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86—EIGHTY-SIX Light Novel #9
86—EIGHTY-SIX, Vol. 9: Valkyrie Has Landed
Like Looking in a Mirror...
For better or worse, the battle with the Noctiluca has drawn to a close…for now. The Eighty-Six’s minds are heavy with thoughts of close friends and bitter enemies swallowed by the cold, dark abyss. Among the casualties are Shana, Shiden’s vice captain, joining the fallen in their watery grave, and Theo, whose loss of his left hand had all but sealed his fate as a Processor. As Shiden swears revenge, Kurena, who blames herself for Shana’s death, cracks beneath the weight of her guilt. While the Eighty-Six struggle to pick up the pieces, though, the Legion inexorably pursue their bloodless objective, and the Noctiluca has reportedly taken refuge in the surviving Holy Theocracy of Noiryanaruse. Now Shin and company must set foot in the mysterious western nation of which even the United Kingdom and the Federacy are wary…
For better or worse, the battle with the Noctiluca has drawn to a close…for now. The Eighty-Six’s minds are heavy with thoughts of close friends and bitter enemies swallowed by the cold, dark abyss. Among the casualties are Shana, Shiden’s vice captain, joining the fallen in their watery grave, and Theo, whose loss of his left hand had all but sealed his fate as a Processor. As Shiden swears revenge, Kurena, who blames herself for Shana’s death, cracks beneath the weight of her guilt. While the Eighty-Six struggle to pick up the pieces, though, the Legion inexorably pursue their bloodless objective, and the Noctiluca has reportedly taken refuge in the surviving Holy Theocracy of Noiryanaruse. Now Shin and company must set foot in the mysterious western nation of which even the United Kingdom and the Federacy are wary…
296 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2021
94 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Asato Asato
39 books229 followers安里アサト, Asato Asato, born 1985) is a female Japanese novelist. The pen name Asato Asato is a combination of her real name (Toru Asakura) and eighty-eight.
Asato started writing novels just before she entered junior high school.
She initially submitted her work to the Kadokawa Beans Bunko Rookie Award, but when in 2014 her manuscript made it to the third round of the 2014 21st Dengeki Novel Prize, Asato started thinking about writing a novel that was "Dengeki Novel-esque." This novel would become the start of the 86 -Eighty Six- series.
In 2016, 86 -Eighty Six- won the 23rd Dengeki Novel Prize.
Asato started writing novels just before she entered junior high school.
She initially submitted her work to the Kadokawa Beans Bunko Rookie Award, but when in 2014 her manuscript made it to the third round of the 2014 21st Dengeki Novel Prize, Asato started thinking about writing a novel that was "Dengeki Novel-esque." This novel would become the start of the 86 -Eighty Six- series.
In 2016, 86 -Eighty Six- won the 23rd Dengeki Novel Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 2, 2022
With every new volume my love for this series dimmish. In the end there is nothing that makes me want to continue to the end. Now I just want to see how the author will close this saga and in the slim chance he can makes a good volume like the first one.
February 27, 2022
Really nice closure to some of the personal struggles faced by Theo and Kurena after Vol 8 and leaves off with an epilogue that has me really excited for what will come next. Great stuff as always.
March 26, 2022
I'm taking my sweet time reading this book as I'm afraid for their wellbeing. We get to see the eighty six's growth here too, especially Kurena, it's heartwarming and a little emotional for me. It's not as intense as the last book but the politic aspect is getting more complicated and yeah the war about to reach the climax, will it end as they hope or not we shall see in the next volumes, I hope there won't be many casualties.
May 20, 2024
This was a very intense volume!
I was very excited for this volume because not only Shin x Lena dating moments but a number of other major developments that were happening in the main plot and while, for the most part, this volume delivered very nicely, there was also something that left me a little dissatisfied, which was the Shounen-ification of the battle scene. Yeah, that was pretty annoying to read, even though I was happy that some of the characters got their personal conflicts resolved, the pacing was disturbed due to it happening in the middle of a battle.
Other than that, I don't exactly have any more complaints. I would say though that this is probably one of the most darkest volumes of 86 apart from volume 4 and I'm equally fearful and anticipatory of what's to come next.
I was very excited for this volume because not only Shin x Lena dating moments but a number of other major developments that were happening in the main plot and while, for the most part, this volume delivered very nicely, there was also something that left me a little dissatisfied, which was the Shounen-ification of the battle scene. Yeah, that was pretty annoying to read, even though I was happy that some of the characters got their personal conflicts resolved, the pacing was disturbed due to it happening in the middle of a battle.
Other than that, I don't exactly have any more complaints. I would say though that this is probably one of the most darkest volumes of 86 apart from volume 4 and I'm equally fearful and anticipatory of what's to come next.
November 14, 2021
這集描寫聖教國的篇幅不多，比起前幾個國家突出的人物也較少，反轉橋段更是硬，在觀眾被聖教國的名詞和軍團名稱弄得暈呼呼的時候，強行結束了……總之沒費啥筆墨設定聖教國，倒是為了不久之後的結局加了一堆其他86戰隊和聯邦大貴族的設定，唉，趕火車也不用這樣吧。
好吧，唯一的優點就是可蕾娜終於長大了。
P.S.聖教國那招根本就是人海戰術嘛。
好吧，唯一的優點就是可蕾娜終於長大了。
P.S.聖教國那招根本就是人海戰術嘛。
October 30, 2023
Cuối cùng thì Shin và Lena cũng chính thức đến với nhau rồi ToT
March 11, 2022
losing my MIND over this story
August 25, 2022
This volume was underwhelming for me.
Introducing a lot of characters come off confusing and makes me lose my interest especially when there’s no adequate or satisfying characterization that makes me want to empathize or attached to them.
I think Vols 5&6 set the bar high for me that I’m no longer feeling the magic nor enjoying some surprise factors with the following volumes. I wasn’t that awed nor hooked with the religion/politics integrated here. Even the parallels or mirroring comes off as something repetitive.
The redeeming aspects of the volume are probably Shin-Lena’s confession/teasing moments and the cathartic closure for Shiden, Kurena and Theo. The comradeship and the strong bonds the 86ers have for each other is one of the themes I find beautiful to the story.
I look forward to the 11th volume. From the looks of the epilogue, war is nearing its end! LFG!
Introducing a lot of characters come off confusing and makes me lose my interest especially when there’s no adequate or satisfying characterization that makes me want to empathize or attached to them.
I think Vols 5&6 set the bar high for me that I’m no longer feeling the magic nor enjoying some surprise factors with the following volumes. I wasn’t that awed nor hooked with the religion/politics integrated here. Even the parallels or mirroring comes off as something repetitive.
The redeeming aspects of the volume are probably Shin-Lena’s confession/teasing moments and the cathartic closure for Shiden, Kurena and Theo. The comradeship and the strong bonds the 86ers have for each other is one of the themes I find beautiful to the story.
I look forward to the 11th volume. From the looks of the epilogue, war is nearing its end! LFG!
Read
April 1, 2022A disappointing plot.
This volume marks a strange turn in this serie. It doesn't feel as the writing from the previous volumes. In this one, the author finally touch religion in his world, but differently from previous works it feels poorly developed, rush and with a plot that doesn't make any sense, even childlike for such a serious subject. Hilnå's motivation doesn't make any sense, putting small children and repeating over and over the inner conflicts of the characters became boring. But worst is the writing in this volume, jumping from points of view continously making it really hard to follow and understand. Looking at the next volume is clear there are no more fresh ideas for this series, so hopefully, after a while the author will come back with a good conclusion.
This volume marks a strange turn in this serie. It doesn't feel as the writing from the previous volumes. In this one, the author finally touch religion in his world, but differently from previous works it feels poorly developed, rush and with a plot that doesn't make any sense, even childlike for such a serious subject. Hilnå's motivation doesn't make any sense, putting small children and repeating over and over the inner conflicts of the characters became boring. But worst is the writing in this volume, jumping from points of view continously making it really hard to follow and understand. Looking at the next volume is clear there are no more fresh ideas for this series, so hopefully, after a while the author will come back with a good conclusion.
November 8, 2022
4 STARS.
Yet. AGAIN.
How? HOWWW???? Every single volume of Eighty-Six is just pure amazingness! Every stinking one.
This may have even had more umph than the rest. The messages and the theme and the characters aghhh!!!
Im sooo sad for Theo. I loved him a lot. Normally someone losing their arm would just be downright cool, but in this case now he has to work in areas away from the other 86 from now on. *sobs* All I’m saying is that he better get a girl.
Also, I really liked what Annette said to him about living life wanting the small things. That was sweet.
Anyway, this volume finally got to focus on Kurena Kukumila (I don’t know why but I really like saying her last name).
I’ll be honest she’s never been my favorite member of the Spearhead Squadron. But I was still curious about her backstory. I was actually really pleasantly surprised with what this arc did for her character. It makes a lot more sense why she’s always seemed a little more immature than the rest of them. Especially with her whole helpless thing.
And I really liked her growth. She definitely held onto her motivations and the pride of the battlefield longer than the others. I admit, I did like it before in another volume when Shin told her she didn’t have to change, and she could just be as she is. But dang, in this one when he retracted that statement, it made me super satisfied. Agghhh! I just love all of the amount of growth in ALL of these characters. I like how she finally saw herself through the lens of Hilina, and how she was mirroring her same motivations. That one really hit.
As for the main themes of this book…
DANG.
A picture practically mirroring the Eighty-Six situation, if not worse. I admit, when I found out this was going to be the book with the obligatory religious country/arc, I was trying not to yawn in my seat. It’s one of the plot devices that is pretty consistent though every anime/light novel.
I should have known better. Of course, 86 makes into an actually relevant and compelling plot arc. Frankly, it was brutal.
It totally makes some of the other moral themes look like child’s play. Because this one is actually playing with children. Them using young children to pilot drones exactly as the Republic was not something I was expecting. And I’m dumb too. When Vika warned them about their different ways that might bother the 86, I though he just meant because they don’t really care about religion. Nope. I really liked that whole battle scene. It was intense to say the least.
And I absolutely LOVE how Shin is really faced with killing people and won’t do it. Facing human enemies and how he compares it to the Legion and those he’s put to rest before. I love that guy.
Also, this wouldn’t be a review from me on 86, without mentioning Anju and Dustin ;)
I love how she also took something from Shin and Kurena’s conversation about turning holding onto their feelings into a curse. Which makes her admit that she was lying to herself that she could never have feelings for Dustin because of Daiya. AWW.
And she said she’d come back to him. Cuuutttee.
I think that was most of my thoughts. Oh, and can we appreciate the girl power walk on this cover?? (I still don’t like Shiden though lol)
CONTENT NOTES: Some uses of strong language
Yet. AGAIN.
How? HOWWW???? Every single volume of Eighty-Six is just pure amazingness! Every stinking one.
This may have even had more umph than the rest. The messages and the theme and the characters aghhh!!!
Im sooo sad for Theo. I loved him a lot. Normally someone losing their arm would just be downright cool, but in this case now he has to work in areas away from the other 86 from now on. *sobs* All I’m saying is that he better get a girl.
Also, I really liked what Annette said to him about living life wanting the small things. That was sweet.
Anyway, this volume finally got to focus on Kurena Kukumila (I don’t know why but I really like saying her last name).
I’ll be honest she’s never been my favorite member of the Spearhead Squadron. But I was still curious about her backstory. I was actually really pleasantly surprised with what this arc did for her character. It makes a lot more sense why she’s always seemed a little more immature than the rest of them. Especially with her whole helpless thing.
And I really liked her growth. She definitely held onto her motivations and the pride of the battlefield longer than the others. I admit, I did like it before in another volume when Shin told her she didn’t have to change, and she could just be as she is. But dang, in this one when he retracted that statement, it made me super satisfied. Agghhh! I just love all of the amount of growth in ALL of these characters. I like how she finally saw herself through the lens of Hilina, and how she was mirroring her same motivations. That one really hit.
As for the main themes of this book…
DANG.
A picture practically mirroring the Eighty-Six situation, if not worse. I admit, when I found out this was going to be the book with the obligatory religious country/arc, I was trying not to yawn in my seat. It’s one of the plot devices that is pretty consistent though every anime/light novel.
I should have known better. Of course, 86 makes into an actually relevant and compelling plot arc. Frankly, it was brutal.
It totally makes some of the other moral themes look like child’s play. Because this one is actually playing with children. Them using young children to pilot drones exactly as the Republic was not something I was expecting. And I’m dumb too. When Vika warned them about their different ways that might bother the 86, I though he just meant because they don’t really care about religion. Nope. I really liked that whole battle scene. It was intense to say the least.
And I absolutely LOVE how Shin is really faced with killing people and won’t do it. Facing human enemies and how he compares it to the Legion and those he’s put to rest before. I love that guy.
Also, this wouldn’t be a review from me on 86, without mentioning Anju and Dustin ;)
I love how she also took something from Shin and Kurena’s conversation about turning holding onto their feelings into a curse. Which makes her admit that she was lying to herself that she could never have feelings for Dustin because of Daiya. AWW.
And she said she’d come back to him. Cuuutttee.
I think that was most of my thoughts. Oh, and can we appreciate the girl power walk on this cover?? (I still don’t like Shiden though lol)
CONTENT NOTES: Some uses of strong language
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
อ่านจบสักที ! ! ! เล่มนี้ใช้เวลาอ่านหลายวันม๊ากกกก เพราะอ่านไปก็รู้สึกเบื่อหน่ายกับอะไรไม่รู้ จะเริ่มเขียนความรู้สึกจากตรงไหนดี มีหลายเรื่องเกิดขึ้นในเล่มเดียวมากเกินไป5555555555 จริงๆมันมี
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อย่างแรกเลยเรื่องชินกับเลน่า ที่เคยบ่นในเล่มก่อนๆว่าขัดใจเรื่องที่เลน่าเอาแต่เลี่ยง ไม่ยอมตอบรับชินสักที พอมาถึงเล่มนี้ก็พอเดาจุดประสงค์ของนักเขียนออกแล้ว ยอมรับว่าเลือกจังหวะให้เลน่าตอบรับความรู้สึกชินได้ถูกเวลาพอดี เหมือนกะจะให้เลน่าเข้ามาในเวลาที่แย่ที่สุดอะไรแบบนี้ แต่ถามว่าเราโอเคกับจังหวะแบบนี้ไหม บอกตรงๆว่าค่อนข้างไม่โอเคเท่าไหร่55555 ถ้าเป็นไปได้ก็อยากให้ตอบรับให้จบๆไปตอนแรกเลย ยังไงในเวลาแบบนั้นไม่ว่าเลน่าจะอยู่ข้างชินด้วยสถานะไหนก็คงช่วยชินได้อยู่ดี
แล้วก็ในส่วนหดหู่ที่สุดในเนื้อเรื่อง ฉากในรัฐศาสนจักรเป็นอะไรที่น่าหดหู่แล้วก็ตึงเครียดที่สุด บางทีมันมาพ่วงกับความเหนื่อยหน่ายอะ ตอนอ่านมันเป็นความรู้สึกประมาณว่า Here we go again? 😫 ทุกคนต่างเอาความภาคภูมิใจ เอาความน่ารันทด สารพัดความโหดร้ายในชีวิตทุกอย่างมาประชันกันอะ กลุ่มนึงมีความภาคภูมิใจในการต่อสู้จนถึงที่สุด อีกกลุ่มนึงมีความภาคภูมิใจในการเป็นนักรบ ในขณะที่อีกกลุ่มมีความภาคภูมิใจในชะตากรรม ถ้าพูดเปรยๆแค่ครั้งเดียวยังพอเข้าใจได้ แต่พอย้ำเข้าหลายๆครั้งเราเริ่มไม่เข้าใจพวกเขาแทน มันเลยเป็นส่วนที่เราต้องหักคะแนน ฮืออ
แต่ๆๆ ถึงจะเป็นแบบนั้น แต่ก็ประทับใจที่ 86 หลายๆคนเริ่มที่จะมูฟออนออกจากเขต 86 ได้แบบจริงๆจังๆแล้ว เราลุ้นกับคุเรนะสุดเลย นางดูเป็นคนที่ไม่ยอมมูฟออน ���ม่อยากจบสงคราม ด้อยค่าตัวเองว่ามีประโยชน์แค่ในสนามรบเท่านั้น ก็คิดอยู่ว่าคุเรนะจะรอดไหมเนี่ย แต่ไม่นึกว่าจะมาไกลขนาดนี้ ประทับใจในตัวคุเรนะมากๆเลยนะ👏🏻
แต่ก็มีอีกหนึ่งสิ่งที่แอบคลิเช่เพราะนักเขียนมามุกนี้บ่อย คือการให้ใครสักคนสูญเสีย หรือบิดเบี้ยว เพื่อเป็นตัวอย่างให้ 86 ก้าวผ่านตัวตนเก่าๆของตัวเองไปให้ได้อะ อย่างเล่มก่อนที่ใช้คนของกองเรือมาเปิดโลกใบใหม่แล้วยังเสียสละทุกอย่าง(ในสถานการณ์นั้นก็ใช่อยู่ที่มันจำเป็นต้องเสียสละ) แล้ว 86 บางคนอย่างริโตะกับเซโอะก็เริ่มที่จะมูฟออน แล้วเล่มนี้ก็ใช้เรเซยอมแพ้กับโลกนี้แล้วทำลายทุกอย่าง เพื่อให้ 86 อีกส่วนอย่างมิจิฮิกับคุเรนะได้ตระหนักว่าควรจะจบสงคราม หรืออะไรบลาๆๆ สำหรับเรามันเลยดูเหมือนสูญเสียคนกลุ่มหนึ่งเพื่อให้อีกกลุ่มหนึ่งตระหนักอะ ถ้ามีครั้งเดียวมันก็พอคิดว่าดีนะที่ช่วยให้ 86 ตระหนักได้ แต่พอมีหลายๆครั้งเข้าก็แบบ อีกแล้วเหรอ ㅠㅠ ครั้งต่อไปจะเสียสละคนกลุ่มไหนอีกไหมน้อ พอเถ๊อะ
แล้วก็สิ่งที่ประใจที่สุดในเล่มนี้เลยคือชื่อตอน เราชอบนักเป่าปี่จะพาหนูกับเด็กๆไป กับนาฬิกายังเดินแม้ในท้องของจระเข้มากก แล้วเนื้อหาในบทยังสอดคล้องกับเรื่องเล่าในชื่อตอนอีกนะ โดยเฉพาะบทคั่นของเซโอะ ลึกล้ำมาก ประทับใจอะ 👏🏻
ส่วนที่อ่านไปแล้วไม่เข้าใจตรรกะตัวละครก็เยอะเหมือนกัน 🫠
อย่างแรกเลยเรื่องชินกับเลน่า ที่เคยบ่นในเล่มก่อนๆว่าขัดใจเรื่องที่เลน่าเอาแต่เลี่ยง ไม่ยอมตอบรับชินสักที พอมาถึงเล่มนี้ก็พอเดาจุดประสงค์ของนักเขียนออกแล้ว ยอมรับว่าเลือกจังหวะให้เลน่าตอบรับความรู้สึกชินได้ถูกเวลาพอดี เหมือนกะจะให้เลน่าเข้ามาในเวลาที่แย่ที่สุดอะไรแบบนี้ แต่ถามว่าเราโอเคกับจังหวะแบบนี้ไหม บอกตรงๆว่าค่อนข้างไม่โอเคเท่าไหร่55555 ถ้าเป็นไปได้ก็อยากให้ตอบรับให้จบๆไปตอนแรกเลย ยังไงในเวลาแบบนั้นไม่ว่าเลน่าจะอยู่ข้างชินด้วยสถานะไหนก็คงช่วยชินได้อยู่ดี
แล้วก็ในส่วนหดหู่ที่สุดในเนื้อเรื่อง ฉากในรัฐศาสนจักรเป็นอะไรที่น่าหดหู่แล้วก็ตึงเครียดที่สุด บางทีมันมาพ่วงกับความเหนื่อยหน่ายอะ ตอนอ่านมันเป็นความรู้สึกประมาณว่า Here we go again? 😫 ทุกคนต่างเอาความภาคภูมิใจ เอาความน่ารันทด สารพัดความโหดร้ายในชีวิตทุกอย่างมาประชันกันอะ กลุ่มนึงมีความภาคภูมิใจในการต่อสู้จนถึงที่สุด อีกกลุ่มนึงมีความภาคภูมิใจในการเป็นนักรบ ในขณะที่อีกกลุ่มมีความภาคภูมิใจในชะตากรรม ถ้าพูดเปรยๆแค่ครั้งเดียวยังพอเข้าใจได้ แต่พอย้ำเข้าหลายๆครั้งเราเริ่มไม่เข้าใจพวกเขาแทน มันเลยเป็นส่วนที่เราต้องหักคะแนน ฮืออ
แต่ๆๆ ถึงจะเป็นแบบนั้น แต่ก็ประทับใจที่ 86 หลายๆคนเริ่มที่จะมูฟออนออกจากเขต 86 ได้แบบจริงๆจังๆแล้ว เราลุ้นกับคุเรนะสุดเลย นางดูเป็นคนที่ไม่ยอมมูฟออน ���ม่อยากจบสงคราม ด้อยค่าตัวเองว่ามีประโยชน์แค่ในสนามรบเท่านั้น ก็คิดอยู่ว่าคุเรนะจะรอดไหมเนี่ย แต่ไม่นึกว่าจะมาไกลขนาดนี้ ประทับใจในตัวคุเรนะมากๆเลยนะ👏🏻
แต่ก็มีอีกหนึ่งสิ่งที่แอบคลิเช่เพราะนักเขียนมามุกนี้บ่อย คือการให้ใครสักคนสูญเสีย หรือบิดเบี้ยว เพื่อเป็นตัวอย่างให้ 86 ก้าวผ่านตัวตนเก่าๆของตัวเองไปให้ได้อะ อย่างเล่มก่อนที่ใช้คนของกองเรือมาเปิดโลกใบใหม่แล้วยังเสียสละทุกอย่าง(ในสถานการณ์นั้นก็ใช่อยู่ที่มันจำเป็นต้องเสียสละ) แล้ว 86 บางคนอย่างริโตะกับเซโอะก็เริ่มที่จะมูฟออน แล้วเล่มนี้ก็ใช้เรเซยอมแพ้กับโลกนี้แล้วทำลายทุกอย่าง เพื่อให้ 86 อีกส่วนอย่างมิจิฮิกับคุเรนะได้ตระหนักว่าควรจะจบสงคราม หรืออะไรบลาๆๆ สำหรับเรามันเลยดูเหมือนสูญเสียคนกลุ่มหนึ่งเพื่อให้อีกกลุ่มหนึ่งตระหนักอะ ถ้ามีครั้งเดียวมันก็พอคิดว่าดีนะที่ช่วยให้ 86 ตระหนักได้ แต่พอมีหลายๆครั้งเข้าก็แบบ อีกแล้วเหรอ ㅠㅠ ครั้งต่อไปจะเสียสละคนกลุ่มไหนอีกไหมน้อ พอเถ๊อะ
แล้วก็สิ่งที่ประใจที่สุดในเล่มนี้เลยคือชื่อตอน เราชอบนักเป่าปี่จะพาหนูกับเด็กๆไป กับนาฬิกายังเดินแม้ในท้องของจระเข้มากก แล้วเนื้อหาในบทยังสอดคล้องกับเรื่องเล่าในชื่อตอนอีกนะ โดยเฉพาะบทคั่นของเซโอะ ลึกล้ำมาก ประทับใจอะ 👏🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
3.5-4 rating
Perhaps it was because I hadn't read a book in the past month; perhaps because I read it in one sitting; or maybe it was simply because every page felt like a new chapter in the plot.
What this refers to was the sheer amount of lore that happened in one book. Sure, it was larger compared to others, but still. Every page felt like we were going from one character's perspective to another. And usually, these characters were ALL in different locations. Essentially, this made it somewhat difficult to keep track of who was doing what and where.
Though it is completely understandable why this was the case, and truth be told, the author did a damn good job considering how difficult it must have been to re-enact various people.
Though this would also lead to moments in which you don't even know who's talking to whom or who's facing what enemy.
Secondly, I felt like the plot itself was confusing. Mainly due to the fact that the different houses (Onyx, Pyropes, etc) and all the different squadrons whom was deployed were a handful to remember. This (for me) made it confusing to figure out who the "antagonists" were (apart from the Legion), and oftentimes I found myself going back to re-read certain sections just to clarify.
If we look at the total pros and cons, though, I believe there are more positive comments.
A strong point as to why is the fact that we are presented with great use of secondary (some can argue primary) characters. This novel highlighted Kurena and Theo and their internal issues, but I also have to give props to Michiru, Shiden, and Rito. Michiru was one of the characters who, for me, was written really well despite her role in the story. I also enjoyed how the author portrays the fact that these are still "teenagers," as we see Rito and Yutoo having banter that a regular teenager would have.
For what we got, the romance was excellent, though the slow burn is definitely living up to its name. Atp the flame is probably almost extinguished.
My final comment is that this would do wonders if turned into an anime. Personally, the plot was amazing, and from what the author describes in the fight scenes, it is also very hype.
Perhaps it was because I hadn't read a book in the past month; perhaps because I read it in one sitting; or maybe it was simply because every page felt like a new chapter in the plot.
What this refers to was the sheer amount of lore that happened in one book. Sure, it was larger compared to others, but still. Every page felt like we were going from one character's perspective to another. And usually, these characters were ALL in different locations. Essentially, this made it somewhat difficult to keep track of who was doing what and where.
Though it is completely understandable why this was the case, and truth be told, the author did a damn good job considering how difficult it must have been to re-enact various people.
Though this would also lead to moments in which you don't even know who's talking to whom or who's facing what enemy.
Secondly, I felt like the plot itself was confusing. Mainly due to the fact that the different houses (Onyx, Pyropes, etc) and all the different squadrons whom was deployed were a handful to remember. This (for me) made it confusing to figure out who the "antagonists" were (apart from the Legion), and oftentimes I found myself going back to re-read certain sections just to clarify.
If we look at the total pros and cons, though, I believe there are more positive comments.
A strong point as to why is the fact that we are presented with great use of secondary (some can argue primary) characters. This novel highlighted Kurena and Theo and their internal issues, but I also have to give props to Michiru, Shiden, and Rito. Michiru was one of the characters who, for me, was written really well despite her role in the story. I also enjoyed how the author portrays the fact that these are still "teenagers," as we see Rito and Yutoo having banter that a regular teenager would have.
For what we got, the romance was excellent, though the slow burn is definitely living up to its name. Atp the flame is probably almost extinguished.
My final comment is that this would do wonders if turned into an anime. Personally, the plot was amazing, and from what the author describes in the fight scenes, it is also very hype.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
Ln 9 did not disappoint.
Kurena’s character development was great and left me fulfilled as a reader. Her saying she always love Shin showed how she is comfortable with her feelings. I think there is room for more development within her character, and this marks a changing point.
Theo small character exchange with Annette was so cute and rememberable. Theo x Annette ship anyone? I’m excited to see where they’ll take Theo within the couple LNs. I would love to see him take a step away from the battlefield.
Shiden had a full-circle development and I hope to see her take a commander position again.
The Eighty-six seeing themselves within the Theocracy soldiers came out of nowhere, and I’m not complaining. Those last 2 chapters seemed like a perfect reflection point for the eighty-six. The only issue I had was not getting more at the end with them. But I understand she took it right up too the page limit, and I’ll hope they come back in the story.
This was easily one of my favorite LN is the series, rivaling LN 7 and LN 1. Can’t wait too read the next in the series, and if they dare touch Theo, I’m pulling up to Asato’s crib.
Kurena’s character development was great and left me fulfilled as a reader. Her saying she always love Shin showed how she is comfortable with her feelings. I think there is room for more development within her character, and this marks a changing point.
Theo small character exchange with Annette was so cute and rememberable. Theo x Annette ship anyone? I’m excited to see where they’ll take Theo within the couple LNs. I would love to see him take a step away from the battlefield.
Shiden had a full-circle development and I hope to see her take a commander position again.
The Eighty-six seeing themselves within the Theocracy soldiers came out of nowhere, and I’m not complaining. Those last 2 chapters seemed like a perfect reflection point for the eighty-six. The only issue I had was not getting more at the end with them. But I understand she took it right up too the page limit, and I’ll hope they come back in the story.
This was easily one of my favorite LN is the series, rivaling LN 7 and LN 1. Can’t wait too read the next in the series, and if they dare touch Theo, I’m pulling up to Asato’s crib.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
I really enjoyed the first 2/3 because the we got a taster of the federacy's politics (nothing like some backstabbing and political machinations to spice things up) and the battle scenes were interspersed with flashbacks of the squad figuring out how defeat the new legions (I love me a good brainstorming session with the homies). It's giving sports anime character getting a flashback in the middle of a match and getting a convenient power up, but not in a bad way ofc. As with the previous volume, this one also shines the spotlight on the side characters, namely Theo, Shiden, Michihi and most prominently, Kurena, as they try to look beyond the battlefield.
While I love the idea of introducing conflict with other people instead of just the legion, I feel like there should have been more build up and that it was resolved too quickly. Sis barely even finished her villain monologue and her plan was already starting to go awry. Said monologue was also quite confusing and it wasn't helped by the fact that it had a few mistranslations.
While I love the idea of introducing conflict with other people instead of just the legion, I feel like there should have been more build up and that it was resolved too quickly. Sis barely even finished her villain monologue and her plan was already starting to go awry. Said monologue was also quite confusing and it wasn't helped by the fact that it had a few mistranslations.
September 5, 2024
I don't really know how to rate this volume. I'd probably give it a 3.5?
The plot felt rushed, the backstabbing and Hilna's reasoning didn't make sense to me, and all the new characters in general just got lost as I was reading.
Please stop adding new characters I don't care about. All the names have just become a jumble...
The weak plot also reinforced the feeling I've had for a bit that the story is getting a bit repetitive - 86 travels to new biome, meet new people, fight the new Legion model, nobody important dies... rinse and repeat. I've gotten so far now though I do want to see how the story ends, which thankfully it seems like we're entering the endgame now.
The best parts of this volume center around different members of 86 thinking about life after the war - with a large majority of the focus on Kurena. Somebody love and care for the poor traumatized girl 😩
The plot felt rushed, the backstabbing and Hilna's reasoning didn't make sense to me, and all the new characters in general just got lost as I was reading.
Please stop adding new characters I don't care about. All the names have just become a jumble...
The weak plot also reinforced the feeling I've had for a bit that the story is getting a bit repetitive - 86 travels to new biome, meet new people, fight the new Legion model, nobody important dies... rinse and repeat. I've gotten so far now though I do want to see how the story ends, which thankfully it seems like we're entering the endgame now.
The best parts of this volume center around different members of 86 thinking about life after the war - with a large majority of the focus on Kurena. Somebody love and care for the poor traumatized girl 😩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2023
4.25 this made me so emotional. esp the theocracy plot and the reveal of the lyano-shu being piloted by literal children and how the 86 reacted to them being in the same situation they were in when they were bring discriminated and abused. i had to slowly (re)read those parts bc of that
kurena's character development of willing to accept change starting with thinking of a life outside the battlefield 😩🤧 but kinda wish this volume showed more in depth of theo's thoughts on coming to terms with this. i need all of them to be happy in the end pls thats all i ask. thankfully the ending wasn't too much of a cliffhanger
also apologises to anyone reading this bc it is currently 3am so im trying rack my brain cells to have this review make sense
kurena's character development of willing to accept change starting with thinking of a life outside the battlefield 😩🤧 but kinda wish this volume showed more in depth of theo's thoughts on coming to terms with this. i need all of them to be happy in the end pls thats all i ask. thankfully the ending wasn't too much of a cliffhanger
also apologises to anyone reading this bc it is currently 3am so im trying rack my brain cells to have this review make sense
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
A fantastic volume that continues to explore the fatalities of war. It may be a distopian setting but the consequences of war, ostracism and discrimination that this body of work tackles is relevant to modern times, nonetheless.
The exploration of PTSD shown in characters as Shiden, Michihi and Kurena adds to the questions possed by Shin's journey in previous volumes. Hilna's divergent response also adds to this exploration of mental health and war.
Frederica has a complicated path ahead and I can't wait to read about it. Theo's fate also intrigues me.
All in all, an amazing light novel.
The exploration of PTSD shown in characters as Shiden, Michihi and Kurena adds to the questions possed by Shin's journey in previous volumes. Hilna's divergent response also adds to this exploration of mental health and war.
Frederica has a complicated path ahead and I can't wait to read about it. Theo's fate also intrigues me.
All in all, an amazing light novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
This one is one of my favorites so far. Mainly because of everything that happens to Theo and Kurena. I feel like I can relate to the both of them a lot. How they struggle to understand what is next for them and hope for the future. With them it shows that it’s okay to not know what is next. The future is coming whether you want it to or not. You don’t have to know what you’re going to do but you have to keep going forward.
Mushy stuff aside I thought everything that happened was really intense, you didn’t know what was going to happen next. I believe this is also the longest book of the series so far, which I really enjoyed!
Mushy stuff aside I thought everything that happened was really intense, you didn’t know what was going to happen next. I believe this is also the longest book of the series so far, which I really enjoyed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2022
It's the main part of Kurena who still stuck in 86 area. However, something in this 'HOLY' land trigger 86 people a lot. Reina is the great leader. She always shows her intelligent mind even in the cruel battlefield.
It's quite good that Kurena character can determine herself. Surely Reina and Shinei also develop their relationship. His answer to Kurena is very clear and strong.
There are little updated part of Theo even he could not join this mission. But don't worry much about him. He's still strong.
It's quite good that Kurena character can determine herself. Surely Reina and Shinei also develop their relationship. His answer to Kurena is very clear and strong.
There are little updated part of Theo even he could not join this mission. But don't worry much about him. He's still strong.
February 26, 2023
After volume 8, we followed up on Theo being forced to be by Shin's side, by his friends side.
It feels so sad reading about Theo. But is predicable that we Theonette is real (haha, the first interaction).
Kurina is heavily focused on this volume, as she sinks in depression since the last battle. As she blames herself for Shana's life. Both Theo and Kurina realizes that everyone else have plans for after the war ends, and she feels left behind.
Learning about her backstory really adds to her growth. And her words to Shin ;-;
It feels so sad reading about Theo. But is predicable that we Theonette is real (haha, the first interaction).
Kurina is heavily focused on this volume, as she sinks in depression since the last battle. As she blames herself for Shana's life. Both Theo and Kurina realizes that everyone else have plans for after the war ends, and she feels left behind.
Learning about her backstory really adds to her growth. And her words to Shin ;-;
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2022
Still an okay book but it’s not comparable to the United Kingdom or Fleet countries arcs. After Shin and Lena’s arcs “ended” following Theo in the Fleet countries was pretty refreshing and he ends up in a unique situation. The storyline that Theo goes through is repeated on numerous other eighty-six in this novel, and it definitely starts to feel predictable and kind of repetitive. I think the plot definitely redeems this book though.
March 27, 2022
Truly great sequel as always
I really enjoyed this sequel. There is a shocking moment in the book, which is also follows by another shocking moment done by one of the Federacy’s platoons who suffered from racism just as the 86 did, and their reasoning for doing this action stems from the suffering they endured from their fellow nobles. You must read it.
I really enjoyed this sequel. There is a shocking moment in the book, which is also follows by another shocking moment done by one of the Federacy’s platoons who suffered from racism just as the 86 did, and their reasoning for doing this action stems from the suffering they endured from their fellow nobles. You must read it.
August 21, 2022
The repetition about 86's pride gets a bit boring sometimes - I wish it's shown more through situations, scenes, conversations, let readers sense and make conclusion themselves instead of spelling it out with the same words again and again - but the battle against Halcyon is top notch, and the reveal about the Theocracy's soldiers is simply chilling. Also, nice closure for Kurena.
December 21, 2022
This volume re-invigorated my love for the 86 series! I found the previous volume redundant and felt as if the story wasn’t progressing much. However, progress is made in this volume!
I’m going to hold off on reading the next few volumes. This volume doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, which makes it a good stop point while I wait for more volumes to get released and translated.
I’m going to hold off on reading the next few volumes. This volume doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, which makes it a good stop point while I wait for more volumes to get released and translated.
August 18, 2022
Introduces a lot of new concepts that will enrich the series considerably, like ex-nobles armies from the Federation, new Legion threats, new challenges that tug at the 86 scars. This volume was all about Kurena and it's awesome to see her develop, especially now that Theo is in the sidelines.
October 6, 2022
Kurena's development was good. I wish we saw more of Theo and his struggles/realization to move forward. I wasn't a fan of the whole Theocracy and the new characters within. Overall, it was okay but my least favorite in the series.
February 24, 2023
Had mixed feelings about this one while reading it but ended on a satisfying note. 86 travel to Holy Theocracy this time and are told they ain't special basically. Some feelings finally get sorted out but I am definitely over the Legion's railgun fetish.
March 20, 2024
I never expected it! I'm so like Lena on this one, never expected it, never saw it coming, I feel so naiveeee... anyway loved it, I don't want the series to end, it scares me a little 🥹 good work Asato Asato 🙌🙌🙌🙌😭🫶
September 8, 2024
El character development de tots els putos personatges es brutal els estimo tant... I fins i tot t'identifiques amb personatges k tampoc t'acaben de caure be i els entens😭😭 i aquesta batalla ha estat bastant be per sort gens tediosa :)
March 31, 2022
What a journey, one step closer to ending the war.
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