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NieR
NieR:Automata: YoRHa Boys
An original novel set in the universe of the award-winning, international hit video game NieR:Automata.
Based on the stage drama "Project YoRHa," YoRHA Boys recounts events that occurred before the time frame of Nier:Automata. Written by bestselling novelist Jun Eishima and supervised by Yoko Taro, this is the previously untold tale of the formation of YoRHa Experimental Unit M, the beginning of both "curse" and "punishment," of androids dreaming of the glory of mankind.
Based on the stage drama "Project YoRHa," YoRHA Boys recounts events that occurred before the time frame of Nier:Automata. Written by bestselling novelist Jun Eishima and supervised by Yoko Taro, this is the previously untold tale of the formation of YoRHa Experimental Unit M, the beginning of both "curse" and "punishment," of androids dreaming of the glory of mankind.
292 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2018
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607 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 3, 2020
Honestly my favorite of the YoRHa books, though a bit of that definitely had to do with entirely new characters. While some of it felt familiar, the story itself was new and I had a great time reading it. More in-depth review coming soon.
December 7, 2020
I had fun with those boys 🥺
Fuck YoRHa 🙊
I'm still a bit lost about the events that happend in general, but still... sad and tragic 😭
Fuck YoRHa 🙊
I'm still a bit lost about the events that happend in general, but still... sad and tragic 😭
September 22, 2023
To preface, this is my first experience with YorHa. I’ve never played the games or read any of the books. Now, going into the review:
This book made me want to pitch myself onto a bed of nails. It was great, but it was so hopeless and depressing.
The fact that this novel started off in a similar way to how it ended was very well done. (Spoilers) No. 9 betrayed his squad mates, sacrificed himself, and yet still hoped to be reunited with No. 2 in the future. It was exactly the series of actions No. 2 completed in the end. This just really hammered home that these androids are stuck in this cycle, doomed to repeat.
These androids were explosive, flawed, and surprisingly unique in their attitudes and outlooks. It was shocking yet unsurprising to see them all turn on each other. After all, they were made in humanity’s image, so they were just as violent and illogical. It was so interesting to understand that even androids could not become the better version of humanity’s legacy. They idealized people too much to be able to understand that people went extinct for a reason.
There was also an ongoing theme of warmth. For androids, you wouldn’t think that would be such a concern for them, but they are consistently hoping to be warm or made warm by each others’ presence. It’s such a devastating wish because it’s so simple, yet it remains unfulfilled.
All of the relationships were deeply complicated. Although No. 4 and No. 3 trained together and thought they knew each other better than anyone, they really didn’t understand each other in the slightest. That’s really exposed in their final fight, where they are clearly so happy (No. 3) and so sad (No. 4) to be in that moment together.
As for No. 21 and No. 22, they were deeply close and connected throughout the story. However, in the end, you realize there’s more to their deep bond. Although No. 21 loves No. 22, he also believes No. 22 to be an inferior model in terms of combat ability and critical thinking. It’s something he never said aloud because he never wanted to hurt No. 22. It shows that perhaps having these thoughts doesn’t mean you don’t love someone. It’s the fact that he had those thoughts but never voiced them that speaks volumes of just how important No. 22 was to him. He was known for giving everyone honest information to ensure their best performances in battle, but he refused to do so with No. 22 to preserve his smile. Love is many things, and to No. 22, it was his silence.
No. 9 and No. 2 were the dynamic that began the story. Although they were made different the second time they met, they had a peculiar bond straight away. It was as if some part of them already knew the other. It begs the reader to question if the concept of souls is real in this world, just like the androids themselves wondered. These androids are scrapped and their consciousnesses are stripped again and again, but every time they meet, they are able to be warm once more.
I also noticed that throughout the story, their perspectives were told through log entries, but after they lost half their group, the log entry label disappeared. They were no longer making reports. They had resigned themselves to the idea that nothing they did made a difference. They would die, and nothing would change.
It’s hard to read something where the characters have such sincere desires with no hopes of ever reaching them. As readers, all we can do is hope that they do find each other again, as they promised each other they would. Perhaps this time, they would be better.
This book made me want to pitch myself onto a bed of nails. It was great, but it was so hopeless and depressing.
The fact that this novel started off in a similar way to how it ended was very well done. (Spoilers) No. 9 betrayed his squad mates, sacrificed himself, and yet still hoped to be reunited with No. 2 in the future. It was exactly the series of actions No. 2 completed in the end. This just really hammered home that these androids are stuck in this cycle, doomed to repeat.
These androids were explosive, flawed, and surprisingly unique in their attitudes and outlooks. It was shocking yet unsurprising to see them all turn on each other. After all, they were made in humanity’s image, so they were just as violent and illogical. It was so interesting to understand that even androids could not become the better version of humanity’s legacy. They idealized people too much to be able to understand that people went extinct for a reason.
There was also an ongoing theme of warmth. For androids, you wouldn’t think that would be such a concern for them, but they are consistently hoping to be warm or made warm by each others’ presence. It’s such a devastating wish because it’s so simple, yet it remains unfulfilled.
All of the relationships were deeply complicated. Although No. 4 and No. 3 trained together and thought they knew each other better than anyone, they really didn’t understand each other in the slightest. That’s really exposed in their final fight, where they are clearly so happy (No. 3) and so sad (No. 4) to be in that moment together.
As for No. 21 and No. 22, they were deeply close and connected throughout the story. However, in the end, you realize there’s more to their deep bond. Although No. 21 loves No. 22, he also believes No. 22 to be an inferior model in terms of combat ability and critical thinking. It’s something he never said aloud because he never wanted to hurt No. 22. It shows that perhaps having these thoughts doesn’t mean you don’t love someone. It’s the fact that he had those thoughts but never voiced them that speaks volumes of just how important No. 22 was to him. He was known for giving everyone honest information to ensure their best performances in battle, but he refused to do so with No. 22 to preserve his smile. Love is many things, and to No. 22, it was his silence.
No. 9 and No. 2 were the dynamic that began the story. Although they were made different the second time they met, they had a peculiar bond straight away. It was as if some part of them already knew the other. It begs the reader to question if the concept of souls is real in this world, just like the androids themselves wondered. These androids are scrapped and their consciousnesses are stripped again and again, but every time they meet, they are able to be warm once more.
I also noticed that throughout the story, their perspectives were told through log entries, but after they lost half their group, the log entry label disappeared. They were no longer making reports. They had resigned themselves to the idea that nothing they did made a difference. They would die, and nothing would change.
It’s hard to read something where the characters have such sincere desires with no hopes of ever reaching them. As readers, all we can do is hope that they do find each other again, as they promised each other they would. Perhaps this time, they would be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2023
from a technical standpoint, this is probably the worst book I've ever read. the writers refuse to show ANYTHING. they spell out and explain absolutely every minute thing that happens as if it expects all its readers to be idiots. who was this book meant for? long term fans of the series, you'd assume, but then they wouldn't explain what the bunker is and what a black box does. those who don't know that much about it? but surely then they would describe the appearance of ANYTHING. any setting, the desert or the forest. they'd try to capture the atmosphere of the game - a really hard thing to do, I imagine - but if square enix books hires you theres no excuse. I imagine i'd be incredibly confused if I hadn't played the game and as a devoted fan, i'm immensely disappointed.
the game is rated pegi 18 and yet this book treats it readers like toddlers. here's a few quotes that made me put it down and rage spam my friends keyboard smashes:
"why would you do that? the explosion will-"
kill you, too, I meant to say, but my words were cut off by the SSU. "seven seconds.."
WHAT??? DO YOU THINK PEOPLE WONT BE ABLE TO TELL THAT YOU GOT INTERRUPTED?? DO YOU THINK THAT BY SLOWING DOWN THE PACE WITH A USELESS SENTENCE WITH 3 COMMAS YOU WILL EXPRESS THAT BETTER?? DO YOU THINK THAT DELIVERS THE URGENCY OF THE SITUATION BETTER?
"I can really see how she got to be in charge around these parts."
"great. good for her."
to cactus, hearing anemone praised so thoroughly was like having his own credentials as a leader called into question. he didn't like it. not one bit.
"anyway," cactus said, eager to change the subject.
do you think I couldn't have gathered that just from his half assed response?? do I not also have a brain?? do you expect your readers to have the reading comprehension of a brick??
i turned to parry the blow, which was far more powerful than I would have expected from a scanner model. his limiter must have been forced offline as the infection progressed.
maybe this is something I missed in the game but?? limiter?? why on earth would someone provide an android with a function to fight well and then LIMIT IT?? to preserve his energy maybe okay but then why wouldn't he choose activate it when needed, too?
furthermore, there are (i think??) 7 POVs in total and all of them sound the same. all I knew about them while being 150 pages in is that number 9 is basically 9S and numbers 21 and 22 are twins. that's it. nothing differentiated number 6 from 3 from 4 for me until the last stretch of the book. and number 2's plot twist was a good idea, i'm just a bit underwhelmed by the execution. we could've had a POV of his sooner where his thought process is perhaps so different to the others where you're like.. okay.. this is suspicious, to build some suspense. like I cannot for the life of me figure out why, if it was a conscious decision, did they not make them all sound and think differently. like yes it's repeatedly mentioned that number 22 is a coward, he's the weaker twin, and that number 3 is stupid but again- we're literally spoon-fed this information word for word and its treated like FACTS. we don't get to come to these conclusions ourselves and we don't get the chance to form our own opinions of them, therefore they're not memorable AT ALL. so much so that a couple of times I had to go back and find the beginning of the log entry to remember who was speaking. and I think this is even worse due to the fact that they clearly intended the infected POVs to come across differently BecAuSe tHey tYpEd it liKe thiS (which in itself i think is not the worst idea) but the androids themselves arent any less eloquent BECAUSE THEY WERENT TO BEGIN WITH. you can't make someone seem brain dead when their normal state sounds like an 8yo talking. the whole book reads like the respective androids' trail of thought and its simply boring to read. i think it wouldve been a lot better if the text was only presented like this when they're infected.
they also introduced this idea that androids are given some random memories from humans of our time- some androids even think of them as their own. thats such an interesting concept and it could've MATTERED but it doesnt. not at all. you literally only find out about them in the last 20 pages and the only thing they serve is a weird twist on a heartfelt interaction. it's such a waste of a cool plot point that it feels like it was just added last minute.
the thing i enjoyed the most is how number 9 is clearly troubled by his job. as the healer, he's always the one that survives every mission, and he repeatedly has to watch all his comrades be brutally murdered; a concept the game doesn't really dwell on outside of the player dying and having to go pick up their chip after respawning.
I do also like the ending. I like how they all realise life was futile all along and how their frustration with command is exhaustive more than anything. and I like the parallels between these characters and the ones in the game; numbers 21 and 22 as Adam and Eve, Popola and Devola, even. and I liked how the instructor talked about cactus and how we got to see a glimpse of some of the characters in game, too.
overall, it was painful to get through, it mostly felt like a chore; though the last 50 pages were the best. a few cameos of well loved characters don't make a good book; and the fact that I got this for christmas and only finished it in may when i absolutely BINGED the game is enough for me to feel disappointed. (this book also really made me want to play as a gunner.)
the game is rated pegi 18 and yet this book treats it readers like toddlers. here's a few quotes that made me put it down and rage spam my friends keyboard smashes:
"why would you do that? the explosion will-"
kill you, too, I meant to say, but my words were cut off by the SSU. "seven seconds.."
