Spice & Wolf, Vol. 14

狼と香辛料 [Ookami to Koushinryou] (Novel) #14

by Isuna Hasekura, Jyuu Ayakura (Illustrator), Paul Starr (Translator)

Having arranged to receive a map of the northlands from the silversmith, Lawrence's pleasure at imagining that he'll be able to travel to Yoitsu with Holo lasts but a moment, for when they revisit the town of Lenos, they immediately become entangled in the schemes that surround a forbidden book. The book is said to contain forbidden arts that might threaten Yoitsu itself, but to get it, Lawrence would have to return to his trading route, leaving insufficient time for him to go with Holo to Yoitsu. Faced with the harsh reality of this decision, what will Lawrence's solution be?!

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Manga, Romance, Japanese Literature, Fiction, Novels

248 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2010

About the author

支倉凍砂

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last couple volumes in the series were a bit disappointing for me, so I can say that I was both relieved and delighted to find this volume's style and story to be more like the beginning of the series. While not as economically connected of a story as some of the previous entries, the economic story was well integrated into the story without putting too much emphasis on it. I also very much enjoyed the focus on the relationship of Holo and Lawrence. Their conversations were nice back-and-forths, with much to be inferred from what is left unsaid, as well as said.

[Michael Smith]

"It was a bitter irony that now that he had discovered something he valued above gold, he was hearing it all the time."

Felt like my heart was beating out of its chest the entire time I was reading the epilogue. Loads of stuff from previous volumes finally came together in this volume in the best way possible, and it really hits you that the journey is coming to an end within the next couple of books. Very excited to finish this series after so long!

[HermitBell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
We've come so far!
I can't believe how close we are getting to Yoitsu. And Lawrence and Holo's relationship is just, everything is falling into place <3
Finally!!!

[Rafaela (dragonsandpaperbacks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

My first thought after finishing this book was FINALLY! I already had some high expectations after reading quite a few positive reviews. It was heartwarming, wrenching, and very fun and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS SO MUCH!

Plot-wise, this volume was calmer. There were no extremely risky business deals, no obsession with profit. This one focused on the emotions and dynamics of the relationships between all the main cast of characters.

These character's relationship has been built slowly and developped over the course of these 14 volumes and I'm happy to see what I wanted come to fruition.

The writing is such a treat every time. Occassionally, there are some irksome moments. I'm sure the author makes it so that the reader is a dense as Lawrence - or maybe it's just me, but I never pick up anything from Holo or the clever schemes.

I'm really eager to start volume 15 (so much that I might start it today). Now that the goal and the situation have changed, and the same time Holo's ultimate goal is in sight (plus, knowing the series ends in vol 17) I just have no idea what's going to happen next.

Overall, this was one of the best volumes recently, memorable, sweet and I loved it!

[Robert R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginning of the end. Lawrence and Holo return to Lenos (last visited in volume 5) on their way back north. And old acquaintance makes a reappearance and gives Lawrence the kick in the butt he needs to continue being more honest with Holo. So it's fitting in many ways that we've come full circle from vol. 5 to the same city where Lawrence initially confessed to Holo to finally she her officially reciprocate. Along the way, we get to see Lawrence having grown into his relationship with Holo in ways that feel relatively real despite the "slow burn". But the pair now find themselves faced with a challenge that appears to only be solvable if they go in different directions... will they find a solution - of course. We also get a bit more of Lawrence's side of the equation - not only does his business depend on his "loop" but some of his customers do too (I wish this had been brought into the series earlier).

Unlike the previous several volumes which were a bit slower paced and simply let the main relationship simmer a bit; we finally see the 2 come to a head about their overall feelings in a relatively satisfying manner which feels like it moves the overall story forward.

[Kyle Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this volume should be "Lawrence Tries to Be Suave and Karma is Swift." But seriously, this was a was a good volume. Not a lot happens to move the plot forward but we get more character interactions between old and new characters. Lots of drama and character banter that I've come to enjoy. But since it's nearing the climax I'm felt antsy.

I was surprised when Elsa showed up to join the party for a few days. I did not expect Col to go with her. But it makes sense, because Col wants to be a high-ranking clergyman and Elsa has knowledge and experience he wouldn't get being around Holo and Lawrence. I cracked my sides laughing when Elsa was teaching Col and Holo table manners. Finally, the last scene that made me smile was Lawrence and Holo returning to the group, his face properly red after embracing Holo in a dark alley after she confessed she really does love him.

I was satisfied to say the least and I can't wait for the next volume, or volumes since it's a two-parter.

[BJ Haun · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I've been working my way through the Spice and Wolf series for about half a year now. From the beginning I've more or less known how the series was going to end...it's hard not to, really, when you look to see how many volumes are in the series, and you look at certain cover art and such. Despite that I've been enjoying the ride.

But vol. 14 was the first time I wished I didn't know how it was going to end, and I mean that in a good way. It made me wish I could have savored the tension a little more, because this book has what I think is the best kind of tension: there isn't a town at stake, not a life or even a fortune. What is at stake is simply what one man has come to hold dear, and how easily he will let that go if it seems to be the smart move.

I know I'm close to "the end" (or at least what was the end before the series continued), and despite the fact I know what the destination is, I am really enjoying the journey.

[Caitlin ~WordsAreMyForte~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Objectively, this volume alone probably doesn't deserve five stars. When in conversation with the rest of the series, however, it truly outshone recent volumes and displayed a triumphant return to the emotional depth of S&W.

The plot is comparatively laidback and not reliant on life-or-death situations, but its quietness was something I embraced. It examined the dynamics of Holo, Lawrence, Col, and Elsa, who has returned for this volume as Col's mentor. The emotional core of this book lies in Lawrence and Holo finally owning up to the faults and inactions of their past selves, and how they will move forward as they face the imminent end of their travels together. Both of them have long been stricken with loneliness, and the ways in which they've dealt with their lonely existences has effectively sabotaged a full embracing of their relationship up to this point. The way they constantly push and pull on each other to be better and take action--adding a hefty amount of teasing along the way--is what I love about S&W.

The economics aspect of this book admittedly flew over my head a bit, but I was able to gather a general sense of what was happening. The characters were what kept me coming back in this installment more than anything else.

Haskura handled the culmination of their emotional arcs beautifully, and I closed this volume with renewed love for this series and a needed surge of warmth. This series is so nostalgic for me, and I'm savoring it as long as humanly possible.

Holo confessing to Lawrence was everything I needed and wanted! I suppose it was left up to interpretation if Lawrence kissed her or not, but I also thought it a possibility that Holo had slapped him for trying to kiss her in an alleyway and that's why Lawrence was flush in the face. I love both of those possibilities though haha.

Also, Lawrence's dealings literally keep an entire village alive during the winter months?? This is going to have huge moral implications for if he eventually wants to open a shop and settle down with Holo. He'll have to find a suitable replacement!

[Fred Rothganger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with this series after watching the anime, and picked up the novels to continue the story. Mainly I wanted to see the relationship between Lawrence and Holo work out. Obviously, as the OTP it would, but I just wanted to ship the process. Started with book 6 to see the moment when Lawrence confesses his love to Holo. Book 14 is where Holo finally confesses her love to him.

This book would have been 5 stars, but the sometimes awkward writing dragged it down. I don't think this is just a matter of getting lost in translation, though that could contribute.

[Anniken Haga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm honestly not sure what I think of this book.
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything to scream hurrah about either. There was some must longed for character development toward the end, but the rest of the book kind of had this filler feel to it.

Think I need to take a break from this series. There's just 2 books left until the official story arc ends, then a whole book called epilogue, then starts another arc, but I need a break. That may just be the timing of it all, because a lot is going on, but I felt like I was sitting outside the book again instead of being pulled into it...

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as things are falling into place - a map to Yoitsu and the means to get there - Lawrence, Col, and Holo run into Elsa again in Lenos, accompanied by a merchant who asks Lawrence for his help. The problem is, it would mean he couldn't accompany Holo to Yoitsu, and worse, Holo is encouraging him to take the opportunity as it would mean a significant profit for him. He's beyond disappointed, and is determined to find a way... SUCH a good read.

[Estel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, and it does move Holo and Lawrence's relationship forward. At the same time it seems there's a lot of time spent with not much happening, and Lawrence being super jealous isn't really a good look for him even if it's reasonable. When he was going to keep the information from Holo that one of her people might still be alive I was pretty upset. I'm going to keep reading and probably enjoying but it's a shame this is a weaker volume when the preceding two were great.

[Ricardo Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much to be said about this one. It's a "slice of life" kind of volume, with not a lot happening regarding the main plot, but a lot of character development. Fun read, and definitely winding up for the final of the series over the next 3 volumes.

[Aaron Shih · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Holo and Lawrence continue to be two of my favorite characters throughout all of fiction. Economics in this one were kind of weird but made sense in the end, loving the character progression in it.

[Rita the Parrot Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent installment as the series sadly approaches its conclusion.

[Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

finally<3

[Azim SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many years has it been since the inception of my love for this series... This volume is my personal favourite thus far!

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! Hehe

[S.Q. Eries · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Summary

Our travelers are drawing close to Yoitsu, but Lawrence isn’t ready to part from Holo. This arc contains a strong economics aspect with Lenos’ currency crisis and Le Roi’s book plot, but Lawrence’s suppressed desires are what make it really compelling. He may have been a mere traveling merchant before, but his time with Holo has affected him profoundly, in heart and mind, and this volume brilliantly demonstrates how much he’s changed.

The Review

If you’ve never read any of the books in the series, this would not be the best volume to start with. If you’ve been traveling with Holo and Lawrence for a while, Volume 14 feels like the beginning of the end of their story. There are numerous references to prior adventures, and it has a retrospective air even as journey’s end draws steadily into view. Most Spice and Wolf arcs have Holo and Lawrence going to a new place and meeting new people. Not only does Volume 14 take place in a location they’ve already visited, but we encounter Elsa, the deaconess of Tereo from Volume 4.

Thanks to Fran, Holo and Lawrence are on the verge of discovering the location of Yoitsu. They go to Lenos, the town where Lawrence got ensnared by Eve, to prepare for the final leg into the north, and Lawrence grows increasingly distraught at the prospect of separating from Holo. With as many twists and turns as they’ve taken, their travels have had the tone of an endless journey, and it seemed that they could stretch out their search for Yoitsu indefinitely. However, that’s not the case, and Lawrence finds himself torn by his responsibility to return to the southern villages by spring and his desire to remain with Holo.

That equation gets more complicated when Elsa’s travel companion, an avaricious bookseller named Le Roi, reveals the existence of a forbidden book of mining techniques, which, if it falls into the wrong hands, could mean the ruin of Holo’s homeland. When he discovers Lawrence has a stake in protecting the north lands, he offers a proposal that would both profit Lawrence and remove the threat to Yoitsu. The catch is that he must cut short his journey with Holo.

The story has constant business elements running throughout, from Lenos’ cash-strapped economy to money orders, but the most compelling aspect of Volume 14 is not the underhanded method Lawrence devises to attain the book but the impetus behind it. Lawrence’s feelings for Holo have been building throughout the series, and his agony over their impending separation is delicious. It gets even better when he discovers a member of Holo’s old pack is probably still alive. Much of Spice and Wolf has been Holo helping Lawrence get out of various scrapes so to see him take the initiative for her sake and succeed in a way that exceeds even her expectations is a delight.

Lawrence doesn’t just take the initiative in the business department. Between Holo’s teasing and her true wolf identity, he’s maintained a respectful distance from her. However, as he’s gotten better at understanding her and her cutting remarks, that distance has been closing, and Holo/Lawrence fans will be gratified with a couple of super warm and fuzzy moments.

This light novel includes the first four pages printed in color, world map, and seven black-and-white illustrations. I should also mention that while the text read more smoothly than other volumes, there are, as usual, lines of dialogue that seem muddled and other places where it is unclear who is speaking.

For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Spice and Wolf gets close to the end of the series, it certainly isn't trying to hide the fact. This book is so full of "...as our journey draws to a close" moping that, if I weren't so entertained by the rest of it, I would have thrown it across the room. Aside from that, though, this is drawing to a close fairly gracefully. For the first time, the series is depending heavily on callbacks to earlier volumes, which is done in a clear and logical way. The "last big score" that starts to take shape here is pretty fantastic here, and ought to provide a good counterpoint to the romantic melodrama that's about to hit.

Even though I'm sure that part of my affection for Spice and Wolf comes from the fact that I've been reading it for so long, I also think that, generally, it's a series that balances romance and the minutia of economics really well. The benefits of this are really clear in a volume as late as this one, where the established relationships are strong enough to still be interesting, and the trade deals have been played well enough earlier in the series to be exciting without much exposition needed now. It's an interesting read, and with only three volumes left, I look forward to seeing how it all ends.

[myinon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was the first volume in a while that reinforced the reasons for why I love this series. It brought back the topic of economics and how to use that knowledge to solve the novel’s “crisis”. Even more importantly though, it sets up the finale quite nicely, with the finale being a two-parter similar to Spice & Wolf, Vol. 8: The Town of Strife I and Spice & Wolf, Vol. 9: The Town of Strife II.

The finish line is near and I’m eager to find out how it all ends!

[Eldon Siemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

only 3 more books and you can already feeling it coming. it hurts, but it's exciting nevertheless. I liked Elsa coming back into the story, and even though it at first felt rather odd, it worked well to push Lawrence forward and fight for what he wants