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灰と幻想のグリムガル [Hai to Gensou no Grimgar] (Light Novel) #2
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash: Volume 2
Why are we doing this...?
When Haruhiro came to, he was in the darkness. Not knowing why was he here, or where "here" even was. With him were others who also remembered little more than their own names. What they found when they came out of the underground was a world that was "just like a game." In order to survive, Haruhiro forms a party with others in the same situation as him, learns Skills, and takes his first steps forward into the world of Grimgar as a Trainee Volunteer Soldier.
Not knowing what awaits him... This is a tale of adventure born from the ashes.
When Haruhiro came to, he was in the darkness. Not knowing why was he here, or where "here" even was. With him were others who also remembered little more than their own names. What they found when they came out of the underground was a world that was "just like a game." In order to survive, Haruhiro forms a party with others in the same situation as him, learns Skills, and takes his first steps forward into the world of Grimgar as a Trainee Volunteer Soldier.
Not knowing what awaits him... This is a tale of adventure born from the ashes.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2013
100 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 30, 2020
I think the translation is kinda eeeehhh at times because the writing is so stilted, but I love these characters so much. These bunch of losers trying to make it in a D&D-type world.
"Haruhiro was a bit surprised to find himself immediately nodding. Up until yesterday, regardless of what the final decision had been, he would have started by hesitating. What was different between the him of yesterday and the him of today? What would the him of tomorrow be like?
If he didn't die today, he'd get to meet the him of tomorrow. Just perhaps, that might be a wonderful thing."
"Haruhiro was a bit surprised to find himself immediately nodding. Up until yesterday, regardless of what the final decision had been, he would have started by hesitating. What was different between the him of yesterday and the him of today? What would the him of tomorrow be like?
If he didn't die today, he'd get to meet the him of tomorrow. Just perhaps, that might be a wonderful thing."
November 13, 2023
“If he didn’t die today, he’d get to go meet the him of tomorrow. Just maybe, that might be a wonderful thing.”
November 8, 2018
The second book of this series finishes off exactly where the first season of the anime ends, which was kind of nice.
My first take away is that the way the events in the Kobold minds work out in the anime is actually better than in the light novel. Sure, you don’t get the same interactions between the characters, which I think is very important, but the interaction with Death Spots worked better in the anime than in the light novel.
This series continues to be one of my favorites for how it handles a lot of the classic fantasy tropes extremely well, and also presents a fairly realistic fantasy world. It is also handles the isekai trope far better than other light novels I have read or are reading. Though there are hints of where they came from, plus their relationship to each other, it’s not overpowering or game changing. Instead, we are presented with people who have had to learn how to adapt to a fantasy world where death is a very real thing without the usual over the top mary sue elements. (though the ‘line’ for the main protagonist is starting to get fairly close to that…)
My main sticking point with the series is Ranta, because honestly any real party would have kicked him at this point. He creates internal conflict and is a good person for the party to push against, but in this book we get a look inside his head and I think that ruined him because it showed he doesn’t really have any good in him. He’s not the misunderstood character, but rather actually is kind of a delinquent. This may change later on, but until then, a lot of time is spent on exposition in regards to how the party is feeling about him and his antics. Hopefully there is a payoff.
Still, I really did enjoy this book. The writing is along the lines of most other light novels, though you don’t get a lot of the terrible writing choices you see in other books. Instead, this one is a lot closer to ‘normal’ western writing, which is nice to read as an author because I’m not wincing at certain things. I really recommend this series. There is a reason even people giving it one star are still reading it. It’s good, and the characters and situations are interesting. The characters have agency and it really helps to drive the plot, and there is genuine feelings involves. Worth reading if you have a chance.
My first take away is that the way the events in the Kobold minds work out in the anime is actually better than in the light novel. Sure, you don’t get the same interactions between the characters, which I think is very important, but the interaction with Death Spots worked better in the anime than in the light novel.
This series continues to be one of my favorites for how it handles a lot of the classic fantasy tropes extremely well, and also presents a fairly realistic fantasy world. It is also handles the isekai trope far better than other light novels I have read or are reading. Though there are hints of where they came from, plus their relationship to each other, it’s not overpowering or game changing. Instead, we are presented with people who have had to learn how to adapt to a fantasy world where death is a very real thing without the usual over the top mary sue elements. (though the ‘line’ for the main protagonist is starting to get fairly close to that…)
My main sticking point with the series is Ranta, because honestly any real party would have kicked him at this point. He creates internal conflict and is a good person for the party to push against, but in this book we get a look inside his head and I think that ruined him because it showed he doesn’t really have any good in him. He’s not the misunderstood character, but rather actually is kind of a delinquent. This may change later on, but until then, a lot of time is spent on exposition in regards to how the party is feeling about him and his antics. Hopefully there is a payoff.
Still, I really did enjoy this book. The writing is along the lines of most other light novels, though you don’t get a lot of the terrible writing choices you see in other books. Instead, this one is a lot closer to ‘normal’ western writing, which is nice to read as an author because I’m not wincing at certain things. I really recommend this series. There is a reason even people giving it one star are still reading it. It’s good, and the characters and situations are interesting. The characters have agency and it really helps to drive the plot, and there is genuine feelings involves. Worth reading if you have a chance.
June 28, 2021
Amazing pacing and good fights. This series continues to be getting better.
July 25, 2019
This books was really good and where the anime ends while the books continue !!
I’m so excited to keep reading the series and to find out what happens with these characters, especially now that I don’t know what’s gonna happen next 😁
I’m so excited to keep reading the series and to find out what happens with these characters, especially now that I don’t know what’s gonna happen next 😁
April 6, 2021
Grimgar Volume 2 successfully delivers on a specific topic of "What if you and your friends have a guy that everyone but are disliking him, yet that guy is suddenly gone".
It reminds me that even there is a guy that we don't like, we should at least try our best to not hurt anyone, especially that guy.
Grimgar Volume 2 doesn't really changes a lot compared to the Volume 1.
But I feel like in Volume 2 is kind of lacking in focus of topic.
I mean like there is a scene, a huge one, and it's on climax, yet like the resolution is something that I personally don't like it or either they started another conflict leaving the previous one felt empty or even never happened (on the last chapter).
But overall it's still enjoyable, I would recommend it to anyone who loves another world stories.
And I personally will looking forward to read more volumes.
It reminds me that even there is a guy that we don't like, we should at least try our best to not hurt anyone, especially that guy.
Grimgar Volume 2 doesn't really changes a lot compared to the Volume 1.
But I feel like in Volume 2 is kind of lacking in focus of topic.
I mean like there is a scene, a huge one, and it's on climax, yet like the resolution is something that I personally don't like it or either they started another conflict leaving the previous one felt empty or even never happened (on the last chapter).
But overall it's still enjoyable, I would recommend it to anyone who loves another world stories.
And I personally will looking forward to read more volumes.
August 10, 2020
These books are always fun. Not fun in a "everything's going great for everyone" way, but just entertaining to read with interesting characters and solid action.
This book has a few important threads running through it, all entangled in each other very nicely. First, we have Haruhiro trying to step up as the leader of the party. His lack of confidence, his concern for the others, and his desire to do better all constantly clash in his head as he struggles to live up to the responsibility he accepted in the first book. Second, we have Ranta. Ranta is a pain, both for the readers and the party, but as we get enough focus on his throughout the book for this to develop for everyone involved. He develops from reckless clown to core element of the party's strategy and personal relationships without ever really changing, just a bit of perspective on both sides. Weirdly lovely to read about.
The third thread, the big adventuring draw, is the descent into the kobold mines. This is not only a test for Haruhiro's leadership and the party's ability to put up with Ranta, but it's also the place where Mary's old party died making it into a terrifying and emotional experience for everyone. This finishes at the same point as the anime did, which meant I pretty much knew everything that happened, but the tension was still incredibly high and Jyumonji gets big points from me for how well he nails everything as things get more and more dangerous.
This marks the end of the anime, which means that beyond this point it's all new content for me. And after reading these last two volumes, I'm super excited for more.
This book has a few important threads running through it, all entangled in each other very nicely. First, we have Haruhiro trying to step up as the leader of the party. His lack of confidence, his concern for the others, and his desire to do better all constantly clash in his head as he struggles to live up to the responsibility he accepted in the first book. Second, we have Ranta. Ranta is a pain, both for the readers and the party, but as we get enough focus on his throughout the book for this to develop for everyone involved. He develops from reckless clown to core element of the party's strategy and personal relationships without ever really changing, just a bit of perspective on both sides. Weirdly lovely to read about.
The third thread, the big adventuring draw, is the descent into the kobold mines. This is not only a test for Haruhiro's leadership and the party's ability to put up with Ranta, but it's also the place where Mary's old party died making it into a terrifying and emotional experience for everyone. This finishes at the same point as the anime did, which meant I pretty much knew everything that happened, but the tension was still incredibly high and Jyumonji gets big points from me for how well he nails everything as things get more and more dangerous.
This marks the end of the anime, which means that beyond this point it's all new content for me. And after reading these last two volumes, I'm super excited for more.
July 14, 2019
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series.
This volume contained a lot more action than the previous but it also nicely highlighted Haruhiro’s inner struggles with leading the group and possibly some early feelings he may be developing towards one of his female comrades. It also goes into his frustrations with a certain member of the party.
Speaking of that member... we see a hint of decency and possibly some reasoning behind his behavior.
The previously mentioned action was fantastic and tense. I was breathless reading the seemingly unending fight to survive towards the end of the novel. Excellently written.
I am intrigued on where the story of the party’s origin is going. How did they end up in Grimgar and why are they amnesiacs? We are given just the smallest hint of something coming in later volumes that may begin to explain things. I am really looking forward to that.
Another great volume in what I am sure to be a great series. I’m sad that I have come to the series so late but at least it means I don’t have to wait for volume releases! I already have volume 3 and 4 is actually arriving today.
This volume contained a lot more action than the previous but it also nicely highlighted Haruhiro’s inner struggles with leading the group and possibly some early feelings he may be developing towards one of his female comrades. It also goes into his frustrations with a certain member of the party.
Speaking of that member... we see a hint of decency and possibly some reasoning behind his behavior.
The previously mentioned action was fantastic and tense. I was breathless reading the seemingly unending fight to survive towards the end of the novel. Excellently written.
I am intrigued on where the story of the party’s origin is going. How did they end up in Grimgar and why are they amnesiacs? We are given just the smallest hint of something coming in later volumes that may begin to explain things. I am really looking forward to that.
Another great volume in what I am sure to be a great series. I’m sad that I have come to the series so late but at least it means I don’t have to wait for volume releases! I already have volume 3 and 4 is actually arriving today.
February 7, 2017
Volume 2 of Grimgar is a heavily character centric affair, focusing mainly on the hothead Dreadknight named Ranta and the self-conscious Thief leader Haruhiro.
This chapter feels pretty small. Most of the chapter concerns our heroes moving to new hunting grounds, a mine of Kobolds. The ploddingly paced structure shouldn't be too much of a surprise after volume 1.
As mentioned before, Ranta is a major focus here. His mindset and his interactions within the group are key to the success of this volume. It was refreshing to see the narrative shift to his view point a few times as well, though the comedic moments in those scenes went on a bit long.
The romance angle of the series also gets a slight push this chapter. The main characters all display one newfound skill as well, so those add variety to some of the approaches in combat.
This chapter feels pretty small. Most of the chapter concerns our heroes moving to new hunting grounds, a mine of Kobolds. The ploddingly paced structure shouldn't be too much of a surprise after volume 1.
As mentioned before, Ranta is a major focus here. His mindset and his interactions within the group are key to the success of this volume. It was refreshing to see the narrative shift to his view point a few times as well, though the comedic moments in those scenes went on a bit long.
The romance angle of the series also gets a slight push this chapter. The main characters all display one newfound skill as well, so those add variety to some of the approaches in combat.
July 2, 2021
The Best: Grimgar? More please!
This series continues to impress me. It's fantastical, but real, a bit gritty, and feels authentic. The character's consciences (about killing other sentient beings even if they are "monsters") and emotions feel genuine. Maybe it's because I am of a similar age and have similar pesonal experiences that the author describes in their afterword, but the story and how it is told really resonates with me. I love how the characters are developing, and I like the direction the story is taking. I truly enjoy this series so far, far more than any other Light Novel series I have read previously. Thank you for writing this.
This series continues to impress me. It's fantastical, but real, a bit gritty, and feels authentic. The character's consciences (about killing other sentient beings even if they are "monsters") and emotions feel genuine. Maybe it's because I am of a similar age and have similar pesonal experiences that the author describes in their afterword, but the story and how it is told really resonates with me. I love how the characters are developing, and I like the direction the story is taking. I truly enjoy this series so far, far more than any other Light Novel series I have read previously. Thank you for writing this.
August 21, 2022
This volume doesn't feel like it touched on as much as the previous, with the book just being in general shorter and most of the book taking place in a cavern.
However, the book decided to focus on character dynamics, training, and Haruhiro learning how to be a good leader for his group. While the book felt a lot shorter, it didn't feel as it slowed down at all, but it does still feel like a Volume 1.5 in a way. This book definitely makes me more excited to read Volume 3 than Volume 1 made me to read this one.
However, the book decided to focus on character dynamics, training, and Haruhiro learning how to be a good leader for his group. While the book felt a lot shorter, it didn't feel as it slowed down at all, but it does still feel like a Volume 1.5 in a way. This book definitely makes me more excited to read Volume 3 than Volume 1 made me to read this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
I really want to give this a 3.5 since it was better than the first book in terms of themes, direction, focus, character work and study, but It wasn't such a significant improvement that I would give it a high enough rating in terms of enjoyment.
I'm gonna be hoping right into the third book for now, but this one closes the page on a couple of things that if not addressed would come up in the future.
Better pacing than the first book.
I'm gonna be hoping right into the third book for now, but this one closes the page on a couple of things that if not addressed would come up in the future.
Better pacing than the first book.
June 26, 2017
Good sequel.
A good sequel from the first book. Although the author tends to repeat over and over descriptions about spells and skills to the point that gets boring. Also the editor should be more careful reviewing the translation, there is a lot of grammar and nonsense sentences through out the book.
A good sequel from the first book. Although the author tends to repeat over and over descriptions about spells and skills to the point that gets boring. Also the editor should be more careful reviewing the translation, there is a lot of grammar and nonsense sentences through out the book.
January 20, 2021
This book will make you think twice about Ranta and his feeling to his comrades. It's the first time in this book the author tells the story from Haruhiro's friends perspective, not from Haruhiro's only. Reading this book, will make you know about how Ranta's think, and make you deeper fall in love to Merry.
August 26, 2021
Soft beginning, serious second half
The beginning is soft, expanding on Haru's struggle with leadership and a new scenario for the party. But really, it is interesting to read Haru's personal growth, from feeling insecure to becoming a leader despite his insecurities.
The second half is really interesting, and the whole thing is seriously worth a read.
The beginning is soft, expanding on Haru's struggle with leadership and a new scenario for the party. But really, it is interesting to read Haru's personal growth, from feeling insecure to becoming a leader despite his insecurities.
The second half is really interesting, and the whole thing is seriously worth a read.
December 6, 2023
Seguimos con las aventuras de Haru y compañía
Después de la perdida tan brutal que han padecido, no les queda más remedio que seguir adelante y formar Party con otros integrantes
Es duro pero no pueden ignorar que tienen que conseguir comida para sobrevivir, y para ello tienen que enfrentarse en grupo a los monstruos que moran este mundo
Después de la perdida tan brutal que han padecido, no les queda más remedio que seguir adelante y formar Party con otros integrantes
Es duro pero no pueden ignorar que tienen que conseguir comida para sobrevivir, y para ello tienen que enfrentarse en grupo a los monstruos que moran este mundo
January 29, 2019
Haruhiro isn't deep enough to sustain so many inner monologues, but the other crew members aren't exactly riveting either. Everyone is so dang wishy-washy and timid that it's hard to work up any enthusiasm for their exploits.
July 23, 2023
Hay thật sự. Truyện chậm thôi nhưng building nhân vật quá ổn. Cảm giác vừa là game mà vừa là thực. Không phải kiếm điểm exp lên level mà lên level bằng kinh nghiệm thật 🥹. Một bộ giúp ông chú tới với light novel
April 17, 2018
It's not that well written, but damnit I can't stop reading the series.
January 30, 2018
Very good book, love Mary's character and the darker side of fantasy that this series brings to the table.
4.3
4.3
Read
August 23, 2019the anime was better than the book but still the book was very good.
i recommend this book for all, specially rpg players.
i recommend this book for all, specially rpg players.
December 31, 2020
Haruuuuuhirooooooo!!!!!!
August 26, 2021
I love this book, I love this author, and I especially love the afterword.
September 18, 2021
Fantastically fantastic
May 19, 2022
This covers the last of the events in the anime. It's good.
September 16, 2022
Really enjoyed how drastically different the tone of the book is from the anime. Definitely going to keep reading this series.
March 18, 2023
ชอบความสมจริงขึ้นมาบ้างในแนวกลับชาติมาเกิด มีความเป็นแฟนตาซีบ้าง แต่ก็ผสมความลำบากให้กับตัวละครหลัก ทำให้รู้สึกอินไปกับบทและอ่านจบอย่างไว
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
Mui bom, mantém-se interesante :D
October 13, 2023
Good light novel. Haruhiro is such a good protoganist. He has so many flaws and yet pushes past them in a satisfying way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews