Ascendance of a Bookworm (Light Novel), Part 4 Volume 8

本好きの下剋上 ～司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません～ [Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho Ni Naru Tame Ni Shudan wo Erande iraremasen] (Novel) #20

by Miya Kazuki, You Shiina (Illustrator), Quof (Translator)

Rozemyne returns to Ehrenfest once more following her second term at the Royal Academy. Her days are spent in harmony as she meets her new little brother, searches for a laynoble retainer, experiments with cooking fish, and delves into her grandfather’s past... but the undeniable fact remains that Ferdinand is acting unusually. At the heart of this mystery lies the mention of Adalgisa, and as Rozemyne ponders what it might mean, Ferdinand reveals a shocking truth.
“I should have died before my baptism.”
The secrets about his birth, his final promise with his father, and a bitter choice... How will Ferdinand respond when the very future of Ehrenfest rests on his shoulders? Find out in the newest volume of this biblio-fantasy, which includes two short stories and four-panel manga by You Shiina.

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Magic, Manga, Japanese Literature

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2019

About the author

Japanese author (香月美夜)

Kazuki started writing novels when she was in her second year of junior high school. After taking an entrance exam, she entered into a national university before graduating and becoming busy with work, stopping her from writing. Once she was married and her child entered kindergarten, Kazuki had more free time, which she used to start writing again. From 2013 onwards, she started publishing her novel Ascendance of a Bookworm on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō which saw success. In 2015, she officially debuted with said series under the T.O. Books imprint.

Reviews

[Alice Aro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never felt this much despair in having caught up to the latest book title in a series. How am I expected to survive this tragedy? Please Rozemyne, I hope you save both Ferdinand and me!

[Juliana Terraza · Rating 4 out of 5]

La primera mitad del libro estuve absolutamente encantada, es decir, había tantos niños tiernos, Melchior, Bertilde y theodore, de verdad que fui muy feliz. Leer a las personas de la ciudad baja siempre es hermoso, es divino.
Para la segunda mitad fui más lagrimas y rencor que persona, es que el decreto del rey fue como una patada, no quería llegar a este momento de ruptura, después de darme cuenta del pensamiento de Heisshitze sobre el compromiso me quede helada, literalmente tiro a su amigo a una guarida de lobos. La conversación de Ferdinand y Rozemine en la habitación oculta fue por decirlo menos dolorosa, llore junto con Rozemyne.

Definitivamente un volumen hermoso y triste por partes iguales, yo solo deseo que todos sean felices en Erenfest

[Faith Troupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I started reading this book as soon as it came out but got busy. I started again and then I got hit with the information about what happed at the summit with all the people in charge. My emotions were so on high that I got emotional whiplash. I was between being mad with Ferdinand and then understanding of his situation to being mad again to which I soon started crying. I took a break, I had to take a break. Emotional whiplash at its finest. I am now officially 3 books behind and now I need to catch up. Now that it’s getting close to the end I’m beginning to become more afraid to go forward because I truly don’t know what going to happen next.

[Tomtenissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were too many things plot-wise in this book that felt forced. It suddenly started reading like average fanfiction or a filler episode/arch of an anime. Some things also really didn’t make sense. Like how the “evil guys” have such smooth sailing, or how Rozemyne just refuses to develop character-wise. I am tired of her going “whoa! People are so weird! I’m happy I’m not that weird”, or “I just wanna read, meanies” but really makes no effort to actually change or work towards her goals in a way that would accelerate her path towards that goal, or secure it without her life getting endangered. She’s driven but not driven at the same time in such a weird way that her flaws are totally inexcusable. Even minor side characters have had more character development by now than Rozemyne. I used to think she is growing on me, but I have honestly given up. I’m so frustrated and irritated that I have trouble summarizing my thoughts for this review. Good thing I’m reading two other book series at the same time as this one…

I really hope the next book in the series will be better.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book. The stress levels and the heartbreak are really rising. I just... My heart can't handle this!

The cover had me a little worried with Rozemyne's expression, and I had every right to be worried. I love the bonus colored illustration as well, it showing such a vulnerable moment.

As for the story itself, the Prologue is from Melchior's POV. He's just so adorable, and it's a nice setup for what he wants out of life.

This book starts out simple enough after what happened at the end of the previous book, of Rozemyne going about her normal life and duties.

It does make me a bit sad, though, at just how distant she seems to have become from Lutz. He rarely gets a special mention, instead just lumped in with the Gutenburgs/others. I get that it's because there isn't much to say there, but Rozemyne still makes an effort to have some type of interaction with her real family whenever she sees them. Where Lutz means (meant?) so much to her, it's odd there isn't a little more there. I think this would bother me no matter what, but I have to admit there is some bias in that I wanted them to get together (before I learned that was an impossibility because of her mana alone, let alone everything else that has happened). But, yeah, even when Lutz shows up in the story, he might as well not be there for all the impact it has.

Now that that rant is out of the way...

I'm glad Melchior finally gets to be a part of the story, and I do like where things are going with him. He seems to fit the future planned out for him, and I'm excited to see him grow as the series progresses.

We also continue with the fish plot. I kind of forgot this happened until skimming back over things, as things accelerate quickly after a certain point in this book, but it was quite an interesting experience. I've had no problem accepting most of the fantasy aspects of this series, but this bit really surprised me. I guess it's because feybeasts haven't been used in this way before (at least, not that the reader has seen).

Rozemyne visiting her Leisegang family was quite interesting, and the conversation with her great-grandfather was both startling and hilarious. XD

Then there's the Archduke Conference. I knew things were really beginning to build up, but I did not expect things to go in this direction at all. It just... Sometimes you don't realize how much a certain character means to you until bad things happen. Vague for spoilers, but my heart hurts, and I just feel so bad for so many characters at once. I'm really curious how this is going to affect Rozemyne in particular moving forward. It also doesn't help there's only one volume left in this arc, which usually results in a big shakeup for the story.

So, lots of stress even as the story continues forward. Things begin to be set up for this future heartbreak, and Hartmut's just as annoying and fun as ever.

I'm not sure how to talk about the last few chapters without going into spoiler territory, but things aren't looking good.

The Epilogue is told from Detlinde's POV. I wasn't sure how to feel about her, but this clears up so much. It also makes me laugh at how ill-informed she is about everything concerning Ehrenfest. I'm really curious how things are going to go.

Bonus story time. The first one is told from Heisshitze's POV. I don't really remember who he is, but the context is enough that it doesn't matter who the individual is. And just... It adds so much to the heartbreak, and it further explains why things happened the way they did. There's just so much misinformation...

The second story is from Eckhart's POV. It's nice to get a little more insight into Ferdinand's life, as well as to see Eckhart's thoughts on what is going on.

The bonus comics are good, and I especially loved 'Bottom Priority.' But, Rozemyne, please don't feel sorry for Detlinde. Also, 'Traditional Indian Sports' was funny as well, even if I don't know the game Rozemyne is referencing (there's not even a footnote about it, but I suppose it's easy enough to look up online).

Overall, this volume... It starts out fairly standard for the series, of Rozemyne going about her life as she fulfills her various duties, but then that moment happens and all there is is heartbreak and stress. I had a hard time putting the book down after that point. Even knowing a certain spoiler, it doesn't stop the stress because I have no idea what happens between now and that spoiler. Even with the stress, though, there are still fun moments to laugh at, and it will be fun seeing the various characters step up into their roles. Overall, a great volume, and I'm both scared and eager for what comes next.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can tell that we’re nearing the end of part 4 of the Bookworm series with this volume.

Kazuki sensei lays alot of groundwork for a large, upcoming climax in this volume, leaving us with something of a cliffhanger at the end of the epilogue. However, this results in the pacing being somewhat choppier than usual in a rush to set everything up.

There are several minor events that play out in this ever expanding world here, but only two events of actual importance. The first is that we get to meet Melchior, Rozemynes little brother and see the new character dynamics that go with that.

The second is the reveal that a very important character is to leave for another duchy (how will we manage without them?). This reveal certainly changes the course of the plot and is focused on for most of the volume. But while the consequences of this event are alluded to, we don’t get to see them fully played out just yet.

The next volume is the last of part 4. Each part has so far ended in a climax that makes a significant difference to the state of Mynes/Rozemynes story. Danger surely lies ahead, and this volume builds suspense that will have to be resolved.

[Kyrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The courtly intrigue really deepens in this one. There's also some discussion of how a poor country manages to expand its economy without straining the resources that support it. And the number of arranged marriages is just weird to my mind. Ferdinand is forcibly engaged to Detlinde. He's careless about all the courtly things he should do. She's clueless and seems to think she's smarter than he is. Angelica and Eckhart break up because she doesn't want to quit being Rozemyne's guard. There's a whole lot of Ferdinands' backstory. I'd like to know just how royal Ferdinand is.

If you haven't read any of the preceding volumes, this story must be incredibly confusing. As it is, I struggle with how mentally old Rozemyne is (having been reincarnated) with how old she is physically. And for having lived longer than she appears, she often seems to have no insight into anything. I suspect some of it comes from reading a translated version. Maybe "Eeeep!" and "Ngh" are more common phrases among young adults in Japan? Maybe Rozemyne is just plain weird.

I also wonder about the burdens placed on very young kids to be mature, to understand all the euphemisms, to grasp courtly language and all its hidden meanings. That said, I am anxious to find out what's going on in Volume 9.

It gets twisty.

[s. · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was... painful.

Not in a 'this is a bad book' way but in a 'this story is making me cry' way. And to be really honest, I cried too much. I've long known that my tear ducts are simply too easy to trigger when it comes books, movies, or songs so I knew I'd cry when this plot point comes but it's so different reading it now with illustrations to match it. I am simply glad the people around me didn't grill me while I ugly cry as I read the middle to latter parts of this book.

(T^T) - that was me while I cry and read lol

Anyway, the chaos has certainly started. The lowest point of the story (for me) has begun and I can't help but rub my chest and feel hurt, frustration, and anger with Rozemyne and Ferdinand. I really just want them both to be happy please. And this part of the story is simply too painful.

The overall mood of the book captured excellently the tragedy that is unfolding. The illustrations match the mood really well too.

I am simply eager to keep reading and praying that this suffering of Ferdinand and Rozemyne comes to pass very soon. Thus, on to the next!

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back at home, things should be peaceful. Unless, of course, that home happens to be the Ehrenfest the Eighth, and the annual Archduke Conference is approaching. Lady Rozemyne aims to pass the time by studying in advance of her third year of schooling and returning to her workshop-managing ways. Regrettably, trouble is around the corner.

ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v20 introduces a rather late-in-the-game narrative shift on the part of Ehrenfest's adversaries, but the lateness and abruptness of the move merely emphasizes its severity. In brief, while Rozemyne's return home comes with the usual array of scolding, considering her successes (and antics) at the Royal Academy, her return also brings to the fore a dozen new interduchy disasters that require fine-tuning. At length, Ahrensbach is a duchy on the decline (e.g., poor agronomy, declining aub, lack of mana-wielding nobility), and the venomous Lady Georgine is keen to give her grift one last shot. Can Lady Georgine take out both Ehrenfest and Lord Ferdinand, in one brash move?

Lady Georgine's designs on Ehrenfest may be sharpening, but it's also abundantly clear she's willing to sacrifice her own family to get what she wants. Lady Detlinde, her daughter, may be a bit cocky, but she probably doesn't deserve what her mother has in store for her.

Altogether, this is a curious volume. Not a lot happens to progress the story, but much of the book's events are very much akin to what one might expect of a middle-arc tome just before the rising action. Perhaps the author didn't plan this all too well. As such, change (or the threat of change) is on the horizon, and characters must decide how invested they are in combatting or navigating it. The true danger and fear associated with that change is not as strenuous as simply not knowing the context of an enemy's movements. It's an amoeba conflict. Whether the next volume or two deliver, or are merely anticlimactic, is unknowable.

On the better end of things, Rozemyne's pre-third-year lessons are interrupted when Ferdinand is called to join the Archduke Conference in person. And yet, comically, Rozemyne and her siblings decide to help out Lord Bonifatius in conducting various aub work. One suspects Rozemyne will ace her coursework in the coming semester due to her executing actual, practical aub work rather than studying the previous year's materials.

ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v20 also, positively, offers some much-needed background information on Ferdinand's personal history. When the High Priest's safety is threatened by outside parties, Rozemyne takes it upon herself to berate the young man until he reveals (part of) his origin. Ties to royalty? Something to do with a foreign princess? And if a deal with Ahrensbach goes sour, would Rozemyne go on a rampage to save him from harm? Ferdinand is shocked (and warmed) at the thought of so many others caring for his safety. But at the same time, the guy's turbulent past may be nothing compared to what lies ahead.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10. The change in the story was so abrupt. In a sense I felt that something needed to happen. The time is passing by quickly and I suppose Ferdinand staying by Myne for the entire novel would be kind of a boring story. Myne just going to school, coming back, and then getting yell at by Ferdinand and Sylvester. Nothing really happening and it becoming a story about school in the Royal Academy. Even if Georgine attacked Ehrenfest, it wouldn't matter if Ferdinand was in Ehrenfest. Now that we know that Ferdinand has royal blood, and the Myne has similar amounts of mana inside her, as well of the fact that them both are capable of becoming the king or queen, it is quite apparent that even just throwing mana as rocks would be a great defense. But then there is the strategic mind of Ferninand. It's just impossible to achieve an attack that's interesting if Ferdinand is in Ehrenfest. Now, it is going to be quite the fight. Myne doesn't know how to fight.

My concern is wether Ferdinand is coming back to Ehrenfest or if he will become Aub Ahrensbach. I imagine Detlinde would be find out innocent and Ferdinand would be obligated to still marry her by the king now that Aub Ahrensbach (I suppose he will die and that will prompt Georgine to attack as the Aub) is dead and Georgine is arrested or killed. The story will change abruptly. Will Myne keep her words and actually become queen to save Ferdinand from the life he doesn't desire? Will Ferdinand convince Myne that this path will be the better one since there's no blood spillage and noble count is so low.

Since I've spoiled myself a little, reading the title of the the next part, I think I know the answer, but the sure abrupt changes can mean another path to the same direction.

As always I'm looking forward to the next volume.

[R.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Melchior is introduced in this volume. With how secluded the place is described to be I tend to picture the young children living in something like a jail cell, I know that's not the case but I can't overwrite my first impression of it. The religious ceremonies were then cut short to focus on more problems from Ahrensbach.

Rozemyne seem to appreciate anyone who likes reading at all, it doesn't matter if it's romance stories (a genre she doesn't even enjoy herself) or the bible. The fish cooking part was funny and surprising, as usual no matter what Ferdinand might say he is quite the gourmet himself.

That Heisshitze guy is even stupider than I thought, if Rozemyne finds out there's a decent chance she's want to kill him. So Ferdinand is essentially a lost prince? The author is really laying it on thick how special the male lead is.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreak 💔

All fans of Ferdinand be warned that this book may make you scream. I love how new characters are getting perspectives and the plot is so thick right now!!! So many players are moving behind the scenes in malicious ways that it becomes hard to keep track. I must warn my dear fellow readers that this book and the next should be bought together or you will be chomping at the bit to buy based off where we find ourselves left; it is not 🚫 a cliffhanger but more of a building developments that should soon come to a head.

[Pieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Archduke's conference brings much work and big change to Myne's life. While the first part is the usual slice-of-life world and character development, it appears things are building up to something big soon. I liked how we get more information on Ferdinand, his loyalty to Sylverster and Ehrenfest and the country at large. Some great build up and I am very curious were things are going. All in all, a great read.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this really felt like it was going through the motions. There was a bunch of plot stuff but not a lot of character stuff. And then the plot twist hits. And it is the kind of twist that feels like it was planned from the beginning of the series. And everything is different. A definite add to the world-building as well, though a bit confused. And now I have to wait for the next volume. 3.5 of 5.

[Velta Gūtmane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tuvojas vēl vienas nodaļas noslēgums. Katrai nodaļai jābeidzas ar lielām izmaiņām. Jauns sākums. Tik žēl , ka šī nodaļa beigsies ar Ferdinanda aiziešanu. Rozmyne bez Ferdinanda? Kāds būs šī stāsta turpinājums. Pavisam noteikti man pietrūks sarunas starp abām personām. Kā mainīsies stāsta dinamika? Vairs nebūs viņas aizsargs. Rozmyne būs jāpieaug ātrāk, arī tad ja viņa prātā nekas nav bijusi bērns. Vienīgais kā to noskaidrot ir lasīt tālāk. Tomēr šis pavērsiens tiešām skumdina.

[Kait Renna · Rating 4 out of 5]

nooooooooo!! this level of heartbreak hasn’t been seen since the end of part 2. it’s not fair!

things overall are getting really out of hand, setting up steps for some really long arching plot lines that are very worrisome. this series has always been serious but now it’s getting just depressing.

[An · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferdinand! Aaaagh maldita Georgine! Te odio, te odio! También a ti detulde o como sea que te llames, par de brujas. Llore y llore como nunca, la verdad que volumen tan bueno y sentimental. Cómo no amar al Ferdinand y como Rozemyne le dice que es su familia, no puedo con este dolor. Necesito que esas viejas horribles se van a la tiznada pero ya!

[DW Rowlands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I was expecting it, the announcement of Ferdinand's departure still hits hard...we will have to hope that Rozemyne will manage to find someone she actually feels she can be open with her emotions about, but if that's not allowed to be her retainers and certainly can't safely be friends from other duchies like Hannelore, I'm not sure how that can plausibly come about.

[Breno Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foi muito bom ver a Myne finalmente colocando em palavras sua relação com o Ferdinand.
O Hartmut assumindo aquele posto.
Angela... Por favor.
Medo do que pode acontecer com o Ferdinand mais pra frente agora.

[Mendhak · Rating 1 out of 5]

A pretty poor entry in the series overall. I'm quite disappointed that the entire focus was on social aspects and marriage, and none on Rozemyne's talents. In fact the "bookworm" was just an afterthought. Most of the contents just seemed to be filler.

[Sol González · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cuando termino uno de estos tomos me gusta regresar a ver la portada y entiendo entonces los sentimientos que se intentan reflejar.
En esta ocasión se disponen nuevos problemas de los que sabremos las consecuencias en los siguientes tomos.

[Yessenia Andaverde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke my heart. There are some scenes I could not read with dry eyes. It makes me wonder what's going to happen to Rosemain. Some of the most beautiful and heartbreaking moments are depicted here. This and the next volume are my favorites so far.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grand entry, but not nearly as much of Myne's antics. There is another big bomb that drops in this volume which takes up a large part of it. Certainly going to see how it affects the future books.

[Anny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The calm before the storm ...

The story started happily enough with Rozemyne's usual shenanigans and the dissecting fish parts was especially hilarious. More politics were mentioned and then came the big bomb that wrung my heart. I cannot wait to read the next volume.

[Thon Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

0 star.

[Thisbluetruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

long awaited not long enough.

I loved and if you made it to book 20 you will too!!! The stage is being set and pieces are moving slowly but as always it’s such a fun ride.

[Joyce Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acá es donde el arco más triste comienza...

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a breather after the events of the last volume,but it has a few interesting developments and is still a cozy read.

[Eressea · Rating 5 out of 5]

這部讀到中央與各領之間的互動
不禁牛頭不對馬嘴的想到藤澤周平的時代小說
中央與領地互相盤算的模式
跟時代小說裡幕府與諸藩好像啊~
人果然很難脫離自己的環境去創作

兩天看完一本似乎還是無法在出國前讀完第五部
不過我的閱讀器總算有望在今年七月全面換血
有些書不知道在記憶體裡擺了多少年，總算讀完啦

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A twist comes our way about three quarters in. Will our kingdom be ready for the changes?