Nisio Isin (西尾維新 Nishio Ishin), frequently written as NisiOisiN to emphasize that his pen name is a palindrome, is a Japanese novelist and manga writer. He attended and left Ritsumeikan University without graduating. In 2002, he debuted with the novel Kubikiri Cycle, which earned him the 23rd Mephisto Award at twenty years of age.
He currently works with Kodansha on Pandora, the Kodansha Box magazine, and Faust, a literary magazine containing the works of other young authors who similarly take influence from light novels and otaku culture. He was also publishing a twelve volume series over twelve months for the Kodansha Box line; Ryusui Seiryoin was matching this output, and the Kodansha Box website stated that this is the first time in the world two authors have done twelve volume monthly novel series simultaneously from the same publisher.
In February, 2008, his novel Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases was released in English by Viz Media. Del Rey Manga has already released the first volume in his Zaregoto series. His Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari and Katanagatari novels have been adapted into anime series. Nekomonogatari (Kuro) has been adapted into an anime TV movie, and Kizumonogatari will be release in theaters this year. Monogatari Series: Second Season, adapted from 6 books in Monogatari Series will air in July 2013. Another of his works, Medaka Box (manga), has been adapted into a two-season anime series.
The biggest mystery of this book is how the editor did not punch the author for the pages with the sister. Or maybe they punched each other and the author won.
Sekkai is a very good book. It creates a kind of postmodern narrative that isn't quite anti mystery but not entirely the conclusion you'd expect. The way characterisation is used to represent Sametoki as a character is done expertly. It is consistent with Nishoinshin’s style to be unorthodox in how his protagonists interact with the world, generally curating some kind of dissonance between reality and the novel by introducing extraordinary circumstances to the narrative. Sekkai is not an exception, however the roots of the story feel generally more connected to the real world, which I personally find integral for the book to convey provocative themes. It is most likely that these themes are present to make the reader uncomfortable and criticise the protagonist, a choice that many authors use to challenge the dynamic of a reliable narrator, and moreover can be applied to almost the entire cast. Nishioinshin explores themes with such an abstract perspective, and for the most part he handles these sections with care, ensuring no scene is created with the intention of shock value. As a personal preference, these scenarios are not my favourite sections he writes. I understand the role of most media uses a show-don’t-tell method of intensifying a scenes emotional stake but ultimately, I find this can be done sparingly based on the nature of the act Nishioinshin writes about. In conclusion good book nishios a creep and I hate Sametoki :)
Decently enjoyable throughout, very fun mystery to solve and fun characters. What it does exceptionally well tho is tying everything up in a little bow at the end. Very *solid* I guess, no real need to suspend your disbelief. And especially how character relationships stand at the end is very satisfying. No dumb forced drama - but it's NisiOisiN so that was to be expected. If I had to name a complaint it's that the explanation of the mystery - the 'Answer' part, basically most of chapter 3 is a bit lengthy and dry. I think nisio would learn from this and usually have it be more of a conversation in later works, but it still serves its purpose here and if you're stuck on one part of the mystery, it's probably neccessary to clear that.
God what a book. I genuinely think this is easily one of the best things Nisioisin has written and putting into words why is so hard. Everything feels perfect, the characters, the mystery, the concepts presented and how they’re explored just feel perfect. I’m excited to see where this series goes from here, because this is absolutely phenomenal.