The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary (Light Novel) Vol. 1

The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary Light Novel #1

by Mine, Peroshi (Illustrator)

A gritty swords and sorcery tale of a veteran mercenary who must start anew after he loses his old company--and don't miss the manga adaptation, also from Seven Seas! One by one, the mercenaries who raised Loren fell in a terrible, bloody battle. The lone survivor in a hard world with only his wits and his sword to his name, Loren hires himself out as an adventurer. His new party, however, proves all too willing to run headlong into danger using him as their meat shield. Only Lapis, the party's sly priest, sees his true worth, just as Loren sees hers. They must rely on each other, or else neither of them will live to see the end of their first adventure.

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Manga, Anime, Magic, Fiction, Demons

231 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2017

About the author

Mine is a Japanese light novel author best known for The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary.

Reviews

[Nicolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original title" "Kuitsume Youhei no Gensou Kitan", or, "The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary".

It got me with the title. I was curious with how the writer could construct a series around an unlikely phrase, such as, "Broke Mercenary". Don't mercenaries do anything for money? How did he become financially insolvent in the first place?

Volume 1 answered my questions, and subverted my expectations of a comedic fantasy series. The main character, Loren, the eponymous mercenary had an involuntary separation from his mercenary band after a failed mission. Somehow, he registered as an adventurer, and circumstances arose that could keep him in debt for a while.

The writer is no fan of the "harem party", a common trope in fantasy manga where the party composition is one male to at least two or more females. The main character even comments on this as "unbalanced". The party meets a grisly demise at the hands of goblins.

There's criticism regarding the main character being dense or naïve. Since he's a former child soldier/mercenary who spent his childhood in the battlefield, it totally made sense for him to have an underdeveloped common sense. This also gives the character a lot of opportunity for growth and development.

I've only read the unofficial translation, and even though it's amateurish and riddled with grammatical errors, it still managed to burn through the first 5 volumes on the last day of a weekend. It's worth sticking around and seeing how the story goes.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

BROKE MERCENARY #1 has a lot going for it but succumbs a little too strongly to the countervailing malfunctions native to amateur authorship. The book is clever and entertaining, and readers interested in a tale with inside-out, ever-growing worldbuilding, will surely enjoy the experience. There is no shortage of swords-and-sorcery fiction available. And to this point, there is perhaps very little that sets this novel apart from the slush. However, the protagonists are relatable, the author isn't afraid to give a few sour secondary characters their comeuppances, and the narrative is keen to keep things connected in the long run.

Loren, the novel's main character, is the presumed lone survivor of a hectic battle that scattered (or annihilated) his mercenary party. Now broke and without a patron, the muscled sword-wielder bums around for coin. But Loren is a pretty decent guy. He's not obsessively violent, he respects those with whom he disagrees, he thinks things through before taking action, and although on the verge of poverty, he knows when to kick up his feet and enjoy a brew. He's a solid protagonist.

And yet, it isn't often that a 230-page adventure novel feels twice as long. Loren's tale contains various twists and turns, many of which are engaging. Loren's tale also contains various stretches of anticipatory lore, some of which are excruciatingly droll. For example, early in BROKE MERCENARY #1, Loren teams with a novice band with the hopes of earning some quick coin. But when a raid on a goblin nest goes to crap, the sword for hire escapes with a cleric, trundling through a maze of caverns. It's a great twist (i.e., escaping deeper into danger instead of retreating) with plenty of potential (i.e., forcing Loren and the cleric, Lapis, to grow familiar with one another as their quest for freedom runs dry). On the other hand, the author spends the next 26 pages following Loren and Lapis as they wander aimlessly, debating and yammering nonstop. It's a bit rough.

The novel harbors a handful of moments like this, when the narrative dip into a lull and it's dozens of pages until a solution unfolds. Whether in a moment of respite or during an action scene, it occurs two or three times throughout the book. The climactic fight scene takes some 27 pages to wrap up. It is, again, a bit rough.

Fortunately, the character building is solid. Lapis is more than just a servant to the god of knowledge, Kuhklu, she's also carrying a handful of secrets that will either save or curse Loren and any other adventurers who cross her path. The young woman is intelligent and cheeky and occasionally teases her new teammate, but never with an eye toward simply being rude. She's respectful. She knows Loren isn't a fool, so she doesn't play him for one.

The secondary cast is large, but one doesn't get the impression the author cares to return to many of them anytime soon. Loren and Lapis encounter two adventuring parties, the first is composed of novice fame-hunters and the second is composed of silver-ranked warriors -- both parties, interestingly, are in over their heads rather quickly.

BROKE MERCENARY #1 doesn't hew to the premise of an overpowered, hypermasculine hero who never loses, is adored by men and women alike, and can do no wrong. It's quite the opposite, really, as Loren's streak of poor luck and moments of inopportune insight typically result in mayhem befalling the party. He's a good guy with ridiculous skills. Too bad few things seem to be going his way. At least there's a kind priest with a sketchy past willing to tag along for the ride.

[Christopher Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting dynamic

A binge read this in a single session, shorter then I expected but overall really enjoyable. Just from the first volume I really like the dynamic between the leads and the world gives me a Goblin Slayer feel.

I fully recommend reading this. I'll be back for volume 2.

[Hidekisohma · Rating 2 out of 5]

So if someone were to say to me, Hideki, can you recommend me the most mid action fantasy light novel to ever mid, i would 100% give them this volume. It was just.... a big pile of NOTHING.

Here's the plot. a mercenary's group gets wiped out so he becomes and adventurer. he joins a group where he and a demon lady team up with another group and fight goblins. That's the entire novel.

And my god... is it DULL. The main character is the epitome of the "Strong quiet muscly type". you know the trope. the super strong dude who's the lowest level adventurer just because he's starting out but he's really a lot stronger than the higher up people and is stoic, and strong, yet kind but would never admit it? you know, that trope. And my god is he a piece of plain white bread. The Demon lady isn't much better. First of all, by "demon" they describe demons as looking different by.....humans with purple eyes.

(claps slowly) wow author. that's ummmm that's some real good character design there. Take you all of five minutes to come up with that species description? Who needs original species design when you can have like....human...with different colored eyes. Very exciting.

Speaking of the demon, she's not much better. she's also super strong as she's a demon, but is hiding it from everyone but him and it's obvious she has the hots for him.......because of course she does. She has a LITTLE more personality than him, but that's not saying much.

The biggest issue i have with this story is that it feels like taking Ambien. you're reading it and you're just like "man....i...i just don't care." nothing about this book is interesting. They fight generic goblins, the magic system is very weak (most magicians only able to use like 1-2 spells a day) and it's just violent setpiece after violent setpiece with nothing to really further the story.

The group literally spends the entire novel farting around some ruins fighting goblins. they run away, fight more goblins. rinse repeat. there's a reason for all the goblins by the end, but it's like by that point i was like "wow....i don't care" It was only ~240 pages but it felt like much longer.

Was it bad? Meh. Was it good? No, not really. Will i continue with volume 2? lol. no i'm good. As mid as mid can be. there's far better light novels out there and i won't be wasting my time with the adventures of captain boredom. (hint to author: being broke is not exciting enough of a character trait to base an entire series on)

2.5 out of 5 rounded down to a 2.

[Pablo García · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author writes about things he knows little or nothing about: Combat experience, feelings and emotions of soldiers during combat, after a complete wipe out, etc. I don't like the "shortsightedness" of an author that uses a Title for a Light novel series, that always supposes failure. In this case, Broke Mercenary establishes a poverty of the main character, Loren, in his past, in his present and in his future. If by his work or by good luck Loren makes it rich, then this title of "Broke Mercenary" is no longer descriptive of this light novel series. There is a pessimism and ulterior motive of the author, to make his main character suffer more than necessary, as if poverty was permanent, or if poverty means that one has to accept anything, and anyone because of the need to gain money to survive. Broke or lack of money does not mean stupid or forsaken and yet the author chastises main character, Loren, with "strange adventures" that only stress further his lack of money.
It is always a bad sign, when an author does not use his proper name in the light novel series that they write and publish (for whatever reason: shame, privacy, etc.) Goblin nests do not have "magicians", they have "Shamans" and usually only one. The lack of knowledge of nests, Goblins, Hobgoblins, Head Goblin Chief, and eventual Goblin Shaman. The "magician" usage might be a lost in translation error, but still, if an author dares to publish a light novel series, and lacks the basic knowledge about his theme and story, the story loses respect and integrity.
This is a super short First Volume, less than 160 pages, illustrations, blank pages and information. It has 6 chapters and one bonus story. This story was first a web story and then it was adapted to a light novel series. With so little number of pages, the illustrations are much better than the story itself. (In my opinion.) Light novel currently has only 4 volumes, but I do not foresee a long run to this story.
It seems that more than the lack of money of Loren, the real main plot arc is the quest to find the "body parts" of an irregular demon (Lapis).

[Ana Rancel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a super fun read, especially because I LOVE d&d and this gave me those vibes. Mixed with Anime, it was like the perfect combo. It was such a fun ride. Only thing that was weird since I didn't rate full 5/5 was the speech. I don't know if this was translated to English or if it was meant to be written that way, but a lot of the dialogue wasn't consistent with the character's personalities. Sometimes, you wouldn't know until later who was talking because there wouldn't be indication. It kept switching between proper English to modern English to broken English and it was just a little confusing.

There was tons of active characters, detailed descriptions to the point where you felt like you were there (peak DM skills), and the action was amazing. It really felt like being in a campaign with constant plot twists, turns, and struggles for solutions for massively bad situations. I'd seriously recommend it to dnd lovers. And of course, I love the main character. It's rare to have the main character be someone stoic, quiet, and as powerful as he is and still have the brains to be respectful to others, intelligent, and heartwarming. I love him and I'll continue to enjoy seeing things in his pov as our dear broke mercenary.

Overall, I love this book and I can't wait to read the next coming adventures! Super super fun!! I read this SO fast!

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 5 Stars, interested to see where this goes! Might have felt fresh because for once I wasn't reading this sort of setting from the eyes of an reincarnated character. The attitude of the main character- a former mercenary turned adventurer out of necessity- is a very grounded one and he really is a voice of reason, thank you Loren. And like any voice of reason in a fantasy setting, he has to deal with many people who lack reason. My condolences, Loren. His setting serves to introduce the readers to the world, and the job of an adventurer. The explanations aren't too lengthy, and they're all very well-written.

Then we have Lapis, who is essentially the deuteragonist, who has a pretty funky background and at first glance is also a voice of reason. She is not a voice of reason. Her common sense is spotty, which ties into her funky background, and her banter with Loren is a joy to read. Although I do feel sorry for him sometimes.

The things that happen in the story aren't exactly light, but they all make sense. This story just makes sense, and is fairly grounded although it has magic and a lost civilisation and everything jam packed into it. The characters Think and they think well, and it's really just very enjoyable to read.

[Pieter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts much like Goblin Slayer, but quickly goes into other directions and its main characters certainly are different. Still, it is a fairly typical fantasy short light novel of a skilled broke mercenary desperate for a job and ending up with a crappy adventuring party and having to deal with what at first just appears to be a goblin infestation. The one light in the darkness is that the priestess at least knows what she is doing even if she is hiding somethings, can be a bit manipulative and curious at times.

The story is fast paced, the combat brutal and the characters interesting/entertaining. The world building felt fairly typical for the genre. I am not a fan of the kind of goblins depicted here (the ones that procreate with anything), unnecessary and feels more like something to be added to disturb then to make an interesting world. I am also feel the beginning could have been somewhat different just to get rid of the Goblin Slayer feel.

All in all, I found it an entertaining short read. It was what I expected, nothing deep or new (except perhaps that it is not an isekai), but sometimes that is exactly what I want to read.

[Kritch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly enjoyed that way more than I thought I would. I have read the last series by the author, but I honestly couldn't remember and bought this book blindly. I'm glad I did.

I think the author had improved immensely because the New Life novel didnt leave much of an impression with me but this one did. The characters are interesting including the side characters. I feel invested in what will happened to all of them, except the first party, they can die (hahaha). I hope Lapis won't be too deceptive and manipulative because I don't like that sort of characters and also I hope that Loren won't be so easily manipulated as well since those characters are hard to read for me. In my opinion, the author will have to find the right balance.

I loved it and will begin reading the second book immediately.

[カ-ル ピネダ · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's some superficial similarities with this 1st volume and several other works of Japanese fiction. None of it is a direct rip off but it's worth noting.

Specifics in spoiler

There's a scene towards the beginning that resembles something from Goblin Slayer but seems more like the author poking fun at the standard Harem fantasy.

The MC is somewhat similar to Guts from Berserk in that he is from a destroyed Mercenary company and fights with a large 2 handed sword.

Finally the Demon Lapis is on a quest to retrieve her missing body parts which is inline with what the Demon Queen is doing in The Tale of Revenge of Hero on his Second Coming ~ Fall into despair, Resign as a Hero and Allied with the Former Demon Queen (Sairin Yuusha no Fukushuu Hanashi)


Broke Mercenary is in a somewhat unique position for a light novel as it's a fairly standard medieval fantasy as opposed to a reincarnation, isekai or literary rpg. This volume mostly establishes the setting. That's not to say nothing happens or there is no action but it introduces you to the world through the 2 Quests the protagonists participate in. So far there isn't any sort of "end of the world scenario" just immediate personal concerns.

Loren's broke status is quickly becoming a running gag and is treated more as a comic element than a serious one. It's not the only light hearted element in the story but it's the most consistent. There's a few dark elements as well but they're less frequent.

Loren comes off as a bit dense. This is sort of hand waved by pointing out that he was a child Mercenary. It's still hard to believe that he has never encountered monsters during his battlefield exploits or that during his down time in taverns (etc) he's never encountered Adventurer gossip.

If you've read the manga there is more development in Lapis' character here

Specifics in spoiler

It's more specifically pointed out that Lapis is manipulating Loren by purposefully increasing his debt. It's not exactly malicious but it certainly portrays her as a schemer.

[jcw3-john · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that the happy ending for this book is the waifu making the protagonist a debt slave.

This is a stock fantasy light novel adventurer setting - there's nothing super unique about the world, and most of the plot is spent reenacting a worse, more tedious version of Goblin Slayer. But the book is at least partially saved by its two leads - Loren, a more well-adjusted version of Guts constantly baffled and irritated by adventurer life, and Lapis, an unethical priestess who's perfectly happy to manipulate everyone, including the protagonist.

I think it's probably only worth it if you have a soft spot for this genre, as I do. I had an alright time - a surprisingly dark ending mostly saved this book for me.

[Pho · Rating 4 out of 5]

It reminds me of a more lighter version of Goblin Slayer. I appreciate the heavy implied adult themes such as sex and rape in the first volume without showing. Of course, it is still the first volume but I also appreciate that the females are actually fully clothed! The story follows pretty much follows the first moment of Goblin Slayer where the main character is playing a mercenary and joining a horribly ill prepared team where the "priestess" escapes with the main hero and joins another team. Whereas the previous group, the guy's hets pummeled to death while the two females are gangraped by the hordes of goblins to reproduce. Still, I am enjoying the story thus far.

[Cybil · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quick and easy read. I found that some pertinent information bring revealed was just easily overlooked without any deeper thought or a hint of suspicion. It made it a little bit too convenient for the storytelling. Like here's here's bombshell of info, let's just accept and forget about it being sus. Aside from that part of the story, I enjoyed it overall. I liked the main characters, and I liked reading their dynamic and how the girl just watches his back because he is dangerously capable as a warrior but needs someone to look after him.

[Michael Cool · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title got me curious, and I found a surprisingly fun story. The mercenary is looked down upon because mercenaries as a whole aren't though well of and when he tries to make money in adventuring, he learns the differences between the two. The author did a great job in creating a great story in a single quest. The author piled in a lot of action and helped the reader to visualize the different actions scenes. Good first book.

[Tomcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed reading.

A great book and really well written. The book is action packed from the start, with good character development, fun scenes and a story really interesting. This book will follow an adventurer party at the style of any good TRPG. The main characters are really good and well describe through the book. A fun and easy read.

[Douglas Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

The adventure begins with more than one surprise. Awaiting the next day you are feeling better then the last. You will fine out that thing are not as they seem. The combination of action and adventure keeps you wanting more.

[Marlana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't bring myself to love this one.

The characters are interesting and the writing is more fleshed out than say your standard light novel, but it was a little too dark for my tastes I think.

I'm not sure I'll continue.

[Megan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good start to the series, we'll have to see how the characters develop.

[Dantegideon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes a book that sounds fairly innocuous turns out to be weird and gross. Oh! This is one of those!

[Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it.

I liked the vibe with the ancient kingdom technology, it reminded me of the Dark Tower Saga, by S. King.

[Reza · Rating 3 out of 5]

3~3.5
شخصیت اصلی یک نمونه خوش آب و رو از گاتس میخواست باشه که خب زیاد موفق نبود... -____-

[ZerosDoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una obra muy entretenida

[Arian Razavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled to the brim with action and adventure that keeps on getting better and better as the story progresses.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, actually the story a bit dragged on. An adventure of a human and a lady Demon in one team. Not that exciting, but for the first volume it's still okay.

[Tyson Hodder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun little read

[Anson Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too long, was a fun and interesting read with well written characters

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it’s my own “first volume” syndrome that gets me juiced about starting a new series, but I’ve been burned before by oh so many light novels. So, yeah, the dialog is clunky and dull, the plot is very boilerplate, but I had a good time reading this one. It’s somewhat of an amalgam of Berserk and Goblin Slayer in this initial volume but reads much lighter than those two dark fantasy works. I grabbed the next two volumes, so we’ll see if it continues to keep me engaged.

[Namelessfox · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 stars (paperback)

Went into this not knowing what was going to happen - a blind buy for the cover, you see. Happy to say I enjoyed the ride! I like the main leads -

[Anatolii Morar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Мікс D&D та вже звичних кліше. Перша половина - фактично копія Вбивці Гоблінів, тільки головного героя замінили на чувака, який виглядає як Гатс, а от поводиться - як типовий аніме протаг. Хоч дари мови не втрачає при дівчатах, і те вже добре. Читати можна, але краще почитайте Сальваторе.

[huntërre thomässön · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as solid as it’s latter books, but still a good read into an even better series.