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The Faraway Paladin Manga Omnibus #1-2
The Faraway Paladin (Manga) Omnibus 1
In the city of the dead, long since ruined and far from human civilization, lives a single human child. His name is Will, and he’s being raised by three undead. The three pour love into the boy, and teach him all they know. But one day, Will starts to wonder: “Who am I?”
Will must unravel the mysteries of this faraway land, and unearth the secret pasts of the undead. He must learn the love and mercy of the good gods, and the bigotry and madness of the bad. And when he knows it all, the boy will take his first step on the path to becoming a Paladin.
Will must unravel the mysteries of this faraway land, and unearth the secret pasts of the undead. He must learn the love and mercy of the good gods, and the bigotry and madness of the bad. And when he knows it all, the boy will take his first step on the path to becoming a Paladin.
360 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2021
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81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 9, 2024
7.14 on CAWPILE
September 1, 2022
The premise of this one caught my attention: the story of an abandoned child raised by a trio of varying types of the undead. Yes, it's an isekai, but the setup had a lot of potential: What problems might arise if normal people discover Will's odd, adoptive family? Are they truly as benevolent as they seem? What is the world like, outside of their little corner of it? Only one of these questions gets answered in this volume, however, as we don't really get to see the world at large.
What we do get in this volume is a heartfelt coming of age story, with some fantasy trappings that don't fully come into play until near the end. Yes, there are earlier sections where Will is learning magic, or swordplay, and of course his family aren't human anymore, but the themes of finding acceptance, growing up, discovering who you are, etc. by no means necessitate a fantastical setting. And while some of the moments we experience along with Will as he grows up can be touching, at their core they're so universal, that they almost feel kind of...if not bland, then at least unremarkable.
I will say it's nice to see an isekai protagonist who isn't stupidly overpowered, though. Will comes into this new world with no advantages aside from his memories of his past life--and they aren't good ones. Watching him try (to varying degrees of success) to become a better person this time around is really the heart of The Faraway Paladin, and he does struggle significantly to make that progress. But something about it all just didn't resonate with me as much as I thought it would, going in. And I'm really not sure if it's a matter of pacing, world-building, or what; for me it was like ordering a nice plate of, say, lasagna (a meal that I'll always like), but having the seasonings be ever-so-subtly off, somehow. I'm not sad that I ate it, but at the same time, I don't think I'd order more from this particular restaurant.
What we do get in this volume is a heartfelt coming of age story, with some fantasy trappings that don't fully come into play until near the end. Yes, there are earlier sections where Will is learning magic, or swordplay, and of course his family aren't human anymore, but the themes of finding acceptance, growing up, discovering who you are, etc. by no means necessitate a fantastical setting. And while some of the moments we experience along with Will as he grows up can be touching, at their core they're so universal, that they almost feel kind of...if not bland, then at least unremarkable.
I will say it's nice to see an isekai protagonist who isn't stupidly overpowered, though. Will comes into this new world with no advantages aside from his memories of his past life--and they aren't good ones. Watching him try (to varying degrees of success) to become a better person this time around is really the heart of The Faraway Paladin, and he does struggle significantly to make that progress. But something about it all just didn't resonate with me as much as I thought it would, going in. And I'm really not sure if it's a matter of pacing, world-building, or what; for me it was like ordering a nice plate of, say, lasagna (a meal that I'll always like), but having the seasonings be ever-so-subtly off, somehow. I'm not sad that I ate it, but at the same time, I don't think I'd order more from this particular restaurant.
February 27, 2024
While I admired the artwork style, the plot held so much promise, yet the story ends on a cliffhanger. Thank the universe a sequel is promised! I'd die without one! That theme of cliffhangers are usually a hit or miss for me, but I count this one as a major hit! I loved the levels of the undead and how there's a grey between life and death that isn't Purgatory. Of the three undead (Mary, Blood, and Gus), Blood was my favorite for his jaw-dropping moment that had me laughing till my sides hurt! If I were Will, I'd depend on Blood to cheer me up from that scene alone! Mary is a mummified angel, if you ask me. Yes, even though she made a dark bargain with an evil god. It's just... I love seeing people redeem themselves and protect someone innocent, and that's what the three undead did for Will in protecting him all his life. Gus was unusual and made me uneasy, but I respected him as I read further into the book and had my questions all answered. Will is a strong young boy, caring and selfless, and so protective of the family who raised him. I don't know what will happen in the next omnibus, but I'm here for it entirely... even if the story doesn't have a happy ending. I want this and more, so someone please tell me if there will be an anime show adaptation of some sort! I'm dying for one!
July 28, 2021
I really liked the cover and title of The Faraway Paladin. The manga surprised me by being so very different to what I imagined. The omnibus contains two volumes of the series. I kind of thought the series is about swords and magic, but this is also about those, but even more so about family and finding your own place. Will has been raised by three undead and we get to see his childhood and his fading memories of his previous life. Gus is a mage, Blood a skeleton and Mary a mummy. They all teach Will and this approach is wonderful. We also get to understand why the world is like it is and what it means to our characters. The slow approach is perfect as we actually get to know our characters. They talk a lot, analyse and act realistically even in a fantasy series. It's so refreshing!
The art looks very nice and Will's childishness is a good counterpart to the horrors and darkness of the world. The movement looks good and the structure of the manga is great overall. The beginning is slightly too slow, but the rhythm gets better soon. I could even read the actual book. This is surely one of the better fantasy series and gladly it lacks stupid humor and almost naked girls. This is high fantasy, finally.
The art looks very nice and Will's childishness is a good counterpart to the horrors and darkness of the world. The movement looks good and the structure of the manga is great overall. The beginning is slightly too slow, but the rhythm gets better soon. I could even read the actual book. This is surely one of the better fantasy series and gladly it lacks stupid humor and almost naked girls. This is high fantasy, finally.
October 3, 2022
What a great read so far this was!
Thats really all I can say, like I'm still not sure what the main story is? After reading this Omnibus I know about will, his backstory to some degree and the beings that raised him, but anything more than that is coming up blank, yet I still am so Intregued by it all!
The World building was top notch and you can't help liking all the characters so far!
The last panel as well! What is going to happen!!!
Thats really all I can say, like I'm still not sure what the main story is? After reading this Omnibus I know about will, his backstory to some degree and the beings that raised him, but anything more than that is coming up blank, yet I still am so Intregued by it all!
The World building was top notch and you can't help liking all the characters so far!
The last panel as well! What is going to happen!!!
November 1, 2021
Great art and world-building, but very slow-paced. I feel like I don't quite have a handle on the story direction yet, but I am interested in seeing where it goes.
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
January 22, 2022
a story about family and second chances at life. I’m interested to see where it goes.
March 18, 2022
Coming in with no expectations, I was quite pleased with this. I can’t wait to read the rest!
May 23, 2022
Pretty interesting start to a fantastical demonic filled manga.
The main character might be reincarnated from something? Not quite sure yet.
The main character might be reincarnated from something? Not quite sure yet.
August 6, 2022
Cheeky Reincarnation isekai with a dash of found family, makes this a fast favorite of mine
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
honestly expected him to be the reborn high king lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
Incredibly impressed with this story so far and its wonderful characters. I was not expecting to be so deeply affected! THIS is how you do a good isekai.
August 3, 2024
Very intriguing world.
February 10, 2022
Will lives with three undead demons. A mummy, Mary, a skeleton, Blood, and a ghost, Gus, who have come together to raise him in solitude. They each have a special art that they teach will. Mary is like a mother that teaches Will how to take care of himself and about her specialty of religion. Blood was once a soldier and teaches Will how to fight. Gus was once a mage and teaches Will magic and schoolwork. Will was found abandoned and has a lot of questions that take a long time to get answered. Will has memories of a previous life and vows to be a better person and son and does his best to follow what he is told and taught. Nothing in this title is necessarily inappropriate and there's a lot to learn about makeshift families in it.
May 26, 2024
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
In an almost abandoned temple, Will is being raised by three interesting guardians: Gus, a powerful magic user who teaches Will how to use the Words of Creation to cast magic; Blood, a super strong warrior who teaches Will to fight and hone his own physical strength; and Mary, who teaches Will about growing his own food and preparing nourishing meals. All three provide Will with valuable lessons that will keep him alive in this strange world, and all three are undead. At first, we see Will as a small child learning from his three caretakers, but by the end of the volume, he has grown into a man of fifteen, and must make his way in a world full of monsters and vengeful gods.
This is a more methodical story with a slower pacing that reminds me of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Other stories would skip the years of training and go straight to Will’s ultimate test as he turned fifteen, but this story takes the time to build up its hero and supporting characters. The slower pace might turn some readers off, but I would guess that plenty of readers will appreciate watching Will grow up as I did. There are a few fight scenes where we get to see how Will progresses and gains skills during his life, and the sequences are nicely drawn and easy to follow.
J-Novel rates this for Teen 13+, which I think is appropriate given the pacing might lose younger readers, and the fantasy violence that will most likely become more prevalent in successive volumes.
The version I reviewed is an omnibus containing the first two volumes of the series. The binding on this and all J-Novel books are incredibly sturdy and well glued, especially considering the size of this book.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 8-12
In an almost abandoned temple, Will is being raised by three interesting guardians: Gus, a powerful magic user who teaches Will how to use the Words of Creation to cast magic; Blood, a super strong warrior who teaches Will to fight and hone his own physical strength; and Mary, who teaches Will about growing his own food and preparing nourishing meals. All three provide Will with valuable lessons that will keep him alive in this strange world, and all three are undead. At first, we see Will as a small child learning from his three caretakers, but by the end of the volume, he has grown into a man of fifteen, and must make his way in a world full of monsters and vengeful gods.
This is a more methodical story with a slower pacing that reminds me of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Other stories would skip the years of training and go straight to Will’s ultimate test as he turned fifteen, but this story takes the time to build up its hero and supporting characters. The slower pace might turn some readers off, but I would guess that plenty of readers will appreciate watching Will grow up as I did. There are a few fight scenes where we get to see how Will progresses and gains skills during his life, and the sequences are nicely drawn and easy to follow.
J-Novel rates this for Teen 13+, which I think is appropriate given the pacing might lose younger readers, and the fantasy violence that will most likely become more prevalent in successive volumes.
The version I reviewed is an omnibus containing the first two volumes of the series. The binding on this and all J-Novel books are incredibly sturdy and well glued, especially considering the size of this book.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 8-12
March 18, 2024
Will is a human reborn into another world with memories of his past life intact. Except he's being raised by a mummy mother, a skeleton father, and a grumpy old grandpa ghost in a city without any other people, living or otherwise. Will knows there are secrets being kept from him, but he's keeping his own too.
You know how you read a story and you start out with a hero/protagonist who is decently cool? And only when you get to an emotionally charged moment do you get "The Childhood Flashback"? That's what you're reading. This book actually started with the flashback and let the ancient past be the mystery. Not to mention, there's gods of good and evil and all the ambiguous morality of life and death. It's a bit of a slow burn and there's a bunch of lore that you need to wade through, but it's still interesting. I'm enjoying it anyway.
Then everything goes sideways in volume two and it ends on a cliffhanger.
This omnibus contains volumes 1 & 2.
You know how you read a story and you start out with a hero/protagonist who is decently cool? And only when you get to an emotionally charged moment do you get "The Childhood Flashback"? That's what you're reading. This book actually started with the flashback and let the ancient past be the mystery. Not to mention, there's gods of good and evil and all the ambiguous morality of life and death. It's a bit of a slow burn and there's a bunch of lore that you need to wade through, but it's still interesting. I'm enjoying it anyway.
Then everything goes sideways in volume two and it ends on a cliffhanger.
This omnibus contains volumes 1 & 2.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews