Altina the Sword Princess: Volume 3

Altina the Sword Princess #3

by Yukiya Murasaki, himesuz (Illustrator), Roy Nukia (Translator)

“I’ll go to the capital. Even if nothing but darkness awaits me there!” Despite the odds, Princess Altina succeeds in capturing what was once considered to be an impregnable fortress. However, as the newly labeled “Marie Quatre’s Army” settles into their new base of operations, a letter arrives. It is a request from Second Prince Latrielle—an invitation for Altina to return to the capital to celebrate the day the nation was founded. The second prince is a considerable threat, especially given his complete authority over the Belgarian military, but the princess has no shortage of possible enemies. First-Grade Admin Officer Germain, First Prince Auguste, and the Vixen of the South are all in attendance, and a clash of sides seems almost certain. But have those dead set on obstructing Altina’s ambitions already made the first move...!? Here is the third volume of a tale of war, love, and politics, woven by the bookworm and the sword princess.

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Manga

215 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2013

About the author

See also むらさき ゆきや.

In April 1st 2009, received 1.st GA Bunko Encouragement Award for the work "I don't see any ghosts!" or "幽霊なんか見えない"

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her impossible victory, Altina has been summoned to the palace. Her brother’s capital suggestion is unquestionably more than it appears and soon she and Regis are directly embroiled in the political conflicts they had previously kept at arm’s length.

At face value, this series is a boring rehash of story beats you’ve read a thousand times. The brash princess, the hapless dope who accumulates a cadre of female admirers, bishonen bad guys, a named list of maybe magical weapons, misunderstandings, the whiff of romance that might amount to something a dozen books from now.

For all that, this is currently my favourite light novel series for one important reason - it’s bloody well written. If you’re going to use standards like this, you’d better be able to write the hell out of them, and this author is so far up to the task.

We have strong characters - Regis, for example, is certainly hapless but rather than just have that be his thing, he’s actually a brilliant tactician who knows how to apply everything he’s learned from being buried in a book constantly (I’ve learned at least half that trick...), which is why he’s so awkward and self-deprecating.

Next, the faux French setting gives this just enough flavour to suggest where things might go, but is not slavishly beholden to history. It helps establish a loose framework to hang the basics on, but also allows for just a tinge of fantasy (I love how “maybe” the presence of magic in this world is). The cliffhanger that closes this book, in particular, is brilliantly ominous in its execution.

There’s also some brilliant dialogue, a bit of fun action, clever planning, at least one reveal that I didn’t see coming and should have, and the writing even sells the tension of the situation - lives are lost in war and this book smartly doesn’t shy away from that reality.

This reads like the best anime I never got to see in the late 90s and I mean that as a compliment of the highest order. Except the women are treated really well by the book and have agency beyond being token love interests. If you don’t care for this sort of story, I don’t know that it would convince you, but within its genre it’s an exemplary work so far.

4.5 totally biased stars, rounded up. I am really coming to love this series and, while it’s hardly classic lit, it’s damn fun. Watching plans and counter-plans play out with some antics on the side is exactly what I want from it and it delivers a level of quality that’s worth celebrating.

[Bernice Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it 3stars because

I gave it 3stars because Regis need some confident. Putting himself down get tiresome. At least let him act a little manly and have confident in the things that he do. Hopefully he will get better in the future. He do not have to be a hero just confident in what he do.

[Gamal Esam · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that I was overwhelmed by how Regis planed everything in extreme percise.

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the new characters and the tactics and political intrigue this time around were very nice. I actually thought this was stronger than the previous 2 volumes, and displayed Regis' skills and wit better. So overall it's a fun read, but I kinda wish we had more of Latreille's perspective.

[Pablo García · Rating 5 out of 5]

The throne of the Belgarian Empire (Mix of Belgium and Bulgaria, by the author) is up for grabs, between the first Prince Auguste and the Second Prince Latrielle, the intrigue and back-stabbing from them and their regimes are causing the Fourth Princess, Altina, grief and constant problems. In this third book, a war is coming from the industrialized North (the equivalent to the British on the island of Great Britain), with steam engines, steam boats and trains...They also have stronger rifles, which are going to complicate the future position of the Empire.
The main character, Regis, is doing all he can to aid and foster the growth and position of Altina, as the future heiress of the Empire. His strategic planning, organization and governance give this series rationality, logical thinking and common sense.
This series so far, has 18 volumes (books). This Book 3 has an updated map of the region, has character summaries of the princes and the main characters. It also has a lot of inside illustrations describing the action that takes place in this Book 3. Although this book feels a little slow, we are a long long way off, from the end...