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The Devil is a Part-Timer! Light Novel #4
The Devil is a Part-Timer!, Vol. 4
With his beloved MgRonald closed for renovations, the Devil King's out of work! Worse, the apartment he shares at Villa Rosa Sasazuka has gotten damaged thanks to his fight with Gabriel, which means the household has to temporarily vacate the premises. Having lost both his title and his vast land holdings, the Devil King takes a part-time job at his landlady's niece's beach house--and of course Chiho and Emi insist on coming along. It's summertime at the beach, but the Devil's still got work to do...!
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 10, 2017
I think that overall I'd sum up this book (and this series as a whole) with... Interesting premise, highly-flawed execution.
First off, just to get one of the big thing out of the way. I don't know this is a translation problem or what, but USE DIALOGUE TAGS. These books would be so much easier to follow if I didn't have to constantly go back and count lines to figure out who the heck is talking. Some characters have distinct enough voices that you can figure it out, but it was an almost constant annoyance.
This series, as I said, have a very interesting premise. I find myself really interested in what's going on in Ente Isla and wanting to know what's going to happen to these characters. The problem is that this series really loves to keep things status quo. I find myself constantly irritated by how little the characters are allowed to develop (especially Emi, who is at the point where I kind of groan whenever she's on the page) and how slowly the plot is allowed to progress. Honestly, this book felt incredibly pointless. Almost three hundred pages and almost nothing has changed, either in the character's relationships with each other or the main plot.
It isn't helped by the fact that the pacing is horribly uneven. The first 2/3 of this book moved so slowly, mostly due to entirely unnecessary conversations and scenes that do nothing to contribute anything to the overall plot. Because of this, the last third moves way too quickly and forces everything to be resolved without much real tension. This was a problem that first started to annoy me in volume 3 and unfortunately wasn't fixed in this one.
I think the only things about this book I really enjoyed were Chiho FINALLY getting some development for herself (not enough, but at this point I'll take it) and Lucifer getting some more screen time. Still don't get why everybody has to be such a jerk to him, though. Including the book's 3rd person narrator. It kind of makes everybody else look bad when they're constantly kicking a guy who's already down.
I wouldn't say it's a bad book (hence the 3 stars). I think if you really like the series, then it's fine, if a bit unnecessary. There was more information given about the demons, which was cool, and some new characters introduced (granted, they were pushed aside pretty quickly, so who knows if they'll end up being relevant again anytime soon). I'm personally not going to be continuing the series after this, though. I think that the story has a lot of potential, but as long as we keep sticking to the status quo, it's not really worth it.
First off, just to get one of the big thing out of the way. I don't know this is a translation problem or what, but USE DIALOGUE TAGS. These books would be so much easier to follow if I didn't have to constantly go back and count lines to figure out who the heck is talking. Some characters have distinct enough voices that you can figure it out, but it was an almost constant annoyance.
This series, as I said, have a very interesting premise. I find myself really interested in what's going on in Ente Isla and wanting to know what's going to happen to these characters. The problem is that this series really loves to keep things status quo. I find myself constantly irritated by how little the characters are allowed to develop (especially Emi, who is at the point where I kind of groan whenever she's on the page) and how slowly the plot is allowed to progress. Honestly, this book felt incredibly pointless. Almost three hundred pages and almost nothing has changed, either in the character's relationships with each other or the main plot.
It isn't helped by the fact that the pacing is horribly uneven. The first 2/3 of this book moved so slowly, mostly due to entirely unnecessary conversations and scenes that do nothing to contribute anything to the overall plot. Because of this, the last third moves way too quickly and forces everything to be resolved without much real tension. This was a problem that first started to annoy me in volume 3 and unfortunately wasn't fixed in this one.
I think the only things about this book I really enjoyed were Chiho FINALLY getting some development for herself (not enough, but at this point I'll take it) and Lucifer getting some more screen time. Still don't get why everybody has to be such a jerk to him, though. Including the book's 3rd person narrator. It kind of makes everybody else look bad when they're constantly kicking a guy who's already down.
I wouldn't say it's a bad book (hence the 3 stars). I think if you really like the series, then it's fine, if a bit unnecessary. There was more information given about the demons, which was cool, and some new characters introduced (granted, they were pushed aside pretty quickly, so who knows if they'll end up being relevant again anytime soon). I'm personally not going to be continuing the series after this, though. I think that the story has a lot of potential, but as long as we keep sticking to the status quo, it's not really worth it.
January 21, 2018
I cannot stress enough about how excellent these light novels are, especially if you enjoyed the anime for The Devil is a Part-Timer! As before, I will say that if you've not read the previous three light novels, you want to start there, as the entirety of the anime is pretty much summed up in the first two, and from light novel #3 onward, you're getting new material, story, and characters. So if you haven't already read the first three, go do that now and then come back to this one.
The sad thing to admit was there was a bit of disappointment for me in this light novel. Despite the set-up we get from the summary blurb, this book doesn't cover a lot of time passing. In fact, For that reason alone, I'm sorry to say that I had to dock a star from my ranking, because it feels like we were set up for a much longer time frame and we didn't get much at all. This was a really quick read.
Still, it was fun nonetheless, and I'm so eager to continue on with the series because it's entertaining and just mysterious enough it's kept me wondering where the plot will go next!
The sad thing to admit was there was a bit of disappointment for me in this light novel. Despite the set-up we get from the summary blurb, this book doesn't cover a lot of time passing. In fact, For that reason alone, I'm sorry to say that I had to dock a star from my ranking, because it feels like we were set up for a much longer time frame and we didn't get much at all. This was a really quick read.
Still, it was fun nonetheless, and I'm so eager to continue on with the series because it's entertaining and just mysterious enough it's kept me wondering where the plot will go next!
September 10, 2018
I really enjoy this series. I think the quirky, fun characters, frenemies basically, make it so entertaining. The author does a good job handling the wide variety of characters, and having them all flow so well together. They're all so distinct and each have specific ways they get on each other's nerves and that really came out in this book. Urushihara gets an upgraded role, and he turns out to be very entertaining when forced out of his lazy bum shell, which we saw the seeds of last book. Definitely a bond between him and Alas Ramos--a la the piggyback ride.
Maou's backstory is slowly coming out, and we're seeing more and more he hasn't necessarily changed that much. Seems like he was always tame for a demon. Camio's addition was a plus--I was worried another character would be too much, but I was sad when he left. Felt there was untapped potential.
The mythology is ever expanding. The demon realm is becoming more developed, something briefly touched on in the last book. Clearly Olga has some higher plan in place, beyond even the church IMO. I like how we get little tidbits in each book. Something GoT style is going on in Entai Island and the other realms. Very interested to see what.
Emi remains a badass, but her cynicism became a little much. In the first three volumes it's been understandable and I've mostly sided with her. But really? Complaining about a compliment? In public? Is that worse than pretending to share a child?
Suzuno and Urushihara take the cake for best characters in this one.
Also, the lack of dialogue indicators isn't bugging me anymore. In fact it's forced me to be a better reader as I can identify the speaker via their style. Maou uses man, dude is Urushihara, and Alciel is always very formal. I kind of like it now to be honest, but I'll admit it did used to annoy me.
I thought this was almost as good as the first one. Very well done. Very interesting. And downright hilarious. Definitely pumped for book five, but may have to take a break for A Wrinkle In Time, as the movie is coming out soon and I want to reread the novel!
Maou's backstory is slowly coming out, and we're seeing more and more he hasn't necessarily changed that much. Seems like he was always tame for a demon. Camio's addition was a plus--I was worried another character would be too much, but I was sad when he left. Felt there was untapped potential.
The mythology is ever expanding. The demon realm is becoming more developed, something briefly touched on in the last book. Clearly Olga has some higher plan in place, beyond even the church IMO. I like how we get little tidbits in each book. Something GoT style is going on in Entai Island and the other realms. Very interested to see what.
Emi remains a badass, but her cynicism became a little much. In the first three volumes it's been understandable and I've mostly sided with her. But really? Complaining about a compliment? In public? Is that worse than pretending to share a child?
Suzuno and Urushihara take the cake for best characters in this one.
Also, the lack of dialogue indicators isn't bugging me anymore. In fact it's forced me to be a better reader as I can identify the speaker via their style. Maou uses man, dude is Urushihara, and Alciel is always very formal. I kind of like it now to be honest, but I'll admit it did used to annoy me.
I thought this was almost as good as the first one. Very well done. Very interesting. And downright hilarious. Definitely pumped for book five, but may have to take a break for A Wrinkle In Time, as the movie is coming out soon and I want to reread the novel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2021
This was a solid addition to the series.
We get some serious character development from Chiho, and see how she's matured some since book one. Urushihara, shockingly enough, ventures outside his usual closet, and all the way to the beach, even though it is mostly because he lacks the choice. Still, he displays some resolve to actually try at things, which I thought was nice. I'm intrigued by his character overall, as he is Lucifer, and how he came to join up with Maou and the others.
Speaking of which, we meet someone from Maou's past, Camio, and learn a bit more about how Maou built up his demonic army, made the first sovereign state in the history of the demon realms, and what his dreams were at the time. Emi and Maou (and the other demons) also work together voluntarily, gasp, thanks to a bit of chiding from Chiho and Camio at separate points, which is hopefully a nice precursor for future books.
As in the other books in the series, we do get some clues to the overarching plot, especially in the last third, with Amane, and in the epilogue. I'm excited to see how it all unfolds.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. We got humor, character development, overarching plot clues, backstory, and cohesion from some of our usually thorny main characters. Great stuff!
Reread Jan 22-25, 2021
This was a fun reread. There's good character and plot development. Urushihara is useful multiple times (!) and we meet some interesting new characters. Emi and Maou work together officially. Not much to say that I didn't say the first time. 4 stars.
We get some serious character development from Chiho, and see how she's matured some since book one. Urushihara, shockingly enough, ventures outside his usual closet, and all the way to the beach, even though it is mostly because he lacks the choice. Still, he displays some resolve to actually try at things, which I thought was nice. I'm intrigued by his character overall, as he is Lucifer, and how he came to join up with Maou and the others.
Speaking of which, we meet someone from Maou's past, Camio, and learn a bit more about how Maou built up his demonic army, made the first sovereign state in the history of the demon realms, and what his dreams were at the time. Emi and Maou (and the other demons) also work together voluntarily, gasp, thanks to a bit of chiding from Chiho and Camio at separate points, which is hopefully a nice precursor for future books.
As in the other books in the series, we do get some clues to the overarching plot, especially in the last third, with Amane, and in the epilogue. I'm excited to see how it all unfolds.
Overall, this was a pretty good book. We got humor, character development, overarching plot clues, backstory, and cohesion from some of our usually thorny main characters. Great stuff!
Reread Jan 22-25, 2021
This was a fun reread. There's good character and plot development. Urushihara is useful multiple times (!) and we meet some interesting new characters. Emi and Maou work together officially. Not much to say that I didn't say the first time. 4 stars.
July 30, 2016
The volume brought the series back on track to what I love. How strange for a simple change of location to force Urushihara, Ashiya, and Maou to work together with Chi, Suzuno, and the hero Emi to make this fun. I loved the beach side resort as well as the rising importance of Urushihara who seems to have spoke in more than one line Dude size lines but now actual full paragraphs. They could still treat him better but at least he is showing clear signs of character development throughout the volumes. I still like his character. On characters, missing was RIka but it appears she may have importance next volume. MgRonalds was still out of the picture some what, but I wonder if next volume it will show up.
Excellent volume overall with a return to the fun moments of the series and good otherworldly powers taking form. Fast read.
Excellent volume overall with a return to the fun moments of the series and good otherworldly powers taking form. Fast read.
February 26, 2020
While to me the third book was a little weak, this felt like a return to form, presenting a wacky adventure that shows interesting sides of every character and allows each of them to have a moment to shine. I particularly like how we get to see Maou's managerial aptitude put into practice here, which demonstrates why he was able to do so much in Ente Isla and then climb the Tokyo corporate ladder relatively fast as well. A great addition to the series!
June 15, 2016
Chiho is definitely evolving as a character, and since she's my preferred choice for romantic interest (and that seems to be where things are going), that definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Lucifer also gets more of a role, and generally speaking, this is a fun addition to the series.
August 20, 2016
En este volumen nuevamente se nos viene las cosas divertidas, el grupo del "Rey Demonio", junto con la "Héroe" y nuestra encantadora y dulce Alas-Ramus se nos van de disque vacaciones, momentos importantes no han de faltar para darnos más que risas.
July 19, 2016
Alas Ramus is still adorable.
It was nice to see Urushihara out of the house for once.
Things are definitely starting to get interesting. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
It was nice to see Urushihara out of the house for once.
Things are definitely starting to get interesting. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
June 13, 2018
This is a series I started in high school. It’s a fun, light series - nothing exceptionally smart or funny or clever or what have you. But it is humorous in turns, has a very “shonen”, young heartfelt kind of feeling throughout, and has a really interesting if not also confusing storyline.
Honestly, it’s just a series I read for fun and whenever I try to have deeper conversations around it, it just goes nowhere and my head hurts. It’s not a book to get you thinking too hard. Just take what you’re given and allow it to be what it is. I think this is a fun, cute series. And I’m committed at least until a
conclusion is reached for my ship either way.
Honestly, it’s just a series I read for fun and whenever I try to have deeper conversations around it, it just goes nowhere and my head hurts. It’s not a book to get you thinking too hard. Just take what you’re given and allow it to be what it is. I think this is a fun, cute series. And I’m committed at least until a
conclusion is reached for my ship either way.
July 14, 2019
This was fun! Definitely not my favorite in the series, but there were some funny moments and some actual character development which was nice to see. This would have probably been a 4 star read but there was one scene that I had a bit of an issue with where the female characters seemed very objectified. I can't say I was surprised that such a scene was included but I was certainly disappointed that it was included (and I'm very glad the scene was scrapped in the manga). That scene alone was worth dropping a whole star. I'm excited for the next in the series though!
December 19, 2019
we got another mysterious question about another world yei yei.
let me express my fangirl as Maou x Emi lover, I REALLY LOVE WHEN MAOU HUG (?) EMI. GOD THANK YOU WAGAHARA SENSEI.
I think that start from this volume, we can see development teamwork between the Demon team x Hero team x Human (yea, chi-chan).
let me express my fangirl as Maou x Emi lover, I REALLY LOVE WHEN MAOU HUG (?) EMI. GOD THANK YOU WAGAHARA SENSEI.
I think that start from this volume, we can see development teamwork between the Demon team x Hero team x Human (yea, chi-chan).
May 18, 2020
Ehhh... This wasn't great. It took more than half it's page count to really start moving and it's looking like the author plans to drip feed the backstory/mystery/overall plot as slowly as possible.
I bought the first five of these at the same time and if I hadn't I'd likely be done with the series here. Maybe volume five will change my mind.
I bought the first five of these at the same time and if I hadn't I'd likely be done with the series here. Maybe volume five will change my mind.
November 19, 2018
Probably the best entry of this series so far. A super nice mix of slice of life and fantasy. And it was funny from the first pages to the last. With some added mystery, it made for a real enjoyable read :D Definitely raised my interest in the series.
April 12, 2020
This one seemed a little drawn out in the beginning and rushed at the end. It also wondered around, it felt more like a transition book setting up things for the story in the next volumes. Still, it was a fun read.
November 23, 2019
Wow what an incredible volume, my favourite so far and I'm enjoying every moment of this series. Can't wait too read the next installment and see where it'll go next.
June 25, 2021
Barely a quarter of the way into the series and the story development is so exciting! I adore the balance between light hearted cuteness and world shaking consequences.
August 4, 2018
It’s a fine book. Honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was gonna be, since I expected this to be the ‘beach episode’. There was even one bit that was legitimately creepy to me! Why? How?? It didn’t last long though, but it was pretty interesting and surprising. Not the most interesting of the series thus far, but it’s a nice little read.
(P.S.: I do very much agree with Hannah’s review in that, for the love of god, they need to start using dialogue tags. But we’re four books in at this point, so that hope’s probably lost.)
(P.S.: I do very much agree with Hannah’s review in that, for the love of god, they need to start using dialogue tags. But we’re four books in at this point, so that hope’s probably lost.)
April 30, 2016
this is easily becoming one of my favorite series of all time, I can never seem to be able to put these down once I start them....like always the characters interaction with each other is priceless and urushihara makes me laugh constantly...I cannot recommended this series enough to anyone who hasn't read it yet...
July 27, 2016
This is definitely the beach episode if this was an anime. Not a whole lot happens, but it does set up a few plot points for a much more interesting next volume. Honestly this one could probably be skipped with little impact to the story, feels like filler.
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July 4, 2015i think good
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