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By the Grace of the Gods (Manga) #1
By the Grace of the Gods (Manga), Vol. 1
Slime's up for one recently deceased middle-aged businessman! When the gods reincarnate him in another world as a boy with magical powers, he discovers that magically-tamed slime are an untapped natural resource!
Upon his sudden death, middle-aged otaku businessman Ryoma Takebayashi finds himself in a curious situation. Three gods request his cooperation in their divine plot, which requires him to reincarnate in another world as a young boy! Equipped with magic, young Ryoma undertakes a carefree existence in the forest, leisurely learning more about his new abilities and surroundings. And when he encounters slimes like those in video games from his former life, Ryoma uses his newfound magical powers to get creative with his research! Will the gods get more than they bargained for in Ryoma?!
Upon his sudden death, middle-aged otaku businessman Ryoma Takebayashi finds himself in a curious situation. Three gods request his cooperation in their divine plot, which requires him to reincarnate in another world as a young boy! Equipped with magic, young Ryoma undertakes a carefree existence in the forest, leisurely learning more about his new abilities and surroundings. And when he encounters slimes like those in video games from his former life, Ryoma uses his newfound magical powers to get creative with his research! Will the gods get more than they bargained for in Ryoma?!
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2018
74 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 24, 2024
March 2024
Kindle editon
Manga
One of my faves, the anime was adorable. I liked how sweet the gods were and how different from the Isekai stereotypes Ryoma was before his transfer. The nobles were doting, and Ryoma had focus with his research. I'm looking forward to going through this one again. Never thought I'd be so entertained by cleaning slimes but there you go.
Kindle editon
Manga
One of my faves, the anime was adorable. I liked how sweet the gods were and how different from the Isekai stereotypes Ryoma was before his transfer. The nobles were doting, and Ryoma had focus with his research. I'm looking forward to going through this one again. Never thought I'd be so entertained by cleaning slimes but there you go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2023
Si il y a bien un genre de manga que j’aime beaucoup c’est bien les isekai. Surtout quand le personnage se retrouve dans un monde fantasy. Je suis beaucoup trop fan de fantasy alors me retrouver dans un monde comme celui ci, c’est absolument merveilleux. J’avais hâte de me plonger dans cette nouveauté de chez Nobi Nobi, vous le savez, j’en ai déjà parlé mais je suis fan de cette maison d’édition. Leurs titres sont typiquement le genre de titres que j’aime par dessus tout. Alors cette nouveauté de chez eux, je l’attendais avec énormément d’impatience!
Dans ce premier tome, grâce à l’intervention de trois divinités, Ryôma Takebayashi, un employé japonais ordinaire, se retrouve réincarné après sa mort dans le monde étrange de Seilfall. Redevenu un jeune garçon, il décide de vivre en ermite dans la forêt et de se consacrer à l’étude des slimes, des petites créatures rondes dévorant tout ce qu’elles trouvent. Pour Ryôma, c’est le début d’une nouvelle vie calme et paisible dans ce monde de fantasy, entouré de ses slimes aux capacités insoupçonnées !
Ce premier tome m’a totalement conquise. J’ai vraiment adoré découvrir cette histoire. On va suivre Ryôma qui se retrouve réincarné dans un monde où il va vivre en paix et apprivoiser des slimes. Au début, il vit sa vie tranquillement seul dans la forêt et puis il finit par rencontrer une famille qui va l’embarquer pour vivre de nouvelles aventures dans la ville. J’ai beaucoup aimé le personnage de Ryôma, il a vraiment su développer les slimes et en a fait quelque chose de remarquable au final! Perso, j’aimerais bien avoir des slimes nettoyeurs aussi chez moi, ça m’aiderait beaucoup.. Ici on est dans un monde fantasy mais je dois bien avouer que je m’attendais à en prendre plus plein les yeux. Par exemple, j’aurais adoré découvrir qu’il y a des elfes, des créatures dans ce genre là. Finalement à part les slimes, il n’y a pas l’air d’avoir grand chose malgré tout. Mais ça reste un univers super intéressant à suivre je trouve. Et puis les personnages sont eux aussi très intéressant je trouve.
Ce premier tome me donne envie d’en savoir plus, il me donne envie de lire la suite, ce que je vais m’empresser d’aller faire d’ailleurs. C’est le genre de manga que j’aime énormément lire, je passe toujours un bon moment quand je lis un manga dans ce même genre. C’est une histoire que je trouve légère, fun, un peu d’humour, et on découvre un tas de choses au fur et à mesure. J’ai hâte d’en découvrir plus sur ce monde et surtout sur les différents personnages!
Dans ce premier tome, grâce à l’intervention de trois divinités, Ryôma Takebayashi, un employé japonais ordinaire, se retrouve réincarné après sa mort dans le monde étrange de Seilfall. Redevenu un jeune garçon, il décide de vivre en ermite dans la forêt et de se consacrer à l’étude des slimes, des petites créatures rondes dévorant tout ce qu’elles trouvent. Pour Ryôma, c’est le début d’une nouvelle vie calme et paisible dans ce monde de fantasy, entouré de ses slimes aux capacités insoupçonnées !
Ce premier tome m’a totalement conquise. J’ai vraiment adoré découvrir cette histoire. On va suivre Ryôma qui se retrouve réincarné dans un monde où il va vivre en paix et apprivoiser des slimes. Au début, il vit sa vie tranquillement seul dans la forêt et puis il finit par rencontrer une famille qui va l’embarquer pour vivre de nouvelles aventures dans la ville. J’ai beaucoup aimé le personnage de Ryôma, il a vraiment su développer les slimes et en a fait quelque chose de remarquable au final! Perso, j’aimerais bien avoir des slimes nettoyeurs aussi chez moi, ça m’aiderait beaucoup.. Ici on est dans un monde fantasy mais je dois bien avouer que je m’attendais à en prendre plus plein les yeux. Par exemple, j’aurais adoré découvrir qu’il y a des elfes, des créatures dans ce genre là. Finalement à part les slimes, il n’y a pas l’air d’avoir grand chose malgré tout. Mais ça reste un univers super intéressant à suivre je trouve. Et puis les personnages sont eux aussi très intéressant je trouve.
Ce premier tome me donne envie d’en savoir plus, il me donne envie de lire la suite, ce que je vais m’empresser d’aller faire d’ailleurs. C’est le genre de manga que j’aime énormément lire, je passe toujours un bon moment quand je lis un manga dans ce même genre. C’est une histoire que je trouve légère, fun, un peu d’humour, et on découvre un tas de choses au fur et à mesure. J’ai hâte d’en découvrir plus sur ce monde et surtout sur les différents personnages!
October 21, 2020
Pleasantly and thoroughly bland.
August 8, 2021
For an isekai with an op protag this is a nice change of pace. It doesn't fall victim to too many tropes (that I can notice) so it improves the enjoyment.
Art: The art is actually really good, the panel composition is lively and sometimes I had to take a moment to stare at the panels because there was alot going on in them. It's never too cluttered or hard to make out, which makes it easier to read. The character designs are pretty good too, they're nothing to special but they're not too run off the mill.
Character: For an isekai protag Ryouma is a very good protag. I like how the story actually incoporates his experiences from his previous life that aid in his new life. He does end up being the usual good boy anime protag. He's not a super unique protagonist though, but he works. While he is overpowered, I feel they use that element of his character sparingly. I guess people could call him a gary stu because of that and since everyone seems to love him. For the latter I think that's justified. In their eyes he's a kid alone in the woods, obviously they want to care for him and stuff. He does have some developement already which I like. It is a little weird how they made him a middle aged man in the body of a kid, but they avoid making it too weird. The supporting cast isn't too interesting, so I can't really say much about them. They just kinda serve to move the story along.
Story: The story so far is alright. It's pretty sweet too at times. Ryouma quickly becomes a likeable protagonist, which makes his adventure more enjoyable. Since Ryouma is in the same place for most of the volume, you don't get too see much world or magic building though. The story's enjoyable, yes but it's mostly just setting up things and Ryouma's arcs. It can be a bit bland at times, but I think the focus on character gives me hope for better volumes. I do want to see more from the series now.
Art: The art is actually really good, the panel composition is lively and sometimes I had to take a moment to stare at the panels because there was alot going on in them. It's never too cluttered or hard to make out, which makes it easier to read. The character designs are pretty good too, they're nothing to special but they're not too run off the mill.
Character: For an isekai protag Ryouma is a very good protag. I like how the story actually incoporates his experiences from his previous life that aid in his new life. He does end up being the usual good boy anime protag. He's not a super unique protagonist though, but he works. While he is overpowered, I feel they use that element of his character sparingly. I guess people could call him a gary stu because of that and since everyone seems to love him. For the latter I think that's justified. In their eyes he's a kid alone in the woods, obviously they want to care for him and stuff. He does have some developement already which I like. It is a little weird how they made him a middle aged man in the body of a kid, but they avoid making it too weird. The supporting cast isn't too interesting, so I can't really say much about them. They just kinda serve to move the story along.
Story: The story so far is alright. It's pretty sweet too at times. Ryouma quickly becomes a likeable protagonist, which makes his adventure more enjoyable. Since Ryouma is in the same place for most of the volume, you don't get too see much world or magic building though. The story's enjoyable, yes but it's mostly just setting up things and Ryouma's arcs. It can be a bit bland at times, but I think the focus on character gives me hope for better volumes. I do want to see more from the series now.
December 19, 2022
I chose to read this one because it's one of the few manga that my library has available on BorrowBox. The premise really appealed to me: a middle-aged man is reincarnated into a fantasy world as a child and becomes a slime tamer.
The story was just as fun as I'd hoped. Ryoma becomes an expert in taming slimes and helping them evolve into different types all while practicing his new magic abilities, defeating creatures and helping others. He accidently discoverers lots about the slimes that no-one has ever been able to figure out.
The world building was good. It's not an original idea with other stories such as That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime following a very similar premise. But I really liked the way this world was set up. The characters are simple without much depth beyond the protagonist, but I didn't feel like this was a problem.
There isn't anything adventurous going on with the plot yet. This volume is very much setting the scene and showing you the world. Even so it was really fun to read. I'm not sure I can fully explain why I enjoyed this volume so much, it was just a really good time. And of course there were lots of cute slimes.
I really enjoyed this volume and look forward to continuing with this series.
The story was just as fun as I'd hoped. Ryoma becomes an expert in taming slimes and helping them evolve into different types all while practicing his new magic abilities, defeating creatures and helping others. He accidently discoverers lots about the slimes that no-one has ever been able to figure out.
The world building was good. It's not an original idea with other stories such as That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime following a very similar premise. But I really liked the way this world was set up. The characters are simple without much depth beyond the protagonist, but I didn't feel like this was a problem.
There isn't anything adventurous going on with the plot yet. This volume is very much setting the scene and showing you the world. Even so it was really fun to read. I'm not sure I can fully explain why I enjoyed this volume so much, it was just a really good time. And of course there were lots of cute slimes.
I really enjoyed this volume and look forward to continuing with this series.
August 9, 2021
What is it about slimes? It seems that slimes have almost become a new sub category for a lot of manga / light novels series. So many ways in which slimes are used or incorporated in the stories. I often see them as part of the covers or titles as one of the selling points of the series. So I thought I would pick a couple that looks interesting for something new and different to read (at least for me). The cover has an couple of adorable looking kids and looks fantasy, so thought I would try it.
Well, that cute little boy on the cover is actually a 39 year-old man who because he died without having any joy in life and their world needs a transfer of magic, the Gods were granting him a new reincarnated life where he could feel free to live as his heart desires. He wakes up in another world in the body of an 8 year-old boy in the middle of a forest with a guide book to his new world! He sees a slime and decides to try is new magical powers to tame it. Three-years later the story truly begins...
