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The Economics of Prophecy (Light Novel) #1
The Economics of Prophecy: Volume 1
The Oracle Princess Alfina suddenly announces an ominous prophecy to the people of the Kingdom of Crownheight. However, shunned as she is for being a descendant of rebel blood, her words are heeded by no one.
On the other hand, Ricardo, the adopted heir of a peddler, who also happens to be an economics department graduate reincarnated into this world, attends the Royal Academy to study as a merchant.
During an argument with a much more affluent merchant, the one to stick up for him is none other than Alfina.
As the distance between them rapidly closes, Ricardo makes full use of his modern knowledge of science, mathematics and economics to stand against the unknown disaster of prophecy!
On the other hand, Ricardo, the adopted heir of a peddler, who also happens to be an economics department graduate reincarnated into this world, attends the Royal Academy to study as a merchant.
During an argument with a much more affluent merchant, the one to stick up for him is none other than Alfina.
As the distance between them rapidly closes, Ricardo makes full use of his modern knowledge of science, mathematics and economics to stand against the unknown disaster of prophecy!
- GenresLight NovelFantasyMagic
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2020
61 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 19, 2020
Interesting
Better than I thought it would be. Normally, you have an over powered protagonist just flexing. The only thing that he had were his wits. A thinking man's isekai. Recommend.
Better than I thought it would be. Normally, you have an over powered protagonist just flexing. The only thing that he had were his wits. A thinking man's isekai. Recommend.
August 30, 2022
Gave up at 25%. It’s too dry and technical and I’m bored. Life is too short for boring books.
2, I didn’t hate it but I don’t like it much, stars.
2, I didn’t hate it but I don’t like it much, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2020
This novel is in the vein of a Realist Hero or other economic / political fantasy series. We see an economics major reborn into another world (starting as a young 11 year old boy, but our present story having him be 16 I believe). It's your typical "I'm not special, but I have knowledge from the previous world that makes me capable of change to this world" structure. There's a lot of factions and divisions in the story, namely merchant families that oppose each other or vie for customers from each other, which starts the heart of the first conflict.
Main character is also your typical harem lead that doesn't think he's attractive to the opposite sex. To be fair, he does get brother zoned fairly early on. He also faces class hurdles to being in any position to be seeking romance. To add on top of that, he doesn't want to use the aristocracy to gain power, he wants to gain it himself. But it's weird because that wish of his is totally out of reach pretty early once he gets mixed up with the prophetic princess.
The princess, Alfina, is described as a Platinum haired beauty. She hails from the ruling order in the kingdom if I recall correctly. Her sisters are all distinguished princesses being married off to increase the power and territory of the kingdom too iirc, but unfortunately Alfina is actually the adopted daughter of the King's brother I believe, and the family didn't exactly see eye to eye with that dude or Alfina. As punishment, she gets stuck with the dumb ceremonial title of "Oracle princess" who is supposed to use this magical orb to deliver a prophecy once every harvest season, but realistically they just make up the prophecy of abundance every year and fudge the crop yield numbers as they need to for it to look good. But not Alfina, her prophecy is for reals.
Alfina was a fairly decent character overall in the plot. She's someone that similarly sees her accomplishments as "the work of others", frequently deflecting away from what she's done and her strength. I liked all the "romantic" scenes where she gives Ricardo strength, defends his honor, or just genuinely admires him. If Ricardo could more thoughtfully convey how he sees her (besides being a nuisance to his plans of economical domination) it would be great. Hopefully she becomes someone he can trust to let in on his life story a bit more.
Mia is the third wheel of the romance story so far, but she's the super capable assistant that does all the grunt work while Ricardo gallavants with the princess and does the slightest bit of field work research. Master of mathematics who surpassed her teacher (Ricardo himself), she's set up to be a harem member if it goes that route. She's the source of some of the levity in the story because of their bickering type relationship, but it can get grating at times. I hope she gets more positive development with the hero, especially on the romantic front if she is supposed to be any sort of challenger or just equal to Alfina for his hand.
Then there's the rest. You got your Director of Education who happens to be a mad scientist dude, Fulsick (?) an old codger who is friendly with Alfina from being her after school tutor (because she's really busy with her role as princess and watching the prophecies... You know, even though she has enough time on her hands to go take a 7+ day trip to the countryside with Ricardo). He admires Mia's mathematic skills, and just might use Ricardo and Alfina's prophecy scheme to get himself back on top in the technological development side of things in this world. You have Claudia, who is a former attendant of Alfina, daughter to a nobleman who is a major force in the second Chivalric Order (basically the monster exterminator special forces unit). Then there's other characters that barely seem like characters so far, like Mia's friends who hold positions at Silver companies (basically one step above the honey company Ricardo Weinder operates, which is bronze). Then there's the heir to the Gold company who goes by the family name Dreyfan, and he + his father are your typical vile, overweight largess villains that do shady backhanded stuff while snickering about Ricardo being beneath them.
A lot of the climactic action in this one takes place off-screen. It feels like the story could be better if it did shift perspective more to characters we care about, to endear ourselves to them more and learn a bit more of their companies. But the only perspective shift we do get is to the Dreyfan company and the 2nd Chivalric order commander's private meeting. If you like business strategy terminology and tactics, there is a good deal of that early as well. I got bogged down in it a little bit, and honestly, there's a lot going on / plans that they talk about but you only really see the effects of them, not the process. So it's definitely not an easy read if you aren't in the mood.
Main character is also your typical harem lead that doesn't think he's attractive to the opposite sex. To be fair, he does get brother zoned fairly early on. He also faces class hurdles to being in any position to be seeking romance. To add on top of that, he doesn't want to use the aristocracy to gain power, he wants to gain it himself. But it's weird because that wish of his is totally out of reach pretty early once he gets mixed up with the prophetic princess.
The princess, Alfina, is described as a Platinum haired beauty. She hails from the ruling order in the kingdom if I recall correctly. Her sisters are all distinguished princesses being married off to increase the power and territory of the kingdom too iirc, but unfortunately Alfina is actually the adopted daughter of the King's brother I believe, and the family didn't exactly see eye to eye with that dude or Alfina. As punishment, she gets stuck with the dumb ceremonial title of "Oracle princess" who is supposed to use this magical orb to deliver a prophecy once every harvest season, but realistically they just make up the prophecy of abundance every year and fudge the crop yield numbers as they need to for it to look good. But not Alfina, her prophecy is for reals.
Alfina was a fairly decent character overall in the plot. She's someone that similarly sees her accomplishments as "the work of others", frequently deflecting away from what she's done and her strength. I liked all the "romantic" scenes where she gives Ricardo strength, defends his honor, or just genuinely admires him. If Ricardo could more thoughtfully convey how he sees her (besides being a nuisance to his plans of economical domination) it would be great. Hopefully she becomes someone he can trust to let in on his life story a bit more.
Mia is the third wheel of the romance story so far, but she's the super capable assistant that does all the grunt work while Ricardo gallavants with the princess and does the slightest bit of field work research. Master of mathematics who surpassed her teacher (Ricardo himself), she's set up to be a harem member if it goes that route. She's the source of some of the levity in the story because of their bickering type relationship, but it can get grating at times. I hope she gets more positive development with the hero, especially on the romantic front if she is supposed to be any sort of challenger or just equal to Alfina for his hand.
Then there's the rest. You got your Director of Education who happens to be a mad scientist dude, Fulsick (?) an old codger who is friendly with Alfina from being her after school tutor (because she's really busy with her role as princess and watching the prophecies... You know, even though she has enough time on her hands to go take a 7+ day trip to the countryside with Ricardo). He admires Mia's mathematic skills, and just might use Ricardo and Alfina's prophecy scheme to get himself back on top in the technological development side of things in this world. You have Claudia, who is a former attendant of Alfina, daughter to a nobleman who is a major force in the second Chivalric Order (basically the monster exterminator special forces unit). Then there's other characters that barely seem like characters so far, like Mia's friends who hold positions at Silver companies (basically one step above the honey company Ricardo Weinder operates, which is bronze). Then there's the heir to the Gold company who goes by the family name Dreyfan, and he + his father are your typical vile, overweight largess villains that do shady backhanded stuff while snickering about Ricardo being beneath them.
A lot of the climactic action in this one takes place off-screen. It feels like the story could be better if it did shift perspective more to characters we care about, to endear ourselves to them more and learn a bit more of their companies. But the only perspective shift we do get is to the Dreyfan company and the 2nd Chivalric order commander's private meeting. If you like business strategy terminology and tactics, there is a good deal of that early as well. I got bogged down in it a little bit, and honestly, there's a lot going on / plans that they talk about but you only really see the effects of them, not the process. So it's definitely not an easy read if you aren't in the mood.
February 3, 2020
The whole summoned to another world genre has come to dominate the Japanese light novel scene in the last few years. Every series seems to have its own gimmick, often taking the form of the protagonist getting some sort of cheat skill on his arrival to this new world. So as an economist it's fun to see one where the heroes ’superpower’ is his knowledge of economic theory and applied statistical analysis, knowledge which he brings with him from his time in our world.
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January 31, 2020I got 16% through this before giving up. I was simultaneously bored by excessive economics and confused that this is volume 1 because it feels like a sequel. Oh well, can't win 'em all and life's too short for books you aren't enjoying.
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May 26, 2023DNF 20%
February 11, 2021
When the annual prophecy from the Oracle Princess Alfina contains both good and bad news, Ricardo finds himself wanting to disbelieve, but not sure he's able. After all, this is a different world that has magic---who knows? As he investigates to find the truth, he draws on his knowledge of business and economics to lead him to the truth. . .
First, I don't find Alfina cute---I find her annoying enough that I really wish someone would give her a metaphorical slap across the face and explain to her EXACTLY why Ricardo is so wary of getting too involved. But she's too stupid to see how politics works, which makes it even worse since she's a princess. And because the story is too stuck on "I really shouldn't, but she's SO CUTE" Ricardo never protests strongly enough to make his own stance on the matter clear. I am also annoyed by Mia snubbing Ricardo when he's getting closer to Alfina, which is the kind of cold warfare I despise.
On the other hand, it was genuinely interesting to see how Ricardo took Alfina's vague description of an unspecified disaster and brought it to a solid forecast of what would actually occur. The various proofs he collects along the way, and how he handles them, and how he can use logic and math to work through the annoyingly vague magic was fun.
Overall although I liked the more business-minded approach to untangling the mysticism, the huge focus on Altina acting like a typical high school girl falling in love really bugged me. I rate this book Neutral.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
First, I don't find Alfina cute---I find her annoying enough that I really wish someone would give her a metaphorical slap across the face and explain to her EXACTLY why Ricardo is so wary of getting too involved. But she's too stupid to see how politics works, which makes it even worse since she's a princess. And because the story is too stuck on "I really shouldn't, but she's SO CUTE" Ricardo never protests strongly enough to make his own stance on the matter clear. I am also annoyed by Mia snubbing Ricardo when he's getting closer to Alfina, which is the kind of cold warfare I despise.
On the other hand, it was genuinely interesting to see how Ricardo took Alfina's vague description of an unspecified disaster and brought it to a solid forecast of what would actually occur. The various proofs he collects along the way, and how he handles them, and how he can use logic and math to work through the annoyingly vague magic was fun.
Overall although I liked the more business-minded approach to untangling the mysticism, the huge focus on Altina acting like a typical high school girl falling in love really bugged me. I rate this book Neutral.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
February 17, 2021
This sounded interesting and possibly it would be in the vein of How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom... It started off fine enough, but at around 200 pages, it quickly felt like word vomit to get to a decent page count. Characters are pretty uninteresting, and halfway through I could sense myself checking out on the first volume.
