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理想のヒモ生活 [The Ideal Sponger Life] (Light Novel) #1
The Ideal Sponger Life: Volume 1
Yamai Zenjirou is your everyday office worker in modern Japan. One morning, he suddenly finds himself summoned to a tropical world where dinosaurs roam the land. He is told that this is the kingdom of Capua and the person who summoned him - its monarch, Queen Aura - wants him to marry her and leave his old life behind for a life of carefree extravagance as her prince consort. The reasons for her offer are many and varied, but she needs an heir, and she wants him to be the one to provide it!
If he accepts, he’ll never have to work again, lazing around in luxury with no worries other than securing the kingdom its next monarch. Certainly, sleeping with the buxom beauty is far from a hardship, but is everything really as it seems? He’ll also need to give up everything he knows on Earth. Is he ready to drop it all at a moment’s notice for her sake? And how well will he be able to navigate the politics, people and culture of this new world if he does?
If he accepts, he’ll never have to work again, lazing around in luxury with no worries other than securing the kingdom its next monarch. Certainly, sleeping with the buxom beauty is far from a hardship, but is everything really as it seems? He’ll also need to give up everything he knows on Earth. Is he ready to drop it all at a moment’s notice for her sake? And how well will he be able to navigate the politics, people and culture of this new world if he does?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2012
30 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 7, 2023
While riding home on his bike from shopping at the convenience shop, Zenjirou suddenly finds himself in a dark room surrounded by a several spearmen and a beautiful woman. The woman, Aura, is the queen of a tropical kingdom in another world, and she is looking for a husband. Apparently Zenjirou's ancestors were refugees from Aura's world and he has the right bloodline for marriage. Zenjirou can refuse, and if accepting, has a month to arrange affairs back home in Japan. After a long discussion with Aura and some contemplation he says yes.
The story is about characters, preparing for the resettlement in another world (one without technology in a tropical climate) and settling in the new culture. There is no action, no cheats and what appears to be a well-build world. I liked the characters, the MC is smart and skilled even though he makes some choices I would not have made. Still, some of the questions I had as a reader were answered later on. Some nice twists to the isekai tropes.
The lack of action, and the somewhat odd setup might be off putting to some. A genuine romance is formed later in the volume despite its somewhat cold start. Still, I enjoyed the book and I am going to proceed with the next volumes. It is clear that the MC is not going to laze around...
The story is about characters, preparing for the resettlement in another world (one without technology in a tropical climate) and settling in the new culture. There is no action, no cheats and what appears to be a well-build world. I liked the characters, the MC is smart and skilled even though he makes some choices I would not have made. Still, some of the questions I had as a reader were answered later on. Some nice twists to the isekai tropes.
The lack of action, and the somewhat odd setup might be off putting to some. A genuine romance is formed later in the volume despite its somewhat cold start. Still, I enjoyed the book and I am going to proceed with the next volumes. It is clear that the MC is not going to laze around...
November 6, 2022
I know it's not the point, but I couldn't help but find myself screaming at the protagonist and the utterly bone-headed way he went about choosing things to bring with him to the other world. Just goes to prove my working theory that we really shouldn't let anybody other than engineers make choices; they always get the easty stuff wrong.
January 1, 2023
I've been reading a lot of fantasy light novels as of late, in an attempt to escape the reality that is stage 4 cancer. Of course, the quality of these light novels varies wildly, but there are a lot of solid series if you look for them. The Ideal Sponger Life is one of the really good ones, especially if you want a slice of life political novel set in a fairly grounded fantasy world. As I really enjoy these sort of novels, this series is right up my alley.
The main character is your typical everyday Japanese businessman with skills in navigating clients and co-workers, a skillset that actually comes in handy later on. Suddenly finding himself summoned to another world by the Queen of a nation who is looking for a husband with very particular traits, he decides to accept her proposal after basically falling for her at first sight. The plan is for him to spend his days lounging around and producing heirs to strengthen the Queen's bloodline, as she is the last of her name and her bloodline contains familial magic that is basically like a trump card for royal lines in this world, he soon finds himself wrapped up in the politics and customs of the world around him as he struggles to support his wife without accidentally undermining her power in a patriarchal society.
This is a fascinating and well written novel, with a fascinating world, strong characters who all have their own values and motivations, and a plot that is as fascinating as it is entertaining. Definitely worth the read.
The main character is your typical everyday Japanese businessman with skills in navigating clients and co-workers, a skillset that actually comes in handy later on. Suddenly finding himself summoned to another world by the Queen of a nation who is looking for a husband with very particular traits, he decides to accept her proposal after basically falling for her at first sight. The plan is for him to spend his days lounging around and producing heirs to strengthen the Queen's bloodline, as she is the last of her name and her bloodline contains familial magic that is basically like a trump card for royal lines in this world, he soon finds himself wrapped up in the politics and customs of the world around him as he struggles to support his wife without accidentally undermining her power in a patriarchal society.
This is a fascinating and well written novel, with a fascinating world, strong characters who all have their own values and motivations, and a plot that is as fascinating as it is entertaining. Definitely worth the read.
February 3, 2025
I picked this up after reading a bunch of sci-fi and fantasy ’classics’. It’s the perfect palette cleanser, very relaxing.
December 20, 2025
The story seems fun, but the start is way too slow.
February 28, 2021
I must admit I was a little surprised by this book, the title, etc. would give you the impression it is going to be an out and out comedy, but while there are comedic scenes, overall it is oddly more of a comedy drama, with elements of political intrigue and slice of life included.
That said, I found it oddly compelling and finished it rather quickly. I'd say it's worth a try - recommended.
That said, I found it oddly compelling and finished it rather quickly. I'd say it's worth a try - recommended.
February 7, 2021
A good light hearted story
This proved to be a very fun and interesting story to read. The story set up a very interesting system of magic, especially with the idea of the soul of the language. I appreciate how the translator used Castellano to differentiate between Zenjirou's magical understanding of the language spoken and the actual language. I am looking forward to the next volume.
This proved to be a very fun and interesting story to read. The story set up a very interesting system of magic, especially with the idea of the soul of the language. I appreciate how the translator used Castellano to differentiate between Zenjirou's magical understanding of the language spoken and the actual language. I am looking forward to the next volume.
April 2, 2024
Brought to a parallel world to marry due to his magical bloodline, book one is all about Zenjirou's efforts to smooth his initial transition. First half is all about his preparations to move (a big section talking about generator selection) and second half about settling into the inner palace. Not much happened so far but I still thought it was pretty good as I like the central couple. Will continue.
November 6, 2017
Im gonna carry marble all the time encase I get resurrected in their universe.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews