ハーシェリク：5 転生王子と軍国の至宝

The Epic Tale of the Reincarnated Prince Herscherik (Light Novel) #5

by Nobiru Kusunoki, 楠のびる, あり子 (Illustrator)

Having defended itself against the invasion of the Atrad Empire and successfully eliminated the darkness choking the life out of the country, Gracis is now busy preparing for the upcoming harvest festival. Seven-year-old Prince Herscherik, the key figure responsible for bringing peace to the nation—and secretly the reincarnation of a thirty-four year old otaku spinster—now finds himself grappling with mountains of paperwork day in and day out. Desperate for a change of pace, Herscherik sets out on one of his usual incognito excursions into the castle town—but instead of a relaxing escape, he finds another mystery when he runs across a pair of shadowy strangers...

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2018

Reviews

[Aelvana · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Herscherik encounters two fugitives, he's thrust into the middle of a complicated situation. For one of them is a birdman, a race not legally allowed in Gracias after a previous king eliminated slavery. Though the two have much to hide, Hersch is determined to help them, even if it means getting deeper into trouble . . .

Although the previous volume wrapped up one of the biggest plot threads that was driving the series, this one shows a good picture of "what happens next." Now that the corrupt minister has died, how is the country reacting? Unsurprisingly, it isn't all good news. Gracias's glory is mostly the MEMORY of its better days (including the days under the minister), and the big festival coming up is more about bluffing that they still have that capacity instead of proving it.

In the middle of the political uncertainty comes the perfect monkey wrench: two people who could tear it all down, if they are discovered. And since it's Hersch that discovered them first, he's doing what he always does and giving them his best.

This is, frankly, an odd place to end the series (proof of its unplanned cancellation, more than anything). It's as much a standalone as any of the other volumes of the series, but without too many hooks to carry it forward for any now-defunct future arcs, so it feels more like a bonus story.

I still like seeing how Hersch manages to win over talented people to his side. His subordinates all have obvious talents, but his talent is more in how he deals with people. And I really like Ao. (And Shiro learning to copy Ao, because it seemed like an interesting thing to do.)

Overall if you've liked the series so far, you might as well read this one. It introduces some fun new characters, helps expand the story to other countries, and gives some thought as to the various problems Hersch is bound to still encounter as he tries to guide his nation. I rate this book Recommended.

See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....

[Florence Joyce Dongael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not as exciting as the other volumes, but still loved it, nonetheless. It sort of showed an aftermath of what happened in the last volume and Hersch gaining more retainers by his side. And another of his brothers finally made an appearance! I think this was the only volume where it mentioned the other countries outside of Gracis. If only there were more volumes that would show these other countries in detail...