May 20, 2020
So forgettable, i'd forgotten I read half of it until goodreads prompted me to update my progress.
I think the only reason I got through half of it was because I read it one sitting...
I think the only reason I got through half of it was because I read it one sitting...
April 11, 2021
Ricardo, a young merchant with the soul/knowledge of a modern day Economist, accidentally meets a princess who just prophecied a disaster. Ricardo has problems enough as an upcomming merchant trying to stay out of sight of the establishment, but he cannot ignore even the possibility of a threat to his home base. He needs to figure out the meaning of the prophesy and deal with it. Easier said then done for a simple commoner and a disgraced princess.
The story shines in world and character building. No tropes, believable (re)actions that support intent. The fact that it is a contained plot is a bit of a plus for light novels as well.
It is a bit short though. It might be the translation but I noted a few spots where the language felt off, which is not something I usually notice. There is also no action, just politics and at times dry science. I liked it, but it might not for everybody. The hints towards a potential harem felt a bit odd compared to the overall mood of the story, still, it were just hints, nothing concrete.
All in all, a good read and I like the idea of the continued story of the commoner trying to make a living in strict class based medieval society.
The story shines in world and character building. No tropes, believable (re)actions that support intent. The fact that it is a contained plot is a bit of a plus for light novels as well.
It is a bit short though. It might be the translation but I noted a few spots where the language felt off, which is not something I usually notice. There is also no action, just politics and at times dry science. I liked it, but it might not for everybody. The hints towards a potential harem felt a bit odd compared to the overall mood of the story, still, it were just hints, nothing concrete.
All in all, a good read and I like the idea of the continued story of the commoner trying to make a living in strict class based medieval society.
February 5, 2020
A quick, enjoyable read.
The characters are well-written. Ricardo is smart without being pretentious, and Alfina is sweet and a bit naive without being egregiously so. Their interactions are cute, and are closer to friendship than pre-romance, which I greatly appreciate.
While it does deal with economics, it doesn't go into heavy, technical concepts, staying to broad-stokes for a light read.
If you're looking for a fun fantasy that focuses on something other than quests and battle, and has cute characters, consider reading this one.
The characters are well-written. Ricardo is smart without being pretentious, and Alfina is sweet and a bit naive without being egregiously so. Their interactions are cute, and are closer to friendship than pre-romance, which I greatly appreciate.
While it does deal with economics, it doesn't go into heavy, technical concepts, staying to broad-stokes for a light read.
If you're looking for a fun fantasy that focuses on something other than quests and battle, and has cute characters, consider reading this one.
April 23, 2020
Economics . . . Business . . . Politics . . . Fantasy . . . Magic . . . if you're still not horny then this will still be a decent read about a dude who got spirited away into a fantasy world and uses his knowledge of modern economics and business to build his own company despite high and mighty nobles and merchants, but, ends up saving the day with graphs and tables. It's certainly one of the more not same-y light novels out there.
March 31, 2022
This is a really interesting, intriguing idea for an isekai story. I am however kind of disappointed that it's on hiatus with only 1 more volume available. The idea of a humble student from a small merchant family trying to revolutionize the medieval level economy (and inadvertently help save the kingdom) is a different idea that I hadn't read yet.
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March 20, 2020Anche se rappresenta un isekai finalmente uno che parla di un argomento che capisco bene: commercio, meccanismi di domanda e offerta e rischi di mercato. Un po' pesante all'inizio specie per chi odia l'economia, ma è interessante
March 15, 2022
Most of it was extremely boring, but it picked up at the end. I wanted to know what happened to the princess.
September 17, 2022
Very slow to start picks up a bit after third chapter.
March 1, 2020
The only interesting part of this story was seeing economic theory acted out in a fantasy world. However, I didn't like either of the main characters and any other character that appeared was too 2D to even care about except as a backdrop to the main characters.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews