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本好きの下剋上 ～司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません～ [Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho Ni Naru Tame Ni Shudan wo Erande iraremasen] (Novel) #5
Ascendance of a Bookworm (Light Novel), Part 2 Volume 2
As Myne continues her busy life as an apprentice blue shrine maiden, some good news changes everything: Her mother is pregnant! Naturally, Myne immediately sets out to make a picture book for her future little sibling.
But there's still so much she doesn't know about the temple that doing anything is a struggle. She's forced into the education of a shrine maiden and has her hands full with her new attendants. She has a mountain of work as the orphanage director, too.
As always Myne has bitten off more than she can chew, but she charges forward with her love of books giving her strength. And as it becomes clear that someone with her level of mana will not continue to go unnoticed, the door to the world of nobles opens and the plot escalates dramatically!
Winter approaches, and a blizzard is about to fall upon this bibliofantasy!
But there's still so much she doesn't know about the temple that doing anything is a struggle. She's forced into the education of a shrine maiden and has her hands full with her new attendants. She has a mountain of work as the orphanage director, too.
As always Myne has bitten off more than she can chew, but she charges forward with her love of books giving her strength. And as it becomes clear that someone with her level of mana will not continue to go unnoticed, the door to the world of nobles opens and the plot escalates dramatically!
Winter approaches, and a blizzard is about to fall upon this bibliofantasy!
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2015
224 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Miya Kazuki
123 books397 followersJapanese author (香月美夜)
Kazuki started writing novels when she was in her second year of junior high school. After taking an entrance exam, she entered into a national university before graduating and becoming busy with work, stopping her from writing. Once she was married and her child entered kindergarten, Kazuki had more free time, which she used to start writing again. From 2013 onwards, she started publishing her novel Ascendance of a Bookworm on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō which saw success. In 2015, she officially debuted with said series under the T.O. Books imprint.
Kazuki started writing novels when she was in her second year of junior high school. After taking an entrance exam, she entered into a national university before graduating and becoming busy with work, stopping her from writing. Once she was married and her child entered kindergarten, Kazuki had more free time, which she used to start writing again. From 2013 onwards, she started publishing her novel Ascendance of a Bookworm on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō which saw success. In 2015, she officially debuted with said series under the T.O. Books imprint.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 3, 2020
I have finally finished this book and have caught up with the anime. It’s time to continue on, one thing for certain thing is that the pacing of the anime is different then the book. The book has had way more of an explanation so you know why the characters feel the way they feel in the moment and why they react as strong even though you don’t think that the should be acting that way plus the author give little back ground stories on the characters so you can see how they were brought up. I can’t wait for the next book
March 4, 2022
Nesse volume os eventos não são necessariamente consequências, mas que expandiram bastante o universo da obra e o conhecimento sobre os sentimentos da própria protagonista. Resumidamente foram quatro momento:
- Fabricação da Bíblia ilustrada
- Preparações para o inverno
- O ritual e a ordem dos cavaleiros
- Epílogo das memórias da Myne vistas por Ferdinand
Primeira parte:
Myne ao descobrir que vai se tornar irmã mais velha resolve, após entrar em Pânico por não lembrar nada sobre os livros de gestação, iniciar um projeto de fabricar um livro ilustrado pra comemorar a chegada do novo membro da família e influenciar com sua paixão.
Nisso busca alguém pra ilustrar, encontrando Wilma e pede para ela ser sua assistente, assim como Gil e Delia, sendo muito mais receptiva e até mesmo admirava Myne pelas capacidades em matemática, linguagem e música excepcionais pra idade, como contado nós extras.
Rosina também é delegada para atender Myne em aulas de música, essa não gosta do fato de Myne não ser nobre, age semelhante a Delia no inicio e sente falta da sua antiga superiora, Cristina.
Encontrar tinta para a fabricação dos livros se torna elemento central, dificultado pela falta de variações e alto preço dos que existem pela cidade.
"Iron gall ink was the kind of ink commonly used in Rome, medieval Europe, and so on prior to the invention of modern ink. It was widely used thanks to its durability, water resistance, and simple manufacturing process."p.72
"India ink, as traditionally made in China, could be made from mixing soot, animal hide glue, and spices. Oil paint could be made from mixing soot and drying oil."p.80
Com ajuda de Wilma e dos órfãos Myne consegue fazer algumas cópias da Bíblia ilustrada que, apesar do estranhamento inicial do Bispo, é aceita.
“A bible for children, hm? That would be useful for teaching them letters and grammar.”p.94
https://64.media.tumblr.com/1449596d5...
“I don’t understand what you are saying, High Priest. Books aren’t just works of art, they’re crystallizations of knowledge and wisdom. I’m not trying to make art to look at here, I’m trying to mass produce affordable books that everyone can read.” “Mass produce? You intend to make people write them en masse? That could work if you teach all the orphanage children to read, but it will still take a staggering amount of time to produce that many books.”p170
Segunda parte:
Compras da Myne com os atendentes, Lutz e Benno, não tem nada muito grande acontecendo, é só bonitinho mesmo, além de conversas sobre as dificuldades de vida no templo durante o inverno.
https://64.media.tumblr.com/79e2f0312...
"But she looked so happy I didn’t feel like commenting on it. Today I was putting my wallet on the line."p195
Lutz da um presente pra Myne em agradecimento a tudo que ela fez por ele, revela também que tem já tem dado passos pra seu trabalho como mercador.
Terceira parte:
Myne é convocada junto com Lord Ferdinand até a Ordem dia cavaleiros para realização de um ritual de contenção de um "trombe" que avia fica muito grande.
"...Wait, my first real job as a shrine maiden is going to be a joint mission with a platoon of knights? Isn’t it a bit too much to ask? I chanted the prayers with a cold sweat running down my back, until Fran suddenly realized something and looked up"p216
Myne pela primeira vez vê uma categoria de Nobres não eclesiásticos, tinham como marca as capas amarelas.
"It seemed that the Knight’s Order was experiencing a noble shortage just like the temple. And just like the temple, many of the talented knights had been summoned to the Sovereignty, resulting in a situation where nobles with mana far below par were being allowed to join the Order."p216
Acaba sendo ferida por Shikza, que junto com Damuel, deveriam protege-la, tendo o primeira raiva de Myne por ser uma comum com tamanha quantidade de mana. Katstedt, chefe da guarda resolve punir os dois de formas diferentes.
“Damuel, why are you acting all buddy-buddy with a commoner? Oh, has nobody told you who she is? Allow me to inform you that the girl you’re talking to is a commoner. She’s a fool who doesn’t know her place, wearing a noble’s blue robes despite her dirty blood. I honestly have no idea what Lord Ferdinand was thinking when he gave a lowly commoner blue robes. Surely a shortage of mana is better than this.”p.235
Myne e Ferdinand são revelados como os únicos com mana suficiente para tal ritual no templo atualmente
“O Goddess of Water Flutrane, bringer of healing and change. O twelve goddesses who serve by her side. Please hear my prayer and lend me your divine strength. Grant me the power to heal your sister, the God of Earth Geduldh, who has been wounded by those who serve evil.”p.255
https://64.media.tumblr.com/38aa4b1d7...
Quarta parte: Curiosamente o único capítulo não narrado por Myne é o que mais se aprofundou em mostrar seus sentimentos com a sua situação de ter deixado sua outra vida (seu "dias de Urano") pra trás
Com objetivo de saber a fonte do conhecimento de Myne, dito por ela vir dos seus sonhos, Ferdinand consegue com o Arquiduque uma poção utilizada para o julgamento de potenciais criminosos e hereges a ordem.
Ferdinand pede para Myne guia-la por suas memórias e curiosamente a mesma aceita de bom grado, sendo melhor assim do que ser condenada previamente.
“Well, I mean, it doesn’t feel great, but... you seeing my memories is the safest bet for me to stay alive. I would much prefer this to being executed for nonexistent treason. And I mean, you’re doing me a favor by using this magic tool on me instead of just executing me outright, aren’t you?”p265
Myne passa mostra a Ferdinand os livros, bibliotecas, o modelo de ensino e a "magia" de seu antigo mundo, tecnologia. Ferdinand percebe como Myne estava a ponto de chorar a qualquer momento, o fato de ter deixado sua mãe sem nunca se despedir.
“A madwoman? Who?” Myne looked around the corridor. “To the left. That woman is exposing her knees despite being an adult. She must be too poor to afford more cloth, but she is dyeing her clothes. Why doesn’t she just stop dyeing her clothes? I simply do not understand.” “In this world, women can wear skirts of any length. Everyone’s just wearing the clothes they want, don’t worry about it. But still, this dream is just amazing. I can feel and even smell things.”p267
Myne revela das dificuldade iniciais de ter ido a ser cuidada por um pai novo, que ela não reconhecia de início como tal e assim ficou menos envergonhada, mas prometendo que ao crescer voltará com seu bom senso.
During her first three days of living as Myne, she had been forcibly changed by a man who she had not yet accepted as her father. No matter how much she wailed or cried in embarrassment, nothing changed. She had to accept her situation, and that was the day her sense of shame died. “I am not your father!” “Neither was he back then. Why do you care, High Priest? Surely you don’t think anything of a little girl like me. It’s not a problem.”p276
Myne justifica seus planos de ensinar as crianças órfãs quando Ferdinand compara ao ensino japones
“The more people who know how to read, the more people there are to read books. Not to mention that people need to know how to read to write books in the first place. If I want to enjoy a life of reading books in your world, I’ll need to start by teaching people to read.” p. 272
Ao acordarem Ferdinand se pergunta como explicará para os superiores o que descobriu, Myne, ao ver a preocupação dele, o abraça.
https://64.media.tumblr.com/27c131482...
- Fabricação da Bíblia ilustrada
- Preparações para o inverno
- O ritual e a ordem dos cavaleiros
- Epílogo das memórias da Myne vistas por Ferdinand
Primeira parte:
Myne ao descobrir que vai se tornar irmã mais velha resolve, após entrar em Pânico por não lembrar nada sobre os livros de gestação, iniciar um projeto de fabricar um livro ilustrado pra comemorar a chegada do novo membro da família e influenciar com sua paixão.
Nisso busca alguém pra ilustrar, encontrando Wilma e pede para ela ser sua assistente, assim como Gil e Delia, sendo muito mais receptiva e até mesmo admirava Myne pelas capacidades em matemática, linguagem e música excepcionais pra idade, como contado nós extras.
Rosina também é delegada para atender Myne em aulas de música, essa não gosta do fato de Myne não ser nobre, age semelhante a Delia no inicio e sente falta da sua antiga superiora, Cristina.
Encontrar tinta para a fabricação dos livros se torna elemento central, dificultado pela falta de variações e alto preço dos que existem pela cidade.
"Iron gall ink was the kind of ink commonly used in Rome, medieval Europe, and so on prior to the invention of modern ink. It was widely used thanks to its durability, water resistance, and simple manufacturing process."p.72
"India ink, as traditionally made in China, could be made from mixing soot, animal hide glue, and spices. Oil paint could be made from mixing soot and drying oil."p.80
Com ajuda de Wilma e dos órfãos Myne consegue fazer algumas cópias da Bíblia ilustrada que, apesar do estranhamento inicial do Bispo, é aceita.
“A bible for children, hm? That would be useful for teaching them letters and grammar.”p.94
https://64.media.tumblr.com/1449596d5...
“I don’t understand what you are saying, High Priest. Books aren’t just works of art, they’re crystallizations of knowledge and wisdom. I’m not trying to make art to look at here, I’m trying to mass produce affordable books that everyone can read.” “Mass produce? You intend to make people write them en masse? That could work if you teach all the orphanage children to read, but it will still take a staggering amount of time to produce that many books.”p170
Segunda parte:
Compras da Myne com os atendentes, Lutz e Benno, não tem nada muito grande acontecendo, é só bonitinho mesmo, além de conversas sobre as dificuldades de vida no templo durante o inverno.
https://64.media.tumblr.com/79e2f0312...
"But she looked so happy I didn’t feel like commenting on it. Today I was putting my wallet on the line."p195
Lutz da um presente pra Myne em agradecimento a tudo que ela fez por ele, revela também que tem já tem dado passos pra seu trabalho como mercador.
Terceira parte:
Myne é convocada junto com Lord Ferdinand até a Ordem dia cavaleiros para realização de um ritual de contenção de um "trombe" que avia fica muito grande.
"...Wait, my first real job as a shrine maiden is going to be a joint mission with a platoon of knights? Isn’t it a bit too much to ask? I chanted the prayers with a cold sweat running down my back, until Fran suddenly realized something and looked up"p216
Myne pela primeira vez vê uma categoria de Nobres não eclesiásticos, tinham como marca as capas amarelas.
"It seemed that the Knight’s Order was experiencing a noble shortage just like the temple. And just like the temple, many of the talented knights had been summoned to the Sovereignty, resulting in a situation where nobles with mana far below par were being allowed to join the Order."p216
Acaba sendo ferida por Shikza, que junto com Damuel, deveriam protege-la, tendo o primeira raiva de Myne por ser uma comum com tamanha quantidade de mana. Katstedt, chefe da guarda resolve punir os dois de formas diferentes.
“Damuel, why are you acting all buddy-buddy with a commoner? Oh, has nobody told you who she is? Allow me to inform you that the girl you’re talking to is a commoner. She’s a fool who doesn’t know her place, wearing a noble’s blue robes despite her dirty blood. I honestly have no idea what Lord Ferdinand was thinking when he gave a lowly commoner blue robes. Surely a shortage of mana is better than this.”p.235
Myne e Ferdinand são revelados como os únicos com mana suficiente para tal ritual no templo atualmente
“O Goddess of Water Flutrane, bringer of healing and change. O twelve goddesses who serve by her side. Please hear my prayer and lend me your divine strength. Grant me the power to heal your sister, the God of Earth Geduldh, who has been wounded by those who serve evil.”p.255
https://64.media.tumblr.com/38aa4b1d7...
Quarta parte: Curiosamente o único capítulo não narrado por Myne é o que mais se aprofundou em mostrar seus sentimentos com a sua situação de ter deixado sua outra vida (seu "dias de Urano") pra trás
Com objetivo de saber a fonte do conhecimento de Myne, dito por ela vir dos seus sonhos, Ferdinand consegue com o Arquiduque uma poção utilizada para o julgamento de potenciais criminosos e hereges a ordem.
Ferdinand pede para Myne guia-la por suas memórias e curiosamente a mesma aceita de bom grado, sendo melhor assim do que ser condenada previamente.
“Well, I mean, it doesn’t feel great, but... you seeing my memories is the safest bet for me to stay alive. I would much prefer this to being executed for nonexistent treason. And I mean, you’re doing me a favor by using this magic tool on me instead of just executing me outright, aren’t you?”p265
Myne passa mostra a Ferdinand os livros, bibliotecas, o modelo de ensino e a "magia" de seu antigo mundo, tecnologia. Ferdinand percebe como Myne estava a ponto de chorar a qualquer momento, o fato de ter deixado sua mãe sem nunca se despedir.
“A madwoman? Who?” Myne looked around the corridor. “To the left. That woman is exposing her knees despite being an adult. She must be too poor to afford more cloth, but she is dyeing her clothes. Why doesn’t she just stop dyeing her clothes? I simply do not understand.” “In this world, women can wear skirts of any length. Everyone’s just wearing the clothes they want, don’t worry about it. But still, this dream is just amazing. I can feel and even smell things.”p267
Myne revela das dificuldade iniciais de ter ido a ser cuidada por um pai novo, que ela não reconhecia de início como tal e assim ficou menos envergonhada, mas prometendo que ao crescer voltará com seu bom senso.
During her first three days of living as Myne, she had been forcibly changed by a man who she had not yet accepted as her father. No matter how much she wailed or cried in embarrassment, nothing changed. She had to accept her situation, and that was the day her sense of shame died. “I am not your father!” “Neither was he back then. Why do you care, High Priest? Surely you don’t think anything of a little girl like me. It’s not a problem.”p276
Myne justifica seus planos de ensinar as crianças órfãs quando Ferdinand compara ao ensino japones
“The more people who know how to read, the more people there are to read books. Not to mention that people need to know how to read to write books in the first place. If I want to enjoy a life of reading books in your world, I’ll need to start by teaching people to read.” p. 272
Ao acordarem Ferdinand se pergunta como explicará para os superiores o que descobriu, Myne, ao ver a preocupação dele, o abraça.
https://64.media.tumblr.com/27c131482...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2024
Vēl viena grāmata pabeigta šajā sērijā. Šoreiz grāmatas pirmā daļa nebija tik aizraujoši, kā iepriekšējās grāmatas, bet otrā grāmatas daļa to atspēkoja.
Pagaidām visinteresantākās grāmatas daļas ir, kad Myne satiekas, un runā ar Ferdinandu. Ar katru grāmatu saikne starp šiem diviem tēliem aug.
Šajā grāmatā sižeta līnijā - pirmā grāmata un releģiski rituāli, kā arī Myne ar vien vairāk tuvojas aristokrātu pasaulei.
Pagaidām visinteresantākās grāmatas daļas ir, kad Myne satiekas, un runā ar Ferdinandu. Ar katru grāmatu saikne starp šiem diviem tēliem aug.
Šajā grāmatā sižeta līnijā - pirmā grāmata un releģiski rituāli, kā arī Myne ar vien vairāk tuvojas aristokrātu pasaulei.
March 13, 2025
This is so damn good
November 9, 2023
Still quite enjoying this series, I have a few nitpicks, but it's cute and funny.
November 21, 2020
Success? Success! In the timeline of the novel series, roughly two years have passed. Although for readers, it surely feels like an eternity has transpired since this tiny, sickly, blue-haired weirdo embarked on her journey to become a librarian in world without books. ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM #5 marks Myne's long-overdue hurdling of the challenges stymying her new livelihood. Paper? Ink? Binding instruments? Check. Check. And check. Now, all she needs to think about is the content.
ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM #5 is low key, compared to the previous two volumes. There are no obvious, overarching conflicts and the number and appearance of antagonists are largely circumstantial and dealt with in the immediate aftermath. As such, readers will find this novel an easy and swift read for how it encircles Myne's ever-tightening grip on finally producing a book in this fantastical new land.
The ink-creation process, as with the paper-creation process, is a peculiar combination of trial and error that sees Myne, Lutz, and others assembling an array of odd materials and trying their utmost to find the perfect combination of luck and hard work. The team dabbles with woodblock printing, semi-professional stenciling, and eventually solid-ink, screen-printing techniques. It is fascinating and hilarious that so much authentic discussion can be had from the mind of a book otaku on subjects as obtuse as creating glue from animal skins or manufacturing pigments from crushed gemstones. Indeed, if Urano had put any of this info to practical use in her previous life, who knows what could've happened.
The moment these characters successfully draft, print, and bind their first book will ring surprisingly emotional for readers. Myne, herself, puts it best: "I started with nothing. No stamina, no strength, no money, no paper, no ink, no tools. But I challenged the world anyway, and my work finally bore fruit" (171).
The annoying apprentice shrine maiden, who is apparently a commoner, keeps surprising everyone at the temple. Sometimes her view of the world through the eyes of a bibliophile drips with acerbity (e.g., she pledges a "festival of blood" for the noble who trashes the temple's book room); sometimes her gullibility is equally ingenious as much as it is a liability (e.g., her fulfilling a summons under the protection of the Knight's Order leaves everyone's mouths agape). The author has mastered the tendency to surprise readers and other characters in the same line of thought, raising one's expectations that even after nearly a half-dozen volumes, Myne still has a lot of knowledge to bestow (and a lot of trouble to get into).
ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM #5 dips its toes into the sentimental as well, but reserves such an exchange for the Epilogue, during which the High Priest and Myne have an open and honest discussion about how it is this little girl knows so much about, well, so much. Plainly speaking, Myne's aptitude is the stuff wars are fought over. As such, the High Priest, while written somewhat cynically, may end up being Myne's strongest and most important ally who ensures her long-term safety.
ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM #5 is low key, compared to the previous two volumes. There are no obvious, overarching conflicts and the number and appearance of antagonists are largely circumstantial and dealt with in the immediate aftermath. As such, readers will find this novel an easy and swift read for how it encircles Myne's ever-tightening grip on finally producing a book in this fantastical new land.
The ink-creation process, as with the paper-creation process, is a peculiar combination of trial and error that sees Myne, Lutz, and others assembling an array of odd materials and trying their utmost to find the perfect combination of luck and hard work. The team dabbles with woodblock printing, semi-professional stenciling, and eventually solid-ink, screen-printing techniques. It is fascinating and hilarious that so much authentic discussion can be had from the mind of a book otaku on subjects as obtuse as creating glue from animal skins or manufacturing pigments from crushed gemstones. Indeed, if Urano had put any of this info to practical use in her previous life, who knows what could've happened.
The moment these characters successfully draft, print, and bind their first book will ring surprisingly emotional for readers. Myne, herself, puts it best: "I started with nothing. No stamina, no strength, no money, no paper, no ink, no tools. But I challenged the world anyway, and my work finally bore fruit" (171).
The annoying apprentice shrine maiden, who is apparently a commoner, keeps surprising everyone at the temple. Sometimes her view of the world through the eyes of a bibliophile drips with acerbity (e.g., she pledges a "festival of blood" for the noble who trashes the temple's book room); sometimes her gullibility is equally ingenious as much as it is a liability (e.g., her fulfilling a summons under the protection of the Knight's Order leaves everyone's mouths agape). The author has mastered the tendency to surprise readers and other characters in the same line of thought, raising one's expectations that even after nearly a half-dozen volumes, Myne still has a lot of knowledge to bestow (and a lot of trouble to get into).
ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM #5 dips its toes into the sentimental as well, but reserves such an exchange for the Epilogue, during which the High Priest and Myne have an open and honest discussion about how it is this little girl knows so much about, well, so much. Plainly speaking, Myne's aptitude is the stuff wars are fought over. As such, the High Priest, while written somewhat cynically, may end up being Myne's strongest and most important ally who ensures her long-term safety.
September 24, 2022
No pude evitarlo y termine regresando a esta serie. Todo es más interesante ahora que la trama está avanzando hacia Myne siendo más cercana a la nobleza e incluso la magia. Me encanto ver a Ferdinand con su armadura y ver lo fuerte que es como caballero y la gran autoridad que tiene. Empiezo de inmediato el siguiente volumen jijiji.
December 19, 2024
4.50 🌾
This was awesome! The more I read the more I like it!
This was awesome! The more I read the more I like it!
February 17, 2025
The first thing that comes to mind is, I wonder if I'm getting too "old" for this series, because even when I take a day off to read and have LOTS of perfect reading time—comfy chair, natural daylight, bundles of blankets—I... fall asleep.
EVEN for my so-called most favourite series.
Age, man.
Anyway, the recency effect means I'm inclined to base my rating entirely on the last part of the book, which has easily the most exciting scene in the series to date (that I've read). I do even say this keeping in mind some even MORE dramatic scenes, since this one ends "happily" while the others... aren't as good. I mean, they're good *in the long run* but have the more immediate effect of making things *feel* a lot worse for Myne and her loved ones.
Here, Myne has some difficulties, but things return to an almost-status quo afterwards, so it's exciting vs. harrowing. Even then, it's primarily in the third act, after most of the book being dedicated to much more "normal" slice-of-life (for their world) events like Myne FINALLY making a book she has desired for literally her entire existence as Myne* or making preparations for winter, including that Myne will no longer be able to commute to work since snowfall would make it prohibitive for her to travel and, thus, she must remain at the temple for her duties rather than go home every day.
The main thing I should address is the "feudal system, so... yes, "offering flowers" is going to be a thing. I mostly reiterate 1. because Wilma is traumatised by having had to offer flowers, and 2. I'm still mad about reviews I'd read basically penalising the series for acknowledging that offering flowers exists, even if Myne herself is doing her best to keep anyone in her circle from having to do anything nonconsensual. I can't do much about that, myself, other than to NOT dock my review for it and provide my occasional reminder like I just did.
On the whole, it makes me want to watch the anime again, at least for the climactic bits (and the , haha)... not that I *couldn't* do that!
*I mean, TECHNICALLY she craved them as Urano as well, but you get what I mean. I hope.
EVEN for my so-called most favourite series.
Age, man.
Anyway, the recency effect means I'm inclined to base my rating entirely on the last part of the book, which has easily the most exciting scene in the series to date (that I've read). I do even say this keeping in mind some even MORE dramatic scenes, since this one ends "happily" while the others... aren't as good. I mean, they're good *in the long run* but have the more immediate effect of making things *feel* a lot worse for Myne and her loved ones.
Here, Myne has some difficulties, but things return to an almost-status quo afterwards, so it's exciting vs. harrowing. Even then, it's primarily in the third act, after most of the book being dedicated to much more "normal" slice-of-life (for their world) events like Myne FINALLY making a book she has desired for literally her entire existence as Myne* or making preparations for winter, including that Myne will no longer be able to commute to work since snowfall would make it prohibitive for her to travel and, thus, she must remain at the temple for her duties rather than go home every day.
The main thing I should address is the "feudal system, so... yes, "offering flowers" is going to be a thing. I mostly reiterate 1. because Wilma is traumatised by having had to offer flowers, and 2. I'm still mad about reviews I'd read basically penalising the series for acknowledging that offering flowers exists, even if Myne herself is doing her best to keep anyone in her circle from having to do anything nonconsensual. I can't do much about that, myself, other than to NOT dock my review for it and provide my occasional reminder like I just did.
On the whole, it makes me want to watch the anime again, at least for the climactic bits (and the , haha)... not that I *couldn't* do that!
*I mean, TECHNICALLY she craved them as Urano as well, but you get what I mean. I hope.
February 3, 2020
When Myne learns her mother is pregnant, her book mania takes on a new goal: to create a picture book for her new sibling. To that end, she struggles to create ink, images, repeatable printing, and more. But while her monofocus blinds her to everything else, Ferdinand is trying to grow her into a proper blue robed shrine maiden. Because he's aware, even if she's not, that Myne holds much the nobility covets, and if she can't deal with them on equal footing she's liable to lose it all.
Ferdinand's exasperation is one of the highlights of this novel. From Myne refusing to reduce her reading time to her musical aptitude to the way she can't pick up on his attempts to be subtle, he's often thrown for a loop by this precocious young girl. Her sidetracking him into a conversation about how to catalogue books of magic according to the Dewey Decimal System was a particular favorite (please revisit this in full later, author!).
I also love how Myne's reaction to a device that can read her memories is to refuse to disconnect until she can do it again. The fact that she was told this is something used on criminals or suspected traitors is of far less importance than the ability to re-visit the books, food, and people of her previous life.
As usual, though, there are some heavier undercurrents to the slice-of-life plot. Myne doesn't really appreciate what she means to this world at large, since her only focus is books, but Ferdinand and Benno, particularly, are aware of what she represents and are trying to corral this in more positive directions. But once Myne spectacularly blows her cover, even Ferdinand may not have the ability to protect her from what's to come.
Overall this is another excellent continuation of the plot so far. Myne's technological progress is offset by some social setbacks, and now that she's being noticed by the wider world, her future is in question. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
Ferdinand's exasperation is one of the highlights of this novel. From Myne refusing to reduce her reading time to her musical aptitude to the way she can't pick up on his attempts to be subtle, he's often thrown for a loop by this precocious young girl. Her sidetracking him into a conversation about how to catalogue books of magic according to the Dewey Decimal System was a particular favorite (please revisit this in full later, author!).
I also love how Myne's reaction to a device that can read her memories is to refuse to disconnect until she can do it again. The fact that she was told this is something used on criminals or suspected traitors is of far less importance than the ability to re-visit the books, food, and people of her previous life.
As usual, though, there are some heavier undercurrents to the slice-of-life plot. Myne doesn't really appreciate what she means to this world at large, since her only focus is books, but Ferdinand and Benno, particularly, are aware of what she represents and are trying to corral this in more positive directions. But once Myne spectacularly blows her cover, even Ferdinand may not have the ability to protect her from what's to come.
Overall this is another excellent continuation of the plot so far. Myne's technological progress is offset by some social setbacks, and now that she's being noticed by the wider world, her future is in question. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
December 6, 2023
I'm super slow at reviewing this, but...
I love this series so much. Myne settles more into her new role in the temple, and has to find a balance and deal with the many problems that come with that. Plus, she's still plenty busy "inventing" things to improve her life and work on her goal of books.
I love seeing the worldbuilding grow, as it feels so organic and natural while fitting into what has come before.
One of my favorite story bits is in this book, where it's finally shown just how much trouble trombes are, plus everything else that comes with those several chapters.
Then, that ending. I really like the POV switch in the Epilogue for it, as it does make the most sense for such a scene to be written that way. It only adds to the moment.
Now, for the bonus stories. The first is from Rosina's POV. She's one of my least favorite characters in the show, as she comes across as rather shallow and a bit boring, but it was nice to see things from her POV, and it gave me a little more appreciation for her.
Then we get a story from the new character of Ella. She's not in the story much, but I've enjoyed the little bit we've seen of her. It's nice to get a bit more time devoted to her and to see what really drives her.
Overall, this is another great addition to the series. It contains some big moments with high tension, but also all the small moments of every day life that make this story so fun and personal. The humor is great, as always, and I can't get over how much I love the art style.
I love this series so much. Myne settles more into her new role in the temple, and has to find a balance and deal with the many problems that come with that. Plus, she's still plenty busy "inventing" things to improve her life and work on her goal of books.
I love seeing the worldbuilding grow, as it feels so organic and natural while fitting into what has come before.
One of my favorite story bits is in this book, where it's finally shown just how much trouble trombes are, plus everything else that comes with those several chapters.
Then, that ending. I really like the POV switch in the Epilogue for it, as it does make the most sense for such a scene to be written that way. It only adds to the moment.
Now, for the bonus stories. The first is from Rosina's POV. She's one of my least favorite characters in the show, as she comes across as rather shallow and a bit boring, but it was nice to see things from her POV, and it gave me a little more appreciation for her.
Then we get a story from the new character of Ella. She's not in the story much, but I've enjoyed the little bit we've seen of her. It's nice to get a bit more time devoted to her and to see what really drives her.
Overall, this is another great addition to the series. It contains some big moments with high tension, but also all the small moments of every day life that make this story so fun and personal. The humor is great, as always, and I can't get over how much I love the art style.
June 3, 2022
This is a great series
This book series needs to be on your shelves. It’s cute, funny, inspiring, intense and satisfying. Myne, the main character, a 22 year old Japanese bookworm with a college degree (I think) who was reincarnated into a strange new world that uses magic rather than electricity for its technology, finds herself trying to make books a common thing in this world like in Japan. In this book, she learns more about noble society and the usage of mana, the magic on this world. Her reputation is threatened as she is just a commoner with an unusually high amount of mana. The High Bishop, who previously failed to manipulate Myne into his control, continues to try to acquire her and her mana. Myne faces other challenges and continues to surprise everyone with her unorthodox ways.
This book is clean of profanity and sexual content. There are a few vague references to the young women of this new unfamiliar world being used as concubines or such, but nothing descriptive. I think it’s suitable for anyone over 12. Also, note that the people of this world are polytheistic, and since Myne lives and works in the temple, we are exposed to many religious practices along these lines.
This book series needs to be on your shelves. It’s cute, funny, inspiring, intense and satisfying. Myne, the main character, a 22 year old Japanese bookworm with a college degree (I think) who was reincarnated into a strange new world that uses magic rather than electricity for its technology, finds herself trying to make books a common thing in this world like in Japan. In this book, she learns more about noble society and the usage of mana, the magic on this world. Her reputation is threatened as she is just a commoner with an unusually high amount of mana. The High Bishop, who previously failed to manipulate Myne into his control, continues to try to acquire her and her mana. Myne faces other challenges and continues to surprise everyone with her unorthodox ways.
This book is clean of profanity and sexual content. There are a few vague references to the young women of this new unfamiliar world being used as concubines or such, but nothing descriptive. I think it’s suitable for anyone over 12. Also, note that the people of this world are polytheistic, and since Myne lives and works in the temple, we are exposed to many religious practices along these lines.
November 26, 2025
Well, it’s true—when you least expect it, you’re already almost at the end of the second part. It’s inevitable. When the author is good, the reading just flies by.
There are some new developments in Myne’s life. She is now more established in the temple, gradually bringing her helpers closer, and continuing her mission to introduce inventions into her new reality.
The animated series, which I only recently discovered, actually begins right at the end of this second part. That said, if you’re not a fan of spoilers, I’d recommend avoiding it. Although, to be honest, the book is much richer in details. Many situations from the book aren’t shown in the series. Anyway, I think I’ve gone on enough about that.
To sum up this book in one sentence, I think the quote “When you fly like an eagle, you attract hunters” fits perfectly. Whether she likes it or not, our young protagonist always ends up standing out, and the more she tries to distance herself from the reality of the nobility and stay with her family, the further she drifts away.
Anyway, this author is a machine. If Myne is obsessed with books, this author is obsessed with writing them. After all, she’s written a ton of content in a relatively short time. Kudos to her!
There are some new developments in Myne’s life. She is now more established in the temple, gradually bringing her helpers closer, and continuing her mission to introduce inventions into her new reality.
The animated series, which I only recently discovered, actually begins right at the end of this second part. That said, if you’re not a fan of spoilers, I’d recommend avoiding it. Although, to be honest, the book is much richer in details. Many situations from the book aren’t shown in the series. Anyway, I think I’ve gone on enough about that.
To sum up this book in one sentence, I think the quote “When you fly like an eagle, you attract hunters” fits perfectly. Whether she likes it or not, our young protagonist always ends up standing out, and the more she tries to distance herself from the reality of the nobility and stay with her family, the further she drifts away.
Anyway, this author is a machine. If Myne is obsessed with books, this author is obsessed with writing them. After all, she’s written a ton of content in a relatively short time. Kudos to her!
September 20, 2020
"I'm Home"
This is the third time Myne said this line accross the entire length of the series and yet this time, the emotional feels is just so so much. The author has been succesfully create the build up for this and reach the climax when Myne say the word. It just amazing !
There is a new group of people in this volume under the name of The Knight Order. What they did is basically guarding the people from monsters lurking in the world and ensuring their safety ( the people, not the monster ). Of course now that they have appeared, the first magic battle across the series is imminent.
The excitement aside, there is still no visible enemies. Although, the High Bishop made another cameo and said to be causing ruckus among the noble, but that just it. One thing that stands out to me is the fact that Myne suddenly open up to Ferdinand out of nowhere and tell him everything. I get it when she told Lutz about herself, but the High Priest ? Come on, Myne....
This is the third time Myne said this line accross the entire length of the series and yet this time, the emotional feels is just so so much. The author has been succesfully create the build up for this and reach the climax when Myne say the word. It just amazing !
There is a new group of people in this volume under the name of The Knight Order. What they did is basically guarding the people from monsters lurking in the world and ensuring their safety ( the people, not the monster ). Of course now that they have appeared, the first magic battle across the series is imminent.
The excitement aside, there is still no visible enemies. Although, the High Bishop made another cameo and said to be causing ruckus among the noble, but that just it. One thing that stands out to me is the fact that Myne suddenly open up to Ferdinand out of nowhere and tell him everything. I get it when she told Lutz about herself, but the High Priest ? Come on, Myne....
June 19, 2022
For a simple premise where Myne, our bibliophilic spirit sister, is just trying to bring books to a medieval-esque fantasy world, I am I N V E S T E D! And our babies did it,
a book is born!
That's not the end of it, however, as we get more fantasy worldbuilding and conflict in this volume too. Things are getting rather juicy.
Watching Myne girlbossing her way through a backwards (status-based, gender-based) society is so satisfying. She just keeps getting better; in a span of a couple years she went from a sickly, clueless child to a confident, powerful force of nature alongside her best friend Lutz, amazing family and plenty more unlikely friends. We are only in the middle of Part 2! What's she going to be like by the time we get to Part 5?
That's not the end of it, however, as we get more fantasy worldbuilding and conflict in this volume too. Things are getting rather juicy.
Watching Myne girlbossing her way through a backwards (status-based, gender-based) society is so satisfying. She just keeps getting better; in a span of a couple years she went from a sickly, clueless child to a confident, powerful force of nature alongside her best friend Lutz, amazing family and plenty more unlikely friends. We are only in the middle of Part 2! What's she going to be like by the time we get to Part 5?
November 13, 2020
This is the 5th book in a 28 book series. Most of which has not been translated. I am losing my mind at how slow translation is, but I will wait for every I to have its dot and every t to be crossed, because this is my very most favorite light novel in the isekai genre.
Myne gets transmigrated from modern day Japan to Erenfest (sp?), after she dies. She is a huge bookworm and thinks she can survive in this town (think 1500s German feel) if only she had a book.
So begins her journey to bring books to her new world. She starts with ancient Egypt and goes from there for her ideas. Myne's life continues to get better and better as she works toward her goals
Excellent story line, well told. I will read and re-read this amazing series for years to come.
Myne gets transmigrated from modern day Japan to Erenfest (sp?), after she dies. She is a huge bookworm and thinks she can survive in this town (think 1500s German feel) if only she had a book.
So begins her journey to bring books to her new world. She starts with ancient Egypt and goes from there for her ideas. Myne's life continues to get better and better as she works toward her goals
Excellent story line, well told. I will read and re-read this amazing series for years to come.
September 14, 2020
Oh the trouble our girl Myne gets herself into!
Oh so much happens in this one! Italian Restaurant stuff, Ink, an actual book, the Knight Order Request... Great stuff.
I don't want to elaborate too much because that will spoil the fun of reading it for yourself. But this one is filled with so many different things going on. It looks like a fairly thin volume but ended up being nearly 400 pages.
If you've been following Myne's adventures you'll definitely not want to miss this one.
Verdict: Ascendance certainly has not gone the way I thought it would, but that's okay. It has been fabulous and I expect will continue to be. Looking forward to volume 3.
Oh so much happens in this one! Italian Restaurant stuff, Ink, an actual book, the Knight Order Request... Great stuff.
I don't want to elaborate too much because that will spoil the fun of reading it for yourself. But this one is filled with so many different things going on. It looks like a fairly thin volume but ended up being nearly 400 pages.
If you've been following Myne's adventures you'll definitely not want to miss this one.
Verdict: Ascendance certainly has not gone the way I thought it would, but that's okay. It has been fabulous and I expect will continue to be. Looking forward to volume 3.
November 16, 2022
I can’t stop smiling
I am so excited there’s so many books left in the series because I am enjoying them way too much. As we finally get a peek into the world and nobles and magic, and we still have no real idea of where we’re going with a story… Do I like the little allusion to Cinderella giving us a peek of where this is going. I love the fact that. High priest saw what Japan look like… So at least someone has an idea of where she comes from and what she seen. I think that’s been my favorite part so far. Also what is his real family history… I can’t wait to find out in the next edition
I am so excited there’s so many books left in the series because I am enjoying them way too much. As we finally get a peek into the world and nobles and magic, and we still have no real idea of where we’re going with a story… Do I like the little allusion to Cinderella giving us a peek of where this is going. I love the fact that. High priest saw what Japan look like… So at least someone has an idea of where she comes from and what she seen. I think that’s been my favorite part so far. Also what is his real family history… I can’t wait to find out in the next edition
July 19, 2023
Myne continues to learn how to be a shrine maiden and to come up with "new to the world she lives in" ideas. This one dragged a bit for me, just because I got tired of the new ideas and Myne's failure to realize that Benno was going to want her to capitalize on them. Sometimes it seems her mental growth is lacking. The ending where she finally gets to go into the world of the Nobles was much more interesting. So was the mind melding of Myne and the High Priest. So it ends on a definite upturn.
The short stories at the end give a great deal more insight into the differences between commoners, nobles, and the temple.
The short stories at the end give a great deal more insight into the differences between commoners, nobles, and the temple.
February 6, 2020
Still bubblegum, still comfy, still a nice thing to turn to when I want a quick read to reset before diving into something more serious. I enjoyed this book a lot, and with some signs that the plot is finally building up some steam, I'm interested in seeing where things go next. One of the nice things about this series is the speed of translation. With the next volume scheduled for an April ebook release, I don't have to wait too long to find out what happens next!
August 25, 2020
Every volume I always want more of it.
This series still remains the only book series where I always read the forward and the epilogue. Normally I find them tedious, but I love how the author always manages to change my perception of characters during these segments.
I will not say much else because I am afraid of spoiling people.
But I was in tears during one part because of how moved I was.
Cannot wait for the next volume!
This series still remains the only book series where I always read the forward and the epilogue. Normally I find them tedious, but I love how the author always manages to change my perception of characters during these segments.
I will not say much else because I am afraid of spoiling people.
But I was in tears during one part because of how moved I was.
Cannot wait for the next volume!
May 28, 2024
สนุกเคล้าน้ำตา ฉากต่อสู้ก็สนุก ฉากบีบคั้นก็ดี เรียกน้ำตาได้เพียบ แต่คันจิที่ไม่มีฟุริคานะก็ยึ่บยั่บเช่นกัน แต่เล่มนี้มีตอนพิเศษมากกว่าเล่มจูเนียร์บุงโกะ ตอนแรกเป็นเรื่องของโรจิน่า ตอนที่ยังอยู่กับท่านคริสติเน่ เทียบกับตอนอยู่กับไมน์ ตอนที่สองเป็นมุมมองของคนทำครัว
ชอบตอนพิเศษที่เป็นของคนอื่นนอกจากไมน์นะ ทำให้มองเห็นอะไรหลายๆ ด้านดี ทำให้ตอนที่อ่านเนื้อเรื่องหลักแล้วสงสัย ก็มาคลายสงสัยเอาในตอนพิเศษ
ชอบตอนพิเศษที่เป็นของคนอื่นนอกจากไมน์นะ ทำให้มองเห็นอะไรหลายๆ ด้านดี ทำให้ตอนที่อ่านเนื้อเรื่องหลักแล้วสงสัย ก็มาคลายสงสัยเอาในตอนพิเศษ
June 2, 2025
Not really much to say about the book I haven't already said. The growing relationship between Myne and the high priest is fun. The restaurant was disregarded in the show so it's nice it's getting proper attention. Seeing how the novels are overpriced I probably won't be continuing the series until I find another good ebay deal... My only real gripe (besides the price) is that Kazuki treats her readers like they have 0 literacy. Although, that might just be the translation.
July 4, 2025
Ah this volume - the scene with the Myne gets me. It made me blubber this time too. A great addition to the series - and it was interesting to see Myne struggle in her new world at the temple. I do think the people around her are a little mean. I mean how can they not appreciate the wonder that are books!
Great volume for us bookworms. Now... onwards.
Great volume for us bookworms. Now... onwards.
January 23, 2020
It may be my Japanese ability but I felt like it was just bouncing around from topic to topic pretty suddenly with no real build up to the next scene. Not my favorite book of the series but the ending mirrors the anime's beginning and it's a really great hook for the next book. Argh! Just have to keep going I guess.
July 19, 2020
Another fine volume. And Myna finally makes a book. And someone finally realizes that Myna is going to make the whole town rich. Or start a war. Or something. A fun read with interesting characters and an interesting world. I'm sad that now I'm going to have to wait for the next volume. Maybe at some point Myna will get to grow up.
January 30, 2021
Again, I absolutely love the extra details that are in this light novel as opposed to the anime. I can’t wait to start reading the next book. The world building and the progression of the story is amazing. They keep the plot grounded with what’s immediately relevant to Myne, while also hinting at something bigger to come.
August 3, 2022
I jumped on this as soon as I finished volume 1. I'm enjoying the widening of the world, the introductions of actual nobles, and Myne's combination of a the impulsivity on a young child with the knowledge of her young adult self. She's even more childlike than most kids on this world because of her background; she doesn't have the same fears.
January 31, 2020
Good continuation of one of my favourite light novels. Gentle pace to the plot, but with enough action between the slice of life scenes to give it some forward momentum, and you can see there's a long-term arc. Like Myne, like the supporting characters, can't wait for more.
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