A Challenge to the Lich

この素晴らしい世界に祝福を! Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! Light Novel #13

by Natsume Akatsuki

A Challenge to the Lich (リッチーへの挑戦状, Ricchii he no Chousenjou) is the thirteenth volume in the Konosuba light novel series.

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Anime, Japanese Literature, Comedy

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

AKATSUKI Natsume
Name (in native language): 暁なつめ
Associated Names:
自宅警備兵
Jitaku-keibihei

Zodiac: Libra

Reviews

[Barry Gormley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I loved this series right up until volume 10, but at this point, I seriously can't tell what the author is thinking. Not only have the last four books really felt like they were dragging their feet, but with this installment, it almost feels like it was INTENDED to feel that way.

Here you have a main cast that includes a literal goddess; a hardcore masochistic who belong to one of the most important families in the land; an explosion-obsessed mage with a genius-level intellect; and a weak-but-crafty MC who always finds a way to beat much stronger opponents. You have to TRY to make a team like that boring, but somehow Natsume Akatsuki has managed it.

What's even worse is that the first couple of chapters feel like a character assassination for both Kazuma and Darkness. A duo whose love connection should have been resolved in the previous book, but for some reason, the author thought it would be more fitting to have them almost do it every time Megumin's back is turned. Apparently expecting the reader to find their antics amusing, despite the fact that Megumin is a character we know and like rather than some irrelevant side character whose feelings could be ignored for the sake of a quick gag.

And yes, I know Kazuma has always been a heavily flawed protagonist, and that he's engaged in some morally dubious actions already. But my god, he was supposed to have SOME redeeming qualities, wasn't he? He was at least supposed to have SOME form of integrity, wasn't he? He was at least supposed to have developed SOME appreciation for his party members over the course of the series, wasn't he? Also, what the hell happened to Darkness' deep sense of loyalty and knightly virtue? Apparently, that doesn't extend to not trying to bone your friend's bf.

Then we get to Wiz's plot, which is honestly such a snooze-fest that there's no point going into detail. Like our main party, Wiz is actually an interesting character whose development could be taken in all kinds of directions, but it seems the author chose the least interesting one he could think of.

Long story short- this series should have been shorter, and I'm honestly debating if I should read the remaining volumes, even after they've all been translated.

Bonus- Enough with the cringy lolicon references already! Who the hell is this meant to be appealing to? Actually, on second thought, I don't think I want to know the answer to that . . .

[Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is super cozy, I find it very relaxing.

[Mohith Kondaveeti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was enjoyable. The books post-anime have been consistantly enjoyable. It wasn't exceptional but it wasn't terrible either. It was just an enjoyable experience

[Ricardo Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the better volumes, I actually laughed quite a lot. I guess there’s more interaction between Kazuma and Aqua, which was the initial premise for these books and they sure are a funny duo.

[Austin Roberto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun times focused on our favorite shopkeepers, and some nice Aqua highlights too!

[Alfredo · Rating 2 out of 5]

By far the worst volume

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad.