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狼と香辛料 [Ookami to Koushinryou] (Novel) #16
Sói Và Gia Vị - Tập 16
Tiếp diễn mạch truyện đồng vàng thái dương tại thị trấn Lesko. Trong cơn men say chiến thắng của tự do và hy vọng nhờ vào đồng tiền mới được phát hành bởi thương hội Debau, Lawrence đã quyết định dốc hết hầu bao để mở một cửa hàng mình vẫn hằng mơ ước tại nơi đây.
Tuy nhiên, đúng vào thời điểm đó, một nhân vật đáng ngờ mang theo chiếc túi hành lý của Col đã xuất hiện trước mặt Holo và Lawrence, cũng là thời khắc mà mộng tưởng về một ngày mai tươi sáng ở Lesko bị vụn vỡ. Lợi nhuận càng cao, người ta càng muốn chiếm đoạt thêm nhiều hơn nữa. Cũng bởi vì hoạt động phát hành đồng tiền mới của Debau phát sinh quá nhiều lợi nhuận, biến cố khủng khiếp xuất phát từ sự chia rẽ trong nội bộ thương hội debau càng lớn hơn nữa. Không những thế, an nguy của những vùng đất phương Bắc, nơi quê nhà của Holo toạ lạc, cũng vì thế mà bị cuốn vào.
Để giải quyết tình thế, Holo buộc phải đuổi theo nhóm Col và Elsa về phương nam để truy viện cuốn sách cấm họ đang lưu giữ. Cùng lúc đó, nhóm Lawrence và đội quân đánh thuê Myuri lại rơi vào cảnh chạy trốn ngay trong đêm trước sự truy lùng gắt gao từ thương hội Debau, phải gian nan tìm đường vượt qua núi tuyết hiểm trở.
Hai người bạn đồng hành thân thiết giờ đây mỗi người mỗi ngả, cách trở đôi nơi. Liệu số phận của họ sẽ giao nhau một lần nữa…?
Đón đọc tập cuối cùng của series giả tưởng đặc sắc “Sói và gia vị”!
Tuy nhiên, đúng vào thời điểm đó, một nhân vật đáng ngờ mang theo chiếc túi hành lý của Col đã xuất hiện trước mặt Holo và Lawrence, cũng là thời khắc mà mộng tưởng về một ngày mai tươi sáng ở Lesko bị vụn vỡ. Lợi nhuận càng cao, người ta càng muốn chiếm đoạt thêm nhiều hơn nữa. Cũng bởi vì hoạt động phát hành đồng tiền mới của Debau phát sinh quá nhiều lợi nhuận, biến cố khủng khiếp xuất phát từ sự chia rẽ trong nội bộ thương hội debau càng lớn hơn nữa. Không những thế, an nguy của những vùng đất phương Bắc, nơi quê nhà của Holo toạ lạc, cũng vì thế mà bị cuốn vào.
Để giải quyết tình thế, Holo buộc phải đuổi theo nhóm Col và Elsa về phương nam để truy viện cuốn sách cấm họ đang lưu giữ. Cùng lúc đó, nhóm Lawrence và đội quân đánh thuê Myuri lại rơi vào cảnh chạy trốn ngay trong đêm trước sự truy lùng gắt gao từ thương hội Debau, phải gian nan tìm đường vượt qua núi tuyết hiểm trở.
Hai người bạn đồng hành thân thiết giờ đây mỗi người mỗi ngả, cách trở đôi nơi. Liệu số phận của họ sẽ giao nhau một lần nữa…?
Đón đọc tập cuối cùng của series giả tưởng đặc sắc “Sói và gia vị”!
464 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2011
20 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 15, 2021
4.5
A wonderful conclusion to this story! 15 & 16 really were my favourite volumes: the tension, the action, the economic shennanigans and the trust built between Holo and Lawrenece, all were all great.
In regards to the series as a whole, I do think it was stretched too long and their relationship progressed way too slow. I'm really hoping to see more of them together in the epilogue.
A wonderful conclusion to this story! 15 & 16 really were my favourite volumes: the tension, the action, the economic shennanigans and the trust built between Holo and Lawrenece, all were all great.
In regards to the series as a whole, I do think it was stretched too long and their relationship progressed way too slow. I'm really hoping to see more of them together in the epilogue.
October 23, 2019
I don't know what to say except what an amazing conclusion to this story. I admit I want an extra chapter but I suppose I'll have to read the short story collections. I've enjoyed following Lawrence and Holo on their journeys so much, I'm sure I'll also love Wolf and Parchment.
May 6, 2019
I'm not sure if this book should get a 3/5 or 4/5 star rating, but a half rating doesn't seem to fit either, so I'm sticking with a 3/5, as that is just in the middle.
This book was the continued story of the previous one, building on what we learned there. It took some interesting twists and turns, but in the end I was a little bored by it. It may be because the series has stretched to be so long and I feel like they've beaten around the bush a little with some of the things happening.
Ironically, I'm really looking forward to reading the next book, Spice & Wolf, Vol. 17: Epilogue, as I think the story I'm interested in here - the relationship between Holo and Lawrence - is actually moving forward in a way we, as the reader, are allowed to take part in.
At this point, I'm not sure if they've actually ever had sex or not, for I think they have, but it's never actually been said, so who knows, right?!?
So what do I think of this book as the ending to a long series?
It was ok.
Sure, there was this cute, really cheesy theme going on that gave a good finish to the Holo/Lawrence arc, but otherwise I think it left a little to be desired, although I'm not sure if I can put my finger on what.
This book was the continued story of the previous one, building on what we learned there. It took some interesting twists and turns, but in the end I was a little bored by it. It may be because the series has stretched to be so long and I feel like they've beaten around the bush a little with some of the things happening.
Ironically, I'm really looking forward to reading the next book, Spice & Wolf, Vol. 17: Epilogue, as I think the story I'm interested in here - the relationship between Holo and Lawrence - is actually moving forward in a way we, as the reader, are allowed to take part in.
At this point, I'm not sure if they've actually ever had sex or not, for I think they have, but it's never actually been said, so who knows, right?!?
So what do I think of this book as the ending to a long series?
It was ok.
Sure, there was this cute, really cheesy theme going on that gave a good finish to the Holo/Lawrence arc, but otherwise I think it left a little to be desired, although I'm not sure if I can put my finger on what.
July 30, 2017
I fell in love with this series after watching the anime, and picked up the books to finish out the story. Mainly, I wanted to see what happens between Lawrence and Holo. It's no mystery that they would get together. I just wanted to ship the process.
This particular pair of books (15 and 16) closes out the arc in a way that felt right. It gives Holo a good motivation for the position she takes, and makes Lawrence grow up in an unexpected way.
I won't exaggerate too much to say that, in regard to human nature and economics, this 2 book arc stands at least equal with "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand, albeit with much greater brevity.
I read 4 books out of the series, an felt they are an example of how a good story can make up for sometimes awkward writing. I don't think this is just a matter of getting lost in translation. The author is still making some beginner mistakes, such as telling rather than showing the good side of Holo's character. Some of this is due to the fact that we see much of the story from Lawrence's POV, and often he doesn't understand her motivations. In some ways, though, it makes a very nice ending when he finally realizes how much she truly loves him.
This particular pair of books (15 and 16) closes out the arc in a way that felt right. It gives Holo a good motivation for the position she takes, and makes Lawrence grow up in an unexpected way.
I won't exaggerate too much to say that, in regard to human nature and economics, this 2 book arc stands at least equal with "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand, albeit with much greater brevity.
I read 4 books out of the series, an felt they are an example of how a good story can make up for sometimes awkward writing. I don't think this is just a matter of getting lost in translation. The author is still making some beginner mistakes, such as telling rather than showing the good side of Holo's character. Some of this is due to the fact that we see much of the story from Lawrence's POV, and often he doesn't understand her motivations. In some ways, though, it makes a very nice ending when he finally realizes how much she truly loves him.
July 27, 2018
A whole series based on various economic issues along with the ways of how one could potentially profit from them.
Ending the tale of profit-filled thrilling adventures with an incredible volume detailing money-fueled avarice at its purest; which breeds from the same fire of passion towards fortune that lies in the hearts of everyone that chases after profit, is as beautiful and poetic as I'd ever wanted it to be.
Somewhat a cautionary tale for those profiting from the vast fortunes of the abyss of greed to have something that keeps their feet firmly planted as to not be swept away.
Spice and Wolf, a truly remarkable series that has personally sparked my own passionate flame towards finance all those years ago and never failing to fuel it with much more intensity even when I felt the fire had been reduced to embers.
A story of a spice merchant and a wisewolf, a story of life as it revolves around the one thing that humans have had a connection towards ever since the beginning of civilization; money.
Ending the tale of profit-filled thrilling adventures with an incredible volume detailing money-fueled avarice at its purest; which breeds from the same fire of passion towards fortune that lies in the hearts of everyone that chases after profit, is as beautiful and poetic as I'd ever wanted it to be.
Somewhat a cautionary tale for those profiting from the vast fortunes of the abyss of greed to have something that keeps their feet firmly planted as to not be swept away.
Spice and Wolf, a truly remarkable series that has personally sparked my own passionate flame towards finance all those years ago and never failing to fuel it with much more intensity even when I felt the fire had been reduced to embers.
A story of a spice merchant and a wisewolf, a story of life as it revolves around the one thing that humans have had a connection towards ever since the beginning of civilization; money.
September 16, 2022
I really loved this volume. The previous one set-up this idyllic atmosphere both Lawrence and Holo were tempted to grasp and hold onto forsaking the rest of their journey. But it wasn't meant to be as internal civil wars and a chase to a northern fortress village really put a strain on them. What made the trial even more emotionally heartwrenching were the instances Lawrence saw his beloved merchant world used in nefarious ways and the constant reminder that he was a merchant, not a heroic knight. Despite all of that he and Holo managed to find a way to aid their comrades and turn the tables on the Debau Company.
I've become so used to high action fantasy that every conflict in the setting I expect to be resolved through violence. And while there were a couple in this book, the main way the couple handled it was either not getting involved or supporting those who would be the heroes of some grand story. And I'm glad that despite his self-imposed inadequacy, Lawrence still carries on to protect what is most dear to him: Holo. And he does it stubbornly.
I've become so used to high action fantasy that every conflict in the setting I expect to be resolved through violence. And while there were a couple in this book, the main way the couple handled it was either not getting involved or supporting those who would be the heroes of some grand story. And I'm glad that despite his self-imposed inadequacy, Lawrence still carries on to protect what is most dear to him: Holo. And he does it stubbornly.
January 12, 2025
This review covers both the 16th volume and the series as a whole. I never imagined a story could take me on such an incredible adventure, exploring themes I hadn’t initially thought would interest me. Spice and Wolf is so much more than a simple romance; its unique fantasy world, compelling characters, and heartfelt journey make it one of my all-time favorite light novel series.
This was my second time reading Volume 16, and I enjoyed it even more on this single read-through compared to my first experience, where I read it in short bursts over two months. Every journey must come to an end—or so I thought until I reached the afterword. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, I highly recommend continuing! There’s also a spin-off called Wolf and Parchment that’s worth checking out.
Thank you, Isuna Hasekura, for crafting such an entertaining tale that has captivated me for the past two years.
This was my second time reading Volume 16, and I enjoyed it even more on this single read-through compared to my first experience, where I read it in short bursts over two months. Every journey must come to an end—or so I thought until I reached the afterword. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, I highly recommend continuing! There’s also a spin-off called Wolf and Parchment that’s worth checking out.
Thank you, Isuna Hasekura, for crafting such an entertaining tale that has captivated me for the past two years.
September 16, 2019
I liked this book quite a bit, and it's a solid ending to the series. It's not four stars because either the translation or the original (or both!) feels much more stilted again. There's some great ideas, and some fantastic action--it's nice to see Holo in her true from again. It's also nice to see Holo and Lawrence figuring out each other emotionally, and deciding how far they're willing to go, what they're willing to sacrifice, what they respect and what they don't. I overall quite liked it, if you've read this far then for the sake of goodness finish the series, you won't regret it. It just might not blow you away, either.
April 17, 2018
It was originally meant to end on volume 16 and this was one of the best in the series. As endings go, it wasn't great... possibly why in the afterword the author promised 17 as an epilogue. And since then, another Spice & Wolf story came out covered on volumes 18-20.
I'll definitely pick up volume 17, the epilogue. Haven't made my mind about Spring Log (18-20). Will probably wait for reviews!
I'll definitely pick up volume 17, the epilogue. Haven't made my mind about Spring Log (18-20). Will probably wait for reviews!
March 2, 2019
A beautiful, albeit slightly bitter sweet ending to the main story of Lawrence and Holo. While some of the middle volumes felt like they were dragging, the final volumes in this series do a really excellent job of pulling it all together and making the smaller interactions and growth over the previous volumes wrap together into an ending that makes sense for the characters. Lawrence is finally more fully aware of Holo's vast loneliness, driven by her very long life; something which is used quite well in these last few volumes. Be aware that the reflections on Lawrence's mortality can at times feel like a downer, but are very important to the final conclusion.
January 7, 2018
Getting so close to the end now. As always I adore Lawrence and Holo's relationship and all of their delightful banter. The crisis of the book didn't really grab me like others had but still it was fun.
October 21, 2017
Wonderful conclusion to the main story and to what I feel is the best light novel series ever.
August 31, 2018
My favourite series is coming to an end. I don’t want to talk about it.
August 29, 2021
Adventure doesn't get much better
August 23, 2019
The book was totally cool.
April 5, 2016
In Summary
Merchant and wolf reach their journey’s end, and it’s a brilliant finale with unexpected new characters, swordplay, underhanded schemes, and, of course, romance. Lawrence has been called “fool” countless times throughout this series, and over the last several volumes, the threat of ruin has hung over the Northlands. However, Lawrence has grown through his misadventures, and it’s beautiful to see his insight combine with Holo’s strength to protect her ancient homeland.
The Review
After the cliffhanger of Volume 15, I was eager for the conclusion to the Coin of the Sun. With the return of so many characters from the early part of the series, I was certain Volume 16 would begin with yet another reunion. Instead, Hasekura-sensei throws readers for a loop with the introduction of Hilde Schnau. He provides not only a look into the inner workings of the Debau Company, which Lawrence could only guess at earlier, but the efforts of the ancient to shape the new age.
Since arriving in the Northlands, Holo and Laurence have only encountered one being like Holo, the art dealer Hughes. However, it stands to reason that there would be more. After all, the Northlands are the last bastion of the pagan world. Unlike Hughes, who is content to drift along in the tide of mankind, some are actively working to control that flow, and Holo and Lawrence encounter not one, but three of these beings.
Thanks to internal strife within the Debau Company and Schnau’s plotting, the forbidden book once again becomes key to the fate of the Northlands. In addition, the mercenary companies that had been idle in Lesko finally see some action. The world of Spice and Wolf has been seen largely through the filter of trade; men of war are viewed as opportunity for profit or the hand that enforces the rules by which merchants play. However, Lawrence now gets a glimpse into the world of mercenaries and the rules they abide by. Thus, this fantasy gets some swordplay along with a healthy dose of backstabbing and betrayal.
Not surprisingly, Lawrence is practically useless on the battlefield. And when it comes to dealings on the scale of the Debau Company, he can only marvel at the power and skill wielded by its top strategists. However, there are things only a traveling merchant can observe, and Lawrence gets to make his own dramatic revelation. His thought process is somewhat more agonized than when he worked out the money order scheme with Delink, but it is fortunately much easier to comprehend than the backroom dealings in Kerube.
In the midst of all this excitement, we have Holo and Lawrence striving to forge a path to a quiet future together. This is a change in the dynamic where Holo is always keeping Lawrence at arm’s length. After they join hands in Volume 15, circumstances seem to be conspiring to pull them apart. In fact, Lawrence spends Chapter 7 and most of Chapter 8 away from Holo. However, absence makes the heart fonder, and readers will get to see a display of affection hitherto unthinkable for our wisewolf. No, there’s no steamy smut, but it is sweet, albeit with a dash of Holo’s trademark bite.
This light novel includes the first four pages of illustrations printed in color, world map, and eight black-and-white illustrations.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
Merchant and wolf reach their journey’s end, and it’s a brilliant finale with unexpected new characters, swordplay, underhanded schemes, and, of course, romance. Lawrence has been called “fool” countless times throughout this series, and over the last several volumes, the threat of ruin has hung over the Northlands. However, Lawrence has grown through his misadventures, and it’s beautiful to see his insight combine with Holo’s strength to protect her ancient homeland.
The Review
After the cliffhanger of Volume 15, I was eager for the conclusion to the Coin of the Sun. With the return of so many characters from the early part of the series, I was certain Volume 16 would begin with yet another reunion. Instead, Hasekura-sensei throws readers for a loop with the introduction of Hilde Schnau. He provides not only a look into the inner workings of the Debau Company, which Lawrence could only guess at earlier, but the efforts of the ancient to shape the new age.
Since arriving in the Northlands, Holo and Laurence have only encountered one being like Holo, the art dealer Hughes. However, it stands to reason that there would be more. After all, the Northlands are the last bastion of the pagan world. Unlike Hughes, who is content to drift along in the tide of mankind, some are actively working to control that flow, and Holo and Lawrence encounter not one, but three of these beings.
Thanks to internal strife within the Debau Company and Schnau’s plotting, the forbidden book once again becomes key to the fate of the Northlands. In addition, the mercenary companies that had been idle in Lesko finally see some action. The world of Spice and Wolf has been seen largely through the filter of trade; men of war are viewed as opportunity for profit or the hand that enforces the rules by which merchants play. However, Lawrence now gets a glimpse into the world of mercenaries and the rules they abide by. Thus, this fantasy gets some swordplay along with a healthy dose of backstabbing and betrayal.
Not surprisingly, Lawrence is practically useless on the battlefield. And when it comes to dealings on the scale of the Debau Company, he can only marvel at the power and skill wielded by its top strategists. However, there are things only a traveling merchant can observe, and Lawrence gets to make his own dramatic revelation. His thought process is somewhat more agonized than when he worked out the money order scheme with Delink, but it is fortunately much easier to comprehend than the backroom dealings in Kerube.
In the midst of all this excitement, we have Holo and Lawrence striving to forge a path to a quiet future together. This is a change in the dynamic where Holo is always keeping Lawrence at arm’s length. After they join hands in Volume 15, circumstances seem to be conspiring to pull them apart. In fact, Lawrence spends Chapter 7 and most of Chapter 8 away from Holo. However, absence makes the heart fonder, and readers will get to see a display of affection hitherto unthinkable for our wisewolf. No, there’s no steamy smut, but it is sweet, albeit with a dash of Holo’s trademark bite.
This light novel includes the first four pages of illustrations printed in color, world map, and eight black-and-white illustrations.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2018
Pulled into the idea of a free town, Lawrence and Holo try to save it when greed gets the best of the trading company responsible. Holo leaves to retrieve the book that can prevent bloodshed, but things go south for Lawrence and he must escape with the mercenaries—only to find they’re being herded to a dead end. Will they be able to win and save the free town? Or themselves?
June 12, 2016
So, I have finally finished the main story of Spice and Wolf. This volume contains everything that I felt made the series so great: action, some romance, and of course, money talk. I would have to say that I am also very glad that Lawrence and Holo have been given a happily ever-after type of ending. This was of course something that I had been hoping for ever since volume 5.
The volume does have an open-ended kind of finish to it enabling the reader to think, "Hmm, I wonder how such and such will end up?" I think that is a good thing in itself as it allows the reader to speculate the future of this particular world while also giving the author the ability to continue this story from another angle if he so chooses.
Now, it is onto the epilogue volume which will hopefully give better closure to some of the supporting characters that sort of fell off the map through this story.
The volume does have an open-ended kind of finish to it enabling the reader to think, "Hmm, I wonder how such and such will end up?" I think that is a good thing in itself as it allows the reader to speculate the future of this particular world while also giving the author the ability to continue this story from another angle if he so chooses.
Now, it is onto the epilogue volume which will hopefully give better closure to some of the supporting characters that sort of fell off the map through this story.
December 22, 2015
A wonderful ending thought, even if there is an epilogue novel after this. It covers the theme of what the future of Lawrence and Holo's relationship will be in a fairly realistic manner. It also is a fairly good story, although I am not convinced that what Lawrence did would actually have resolved the conflict quite so well at the end. Still, It had great conversations between Holo and Lawrence, and some interesting economic themes in it. One of my favorites in the series because of the handling of the relationship.
January 1, 2016
Oh my gosh, this book had an incredibly satisfying ending. Read the whole series, but the ending here made this book one of my favourites of the series. There is also going to be one more novel coming out, another collection of stories aptly titled Epilogue that I will be excitedly waiting for, but know that this story is awesome and I will be looking forward to reading the final book in this series.
April 13, 2016
it was a long journey, but I enjoyed every moment. while it is sad to reach the (almost) end, I feel glad the way it has wrapped up. the characters have gripped me and pained my heart when things go awry, as they always do. thank you, Isuna Hasekura, for pulling me into your world, it has been greatly appreciated
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews