Ascendance of a Bookworm (Light Novel), Part 4 Volume 9

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) #21

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

Rozemyne is busy studying for her next year at the Royal Academy and working toward the installation of the new High Priest, but beneath the surface, her heart swirls in turmoil. A decree from the king requires Ferdinand to leave Ehrenfest, and as their final days together draw near, she must face losing her greatest pillar of support since she first entered the temple.
As a farewell gift, Rozemyne treats Ferdinand and their retainers to a meal at the Italian restaurant. Dark clouds loom overhead, however, and an unexpected incident threatens to separate the pair even sooner than expected. Rozemyne can only fight back the tears as she utters a prayer for Ferdinand, blessing him one last time.
Part 4 of this biblio-fantasy concludes with this volume! Also includes a collection of short stories, three of which were written for this release, as a prelude to Part 5, as well as You Shiina’s classic four-panel manga!

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Young Adult, Manga, Anime

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 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

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are at the end of part four. What a ride!

In contrast to the last volume, the pacing in this volume was somewhat more streamlined as it focused mainly on event taking place over the course of just a few days. What event? An attempted assassination!

Carefully planned and instigated by enemies beyond our main characters sight, what else are they capable of if they can get away with things like this? The plots are getting more devious and thrilling the more of this series we read, and the landscape of the whole setting seems ready to change.

This volume should also be noted as the first that explicitly depicts death of any kind as opposed to it being alluded to in previous events. (Don’t worry, no one important. Yet?)

Ultimately though, the main plot takes up only about 60% of the volume, as once again, we are treated to a stream of epilogues from the perspectives of characters other than Rozemyne. Some of this is the usual world building, but also settles characters into new positions and gives us glimpses behind the scenes. It indicates how many people are affected by the current movements of the plot.

Ehrensfest has been brought to a tipping point in this volume. Which way will things fall for its many inhabitants that we now know so well? For that, we’ll have to wait for part 5!

[Mistborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a amazing book to mark the end of part 4. The melancholic vibe throughout the book made my eyes teary a couple time. It's been a while since i crying while reading a series. The dynamic between characters and their struggle to protect everything they treasure was so realistic and heartwarming.
The whole part 4 was definitely one of the best things i ever read. I'm so glad i found this series and have a chance to experience this beautiful journey.

[Brent · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the final volume of part 4. Originally, this series seemed a bit refreshing compared to a lot of the male-led isekai novels that focus on common male power fantasies like fighting and winning over multiple girls. Instead of battles and harem nonsense, this series was more focused on traditionally female pastimes, such as crafting different things like books, soaps, hairpins, and making new cooking recipes, and with a protagonist who achieved social and economic success through those pastimes. This contrast suited the series well and it was a more creative type of isekai. However, ever since Myne has become a noble, the series has drifted further from those roots and more toward a traditional and generic isekai power fantasy where the protagonist is the most powerful, loved by everyone, and only hated by people who are clearly evil and scheming.

To make matters worse, a good part of this volume is devoted to giving the protagonist's enemies (and their children) a choice between being the victims of mass murder or accepting enslavement. It is even worse that this was portrayed as the wise and compassionate solution of a "Saint." Slavery apologism has become something of a disturbing trend in light novels and anime recently, trying to portray protagonists as good because they are kind to the people they enslave. It's quite frankly baffling as to why anyone could think this was a good idea. Since this story takes place in a fantasy world, the author could have chosen to resolve faction conflicts in any number of ways, but for some reason, she decided that it was best resolved by her bookworm protagonist magically enslaving people. It significantly diminished an otherwise moving story about a girl being separated from her mentor. Hopefully, part five of the series will bring its focus back to books and libraries and away from generic isekai nonsense.

[Aelvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgine is plotting against Ehrenfest---and Rozemyne. And in the nature of such noble scheming, her plans are deadly in multiple ways. Rozemyne, however, finds herself unexpectedly up to the task . . .

I really don't like Georgine as an antagonist. Not because she's badly written, but because she's the sort of nasty schemer who just loves dragging other people through the mud in as many ways as she can. Even when she's not actually here, she's still messing with Ehrenfest, through the remains of the Veronica faction.

It is funny to see what unmasks her latest scheme. Rozemyne has only ever really had books on her mind . . . and yet that makes her unrivaled in certain ways.

This book also marks the end of an era, truly: Ferdinand is leaving. And the circumstances of this volume just underline how badly Rozemyne needs him there. Even though she doesn't like the scheming underbelly of nobility, there's no stopping it from affecting her. Not even if they keep Ehrenfest clean.

Overall, this is just as solid a story as always, although with more of a melencholy air, since Ferdinand is gone. I do hope he'll find ways to stay involved in the story going forward. This series has been excellent at juggling an enormous cast, but it's also true some of them have faded into the background as their role came to an end. Either way, I rate this book Highly Recommended.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5**

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in one word: heartbreaking.

I am not okay, and I maybe shed a few tears. The cover of this book is just beautiful, and it becomes all the more meaningful once that scene happens. I really don't know where the series is going from here, but there's a lot of apprehension moving forward.

First, the Prologue. It's told in Florencia's POV and is largely a meeting of intelligence, various characters discussing their understanding of things from the visit at the end of the last book.

As for the rest of the main book, a mystery crops up fairly early, and things devolve pretty quickly. It also becomes apparent Ehrenfest has been pushed to going on the offensive with certain things that are pretty dark. Really, the events transpiring in this book are things that have been brewing for awhile, and it makes it all the more clear Ahrensbach is a very dangerous place.

There are some really touching moments near the end of this book, and I just... I'm not okay.

The Epilogue is from Ferdinand's POV, and it was nice to see the final moments from his perspective plus the very start of his new life. Also, sidenote, I want to punch Detlinde in the face. Grr, I know it's because of who her mom is, but I don't think there's any saving her at this point.

Now, bonus stories. This being the end of an arc, there's quite a few of them.

The first one is from Sylvester's POV, and it's him coping the few days following the events at the end of this book. There's also some nice reminiscing of him and Ferdinand back when they were younger.

The second is from Justus' POV, going a little bit into his associations with Georgine but largely focusing on him finding ways to gather intel in his new living situation.

The third is from Cornelius' POV, and it covers some of the events that I assume are going to be skipped over between this volume and the next (when it comes to Rozemyne's POV, anyways). In that case, it's a nice bridge.

The fourth is from Mattias' POV, and some new information is learned as the story continues forward. I can't believe such a big moment was put into a bonus story, but I do think it works best told from his viewpoint, he inadvertently a major player.

The fifth is from Wilma's POV, and it covers a difficult transition period that I won't get into because of spoilers. Hartmut is as obsessive as always, though. :P

The sixth story is from Kamil's POV, and I love it. It's easy to forget how much time has passed, and it's nice seeing him at roughly the same age Myne was at the beginning of this series. It's still sad he doesn't know any of the secrets, but this story was pretty touching all the same.

The seventh is from Rihyarda's POV. While all of the other stories have moved forward with time, this one jumps back to earlier in the main book. It brings back some of the heartbreak, but it's a nice bit of closure.

The eighth and final bonus story is from Fran's POV, and, again, it jumps earlier in time. It just... It's a great reflection on how Ferdinand has changed because of his relationship with Rozemyne. However, those ending few lines... I hope Fran one day gains what he desires.

As for the bonus comics, Rozemyne with dog ears and a tail was quite cute. I enjoyed the rest of the comics as well, they playing off of funny moments that happened in this volume.

I love the artwork in this volume. The color illustrations are perfect, and I loved all the other illustrations as well. There were so many important moments, and the art captured them perfectly.

Overall, this is a great end to this arc. I do have to say the name of this arc is a bit misleading, as it felt like it rarely had to do with the Library Committee, but I really enjoyed this volume and this arc overall. This ending volume is super tense and emotional, and a huge change has been made to the status quo. I love that the majority of the bonus stories progressed things forward, and it worked well to see the various events through various viewpoints.

I'm not ready for what comes next, as it kind of scares me, but I'm eager to see where the story goes from here. Some problems have been dealt with, but there are still many mysteries and problems left to explore. Though this book is short outside of all its bonus content, it was quite a way to close out this arc. I could not put this book down.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poison! Thievery! Betrayal! Whatever wayward designs within which these characters find themselves, the precipice of change looms all the more dangerous when the urgent call of a nefarious other threatens to push them off the edge. In ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v21, Ferdinand's forthcoming departure to the Duchy of Ahrensbach is equally stymied and accelerated by a frantic side story reminiscent of Poe's The Purloined Letter.

The circumstances surrounding Ferdinand's forced dismissal is an awkward and dangerous mix of known and unknown dilemmas. Everyone knows Lady Georgine has her sights set on Ehrenfest the Eighth. But does Georgine's revenge exist merely to spite Ehrenfest? Does she hope to elevate Ahrensbach in Ehrenfest's ashes? Does she hope to monopolize Ferdinand, personally? Who else is she willing to sacrifice to get what she wants? Her husband? Her daughters? Nobody really knows. And so, with little beyond a guard knight, a scholar, and his own intuition, Lord Ferdinand embarks on the newest chapter of his tumultuous young life.

Fortunately, before all of that sadness weighs down the narrative, the author saw fit to insert a good deal of drama with a pseudo-side-story that consumes roughly 40% of the book. In short, someone weasels into the High Bishop's chambers in the temple and thieves the Bible. At length, Lady Rozemyne and the gang must conduct a thorough and detailed search to find the culprit, bring them to justice, and retrieve the stolen artefact. The whole ordeal involves deception, kidnapping, a renewal of Lower City allies, a confirmation of Noble's Quarters egotism, and some good old fashioned violence.

The Bible-stealing incident is a great example of what makes this light-novel series so enchanting. At nearly two dozen volumes, readers know, explicitly, that everything will work out fine. And yet, the narrative construction quickly and abruptly nudges readers with the implicit presumption that things are going to be bumpy for a while. Things may work out for the core cast of characters in the end, but the knowledge they gain from surviving each stress test may well change them for good.

ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v21 is a fond farewell to Ferdinand. The book makes no short mention of the young man's growing emotional entanglement after meeting a certain bookworm (often riddled with worry). The sendoff is sweet. And reality sets in fast. Soon, Rozemyne will require a whole bevy of overeager friends and family to keep her within her remit when her next term at the Royal Academy begins. And just as there will be fewer eyes available to watch Ferdinand's back in Ahrensbach, so too will there be fewer eyes available to keep Rozemyne on course.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. Felt really sad in many parts; Fran thinking he would go anywhere with Myne or Ferdinand if asled to, Myne farewell with Ferdinand, Myne about to cry at Ferdinand's hidden room. Some volumes have felt a little bit rushed. Not this one as it was perfectly paced, though I still feel I definitely could read another 100 pages of the main story. I was surprised to find out that more than a third of the volume length are side stories. Don't get me wrong, I loved reading them, but time goes back or freezes in side stories. It doesn't flow with the story. Well, that's not true, isn't it? Having read the Orphanage side story, we now know that the Purge was a success. That could be left unsaid, because being unaware always brings forth a sense of uneasiness which is quite thrilling, but having read the afterword, it makes sense. Since this is the end of part 4, then it would be weird to end it with the Purge. Ending on a high note. Hope to read more as always.

[Pieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

While preparations are being made for Ferdinand's departure, the bible of the bishop is stolen. As a result, plans are pushed forward and there is even less time for Myne to say goodbye to Ferdinand. While the end of Part 4 is not as dramatic as some of the earlier parts, it was a very good read. As always, the series shines in its world building and character development, answering some questions, but leaving enough open to remain wondering what is going to happen now that Ferdinand (at least for now) is gone. The name swearing feels a bit off to me, mostly if it is true that it is common in Ahrenbach and a name sworn dies with the one whom they swore to. Sure, it enforces a certain kind of loyalty, but it is a bad accident waiting to happen and to leave a duchy deprived of a sizable number of people. Regardless, I am really looking forward to the next part of the series.

[My · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have little to say, except I will indisposed for the rest of day for having experienced sad emotions.

Kidding aside, too many things had happened all at once and wowza. The next volume will be ridiculous, most likely.

[s. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most I've cried in a book.

As Rozemyne loses yet another pillar she considers to be a family on her side, I feel like I lost someone too. Of course it's not like he is dead. But the idea of Rozemyne having to face and trudge into the future on her own now and Ferdinand having to face yet again a world of guaranteed misery after only starting to loosen up and relax, is enough to get me sobbing with fat tears falling continuously on my cheeks.

This was a very heavy book to read. I'm a crybaby, but I haven't cried this much in one book. I literally woke up with swollen eyes after reading this.

There's just something so melancholic in watching something that blossomed so beautifully only to be ripped apart so forcecully again. I will never cease to feel so distraught and sad whenever I come across this plot point.

I cried. And I cried.

I cried so much that after the dreadful chapter, my tears were falling unprompted. I cried so much that my throat hurt and my lips were shaking. It was painful reading this in the webnovel and reading it in proper English translation only served to break me more. There's nothing I could've asked for more.

This was a painful book in this series to read but I loved every page and every word of it.

I can't wait to read the next.

[Kyrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was sad, but hopeful. Lots of intrigue! I am hoping things get resolved in the next part!

Ferdinand is being forced to marry Detlinde, and teach her younger sister how to be the next Aub of Ahrensbach. It's very confusing, because apparently Georgine will be the Aub until Detlinde and Ferdinand marry, and then Detlinde will be Aub until Letizia is of age. I really do not understand the politics of this world. Georgine is apparently trying to kill or at least totally discredit Rozemyne. No one holds a grudge like the women of this world. However, Ehrenfest's leadership has figured a lot of this out and is plotting to counter her efforts. It's complicated, and scary, and sad when Ferdinand and Rozemyne part.

[Naky Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuando dije que el libro que más le dolía era el anterior... Mentí. Este le hizo sufrir más al pensar en la magnitud de todas las cosas que Myne perdio en la vida. Todo lo que tuvo que dejar en un intento de proteger su vida y la de las personas que la rodean. Pero aún pese a los sacrificios, los intentos de asesinato no desaparecen.

Mientras ella invitaba a Ferdinand a comer al restaurante Italiano, alguien entro al templo, robo la biblia y en su lugar dejo un artefacto mágico que al usarse podría acabar con la vida de la persona que lo usará. Esto parece un hecho aislado que hace parte de una intriga aún más grande.

Una historia de amor, de dejar ir, de supervivencia y de despedidas.

I 🩵 Ferdinand

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit different than the last few in that this doesn't take place at the school. And really not much around printing or the Gutenbergs. Instead, we see conflict that's actually quite gripping. We see planning. A full third of the book is epilogue, which kind of changed the tone and took some getting into, but actually worked pretty well. Many of the side characters felt more important and more interesting than they have in awhile. One thing is clear, this isn't the world we live in - somethings they take for granted - in this one it was guilt by association requiring death - feels really different. 3.5 of 5.

[R.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again someone is after Rozemyne, but plans are in motion to dispose of their enemies. After her second jureve Rozemyne should now be healthy again.

Wilfried is even worse at socializing than Rozemyne. She could be more direct than it's considered acceptable, and she has trouble containing herself, but Wilfried is only good at being polite he doesn't seem to understand any noble euphemism.
Apparently everyone in the orphanage shares Hartmut's opinion of Rozemyne and would gladly listen to him praising her sainthood for hours.

The volume concludes with Ferdinand's emotional departure and arrival in Ahrensbach, the children also leave for the start of a new year at the Royal academy, while the archduke of Ehrenfest prepares to deal with the remaining Veronica faction members.

[A S · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best

I really liked this volume. A lot happens in a short period of time, but it also seems like a tipping point is occurring in Ehrenfest so there is a lot of suspense. The imminent departure of Ferdinand is front and center and the volume revolves around many of Rozemyne’s inner circle allies and subordinates as they face the looming threat. Greatest hits if you love how bad ass Angelia is and how ruthless Hartmut is in defending Rozemyne. Wilfried is ruthlessly mocked, which is always hilarious.

[Sol González · Rating 4 out of 5]

Más despedidas, aunque ahora no llore. La imagen del círculo mágico con todos los colores fue la más bella de todo el libro, fue sentimental esta despedida pero agradezco que no hubiera sido tan intensa como la última.

Este libro contuvo más acción con las persecuciones e intentos de asesinato, quedamos al final en un gancho a la mitad de un evento desafortunado y el último panel en blanco y negro me gustó al mostrar los ojos de Myne.

[Faith Troupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished reading this book and as expected there were a couple of parts I teared up at. I actually stoped half way and moved on tot he next book just so I wouldn’t cry at work. I have since finished it and I’m happy to say it was not a year jerking as I thought it would be. I’m still pissed that the high priest is not the high priest anymore I mean he’s been it for over 20 books and now he’s not. Sigh I just hope this gets better.

[DW Rowlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...I didn't really expect the ending of Part 4 to leave me crying for over an hour, but it really hit me hard. Rozemyne has grown up so much, and it feels like she and Ferdinand may finally really understand each other...but only in time for them to have to be separated like this. It feels like she's finally accepting her responsibility as someone who is an adult mentally, even if she appears to still be a child to those who don't know about her life as Urano.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new world

I can't help but feel that this book, more than any other, makes this seem as if we are visiting the true story of another world. The characters just really jump out as human due to the major character development you see in all the main players introduced to us. Very well done.

[An · Rating 5 out of 5]

Llore como nunca, no pude con tanta tristeza, tantas despedidas, tantas historias se me hizo largo y corto. Fue un golpe duro para Rozemyne pero necesario perder a Ferdinand. La verdad es que me la pasé llorando todo el volumen, fue buenísimo pasaron tantas cosas y odio tanto a los de ahrenfest, chtm Georgina!!!!

[Anny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried more than once reading this volume. It was made painfully clear here how much Rozemyne depended on Ferdinand and in turn how much Ferdinand had warmed up to her, to the point that he would prioritize her need over his own. Their separation scene was so bittersweet that I desperately hoped that they would be reunited somehow.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely captivating... I didnt want to stop reading. I am heartbroken that Ferdinand is made to leave early, and heartbroken to see the relationship between Ferdinand and Rozemyne to grow into something so heartfelt at this time.

Well, guess I will pick up the next book and keep reading.

[Sidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOKS! AND SIDE CHARACTERS!

This book is only somewhat different from the others only in so much so that others have more time for their own stories can't wait to see the next volume with the academy socializing!

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I love this series . Can’t wait for part 5 the finally to start. It’s bittersweet but I am always looking forward into reading this series. I am sure once the series is over I will definitely be rereading this series.

[Inana ss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agak kaget baru hal 201 sudah epilog, sisanya ternyata side stories tapi sama-sama seru buat dibaca. Nangis bombay sewaktu rozemyne ngasih blessing, hwaa ga rela mereka pisah ueueue. Looking forward for the next part

[Yessenia Andaverde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried so hard and for so long with this volume. It hurts to see Ferdinand leave. I'm glad they at least can show their love for one another and their closeness. No, they don't call it that, but it can be felt with each gift they give each other.

[Velta Gūtmane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nodaļas noslēgums. Atvadas. Atgādinājums vēlreiz cik daudz Ferdinands ir darījis, un cik daudz citiem ir vēl jāaug. Saspīlētā politikas situācija, kurā būs jāizvēlas kurā pusē būsi, un nepareizais solis varēs novest līdz nāvei. Vai nākamā grāmata būs par sērām, vai emocijas tiks slēptas?

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

So incredibly

I love this book, it is so excited and interesting, all the things that happened in such a short period.
All the different views and feelings express. I loveeeeee this volume of the saga.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and cried

Another great installment in the series! I was laughing one moment and crying the next. I can hardly wait for the next volume to come out.