Fate/Zero Vol.4 「煉獄の炎」

Fate/Zero #4

by Gen Urobuchi, 虚淵玄

War of the Holy Grail - Pursuing the power of the "Holy Grail" which grants a miracle, this is a contest in which seven magi summon seven Heroic Spirits to compete for it. In that battle whose conclusion was postponed three times, now, the fourth war commenced again. Entrusting their dearest wish of victory, the magi joined the battleground called "Fuyuki", but amongst them, there was a man who was always alone, and could not find out the meaning behind his fights. His name was Kotomine Kirei. Not comprehending the guidance of fate, Kirei was lost, and had kept questioning. Why someone like his was given the Command Seals. However, the fate of his fights crossed Kirei's path with a nemesis by chance. That person is - Emiya Kiritsugu. A man who was sterner than anyone else, more merciless than anyone else, and who sought the miracle of the Holy Grail.

Merely recited in fragments in Fate/Stay Night, this is the Fourth War of the Holy Grail 10 years ago. The truth which unfolded behind the battle between Shirō's foster father, Rin's father, and the younger Kotomine Kirei, is finally revealed......

Genres: Light Novel

450 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2007

About the author

Name in kanji: 虚淵玄

(虚淵玄 Urobuchi Gen) is a Japanese writer for visual novels, light novels, and anime. He is known for his dark style, nihilistic themes, and tragic plot twists, earning him the fan nickname "Urobutcher." Some of his more popular works include the 2003 visual novel Saya no Uta, the 2011 anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the 2012 anime Psycho-Pass, the light novel and anime Fate/Zero, and the 2013–2014 Kamen Rider Series Kamen Rider Gaim. He currently works at Nitroplus.

Reviews

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end doesn't justify the means.
This is a story of a man who, despite sacrificing everything, didn't gain anything in the end.

One thing that I realized in this volume is that, the Holy Grail isn't entirely bad but dangerous if put into the wrong hands. It was Kiritsugu's way of justice that was at fault, though a wish-granting machine made up of man's malignant and corrupt desires was suspicious enough.

This is the light novel with the best storyline that I've ever read.