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狼と香辛料 [Ookami to Koushinryou] (Novel) #3
Spice & Wolf, Vol. 03
Having narrowly escaped financial ruin, Lawrence turns his attention to helping Holo find her ancient homeland in the North. But how long can a traveling merchant afford to wander the countryside looking for a village that he suspects may have ceased to exist long ago? When a rival merchant sets his sights on Lawrence's beautiful companion, though, can Lawrence truly be confident that Holo will remain by his side? Has the time come when Lawrence must ask himself whether his relationship with the Wisewolf is business or pleasure?
249 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this volume, but I can see why it's not for everyone.
As Lawrence and Holo continue traveling north, the book opens with them obviously having continued to grow closer as shown by their interactions in the wagon as well as the small differences in their banter. This is in someways the inevitable counter point to volume 2, with Holo being the one potentially tempted to leave Lawrence, although for much more complicated reasons.
I can see the main reason why people also dislike this volume. Much of the drama hinges on the reader buying into the notion that for various reasons neither Lawrence nor Holo will come out and try to define the growing relationship between themselves. If you simply get fed up with this plot point, then you are unlikely to enjoy this volume (or really most of the rest of the series). In my opinion it does require a bit of suspension of disbelief, but Isuna Hasekura does a good enough job selling it that I wasn't overly bothered by this aspect.
As Lawrence and Holo continue traveling north, the book opens with them obviously having continued to grow closer as shown by their interactions in the wagon as well as the small differences in their banter. This is in someways the inevitable counter point to volume 2, with Holo being the one potentially tempted to leave Lawrence, although for much more complicated reasons.
I can see the main reason why people also dislike this volume. Much of the drama hinges on the reader buying into the notion that for various reasons neither Lawrence nor Holo will come out and try to define the growing relationship between themselves. If you simply get fed up with this plot point, then you are unlikely to enjoy this volume (or really most of the rest of the series). In my opinion it does require a bit of suspension of disbelief, but Isuna Hasekura does a good enough job selling it that I wasn't overly bothered by this aspect.
October 5, 2024
The more I read in the series the more I enjoy the cozyness and the characters. In this one there is a lot of miscommunication happening, which I hope will decrease the better the characters get to know each other, or it will be an annoying trope.
Still very solid cozy fantasy.
Still very solid cozy fantasy.
July 31, 2020
Story dragged a little for me compared to the others so far but a decent amount of progress was made as far the main characters and their relationship.
December 30, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads. You really have to pay attention or else you will get so lost in all the convoluted plots they come up with 😂
July 6, 2024
the adventure continues….
June 27, 2018
I'm getting increasingly more frustrated with the series - and I'm only on book 3!
I was thinking of dropping the series altogether and just wait for the manga updates, that is, until I read the epilogue.
It wasn't all bad, however I must vet out: Lawrence is useless. He never says what it's expected to be said. How is Holo supposed to fall in love with him? He is always saying she is so clever, and a genius, and so on and so forth, but I don't see any of that. Especially in this book. Sure it may seem like she's smart, but a 600 year of demi-god of sorts? NO WAY. She's just witty with her retorts, and nothing more. I'm now even frustrated with my Holo, whom I was so enchanted with at first. How things change...
The author is a prick too. He writes in such a low pace, with a bunch of unnecessary (and mostly rhetorical) insights on obvious matters. Why not show your character through actions? Do you have to be so in-your-face about their personalities?
But I still wanna see what happens next.
["merchant" x222] - not even kidding, the book mentions the word "merchant" 222 times in total. And there are roughly the same number of pages, just so you get the gist of the annoyance.
I was thinking of dropping the series altogether and just wait for the manga updates, that is, until I read the epilogue.
It wasn't all bad, however I must vet out: Lawrence is useless. He never says what it's expected to be said. How is Holo supposed to fall in love with him? He is always saying she is so clever, and a genius, and so on and so forth, but I don't see any of that. Especially in this book. Sure it may seem like she's smart, but a 600 year of demi-god of sorts? NO WAY. She's just witty with her retorts, and nothing more. I'm now even frustrated with my Holo, whom I was so enchanted with at first. How things change...
The author is a prick too. He writes in such a low pace, with a bunch of unnecessary (and mostly rhetorical) insights on obvious matters. Why not show your character through actions? Do you have to be so in-your-face about their personalities?
But I still wanna see what happens next.
["merchant" x222] - not even kidding, the book mentions the word "merchant" 222 times in total. And there are roughly the same number of pages, just so you get the gist of the annoyance.
April 2, 2025
After a long break, I could finally continue with this series. I still have some problems with the writing (or the translation), but the characters are worth it. This was the most exciting volume so far and it always surprise me that it can speak about economics such a way that even I enjoy it. Of course Holo and Lawrence are the strongest point of the novels and they had some development in this. Diana was also amazing, I would like to know more about her but I wont probably. Mark and his apprentice were really great and Amati was a good "enemy" and I felt sorry for him a little.
May 6, 2017
Nous continuons notre voyage aux côtés d’Holo et Lawrence. Et cette fois, leurs aventures les mènent à la ville de Lenos, où ils espèrent trouver davantage d’informations sur les terres natales de Yoitsu.
Cependant, rien ne se passera comme prévu et une fois de plus, le voyage de nos deux compagnons sera plus que mouvementé. Lawrence fait une fois de plus la preuve de son sens du commerce. Et s’il s’est révélé à plus d’une reprise très aiguisé, son goût du risque l’a mené aussi nombre de fois dans des situations périlleuses. Lui mais également Holo. Heureusement que cette dernière est toujours là d’ailleurs, car sans lui, qu’adviendrait-il du jeune marchand ?
Si dans l’ensemble j’ai bien apprécié ce troisième tome des aventures d’Holo et Lawrence, une certaine lassitude a tout de même commencé à s’installer, l’envie de voir le voyage des deux héros connaître son dénouement se faisant ressentir de plus en plus.
Le rythme du récit est assez inégal pour ce tome-ci. Au début, toujours aussi enthousiaste à l’idée de me plonger dans les aventures de la Déesse Louve et du jeune marchand, très rapidement j’ai commencé à me lasser. Si dans un premier temps, je me suis remise en question, me disant que probablement, ce n’était pas la bonne période pour cette lecture, finalement il a fallu me rendre à l’évidence : Spice & Wolf ne me captive plus autant… Mais pourquoi ? Fan de la série manga, je n’ai pas réussi à comprendre au début la raison de la fin de cet engouement. Le style d’écriture est toujours aussi impeccable, les héros toujours aussi attachants… Non, cela vient forcément d’autre chose. Ah oui ! Le rythme, cet élément essentiel à n’importe quelle histoire. Et voilà qu’il fait défaut dans la première partie du récit. Pourtant, a priori tous les éléments pour rendre ce tome passionnant étaient réunis. Lawrence se lance dans une nouvelle entreprise et les risques ne sont pas des moindres. S’il échoue, ce n’est ni plus ni moins que la vie d’Holo qui est en danger. En contrepartie d’un prêt, le jeune homme accepte en effet de mettre la Déesse Louve en gage. S’il échoue, elle appartiendra alors à une compagnie rivale et pourra être revendue n’importe où, à n’importe qui. Autant dire que Lawrence n’a pas droit à l’erreur. Il apparaît d’autant plus déterminé à réussir dans son entreprise car, en plus de la richesse que sa réussite lui promet, les deux héros semblent avoir enfin passé un cap dans leur relation ! Il était temps même si, bien entendu, tout est progressif et l’auteur prend bien le temps d’installer le tout. Trop même. Et cela vaut pour l’ensemble de l’histoire. Tout traîne en longueur, beaucoup trop et personnellement, cela a fini par m’agacer.
Pourtant, j’ai persisté dans ma lecture et bien m’en a pris ! Car la deuxième partie du roman est nettement plus intéressante. L’histoire reprend enfin un rythme plus soutenu et nos héros du poil de la bête ! C’est d’ailleurs seulement cette dernière partie qui me motive à continuer avec la suite. Cependant, ce sera avec nettement plus de prudence et un enthousiasme plus maîtrisé que j’aborderai la suite, de peur de plonger de nouveau dans un schéma scénaristique trop répétitif. À voir donc avec la suite !
Troisième tome des aventures d’Holo et Lawrence, ce roman de Spice & Wolf n’est pas à la hauteur des précédents. L’histoire s’essoufle quelque peu, bien que reprenant du rythme sur la fin, et un sentiment de lassitude commence à s’instaurer. Il serait intéressant de voir avec le quatrième tome si ce sentiment perdure afin de déterminer ou pas si la suite en vaut la chandelle.
http://drunkennessbooks.blogspot.fr/2...
Cependant, rien ne se passera comme prévu et une fois de plus, le voyage de nos deux compagnons sera plus que mouvementé. Lawrence fait une fois de plus la preuve de son sens du commerce. Et s’il s’est révélé à plus d’une reprise très aiguisé, son goût du risque l’a mené aussi nombre de fois dans des situations périlleuses. Lui mais également Holo. Heureusement que cette dernière est toujours là d’ailleurs, car sans lui, qu’adviendrait-il du jeune marchand ?
Si dans l’ensemble j’ai bien apprécié ce troisième tome des aventures d’Holo et Lawrence, une certaine lassitude a tout de même commencé à s’installer, l’envie de voir le voyage des deux héros connaître son dénouement se faisant ressentir de plus en plus.
Le rythme du récit est assez inégal pour ce tome-ci. Au début, toujours aussi enthousiaste à l’idée de me plonger dans les aventures de la Déesse Louve et du jeune marchand, très rapidement j’ai commencé à me lasser. Si dans un premier temps, je me suis remise en question, me disant que probablement, ce n’était pas la bonne période pour cette lecture, finalement il a fallu me rendre à l’évidence : Spice & Wolf ne me captive plus autant… Mais pourquoi ? Fan de la série manga, je n’ai pas réussi à comprendre au début la raison de la fin de cet engouement. Le style d’écriture est toujours aussi impeccable, les héros toujours aussi attachants… Non, cela vient forcément d’autre chose. Ah oui ! Le rythme, cet élément essentiel à n’importe quelle histoire. Et voilà qu’il fait défaut dans la première partie du récit. Pourtant, a priori tous les éléments pour rendre ce tome passionnant étaient réunis. Lawrence se lance dans une nouvelle entreprise et les risques ne sont pas des moindres. S’il échoue, ce n’est ni plus ni moins que la vie d’Holo qui est en danger. En contrepartie d’un prêt, le jeune homme accepte en effet de mettre la Déesse Louve en gage. S’il échoue, elle appartiendra alors à une compagnie rivale et pourra être revendue n’importe où, à n’importe qui. Autant dire que Lawrence n’a pas droit à l’erreur. Il apparaît d’autant plus déterminé à réussir dans son entreprise car, en plus de la richesse que sa réussite lui promet, les deux héros semblent avoir enfin passé un cap dans leur relation ! Il était temps même si, bien entendu, tout est progressif et l’auteur prend bien le temps d’installer le tout. Trop même. Et cela vaut pour l’ensemble de l’histoire. Tout traîne en longueur, beaucoup trop et personnellement, cela a fini par m’agacer.
Pourtant, j’ai persisté dans ma lecture et bien m’en a pris ! Car la deuxième partie du roman est nettement plus intéressante. L’histoire reprend enfin un rythme plus soutenu et nos héros du poil de la bête ! C’est d’ailleurs seulement cette dernière partie qui me motive à continuer avec la suite. Cependant, ce sera avec nettement plus de prudence et un enthousiasme plus maîtrisé que j’aborderai la suite, de peur de plonger de nouveau dans un schéma scénaristique trop répétitif. À voir donc avec la suite !
Troisième tome des aventures d’Holo et Lawrence, ce roman de Spice & Wolf n’est pas à la hauteur des précédents. L’histoire s’essoufle quelque peu, bien que reprenant du rythme sur la fin, et un sentiment de lassitude commence à s’instaurer. Il serait intéressant de voir avec le quatrième tome si ce sentiment perdure afin de déterminer ou pas si la suite en vaut la chandelle.
http://drunkennessbooks.blogspot.fr/2...
August 15, 2020
It's a mark of a great author when, even when you know the outcome, you still feel the ups and downs, the intensity of the situation, and the emotion of the characters. Obviously, I know the way things will end. Obviously There's, like, 18 books left in the series after this. So obviously things couldn't end that way in book 3. But even still, I felt Lawrence's pain, his bewilderment, Lawrence's character development is really incredible, as well as how well-defined he already is as a character, that it makes me wonder how Hasekura will continue to develop these two characters and their relationship over 18 more books when they go through such change in just one. So we'll see. Hasekura really has an incredible handle on these characters, as well as coming into his own on how to write a story filled with such anxiety--even when the ending is plainly obvious.
April 3, 2024
First of all, it's been a long time since I read the first two volumes so I'm not gonna reference or make call backs to those since I only remember the key details. Secondly, this review will mostly be spoiler free for those who haven't read volume three.
If you've read the short synopsis blurb on Goodreads about this book then you probably have already guessed that this volume is going to focus heavily on Lawrence and Holo's relationship. Of course, most of this is from Lawrence's perspective with the third-person narrative being limited to his internal thoughts. I would normally consider this to be a positive considering that I'm more often than not a sucker for romance plot lines in stories. I don't even consider myself to be particularly picky in this regard, though maybe I have unknowingly become more so over time without noticing. Regardless, I wasn't really a fan of this becoming the focus here mainly because of how predictable the results of Lawrence's choices are and how oblivious he often is. I would say it's one of the least interesting love triangle story plots that I have seen.
I was also a bit annoyed with how often he bounced back and forth between pessimism and optimism towards his relationship and trust towards Holo. The story on multiple occasions tries to explain his social inadequacies as a result of Lawrence having been so business focused in his past, even having a short side plot about a merchant he had met in the past and how they become closer in this short time than they ever had in their previous dealings, but for me it just became an annoyance. I also found the resolution at the end to be too sudden, and the overall wrap up of the story just felt a bit rushed. For a moment, just before the resolution occurred, I even looked at the page count and wondered if this plot thread was going to end on a cliff hanger to be continued in volume four.
That being said, I did enjoy the opening chapter which primarily consists of Lawrence and Holo talking, and then meeting with another merchant (the one mentioned in the synopsis). I also liked seeing Lawrence go all in during the later chapters as he used various tricks he'd learned from his time as merchant which allowed him to get an upper hand over his less experienced opponent. I was also a big fan of Mark, a wheat merchant that Lawrence has a history of trading with. He was just a cool guy, and I enjoy seeing Lawrence talk with another experienced merchant.
So yeah, that's about all I can really say without spoiling anything. If you like the mercantile side of the story then there is definitely plenty of that here, and if you want to see Lawrence and Holo's relationship progress then that is here as well (even though I didn't care much for it).
★★★☆☆ 3/5, Not a bad read by any means, but also nothing that has me itching to grab the next volume as soon as possible.
If you've read the short synopsis blurb on Goodreads about this book then you probably have already guessed that this volume is going to focus heavily on Lawrence and Holo's relationship. Of course, most of this is from Lawrence's perspective with the third-person narrative being limited to his internal thoughts. I would normally consider this to be a positive considering that I'm more often than not a sucker for romance plot lines in stories. I don't even consider myself to be particularly picky in this regard, though maybe I have unknowingly become more so over time without noticing. Regardless, I wasn't really a fan of this becoming the focus here mainly because of how predictable the results of Lawrence's choices are and how oblivious he often is. I would say it's one of the least interesting love triangle story plots that I have seen.
I was also a bit annoyed with how often he bounced back and forth between pessimism and optimism towards his relationship and trust towards Holo. The story on multiple occasions tries to explain his social inadequacies as a result of Lawrence having been so business focused in his past, even having a short side plot about a merchant he had met in the past and how they become closer in this short time than they ever had in their previous dealings, but for me it just became an annoyance. I also found the resolution at the end to be too sudden, and the overall wrap up of the story just felt a bit rushed. For a moment, just before the resolution occurred, I even looked at the page count and wondered if this plot thread was going to end on a cliff hanger to be continued in volume four.
That being said, I did enjoy the opening chapter which primarily consists of Lawrence and Holo talking, and then meeting with another merchant (the one mentioned in the synopsis). I also liked seeing Lawrence go all in during the later chapters as he used various tricks he'd learned from his time as merchant which allowed him to get an upper hand over his less experienced opponent. I was also a big fan of Mark, a wheat merchant that Lawrence has a history of trading with. He was just a cool guy, and I enjoy seeing Lawrence talk with another experienced merchant.
So yeah, that's about all I can really say without spoiling anything. If you like the mercantile side of the story then there is definitely plenty of that here, and if you want to see Lawrence and Holo's relationship progress then that is here as well (even though I didn't care much for it).
★★★☆☆ 3/5, Not a bad read by any means, but also nothing that has me itching to grab the next volume as soon as possible.
July 5, 2022
I love the series, so far.
I like that Lawrence used a margin contract as a risk in his favor after blundering so badly with it in the second book.
I think at this point, it's been a few weeks(book states 1 week since volume 2) since Lawrence met Holo. It was interesting to see how Lawrence handled an important business deal without her after getting used to having her around to assist and bounce ideas.
This volume is a nail biter right up until the end.
I'm getting the impression Holo's personality makes communication difficult. Lawrence has been trying to learn how to read her since day one, and he can't always be sure when she's being serious or how to interpret her intent. She often says the opposite of what she means, but that's not always reliable. He can't just speak outright with her, because she mocks him. It makes for good banter, but I don't think it's good for their relationship. Despite this, I'm still interested to see how things progress.
I've noticed in each volume, so far, there's been a risk of Holo leaving. That might get old fast if it's a running theme. I can excuse it for the first few, because Lawrence and Holo are still figuring out their compatibility, but I hope it's not a constant.
I like that Lawrence used a margin contract as a risk in his favor after blundering so badly with it in the second book.
I think at this point, it's been a few weeks(book states 1 week since volume 2) since Lawrence met Holo. It was interesting to see how Lawrence handled an important business deal without her after getting used to having her around to assist and bounce ideas.
This volume is a nail biter right up until the end.
I'm getting the impression Holo's personality makes communication difficult. Lawrence has been trying to learn how to read her since day one, and he can't always be sure when she's being serious or how to interpret her intent. She often says the opposite of what she means, but that's not always reliable. He can't just speak outright with her, because she mocks him. It makes for good banter, but I don't think it's good for their relationship. Despite this, I'm still interested to see how things progress.
I've noticed in each volume, so far, there's been a risk of Holo leaving. That might get old fast if it's a running theme. I can excuse it for the first few, because Lawrence and Holo are still figuring out their compatibility, but I hope it's not a constant.
August 21, 2024
I love this series so much. This book really made me think about and appreciate the realization that I love how unromantic it is (or at least, how unromantic it can be interpreted). It's a story involving love and loneliness, but it's not a typical boring, poorly written plot about a regular guy and a regular girl in a regular romantic/erotic relationship. The plot of this book in particular is focused almost entirely around Lawrence competing with another man who challenged him for Holo's hand in marriage, and yet I still enjoyed it profusely, as someone who is allergic to m/f romance.
The drama of the plot itself is great. The way Holo and Lawrence fight and make up, despair and reassure, fumble and apologize to each other is so great. But possibly most of all, I love how firmly Lawrence rejects Holo's (joking, or self-destructive) advances, every time.
I believe I've heard that Lawrence and Holo do end up having a child together some time far in the future in this series, and I dread it quite a lot. I'm going to really savor their relationship up until that point, as I very much enjoy that these two are very explicitly NOT sexually involved with each other, nor are they at all interested in each other in that way.
The drama of the plot itself is great. The way Holo and Lawrence fight and make up, despair and reassure, fumble and apologize to each other is so great. But possibly most of all, I love how firmly Lawrence rejects Holo's (joking, or self-destructive) advances, every time.
I believe I've heard that Lawrence and Holo do end up having a child together some time far in the future in this series, and I dread it quite a lot. I'm going to really savor their relationship up until that point, as I very much enjoy that these two are very explicitly NOT sexually involved with each other, nor are they at all interested in each other in that way.
September 1, 2019
This is probably my favorite novel in this series thus far. The pace of the book and the tension were just right. The emotions displayed in this novel displayed by Lawrence and Holo felt really real and easily drew me into this story.
People complain about this novel because basically all the drama builds up because of a lack of communication. This can be frustrating in some novels, but it did not really bother me here, because Lawrence's internal struggles were interesting to read. I feel that in this novel we get more of an understanding on how Lawrence's mind works. He is a good merchant and he is able to press people into favorable deals. But he lacks in the social/friends/love department. You can see that in this novel with his interactions with other characters too, and it makes Lawrence's motives feel that much more real. Overall I believe this novel is a fine addition to the series because I felt like the characters made actual progress towards a great and more understanding friendship.
People complain about this novel because basically all the drama builds up because of a lack of communication. This can be frustrating in some novels, but it did not really bother me here, because Lawrence's internal struggles were interesting to read. I feel that in this novel we get more of an understanding on how Lawrence's mind works. He is a good merchant and he is able to press people into favorable deals. But he lacks in the social/friends/love department. You can see that in this novel with his interactions with other characters too, and it makes Lawrence's motives feel that much more real. Overall I believe this novel is a fine addition to the series because I felt like the characters made actual progress towards a great and more understanding friendship.
October 10, 2022
I honestly think this is the worst book on the spice and wolf series. I initially wondered why this story was avoided by the manga and then I read it. Now I listened in audiobook and it has not become better. I think that if I didn't know about the manga and have seen the anime, I would have just stopped with the series altogether.
It was just... Holo acted in such an asshole move. This was not romance, it was the most trite tsundere plot I had ever seen. And Laurence having to "fight" for her "approval" and the entire plot of misunderstanding was just terrible. It could have been about Laurence hiding about Youitsu while the subplot of the trade scheme was used, but why put the other asshole there? Why make Holo want for Laurence to jump 20 steps to get her meaning? That's just fucking toxic bullshit. And Laurence was such a shit in so many situations and then a desperate wreck in others when all that happened way better in the previous book and they had already a resolution into that plot. I hate how the lies of Laurence are just... man what a missed opportunity.
It was just... Holo acted in such an asshole move. This was not romance, it was the most trite tsundere plot I had ever seen. And Laurence having to "fight" for her "approval" and the entire plot of misunderstanding was just terrible. It could have been about Laurence hiding about Youitsu while the subplot of the trade scheme was used, but why put the other asshole there? Why make Holo want for Laurence to jump 20 steps to get her meaning? That's just fucking toxic bullshit. And Laurence was such a shit in so many situations and then a desperate wreck in others when all that happened way better in the previous book and they had already a resolution into that plot. I hate how the lies of Laurence are just... man what a missed opportunity.
June 10, 2018
This am, unfortunately, the weakest book in this series so far. In my opinion.
It started out well enough, but fell as the whole thing kind of got out of hand.
I'm not a fan of YA for the reason that there often is so much unnecessary drama, brought on by lack of communication. This was the case in this book, and it strongly annoyed me.
That said, it was a good book.
I liked the story about Diana and the whole witch thing - I'm a sucker for witches, tbh - and I think the characters got a bit more room to grow in this book compared to in the previous ones.
The writing was still on point and I flew through it, spending less than 24 hours reading the whole thing, with a lot of sleep in the middle.
Also, I was at the edge of my seat in that last chapter, actually worried about how things would turn out!
Am still looking forward to reading on in this series!
It started out well enough, but fell as the whole thing kind of got out of hand.
I'm not a fan of YA for the reason that there often is so much unnecessary drama, brought on by lack of communication. This was the case in this book, and it strongly annoyed me.
That said, it was a good book.
I liked the story about Diana and the whole witch thing - I'm a sucker for witches, tbh - and I think the characters got a bit more room to grow in this book compared to in the previous ones.
The writing was still on point and I flew through it, spending less than 24 hours reading the whole thing, with a lot of sleep in the middle.
Also, I was at the edge of my seat in that last chapter, actually worried about how things would turn out!
Am still looking forward to reading on in this series!
January 4, 2017
So far, the best book in the series! I just couldn't put it down. Dialogue between the MCs is great as always, the story is a bit dramatic and the pace is just right! The other characters are better fleshed out and have more different personalities when compared to the 2 previous books where everybody kind of acted the same.
I was wondering whether the series would become repetitive and unoriginal (as in Holo's wolf form saves the day every time), but this time, Lawrence steps up... he still makes mistakes,and he still feels human when compared to Holo! However you can't help but cheer for him, he really is doing his best!
I was wondering whether the series would become repetitive and unoriginal (as in Holo's wolf form saves the day every time), but this time, Lawrence steps up... he still makes mistakes,and he still feels human when compared to Holo! However you can't help but cheer for him, he really is doing his best!
March 31, 2018
Two people who like each other not talking about it and generally failing utterly at communication due to ignorance, pride, or both: the light novel. I'm hoping this is the low point of the series, cuz if this kind of thing happens again, I'm gonna be pretty upset. These two seriously need to DTR and at the very least, talk to each other, dammit. So much of these problems would be solved if they just took a second or two, literally, to say "hey wait lemme 'splain that" or "don't leave just yet I think you misunderstood me."
April 17, 2019
I couldn't get into the third issue and am going to leave the series.
It feels like a regurgitation with the same issues surfacing again. I still don't know what the main characters want in the story. They're just strolling from town to town, engaging in their passive puppy-love without solving any inner conflicts. All the trouble and misunderstanding spring from not talking to each other candidly.
It's not bad. I still like the setting of the wandering merchant, the mix of light romance and trading mechanics, but I'm missing deeper characterization and new developments.
It feels like a regurgitation with the same issues surfacing again. I still don't know what the main characters want in the story. They're just strolling from town to town, engaging in their passive puppy-love without solving any inner conflicts. All the trouble and misunderstanding spring from not talking to each other candidly.
It's not bad. I still like the setting of the wandering merchant, the mix of light romance and trading mechanics, but I'm missing deeper characterization and new developments.
May 6, 2022
Holo and Lawrence's relationship feels so authentic. Book three really dives into Lawrence's feelings toward Holo - can he continue to prioritize making profit over everything else? How does he handle the idea of possibly losing his "cargo" to someone else?
Both Holo and Lawrence annoyed me at different parts of the volume - I just wanted to shake them both and say, "COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. COMMUNICATE!" But don't we all have that moment when we are watching a friends' relationship from the sidelines?
My favorite volume so far. Volume 4 lets go!
Both Holo and Lawrence annoyed me at different parts of the volume - I just wanted to shake them both and say, "COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER. COMMUNICATE!" But don't we all have that moment when we are watching a friends' relationship from the sidelines?
My favorite volume so far. Volume 4 lets go!
March 3, 2024
All right, so, the others were pretty focused on making that money and being a little more honest with each other about their feelings, but THIS one made me AGGRAVATED.
To go so far -- on both sides -- to assume you're right, to take up big risks on the market, even going so far as to make the other angry to accepting a MARRIAGE proposal?
Okay, fine, this does sound like any number of romance tropes, even bad ones, but UUGGGHHH it is so frustrating to read.
And yet, it still works here.
To go so far -- on both sides -- to assume you're right, to take up big risks on the market, even going so far as to make the other angry to accepting a MARRIAGE proposal?
Okay, fine, this does sound like any number of romance tropes, even bad ones, but UUGGGHHH it is so frustrating to read.
And yet, it still works here.
July 14, 2022
Another lovely continuation.
As I read more and more of this series I can't believe how it keeps getting better. Truly an astounding feat by the author, illustrator , and translator. I love every aspect of this story. With each volume I can see the characters growing. As of writing this I have already purchased the next volume. I especially love how the author places emphasis on how relationships work in this chapter of the story.
As I read more and more of this series I can't believe how it keeps getting better. Truly an astounding feat by the author, illustrator , and translator. I love every aspect of this story. With each volume I can see the characters growing. As of writing this I have already purchased the next volume. I especially love how the author places emphasis on how relationships work in this chapter of the story.
September 16, 2024
Oh Holo, you sly wolf. Holo and Lawrence become more lovable in each book. I’m watching the anime in conjunction with the books, it’s a lovely pairing and I really can’t recommend this series enough. And man, Isuna Hasekura really knows how to end the book. The story arc of the book concludes nicely while leaving the plot of the character relationship open and you just can’t wait to crack open that next book. <3
May 24, 2024
This was my favorite installment in this series yet, the relationship drama between Lawrence and Holo was very compelling. That Lawrence made so many mistakes was refreshing for a protagonist in this kind of story. Resolving their conflicts led to real growth and progress in their relationship. I’m eager to pick up the next volume.
August 1, 2024
In a word/phrase: 一体！(What the heck!)
The third novel has no business being this good. On top of the wonderfully written back and forth between two incredible characters, you get a fully fleshed out explanation of market dynamics, calls, margins and commodity trading.
I have never learned so much while having so much fun.
The third novel has no business being this good. On top of the wonderfully written back and forth between two incredible characters, you get a fully fleshed out explanation of market dynamics, calls, margins and commodity trading.
I have never learned so much while having so much fun.
March 21, 2017
Better than the 1st two arc! This arc consist of high tension, excitement and a lot of mixed emotions...it pretty much build up the characters. I loved the emotional joy ride i experienced when reading this, looking forward on volume 4!
January 19, 2018
Actual Rating: 4.7/5
Enjoyable, funny and overall a great adventure story! while at times the story would drag a bit I was surprised how quickly it picked up. the characters were fantastic!
Enjoyable, funny and overall a great adventure story! while at times the story would drag a bit I was surprised how quickly it picked up. the characters were fantastic!
August 28, 2019
This book was definitely quite alluring in terms of character development, conflict, and emotions. With the perspective of a person who is struggling to keep his female companion by his side and bring her to her hometown, I am able to perceive the emotions each character goes through. Through this desperate situation, I see just how love can change someone to take a leap forward for their loved one, even if it may be useless or lead to ruin. It was absolutely a captivating novel to read.
January 6, 2022
Further continuation of the story and we learn more about Lawrence this time. Mostly about his sides he is not too proud of. This leads to some conflict between Holo and him but in the end they manage to talk through it and get closer. But before that happens Lawrence risks almost losing Holo.
March 7, 2023
All the positives and negatives of all the previous works, although this one hits a particular pet peeve of mine. The entire plot even happens because Holo and Lawrence won't just sit down and talk to one another.
August 13, 2023
The atmosphere, the conversation between lawrence and holo are always the best part of this work, I really enjoyed the very interactions between those two,
Plus the merchants sayings never letting me down!
Plus the merchants sayings never letting me down!
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