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圕の大魔術師 [Toshokan no Daimajutsushi] #5
Magus of the Library 5
Ah-Mun, eine Stadt wie aus einem arabischen Märchen… in Armut wächst dort ein Elfenkind heran. Dessen „Schwester“ arbeitet hart, damit das Geschwisterchen lesen und schreiben lernt, da ein geächtetes „Messerohr“ sonst überall ausgegrenzt wird. Doch was bringt die ganze Bildung, wenn man all die schönen Bücher der Bibliothek nicht lesen darf, weil einen der Bibliothekar immer wieder vor die Tür setzt?
Eines Tages gibt es mächtig Aufregung in der kleinen Stadt, denn die Bibliotheksaufseher von Ajtzak - der Stadt des Wissens - reisen an: mächtige Gelehrte, von denen einer, Sedna, nichts gegen das so fremdaussehende Kind zu haben scheint. Für das Elfenkind beginnt eine aufregende Zeit mit Magie und traumhaften Abenteuern, die nur aus Büchern erwachsen können...
Eines Tages gibt es mächtig Aufregung in der kleinen Stadt, denn die Bibliotheksaufseher von Ajtzak - der Stadt des Wissens - reisen an: mächtige Gelehrte, von denen einer, Sedna, nichts gegen das so fremdaussehende Kind zu haben scheint. Für das Elfenkind beginnt eine aufregende Zeit mit Magie und traumhaften Abenteuern, die nur aus Büchern erwachsen können...
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2021
14 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 17, 2022
I am interested in the story and now I don't know how long I will have to wait for the next volume...
Life is cruel.
The rating is due to fact that there are too many new faces and they are mostly similarly drawn. Sometimes it's hard to follow who is who and the names are too weird to remember them all. Hate that.
Life is cruel.
The rating is due to fact that there are too many new faces and they are mostly similarly drawn. Sometimes it's hard to follow who is who and the names are too weird to remember them all. Hate that.
January 12, 2022
"Thus went...their fateful encounter. The girl meant to become Magus of the Library...and the boy who would help her unite a generation."
Uuugghhh! That was my response after reading the above line. While there was some parts of this volume, that were mundane training sequences, there were other moments that just kind of hit you and this was one of them. It had the same feeling after Theo saw Sedona when he got to the Great Library and we got that line, which made me hurt. There is so much that I want to discuss, so let's start!
Manga about Libraries and Librarians
At this time, I only know of two manga series about libraries/librarians this one and Library Wars. While they are both about libraries/librarians, they take different approaches. Library Wars focuses on the censorship side, but you also see the library more from the front end, meaning helping and interacting with customers.
So far, Magus of the Library is more about behind the scenes. While the Guidance department is mention (I am guessing this reference/reader's advisory), they have not been talked about a lot. We are also introduce to the politics of the library, which is something listed in Library Wars and yet this had a different feel to it. Speaking of differences between these two series, these two manga speak to a larger point about the Library and Information Science field.
Manga and the Library and Information Science (LIS) Field
Before I talked about how these two manga reflect the LIS Field, let me briefly go over this field. I think of this field as being divided up between different clans, which are public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, specialty libraries (i.e., medical and law), archives, and information. The public library clan is about serving the citizens of a city, county, or region. While they have fiction and nonfiction collections, they will also have programs to help customers foster their interest or help them learn more.
While academic libraries can serve the public, there focus is on students and faculty. The librarians themselves will also conduct research related to the field. The collections are more scholarly based even though they will have some popular/fiction titles, but that is really not there domain. School libraries are in schools and they serve students and teachers. They also in some cases require and education degree on top of a LIS degree. Specialty libraries are about a particular topic and with a special clientele. For example, a medical library in a hospital will serve the doctors and patients not the public as a whole.
Archives are different from libraries, but they still fit in this field. There focus is preserving an object or document for a collection belonging to an organization. This means they can be find in a university, a museum, or a government. They do not really interact with the public, unless someone needs to access the archives for research, but it is sometimes hard to access those collections. Remember, archives are about preserving collections not necessarily access to them, but digital collections has help with access.
The field is called Library AND Information Science, which means some people work with more information, such as those who deal with gathering intelligence for an industry or a company. They use the skills of a librarian, but they are more on the fringes of information. While all these clans are part of the same field, they are different and it is sometimes hard to jump from one clan to another, especially if you been entrenched in one for years.
With that brief overview, let's talk about how this relates to the manga. Overall, Library Wars is a great example of the public library clan. We interact with the customers A LOT, unless you are in cataloging, administration, or other behind the scenes jobs. We help with finding books, suggesting books, help with research, conduct programs for all ages, etc.
Magus of the Library is a great example of not only academic libraries, but also archives and give you more a behind the scenes look about how to run a library. It is also touches on the differences between librarians and paraprofessionals. For those who do not know, if you want a full-time job in a librarian then most of the time you need an accredited Master's degree in Library and Information Science. The test and subsequent year training that Theo and his classmates are doing is similar to what librarians go through. In your degree program, you will get basic view of the field, but your skills will grow once you begin working in a specific clan.
I also liked how Magus of the Library touches on book deterioration. This is true. Yet, some clans will not make priority of restoring, due to money and time. While it seems like little kids would be hard on books more, I have seen a lot more stains and water damage in adult books. With picture books, you see rips more often. Also I have seen some books in an academic library that have gone through the wringer, so I would have to say scholars and adults can be hard on books. Not only does this series touch-on academic libraries, they also go into the history of who enters the profession.
Women, Men, and Libraries
In pages 57-63, the series gets a little heavy in its subject matter. Historically speaking, there were not many jobs, if a woman wanted job, that she could go into. Being a librarian became one of those professions that woman could go into. Even now, if you go to an American public library most of the librarians and paraprofessionals are women. You will find slightly more men in academic and specialty libraries, but not so much in public libraries. You can also see men concentrated more in the higher positions as well, in some cases. I do not totally agree with what Midoreen says, but what she says rings true in most cases. I also like how Aya reached her conclusion that in a way being a kafna is not sacrificing what she wants. Let's be honest, without a well organize library research can be hard, which is why I think internet search engines need (if they are not there already) a librarian to run the show or at least be a consultant.
Plot
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty with this volume specifically. This was so good! We see Theo struggle with his studies, but I think he is slowly finding his way. He kind of reminds me of Izuku from My Hero Academia, Ranmaru from Behind the Scenes (his looks specifically), and Iku Kasahara from Library Wars. We also see hints of where Theo might be placed or where he thinks he wants to be. Based on what was said near the end, I think he is going somewhere else.
I also love this passage from Theo in this: "First, I'd just like to say...I don't think it's fair to suggest that a book rises in value simply because it is thick. Just as a pamphlet can speak the truth plainly and simply, free of excess...so can the thickest of tomes be hollow, full of words yet devoid of substance. Other books grow thick inadvertently, packed with unneeded detail. And in terms of storage and transport, the thin lightweight text knows no rival. If...If there is such thing as an ideal book in this world, I'd imagine it must contain...all manner of information, readable in any language...and...that it does so...while somehow managing to remain very thin. But, um...I guess that's really beside the point. Right now, I'm a fragile, unfocused, thin, and nearly worthless book. But I intend to keep revising myself into something more." SO GOOD!
Theo has another moment that I speak is someone to always keep in mind when dealing with people who have different views from us. "What should I have said back there? 'You, Miss, are an ignorant fool!' Should I have told her off? Tried to argue? But she's certainly no fool. She correctly absorbed the values she was taught and she's grown up into an exceptionally capable person. Her views might look warped and twisted to me...but I'm not sure FORCING her to alter them is ultimately much different than what the Haupi suffered. So what other options are there? Should I wait it out, trusting that our supervisors can handle this more skillfully than me? What if it's important for me to confront her? Maybe that's a critical step in my journey as a person born half from the killers and half from the killed. ...I just don't know what to do." This was just so enlightening and also sums up my own thoughts related to things I face in my life.
Speaking of Haupi, have we find out yet what exactly happen to them or did I skip over that?
Verdict: I CANNOT WAIT for the next volume!
Uuugghhh! That was my response after reading the above line. While there was some parts of this volume, that were mundane training sequences, there were other moments that just kind of hit you and this was one of them. It had the same feeling after Theo saw Sedona when he got to the Great Library and we got that line, which made me hurt. There is so much that I want to discuss, so let's start!
Manga about Libraries and Librarians
At this time, I only know of two manga series about libraries/librarians this one and Library Wars. While they are both about libraries/librarians, they take different approaches. Library Wars focuses on the censorship side, but you also see the library more from the front end, meaning helping and interacting with customers.
So far, Magus of the Library is more about behind the scenes. While the Guidance department is mention (I am guessing this reference/reader's advisory), they have not been talked about a lot. We are also introduce to the politics of the library, which is something listed in Library Wars and yet this had a different feel to it. Speaking of differences between these two series, these two manga speak to a larger point about the Library and Information Science field.
Manga and the Library and Information Science (LIS) Field
Before I talked about how these two manga reflect the LIS Field, let me briefly go over this field. I think of this field as being divided up between different clans, which are public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, specialty libraries (i.e., medical and law), archives, and information. The public library clan is about serving the citizens of a city, county, or region. While they have fiction and nonfiction collections, they will also have programs to help customers foster their interest or help them learn more.
While academic libraries can serve the public, there focus is on students and faculty. The librarians themselves will also conduct research related to the field. The collections are more scholarly based even though they will have some popular/fiction titles, but that is really not there domain. School libraries are in schools and they serve students and teachers. They also in some cases require and education degree on top of a LIS degree. Specialty libraries are about a particular topic and with a special clientele. For example, a medical library in a hospital will serve the doctors and patients not the public as a whole.
Archives are different from libraries, but they still fit in this field. There focus is preserving an object or document for a collection belonging to an organization. This means they can be find in a university, a museum, or a government. They do not really interact with the public, unless someone needs to access the archives for research, but it is sometimes hard to access those collections. Remember, archives are about preserving collections not necessarily access to them, but digital collections has help with access.
The field is called Library AND Information Science, which means some people work with more information, such as those who deal with gathering intelligence for an industry or a company. They use the skills of a librarian, but they are more on the fringes of information. While all these clans are part of the same field, they are different and it is sometimes hard to jump from one clan to another, especially if you been entrenched in one for years.
With that brief overview, let's talk about how this relates to the manga. Overall, Library Wars is a great example of the public library clan. We interact with the customers A LOT, unless you are in cataloging, administration, or other behind the scenes jobs. We help with finding books, suggesting books, help with research, conduct programs for all ages, etc.
Magus of the Library is a great example of not only academic libraries, but also archives and give you more a behind the scenes look about how to run a library. It is also touches on the differences between librarians and paraprofessionals. For those who do not know, if you want a full-time job in a librarian then most of the time you need an accredited Master's degree in Library and Information Science. The test and subsequent year training that Theo and his classmates are doing is similar to what librarians go through. In your degree program, you will get basic view of the field, but your skills will grow once you begin working in a specific clan.
