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Rascal Does Not Dream of… Light Novel #11
青春ブタ野郎はナイチンゲールの夢を見ない
突如咲太の目の前に現れた、霧島透子を名乗るミニスカサンタ。彼女が「思春期症候群をプレゼントした」という学生たちのなかには、咲太の中学時代のクラスメイト・赤城郁実がいて――。
書き込んだ夢が正夢になる、と学生たちのSNSで話題の都市伝説『#夢見る』。郁実がそれを利用し、「正義の味方」として人助けしている姿を目撃した咲太は、彼女の身体がポルターガイストのような現象に襲われていることを知る。しかもその原因は過去の咲太にあるらしく……!?
「ねえ、梓川君。ひとつ勝負をしない？」
鍵をかけていた過去の扉をあける、シリーズ第11弾。
書き込んだ夢が正夢になる、と学生たちのSNSで話題の都市伝説『#夢見る』。郁実がそれを利用し、「正義の味方」として人助けしている姿を目撃した咲太は、彼女の身体がポルターガイストのような現象に襲われていることを知る。しかもその原因は過去の咲太にあるらしく……!?
「ねえ、梓川君。ひとつ勝負をしない？」
鍵をかけていた過去の扉をあける、シリーズ第11弾。
344 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2020
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140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 26, 2023
I usually love the rascal series, but I’m not sure what to make of this one in particular… I have an odd feeling of déjà vu because we’ve already seen this particular syndrome. The reasons might be a bit different, circumstances are not the same for both characters… but the principle certainly is. It didn’t feel different like all other syndromes we’ve had until now.
But I don’t know… I just don’t fall for Akagi’s reasons for her syndrome, I don’t even know why we’re doing repeats now, and I’m not a fan of a person supposedly ‘giving out’ Adolescence Syndrome to people for the LOLs. It makes no sense. I don’t know if the author will actually take this plot somewhere, sometimes it takes a couple of books to be evident so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
And I’ll keep waiting for a boy, other than Sakuta, to get a syndrome. This book implied boys can get them too. We’ll see.
But I don’t know… I just don’t fall for Akagi’s reasons for her syndrome, I don’t even know why we’re doing repeats now, and I’m not a fan of a person supposedly ‘giving out’ Adolescence Syndrome to people for the LOLs. It makes no sense. I don’t know if the author will actually take this plot somewhere, sometimes it takes a couple of books to be evident so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
And I’ll keep waiting for a boy, other than Sakuta, to get a syndrome. This book implied boys can get them too. We’ll see.
December 30, 2024
There's nothing new brought forward in this volume as it revolves around a syndrome we've already seen twice before. This leads to it feeling quite repetitive for the most part, invoking a sense of déjà vu. However, it's doubling down on the soft sci-fi elements, which keeps things interesting from a speculatory standpoint, and hopefully signals that this is just a transitionary volume as we move towards the final few novels.
November 8, 2023
For me at least, this is the least interesting and most filler-ish volume in the series so far. Akagi isn’t a bad character, but where previous books usually centred around a character we’d been given a chance to know first- and pretty much always delved into that character’s background to explain the root of their problem- I felt as if I barely knew her both before and after this story.
The fact that she’s actively helping people and feels comfortable in this world also has the effect of making her case feel less urgent than the others (even Zuchi, whose story was more like a quiet reflection on which path she should take going forward). You could argue there’s an ethnical dilemma with the Akagi from our world not being able to return until this Akagi goes back to her own world, but the narrative doesn’t really explore that or treat it with any serious weight.
Overall, it just wasn’t a very compelling case, and sort of feels like it only exists so that the author can spend another volume teasing Touko Kirishima. A character who herself seems to be little more than a narrative device meant to fill the void left by Shouko Makinohara. Except that it’s impossible to feel the same level of intrigue regarding a character whom Sakuta has no prior connection with, and whose mystery he’d be happy not to have to solve.
The little twist at the end also contained more than a hint of deja vu, with the implication that something bad will happen to Mai if the case surrounding this mysterious female character isn’t solved. Once again, it’s clear the author is trying to recreate some of the tension from the Makinohara saga, but unfortunately it’s a bit hard to feel that tension when Mai has already died once in this series, and the fact that the author didn’t leave her that way means he’s probably not planing to kill her off permanently (plus that would be a monumentally stupid decision).
Finally, I gotta ask: If the Sakuta from that other world is meant to be even more emotionally mature than our Sakuta, then why the hell wouldn’t he think of a more helpful warning to send our Sakuta? The way the message was delivered felt more than a little contrived just to ensure this book would end on a cliffhanger that sets up the next book.
The fact that she’s actively helping people and feels comfortable in this world also has the effect of making her case feel less urgent than the others (even Zuchi, whose story was more like a quiet reflection on which path she should take going forward). You could argue there’s an ethnical dilemma with the Akagi from our world not being able to return until this Akagi goes back to her own world, but the narrative doesn’t really explore that or treat it with any serious weight.
Overall, it just wasn’t a very compelling case, and sort of feels like it only exists so that the author can spend another volume teasing Touko Kirishima. A character who herself seems to be little more than a narrative device meant to fill the void left by Shouko Makinohara. Except that it’s impossible to feel the same level of intrigue regarding a character whom Sakuta has no prior connection with, and whose mystery he’d be happy not to have to solve.
The little twist at the end also contained more than a hint of deja vu, with the implication that something bad will happen to Mai if the case surrounding this mysterious female character isn’t solved. Once again, it’s clear the author is trying to recreate some of the tension from the Makinohara saga, but unfortunately it’s a bit hard to feel that tension when Mai has already died once in this series, and the fact that the author didn’t leave her that way means he’s probably not planing to kill her off permanently (plus that would be a monumentally stupid decision).
Finally, I gotta ask: If the Sakuta from that other world is meant to be even more emotionally mature than our Sakuta, then why the hell wouldn’t he think of a more helpful warning to send our Sakuta? The way the message was delivered felt more than a little contrived just to ensure this book would end on a cliffhanger that sets up the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
The main plot was not very engaging, but the fact that I really liked the recurring characters kept it readable.
July 26, 2023
Absolutely fantastic!
After the last light novel, I was worried that Kamoshida might have lost his touch, or maybe the college arc was just going to spiral into a mirage of meaningless nothing just as a way to keep the series going. I'm so glad I was proven wrong!
"Rascal Does Not Dream of a Nightingale" has the same phenomenal writing that I had come to expect from the series. The characters are as strong as ever, and the plot this time around was incredibly interesting. The latter half is definitely far more engaging than the first half, but it was still a great read all around. The new girl was also a very interesting addition, and the way she impacts the story was a little surprising, but extremely well done. And just like (almost) all the other novels, I was brought to tears near the end. So damn good.
However, I do have one negative thing to say about this novel; and it doesn't even have anything to do with it! This novel has basically set in stone what I believed after reading the previous novel, "Rascal Does Not Dream of a Lost Singer". Which is that that entry is just complete filler. We could have easily went from the arc with the knapsack kid to this one and I honestly think it would have flowed much better. Though that's just me.
Overall though, this novel is superb! Another great entry in the "Rascal" series! Apparently the series is going to be ending soon, and either the next novel, or the one after that, is going to be the last entry. It'll be very sad to see the series go, but if the writing keeps being as great as it was here, I won't have any complaints!
After the last light novel, I was worried that Kamoshida might have lost his touch, or maybe the college arc was just going to spiral into a mirage of meaningless nothing just as a way to keep the series going. I'm so glad I was proven wrong!
"Rascal Does Not Dream of a Nightingale" has the same phenomenal writing that I had come to expect from the series. The characters are as strong as ever, and the plot this time around was incredibly interesting. The latter half is definitely far more engaging than the first half, but it was still a great read all around. The new girl was also a very interesting addition, and the way she impacts the story was a little surprising, but extremely well done. And just like (almost) all the other novels, I was brought to tears near the end. So damn good.
However, I do have one negative thing to say about this novel; and it doesn't even have anything to do with it! This novel has basically set in stone what I believed after reading the previous novel, "Rascal Does Not Dream of a Lost Singer". Which is that that entry is just complete filler. We could have easily went from the arc with the knapsack kid to this one and I honestly think it would have flowed much better. Though that's just me.
Overall though, this novel is superb! Another great entry in the "Rascal" series! Apparently the series is going to be ending soon, and either the next novel, or the one after that, is going to be the last entry. It'll be very sad to see the series go, but if the writing keeps being as great as it was here, I won't have any complaints!
June 27, 2023
Wow, things are getting complicated. I was wondering what effect Sakuta had on “the other timeline “ when he was “traveling” to try to fix things for Shouko/Mai a couple volumes back… Well, now we are starting to see those effects!!!!
This wasn’t the most interesting volume, I’ll have to say. This and the last volume left me with a similar feel - slightly bored and less surprised?? But I really do love Sakuta and this series so I couldn’t imagine dropping it. In a longer series, there always has to be some stagnant (but necessary) volumes. That’s just how it goes. I’ll chalk it up to that and keep on reading lol.
My favorite part of this volume was when Ikumi was asking about when the regret/guilt goes away.. “Sure, it would be nice if you could flip a switch and reset all the bad memories and trauma. But people didn’t work like that. They didn’t come with a switch that canceled out the bad times. The only solution was to let things fade away in the flow of time. Paint things over with new memories. You’d still remember them sometimes, but even with sleepless nights, somehow you’d face the next day with a brave face.”
Anyway, the end of this volume seems to signify that the stagnant period is ending … Very ominous message from the “other Sakuta”…
This wasn’t the most interesting volume, I’ll have to say. This and the last volume left me with a similar feel - slightly bored and less surprised?? But I really do love Sakuta and this series so I couldn’t imagine dropping it. In a longer series, there always has to be some stagnant (but necessary) volumes. That’s just how it goes. I’ll chalk it up to that and keep on reading lol.
My favorite part of this volume was when Ikumi was asking about when the regret/guilt goes away.. “Sure, it would be nice if you could flip a switch and reset all the bad memories and trauma. But people didn’t work like that. They didn’t come with a switch that canceled out the bad times. The only solution was to let things fade away in the flow of time. Paint things over with new memories. You’d still remember them sometimes, but even with sleepless nights, somehow you’d face the next day with a brave face.”
Anyway, the end of this volume seems to signify that the stagnant period is ending … Very ominous message from the “other Sakuta”…
January 29, 2026
Girl self harms over not helping the protagonist when they were in high school. Ridden with guilt sets out to sacrifice herself for others. Later organises a get together for former high school students to confront them over being shitty kids in high school. Level of obsession with high school only Japanese are capable of - especially since the characters are now attending uni.
The cool thing about it is how it's framed in the supernatural narration. The girl who's doing the selfless acts is the a version of herself from a different timeline where the protagonist was never bullied. She resents him solving the bullying problem himself and not letting her be the one who helped him - even though the version from the timeline where he did continue being bullied didn't, in fact, help him. So the fictional version that was never tested and found wanting can now be the guardian angel without the internal self contradiction while the guilt ridden one can relax in the happy ending timeline. It's not a great book but I like those framings.
The cool thing about it is how it's framed in the supernatural narration. The girl who's doing the selfless acts is the a version of herself from a different timeline where the protagonist was never bullied. She resents him solving the bullying problem himself and not letting her be the one who helped him - even though the version from the timeline where he did continue being bullied didn't, in fact, help him. So the fictional version that was never tested and found wanting can now be the guardian angel without the internal self contradiction while the guilt ridden one can relax in the happy ending timeline. It's not a great book but I like those framings.
September 26, 2023
It's hard to talk about the themes in Rascal Dares Not Dream of a Nightingale without spoiling it, so I'll just say that it's a fitting continuation of this soft science fiction series, with unexpected emotional pain and catharsis, although perhaps not quite the catharsis the reader is hoping for.
The story revolves around a character from a past we haven't been shown much of, which lessens the impact somewhat. This doesn't bother me, as the more familiar characters have enough PTSD as it is.
This volume is a complete arc, which is a kindness given how far behind the English translation is.
I recommend starting this series with the first book. You could probably figure out the plot of this volume, but you would lose the emotional impact that comes from the connections and history between the characters.
The story revolves around a character from a past we haven't been shown much of, which lessens the impact somewhat. This doesn't bother me, as the more familiar characters have enough PTSD as it is.
This volume is a complete arc, which is a kindness given how far behind the English translation is.
I recommend starting this series with the first book. You could probably figure out the plot of this volume, but you would lose the emotional impact that comes from the connections and history between the characters.
July 2, 2023
feels very contrived. 'parallel world' character that appears in this world, and then goes back, etc.
some similarities to bakemonogatari as well (hero syndrome, snake)
It feels like the scenes that do not concern the syndrome are much better, though author has the need to add something supernatural in. not sure what the author's goal is anymore with this series.
some similarities to bakemonogatari as well (hero syndrome, snake)
It feels like the scenes that do not concern the syndrome are much better, though author has the need to add something supernatural in. not sure what the author's goal is anymore with this series.
July 14, 2023
Absolutely amazing
February 16, 2024
Every time I read a book in this series I’m left wanting more, and this book is no different. Love the series, nuff said.
July 13, 2023
Sakuta continues his habit of nosing through other people’s business rather than spending that time deepening his relationship with Mai. For me, that relationship is the only draw this series has currently as we are scrapping the bottom for characters to give Adolescence Syndrome to. A girl being tormented by invisible snakes sounds very familiar. Other than showing the passage of time for the main cast, this volume serves little purpose.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews