Holo’s search for clues takes her to an unusual village with a Church headed by a young woman.
Creative Staff
Story: Isuna Hasekura
Art: Jyuu Ayakura
Translation/Adaptation: Paul Starr
What They Say
Continuing their journey north, Lawrence and Holo stop in the village of Tereo in hopes of finding a local abbey where they might uncover more information regarding the fate of Holo’s ancient home, Yoitsu. Soon after their arrival, though, the companions are caught up in a local dispute between Tereo and the neighboring town of Enberch that could cost Lawrence and Holo both their fortunes and their lives! With the Wisewolf’s help, can Lawrence devise a way to save an entire town from ruin – and his skin and that of his traveling companion in the process?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The previous volume ended with Lawrence and Holo discovering a lead regarding Holo’s home Yoitsu, and this volume deals with the pursuit of that lead and its ultimate outcome. We have many elements that have arisen in previous stories: business wheelings and dealings, religious and political power plays, and the not-exactly-romantic tension that lies beneath Holo and Lawrence’s banter. Unlike other installments, there is little travel in this volume; nearly all the action takes place in the tiny village of Tereo, which despite its nondescript appearance, has a number of unusual characteristics, including Elsa, a female cleric who runs the local church.
The initial chapters are marked by intrigue, with Lawrence trying to puzzle out the dynamics of the village even as they track down the whereabouts of the abbot who collected pagan tales. No sooner have they unraveled the mystery, however, than they, Elsa, and her friend Evan find themselves in danger. There’s no doubt they’ll escape (because of Holo’s power), but what makes their flight interesting are the questions of faith and duty that Elsa and Holo grapple with as disaster encroaches upon Tereo.
The story’s ultimate conclusion gives both Lawrence’s savvy and Holo’s power a chance to shine, but Lawrence’s joint venture and the newfound harmony between the pagans and Elsa feel a little too quick and tidy.
This light novel includes the title page, six illustrations, and the table of contents printed in color; six black-and-white illustrations; and an afterword from the author. It should be noted that the illustrations are crisp, but the text is occasionally muddy. It also comes with a dust jacket that doesn’t match but mimics the cover illustration. (Ayakura’s cover illustration depicts Holo in peasant clothes, and the dust cover features a Holo cosplayer in the same pose.)
In Summary
The search for clues to Holo’s homeland continues, taking Lawrence and Holo to the tiny village of Tereo. They ultimately find what they’re looking for but get a lot more in the process, winding up in a religious and political dispute that causes Holo to question her decisions in the past.
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B-
Age Rating: 16+
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: June 21st, 2011
MSRP: $11.99
2 thoughts on “Spice & Wolf Vol. #04 Novel Review”