With the advancement ceremony and fellowship gatherings complete, Rozemyne’s new year at the Royal Academy can properly begin. She goes on another library-inspired rampage and pushes the other Ehrenfest second-years to finish their classes on the first day, all while hunting for new allies to recruit into her Library Committee.
Somehow, Rozemyne manages to cause even more problems, and in quicker succession than the year before. She spends more time with the professors, the archduke candidates from top-ranking duchies, and even the Sovereignty’s third prince, much to her guardians’ displeasure. But as they agonize over interduchy diplomacy, Rozemyne blazes ahead on her own path. She charges forward with unbending focus and even hunts a ternisbefallen feybeast that shows up in Ehrenfest’s gathering spot!
Kazuki started writing novels when she was in her second year of junior high school. After taking an entrance exam, she entered into a national university before graduating and becoming busy with work, stopping her from writing. Once she was married and her child entered kindergarten, Kazuki had more free time, which she used to start writing again. From 2013 onwards, she started publishing her novel Ascendance of a Bookworm on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō which saw success. In 2015, she officially debuted with said series under the T.O. Books imprint.
Once again, Kazuki-Sensei has provided us with an excellent instalment of the Bookworm series!
Without giving too much away, Rozemyne remains at the Royal Academy for the whole volume, causes all kinds of hilarious problems and finally assembles her library committee with Hannelore and Prince Hildebrand.
I this instalment, we were treated to one of the first real conflicts involving a battle scene in a while. This develops nicely into almost a whodunit mystery that is just starting to be explored in the epilogue. Im more excited than ever to hear what comes next!
Some of the new faces from the last volume, like Roderick and some of the former Veronica faction students get more coverage, hopefully developing into allies! However given the location of where the volume is set, Rozemynes family and acquaintances back in Ehrenfest and its lower city aren’t shown at all this time and are only mentioned in passing. No doubt we will hear from them in the next volume!
Lots to be entertained by in this volume, which for once covers a reasonably short amount of time, maybe a couple of weeks. The world building in the meantime remains excellent! I give it full marks!
Lady Rozemyne's second year at the Royal Academy is a blast. Except, well, it could have been a blast. The problem? The whirlwind bookworm causes so much confusion, chaos and uncertainty that she's called back home after only a week and a half. Not to say ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v18 isn't packed with a bevy of entertaining and dramatic exploits. Only to clarify: If Rozemyne is the cause so much disorder in fewer than two weeks, then what would happen were she to spend the entire term in the Sovereignty?
The novel series' preference to alternate volumes of Rozemyne-at-school and Rozemyne-at-home hits another upswing, as readers trail the troublemaker's return to the Royal Academy. It's a bit unfortunate one can only gleam the young woman's adventures in short bursts like this, but it would appear Rozemyne moves so fast and so earnestly that everyone else needs a whole volume to play catch-up.
In any case, ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v18 is a wonderful volume. The book spotlights the fruits of Rozemyne's efforts to build up the educational resilience of her fellow Ehrenfest nobles. The book also incorporates a new anonymous threat, explores a new wrinkle in the novel series' mythology and lore, and offers some love to all of the library nerds out there. And finally, the author appears increasingly invested in dropping hints of deeper foreshadowing (e.g., a possible reference to the king; a splinter sect of zealots called "biblical fundamentalists"). A handful of seeds from the previous volume have yet to sprout (e.g., the Ahrensbach duchy scheming on Ferdinand), but one shouldn't be unconvinced the author is playing the long-game here.
Notably, the novel series' character development hits a nice stride. Wilfried's warm pretentiousness is less a mark of a whiny child and more representative of an exhausted and exasperated young man. It's heartening to see (Wilfried: "She expects from others as much as she expects from herself," page 98). Ferdinand, visible through third-person accounts and the Epilogue, is almost but not quite immune to Rozemyne's antics. He regularly expresses to Sylvester and Karstedt that it's only a matter of time until another Rozemyne-problem befalls the duchy (Ferdinand: "So it finally happened," page 311).
Anarchy aside, let it not be said that Lady Rozemyne has zero social anxiety. Contrary to every other character's popular assumption, Rozemyne is a nervous wreck whenever she must reconfigure her behavior in front of someone new. She is, by almost all accounts, winging it. Which is why her sudden and newfound friendship with Hildebrand, the third prince, goes astonishingly (hilariously) well (despite everyone sweating it out whenever the two accidentally meet in the Royal Academy's library). At the book's beginning, the young woman confesses she'll probably survive just fine without noble socializing (Rozemyne: "I know I should probably socialize more, but… If my choice is between that and the library…", page 34), but it turns out combining socializing and library duties is the perfect snare for this little bookworm.
On subtler matters, ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM v18 does wonders for readers more interested in the author's capacity to wring more detail out of this novel series. For example, readers still don't know what the gods and goddesses actually look like, but in this volume, one can glimpse a statue of Mestionora, the Goddess of Wisdom. And similarly, readers haven't too wide an aperture through which the novel might illuminate Yurgenschmidt's civics education, but in this volume, readers learn more about post-Civil-War alliances and the knock-on effects of shifting sociology curricula among the noble elites. And further, readers have a rather disjointed and haphazard recollection of the "divine instruments" native to the book's lore, but in this volume, readers earn a practical and distilled glimpse of Schutzaria's shield, Leidenschaft's spear, the God of Darkness's cape, and Flutrane's staff. This open and honest effort to more smoothly merge passive and active worldbuilding makes fantasy literature worth the wait. One can only hope the author continues to charm readers with more knowledge, folklore, and stories-within-stories to pry apart the history of Yurgenschmidt.
This is a good volume. A clever use of perspective-writing clues readers into the true impact of the protagonist's actions (e.g., nothing seems problematic in the moment, but later on, challenges emerge). Elsewhere, the rolling punches of Rozemyne always doing her thing with the library, yet that thing invariably spiraling farther and farther beyond her own remit, is not unexpected but funny nonetheless. Rozemyne aces her classes and rebuffs professors who think she and her peers are cheaters; she helps with a wildly dramatic fey-beast hunt but runs out of gas (and is likely to be summoned for questioning later); and she might have found a solution to that whole nobles-skimping-on-returning-books problem. And so, after a somewhat tumultuous second year at the Royal Academy, Rozemyne returns home for another scolding.
One of the best books in the series yet, and highly amusing in a number of places. The start of the second year in the royal academy like the events of Part 4 Volume 1 introduces a number of novel elements which shall no doubt develop in interesting ways.
Another great installment! The book is hilarious, smart, and imaginative. I love Myne as always and really enjoyed newer characters like Hannelore, Hirschur, and Hildebrand! Nothing major happens in the overall plot, but it was still a lot of fun to read.
First off, I love the cover. Super adorable! I also love the inside illustration, as that was such a cool moment in the book.
I loved this book. So many fun events and developments happening, plus we're at one of my favorite locations--that being the Royal Academy.
The Prologue is told from Charlotte's POV, which is always nice, and I enjoyed getting to see her introduction to the Royal Academy.
I like how it takes until Volume 6 in this arc to form an actual Library Committee, and it happens very differently than I expected, but it was still nice to see this arc's title actually happening, plus there's still plenty of surprises with it, and a new mystery.
Rozemyne learns more magic, which she always makes quite entertaining, and a certain moment made me laugh quite hard. I love how she causes trouble without even trying. I especially love that this book really starts to dive into magic circles and the basics of how they work. What seemed like a stagnant thing is actually much more complex and nuanced, and I'm eager to see where the series goes with them.
Also, Hildebrand. I don't consider this a spoiler, as I think it's quite obvious by now that Rozemyne would end up running into him again. I love him so much, and the dynamic between him and Rozemyne is nice while causing plenty of trouble for everyone else. :P
Then there's an exciting incident near the end of this book that causes some ripples of chaos--much of which is left to be dealt with in future volumes. More worldbuilding is always nice. Staying vague on this for spoilers, but, like I said at the start of this review, the color illustration for this was one of my favorite moments (and is full of so much mystery).
Shortly after this, there's a moment that absolutely cracks me up. I think it might be the funniest moment in the whole series thus far, as I could not stop laughing. It still makes me chuckle just thinking about it.
This feels like a really long review, but there's just so much that happened in this book that I love. Probably one of my favorite volumes.
As for the Epilogue, it's told in Sylvester's POV, and it's glorious. It's basically just Sylvester, Ferdinand, and Karstedt reading the reports Rozemyne, Wilfried, and Charlotte send them, but it is beyond hilarious. XD I love the accompanying illustration as well.
Bonus story time. The first one is told in Roderick's POV. I won't mention too much for spoilers, but since I didn't mention it for the main book, this gives a glimpse into Roderick's thoughts for what he has resolved to do about his future. I'm really glad the author seems to have the same soft spot I've had for him since he was introduced, and I'm excited for what is to come.
The second bonus story is from Professor Rauffen's POV, and it deals with investigating the incident that happened near the end of this book. It was quite... interesting, and I'm really curious as to the truth of it all.