WHAT??? DO YOU THINK PEOPLE WONT BE ABLE TO TELL THAT YOU GOT INTERRUPTED?? DO YOU THINK THAT BY SLOWING DOWN THE PACE WITH A USELESS SENTENCE WITH 3 COMMAS YOU WILL EXPRESS THAT BETTER?? DO YOU THINK THAT DELIVERS THE URGENCY OF THE SITUATION BETTER?
"I can really see how she got to be in charge around these parts."
"great. good for her."
to cactus, hearing anemone praised so thoroughly was like having his own credentials as a leader called into question. he didn't like it. not one bit.
"anyway," cactus said, eager to change the subject.
do you think I couldn't have gathered that just from his half assed response?? do I not also have a brain?? do you expect your readers to have the reading comprehension of a brick??
i turned to parry the blow, which was far more powerful than I would have expected from a scanner model. his limiter must have been forced offline as the infection progressed.
maybe this is something I missed in the game but?? limiter?? why on earth would someone provide an android with a function to fight well and then LIMIT IT?? to preserve his energy maybe okay but then why wouldn't he choose activate it when needed, too?
furthermore, there are (i think??) 7 POVs in total and all of them sound the same. all I knew about them while being 150 pages in is that number 9 is basically 9S and numbers 21 and 22 are twins. that's it. nothing differentiated number 6 from 3 from 4 for me until the last stretch of the book. and number 2's plot twist was a good idea, i'm just a bit underwhelmed by the execution. we could've had a POV of his sooner where his thought process is perhaps so different to the others where you're like.. okay.. this is suspicious, to build some suspense. like I cannot for the life of me figure out why, if it was a conscious decision, did they not make them all sound and think differently. like yes it's repeatedly mentioned that number 22 is a coward, he's the weaker twin, and that number 3 is stupid but again- we're literally spoon-fed this information word for word and its treated like FACTS. we don't get to come to these conclusions ourselves and we don't get the chance to form our own opinions of them, therefore they're not memorable AT ALL. so much so that a couple of times I had to go back and find the beginning of the log entry to remember who was speaking. and I think this is even worse due to the fact that they clearly intended the infected POVs to come across differently BecAuSe tHey tYpEd it liKe thiS (which in itself i think is not the worst idea) but the androids themselves arent any less eloquent BECAUSE THEY WERENT TO BEGIN WITH. you can't make someone seem brain dead when their normal state sounds like an 8yo talking. the whole book reads like the respective androids' trail of thought and its simply boring to read. i think it wouldve been a lot better if the text was only presented like this when they're infected.
they also introduced this idea that androids are given some random memories from humans of our time- some androids even think of them as their own. thats such an interesting concept and it could've MATTERED but it doesnt. not at all. you literally only find out about them in the last 20 pages and the only thing they serve is a weird twist on a heartfelt interaction. it's such a waste of a cool plot point that it feels like it was just added last minute.
the thing i enjoyed the most is how number 9 is clearly troubled by his job. as the healer, he's always the one that survives every mission, and he repeatedly has to watch all his comrades be brutally murdered; a concept the game doesn't really dwell on outside of the player dying and having to go pick up their chip after respawning.
I do also like the ending. I like how they all realise life was futile all along and how their frustration with command is exhaustive more than anything. and I like the parallels between these characters and the ones in the game; numbers 21 and 22 as Adam and Eve, Popola and Devola, even. and I liked how the instructor talked about cactus and how we got to see a glimpse of some of the characters in game, too.
overall, it was painful to get through, it mostly felt like a chore; though the last 50 pages were the best. a few cameos of well loved characters don't make a good book; and the fact that I got this for christmas and only finished it in may when i absolutely BINGED the game is enough for me to feel disappointed. (this book also really made me want to play as a gunner.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2022
A different perspective to the whole YoRHa project, from a male squadron perspective I really found it interesting and the little connections to the main story of Nier:Automata were the icing on the cake
November 2, 2023
dnf at ~80%
This was just so badly written, I could not have read even one more chapter.
2 stars just because it’s Nier, would’ve been 1 otherwise.
This was just so badly written, I could not have read even one more chapter.
2 stars just because it’s Nier, would’ve been 1 otherwise.
May 13, 2023
3.5
Nice little addition to the NieR franchise. Nothing spectacular but entertaining nonetheless. Gives you a little bit more backstory as well.
Nice little addition to the NieR franchise. Nothing spectacular but entertaining nonetheless. Gives you a little bit more backstory as well.
January 27, 2021
A diferencia de YoRHa Ver. 1.05 o, Emil no lo quiera, Long Story Short, esta es una novelización excelente de la obra original. Profundiza en sus personajes, aprovecha el multiperspectivismo, añade escenas para que el lector comprenda la relación del grupo protagonista previa a la misión e incluye dos historietas que, aunque anecdóticas, tienen su aquel. Se nota que Eishima quería hacer una adaptación que expandiera el original y, en ese sentido, es un producto sobresaliente. Quizá el problema sea que esta obra que adapta no es tampoco gran cosa. Es una buena historia y tiene dinámicas de personaje, eso sin duda, pero no guarda ninguno de esos mensajes tan potentes de NieR:Automata y sus relatos. Ni filosofía sardónica, ni mente colmena, ni aquello que nos hace humanos... Es únicamente una historia entretenida con su dosis de drama que, aunque muy bien escrita (¡y traducida! Gracias, Kohler, por quitarme el sabor de boca de Okui), no trasciende en absolutamente nada. Todo sea dicho: al menos continúa mínimamente con la idea del eterno retorno con 2E y 9H. Es una obra genial a la hora de configurar ese producto transmediático que es el Yokoverso, pero en sí misma... pues bueno, ahí está.
March 16, 2021
A story set in post-apocalyptic earth, YoRHA boys tells the story of the doomed Experimental Squadron M comprised of 9s, No. 21, 22, 3, 4, 6 and No. 2. The book precedes the Nier: Automata video game and is a great addition to the Nier Lore.
I found myself going back to re-read the prologue again and again whenever I finished another harrowing chapter in this book. This story will definitely make you feel for the YoRHA type models in the Nier Universe and also raise even more questions about how the Androids function, came into being and what makes them tick. There is still so much to uncover in the world Yoko Taro created and this book helps bring readers closer to the gradual evolution of Android and Machine in the series.
If you are looking for a light novel packed with tragedy, humor and heart, then this book may just be right up your alley. Of course, I do recommend picking up the Nier: Automata game as a companion to the book or vice-versa.
I found myself going back to re-read the prologue again and again whenever I finished another harrowing chapter in this book. This story will definitely make you feel for the YoRHA type models in the Nier Universe and also raise even more questions about how the Androids function, came into being and what makes them tick. There is still so much to uncover in the world Yoko Taro created and this book helps bring readers closer to the gradual evolution of Android and Machine in the series.
If you are looking for a light novel packed with tragedy, humor and heart, then this book may just be right up your alley. Of course, I do recommend picking up the Nier: Automata game as a companion to the book or vice-versa.
September 26, 2021
Nier: Automata: YoRHa Boys by Jun Eishima & Yoko Taro is a video game prequel tie-in novel based on Square Enix game “Neir: Automata”.
For those unfamiliar with the game. Nier: Automata is set in a far post-apocalyptic future where aliens known as machine life forms have conquered Earth, and forced the remnants of humanity to the Moon. To combat these alien machines humanity developed the YoRHa combat android models to fight their war against the aliens machines, but the war to retake Earth has lasted centuries.
Set before the events of Nier: Automata where scanner android designated 9S was teamed up with combat model 2B, there was an experimental unit of YoRHa called Experimental M Squadron. It was the first-ever YoRHa squad made entirely of male android units. Lead by Instructor Black, the newly minted team has a lot to prove as they strive to excel in the eyes of YoRHa command and the Council of Humanity.
Like all great science fiction, the masterful game Nier Automata introduced players to a post apocalyptic world that begged for further investigation. With the many centuries-old wars between the androids and the alien machines, the game sets up a huge narrative playground to explore. Some exploration of Nier Automata‘s world has already occurred with the short story anthology book Nier Automata: Short Story Long. Now, a more focused story comes to fans in the form of Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys. And as a fan of all things Nier Automata, I am happy to say it delivers on the interesting world it helps build-out.
Before the book gets to its main story, it delves a bit further back into the history of its world. Namely, the founding YoRHa itself. This is a spoiler-free review, so I won’t go into details, but this opening hit me quite hard. It builds and expands on some of the original game’s concepts in ways I wasn’t expecting. It also highlights a fundamental thing to know about Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys—it is not for those who are unfamiliar with the game it builds off of.
Like with Nier Automata itself, the story present here often runs on implication and subtext. Rarely is the importance of particular events spelled out for the reader. Instead, the story trusts the reader to be able to grasp the importance of what was just stated on their own. With this subtext often referring back to the events of the original game, Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys requires the reader to understand what those subtleties are hinting at. While an unfamiliar reader could follow the story events from one to the next, the context would be so lost that I can’t imagine the experience being nearly as good as someone who is familiar with the original material.
After the prologue finishes, the story moves on to its core narrative. Readers meet the members of Experimental M Squadron. With the story mostly focusing on YoRHa units. No. 3, No. 4, No. 6, No. 21, No. 22, and No.9, the characters each receive quick introductions with their broad personalities established. Along with Instructor Black, the team speedily departs YoRHa’s orbital Moon base for the Earth’s surface. Their goal is to test out this new unit formation and see if it can improve the androids’ chances of defeating the invading machine army.
As Experimental M Squadron moves from mission to mission, things begin to falter for the team. Impossible missions and brutal sacrifices litter their many battles. Before long all the team can ask is why. What is command thinking? Why can’t they ever get support or abort a mission? Is something more going on that is being kept from the new squadron?
Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys is a unique experience. While it builds its core character cast well, it does require the reader to have a bit of patience. The exploration of characters feels a bit slow at times, and the narrative itself doesn’t come to a fulfilling conclusion in its own right. Rather, the story’s ending gains its strength from its connection to the larger world. This can feel especially true with what initially feels like the end. Though, in classic Taro fashion, there is a bit more to learn.
The bulk of Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys’ story follows the members of M Squadron exclusively. Once the story reaches its conclusion, the book jumps back to the beginning of the story in a short story called “Flashbacks” to show elements that the reader didn’t originally experience. Points of view of characters outside the core group are utilized to fill in some of the blanks surrounding the primary narrative. This approach is classic Nier storytelling, and shouldn’t surprise any long-time fans.
Finally, once all the pieces of Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys’ story have been explained, the book takes a brief moment to explore a few of the books side characters and what befalls them after the main story concludes. While this little short story addition is fun, it mostly serves to give fans a chance to see a few familiar faces from the franchise. I won’t say who shows up, but this moment brought a smile to my face. It was a warm way to wrap up an otherwise emotionally rough tale.
Overall, Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys provides an interesting look into the expanded world of Nier Automata. It utilizes the themes and concepts introduced in the game to create a fun prequel story. While the book’s narrative itself is a bit thin, how it interacts with the larger lore should make it more than worthwhile read for any fan of the original game’s world.
For those unfamiliar with the game. Nier: Automata is set in a far post-apocalyptic future where aliens known as machine life forms have conquered Earth, and forced the remnants of humanity to the Moon. To combat these alien machines humanity developed the YoRHa combat android models to fight their war against the aliens machines, but the war to retake Earth has lasted centuries.
Set before the events of Nier: Automata where scanner android designated 9S was teamed up with combat model 2B, there was an experimental unit of YoRHa called Experimental M Squadron. It was the first-ever YoRHa squad made entirely of male android units. Lead by Instructor Black, the newly minted team has a lot to prove as they strive to excel in the eyes of YoRHa command and the Council of Humanity.
Like all great science fiction, the masterful game Nier Automata introduced players to a post apocalyptic world that begged for further investigation. With the many centuries-old wars between the androids and the alien machines, the game sets up a huge narrative playground to explore. Some exploration of Nier Automata‘s world has already occurred with the short story anthology book Nier Automata: Short Story Long. Now, a more focused story comes to fans in the form of Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys. And as a fan of all things Nier Automata, I am happy to say it delivers on the interesting world it helps build-out.
Before the book gets to its main story, it delves a bit further back into the history of its world. Namely, the founding YoRHa itself. This is a spoiler-free review, so I won’t go into details, but this opening hit me quite hard. It builds and expands on some of the original game’s concepts in ways I wasn’t expecting. It also highlights a fundamental thing to know about Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys—it is not for those who are unfamiliar with the game it builds off of.
Like with Nier Automata itself, the story present here often runs on implication and subtext. Rarely is the importance of particular events spelled out for the reader. Instead, the story trusts the reader to be able to grasp the importance of what was just stated on their own. With this subtext often referring back to the events of the original game, Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys requires the reader to understand what those subtleties are hinting at. While an unfamiliar reader could follow the story events from one to the next, the context would be so lost that I can’t imagine the experience being nearly as good as someone who is familiar with the original material.
After the prologue finishes, the story moves on to its core narrative. Readers meet the members of Experimental M Squadron. With the story mostly focusing on YoRHa units. No. 3, No. 4, No. 6, No. 21, No. 22, and No.9, the characters each receive quick introductions with their broad personalities established. Along with Instructor Black, the team speedily departs YoRHa’s orbital Moon base for the Earth’s surface. Their goal is to test out this new unit formation and see if it can improve the androids’ chances of defeating the invading machine army.
As Experimental M Squadron moves from mission to mission, things begin to falter for the team. Impossible missions and brutal sacrifices litter their many battles. Before long all the team can ask is why. What is command thinking? Why can’t they ever get support or abort a mission? Is something more going on that is being kept from the new squadron?
Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys is a unique experience. While it builds its core character cast well, it does require the reader to have a bit of patience. The exploration of characters feels a bit slow at times, and the narrative itself doesn’t come to a fulfilling conclusion in its own right. Rather, the story’s ending gains its strength from its connection to the larger world. This can feel especially true with what initially feels like the end. Though, in classic Taro fashion, there is a bit more to learn.
The bulk of Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys’ story follows the members of M Squadron exclusively. Once the story reaches its conclusion, the book jumps back to the beginning of the story in a short story called “Flashbacks” to show elements that the reader didn’t originally experience. Points of view of characters outside the core group are utilized to fill in some of the blanks surrounding the primary narrative. This approach is classic Nier storytelling, and shouldn’t surprise any long-time fans.
Finally, once all the pieces of Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys’ story have been explained, the book takes a brief moment to explore a few of the books side characters and what befalls them after the main story concludes. While this little short story addition is fun, it mostly serves to give fans a chance to see a few familiar faces from the franchise. I won’t say who shows up, but this moment brought a smile to my face. It was a warm way to wrap up an otherwise emotionally rough tale.
Overall, Nier Automata: YoRHa Boys provides an interesting look into the expanded world of Nier Automata. It utilizes the themes and concepts introduced in the game to create a fun prequel story. While the book’s narrative itself is a bit thin, how it interacts with the larger lore should make it more than worthwhile read for any fan of the original game’s world.
December 8, 2020
As a long time fan of the series. This book hits me in ways I cannot describe. All I know is that the myriad of emotions I feel for the boys are real. I really got attached to them. I just hope there are more but I think that is pretty much all that has to be said. Anyway it’s a beautiful story with endearing characters but the story is not without it’s flaws. For all the fans out there I highly recommend this book.
February 21, 2022
Good interesting book for Nier fans. Definitely wasn’t as epic as I thought it might be and the writing style seemed a bit shallow and non descriptive to me. I felt rather bored by it but did enjoy reading it
January 10, 2021
Why would I ever hope even for a second this was going to end any differently than Automata? Lmao, shame on me. ALL of them, precious boys, deserved better.
Except No.6. Fuck No.6.
Except No.6. Fuck No.6.
November 10, 2023
I love my sad yorha boys
November 2, 2021
Nier:Automata: Yorha Boys was not exactly on my radar. I knew about the universe in relation to the video game but as far as a novel or anything, was completely unaware. But it caught my eye the minute I browsed it online and I quickly sought to add it to my collection. After a little over a week, I was done with the book and I'm eager to visit it again in the future.
Yorha Boys is the story of six androids (with one more who requires additional training) part of an experimental unit that are all male-type models. As with any Yorha unit, their sole purpose is a military one. They are trained, programmed and then sent out to the field for their missions. They each have their own strengths, weaknesses and character traits. They are all assigned a number but upon "graduation", they will get their own name as chosen by their unit.
The book is written primarily in the use of journal entries, each one written by a member of the group or occasionally someone acting outside of the group. Through this writing style, we really learn about their character and their thoughts on the others. My first concern with reading this book is whether I would remember exactly who each one was since they were only identified by a number. Thankfully, that was not a concern after the first couple of chapters as I was almost instantly able to recognize each character by their number regardless whether it was 2, 3, 4, 6, 21, 22 or 9.
It is also an incredibly sad story. After the prologue, there really is no confusion about the ending for this book, but instead of just lumbering along to that unfortunate conclusion, it stays extremely engaging. My only argument against it would probably be that I wanted a couple more chapters, forty to fifty more pages just so I could spend a little more time with the boys. Furthermore, the Flashback and Treasure Hunt short story are done very well and are NOT filler in the slightest. In fact, I would LOVE to see a full length novel (or a bunch of short stories) on the escapades of Cactus, Phlox and Lotus. They bring such a wonderful dose of comedy to an otherwise very serious and sad story.
In the end, I give this a very heartfelt recommendation. It's a really good book and gives heart to a bunch of characters that would normally have very little of that to go around. It goes quickly (almost too quick sometimes) and keeps you involved even when you are well aware how it's going to turn out. The YoRHa Boys really got a raw deal, but at least they can live on in our memory banks forever. Enjoy.
Yorha Boys is the story of six androids (with one more who requires additional training) part of an experimental unit that are all male-type models. As with any Yorha unit, their sole purpose is a military one. They are trained, programmed and then sent out to the field for their missions. They each have their own strengths, weaknesses and character traits. They are all assigned a number but upon "graduation", they will get their own name as chosen by their unit.
The book is written primarily in the use of journal entries, each one written by a member of the group or occasionally someone acting outside of the group. Through this writing style, we really learn about their character and their thoughts on the others. My first concern with reading this book is whether I would remember exactly who each one was since they were only identified by a number. Thankfully, that was not a concern after the first couple of chapters as I was almost instantly able to recognize each character by their number regardless whether it was 2, 3, 4, 6, 21, 22 or 9.
It is also an incredibly sad story. After the prologue, there really is no confusion about the ending for this book, but instead of just lumbering along to that unfortunate conclusion, it stays extremely engaging. My only argument against it would probably be that I wanted a couple more chapters, forty to fifty more pages just so I could spend a little more time with the boys. Furthermore, the Flashback and Treasure Hunt short story are done very well and are NOT filler in the slightest. In fact, I would LOVE to see a full length novel (or a bunch of short stories) on the escapades of Cactus, Phlox and Lotus. They bring such a wonderful dose of comedy to an otherwise very serious and sad story.
In the end, I give this a very heartfelt recommendation. It's a really good book and gives heart to a bunch of characters that would normally have very little of that to go around. It goes quickly (almost too quick sometimes) and keeps you involved even when you are well aware how it's going to turn out. The YoRHa Boys really got a raw deal, but at least they can live on in our memory banks forever. Enjoy.
October 20, 2022
Me ha costado terminarlo. He tenido la sensación de estar constantemente en el nudo de la historia, una eterna batalla, página tras página, sin apenas descanso. Que haya una decena de narradores me ha parecido caótico, aunque entiendo que lo que se pretendía es reforzar la individualidad de cada uno de ellos, pero al final todo me ha parecido bastante confuso. Además, no me gusta cuando... ¡Oh!, mira, una mosca. ¿Cuándo qué? ¡Acaba la frase, por dios!
Personalmente creo que el universo del videojuego me parece tan bello precisamente porque el medio ayuda a ello: el arte, las cinemáticas, la música (¡la música!, madre mía qué delicia de banda sonora). En novela, en cambio, esos elementos se pierden e imagino que no es fácil sustituirlos por recursos narrativos... Pero al final esta novela no deja de ser una descripción de lo que sucede: ahora alguien dice nosequé, otro le responde, se oye un disparo, atacan los robots, alguien se desespera, otros salen corriendo, llegan a nosedónde, uno ha descubierto la verdad, otro recibe instrucciones de llevar a cabo su misión cuanto antes... Y así.
Creo que cualquier fan del videojuego puede leer esta novela sin problema y probablemente disfrutarla más que yo. Para quien no sea fan o quien no haya jugado al videojuego, mejor no leerla.
Personalmente creo que el universo del videojuego me parece tan bello precisamente porque el medio ayuda a ello: el arte, las cinemáticas, la música (¡la música!, madre mía qué delicia de banda sonora). En novela, en cambio, esos elementos se pierden e imagino que no es fácil sustituirlos por recursos narrativos... Pero al final esta novela no deja de ser una descripción de lo que sucede: ahora alguien dice nosequé, otro le responde, se oye un disparo, atacan los robots, alguien se desespera, otros salen corriendo, llegan a nosedónde, uno ha descubierto la verdad, otro recibe instrucciones de llevar a cabo su misión cuanto antes... Y así.
Creo que cualquier fan del videojuego puede leer esta novela sin problema y probablemente disfrutarla más que yo. Para quien no sea fan o quien no haya jugado al videojuego, mejor no leerla.
March 29, 2023
Loved the game, enjoyed the book.
I was impressed with the foreshadowing, the overall big story line, which leaves alot to the imagination - but not in a bad way. I was both able to predict certain things but totally blown away by others. 5 ☆ for the plot.
This book fell short for me with the characters, even though the writing style allows you to see the world through each of their eyes. Some kind of chemistry was lacking for my taste, maybe because there were a lot of main characters? It was hard to keep track of their numbers instead of names. I wanted to feel connected to them, but I just didn't, I sympathised with their plights, but in the end I wasn't going to miss them, except number 9... just a little. ❤️🩹
I'm not sure I would pick up another in the series anytime soon, though i did enjoy it. There's just others I enjoy more. It's worth the read, especially if you're a fan of anime, the Neir games or a good old post apocalyptic story.
Also a shout out to the artists drawings. Great work, every time I came across an illustrated page it was a bit exciting.
Happy reading ✌🏼
I was impressed with the foreshadowing, the overall big story line, which leaves alot to the imagination - but not in a bad way. I was both able to predict certain things but totally blown away by others. 5 ☆ for the plot.
This book fell short for me with the characters, even though the writing style allows you to see the world through each of their eyes. Some kind of chemistry was lacking for my taste, maybe because there were a lot of main characters? It was hard to keep track of their numbers instead of names. I wanted to feel connected to them, but I just didn't, I sympathised with their plights, but in the end I wasn't going to miss them, except number 9... just a little. ❤️🩹
I'm not sure I would pick up another in the series anytime soon, though i did enjoy it. There's just others I enjoy more. It's worth the read, especially if you're a fan of anime, the Neir games or a good old post apocalyptic story.
Also a shout out to the artists drawings. Great work, every time I came across an illustrated page it was a bit exciting.
Happy reading ✌🏼
February 27, 2022
I went in reading this book with no particular expectations other than re-visiting the Nier universe in some capacity. Boy, oh, boy, I did not think I'd feel so attached to these characters by the end of it. It's an emotional story about a group of male androids just trying to fulfill their missions as squadmates while bonding and growing together as just some boys. No. 9's internal struggle of being and not being part of the group reallly made me sad, his desire to experience a bad thing just to feel closer to his squadmates shows the power of "human connection".
There's many characters that I really loved, each with their own thoughts, feelings and perspectives. I think Instructor Black surprised me the most, he is a silent character for most of the book, an outsider, a cold and detached superior for the boys. But is he really that? Things aren't always what they seem.
DeFiNeteLY reaD ThiS bOoK iF yOu waNT to sPEnd a bIT moRE tIMe WIth a BuncH of FUn anDROids
There's many characters that I really loved, each with their own thoughts, feelings and perspectives. I think Instructor Black surprised me the most, he is a silent character for most of the book, an outsider, a cold and detached superior for the boys. But is he really that? Things aren't always what they seem.
DeFiNeteLY reaD ThiS bOoK iF yOu waNT to sPEnd a bIT moRE tIMe WIth a BuncH of FUn anDROids
December 22, 2022
Honestly, it feels good to read a NieR book that strays away from the usual characters. It did a great job at expanding the world and most importantly, expanding on concept Automata merely brushed over. Its exploration of the YoRHa units' repeated deaths with No. 9 was really compelling.
Most of the characters were great and I got attached to them, especially the comic relief resistance members. I'm gonna say there's a bit too many of them, though. And it takes a long time to remember which character is who, due to them only having numbers. Thankfully, the novel takes a relatively long time to get started, meaning you get to know them. This means that it's a book that only really becomes engrossing towards the end, if that's an issue for you
While it can be slow a times, it's a book with a lot of heart that does an amazing job at subtle foreshadowing and paying it off in the climax
Most of the characters were great and I got attached to them, especially the comic relief resistance members. I'm gonna say there's a bit too many of them, though. And it takes a long time to remember which character is who, due to them only having numbers. Thankfully, the novel takes a relatively long time to get started, meaning you get to know them. This means that it's a book that only really becomes engrossing towards the end, if that's an issue for you
While it can be slow a times, it's a book with a lot of heart that does an amazing job at subtle foreshadowing and paying it off in the climax
February 8, 2024
I’d probably rate this 3 stars if it weren’t for the fact that I got so attached so easily lol. it’s an interesting story, and there were parts I really liked. obviously I wish it had held a bit more weight with regards to automata, but the content itself was an interesting look into the psyche of these androids who live death constantly. I think my biggest complaint is that I wish more time had passed between No. 2 joining the squad and shit hitting the fan. I can explain away his attachment to No. 9 thanks to automata, 2 and 9 always being connected like that, but I still would have loved more time for them to build their connection. because I loved seeing the squad interact!!! this was such an interesting explanation for the majority of yorha being female androids though. any sort of additional content for the nier universe makes me so happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
3.5 stars.
Unlike the other NieR:Automata novels, this book works as a standalone and does not rely on the reader's knowledge of the source material to tell its story. The cast of unique characters are interesting to follow--I particularly enjoyed No. 3 and No. 2--and the story is emotional and thought-provoking. I enjoyed how the characters interacted with each other and the differences in their relationships.
The Flashback chapter at the very end could have been scenes interspersed throughout the book. Where it is, it detracts from the ending.
There are several grammar and spelling mistakes, but nothing on par with Short Story Long, thank goodness!
Overall, a fine story about a group of android men working together to fight a hopeless, never-ending war. And a good read for fans of Yoko Taro's works.
Unlike the other NieR:Automata novels, this book works as a standalone and does not rely on the reader's knowledge of the source material to tell its story. The cast of unique characters are interesting to follow--I particularly enjoyed No. 3 and No. 2--and the story is emotional and thought-provoking. I enjoyed how the characters interacted with each other and the differences in their relationships.
The Flashback chapter at the very end could have been scenes interspersed throughout the book. Where it is, it detracts from the ending.
There are several grammar and spelling mistakes, but nothing on par with Short Story Long, thank goodness!
Overall, a fine story about a group of android men working together to fight a hopeless, never-ending war. And a good read for fans of Yoko Taro's works.