I also liked how Magus of the Library touches on book deterioration. This is true. Yet, some clans will not make priority of restoring, due to money and time. While it seems like little kids would be hard on books more, I have seen a lot more stains and water damage in adult books. With picture books, you see rips more often. Also I have seen some books in an academic library that have gone through the wringer, so I would have to say scholars and adults can be hard on books. Not only does this series touch-on academic libraries, they also go into the history of who enters the profession.
Women, Men, and Libraries
In pages 57-63, the series gets a little heavy in its subject matter. Historically speaking, there were not many jobs, if a woman wanted job, that she could go into. Being a librarian became one of those professions that woman could go into. Even now, if you go to an American public library most of the librarians and paraprofessionals are women. You will find slightly more men in academic and specialty libraries, but not so much in public libraries. You can also see men concentrated more in the higher positions as well, in some cases. I do not totally agree with what Midoreen says, but what she says rings true in most cases. I also like how Aya reached her conclusion that in a way being a kafna is not sacrificing what she wants. Let's be honest, without a well organize library research can be hard, which is why I think internet search engines need (if they are not there already) a librarian to run the show or at least be a consultant.
Plot
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty with this volume specifically. This was so good! We see Theo struggle with his studies, but I think he is slowly finding his way. He kind of reminds me of Izuku from My Hero Academia, Ranmaru from Behind the Scenes (his looks specifically), and Iku Kasahara from Library Wars. We also see hints of where Theo might be placed or where he thinks he wants to be. Based on what was said near the end, I think he is going somewhere else.
I also love this passage from Theo in this: "First, I'd just like to say...I don't think it's fair to suggest that a book rises in value simply because it is thick. Just as a pamphlet can speak the truth plainly and simply, free of excess...so can the thickest of tomes be hollow, full of words yet devoid of substance. Other books grow thick inadvertently, packed with unneeded detail. And in terms of storage and transport, the thin lightweight text knows no rival. If...If there is such thing as an ideal book in this world, I'd imagine it must contain...all manner of information, readable in any language...and...that it does so...while somehow managing to remain very thin. But, um...I guess that's really beside the point. Right now, I'm a fragile, unfocused, thin, and nearly worthless book. But I intend to keep revising myself into something more." SO GOOD!
Theo has another moment that I speak is someone to always keep in mind when dealing with people who have different views from us. "What should I have said back there? 'You, Miss, are an ignorant fool!' Should I have told her off? Tried to argue? But she's certainly no fool. She correctly absorbed the values she was taught and she's grown up into an exceptionally capable person. Her views might look warped and twisted to me...but I'm not sure FORCING her to alter them is ultimately much different than what the Haupi suffered. So what other options are there? Should I wait it out, trusting that our supervisors can handle this more skillfully than me? What if it's important for me to confront her? Maybe that's a critical step in my journey as a person born half from the killers and half from the killed. ...I just don't know what to do." This was just so enlightening and also sums up my own thoughts related to things I face in my life.
Speaking of Haupi, have we find out yet what exactly happen to them or did I skip over that?
Verdict: I CANNOT WAIT for the next volume!
August 14, 2023
To może takie bardziej 4.5*, bo ostatni rozdział najmniej mi się podobał, ale poza tym manga była świetna!
Aya i wszystko z nią związane było cudownie zrobione. Zresztą podobały mi się rozmowy o patriarchacie, feminizmie i rasizmie, które było bardzo dobrze wplecione w fabułę.
Manga jest tak pięknie narysowana i ma bardzo dobrze wykreowany świat, który jest bardzo bogaty. Podobało mi się, jak nasi bohaterowie uczyli się o pracy różnych departamentów.
Aya i wszystko z nią związane było cudownie zrobione. Zresztą podobały mi się rozmowy o patriarchacie, feminizmie i rasizmie, które było bardzo dobrze wplecione w fabułę.
Manga jest tak pięknie narysowana i ma bardzo dobrze wykreowany świat, który jest bardzo bogaty. Podobało mi się, jak nasi bohaterowie uczyli się o pracy różnych departamentów.
January 17, 2022
Perfection doesn't even begin to cover the beauty of this volume. Tackling themes of friendship, gender equality, racism, culture, religion and others, whilst developing the world and story right before us, it pushes forward as another great installment.
March 18, 2022
c'est le tome que j'ai le moins aimé, mais je l'ai tout de même adoré ! Oui, la barre est haute. Dans ce tome, on se focalise beaucoup plus sur les personnages gravitant autour du personnage principal plutôt que lui-même. ça permet d'envoyer certains messages forts, surtout l'histoire de la Lakota qui est très mignonne :) Vers la fin de ce tome, on nous met l'eau à la bouche car on sent venir des conflits politiques et un nouveau personnage qui va assurément prendre de l'importance dans les tomes à venir. Maintenant... Plus qu'à attendre pour le prochain tome !
July 18, 2023
This may be a fantasy series, but its handling of racism is all too grounded in things I've personally experienced. I'm interested to see if the worst offender learns a lesson or ends up leaving because she can't bring herself to understand that people are people, no matter their race or creed.
July 11, 2025
Que dire ? A part qu’une planche en particulier m’a mise en rage.
Manga de qualité.
J’aime beaucoup beaucoup le personnage de Aya.
Manga de qualité.
J’aime beaucoup beaucoup le personnage de Aya.
April 22, 2022
I get a rush of determination every time I read this series- you go Theo! 💪
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2024
Me gusta, pero siempre tengo esa sensación de que podría dejarlo en cualquier momento, pero luego al final pasa algo y decido comprar el siguiente. El fallo que creo que tiene es que da "demasiada información". Todos esos datos de leyendas, razas, costumbres e, incluso, las clases! Parece que estés estudiando tú también. El ambiente es muy de vida cotidiana y, con tanta explicación sobre lo que estudian parece que la historia avanza muuuuuy lenta. Pero, lo dicho, luego al final de tomo pasa algo y te engancha otra vez. A ver si ahora sí que arranca de verdad.
June 5, 2022
La narration m'étonne toujours autant mais j'adore l'histoire 😁
March 13, 2024
Un tome où il se passe énormément de choses ! Et qui met en place plein de choses, olala hâte de lire la suite
December 16, 2022
Otro girito de trama más. Esto de meterme cuatro capítulos de relleno para acabar con uno que avanza mínimamente la trama me molestaría un poco si no fuese porque el relleno me está encantando. Ay, que a lo mejor es porque apenas hay personajes masculinos, pero ahora mismo en esta casa se shippea Aya/Fumis como está mandado.
May 15, 2022
dans ce tome on se concentre plus sur les personnages secondaires mais ça reste toujours aussi bien
July 10, 2023
Me encanta la historia y ver durante cada tomo cómo evolucionan los personajes y cómo conocemos más a las compañeras de Theo. Deseando de continuar con el siguiente, que le tendremos en nada.
November 18, 2021
Satisfying and delightful.
Art: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
There was a fair bit of academic grind as the volume began, and if the story has a flaw, it is in the immense pantheon of characters the reader has to keep track of. The story is immense, however, and a large caste of characters is unavoidable.
This volume was a favorite of mine because our main character, Theo, had growth both through self-analysis and through conversation with others. He is capable of feeling down on himself when he fails, but his drive to excel overcomes melancholy and puts him on the correct track again. His charm and charity are believable skills that warm hearts and create bonds. I feel his character is well balanced with hubris, inexperience, self-accomplishment, and mystery. I found his personal struggle with his academic feelings to be inspirational.
There was a scene where Theo was lectured about the fate of women in his world's society that was part of that personal growth. A rather standoffish, rude character, Ayaa, became relatable and tragic by having her story told, giving Theo much to contemplate. Often scenes like this that I've read—where a man is educated about the limitations placed on women in his society—are delivered with a high hand. The author browbeats the reader and plays heavily on the violin of sympathy. The reader is lectured instead of entertained, which can distract from the story. Izumi-sensei illustrated the plight of women in this world, and in all societies, through the childhood tale of Ayaa, giving the character depth with a backstory that opened Theo's eyes. I felt the subject was deftly handled even if a few panels felt a bit preachy.
The introduction of the new magus of the library was truly magical. Although I had often been stopped in my tracks while reading by the phenomenal artwork of Izumi-sensei—here a sumptuously rendered Olympus-esque building filled with gorgeous books, there a realistically detailed hairstyle with dozens of individually drawn strands of hair—the descension of a glowing girl from the sky towards the end of the volume took my breath away. This type of scene has been archetypal since Castle in the Sky: Laputa took Japan by storm forty years ago. It has often been copied, but never delivered as impactfully. Izumi-sensei's version is the first I've seen since Laputa to stand on its own without being a derivative shortcut to wonder. That one scene of wonder led to a peek into the undiscovered power of Theo.
This was a well crafted volume, an absolute delight to read.
Art: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
There was a fair bit of academic grind as the volume began, and if the story has a flaw, it is in the immense pantheon of characters the reader has to keep track of. The story is immense, however, and a large caste of characters is unavoidable.
This volume was a favorite of mine because our main character, Theo, had growth both through self-analysis and through conversation with others. He is capable of feeling down on himself when he fails, but his drive to excel overcomes melancholy and puts him on the correct track again. His charm and charity are believable skills that warm hearts and create bonds. I feel his character is well balanced with hubris, inexperience, self-accomplishment, and mystery. I found his personal struggle with his academic feelings to be inspirational.
There was a scene where Theo was lectured about the fate of women in his world's society that was part of that personal growth. A rather standoffish, rude character, Ayaa, became relatable and tragic by having her story told, giving Theo much to contemplate. Often scenes like this that I've read—where a man is educated about the limitations placed on women in his society—are delivered with a high hand. The author browbeats the reader and plays heavily on the violin of sympathy. The reader is lectured instead of entertained, which can distract from the story. Izumi-sensei illustrated the plight of women in this world, and in all societies, through the childhood tale of Ayaa, giving the character depth with a backstory that opened Theo's eyes. I felt the subject was deftly handled even if a few panels felt a bit preachy.
The introduction of the new magus of the library was truly magical. Although I had often been stopped in my tracks while reading by the phenomenal artwork of Izumi-sensei—here a sumptuously rendered Olympus-esque building filled with gorgeous books, there a realistically detailed hairstyle with dozens of individually drawn strands of hair—the descension of a glowing girl from the sky towards the end of the volume took my breath away. This type of scene has been archetypal since Castle in the Sky: Laputa took Japan by storm forty years ago. It has often been copied, but never delivered as impactfully. Izumi-sensei's version is the first I've seen since Laputa to stand on its own without being a derivative shortcut to wonder. That one scene of wonder led to a peek into the undiscovered power of Theo.
This was a well crafted volume, an absolute delight to read.
April 8, 2022
The wonderful story of Theo and his rise to become a kafna continues in Volume 5. The world is starting to become much more fleshed out with the lore dropping, which I appreciate. We basically cover 3 points in this Volume: 1) Specific training in each of the 12 Offices, which are the varying departments that each kafna works in; 2) Exploring the rivalry, understanding of each other, and beginning friendship between Theo and the top student Aya Guunjoh, and 3) The arrival of the 27th and final trainee, Cynthea Loh Tei (or just Tei), who is a being so overcharged with Mana, that no one can barely touch her without getting seriously hurt. Theo's mana is off the charts too, so he is able to interact with her directly.
The Volume ends with us finding out that Tei is the next Magus of the Library and Theo will "help her unite a generation". I can't wait to see what's next! (ugh... he next Volume doesn't come out till Dec...)
Recommend. This manga series is worth it.
The Volume ends with us finding out that Tei is the next Magus of the Library and Theo will "help her unite a generation". I can't wait to see what's next! (ugh... he next Volume doesn't come out till Dec...)
Recommend. This manga series is worth it.
February 8, 2022
Another great volume! Beautiful art and amazing worldbuilding!
Here we watch Theo further train as a Kanfa, but we also get some character building outside of Theo. We get to see a very nice character arc with Aya. I felt the showed the overall stellar writing of the side characters and made the world feel more live in. Not everyone revolves around Theo. The book does a good job with its large cast.
The last chapter takes the series in a slightly new direction, introducing a new character, along with some worldbuilding.
The worldbuilding and story as a whole can be a bit wordy and hard to follow but it's usually placed fairly well. Races, history, library stuff, all sprinkled in. The world feels very alive and that great care was put into it.
I can't really think of any flaws, it's just a good series. If you liked the last 4 volumes, you like this one.
Here we watch Theo further train as a Kanfa, but we also get some character building outside of Theo. We get to see a very nice character arc with Aya. I felt the showed the overall stellar writing of the side characters and made the world feel more live in. Not everyone revolves around Theo. The book does a good job with its large cast.
The last chapter takes the series in a slightly new direction, introducing a new character, along with some worldbuilding.
The worldbuilding and story as a whole can be a bit wordy and hard to follow but it's usually placed fairly well. Races, history, library stuff, all sprinkled in. The world feels very alive and that great care was put into it.
I can't really think of any flaws, it's just a good series. If you liked the last 4 volumes, you like this one.
December 20, 2021
"Senza dubbio all'inizio ho scelto questa strada spinta dalla rabbia, però adesso è diverso. Ero attratta dal cosmo e affascinata dai suoi misteri irrisolti. Eppure, anche qui dorme un universo. Ciascuno dei caratteri di un libro sono stelle che scintillano nell'ignoto. Sono il cosmo chiamato biblioteca! Perciò ho deciso di vivere in questo universo."
4,5
Questa serie migliora di volume in volume, peccato solo la lunga attesa tra un numero e l'altro.
Questo quinto volume è stato molto interessante sotto molti punti di vista; probabilmente ai fini della trama, l'evento principale si svolge proprio nelle pagine finali, però le interazioni di Theo con gli altri apprendisti portano alla luce alcune tematiche degne di nota. A cominciare dalla disparità maschi/femmine, tema decisamente attuale: la stragrande maggioranza degli apprendisti sono ragazze perché quella di bibliotecario è una delle poche professioni aperte alle donne. Ergo, alcune non sono spinte solo dal semplice amore per i libri, ma anche dalla volontà di andare contro l'ordine costituito, di crearsi una loro strada. Come nel caso di Aya Gunjo, la migliore del corso: da bambina voleva diventare una studiosa, ma purtroppo alle donne questo non è permesso. Ecco quindi che eccellere tra tutti gli apprendisti e conquistarsi un posto nella biblioteca diventa un modo per affermare le proprie capacità e la propria forza di volontà. E' stato bello vedere come il rapporto tra lei e Theo si sia evoluto. Eppure non mancano nemmeno le difficoltà, come l'ostilità di quanti guardano con disprezzo alla particolare etnia di Theo. Come comportarsi di fronte a questi pregiudizi? Come affrontare tanta cattiveria? Sono curiosa di vedere quale sarà la risposta del nostro protagonista, un ragazzo gentile e accomodante per natura (io avrei già alzato le mani, ma questo è un dettaglio). Il tutto procede tra lezioni ed esercitazioni: e se Theo sembra andare forte nelle seconde (soprattutto nelle prove più fisiche), c'è ancora da migliorare nei test, visto che non è stato ancora in grado di completarne uno. Lui, quel genio del male di Ohgga e quella di stronza di Medina.
Ma, come detto in precedenza, è il finale del volume a catturare l'attenzione, visto che lascia altre indicazioni sugli eventi che accadranno in futuro: il destino della biblioteca è giunto a un punto critico, visto che presto sarà necessario eleggere un nuovo capo. Dei sette eroi leggendari che hanno sconfitto la calamità, ne è rimasta solo una, davvero anziana. Chi prenderà il posto di questa figura carismatica? Chi dovrà rapportarsi con i vari regni per impedire l'inizio di una nuova guerra? E' in questo momento che fa la comparsa l'ultimo degli apprendisti, una ragazzina destinata a diventare il grande mago della biblioteca, a combattere al fianco di Theo. Eppure all'interno della biblioteca c'è chi spinge per altre figure. Immagino che questo sia solo l'inizio. E poi vorrei davvero capire il ruolo di Sedona in tutto questo...
E niente, continuo ad adorare questa serie ed è davvero difficile aspettare tanto tra un volume e quello successivo. Non ci resta che armarci di santa pazienza. Nel mentre vado ad ammirare ancora un po' la bellezza dei disegni e a fare teorie sugli sviluppi futuri della trama.
4,5
Questa serie migliora di volume in volume, peccato solo la lunga attesa tra un numero e l'altro.
Questo quinto volume è stato molto interessante sotto molti punti di vista; probabilmente ai fini della trama, l'evento principale si svolge proprio nelle pagine finali, però le interazioni di Theo con gli altri apprendisti portano alla luce alcune tematiche degne di nota. A cominciare dalla disparità maschi/femmine, tema decisamente attuale: la stragrande maggioranza degli apprendisti sono ragazze perché quella di bibliotecario è una delle poche professioni aperte alle donne. Ergo, alcune non sono spinte solo dal semplice amore per i libri, ma anche dalla volontà di andare contro l'ordine costituito, di crearsi una loro strada. Come nel caso di Aya Gunjo, la migliore del corso: da bambina voleva diventare una studiosa, ma purtroppo alle donne questo non è permesso. Ecco quindi che eccellere tra tutti gli apprendisti e conquistarsi un posto nella biblioteca diventa un modo per affermare le proprie capacità e la propria forza di volontà. E' stato bello vedere come il rapporto tra lei e Theo si sia evoluto. Eppure non mancano nemmeno le difficoltà, come l'ostilità di quanti guardano con disprezzo alla particolare etnia di Theo. Come comportarsi di fronte a questi pregiudizi? Come affrontare tanta cattiveria? Sono curiosa di vedere quale sarà la risposta del nostro protagonista, un ragazzo gentile e accomodante per natura (io avrei già alzato le mani, ma questo è un dettaglio). Il tutto procede tra lezioni ed esercitazioni: e se Theo sembra andare forte nelle seconde (soprattutto nelle prove più fisiche), c'è ancora da migliorare nei test, visto che non è stato ancora in grado di completarne uno. Lui, quel genio del male di Ohgga e quella di stronza di Medina.
Ma, come detto in precedenza, è il finale del volume a catturare l'attenzione, visto che lascia altre indicazioni sugli eventi che accadranno in futuro: il destino della biblioteca è giunto a un punto critico, visto che presto sarà necessario eleggere un nuovo capo. Dei sette eroi leggendari che hanno sconfitto la calamità, ne è rimasta solo una, davvero anziana. Chi prenderà il posto di questa figura carismatica? Chi dovrà rapportarsi con i vari regni per impedire l'inizio di una nuova guerra? E' in questo momento che fa la comparsa l'ultimo degli apprendisti, una ragazzina destinata a diventare il grande mago della biblioteca, a combattere al fianco di Theo. Eppure all'interno della biblioteca c'è chi spinge per altre figure. Immagino che questo sia solo l'inizio. E poi vorrei davvero capire il ruolo di Sedona in tutto questo...
E niente, continuo ad adorare questa serie ed è davvero difficile aspettare tanto tra un volume e quello successivo. Non ci resta che armarci di santa pazienza. Nel mentre vado ad ammirare ancora un po' la bellezza dei disegni e a fare teorie sugli sviluppi futuri della trama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2023
I was a left a bit disappointed after the fourth volume and this book was a great comeback!
I love reading about the "backstage" of the Library, I think it's wonderfully illustrated and written.
Shio, the main character, is struggling a bit with his studies but he manages to make new friends and he continues to shine. The new characters from the " Département Protection de la Bibliothèque Centrale" (I read it in French, I don't know how exactly it's written in the English edition) are really interesting, Sedona also made a reappearance and the little girl Tei...wow! Now that she has been introduced, I can feel that the story will finally start slowly taking a turn.
I liked how racism and sexism are discussed in this novel: From what we can understand form the story, the different ethnicities that live there are presumptuous each other and there's also hatred towards other each other. Because, from what we can understand so far, the story is taking place some decades (I think) after a Great War and some people still have that haterd engraved in them. The role of women in society and what is expected form them was also discussed and we finally learnt how unfair this world is towards the people. It was a bit sad learning why there are so many girls working in the library, but it was expected. I think it also kind of applies to today (in our world) too.
But that ending! "Et c'est comme ça que le jeune homme rencontra celle qui allait partager sa vie et devenir Grand Archimage de la Bibliothèque" Now I really want to read on the next volumes, I'm excited for what is about to come.
I love reading about the "backstage" of the Library, I think it's wonderfully illustrated and written.
Shio, the main character, is struggling a bit with his studies but he manages to make new friends and he continues to shine. The new characters from the " Département Protection de la Bibliothèque Centrale" (I read it in French, I don't know how exactly it's written in the English edition) are really interesting, Sedona also made a reappearance and the little girl Tei...wow! Now that she has been introduced, I can feel that the story will finally start slowly taking a turn.
I liked how racism and sexism are discussed in this novel: From what we can understand form the story, the different ethnicities that live there are presumptuous each other and there's also hatred towards other each other. Because, from what we can understand so far, the story is taking place some decades (I think) after a Great War and some people still have that haterd engraved in them. The role of women in society and what is expected form them was also discussed and we finally learnt how unfair this world is towards the people. It was a bit sad learning why there are so many girls working in the library, but it was expected. I think it also kind of applies to today (in our world) too.
But that ending! "Et c'est comme ça que le jeune homme rencontra celle qui allait partager sa vie et devenir Grand Archimage de la Bibliothèque" Now I really want to read on the next volumes, I'm excited for what is about to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2023
Retour à Afshak pour continuer à suivre Shio dans sa formation pour devenir Kahuna.
Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas cette série, Magus of the Library raconte l'histoire de Shio Fumis, jeune villageois pauvre et rejeté car sang-mêlé. Ce dernier, amoureux des livres, rêve de devenir Kahuna : protecteur des livres. Après un travail acharné et quelques rencontres, il finit par intégrer le très sélectif apprentissage de la bibliothèque centrale d'Afshak.
Dans ce 5e tome, si l'intrigue avance peu, nous avons en revanche une belle présentation du rôle des différents départements de la bibliothèque et des autres apprentis. Un personnage jusqu'ici en retrait va prendre une place plus importante et devenir pour moi très attachante. L'autrice, au-delà de l'amour des livres et du savoir, nous parle ici place des femmes et cohabitation entre ethnies.
Pour achever de vous convaincre, je ne peux que vous conseiller d'aller feuilleter ce manga et d'admirer les sublimes illustrations. Pour ma part, je suis toujours impressionnée par la précision et la finesse des traits mêlées au foisonnement des détails.
Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas cette série, Magus of the Library raconte l'histoire de Shio Fumis, jeune villageois pauvre et rejeté car sang-mêlé. Ce dernier, amoureux des livres, rêve de devenir Kahuna : protecteur des livres. Après un travail acharné et quelques rencontres, il finit par intégrer le très sélectif apprentissage de la bibliothèque centrale d'Afshak.
Dans ce 5e tome, si l'intrigue avance peu, nous avons en revanche une belle présentation du rôle des différents départements de la bibliothèque et des autres apprentis. Un personnage jusqu'ici en retrait va prendre une place plus importante et devenir pour moi très attachante. L'autrice, au-delà de l'amour des livres et du savoir, nous parle ici place des femmes et cohabitation entre ethnies.
Pour achever de vous convaincre, je ne peux que vous conseiller d'aller feuilleter ce manga et d'admirer les sublimes illustrations. Pour ma part, je suis toujours impressionnée par la précision et la finesse des traits mêlées au foisonnement des détails.
August 18, 2024
Vraiment incroyable comment cette série dénonce les discriminations, le racisme, le sexisme et tellement d’autres choses.
Ce volume est particulièrement génial pcq il montre hyper efficacement ce que c’est d’avoir des privilèges :
l’autrice met en parallèle 1) une jeune fille aisée à qui on a refusé ses aspirations pour devenir astronome pcq c’est un métier réservé aux garçons et 2) un jeune garçon d’une classe sociale défavorisée qui a grandi en ruralité et qui a galéré pour avoir accès à des opportunités scolaires/professionnelles —> les deux ont du faire face à des discriminations et que s’ils avaient conscience des difficultés qu’ils avaient dû affronter, ils n’avaient pas forcément conscience des discriminations que l’autre avait dû surmonter
+ la réaction des deux quand ils découvrent leur privilège c’est pépite, c’est vraiment une leçon de vie ce manga
En gros : en un volume on t’explique l’intersectionnalité et on te debunk le concept de meritocratie
Je suis trop trop fan!!
Ce volume est particulièrement génial pcq il montre hyper efficacement ce que c’est d’avoir des privilèges :
l’autrice met en parallèle 1) une jeune fille aisée à qui on a refusé ses aspirations pour devenir astronome pcq c’est un métier réservé aux garçons et 2) un jeune garçon d’une classe sociale défavorisée qui a grandi en ruralité et qui a galéré pour avoir accès à des opportunités scolaires/professionnelles —> les deux ont du faire face à des discriminations et que s’ils avaient conscience des difficultés qu’ils avaient dû affronter, ils n’avaient pas forcément conscience des discriminations que l’autre avait dû surmonter
+ la réaction des deux quand ils découvrent leur privilège c’est pépite, c’est vraiment une leçon de vie ce manga
En gros : en un volume on t’explique l’intersectionnalité et on te debunk le concept de meritocratie
Je suis trop trop fan!!
February 27, 2022
there are so many characters and so much info-dumping but I felt like this volume was a bit more engaging than the last one.
the ongoing worldbuilding around the patriarchy and gender in general doesn't quite ring true to me. it feels a little odd that there's such an entrenched/rigid patriarchal standard ("becoming a kafna is the only way to have some agency over your own life as a woman") while kafnas (90% women) seem to be quite respected, magically powerful, and occupy high seats politically. these kinds of contradictions can exist of course but yeah, idk, something about the presentation here feels off. I guess this part of the story is taking place in a kafna-only area, so we're only hearing about this from a "tell" vs a "show" perspective. the experiences talked about don't feel lived-in.
anyway. I can't believe there are still new characters being introduced. we're flush on characters.
bye
the ongoing worldbuilding around the patriarchy and gender in general doesn't quite ring true to me. it feels a little odd that there's such an entrenched/rigid patriarchal standard ("becoming a kafna is the only way to have some agency over your own life as a woman") while kafnas (90% women) seem to be quite respected, magically powerful, and occupy high seats politically. these kinds of contradictions can exist of course but yeah, idk, something about the presentation here feels off. I guess this part of the story is taking place in a kafna-only area, so we're only hearing about this from a "tell" vs a "show" perspective. the experiences talked about don't feel lived-in.
anyway. I can't believe there are still new characters being introduced. we're flush on characters.
bye
June 26, 2022
I'm kinda loving the format of these volumes; the book starts by exploring the more mundane training and day-to-day life of Theo and his peers. Mundane, but no less enlightening. The author beautifully crafts impactful messages regarding race, gender equality and friendship through the ignorance versus acceptance and kindness of key characters. Theo's character growth never fails to inspire me to be a better person, to be kind, to always learn before imparting judgement, to be mindful.
Just when you wonder where can the plot possibly go next, the book finishes with a massive event/plot twist. This time:
Just when you wonder where can the plot possibly go next, the book finishes with a massive event/plot twist. This time:
October 23, 2022
Este puede ser uno de los mejores mangas desconocidos que existen.
No le doy 5 estrellas porque se centra demasiado en un personaje y no deja que los demás brillen. Entiendo que, con casi 3/4 del tomo en torno a ella, Aya va a ser muy importante, porque si no ha sido un cicunloquio un poco exagerado.
Me gusta mucho que al final de cada tomo la autora suelte un espóiler. No que dé pistas, no: que te diga que este va a ser malísimo. Esta niña va a dominar el mundo. Este tío se queda calvo al final. Esas cosas. Es algo que no se suele hacer, queda como muy de leyenda o de cuento popular, y aquí funciona muy bien. Da ganas de comprar el siguiente tomo...
No le doy 5 estrellas porque se centra demasiado en un personaje y no deja que los demás brillen. Entiendo que, con casi 3/4 del tomo en torno a ella, Aya va a ser muy importante, porque si no ha sido un cicunloquio un poco exagerado.
Me gusta mucho que al final de cada tomo la autora suelte un espóiler. No que dé pistas, no: que te diga que este va a ser malísimo. Esta niña va a dominar el mundo. Este tío se queda calvo al final. Esas cosas. Es algo que no se suele hacer, queda como muy de leyenda o de cuento popular, y aquí funciona muy bien. Da ganas de comprar el siguiente tomo...
January 2, 2022
At some point, this book is going to have to pick up the pace. We're still early in Theo's education, and while I understand it's important to his character, and the characters of the many others in his program, and I'm not bored with it yet, something is going to have to happen. Luckily, that something may indeed be happening just at the end of the book. Yes, at the end of the fifth volume we finally meet the future magus, and it's a pretty memorable debut. Hopefully, this means there will be some forward momentum with the story.
January 30, 2022
I really like thiiiisssssss.
Summary for the future because it's a freaking yearly release apparently:
Shio or Theo or whatever becomes friends with perfect top student Aya after learning that women don't become kafnas by love of reading but by limited job choices. And she learns he worked hard to be there. So yeah they become friends. and this chick Medina is a huge bitch to Theo (and seems to hate his race) after he catches her when she faints (is she anorexic, I'm not sure), his two guy friends stand up to her. Shio and a few students form a pop lit club (formed by the wannabe cool kid and including that Sophie chick whose name is on the cover). A new girl arrives by falling from the sky and can't speak much of Shio's language so she has a dragon (?) interpreter with her, and she has a shitton of mana so she is one of the potential candidates to replace the current magus of the library (that old lady we saw in earlier volumes who saved the world by forming the library and stopping the war because the library is neutral territory and no one is fighting over who gets to own religious texts and whatever). Also Shio and Cat girl and Medina are struggling with tests and Sedona might be evil.
Summary for the future because it's a freaking yearly release apparently:
Shio or Theo or whatever becomes friends with perfect top student Aya after learning that women don't become kafnas by love of reading but by limited job choices. And she learns he worked hard to be there. So yeah they become friends. and this chick Medina is a huge bitch to Theo (and seems to hate his race) after he catches her when she faints (is she anorexic, I'm not sure), his two guy friends stand up to her. Shio and a few students form a pop lit club (formed by the wannabe cool kid and including that Sophie chick whose name is on the cover). A new girl arrives by falling from the sky and can't speak much of Shio's language so she has a dragon (?) interpreter with her, and she has a shitton of mana so she is one of the potential candidates to replace the current magus of the library (that old lady we saw in earlier volumes who saved the world by forming the library and stopping the war because the library is neutral territory and no one is fighting over who gets to own religious texts and whatever). Also Shio and Cat girl and Medina are struggling with tests and Sedona might be evil.
January 31, 2022
3.5/5 stars.
This continues to be an interesting world, although the pace slows down quite a bit in this volume. We also get a bit more characterization for several of the library trainees, although there are still far too many of them for me to be able to keep them straight. It really doesn't help that everyone dresses the same, either.
There's a bit of gender essentialism in this volume that rubs me the wrong way, although it's not necessarily portrayed as a positive thing. Still, I don't think its inclusion is helping the story, at least so far.
This continues to be an interesting world, although the pace slows down quite a bit in this volume. We also get a bit more characterization for several of the library trainees, although there are still far too many of them for me to be able to keep them straight. It really doesn't help that everyone dresses the same, either.
There's a bit of gender essentialism in this volume that rubs me the wrong way, although it's not necessarily portrayed as a positive thing. Still, I don't think its inclusion is helping the story, at least so far.
April 7, 2023
This was probably one of my favorites from the series so far! It felt like we were actually getting back to a story now that we’re through the exams. I absolutely love the friend group forming between Aya, Theo, and Ohgga, their dynamic is so adorable and they all really balance each other out with their different backgrounds and personalities. I also love how it shows Theo struggling through certain courses, it really makes you feel like you can resonate with the character and also shows how difficult studying to be a kafna is.
April 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this one
Theo is a sweetheart who yearns to learn and help in any way possible which I think is adorable, it also helps that he is realistic and understands not everyone is open to changing or being saved and one example is of when one girl who is terrible to theo (and everyone she seems lower than her) When he sees her swaying in a way that seems like she is about to pass out he goes out of his way to catch her, make sure she’s alright, etc
Theo is a very good protagonist in my opinion
Theo is a sweetheart who yearns to learn and help in any way possible which I think is adorable, it also helps that he is realistic and understands not everyone is open to changing or being saved and one example is of when one girl who is terrible to theo (and everyone she seems lower than her) When he sees her swaying in a way that seems like she is about to pass out he goes out of his way to catch her, make sure she’s alright, etc
Theo is a very good protagonist in my opinion
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