Well after only one book, so far this is a rather wholesome story. Ryoma was a really nice, sensible and humble guy, it is what made him such a push-over in his past life. He lives stress free in the forest taming slimes and experimenting with them as well as working on the various magic talents he was gifted for three years before he finally meets some nice people who convince him to go out into the world. The vast majority of this book is rather slice-of-life, we see how Ryoma lives and how he survived and cultivated his slimes and talents. His vast array of slimes prove very useful in all kinds of work. Ryoma is still a very likable and humble guy, he uses his knowledge from his past life to improve his slime research and is just generally impressive to everyone he meets. He seems rather OP, but a lot of it is due to his 'out of the box' thinking and he is obviously quite mature and humble for his supposed age, lol.
I also liked how the slimes were used, I'm not into games or know a lot about slimes or how they are typically used, so it was interesting to see how such a simple looking creature could be quite effective, powerful and versatile given the right circumstances.
I also read the first light novel and it is covered in the first couple of mangas pretty closely. It is pretty much up to you which version you want to read, I don't know if it is really worth reading both unless you want to. The light novel does give more details of course, but the visuals in the manga are cute and it is nice putting a face to all the characters we meet. The manga did include a short story of Ryoma's survival once he first arrives and his first slime, not really necessary, but more info if you want it. I did go ahead and watch the anime too, and the wholesome, slice-of-life story continues. He meets some nice people, visits a city, joins a guild and starts working jobs to earn money and even starts a business eventually. Although it does hint at potential future plot developments, so it might turn into a proper adventure series eventually.
If you like a easy going, slice of life stories with wholesome characters, you might like this one. I'm going to continue with the light novels and see if it does get a little more interesting. I did enjoy it so far, but not sure if 2-3 more books like this will keep me invested. Definitely a good series for young manga lovers.
Well, that cute little boy on the cover is actually a 39 year-old man who because he died without having any joy in life and their world needs a transfer of magic, the Gods were granting him a new reincarnated life where he could feel free to live as his heart desires. He wakes up in another world in the body of an 8 year-old boy in the middle of a forest with a guide book to his new world! He sees a slime and decides to try is new magical powers to tame it. Three-years later the story truly begins...
Well after only one book, so far this is a rather wholesome story. Ryoma was a really nice, sensible and humble guy, it is what made him such a push-over in his past life. He lives stress free in the forest taming slimes and experimenting with them as well as working on the various magic talents he was gifted for three years before he finally meets some nice people who convince him to go out into the world. The vast majority of this book is rather slice-of-life, we see how Ryoma lives and how he survived and cultivated his slimes and talents. His vast array of slimes prove very useful in all kinds of work. Ryoma is still a very likable and humble guy, he uses his knowledge from his past life to improve his slime research and is just generally impressive to everyone he meets. He seems rather OP, but a lot of it is due to his 'out of the box' thinking and he is obviously quite mature and humble for his supposed age, lol.
I also liked how the slimes were used, I'm not into games or know a lot about slimes or how they are typically used, so it was interesting to see how such a simple looking creature could be quite effective, powerful and versatile given the right circumstances.
I also read the first light novel and it is covered in the first couple of mangas pretty closely. It is pretty much up to you which version you want to read, I don't know if it is really worth reading both unless you want to. The light novel does give more details of course, but the visuals in the manga are cute and it is nice putting a face to all the characters we meet. The manga did include a short story of Ryoma's survival once he first arrives and his first slime, not really necessary, but more info if you want it. I did go ahead and watch the anime too, and the wholesome, slice-of-life story continues. He meets some nice people, visits a city, joins a guild and starts working jobs to earn money and even starts a business eventually. Although it does hint at potential future plot developments, so it might turn into a proper adventure series eventually.
If you like a easy going, slice of life stories with wholesome characters, you might like this one. I'm going to continue with the light novels and see if it does get a little more interesting. I did enjoy it so far, but not sure if 2-3 more books like this will keep me invested. Definitely a good series for young manga lovers.
January 18, 2024
I picked this up entirely at random from the library and was a little worried when I realised it is a wish fulfillment portal fantasy -- but honestly, so far they're the kind of wishes I can really relate to! What if
Reading this is like eating something sweet -- I have to go slowly or its too much, but a little bit at a time and I can just soak up the idyll.
Reading this is like eating something sweet -- I have to go slowly or its too much, but a little bit at a time and I can just soak up the idyll.
March 10, 2022
By the Grace of the Gods is not your typical isekai.
I mean, it is your typical isekai, but not at the same time?
As of volume 1, it's gentler than some of the isekai series I've been seeing, but I wouldn't put it in the "healing" genre of simple life. It's not dark, it's not murdering or deconstructing anything. It's just a guy whose life in the previous world sucked and so a trio of nice gods were like, "You know what? We need Earth's magic and we like you, so we'll help you out." Ryoma takes the opportunity to lead a laid back life raising slimes like this is Slime Rancher until he leaves his home in the forest with a kindly group of adventurers he rescued.
It also (as of volume 1) doesn't seem to be working toward a future harem or fan service. This is actually a manga I would show my parents and not get questionable looks.
This felt like the adventure romps I enjoyed as a kid, and I really hope that it stays that way.
I mean, it is your typical isekai, but not at the same time?
As of volume 1, it's gentler than some of the isekai series I've been seeing, but I wouldn't put it in the "healing" genre of simple life. It's not dark, it's not murdering or deconstructing anything. It's just a guy whose life in the previous world sucked and so a trio of nice gods were like, "You know what? We need Earth's magic and we like you, so we'll help you out." Ryoma takes the opportunity to lead a laid back life raising slimes like this is Slime Rancher until he leaves his home in the forest with a kindly group of adventurers he rescued.
It also (as of volume 1) doesn't seem to be working toward a future harem or fan service. This is actually a manga I would show my parents and not get questionable looks.
This felt like the adventure romps I enjoyed as a kid, and I really hope that it stays that way.
April 1, 2023
Having watched the anime, it was interesting to see this story fleshed out a bit more. Like it explains that he’s so strong physically and mentally because apparently earth’s god was screwing with him 🤦🏻♀️ according to the short story, he also had no issues killing right off the bat, having eradicated huge numbers of goblins, bandits, and even a bear. He doesn’t have any angst over it, which was a refreshing change from another isekai I was recently reading, where the MC kept saying she couldn’t even defend herself because she was from such a peaceful country 🙄
It was also cool to see how the slimes evolved through their diet. Though it just glossed over the fact that his poison slimes had a low survival rate after eating poisonous plants…so he was killing his contracted beasts?!
It was also cool to see how the slimes evolved through their diet. Though it just glossed over the fact that his poison slimes had a low survival rate after eating poisonous plants…so he was killing his contracted beasts?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this story. I didn't really know what it was about and I ended up enjoying it very much! A businessman dies and gets reincarnated as a boy in a fantastical world. I loved the fantasy side of it and how Ryoma's new self adapts to his new environment and home. Magic is also part of the fantasy world, which adds a fun touch to the story.
I loved seeing how other people couldn't believe Ryoma's magic skills. He didn't think much of them, but for everyone else, he seemed very young to have all those abilities mastered or close to being mastered.
It was just an overall fun read to immerse myself in and I'm looking forward to reading the other volumes in the series!
I recommend this volume to everyone!
I loved seeing how other people couldn't believe Ryoma's magic skills. He didn't think much of them, but for everyone else, he seemed very young to have all those abilities mastered or close to being mastered.
It was just an overall fun read to immerse myself in and I'm looking forward to reading the other volumes in the series!
I recommend this volume to everyone!
May 7, 2023
My father recommended this, so I requested it from my library. I think it's the only volume they have on hand. It's another reincarnation story along the lines of "I've been killing slimes for a hundred years and maxed out my level," except the slimes are good this time. So far Ryoma is ridiculously overpowered, has no idea how overpowered he is, and is lucking into meeting the best people. It's a zero-stress story that feels like a good ride, and if I can find the next volume, I'll likely read that, too.
December 11, 2024
I really love the LN and the Manga for this series. The audiobook for the series gets better in about volume 3 or more. I didn’t like the narrator’s children’s voices in the early ones but it got better. The anime series was decent but the two main characters faces were a bit exaggerated and they had no visible teeth which bothered me for some reason. All in all, this is a delightful series to read in manga or LN form.
April 17, 2023
Eh.. I'm not feeling this one but it had come recommended and I tried.
Maybe a different time and place I would like the lightheartedness of a boy reborn from a man who was gifted with powers from the Gods after being a grown man before his passing and hanging out with slime now. Or maybe I wasn't feeling quite so philosophical.
Maybe a different time and place I would like the lightheartedness of a boy reborn from a man who was gifted with powers from the Gods after being a grown man before his passing and hanging out with slime now. Or maybe I wasn't feeling quite so philosophical.
October 28, 2025
YMMV on whether you find the story wholesome and cute or twee and saccharine. It's your standard scenario of a person working themselves to death and ending up reincarnating in a fantasy world with overpowered skills. A significant portion of the dialogue is characters heaping praise on the protagonist as he tries to explain things he thinks are no big deal. I didn't hate it, it's generally upbeat and doesn't have a romance so I can't rate it too low. 3/5 since I found it net positive at the very least.
January 25, 2021
Great laid back Isekai/Tensei manga
The tension is more from character interactions than action. The characters are wholesome and very likable, pricing for a very relaxing read. I highly recommend it.
The tension is more from character interactions than action. The characters are wholesome and very likable, pricing for a very relaxing read. I highly recommend it.
January 6, 2022
Very fluffy. You want to squee over the cuteness (fantasy creatures, doing good by being good, sweet kids) but not much in way of substance so far (plot, complexity, has a super OP protagonist). Slow paced.
January 1, 2023
This is a story about an overworked man who is transferred to another universe after he dies. While talking to three gods, he is told to enjoy the new life and seek happiness.
This is a great story of how to see things a bit more slowly and enjoy the company around us.
This is a great story of how to see things a bit more slowly and enjoy the company around us.
April 24, 2023
Like a semi truck
It takes time to build up speed. But it eventually gets there. The plot is a bit loose but if your not too picky it should do for a passive, aggressive story. More on the passive side though.
It takes time to build up speed. But it eventually gets there. The plot is a bit loose but if your not too picky it should do for a passive, aggressive story. More on the passive side though.
August 31, 2024
This manga goes into so much detail on how slimes work, the magic system, and Ryoma's life alone. There's more detail on his Earth life than I expected, with hints of more to come. It's a really great cozy fantasy!
March 30, 2021
I enjoyed the anime for By the Grace of the Gods which led me to reading the manga. I found this to be a light and relaxing read.
November 21, 2021
Super cute so far. Great character and otaku are so fun!
January 9, 2022
One word: kawaii.
July 27, 2022
my new favorite thing in the world.
August 13, 2022
I’m just starting to read mangas and really enjoying them. I really enjoyed the this and would recommend reading this.
December 14, 2022
It is a good story about someone getting a second chance at life and is enjoying it to the fullest.
January 7, 2023
This was way more than I bargained for. I found myself stopping more than once to process how kind, gentle and benevolent everyone is. The Mc is incredibly easy to identify to.
January 18, 2023
It was surprisingly cute! Thought it would be more generic but I’m really loving the “relax and enjoy life” vibes.
December 5, 2023
A cute, light hearted story. The reason for the reincarnation is decent, and the story so far is low risk. I don't foresee having an emotional breakdown over this one :3
January 29, 2025
Really good quite a bit different from the anime but at the same time is similar enough that you see where they came from
June 16, 2025
This is one of the cutest reincarnation stories ever. It's so wholesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews