Summary--In this adventure fiction romantasy (a crossover genre between romance and fantasy), Noir Stardia has lost his job at an ancient library held in high regard only to discover a life-altering opportunity that he cannot pass up. There's a dungeon he comes across and enters, meeting Olivia Servant, a warrior maiden who's been missing for hundreds of years. Amid battles and developing harem themes, Noir begins to win the hearts of three lovely maidens (best friend Emma Brightness, studious Lola, stunning Luna, and perhaps even the legendary Olivia Servant). Will Noir become the best amongst his cohorts within Odin's Guild, or will he fall short of his newfound dreams?
What I love best about this book is the video game feel to it, which is something I didn't realize till now that I thoroughly enjoyed. In a funny way and on another level, reading this book made me understand the video games I play. I've been binge-playing the Rune Factory saga, and reading this made me appreciate it even more despite the two franchises having nothing to do with each other.
Although all the characters are powerful and work well together in this epic tale, I'd have to declare Emma Brightness as my favorite character. Now let me tell you why--
Emma gives off the girl next door vibes, but she's a high fantasy reimagining of the part.
Emma is so dedicated to Noir even amid his initial blindness to her affections for him that she doesn't care if he ever notices her; all she wants is to be there for him as she's always been (selflessly, in any way he wishes from her).
Of the beautiful love interests Noir Stardia has, I think Emma Brightness is his one true soul mate.
When Noir lost his job at the library, Emma quit, declaring the job wasn't worth it without him there, and she followed him into danger without question, which I thought was beyond loyal in the best way possible.
I don't care how unrealistic this light novel felt, I enjoyed it tenfold and ten times more! I loved the video game feel to the literature, the quite-literal energy stats shown throughout the book, the chances for advancing levels, romancing multiple love interests, magic, battles with broadswords, mythical beasts, etc.
I don't believe polygamous relationships ever work out long-term in reality, but in fiction, anything goes, so for now, I say more power to Noir and his lovely girlfriends!
I could feel something, almost physically, as this series became my latest literary obsession. I loved how much it reminded me of the Rune Factory series, but different, and it made me appreciate high fantasy video games and video game literature even more. Thank you for writing this brilliant piece of fiction, Meguru Seto!
Although I'd love to give specifics on my favorite part of this book, I felt every page from beginning to end was my favorite part. Honestly, I wanted to crawl into the book, become a fictional character within this realm, and join Noir's adventuring party! I wouldn't care about being a romantic partner to a man younger than I am; I'm into this series for the adventure alone, so if adventure was sworn to be a factor in my life within this series, I'm so in!
One scene that confused me was the harem contest, but the payoff concerning the prize was vital to the plot within this book. I won't give the aftermath of details, but for Emma, Lola, and Luna to enter the harem contest with Noir, I honestly think that was a ballsy move on their part. It's amusing to me, I don't think I'd have the cajones to enter the contest, but I'd be reckless enough to battle a mountain troll or dungeon reaper!
Considering I read this book in less than three days, I'll say all 330 pages of this high fantasy epic count as an undoubtable page-turner!
The only thing I disliked about this book was the ending, because that's just it, the book was over. Fortunately for me, I have the next few books in the series, but I don't want this series to ever end! I know of six books in total, and I think there's going to be an anime adaptation, but I don't know for sure (and if anyone can confirm the anime's existence, please let me know urgently--thank you!)
I loved the ending, how Noir teamed up with Luna to... Okay, I won't give you that spoiler, but the act was a selfless one of Noir's that gave me a new level of respect for him. He's the kind of boy I would've loved to befriend had we attended the same academy! He's brave, selfless, kind, giving, and someone I think will turn into a great provider when he begins a family.
Whatever opinions on the realistic attributes of this book are, I loved these characters, every single one of them from Noir Stardia to the sickly Lady Maria, and I'd welcome them all into my home as friends and ask to be a part of their fictional world if not their adventuring party.
If I was the author, there is nothing I would change to make this book better, as I think right now, this series is perfect as it is. I would simply extend the books (yes, even though I haven't read any of the others yet!) to make a saga longer than a mere six books.
From the first page to the last, I was hooked. This series is binge-worthy to all who enjoy a high fantasy novel series with video game vibes. Being that kind of person, I can't give this book anything less than a 5/5 stars rating, and though I just finished reading this novel and have two of the sequels, I can't wait to reread this book already!