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Monogatari #12, Part 1
Owarimonogatari, Part 1: End Tale
The latest book of the final season of the best-selling MONOGATARI series.
Before we witness the series’ climactic showdown in the third volume of the "End Tale"—each part of which forms its own cohesive whole—narrator Araragi wrestles with a crucial bit of history that had turned him into the loner we met at the very beginning, who opined that friendships only lowered his intensity as a human. What initiates his pilgrim’s progress of a reckoning is his first encounter, at school, with the mysterious freshman Ogi Oshino, self-described niece of the equally enigmatic aberration expert Mèmè, and the book’s opening chapter is a harrowing standalone novella of a whodunnit involving a locked room of sorts. Our increasingly well-adjusted hero kept on being decent at one thing even when he was just hanging on, but this forte, an unlikely aptitude for math, of all things, becomes the focus of a cheating scandal and a web of recollections that forces him to come to terms with, what do you know, his capacity to connect to people.
Before we witness the series’ climactic showdown in the third volume of the "End Tale"—each part of which forms its own cohesive whole—narrator Araragi wrestles with a crucial bit of history that had turned him into the loner we met at the very beginning, who opined that friendships only lowered his intensity as a human. What initiates his pilgrim’s progress of a reckoning is his first encounter, at school, with the mysterious freshman Ogi Oshino, self-described niece of the equally enigmatic aberration expert Mèmè, and the book’s opening chapter is a harrowing standalone novella of a whodunnit involving a locked room of sorts. Our increasingly well-adjusted hero kept on being decent at one thing even when he was just hanging on, but this forte, an unlikely aptitude for math, of all things, becomes the focus of a cheating scandal and a web of recollections that forces him to come to terms with, what do you know, his capacity to connect to people.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2013
20 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
NisiOisiN
287 books962 followersNisio Isin (西尾維新 Nishio Ishin), frequently written as NisiOisiN to emphasize that his pen name is a palindrome, is a Japanese novelist and manga writer. He attended and left Ritsumeikan University without graduating. In 2002, he debuted with the novel Kubikiri Cycle, which earned him the 23rd Mephisto Award at twenty years of age.
He currently works with Kodansha on Pandora, the Kodansha Box magazine, and Faust, a literary magazine containing the works of other young authors who similarly take influence from light novels and otaku culture. He was also publishing a twelve volume series over twelve months for the Kodansha Box line; Ryusui Seiryoin was matching this output, and the Kodansha Box website stated that this is the first time in the world two authors have done twelve volume monthly novel series simultaneously from the same publisher.
In February, 2008, his novel Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases was released in English by Viz Media. Del Rey Manga has already released the first volume in his Zaregoto series. His Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari and Katanagatari novels have been adapted into anime series. Nekomonogatari (Kuro) has been adapted into an anime TV movie, and Kizumonogatari will be release in theaters this year. Monogatari Series: Second Season, adapted from 6 books in Monogatari Series will air in July 2013. Another of his works, Medaka Box (manga), has been adapted into a two-season anime series.
He currently works with Kodansha on Pandora, the Kodansha Box magazine, and Faust, a literary magazine containing the works of other young authors who similarly take influence from light novels and otaku culture. He was also publishing a twelve volume series over twelve months for the Kodansha Box line; Ryusui Seiryoin was matching this output, and the Kodansha Box website stated that this is the first time in the world two authors have done twelve volume monthly novel series simultaneously from the same publisher.
In February, 2008, his novel Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases was released in English by Viz Media. Del Rey Manga has already released the first volume in his Zaregoto series. His Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari and Katanagatari novels have been adapted into anime series. Nekomonogatari (Kuro) has been adapted into an anime TV movie, and Kizumonogatari will be release in theaters this year. Monogatari Series: Second Season, adapted from 6 books in Monogatari Series will air in July 2013. Another of his works, Medaka Box (manga), has been adapted into a two-season anime series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 31, 2021
This is one of the best volumes in the series! No long monologues, a constant feeling that something is off, the way you see the MC’s feelings and ideas being twisted by a villain he doesn’t understand has control over his perception of reality, puzzles and detective stories, this volume has it all! This type of volume is what makes reading Monogatari worth it :)
December 3, 2021
NisiOisisn is an enigma. After Tsukimonogatari being a long-winded swamp I just made myself wade through in order to progress further in the story and Koyomimonogatari - after me being all hyped for it after me seeing an awesome trailer for the miniseries - being so boring that for once I didn't find myself looking forward to reading in the evenings, "Owarimonogatari" is the most fun I've had with the Monogatari series in a long while. This is without a doubt my favourite entry to the "Final Season" of Monogatari so far, and in the ranking of my favourite novels in the series in total, it would be among the first few ranks.
This has mainly to do with a lot of factors, but the deciding one that made this novel stand out from the rest of the series was without a doubt the utterly comical and shockingly fascinating implementation of math and the detective mystery genre into a very entertaining Monogatari novel. These three parts seem like something totally disagreeable on paper, but the fact that Isin not only was able to craft a compelling tale involving math in the manner of a series of mystery short stories but also made these themes connect and relate to each other in a logical way that never once made me question their legitimacy in the series is a proof to just how good of an author Isin truly is.
This is partially due to the brilliant character of Oikura. Having had no previous mention in the series whatsoever before, Isin implements her into the story in a so organic and natural way that I never could imagine the Monogatari series without her. She as a character is constantly evolving over the course of the novel; not because she is actually changing but because we find out more and more about a character totally unknown to us beforehand.
More than in previous volumes, Isin actually has several layers of social commentary in this one. I don't want to spoil anything, but I got the impression that he wanted to comment on almost every hazard that could befall a teenager growing up in Japan, in the school as well as domestic space.
As always, the characters and their interactions are superb. But this entry is actually pretty hype, because Ogi finally kicks into action! We still don't know what exactly they (I am still confused about their gender to be honest … I can't fathom whether Ogi referring to themselves in "Hanamonogatari" was just Ogi/Isin toying with the reader or some Canon gender commentary) are up to and what is actually up with them, but the sides in a battle (of either wits or force) that seems almost unable to prevent by now are getting clearer and clearer. Ogi in one of the first characters in a book that I am genuinely creeped out by, and I enjoy every page featuring them.
This has mainly to do with a lot of factors, but the deciding one that made this novel stand out from the rest of the series was without a doubt the utterly comical and shockingly fascinating implementation of math and the detective mystery genre into a very entertaining Monogatari novel. These three parts seem like something totally disagreeable on paper, but the fact that Isin not only was able to craft a compelling tale involving math in the manner of a series of mystery short stories but also made these themes connect and relate to each other in a logical way that never once made me question their legitimacy in the series is a proof to just how good of an author Isin truly is.
This is partially due to the brilliant character of Oikura. Having had no previous mention in the series whatsoever before, Isin implements her into the story in a so organic and natural way that I never could imagine the Monogatari series without her. She as a character is constantly evolving over the course of the novel; not because she is actually changing but because we find out more and more about a character totally unknown to us beforehand.
More than in previous volumes, Isin actually has several layers of social commentary in this one. I don't want to spoil anything, but I got the impression that he wanted to comment on almost every hazard that could befall a teenager growing up in Japan, in the school as well as domestic space.
As always, the characters and their interactions are superb. But this entry is actually pretty hype, because Ogi finally kicks into action! We still don't know what exactly they (I am still confused about their gender to be honest … I can't fathom whether Ogi referring to themselves in "Hanamonogatari" was just Ogi/Isin toying with the reader or some Canon gender commentary) are up to and what is actually up with them, but the sides in a battle (of either wits or force) that seems almost unable to prevent by now are getting clearer and clearer. Ogi in one of the first characters in a book that I am genuinely creeped out by, and I enjoy every page featuring them.
February 23, 2024
Absolutely a top 5 Monogatari volume, easily the best one since Nekomonogatari: White. I just love everything about this one - it’s a brilliant subversion of both the usual “aberration case files” structure we see in other episodic parts of the series like Bakemonogatari, and common mystery novel tropes.
Owarimonogatari Part 1 is great in its animated format, but there’s something about this novel that just charms me far more as a standalone book and as part of a greater whole. I love the progression from Ougi Formula to Sodachi Riddle to Sodachi Lost in this volume. I think the way that Nisio my beloved retroactively introduces Sodachi in such a natural and compelling way is perfect, all while finally properly involving Ougi in a story and generating a genuine sense of unease towards her character which will come to a head by the end of Owarimonogatari. I fucking love this series so much I can’t wait to get to the end
Owarimonogatari Part 1 is great in its animated format, but there’s something about this novel that just charms me far more as a standalone book and as part of a greater whole. I love the progression from Ougi Formula to Sodachi Riddle to Sodachi Lost in this volume. I think the way that Nisio my beloved retroactively introduces Sodachi in such a natural and compelling way is perfect, all while finally properly involving Ougi in a story and generating a genuine sense of unease towards her character which will come to a head by the end of Owarimonogatari. I fucking love this series so much I can’t wait to get to the end
February 3, 2024
Great Stuff!
Nisioisin is definitely the most interesting author I have ever read.
Nisioisin is definitely the most interesting author I have ever read.
January 26, 2021
NisiOisins writing is nothing short of remarkable. This being my first Light Novel ever it really brought me into a whole new world- taking what I've experienced and amplifying it through araragis perspective on the sequence of events. Minute details such as classmates and teacher being left out intentionally to generate an entirely new atmosphere in shafts adaptation was a real smart move. Sodachis story never gets old but it feels like I've seen it in an entirely new light.
August 8, 2014
New girl, another family tragedy. I'm really surprised this was such a thrilling read!
February 16, 2020
A darker entry than the previous ones, and it goes heavier and heavier as the book progresses. Still an excellent entry in the Monogatari series.
June 4, 2020
Plays around a lot with the idea of a detective and a locked-room mystery. Odd in a good way. Love the way it creates tension around Ogi
March 16, 2025
In this volume we are introduced to Sodachi Oikura, whose story is one of Monogatari's best in my opinion. The way this volume explores the relationship between her and our protagonist is fascinating and illuminating of their respective characters. Ogi Oshino also serves as a compelling counterpoint to Araragi, challenging and mocking his beliefs, prodding his insecurities, and just generally making him uncomfortable. She's one of the series' most enigmatic characters at this point; she consistently has access to information she shouldn't reasonably have any way to know, she at times seems able to read Araragi's thoughts and replies to his internal monologue, it is hinted that she is lying about her identity, she inexplicably is referred to as a different gender in another volume, etc. Mysteries abound. She is very effective at being deeply unsettling while very compelling and interesting.
For all we get here about Araragi's psyche: his disillusionment with justice as a concept, the reason he distances himself from people and rejects friendship, and the feedback loop of his self-loathing and self-sacrificing natures, perhaps the most interesting material here is about Sodachi's internal life.
We learn of her experience with a broken home and domestic violence and how this affects her. The way she comes to find comfort in unhappiness. How she feels unable now to bear the 'weight of happiness'. Essentially, learned helplessness. Which is a poignant contradiction of Oshino's mantra from the very beginning of the series that 'people don't get saved, they just save themselves all on their own'. Sodachi believes something more like 'people can only be happy if someone saves them'. So she resents people that don't recognize and appreciate what they have; their saviors and benefactors. Because she found no such refuge despite her attempts to be rescued by Araragi. Araragi's response to her about happiness and loving herself and the joy he feels at being able to finally give something back to her is incredibly moving. Is her vitriol towards Araragi justified? Certainly not always. But is it understandable? Absolutely. It doesn't take much empathizing to see how her circumstances would breed such resentment and how that resentment becomes necessary fuel to keep going.
And as someone who loves math I really enjoy the way that math is used as a recurring motif in this. The mentions of the Monty Hall problem and Euler's Identity are thematically relevant and fitting. Great volume!
For all we get here about Araragi's psyche: his disillusionment with justice as a concept, the reason he distances himself from people and rejects friendship, and the feedback loop of his self-loathing and self-sacrificing natures, perhaps the most interesting material here is about Sodachi's internal life.
We learn of her experience with a broken home and domestic violence and how this affects her. The way she comes to find comfort in unhappiness. How she feels unable now to bear the 'weight of happiness'. Essentially, learned helplessness. Which is a poignant contradiction of Oshino's mantra from the very beginning of the series that 'people don't get saved, they just save themselves all on their own'. Sodachi believes something more like 'people can only be happy if someone saves them'. So she resents people that don't recognize and appreciate what they have; their saviors and benefactors. Because she found no such refuge despite her attempts to be rescued by Araragi. Araragi's response to her about happiness and loving herself and the joy he feels at being able to finally give something back to her is incredibly moving. Is her vitriol towards Araragi justified? Certainly not always. But is it understandable? Absolutely. It doesn't take much empathizing to see how her circumstances would breed such resentment and how that resentment becomes necessary fuel to keep going.
And as someone who loves math I really enjoy the way that math is used as a recurring motif in this. The mentions of the Monty Hall problem and Euler's Identity are thematically relevant and fitting. Great volume!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2022
The Monogatari series reaches its long awaited climax after the introduction of increasingly strange aberrations and characters.
In the first part of Owarimonogatari , we finally get a closer look at Ougi Oshino, Meme Oshino’s alleged niece. Here she is every bit as witty and complex as every other one of Araragi’s classmates and has some of the best dialogue exchanges I’ve read in the series thus far. In this book, we take a more classical mystery approach, and her guiding role as the “detective” is unmatched.
Additionally, Sodachi Oikura makes her debut appearance in this book as a forgotten former classmate to Araragi. At first, she is extremely unlikable, overflowing with vitriol for our protagonist, with none of the charm of a character like Senjougahara. NISIOISIN skillfully peels back each layer of her hostile personality in a way that is extremely emotionally moving.
If you’ve made it this far into the Monogatari series, I doubt I need to convince you to read this one. It moves with the same wonderful flow and tension as all the previous entries, with seemingly meaningless bits of banter that have mind-blowing implications.
5/5 stars, Owarimonogatari, Part 1 is a masterful introduction fit for the conclusion of one of the best light novel series I’ve ever read.
In the first part of Owarimonogatari , we finally get a closer look at Ougi Oshino, Meme Oshino’s alleged niece. Here she is every bit as witty and complex as every other one of Araragi’s classmates and has some of the best dialogue exchanges I’ve read in the series thus far. In this book, we take a more classical mystery approach, and her guiding role as the “detective” is unmatched.
Additionally, Sodachi Oikura makes her debut appearance in this book as a forgotten former classmate to Araragi. At first, she is extremely unlikable, overflowing with vitriol for our protagonist, with none of the charm of a character like Senjougahara. NISIOISIN skillfully peels back each layer of her hostile personality in a way that is extremely emotionally moving.
If you’ve made it this far into the Monogatari series, I doubt I need to convince you to read this one. It moves with the same wonderful flow and tension as all the previous entries, with seemingly meaningless bits of banter that have mind-blowing implications.
5/5 stars, Owarimonogatari, Part 1 is a masterful introduction fit for the conclusion of one of the best light novel series I’ve ever read.
September 28, 2023
Nisioisin combines his mystery writing expertise with the character writing mastery of monogatari for potentially one of his best novels. Seeing him use the structure of mystery stories, locked rooms and whodunits in cases that don’t involve murder is genuinely refreshing, it keeps tricks from being predictable but feel comfortable in his style.
These aren’t Zaregoto or Sekai level mysteries, but they’re to drive character more than they are to be puzzles, solving these doesn’t catch a culprit, but show us more of Oikura, a entirely new side of Ougi and most importantly, shows us deeper into Araragi. Its the best of Nisioisins best aspects of a writer.
I’m excited to see the rest of Owari has in store, but for part 1 alone, exceptional in every aspect and my favourite book in Monogatari so far.
These aren’t Zaregoto or Sekai level mysteries, but they’re to drive character more than they are to be puzzles, solving these doesn’t catch a culprit, but show us more of Oikura, a entirely new side of Ougi and most importantly, shows us deeper into Araragi. Its the best of Nisioisins best aspects of a writer.
I’m excited to see the rest of Owari has in store, but for part 1 alone, exceptional in every aspect and my favourite book in Monogatari so far.
June 18, 2022
One of the best Monogatari books in the whole series so far, for what I'm concerned. Owarimonogatari Part 1 comes with a trilogy of arcs, all interconnected, and has a much more serious feel to it than many of the other arcs in the series. For how serious this volume gets with its topics and themes, I feel they are handled with tact and seriousness, that you would want from a story like this.
Seeing Hanekawa play a bigger role again was nice, and exploring Araragi's character in a whole other way was really intriguing and gives a lot of context into his life and mannerisms. And the mystery of Ogi Oshino is ever present, shedding a bit more light onto her mysterious and obscure ways.
All in all, a fantastic volume for the series, can't wait to get to the next one!
Seeing Hanekawa play a bigger role again was nice, and exploring Araragi's character in a whole other way was really intriguing and gives a lot of context into his life and mannerisms. And the mystery of Ogi Oshino is ever present, shedding a bit more light onto her mysterious and obscure ways.
All in all, a fantastic volume for the series, can't wait to get to the next one!
March 29, 2023
This book was absolutely spectacular to read. NisiOsion really went full into his mystery form of writing with this one, as three chapters dive into a curious person from Araragi’s past, while also opening the covers on the enigma of a character from the more recent books, Ogi. It’s honestly amazing how he is able to build upon his past works in a way that feels so natural. This is his 17th book in the series, but you see explanation for content from the first books that fits as if it was planned from the beginning. This easily goes down as another one of my favorites from the series.
March 23, 2025
Making your past self the villain and protecting your present self will make you repeat the same mistakes forever─just imagine. Living the kind of life where you’re always being blamed by your future self
NisiOisin really cooked with this one. One of the best entries in the series. This one goes deeper and deeper into the past of the protagonist with each arc. A past he himself already forgot - or rather, never thought about.
October 13, 2025
wow. wow wow wow!! owarimonogatari part 1 is probably the most traditional mystery novel in the monogatari series up to this point, and it pulls it off perfectly. it's enthralling and heartbreaking, its twists and turns are equal parts shocking and satisfying as layers begin to unravel. throughout all this, it maintains monogatari's trademark sense of wit, humor, and eccentricity. marvelous!
January 11, 2022
So far, plotwise the best Monogatari novel: for once, Araragi doesn't waste time in strolling around bantering with the titular girl, and the three arcs are so closely connected you'll be awaiting the next 100%.
Also, the darkest novel yet, some of the themes are pretty pretty heartwrenching.
Also, the darkest novel yet, some of the themes are pretty pretty heartwrenching.
January 28, 2024
Conceptually rad book, and it's got some great scenes (massive ups to the confrontation between Senjougahara and Sodachi, as well as Hanekawa's timer).
Unfortunately, it's deuteragonist is Ougi Oshino.
Unfortunately, it's deuteragonist is Ougi Oshino.
April 30, 2024
the already incredible series is finally starting to unravel
all the hidden strings being pulled and worked at for what like 16 novels now??? are beginning to make themselves a little more seen, i’ve never been this excited to keep moving in monogatari
all the hidden strings being pulled and worked at for what like 16 novels now??? are beginning to make themselves a little more seen, i’ve never been this excited to keep moving in monogatari
December 7, 2021
one of the most spectacularly well written things i’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. heartbreaking too.
June 26, 2022
One of the best arcs in the series and almost nothing supernatural happens.
July 27, 2022
Murder mysterious
September 8, 2022
Finished this one so quickly! Really loved it! I’m not particularly fans of Ogi or Oikura but they’re such fascinating characters and Oikura’s past is just so sad, very well written
November 7, 2022
SODACHIIII :sob::sob::sob::sob::sob:
September 10, 2024
Not really sure how I feel about Oikura tbh but I absolutely loved Ogi in this one. She's so ominous and actually really scary. Can't wait to start reading the next one
September 25, 2024
This book was... frustrating?
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December 13, 20247:07
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December 31, 2024koyo koyo
March 24, 2025
I forgot what i read, Also it is 4.5/5 to be specific
June 11, 2025
It's the kind of entry that makes you want to retroactively score the preceding entries lower. Some absolutely unsettling vibes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews