects of it are literally harmful. a common trend i've realized on social media is the need for teens to suppress emotions to come off as their "cool" anime role models. reading the original material was enlightening tbh. seeing how wrong the anime adaptation's perception of Ayanokoji's character made me wish i'd read this a long time ago. i was still bothered by the corny risqué content but i understand considering the main audience. there is so much more to say in contrast of this and the anime but i'll leave it here. literally finding myself interested in the light novel now and contemplating whether i should continue 👀.
May 27, 2024
Che piacevole lettura! Una LN scolastica in cui il darwinismo sociale giapponese è il tema fondante della narrazione. Alle volte è troppo “animesco”, protagonista super figo, ragazze dai capelli rosa e cose così. Ma ha anche dei difetti.
May 29, 2024
I didn't watch the anime, or read the manga. I started fresh and liked it enough to start the next volume immediately. I like that Mc is an unreliable narrator. He's soo sus, I don't trust him at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews