Much as I enjoyed the anime adaptation, the source novels provide so much more context and make for a better telling of the story. The additional details here, such as Challe's feelings and how a certain someone first appears in the plot, really add a lot and make things less oblique. Let's just say that it'll make my sister - who spent hours ranting about certain aspects of the anime's finale - much happier.
I considered docking this a star or two because I hate the Paiges so much, but that wouldn't be fair to the book since it's not an issue with HOW they're written, I just detest them as people with every fiber of my being.
Really enjoying this series. The characters and concepts are expanded on since there is more time than in the anime. Can't wait for the next translation.