April 16, 2023
Well, this was a fun read. I tend to have problems with a lot of names in books so the Androids here being numbered was not really helping, but I got to know all of them in detail and was able to tell them apart. I got to love all of them and hate one of them. The climax and final "battle" was really something and elevates this book a lot. The two chapters starting from the epilogue do a good job of fan service and recapping the story again. I really enjoyed this read. I would be interested in a review from someone who has no idea about NieR and if they get equal enjoyment out of that book. The construction of the story and the characterization of the Androids is impeccable. Can recommend and again, would love to her from someone that jumps in without having an idea of the universe.
March 14, 2025
When it comes to Nier Automata as a game, I feel like less insight was given about the YorHa protags when compared to the world they experience and characters they meet in the first half, making me care about them but feel too emotionally distant to be impacted by their personal struggles. This is well compensated in the short stories featuring 2B and 9S, where I got a better understanding of what was going on and how they felt.
Jun Eishima does a great job of fleshing out androids we've never seen until this novel and easily making us understand their wishes, strengths and weaknesses, interpersonal conflicts, what things they cherish, making us cherish them too. They're unique and flawed in ways that feel human and the bonds they forge make you root and hurt for them.
Jun Eishima does a great job of fleshing out androids we've never seen until this novel and easily making us understand their wishes, strengths and weaknesses, interpersonal conflicts, what things they cherish, making us cherish them too. They're unique and flawed in ways that feel human and the bonds they forge make you root and hurt for them.
May 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this spin-off novel about a completely different group of characters than the ones from the games.
Each android was unique and I grew attached to the entire M squadron, and I would have loved to read more about them. Of course the story is incredibly sad -it's NieR, after all-, but it's well written (and it has a better translation than the other two novels, with no typos and a better lexicon).
It also has some nice cameos of iconic characters from both YoRHA and the Resistance.
If you enjoyed the NieR:Automata game, you will definitely like this book.
Each android was unique and I grew attached to the entire M squadron, and I would have loved to read more about them. Of course the story is incredibly sad -it's NieR, after all-, but it's well written (and it has a better translation than the other two novels, with no typos and a better lexicon).
It also has some nice cameos of iconic characters from both YoRHA and the Resistance.
If you enjoyed the NieR:Automata game, you will definitely like this book.
July 5, 2022
The M squadron was founded as a test case for male-type android models. A squad of young boys is sent on a mission together. They get comfortable and familiar with each other's personalities and characteristics. However, along the way, one havering thought became their downfall. I'm a big fan of the NieR series, completed Automata, and Replicant, and finished one of the other novels. I liked it, it offers some nice backstory before the events of Automata. So much so that it almost sent me back to replaying the game. Totally recommend it if you're an enthusiast of the series! 4/5
October 22, 2023
I like it. I read it as a standalone novel because I've been curious about this book. I know about the game, but not that much about the universe of nier. Now I really want to know about the boys in future projects if they had it, because I know it must have some Easter egg this and that, but because I don't read others or know that deeply, I don't really get it, which is kind of sad, but then again, I love the story. I love how the boys are written well and the other characters too, but the villains in here are not so much, even in the flashback, but it's making me love the instructor more.
June 19, 2024
It took me over half a year to finish this book. It was such a slog to get through. I dont care about any of the characters as they were all so bland and most of them had maybe one personality trait to set them apart from the others. The dialogues read so stiff unnatural.
There was also a plot going on but I cared so little about anything else in this book that the mid af storyline isnt noteworthy at all. The best part about this book was when I finished it.
There was also a plot going on but I cared so little about anything else in this book that the mid af storyline isnt noteworthy at all. The best part about this book was when I finished it.
December 8, 2024
Habrá alguna historia de Nier que no sea trágica?
Este libro es imprescindible para los fanáticos de Autómata. No solo responde algunas dudas importantes que teníamos sobre el 'lore' (¿Por qué no hay modelos másculinos que no sean Tipo S? ¿Por qué había una falla de seguridad en el Bunker?) Sino que es una fantástica y triste historia sobre los horrores de la guerra y la deshumanización de quienes la pelean, incluso por parte de sus propios líderes.
NO.21 WAS RIGHT!
Este libro es imprescindible para los fanáticos de Autómata. No solo responde algunas dudas importantes que teníamos sobre el 'lore' (¿Por qué no hay modelos másculinos que no sean Tipo S? ¿Por qué había una falla de seguridad en el Bunker?) Sino que es una fantástica y triste historia sobre los horrores de la guerra y la deshumanización de quienes la pelean, incluso por parte de sus propios líderes.
NO.21 WAS RIGHT!
July 16, 2025
2,5⭐
Well I actually didn't expect the YoRHA M001 and M002 units to end up like this. This was pure chaos and tragedy and even gore...
There wasn't any purpose for this story in the NieR world imo, except making the reading feel heartbreak and dispair for 200 pages.
I like the world so I read on but I got little new information of it and instead like already mentioned a lot of tragedy, heartbreak, dispair and gore.
Well I actually didn't expect the YoRHA M001 and M002 units to end up like this. This was pure chaos and tragedy and even gore...
There wasn't any purpose for this story in the NieR world imo, except making the reading feel heartbreak and dispair for 200 pages.
I like the world so I read on but I got little new information of it and instead like already mentioned a lot of tragedy, heartbreak, dispair and gore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
Muy entretenido libro y fácil de leer. Quizás lo único negativo que podría decir es que si no eres fan de Nier o sabes algo de la historia, no se disfruta igual. Conocer los personajes que aparecen le da un extra, pero alguien sin el conocimiento previo no lo disfrutaría igual.
Aún así, una historia bastante entretenida con suficiente acción y momentos filosóficos.
Aún así, una historia bastante entretenida con suficiente acción y momentos filosóficos.
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