The bonus comics are fun, though nothing too special. My favorite is the last one, as it just elaborates on how nothing of Earth's romance culture is acceptable in this new world.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. I love being back in the Royal Academy, and there were just so many fun and interesting developments in this book. More is being learned about the world and the magic system, but there are also several mysteries being introduced (some more pressing than others). The humor is great as always, and the art never disappoints.
Just like all the ascendance of w book worm books there is some kind of drama either at the end or the middle. I love how well written this is and how flushed out the details are of the lore. Again I’m so shocked of how far I have come this is book 18. I can’t wait for the next book (till June)
7/10. **Light spoilers** This volume felt as a snail running a full speed. So much happened in a short period of time. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sadly the whole volume felt a a collection of the most boring aspects of AoaB. Prince Hildebrand, the shumils clothes and Roderick; all those were longer than they needed to be. I understand the importance of setting the bases of new elements of the story and continuing with what there was before, but more than half of the volume centered on that seems like a little too much. The water gun felt kind of dumb. The epilogue was unncessary as well. The extra perspective in the events, even though interesting, didn’t bring value. We know Ferdinand, Sylvester and Karstedt are frustrated and mad at Rozemyne for everything they have read in the reports without having an epilogue talk about it. I viewed it as a comedy skit with no other purpose as to be funny.
Also, no one questioning Rozemyne before the big event ocurred about making the gods weapons and objects is quite strange. Everyone’s surprised that’s even possible and the next day nothing has an effect in Rozemyne or Ehrenfest. There seems to be no cause and effect. Rozemyne is disrespectful to the prince and she walks free. It got me thinking, if she were and adult, Would she get in problems? Is it plot armor or something to do with how young she looks. Something feels off about it.
Any way, I liked reading this volume. It is by no means great, and it is the worst so far, but, as a continuation of the story I love so much, it always makes me want to keep reading. I am still waiting for the storm to come, as it feels drawing nearer with every chapter.
As Rozemyne grows stronger physically, her mind seems to get less strong? Not the plot of the book, just an observation (one shared by at least one of the characters). She is ridiculously book-obsessed to the point of causing chaos. Considering how far she's come since waking in the body of a child in some medieval style world, I really thought she'd have matured. That frustrates me - someone as clever as Rozemyne should have figuted out a way to either navigate the social complexities or found a coach she'd actually listen to.
Despite that frustration, I keep reading. Myne is racing through the second year at the Academy. Well, not really a year, I don't understand that either. Everyone has classes in the fall, socializes in very prescribed ways, then goes home for the Winter, Spring, and Summer. She causes much trouble with her failure to grasp the need to check with anyone before leaping ahead with ideas. Honestly, Harry Potter at his angstiest has more pause for thought.
And yet, I keep reading. Sooooo, yes, this one was interesting and I'd like to know where all this stuff is heading. Someone has let a very dangerous fellbeast loose in Ehrenfest's school gathering ground. There are all sorts of subplots, people to distrust, and espionage. I think it's supposed to mimic court life in medieval Europe. I do prefer the books that focus on more tangible progress in things to make life better.
Omg so first off great as per usual. But shit is hitting the fan in this one. Back before she was adopted we knew she that when she was, she'd probably be married to whomever made sense and that Myne wouldnt mind. (Going off how everything was bappening) And now the same type of, i see this thing and so now its probably going to happen??? The thing this time however is the bible showing off how to become king. We all know Rozemyne doesnt want to be King. But thats not 100% up to her. Something tells me that eventually she will be king and thats just how its gunna be. On a different note its interesting during the interdutchy tournament how Eligantine didnt notice her giant shield? Tho maybe she was just too busy being retraumatized... Anywho, can't wait to start the next one and see what crazy stuff happens next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book of the series started out slow, funny at times, even, but then it gradually became more intense. The undercurrent of drama that the previous book had gooing on is starting to unravel here. and just the general mood of this book. Even the second colored illustration is quite gripping. It leaves you feeling some kind of way.
So many things are at play and they all promise both drama and more problems. Albeit Rozemyne being largely easygoing, I can see from a mile away that something big is gonna happen soon and she'll be at the center of it all.
I love LOVE the illustrations in this book. I love how it's keeping me hooked, just beside the cliff that this book has left me. I'm itching to read what happens next. I can't wait!
Currently, this is one of my favorite novels. It had an anime adaptation and is now on season 3.
At first, the MC seems selfish and childish, but she gradually changes. The world-building, the characters, and the relationships are something that I could say are beautiful. There isn’t much romance (if can be said any at all), and yet the bonds between friendship and family that the characters have are beautiful enough that they could replace any romantic story. There are also many funny scenes. The things the MC made are all interesting too. At first, I read the manga, but since the story is getting more and more interesting, I search for the translation, and now getting stuck waiting for the next chapter
Really glad that I could continue the series. I still wish Miya Kazuki paid more attention at grasping the old-timey fantasy talk that she only reincorporates when thematically required. Such a wondrous chance to speak in a form of tongues just thrown to the wayside. It was especially jarring after finishing The Aeneid and noticing the similarities in the approach when done, then how modern it becomes when not. Although the simplistic language might be more for the target audience, as these aren't a particularly difficult read.
Pavisam noteikti notikumi skolā ir interesanti, nekā ārpus tās. Sāku pamanīt cik ļoti lielu ietekmi, ko Ferdinands ir atstājis uz Rozmyne. Māceklis līdzinās Skolotājam. Šis skolas gads ne pavisam nav mierīgs. Rozmyne kā jau katrā grāmatā atklāj, ko jaunu, kas liekas nākotnē radīs negatīvas sekas. Neprognozējams var būt bīstams. Varbūt redzēs to vērību un kāds augstāks spēks to vēlēs iegūt savā īpašumā. Man patīk mazā prinča un Rozmyne kombinācija. Gaidu to mirkli, kad Rozmyne tik bieži vairs nezaudēs samaņu. Šī bija jauka grāmata.
Odio a ahren lo que sea... Ya se que todo es culpa de la maldita hermana de silvestre la Gabriela. Y odio mucho a diel no se que, su perra hija. En otras notas, el príncipe es tan tierno, obvio que se enamoró de rozemyne. Vengo con la duda de que hazmut está enamorado del rozemyne? O quién será la chica que lo acompañara en la fiesta, de cornelious ya se que es Leonora, re obvio, esperemos que al precioso de mi corazón Damuel no lo hagan esperar hasta Philippe. Ya estoy como Ferdinand, por dios necesitas ya madurar cabeza dura Rozemyne!! Aunque me muero de risa con el epílogo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
RoseMyne returns to the Royal academy, and stirs up more trouble. She becomes friends with a member of the royal family, she wasn't supposed to meet. has to fight off a dangerous beast, using magic, she's not supposed to know. She does spend time at the Library, as usual.
Wow, this is the 18th volume of this series, and they are all a little longer length, than most light novels. This is typical of the series, lots of fun, and Rosemyne causing trouble, and her retainers trying to make the best of it.
I can’t believe I’m still this exciting reading this many books in the series in a row
This series is just fast paced and the characters are so amazing that you want to keep reading. And I’m so excited that there’s three more of them now! This author is so good at keeping the tension up and yet keeping you wanting to know more and more about the lives of these characters. I really love her short stories they give you different perspectives of the story. Onto the next!
Rozemyne seem to have the weird habit of expecting and accepting scolding from most adults, thinking that not receiving one is actually scarier, she did seem to enjoy getting scolded by Benno before, maybe it's comforting to her for some reason. The magic tools clothes are changed, causing Rozemyne to get close to royalty once again.
The epilogue with the adults left in Ehrenfest panicking at each new report was very funny.
This volume seems to be a shallow Harry Potter clone as Rozemyne once again leads her classmates to acedemic excellance and this year amazies all of her teachers with her unusual magic abilities. As per earlier in this story arc, Rozemyne casts blessings, starts trends, and mixes with Nobels and Royalty all while causing headaches for her guardians.( Rinse, lather and repeat with Rymsham.)
I wish they would just let her attend school. This was a pretty tight volume covering a very small amount of time. And really our hero doesn't do anything wrong. And barely gets to read at all. But interesting and good. There was one solid battle which shows off much that our hero knows and can do. A pleasant read. 3.5 of 5.
Rozemyne has proceded in the Academy in Year 2. And a lot has happened. So much, that her guardians are again left with their heads aching and blood pressure rising.
Enjoyable read, not so much controvery which like the last parts.
I'm enjoying reading this volume and the epilogue show how frustrated her guardian from a few week rozemyne in royal academic. Can't help but it's funny read they reaction, I laugh entirely chapter
“She collapsed in front of royalty again ?!” “She collapsed while hosting a tea party again ?!” 😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fantastic book, as is usual for Ascendance, but it was a bit light on moving the story forward so I'm going 4½ rounded down. That being said, this one looks to be setting things up for the future and is entertaining nontheless.
Mere weeks into her second years in Royal Academy, I believed she had earned the title of Rampaging Rozemyne in the mind of all her guardians. It was frankly hilarious how badly Rozemyne can screw things up even when she honestly tried her best to lead a 'peaceful' life in the academy.
This was so good... Ah, Rozemyne is so oblivious; it's actually hilarious, especially with all the epilogue stories that have everyone else's POVs. I enjoyed watching her make a lot of mistakes but learning along the way.